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“The taste sense is one of the five human senses. It is essential to our survival because it enables the individual the choice of correct food, which, in turn, is crucial for one’s existence, maintenance and function.” ^[1]

“Taste is a sensory modality involving the oral perception of food-derived chemicals that stimulate receptor cells within taste buds. Taste principally serves two functions: it enables the evaluation of foods for toxicity and nutrients while helping us decide what to ingest and it prepares the body to metabolize foods once they have been ingested. Taste percepts are elicited by molecules that stimulate the taste buds in epithelia of the oral cavity and pharynx. Moreover, taste drives a primal sense of ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’ for what is sampled. Taste combines with smell and tactile sensations to form flavors, which allows us to identify and recognize food items as familiar or novel. If familiar, we can anticipate the metabolic consequences of ingesting the food. If novel, we can use these sensory cues to learn about the physiological outcomes of ingestion. If the outcome is positive, taste will signal pleasure and reward — both directly from the pleasurable quality of the taste itself, as well as from associated metabolic consequences. Some animals also use taste to understand social chemical cues, but there is no evidence presently that it plays this role for humans.” ^[2]

What are the basic taste sensations?

“Science reports in the world’s largest medical library, the U.S. National Library of Medicine, have identified five specific types of taste. Taste receptors in your mouth send these taste sensations to your brain: sweet, salty, bitter, sour and savory.

Sweet is the taste of natural sugars found in many fruits and honey.

Salty is the taste of sodium and chloride (salt crystals) and the mineral salts potassium and magnesium.

Bitter is the taste of 35 different proteins found in plants. Caution: Some of them, such as ricin in the castor bean plant, can be toxic.

Sour is the taste of acidic solutions like lemon juice and organic acids.

Savory comes from protein building blocks (amino acids) found naturally in protein-rich foods like meats and cheese.” ^[3]

Fatty, alkaline, water-like: What else can we taste?

“Researchers are looking for other sensory cells specialized for sensations besides the five established basic tastes. There are thought to be more:

Fatty: fatty foods were based solely on their smell and texture. Newer research suggests that there are probably receptors specifically for fat. This would make fatty the sixth basic taste. It is caused by certain fatty acids that enzymes in the saliva split from fatty foods. A specific receptor has been discovered that responds to linoleic acid, which is part of many triglycerides found in natural fats and oils such as sunflower oil, soya bean oil or corn oil, for example.

Research is currently being done on these tastes: Alkaline: as in brine, and the opposite of sour. Metallic and Water-like.” ^[4]

What’s the difference between taste and flavor?

“If you hold your nose, close your eyes and eat chocolate, you may not know what you are eating. Without your sense of smell, chocolate just tastes sweet or bitter. If you have ever tried to enjoy a meal with a head cold, you know how much your sense of smell adds to flavor.

Flavor is more than just odor and taste. It also includes texture and temperature. It even includes the sense of pain, which is what you get from capsaicin in chili peppers. Put it all together and you have the ability to discern 100,000 different flavors.” ^[3]

“Evolution must have considered your sense of taste to be very important. It made your taste buds the only part of your nervous system that can completely regenerate when they get old or damaged.  The science of taste is amazing. Next time you sample your favorite flavor, take some time to really appreciate it.” ^[3]

Sensory Activities for Adults with Disabilities that Engage Taste:

“Sensory activities are a great way for adults with disabilities to engage with their surroundings while creating a calm and relaxing environment. The goal is to help them feel safe and create conversation starters that can help ease their communication struggles. Sensory experiences can also help an adult with a disability create opportunities for exploration and learning and live a more enriching life.” ^[5]

“These are a few ways to engage an adult with a disability through sensory stimulation.

1) Make an ice cream sundae

2) Explore tasting salty, sweet, bitter, and citrusy foods

3) Lick an envelope

4) Play match the taste with jelly beans

5) Explore taste with edible plants

6) Try cooking a recipe

7) Go to a bakery and taste test the different desserts

8) Explore tasting fruits from different parts of the world

9) Explore tasting vegetables made in different ways

10) Try a tea taste test

11) Try tasting different types of nut butter

12) Mix together different foods not commonly found together and see if anything tastes good!

13) Try tasting different varieties of cheese” ^[5]

Engaging our sense of taste can stimulate and captivate individuals to experience the world around them.

Resources:

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16983846/

[2]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982213004181#:~:text=Taste%20principally%20serves%20two%20functions,once%20they%20have%20been%20ingested.

