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“Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.” ^[1]

“National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger’s syndrome during April. Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others.

According to WHO, about one in 270 people in the world has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that causes challenges in many areas of one’s life. Some of the profoundly affected areas include social, communication, and behavior. Children with ASD are usually nonverbal or they have restricted or repetitive behaviors. ASD also affects people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.” [3]

   “Some 5.4 million American adults and 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism.  Their experiences with the condition vary widely, but their talents and potential are too often misunderstood or overlooked.  Autistic people routinely face unnecessary obstacles to securing employment and health care and children face bullying and barriers to education.” ^[4]

How to support the autistic community

“Everyone has different strengths, interests, needs and challenges. Just like with any other friend, colleague or acquaintance, learning these are the first step to positive relationships and communication.”

Autistic people bring new perspectives and ideas, enriching our communities and workplaces with their gifts inspired from seeing the world in different ways.” ^[5]

• “Be patient while having a conversation, giving the person time to answer.
• Always strive to be encouraging and compassionate.
• Learn about their favorite interests, games or hobbies and try to find common ones.
• Be aware of the tendency by autistic people to speak at length about their favorite topics which may require some gentle prompting or redirection.
• Sustaining conversation can also be challenging.  You can support them by offering choices, suggesting topics or bridging the conversation to a topic you know they can discuss.
• To make your own communication clearer, share with the individual what you want them to do rather than what you don’t want them to do (i.e., Instead of saying “don’t run,’ it’s better to say “please walk in the hall.”)
• Autistic people tend to think literally, so it is best to avoid idioms and slang.” ^[5]
• “The best way to be supportive and develop a good relationship with anyone is by asking how you can be a good friend, colleague, etc. So don’t be afraid to ask your autistic friend, “How can I be a better friend?”
• Support your friend if they ask for help. Be sensitive to what they want and need, not just how you think they should improve or behave.
• Try not to talk over or about them when others are around.
• Help them work on social skills by trying to engage them in conversations with yourself and others.”^[5]

Ways to Raise Autism Awareness

“There is a wealth of support and information available in the autism community. There are many advocacies or charitable organizations that provide necessary help and information regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD or autism) and among them is Autism Speaks in the United States (www.autismspeaks.org) and the National Autistic Society (NAS) in the United Kingdom (www.autism.org.uk). These organizations also provide links to other organizations or groups and other useful sources of help and support.

Organizations such as these can provide a range of services from the early years right through to adulthood.” ^[7]

“This April, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its sixth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.” Be part of it and celebrate differences with us.

Resources

[1] https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-day

[2] https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/

[3] https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/health-awareness/national-autism-month-april

[4] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/04/01/a-proclamation-on-world-autism-awareness-day-2024/

[5] https://www.milestones.org/get-started/for-community-at-large/interacting-with-autistic-

[6] https://www.pediaplex.net/blog/5-ways-you-can-raise-autism-awareness

[7] https://special-learning.com/support-and-help-from-the-autism-community/

Horizon Project provides supports and opportunities for personal growth, integration, and independence to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities but we also provide professional development for the people who support them. Each team member have a special value to us and get to live a unique experience at HPI. Today we will have a joy to know a little bit about our team member Alison O. – our Residential Coordinator, and learn from her.

1) When did you start working for HPI? December 2020

2)  Why did you wish to work for Horizon Project Inc.? To Continue my profession making a difference in Someones life.

3)  What do you feel is the most important part of working with Adults with Disabilities? Individuality.

4)  Could you share with us any memorable story/experience you had with clients? Every day I get to see every clients joy and love for one another “Family”.

5)  Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start working with IDD clients? Be patient and develop a relationship with your client’s. This is the most Rewarding job out there. You could make the difference.

Alison is one of the amazing people that make difference and other people’s lives. We are so thrilled to have her in our team!

“In a world that often associates success with physical and mental perfection, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who have triumphed over adversity.” ^[1]

“Disabilities touch lives across all spectrums of society, affecting individuals ranging from renowned celebrities to influential icons.” ^[2]

Here we will mention 7 inspiring stories of famous individuals who have overcome disabilities to achieve greatness

Inspiration

“These individuals contribute to the rich tapestry of human achievement, demonstrating that talent, determination, and resilience can triumph over any obstacle. Their stories continue to inspire and challenge societal perceptions, fostering a more inclusive world for people of all abilities. They have not let anything stand in their way – and neither should us.