[3] https://foodinsight.org/the-science-of-taste/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279408/

[5] https://www.disabilitydame.com/sensory-activities-for-adults-with-disabilities/

“Our sense of smell is one of our richest and wide-ranging windows into the world around us, playing a vital role in what we taste, our social interactions and even helping us detect potential dangers.” ^[1]

“Smell is an important sense as it can alert us to danger like gas leak, fire or rotten food but also is closely linked to parts of the brain that process emotion and memory. Unpleasant and bad smells actually send pain signals to the brain to warn us of possible danger.” ^[2]

“Sense of smell is vital for survival of most humans and animals as it enables them to track food and water, find a mate and even communicate. Although our sense of smell is not as acute as other animals, we know that humans are able to detect up to 10,000 different odor molecules.” ^[2]

How Does Smell Work?

“The sense of smell occurs when an odor transmits a signal through the olfactory system by binding with a receptor within the nasal cavity. The signals in these receptors are then aggregated by glomeruli and transmitted to the olfactory bulb. Here, they start to interact with regions of the brain that deal with identifying smells, emotion, and memory (the hippocampus and the amygdala.)” ^[3]

“When a substance releases particles into the air, a smell is created. In order for us to detect the odor, though, these particles must enter our nose.

The more easily a substance gives off molecules, the stronger you will find a smell to be. Objects that are non-volatile have very little smell if any at all.

Diffusion is the process through which smells travel through the air. This is when air particles, mixed in with the odor particles, move freely in the air and spread out in the environment around them.” ^[3]

Our sense of smell influences your everyday life

Smell and Emotion

“Attached to the memories that smells can remind you of are often emotions. Odors can impact our physiological and psychological states, which makes some researchers think that psychological problems might be able to be treated through odors, for example, reducing the effects of stress.” ^[3]

Smell and Memory

“Of all the senses, scent is most closely linked to memory. Studies have shown that people can remember a scent with 65% accuracy after one year while visual memory drops to 50% after only a few months. The smells we experience play a crucial role in how we associate with memories and places. Have you ever come across a whiff of something that instantly takes you back to an old memory? Whether it reminds you of your mother’s cooking or a childhood trip to the ocean, a distinctive scent sinks into your brain and stays there.” ^[4]

Smell and Mental health

“Your sense of smell is closely connected to the part of the brain involved in behavioral and emotional responses. That’s why certain odors spark strong emotions, influence behavior and trigger memories. Smell can also determine your attraction to other people.

People with anosmia may feel disconnected, indifferent, anxious or depressed. Studies show that a loss of smell can negatively affect relationships and increase feelings of isolation. In people with olfactory dysfunction, symptoms of depression often worsen with the severity of smell loss.” ^[5]

Smell and Taste

“Our sense of taste can be affected by our sense of smell. Amazingly, scientists believe that 80% of the flavors we experience when eating derive from the odors we smell. This is precisely why food can become bland and flavorless when you have a cold or your nose is otherwise stuffed up.

There are four qualities that our taste buds can detect. These are sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. The other tastes we assume result from our taste buds are actually distinguished through our sense of smell.” ^[3]

Is there treatment for loss of smell?

“If you’ve lost your sense of smell temporarily, things may smell different when the sense returns. Certain odors may register as unpleasant or altered from how you previously perceived them. The good news is that there are treatment options to help you regain your full sense of smell, including:

Smell training, which helps people relearn certain odors by sniffing them regularly in a controlled environment.

Steroids, if your smell loss is due to inflamed nose cells, which is common for people in early stages of a COVID-19 infection.

Researchers are also working to find new ways of activating the sense of smell for people with anosmia. Treatments including electrical stimulation and olfactory implants may one day be used to trigger the brain’s response to smell.

If you notice a loss of smell or a change in taste, make an appointment to see your primary care provider.” ^[5]

Sensory Activities suggestions for Adults with Disabilities that Engage Smell:

“Sensory activities are a great way for adults with disabilities to engage with their surroundings while creating a calm and relaxing environment. The goal is to help them feel safe and create conversation starters that can help ease their communication struggles. Sensory experiences can also help an adult with a disability create opportunities for exploration and learning and live a more enriching life.” ^[6]

“These are a few ways to engage an adult with a disability through sensory stimulation.

1. Smell a fresh bouquet of flowers
2. Make candles using different essential oils
3. Play with scented Play-Doh
4. Create art with scented markers
5. Try cooking a recipe and smelling the different ingredients
6. Go to a bakery and describe what you smell
7. Do a blind smell test with air fresheners
8. Tea Bag Matching Game” ^[6]

Resources

[1] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230220-is-air-pollution-causing-us-to-lose-our-sense-of-smell

[2] https://www.air-aroma.com/blog/why-is-sense-of-smell-important/

[3] https://www.scentcompany.it/en/news/why-is-smell-important-and-how-does-it-work-your-guide/

[4] https://www.ambius.com/blog/6-ways-smell-influences-your-everyday-life/

[5] https://www.uclahealth.org/news/why-your-sense-of-smell-is-important-to-your-health

[6] https://www.disabilitydame.com/sensory-activities-for-adults-with-disabilities/

“Our sense of touch allows us to receive information about our internal and external environments, making it important for sensory perception.