Life is never easy when you are living with a disability, but there is always a way to make life easier. It’s important to remember that if you yourself have a disability or know somebody that has it, you’re not alone. We all together can make a difference and support each other. Staying positive and looking for creative solutions to benefit the world helped these inspirational people overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness.” ^{[1 & 8]}

Resources

[1] https://365healthservices.com/blog/15-inspiring-stories-of-famous-people-with-disabilities/

[2] https://userway.org/blog/famous-people-with-disabilities/

[3] https://www.sunrisemedical.co.uk/blog/famous-people-with-disabilities

[4] https://accessibe.com/blog/knowledgebase/ten-incredible-stories-of-people-who-overcame-their-disabilities-to-achieve-greatness

[5] https://www.calmsage.com/remembering-famous-people-who-are-specially-abled/

[6] https://www.thehealthy.com/genetic-disorders/famous-people-overcame-disability/

[7] https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/slideshow/9367/women-with-disabilities-who-made-history/4/

[8] https://amobilityshop.co.uk/inspiring-disabled-people-that-changed-the-world/

Definitions

“Media: For the purposes of this paper, we will be defining media as scripted television and film, broadcast and streaming—and looking at the representation of disabled people both in front of and behind the camera.“

“Disability: The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone based on their association with a person with a disability.”

Disabled people vs. people with disabilities: We want to acknowledge one of the significant debates in the disability community: people-first vs. identity-first language. This refers to the difference between the terms “people with disabilities” vs. “disabled people.” For the purposes of this paper, we will be using identity-first language, while respecting both perspectives.” ^[5]

Disability equality in the media

Disability equality in the media promoting an accurate image and enhancing the voice of persons with disabilities in the media

“People with disabilities are an integral part of society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than one billion people with disabilities in the world, which is one eighth of the world’s population.

The disability community urges the media to cooperate in representing an authentic and positive image of a person with a disability, the diversity of disability subcultures, the dignity and uniqueness of each person, and their capabilities and potential, which can contribute to the development of the whole society. That is why the idea arose to create guidelines with recommendations on disability representation in the media for activists of the movement of people with disabilities.” ^[1]

Media coverage has a huge impact on public perceptions, attitudes and behavior of all citizens, including persons with disabilities. “Representation in the media is powerful. Seeing stories on screen that reflect your experience can offer comfort, validation and hope. However, compared to other minority groups, authentic disability stories can be hard to find. A new streaming service, Disability Media Network, is trying to change that by showcasing short series, documentaries and movies featuring a wide range of disabilities.” ^[2]

Guideline

“The guidelines consist of four parts. The first one reveals the concept of understanding disability and different models for considering this phenomenon, which allow society to rethink the perception of disability. The second describes the rights-based approach to disability that underlies the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (its summary is presented in these guidelines). The third part provides the main principles that are recommended to be followed when creating media materials about disability. A range of approaches to disability representation in the media recommended by disability rights activists are described in Part 4 of these guidelines.” ^[1]

There are symbols (see below) in the text to make it easier to read.

Identification symbol of the types of information in the text:

“Disability in the Media” guidelines have been developed in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English. An electronic version, as well as a version in an adapted format (Easy to Read), an audio format, and an electronic version in Braille, are available on the UNDP website (UNDP: official website; URL: https://www.undp.org/kyrgyzstan).” ^[1]

Changing perceptions

“Attention should be drawn to the image of disability in the media with a view to an accurate and balanced portrayal of disability as a part of everyday life. The media can play an important role in presenting disability issues in a way that could dispel negative stereotypes and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, options should be developed on how to present persons with disabilities in various media and the importance of supporting the work of the United Nations to build a peaceful and inclusive society for all.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can work as a tool to enhance the work of the media in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as to promoting their access to education, employment, health and other areas of development on an equal basis with others.” ^[3]

US media on the world stage

“The United States, as a prolific exporter of influential media content, is an inclusion leader internationally, sharing how these meaningful changes were orchestrated” ^[5]

Tips on promoting the positive portrayal of people with disabilities

“It is very important that both journalists and communications professionals connect disability issues with human dignity and rights. Here are some tips for promoting the positive portrayal of persons with disabilities:

• Support the human rights-based approach.
• Focus on the person, not the impairment.
• Emphasize ability, not the disability (unless it is critical to the story).
• Show persons with disabilities as active in society.
• Allow people with disabilities to speak for themselves.
• Don’t overemphasize disabled ‘heroes”. ^[4]

“What can the media do to support reporting on disability and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of society? Here are some recommendations:

• Raise awareness of the challenges facing people with disabilities and issues surrounding disability, and factors that contribute to the exclusion and stigmatization of people with disabilities.

• Bring discussion of disability into the public arena to challenge the idea of it as a taboo subject.

 • Feature examples of people with disabilities as providers of expertise, services, assistance and as contributors of financial support to their families and communities.

• Promote the message that people with disabilities are present in every community across the globe. They have the same range of emotions, interests, talents, skills and behavior as the rest of the population and should be portrayed as having the same complexity of personality and experience as other people of similar age and situation.” ^[4]

“Focusing on disability inclusion allows the media industry to create more diverse, authentic, and relatable content that reflects the real-world experiences of its audience. Also Improving disability representation in media involves actively including diverse disability narratives and hiring creators and actors with disabilities to ensure authenticity.” ^[6]

Resources

[1] https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2023-10/disability_in_the_media_1.pdf

[2] https://newmobility.com/disability-media-network-offers-authentic-disability-content-on-new-streaming-service/

[3] https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/resources/disability-and-the-media.html

[4] https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_emp/—ifp_skills/documents/publication/wcms_127002.pdf

[5] https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/judyheumann_report_2019_final.pdf

[6] https://userway.org/blog/disability-representation-in-media/

What is Respite (definition)?

• Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers.
• Respite care is an essential service that allows caregivers to rest, recharge, and take care of their own needs.
• By providing temporary relief, respite care can help caregivers avoid burnout and maintain their own health and well-being. ^[1]

4 Types of Respite Care

• Informal Respite Care

“Informal respite care is simply non-professional care provided by a family member, friend, or neighbor. For most people, this is their first option since the temporary care is provided by someone familiar to both you and your loved one. You may drop your family member off at the person’s home, or the person can come to your residence.” ^[2]

• Adult Day Services

“Adult day services are usually available at a low cost, or via donation. The care is usually provided by existing establishments like churches and city-funded community centers. Limited medical care may be provided. These services provide social opportunities for your senior loved ones to interact with other seniors and form their own social circles. We can’t stress enough how important this is from a physical health perspective.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people over the age of 50 who experience chronic social isolation have a 50% greater risk of dementia and a 29% higher risk of heart disease.” ^[2]

• Residential care

“Residential care is respite care in a senior community, such as a nursing or assisted living facility. This type of care allows for overnight stays and can last for several weeks. You can use this type of respite care if you’ll be out-of-town or need a longer break.” ^[3]

• In-home care

“In-home care comes to you. You can find in-home respite care for temporary situations or work out a regular schedule with a home care aid. You can find respite in-home care through home health agencies or by looking for individual caregivers.” ^[3]

Who Needs Respite Care?

“Someone who has an illness or disability may need care around the clock. Caregivers sometimes need time to rest and relax, go on vacation, shop, go to appointments, work, or exercise.

You might use respite care if you’re in charge of someone who has a condition like:

• Cancer
• A brain injury
• Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
• A stroke
• Blindness” ^[4]

Respite care costs

“Respite services charge by the hour or by the number of days or weeks that services are provided. Most insurance plans do not cover these costs. You must pay all costs not covered by insurance or other funding sources. Medicare will cover most of the cost of up to 5 days in a row of respite care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility for a person receiving hospice care. Medicaid also may offer assistance.” ^[5]

How to Find Respite Care

“Make sure any respite care service, program, or facility is licensed in your state and has insurance in case of an accident. You can also ask for the credentials, insurance, or experience of any care provider, and talk to them ahead of time.

If you care for more than one loved one, like both of your parents, check whether certain care programs will look after multiple people.