The first sense to develop in a human fetus is touch. At 8 weeks, a fetus responds to touch of the lips and cheeks, with other body parts responding by 14 weeks. Infants use touch to learn about the world around them and to bond with others – positive touch assists an infant’s healthy development.”

“The touch sense responds to anything that touches the skin. The skin is a very clever organ.  It responds to much more than touch.” ^[3]

“The skin – The skin is the largest organ in the human body.  It does more than just process touch.  It receives information about the following sensations.

Touch – There are three different types of touch light touch, discriminative touch and touch pressure.  I explain them all below as it’s important you know the differences between them.

Pain – The body has a fast and slow pain response.  The fast is protective, it’s what moves your body out of danger.  The slower one sticks around for a while and reminds you that you were injured.

Temperature – This tells you brain if the environment temperature is hot or cold.  Goosebumps are an old reflex to cold which makes the hair stand up.  When we had more hair on our bodies, this would have increased the insulation our hair provided to our body.

Vibration – The skin also processes vibration.  This is not something we would feel very frequently but the receptors are still there.” ^[3]

“Throughout one’s life, there are many positive outcomes that derive from being touched.” [2]

“Some of the medical, physiological, and psychological effects derived from touching behavior include:

• Just under the skin are pressure receptors called Pacinian Corpuscles that signal the vagus nerve in the brain. This nerve can slow the heart and decrease blood pressure (Gueguen, 2004).
• Various cortices in the brain release hormones when the person is being touched (Field, 2010). Cortisol reduces stress (Jones & Glover, 2014) and oxytocin can improve interpersonal relationships because the person feels close to and trusting of another.
• Touch, as in hugging, can boost the immune system as well as reduce pain and aid in sleeping.
• Touching is a basic experience of our body and helps us develop a sense of self (Gillmeister, et al., 2017).” ^[2]

“Touching is as important as being touched. Engaging in touch:

• Improves muscle development and motor functioning.
• Is a means of expressing one’s emotions..
• Assists in learning about and navigating essential constructs (i.e., understanding weight, temperature, texture); thus, increasing cognitive development.” ^[2]

“Touching is also one of the hallmarks of social interactions.

Touching promotes attachment and relational security to others (Beltran, et al., 2020).” ^[2]

Variables that affect touching behavior

“As one moves into late adulthood, there may be fewer opportunities to have “tactile experiences”.

It should be recognized, however, that the power of social touch is not uniform across gender, culture, and age (Gallance & Spence, 2010).

There are also people who experience distress when being touched or touching others. The experience of touch can also be harmful when it is unwanted, physically hurtful, or exploitive. Unfortunately, experiencing such events can have serious ramifications for the individual at any age as well as interfere with one’s ability to benefit from appropriate touching.” ^[2]

Teaching Social Boundaries to Adults with IDD

“It’s critical to teach your loved one with IDD social boundaries and personal space. These “rules of the road” center around instilling good people skills while actively using thoughtfulness toward others.

You can role play and illustrate different wrong ways to interact followed by the correct ways to interact with people. This simple but impactful activity can be a basic foundation in social manners that can be reinforced by other activities, games, etc.” ^[4]

• “Teach What Makes a Good Friend: It’s helpful to teach adults with IDD that friendships are relationships you need to continually work on. or can role play different scenarios that demonstrate ways you can show a friend you care, such as: Bringing a friend a flower on their birthday; Asking them about their day; etc. At the same time, you can show them what happens if you’re not nice to your friend and the ways it can negatively affect the relationships. One strategy is to view videos of dishonesty, or other bad friend behavior and the ensuing negative consequence. ^[4]

• “Social Boundaries: In any case, touching others and physical contact is only appropriate when both people choose to be touched. Make sure to explain if they feel a touch isn’t appropriate at any point in time, they should always talk to a trusted adult.” ^[4]

• “Teaching Healthy Relationships and Sexual Behavior: People with IDD have emotional needs and sexual feelings. While this conversation can be embarrassing or awkward, it’s critical to acknowledge these natural feelings and thoughts. By teaching social and sexual boundaries to adults with IDD, you can help them be safe, healthy and respectful to others. Most importantly, it’s vital to educate them on which behaviors are appropriate.” ^[4]

“We need to teach individuals with disabilities how to be safe around other people, and how to keep themselves safe within society, while also leaving room for them to be the unique individual they were created to be.” ^[5]