You may want to talk to a few care providers or visit several places to find the best fit. If possible, let your loved one take part. This will make you both feel more at ease with respite care.” ^[4]

Resources

[1] https://adayinourshoes.com/what-is-respite/

[2] https://www.homeinstead.com/location/347/news-and-media/different-types-of-respite-care/

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/respite-care#types

[4] https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-respite-care

[5] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-respite-care

“It is estimated that one in five women live with a disability. ^[1]

“For example, the rate of females with disability in metropolitan counties is 52.2%. This means that of the people with disabilities living in the metropolitan counties, 52.2% (or 17,765,251) of them are female.” ^[2]

“Women with disabilities experience various types of impairments—including physical, psychosocial, intellectual, and sensory conditions—that may or may not come with functional limitations. In addition, the diversity of women with disabilities includes those with multiple and intersecting identities across all contexts, such as ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds; their status as refugee, migrant, asylum-seeking, and internally displaced women; LGBTIQ+ identity; age; marital status; and living with or being affected by HIV.” ^[1]

“While women with disabilities experience the same obstacles as nondisabled women, they also encounter additional types of discrimination and environmental barriers that prevent their socio-economic participation.” ^[3]

“Women with disabilities may need specialty care to address their individual needs. In addition, they need the same general health care as women without disabilities, and they may also need additional care to address their specific needs. However, research has shown that many women with disabilities may not receive regular health screenings within recommended guidelines.” ^[4]

“Women with disabilities experience greater disparities in healthcare access compared to women without disabilities. Common barriers to accessing health care reported by women with disabilities include:

• Attitudes, stereotypes, and misperceptions about people with disabilities
• Lack of provider knowledge and skills and provider discomfort caring for persons with disabilities
• Physical access barriers, including barriers with health care equipment (such as lack of height-adjustable tables or wheelchair scales), difficulty with physical transfers, and access barriers to bathrooms, parking, and buildings (such as lack of high-contrast signs and lighting)
• Financial barriers such as inadequate health insurance
• Difficulty scheduling appointments and inadequate time allowed for appointments
• Inadequate communication with health care providers
• Inadequate health education materials for persons with visual or cognitive impairments
• Limited or costly specialized transportation options
• Limited access to health care facilities, such as living in a rural area” ^[5]

“Practical steps to ensure women and girls with disabilities are included

1. Ensure meaningful participation of women and girls with disabilities at every stage, from project design to evaluation.

2. Support women-focused organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and women leaders in OPDs to advocate for the needs of women and girls with disabilities.

3. Collect quantitative and qualitative data about who is in your project population, and barriers to their participation – including those related to gender and disability.

4. Incorporate inclusive and accessible social and behavior change approaches into your work, to address stigma at community level and create supportive environments.

5. Anticipate, plan and address the heightened risks and vulnerabilities for women and girls with disabilities and identify inclusive and safe spaces to ensure safeguarding in development and humanitarian projects.” ^[6]

“Women with disabilities elicit greater support from the women’s rights movement for the issues they face – particularly those surrounding sexual and reproductive rights – than they do from the male-dominated disability rights movement.

But more needs to be done.

Opening up spaces in the women’s movement for women with disabilities is all well and good, but the mainstream and the marginalized must be fused to form a united women’s rights movement. There are several organizations focused on fighting for gender equality for women in the disabled community focused on eliminating discrimination within social and political issues. We have to become one to ensure no woman is left behind.” ^[7&8]

Resources

[1] https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/women-and-girls-with-disabilities

[2] https://disabilitycompendium.org/compendium/2023-annual-disability-statistics-compendium?page=15#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20the%20rate%20of,17%2C765%2C251)%20of%20them%20are%20female.&text=7.4-,Citation%3A%20Paul%2C%20S.%2C%20Rogers%2C%20S.%2C,(2023).

[3] https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/reaching-women-disabilities-truly-inclusive-and-sustainable-development

[4] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/women.html

[5] https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/women-disabilities/index.html

[6] https://inclusivefutures.org/reaching-women-and-girls-with-disabilities/

[7] https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/sep/07/why-does-womens-rights-movement-marginalise-women-with-disabilities-nidhi-goyal

[8] https://now.org/blog/the-intersection-of-disability-and-feminism-why-disability-rights-matter-to-feminists-today/#:~:text=Like%20many%20women%20today%2C%20women,voices%20from%20the%20feminist%20community.