Resources:

[1] https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1892-touch

[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/202108/the-importance-touch

[3] https://www.griffinot.com/touch-sense-sensory-processing/

[4] https://communitymainstreaming.org/teaching-social-boundaries-to-adults

[5] https://blog.giv.care/teaching-boundaries-to-adults-with-developmental-disabilities/

“All of our senses give us vital information about our surroundings, but the one we rely on most is vision.” ^[1]

“Vision is the process of deriving meaning from what is seen. It is a complex, learned and developed set of functions that involve a multitude of skills. About 80% of what we learn from the world around us is due to perception, learning, cognition and activities are mediated through vision.” ^[2]

“Accordingly, the physical apparatus for gathering visual information—the eye—and the brain circuits that process this information are more complex than corresponding systems for the other senses. The brain devotes more space to vision than to all other senses combined.” ^[1]

How vision works?

“The human brain is responsible for every thought we have and sense we perceive — including vision. But without the eyes, the brain would have nothing to interpret.

Eyesight starts when light meets the eyes. After that, all kinds of things are set into motion.” ^[3]

“All the different parts of your eyes work together to help you see.

First, light passes through the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye). The cornea is shaped like a dome and bends light to help the eye focus.

Some of this light enters the eye through an opening called the pupil (PYOO-pul). The iris (the colored part of the eye) controls how much light the pupil lets in.

Next, light passes through the lens (a clear inner part of the eye). The lens works together with the cornea to focus light correctly on the retina.

When light hits the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye), special cells called photoreceptors turn the light into electrical signals.

These electrical signals travel from the retina through the optic nerve to the brain. Then the brain turns the signals into the images you see.

Your eyes also need tears to work correctly.” ^[4]

The Importance of Sight and Vision

“Sight and vision are important because they allow us to connect with our surroundings, keep us safe, and help maintain the sharpness of our minds.

Sight and vision are different entities. Sight is physical – it is a sensory experience in which light reflects off of shapes and objects and the eyes then focus this light. Signals are sent to the brain to be converted into images. Vision is how the mind, an aspect of the brain, interprets these images. Vision is a metaphysical concept. Sight may allow a person to witness an event, but vision helps the person understand the significance of that event and draw interpretations. The two are harmonious, and are very important in our everyday lives.

Sight and vision help to connect people with their surroundings. Our world is filled with an extreme variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. Sight gives us the ability to perceive movement, and vision gives us the ability to make assessments about that movement.” ^[5]

“Sight and vision are important because they bring beauty and understanding of the world to us.

They also keep us safe. The two concepts work together to provide awareness of the dangers around us.

Sight and vision keep our minds sharp and alert. It is important to maintain your eyesight, so that you may continue to connect with the world and make quick assessments of whatever situation comes your way. Frequent stimulation of the mind and philosophical interpretation of one’s sense of vision helps with overall health and intelligence.” ^[5]

How color therapy can help adults with IDD?

“Also known as chromotherapy, color therapy helps people with disabilities relieve mental health distress through colors. The principle of this therapy is that colors can trigger positive emotional responses in people. In turn, this helps people with disabilities cope and channel their energy into doing daily activities.

Color therapy coincides with art therapy. Both can involve coloring activities such as color yoga, coloring book activities, art workshops, and even acupuncture that uses colored light frequencies.

The power of color lies in its ability to evoke positive responses. For example, yellow and orange are known to have an energizing effect on anyone who sees them.

Color therapy can also be in the form of activities. Using coloring books and apps, can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities regain their focus slowly.”^[8]

Conclusion

“Humans are built to collect information with their eyes and even reduced vision quality creates a negative effect. A regular vision test is a small investment for something that has such a huge impact on our lives.

Our eyes aren’t just performing a task, they are the portal through which our brain can tell us about our world, learn new things, and make wonderful memories. All of which are reasons why vision is such an important thing to take care of.” ^[6]

“Good vision contributes to improved athletic ability, better driving skills, improved learning and comprehension and better quality of life.

Your future can be colorful and full of life just by making sure you see your optometrist as recommended.” ^[7]

Resources

[1] https://dana.org/article/the-senses-vision/

[2] https://www.newjerseyeyesite.com/vision-therapy-optometrist/the-17-visual-skills-assessed-during-your-childs-functional-eye-exam/vision-our-dominant-sense/#:~:text=Vision%20is%20our%20dominant%20sense&text=It%20is%20a%20complex%2C%20learned,activities%20are%20mediated%20through%20vision.

[3] https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/eye-anatomy/vision/#:~:text=Vision%20is%20the%20ability%20to,of%20what%20you’re%20seeing.