Horizon Project provides supports and opportunities for personal growth, integration, and independence to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities but we also provide professional development for the people who support them. Each team member have a special value to us and get to live a unique experience at HPI. Today we will have a joy to know a little bit about our team member Shannon K. – our Residential Program Director, and learn from her.

1)    When did you start working for HPI? 

I started working for HPI in 2002. I was employed by Rise Inc- However, HPI replaced them in Umatilla County.  There was an interview process, and several employees lost their jobs in the transition between the two companies- I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity, and continued on as a DSP in the Employment Department- I was a job coach and job developer at the time.

2)    Why did you wish to work for Horizon Project Inc.?

I’ve always had a strong drive to advocate for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t advocate for themselves- In growing up- I always found myself trying to protect people who were picked on or left out in social normalcies.

3)    What do you feel is the most important part of working with Adults with Disabilities?

Advocating for rights, choices, decisions, and a good quality of life.  We support PEOPLE with developmental disabilities.  Society as a whole, in my opinion has done a poor job in segregating these folks.  Why are these folks viewed from a different lense? This is wrong.  We can do better! 

4)    Could you share with us any memorable story/experience you had with clients?

I have far TOO MANY fond memories here at HPI and with SO MANY people- All of my experiences being impactful and life-altering.  I made the right decision years ago.  I am in the right place!

5)    Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start working with IDD clients? 

In my opinion- I don’t know why anyone would want to work anywhere else.  If you had the opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life.  Wouldn’t you want to do that?  I am honored each and every day that these people chose “ME” to be a part of their lives.  There is nothing more meaningful to me.

Shannon is one of the amazing people that make difference and other people’s lives. We are so thrilled to have her in our team!

“The positive impact that a pet can have on the lives of their human partners with disabilities and mental health challenges cannot be overstated! Pet owners report feeling less lonely because of the presence of their pets. At the same time, they are less stressed because having a pet offers you the opportunity to get out of your house and meet new people. Pets make you more sociable and social support is very important for one’s mental health.” ^[1]

“Having a pet has numerous health benefits according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” ^[4]

Let’s explore these benefits in more detail…

• Disabled Individuals and Their Pet Companions

“Pets have an innate ability to forge deep emotional connections with their owners, and this bond is especially meaningful for disabled individuals. In stressful circumstances, the presence of a faithful and nonjudgmental friend can ease feelings of loneliness and isolation by giving a source of comfort and support.” ^[2]

• Service Dogs Prevent Injuries

“With thorough and appropriate training, dogs can perform and wide variety of crucial tasks for people with disabilities that keep them safer. People who suffer from epilepsy can benefit from a service dog that can detect the onset of seizures and alert the owner so that they can prepare for what follows. People with balance challenges rely on their furry companions for stability. Service animals help deaf and blind people successfully navigate a hearing and seeing world. The list goes on but the goal, first and foremost, is adhere to their training and take good care of their owner.” ^[1]

Dogs are known for their incredible sense of smell, which makes them the perfect animals for identifying specific scents that are linked with medical conditions.” ^[5]

• Pets and Their Effect on Blood Pressure and Arthritis

“With arthritis, inflammation can occur in joints, constricting arteries and reducing the rate blood can flow through the body to supply muscles with oxygen. The restricted flow leads to increased blood pressure, which is troubling for arthritis patients as they are at a 50% higher risk of heart attacks.

So, it’s essential to reduce blood pressure, and pets can help. Pets have therapeutic calming auras. When a pet is in your lap, you talk, stroke and nestle into its warmth, forgetting your worries, which decreases your heart rate. When you are tired or nervous, it’s nice to have a companion.” ^[3]

• Fish Tanks Are Relaxing

“Many people think about a cat or a dog when they imagine pets. However, there are many other species that can be an asset to people with disabilities and the community at large. You have surely gone to the dentist. Many of them have fish tanks in the waiting room, but have you ever wondered why? It is not to decorate the room, as some might think. It is because watching at a fish tank is relaxing and it relieves your anxiety, underlines a college paper writing service. Research has shown that watching a fish tank for at least 30 minutes a day slows your heart rate, helps you relax and makes you less tense. At the same time, taking care of a fish is simpler that other animals.” ^[1]

• Increased Independence and Mobility Through Pet Ownership

“For individuals seeking increased independence and mobility, pet ownership can be a transformative experience. The presence of a furry companion can offer a sense of empowerment, providing support and assistance in daily activities. In this post, we will look at how pet ownership may help people gain independence and mobility, allowing them to traverse the world with more confidence.” ^[2]

• Learning is enriched through engagement with animals.

Whether it’s a hermit crab or a chinchilla, animals have been shown to stimulate learning. Some teachers rely on a classroom pet to invigorate creative writing assignments, bring a math problem to life and teach overall responsibility.

For students with learning disabilities, attention deficit, obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxieties, the presence of a pet both lowers stress level and opens the mind to new ideas and learning. In addition, the tactile stimulation of stroking or brushing a pet can help children with physical and developmental disabilities develop their fine motor skills. According to Learning Disability Today, “Encouraging nonverbal children to read to a therapy animal can often be more effective than interacting with trained speech therapists and reading coaches, allowing the child to exercise their free will in a situation free of judgement or expectation.” ^[1]

• Boosting Mental Health

“There have been many studies that have shown the positive and calming effects animals, and specifically, dogs can have on those who struggle with stress, anxiety and depression.

For those suffering from depression, a pet can help give an owner a sense of purpose and reason to get out of bed in the morning, while also providing a positive distraction from other issues. Dogs are also great for encouraging daily walks and exercise and can give someone a sense of purpose, knowing that their pet relies on them.

Studies have also shown that cuddling a pet can help lower heart rate, which can be especially helpful for those affected by anxiety or panic attacks. Pets can also assist with social anxiety by giving owners an easy ice breaker, an improved sense of confidence, and a reason to socialize like going to the dog park.” ^[5]

“In the disabled community, we are most grateful for our pets whether they are certified service animals or unofficial support pets. In a formal aspect, pets can provide service in various forms:

• Guide Animals
• Medical Assistance Animals
• Psychiatric Service Animals
• Hearing Alert/Signaling Animals
• Sensory Signal Animals or Social Signal Animals
• Mobility Animals
• Seizure Alert Animals”
• Therapeutic Support” ^[6]

“Whether a pet is supporting you through recovery, pain flares, anxious moments, or is a service animal trained to guide you through busy city streets— all of our pets are instrumental in how we journey through our disabilities. The benefits of having a pet are boundless for disabled people and the larger community. If you are considering welcoming a pet into your life, consider the health benefits and how your emotional and physical health may be positively impacted.” ^[6]

Resources

[1] https://www.abilities.com/community/pet-benefits.html#:~:text=Service%20and%20therapy%20animals%20provide,and%20emotions%2C%20anxiety%20and%20depression.

[2] https://fashionfrenzy.net/the-benefits-of-disabled-people-owning-a-pet/

[3] https://www.tenura.co.uk/the-benefits-of-disabled-people-owning-a-pet

[4] https://ahi.org/the-bonds-between-disabled-people-and-their-pets/

[5] https://realcommunityservices.com.au/animals-and-disability/

[6] https://community.thriveglobal.com/the-bonds-between-disabled-people-and-their-pets/

“Dating is always kind of a crap shoot. You put yourself out there with all of your gorgeous flaws, and all of your prior experiences, and all of your expectations, and you see what happens.” ^[1]

“Dating when you have a disability is often a little scary and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be so stressful.” ^[2]

“The stigma towards persons with disabilities greatly affects their love life. Some people consider them not deserving of love or incapable of dating. These perceptions offer a new frontier for discrimination and complicate love and relationships for Persons With Disabilities. However, just like Persons without disabilities, persons with disabilities are fully capable of being in love.” ^[3]

Some Dating Advice for People with Disabilities:

• “Pick an accessible meet-up place: As any experienced wheelchair user knows, getting around town may not be the easiest thing to do unless you have a wheelchair van. When you are meeting up with somebody for a date, we suggest choosing a comfortable location that you know can accommodate your needs. This helps focus your attention on getting to know your date, instead of struggling against potential environmental barriers.” ^[2]