[4] https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/how-eyes-work#:~:text=When%20light%20hits%20the%20retina,into%20the%20images%20you%20see.

[5] https://marveloptics.com/blog/scholarship-program/the-importance-of-sight-and-vision-molly-blakely/#:~:text=Sight%20and%20vision%20are%20important,eyes%20then%20focus%20this%20light.

[6] https://medium.com/@SmartVisionLabs/why-vision-is-the-most-important-sense-organ-60a2cec1c164

[7] https://www.medicaleyecenter.com/2016/06/20/importance-eye-care/

[8] https://icolorclub.com/899/pixel-color-number/

“The importance of hearing to our health is fundamental. It is one of our most critical senses for connecting to people and interacting with the world. Because of this, it helps us socialize with our loved ones and friends. Hearing also plays an important role in meeting new people and pursuing healthy activities and hobbies – ones that keep us physically fit and socially active.” ^[1]

“In this way, the importance of hearing is considerable, because it is the foundation of many different aspects of a healthy lifestyle.” ^[1]

Researchers are constantly increasing our knowledge of why hearing is important. We now know that hearing plays a vital part in brain health because it helps people to remain active and engaged. By keeping the brain active, hearing has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.” ^[1]

Sounds: The impact of what we hear.

“Sounds have a deep impact on our emotions and offer a wide spectrum of influences, as they can be loud, soft, interesting, annoying, important, distracting, soothing, infuriating.” ^[2]

“Listening to music, television and radio, going to the cinema or theatre, attending a place of worship, going to meetings to learn or simply for pleasure as well as listening to the sounds of nature can all be affected by the state of hearing.” ^[4]

“Throughout human history, we have used various sounds to signal danger. Dogs have protected farms, barking to warn the household if an intruder is trespassing. Bells, drums and trumpets have been used to sound alarms in castles and forts, warning of hostile attacks.” ^[3]

Historically, the human voice has also been used – and still is – to send information that needs extra attention. Similarly, different sounds can be used to put people in the right mood in certain surroundings, such as in shopping malls, schools, prisons or commuter trains.” ^[3]

“There is ample evidence that playing an instrument has a positive impact on the developing brain. Speaking two languages, another form of sound enrichment, is good for attentional skills and multitasking and may prevent the onset of dementia.” ^[2]

“A sound, by nature, though, is never static. It is always moving and so much tougher to describe. ^[4]

“The gentle burbling of a brook, or the sound of the wind in the trees can physically change our mind and bodily systems, helping us to relax.” ^[5]

“Buxton’s research, published in March in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, presents evidence that pleasant natural sounds can help lower blood pressure, improve cognitive performance and even reduce pain. “Typical natural sounds that we consider pleasant are having health benefits for us,” says Buxton, a professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.” ^[6]

As mentioned before, different sounds affect us in different ways.

Taking care of your ears

“When thinking about your overall personal health, the health of your ears is typically an afterthought.

Limiting your ear’s exposure to loud noises is the ideal way to keep them healthy.”

One of the most important reasons to protect your ears is to ensure you do not suffer from hearing loss. While there are some cases in which hearing loss can be treated and even reversed, that is not always the case.” ^[7]

For many reasons we already mentioned, your hearing is so important to your wellbeing and quality of life. Hearing tests are straightforward, easily arranged and are normally without any cost to you.

The sooner you act, the better will be the outcome, both for you and for those close to you.

If you need any help or advice or just want to talk, contact a professional help.

For those who are hearing impaired, the other senses can be highly developed to assist with the loss of this important ability. Per example, “Audio/sound, together with visuals gives a fuller picture. Communicating with more than one sense is more effective than communicating with only one.” ^[3].  

We will talk more about the other 4 senses in the next blog posts. Stay tuned.

Resources:

[1] https://www.hearingsolutions.philips.com/en-us/hearing-loss/hearing

[2] https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/how-sound-can-be-an-ally-or-an-enemy-of-a-healthy-brain/

[3] https://www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/human-brain-sounds/

[4]  https://www.hearinglink.org/your-hearing/about-hearing/why-do-we-need-to-hear/

[5] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170330132354.htm

[6] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-listening-sounds-nature-can-be-restorative-180977397/

[7] https://blog.bonsecours.com/healthy/ear-health-care-tips/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20limiting%20your%20ear’s%20exposure,is%20not%20always%20the%20case.

“National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event.” ^[1]

“The first state to recognize May 6 as Nurses Day was New Jersey, which celebrated the day for the first time in 1978. A few years later with the backing of nursing organizations, New Mexico Representative Manuel Lujan, Jr. put forth a resolution to celebrate May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. The following year, President Ronald Reagan made the proclamation confirming the resolution.” ^[2]

“The ANA initiated “National RN Recognition Day” on May 6, 1996, to honor the nation’s indispensable registered nurses for their tireless commitment 365 days a year. The ANA encourages its state and territorial nurses associations and other organizations to acknowledge May 6, 1996 as “National RN Recognition Day.” ^[1]

“As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.” ^[1]

Why Celebrate Nurses?

“Nurses have made some of the most impactful contributions to medicine throughout history, but even those whose names are not as well-known have left a mark on their patients. Nurses make up nearly half of the global healthcare workforce. They are often the first to deliver care to patients and sometimes the sole providers of healthcare in certain settings.” ^[2]

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have sacrificed their physical and mental health to save lives and, in many cases, help patients and families cope with the devastating trauma of death in isolation. Throughout it all, they have worked steadfastly through personal protective equipment shortages, evolving policies, and infection surges. They have continued to give their best even as the communities they serve have, in some cases, become defiant against health measures.”^[2]

“Although nursing is an occupation, for many it is also a vocation. For all the passion nurses put into their work and the compassion they show their patients, National Nurses Day is a way for everyone to express their appreciation for the incredible job nurses do.” ^[2]

A Time to Appreciate

“ANA’s National Nurses Week history is worthy of a grand celebration, and so is the hard work of nurses nationwide.

The level of compassion and commitment required during a national health emergency – and routine patient care – is immeasurable. Praise for nurses is well-deserved.

If you’re a nurse, take some time in May to recognize the positive differences you and your colleagues have made in the lives of others.”^[3]

Our special thank you for our RN Cheryl Davis, for the efforts she put in to deliver high-quality work for the organization and clients. We value your presence and we are proud of you.

Resources:

[1] https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/history/#:~:text=1996%20The%20ANA%20initiated%20%22National,%22National%20RN%20Recognition%20Day.%22

[2] https://onlinenursing.baylor.edu/news/everything-you-need-know-about-national-nurses-day

[3] https://onlinenursing.cn.edu/news/history-of-nurses-week

“Beethoven once said, “Music can change the world.” Considered one of the greatest composers of all time, Beethoven was able to create incredible masterpieces despite being completely deaf. Instead of giving up his love for music as his hearing loss accelerated, he persevered and continued to produce amazing works that are still enjoyed and admired by people all over the world, even 200 years later.” ^[1]

“Music is a powerful thing. It can make your happy when you’re sad and arouse memories of particular times, places and moments that you thought you’d forgotten.

But, for people living with physical and intellectual disabilities, music can be an even more powerful thing, helping them to respond and engage with activities through music.

Music therapists are finding that the sounds and rhythms of music can calm people with a disability, boost their happiness, and even increase their confidence and communication in social situations.” ^[2]

“Therapies manager at Music Beat, Kate Fletcher, runs programs for children and adults with disabilities through community organizations and schools.

She said music therapy was able to help people of all ages accomplish goals by incorporating music that they reacted to into a session.” ^[2]

“According to the American Music Therapy Association, individuals with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, brain injuries, and physical disabilities can all benefit from music therapy.

Research has shown that music therapy can:

• Increase verbalization
• Provide motivation
• Enhance self confidence
• Reduce agitation and anxiety
• Decrease muscle tension
• Improve relationships
• Instill group cohesiveness
• Increase happiness

Music therapy can also improve heart rate, stimulate the mind, and enhance learning.” ^[1]

What are the effects of music therapy?

“Music reaches us. Music comprehension is intricately linked to emotional brain functions, so music can trigger a wide range of responses well beyond the scope of simple musical enjoyment.

Also, music creation is a physical experience, which can have beneficial input for people who may live with motor function challenges. This can be achieved by a therapist and the client by practicing range of motion, hand-grasp strength, and forms of no-verbal expression.

Similarly, musical involvement is a multi-sensory act, which may provide distraction from the pain discomfort, and anxiety often associated with some physical disabilities.” [3]

Which conditions can music therapy assist with?

The full range of conditions and their respective benefits from music therapy are too large to describe fully in this article, but below is a list of conditions known to be helped by music therapy, and we will focus on a few major ones in order to give more detail:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Brain Injuries
• Childbirth and Neonatal Care
• Children with Emotional Disorders
• Community Mental Health
• Dementia Care
• Developmental Delay
• Geriatrics
• Hearing Impaired
• Mental Health
• Mentally Challenged
• Pain
• Palliative Care
• Personal Growth
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders
• Physical Disabilities
• Schizophrenia
• Stress Management
• Substance Abuse
• Voice

How does music therapy help physical disabilities?