• “Take your time to get to know someone—there is no rush on forming quality, healthy relationships.” ^[4]
• “Be confident – Remember that everyone has their own obstacles and limitations. No one is bringing perfection to the table, so focus on what you do bring.” ^[5]

• “Plan ahead for the occasion (for example, support staff, allergies and sensitivities).” ^[4]

• “Don’t focus on your disability: Being honest about your disability is important, but you’re more than just a disabled person. The brunt of your profile and first date should be about you (and your date); if your date is only interested in talking about your disability, then try steering the conversation toward more appropriate first-date subjects.” ^[2]

• “No” always means “No.” You have the right to refuse a date or any activities on a date if you do not want to participate or if the person has made you feel uncomfortable.” ^[4]

• “Communicate expectations clearly. Let your partner or date know what you expect from them and understand any expectations they may have for you.” ^[4]

For persons without disabilities dating persons with disabilities, you should always remember some things:

• “You are not doing them a favor: Due to the nature of disabilities, you may feel that your partner with a disability is not deserving of love. Consequently, you may feel you are doing them a favor by loving them. However, nothing is further from the truth. Persons with disabilities deserve true love and affection just like any other person. Their disability is just like other characteristics, the way some people are tall, others short, some dark, and others brown. They all deserve love.” ^[3]

• “Show active engagement in disability rights and awareness. If you don’t know what ableism is now, look it up. This is critical. Ableism is a daily struggle for disable people at grocery stores, auto shops, banks, workplaces and doctors’ offices. Sometimes, disable people wants to fight their own battles, speak for themselves and educate others. But other times, they are too tired, afraid or unprepared — and they need you/us to step up and help. Research, speak out, ask for guidance and be a real ally.” ^[6]

• “You will need to make some adjustments: Dating a person with disability comes with some challenges that require you to adjust for the relationship to work. For instance, if your partner has reduced mobility, you must make advance plans for dates to ensure that venues are accessible and friendly. It also means that you may not visit some places because of accessibility challenges. Nonetheless, if your partner is a person with disability, it should not be difficult for you to adjust to such adjustments.” ^[3]

• “You have an opportunity to change perceptions; use it. Dating a person with disability means, you have risen above the stigma and the myths surrounding their dating life. It also means that you do not care about people judging and resenting you for dating a person with disability. Dating a person with disability means that you are an advocate for persons with disabilities. It is an opportunity to create awareness about disabilities and demystify the related myths.” ^[3]

Unique date ideas for disabled singles

“Here are some interesting and distinct date ideas. We’ve kept them general so you’ll need to still check accessibility accommodations with venues beforehand:

• Picnics – Plan a short scenic hike to the picnic location or just drive right up to a nice spot with a view that’s already set up with tables.
• Museums and art galleries – A feast for the eyes is right up most people’s alley. Most larger venues also have great accessibility features.
• Concerts in the park – These tend to be less densely crowded – offering greater freedom of movement – and let you explore other activities nearby.
• Arcade bars – Combines the fun of sipping on cocktails and rediscovering those arcade games of childhood.
• Sports matches – These events take some of the pressure off of making conversation and cheering for the same team makes for quick bonding.” ^[5]

Disabled Dating Sites

• Whispers4U –has been around since 2002, and the website touts the ability to help “differently abled” people find love and support in a safe environment. – https://www.whispers4u.com/

• Dating4Disabled is a free, online dating site that allows users to meet, date and share resources with other people with disabilities. – https://www.dating4disabled.com/

• Special Bridge – is a private, family-owned and operated social community for people with disabilities that is slightly new to the online dating scene. – https://www.specialbridge.com/about-us/

• Disabled Passions – is a social networking community with more than just matchmaking services. – https://disabledpassions.com/

Last advice to everyone

“One of the most important things you can do is be your authentic self and communicate your needs and feelings towards the person when in a dating scenario. This will help keep the date fun, exciting and comfortable for both parties on the date. With these tips in mind, both people will feel respected. You may even get that after-date smooch—if the person that initiates it asks first!” ^[4]