“Music therapy has been successful as a therapeutic intervention for persons with physical disabilities. It has been used with persons, of all ages from preschool to late adulthood and with many types of disabilities whether congenital or adventitious. Music therapy may play an important role in developing, maintaining and/or restoring physical functioning.

Because music is reinforcing, it can be used to motivate movements or structure exercises which are prescribed in physical rehabilitation. Involvement in music may provide a distraction from the pain discomfort, and anxiety often associated with some physical disabilities.

Music therapy techniques-have been used to develop and maintain joint and muscle function or to increase fine and gross motor coordination and control, increase muscle strength, increase range of motion, improve cardiopulmonary and respiratory functioning, improve oral-motor skills, facilitate relaxation and controlled movement, as well as provide an outlet for emotional self-expression and provide opportunities for social interaction.” ^[4]

Music can also lead to a professional career for people with disabilities.

Businesses that are dedicated to music and art create opportunities for people with a disability to achieve their dream careers as singers, instrumentalists, actors or performers.

“The Arts Endowment seeks to address barriers and advance training and career opportunities in the arts for individuals with disabilities– in the strong belief that inclusion must be ever present in our vision and that all Americans have the opportunity to create and participate fully in the arts.

To know more about it: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/

A resource, information and training center dedicated to promoting the full inclusion of persons with disabilities into the visual-, performing-, literary-, and media-arts communities.” ^[5]

More Resources:

[1] https://evergreenls.org/music-therapy-benefits-people-with-disabilities/

[2] https://musicbeattherapy.com.au/

[3] https://www.connectability.org.au/music-therapy-for-people-with-disabilities/#:~:text=increases%20fine%20and%20gross%20motor,and%20opportunities%20for%20social%20interaction.

[4] https://www.mtabc.com/what-is-music-therapy/how-does-music-therapy-work/physical-disabilities/

[5] https://www.arts.gov/impact/accessibility/careers-in-the-arts-for-people-with-disabilities

[6] https://www.courant.com/2019/07/03/local-community-center-empowers-people-living-with-disabilities-through-music-therapy/

“An intellectual or developmental disability, also called IDD, includes many severe, chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. IDD can begin at any time, up to 22 years of age. It usually lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. People who have IDD have problems with major life activities such as:

• Language
• Mobility
• Learning
• Self-help
• Independent living” ^[1]

Developmental Disability

“Developmental Disability (DD) is a severe mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments.

• Begins before an individual is 22 years of age or 18 years of age for an intellectual disability;
• Begins in and directly affects the brain and has continued, or is expected to continue, indefinitely;
• Causes significant impairment of daily living skills (adaptive behavior) such as, but not limited to, communicating, grooming, dressing, safety and social skills.
• Other developmental disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or other neurological disabling conditions.

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability (ID) means significantly sub-average intellectual functioning with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 and under as measured by a qualified professional, along with a lack of daily living skills (adaptive behavior) such as, but not limited to, communicating, grooming, dressing, safety and social skills, that show up prior to 18 years of age.

Individuals with IQ​s of 71-75 may be considered to have an intellectual disability if there is also significant impairment in adaptive behavior as diagnosed by a licensed clinical or school psychologist.” ^[2]

“The common types of intellectual disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, fragile x syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. ”^[3]

Where can you get support to adults with IDD?

“The Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) offers services to adults ranging from supports to assist an individual to live in their own home or with family or friends, to 24-hour comprehensive services. Services offered have specific eligibility standards and are accessed through the local Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP).

An Individual Suppor​t Plan​ is established with each adult to identify supports provided based upon their health and safety needs, interests, choices and goals. Each plan uses a person-centered planning process. It’s also important to understand and learn more about supported decision-making as a part of this process and how it allows a person with a disability to make choices about their life.” ^[4]

Access our services

To find out if you or a family member may qualify for supports through Horizon Project, start by contacting the Umatilla County Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP). The assessment and intake process starts: https://www.co.umatilla.or.us/departments/dd

More resources for families and individuals are available from the Oregon Department of Disabilities Services at www.oregon.gov/dhs/seniors-disabilities/DD/Pages/

If you have any question contact us:

Resources:

[1] https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/intellectual-or-developmental-disabilities-idd-long-term-care

[2] https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/seniors-disabilities/dd/pages/definitions.aspx

[3] https://www.enableme.ke/en/article/5-most-common-types-of-intellectual-disabilities

[4] https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/DD/Pages/adult-supports

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, is celebrated in April.

“This Month, autism rights groups are asking schools and the media to focus on the inclusion and acceptance of those with different neurologies. This starts with the small, but significant, change from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance.”_¹

What is Autism?

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.”²

What are the common signs of Autism?