Resources

[1] https://www.easterseals.com/support-and-education/living-with-disability/dating-with-disability-advice.html

[2] https://www.vantagemobility.com/blog/blogdating-tips-and-sites-for-people-with-disabilities/

[3] https://www.enableme.ke/en/article/5-things-to-remember-when-dating-a-pwd-9266

[4] https://www.independencefirst.org/IndependenceFirst/News-Updates/Blog/Some-Tips-For-Dating-With-A-Disability

[5] https://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/dating-with-disabilities/

[6] https://medium.com/@emily_rj/10-things-to-know-before-dating-someone-with-a-disability-6bf6eb8ae196

“Adaptive behavior is a critical set of skills that are learned and performed throughout our lives and allow us to meet societal expectations for individuals of our age group. These behaviors are an essential component of everyday functioning, and deficits in adaptive behavior are associated with to several neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual functioning.” ^[1]

“Individuals with an intellectual disability have neurodevelopmental deficits characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. These disabilities originate at birth and manifest before the age of 18 and can be associated with a considerable number of related and co-occurring problems, including mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety), neurodevelopmental (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), as well as neurological (e.g., infantile cerebral palsy) and medical conditions (e.g., meningitis).” ^[6]

What Domains Do Adaptive Behaviors Typically Involve?

“The primary domains tested in adaptive skills evaluations include:

• conceptual skills (problem-solving, communication, academics, money, time, self-direction, etc.​);
• social skills (interpersonal skills, gullibility, naiveté, social problem-solving, etc.​); and
• practical skills (self-care, domestic skills, work skills, safety, health care, etc.).

An accurate and comprehensive assessment often leads to better outcomes throughout an individual’s life.” ^[2]

Why is Adaptive Behavior an Important Concept?

“Adaptive behavior is a different concept than intelligence. Adaptive behaviors are learned behaviors that reflect an individual’s social and practical competence to meet the demands of everyday living.

To meet the demands of their environments, each person must learn a set of skills. As environments change, people must learn new skills in order continue to meet the environmental demands.

Making a phone (or video) call is an example of adaptive behavior that changed over time. The skills needed to make a call today are very different from the skills that were required 20 years ago.” ^[3]

“When assessing people with disabilities’ capability to live autonomous lives, psychiatrists often measure people’s adaptive functioning using a range of diagnostic tests.” ^[4]

Specific skills

“Adaptive behavior includes the age-appropriate behaviors necessary for people to live independently and to function safely and appropriately in daily life. Adaptive behaviors include life skills such as grooming, dressing, safety, food handling, working, money management, cleaning, making friends, social skills, and the personal responsibility expected of their age, social group and wealth group. Specifically relevant are community access skills and peer access and retention skills, and behaviors which act as barriers to such access.

These are itemized below.” ^[5]

Community access skills

• “Bus riding
• Independent walking
• Coin summation
• Ordering food in a restaurant
• Vending machine use
• Eating in public places
• Pedestrian safety

Peer access and retention

• Clothing selection skills
• Appropriate mealtime behaviors
• Toy play skills and playful activities
• Oral hygiene and tooth brushing
• Soccer play “^[5]

“Adaptive behaviors are considered to change due to the persons culture and surroundings.” ^[5]

Standardized Testing

“Problems in adaptive functioning are identified by using standardized tests.

These tests compare an individual’s score with the average score for the general population.

Problems are indicated when a person’s score is below the score of 97.5% of the population. However, some people may score above these levels and still meet the criteria for an intellectual disability.

In 2010, the Social Security Administration proposed changes to way intellectual disabilities would be defined and assessed.

There is now a greater emphasis on adaptive functioning.

These changes affect eligibility for social security disability benefits.

The assessment of adaptive functioning is very important. This is because it identifies the supports needed to help someone optimize their functioning.” ^[7]

Resources

[1] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-59066-0_14

[2] https://www.wpspublish.com/blog/enhance-your-adaptive-behavior-evaluations

[3] https://www.aaidd.org/intellectual-disability/definition/adaptive-behavior

[4] https://helpfulprofessor.com/adaptive-behavior-examples/

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_behavior

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613434/

[7] https://www.mentalhelp.net/intellectual-disabilities/adaptive-behavior-life-skills/