“People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying “attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging.”³

How do Doctors Diagnose Autism?

“Although ASD can be diagnosed as early as 15 to 18 months of age, the average age of diagnosis is about 4.5 years, and some people are not diagnosed until adulthood. That’s unfortunate, as prompt diagnosis is important for early intervention. Research has shown that intensive early intervention can make a big difference in the outcomes for people with ASD. If you suspect your child shows signs of the disorder, don’t put off testing.”⁴

Can adults have autism?

“Many adults can and do have autism spectrum disorder. But it’s only recently that doctors have begun diagnosing them with it.

That’s in part because autism is still a fairly recent addition to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the gold standard for classifying mental disorders in the U.S. When autism was first added to the DSM in 1980, it was only classified as a disorder that affected children.”⁵

Main signs of autism in adults

“Common signs of autism in adults include:

• finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling getting very anxious about social situations
• finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to finding it hard to say how you feel.
• taking things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like “break a leg”
• having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes.”⁶

Support for adults with autism

Adults aren’t generally given the same support as children with ASD. Sometimes adults with ASD may be treated with cognitive, verbal, and applied behavioral therapy.

In general, you’ll want to seek out specific support based on the impacts you’re experiencing. This might include anxiety, social isolation, relationship problems, or job difficulties.

Some possibilities include: Psychiatrist or psychologist, Medication, Social worker, Therapy, Vocational rehabilitation, Support groups.”⁷

To learn more about understanding autism and recognizing its signs:

• “Many services, programs, and other resources are available to help people with ASD. Here are some tips for finding these additional services:
• Contact your health care provider, local health department, school, or autism advocacy group to learn about special programs or local resources.
• Find an autism support group. Sharing information and experiences can help people with ASD and their caregivers learn about treatment options and ASD-related programs.
• Record conversations and meetings with health care providers and teachers. This information may help when it’s time to decide which programs and services are appropriate.
• Keep copies of health care reports and evaluations. This information may help people with ASD qualify for special programs.”⁸

Resources:

[1] https://www.weareteachers.com/autism-acceptance-not-awareness/

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

[4] https://www.apa.org/topics/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosing

[5] Can Adults Be Diagnosed With Autism? – Cleveland Clinic

[6] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/adults/

[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-adults#summary

[8] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd

Supported Living is a care option that allows a significant level of independence, while also ensuring that the individual is suitably housed and has access to support when they need it. It can be an empowering yet safe alternative to traditional residential care, giving vulnerable individuals the opportunity to be more self-sufficient while still receiving some help, in a number of different areas, from dedicated care staff.

How does supported living work? 

Supported living helps people who want to live independently in their own home but who still need some help with a range of tasks. Some key features usually include; Advise about budgets and grocery purchases, assistance in keeping medications taken at the appropriate times and ordered, and personal care needs including washing, dressing, laundry, preparing meals, and checking for safety issues.

Who might need supported living? 

Anyone who has clear care needs but wants to be able to live more independently can benefit from a supported living arrangement. They can be more self-reliant than is usually possible in a residential care setting.

What are the benefits of supported living? 

Residents have the opportunity to take on responsibilities such as managing their own cost of living and bills, which allow them to grow their confidence and sense of independence.

It can provide a smooth, supported transition for those wanting to move gradually towards greater independence

Living more independently encourages residents to develop new life skills, such as cooking or managing a budget. This can be a huge self-esteem boost and potentially pave the way towards ever-increasing independence, for example by allowing them to study for qualifications, or learn the skills required to find a job.

How do you know whether supported living is the right option?

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can find that supported living enables them to live a happier and freer life, but it isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone.

Supported living will be most suitable for people who have the ability to do a significant proportion of simple and everyday tasks for themselves. This can mean that it is a less viable option for people who have serious mobility issues which cannot be overcome with assistive technology or home adaptation. Since a supported living environment also requires a moderate level of personal responsibility, those with very severe learning disabilities, for example those who cannot achieve a high enough level of literacy and numeracy to understand a basic budget, may struggle to cope in supported living.

For those whose needs are greater, it may be more appropriate to consider residential care.

Need our services?

To find out if you or a family member qualify for supports through Horizon Project, start by contacting the Umatilla County Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP). The assessment and intake process

https://www.co.umatilla.or.us/departments/dd

Contact us

Milton-Freewater, Corporate Office
(541) 938-5658
608 N. Russell – Google Map
Milton-Freewater, OR 97862

Hermiston
(541) 567-8374
408 E. Main St. Suite A – Google Map
Hermiston, OR 97838

Pendleton
(541) 278-4544
223 SW Court – Google Map
Pendleton, OR 97801

Resource:

https://www.fremantletrust.org/services/supported-living