10 Tips on Disability Etiquette

Before coming to Easter Seals, I really didn't know how to engage in conversation when talking to an individual with a disability. Would I be sensitive to their emotions? How do I engage in an appropriate conversation?  It was an uncomfortable feeling at first, but then I realized that it was no different than any other individual.

We are never taught in school the “proper protocol”, so where do we learn it from? Easy. Any individual or organization that has expertise or experience with working with children or adults with disabilities, but in case you don’t get the opportunity to do so in the near future, I can give you 10 tips on Disability Etiquette:

1. If you don’t lean or hang on people, then probably best if you didn't on someone’s wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension of personal space.
2. When talking with a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at the wheelchair user's eye level to spare both of you a stiff neck.
3. When you offer to assist someone with a vision impairment, allow the person to take your arm. This will help you to guide, rather than propel or lead, the person.
4. When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion who may be along.
5. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "I've got to run", that seem to relate to the person's disability.
6. To get the attention of a person who has a hearing disability, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips.
7. When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. Say, for example, "On my right is Andy Clark" etc.
8. When directing a person with a visual impairment, use specifics such as "left a hundred feet" or "right two yards".
9. If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
10. Give whole, unhurried attention when you're talking to a person who has difficulty speaking. Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting, and be patient rather than speak for the person. 

Do you have any other tips to share? If so, post them below in our comments sections and share the knowledge. 

Celebrating 23rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Life is about self-fulfillment and achieving goals. Whether it is as simple  as tying your shoe or running for president, we all have different goals in life. What if someone told you that assembling packages is like becoming president? For some individuals it is.

Today marks the 23^rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Without this civil rights legislation, there are many individuals that would not be able “to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services.” Easter Seals’ mission mirrors the ADA and what it stands for: To provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

If the ADA did not exist we wouldn't have our Vocational Services, which offers individuals with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver high quality work to companies in the community.

Today I want to remind you of this significant legislation that allowed people with disabilities to have the equal opportunities of employment. I want to share an article that lists the top 10 inspirational novels about disabilities and reality:

1. “Under the Eye of the Clock,” by Christopher Nolan (Skyhorse, 1987). This autobiographical novel by the late Irish poet Christopher Nolan, who had cerebral palsy, is a gorgeous and insightful book about the expansive life of a man who seemed entirely trapped in his chair. He pecked out this story with a pencil attached to his forehead. My wife and I have given away more copies than we can count.
   
2. “Lark and Termite,” by Jayne Anne Phillips (Vintage, 2009). This powerful, complex novel moves between two stories: the No Gun Ri massacre during the Korean War in 1950 and a devastating flood that confronts a West Virginia family in 1959. Termite, a profoundly and multiply handicapped boy, is cared for by his aunt and his devoted 17-year-old half-sister, Lark. Theirs is one of the most affecting sibling relationships in American literature.

For more novels see article: 10 Books to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act

“Soft and in my heart”

Today is Feeling Fabulous Friday and we want to share a first-hand testament to the benefits of having a pet for special needs individuals!

Recently there have been news reports about Twinkie the pig and her pal Kason. Kason, a young boy with special needs, and Twinkie are true friends. The family almost lost Twinkie due to city threats that the family couldn’t keep Twinkie because a pig is considered livestock. They explained why they fought hard to keep Twinkie; why Twinkie is such an important member of the family.

Kason even expressed his feelings about Twinkie:

Kason’s Mother: What do you like about Twinkie?"

Kason: "To pet her."

Kason’s Mother: "You like to pet her. Is she soft?"

Kason: "Soft and in my heart."

Reporter: "She's in your heart?"

Kason: "Yup!"

Photo Credit: WSVN.com

This report is so touching. It is a testament to recent research about the impact of animal exposure on children with special needs. We've gathered some lists of potential benefits for special needs children for families to consider.

Benefits of Pet Interaction for Special Needs Individuals:

·         Pets provide love and unconditional acceptance

·         They create calm rather than create stress

·         Pets provide an opportunity for children to develop social skills

·         When allowed to be involved in animal care, kids develop responsibility

·         Caring for their pet boosts confidence because they are relied on

·         Animals have been known to improve the results of physical therapy

Of course, it is always important to be mindful about the safety of both children and pets. We recommend parents always monitor children playing with pets.

Kason and Twinkie’s heartwarming story has left us feeling fabulous today. Easter Seals Florida is so encouraged by stories like this and hope the information above is helpful.

NAO Robots for schools with special needs

It is Feeling Fabulous Friday here at Easter Seals Florida and we've got robots on our radar.

Technology advancements are infiltrating society by the second. From smart phones to evolving computer capabilities, so many innovations on are on the rise. Perhaps the most exciting technological advancements though, are assistive technologies that are helping with everything from cognitive to physical impairment.

Most recently, NAO Robots are a break through worth noting. These robots appeal to the masses as the next step in computer technology. Though acting as an improved and sociable computer catches general consumer attention, their potential impact for special needs could be groundbreaking.  

Photo Credit Aldebaran Robotics

Researchers are expecting that NAO robots will become extremely useful in special needs schools. A common difficulty for individuals with autism is that they become overwhelmed by social interaction due to interpreting body language, voice tone, words and many more human traits. That is where the NAO Robots bridges a gap. These robots are programmed to perform the same actions as humans, but not nearly as many actions. They are also programmed to speak softer and in a slower, more concise way than people. Not only are the robots expected to be able to connect with and therefore teach children with disabilities, but they are expected to also improve their social abilities.

The NAO Robots are bringing joy to Easter Seals Florida this fabulous Friday and hopefully to you as well!

DenDanto’s journey

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

Easter Seals Florida is extremely excited to share a story that truly hits home with our mission. It is an unfortunate truth that in the past and sometimes still today, there are stigmas associated with autism. People have questioned what they don’t understand. Fortunately though, autism awareness is on the rise. In fact, Tuesday was Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Awareness Month. Society is slowly learning not to define individuals by their autism.

We are sending a shout out to Chad DenDanto on MTV’s “World of Jenks.” Chad is one of three individuals to be followed by Andrew Jenks in the second season of MTV’s “World of Jenks.” The show will follow Chad during his transition into adulthood. From dating to finding work after high school, Jenks will be living with Chad and witnessing his journey. And there is something else about Chad, he has autism.

Worldof Jenks
MTV
Mondays 11/10c

What is so great about this project is the show’s aim to bring autism in front of society and show people there is no need for social stigma. “One in 88 American children have autism now. It’s something prevalent that could use more mainstream media attention,” Jenks said “We realized (at MTV) that we had an opportunity to humanize and ‘destigmatize’ what it’s like to have autism.”

We’re truly excited for the show and support this message all the way! Have an awesome Friday everyone.

  

The extended family at Easter Seals Florida

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

Learning to navigate life when some close to you is diagnosed with a disability is not ever easy. That is why Easter Seals Florida makes it our priority to help anyone in that situation. We are feeling fabulous this Friday morning as our hearts are warmed by a letter from Sablouna. She has written us with such kind words about our staff and program. Thank you so much Sablouna for taking the time to let us know what Easter Seals Florida has done in your life.

Sablouna has given us permission to share her letter below:

Good afternoon,

I wanted to take the time out and write this letter thanking your organization for your support, guidance, follow-up and for the superior level of service I received while utilizing your services. Kalyn my family service coordinator answered all my calls, responded to my emails within 24 hours and believe it or not she was my helping hand when my husband was too busy to help me research autism facts, services and more. At that time, my family members were unaware that my son Devin (pictured to the right) has autism. I was able to keep his diagnosis private because I found an extended family within the Early Steps organization. 

I was unaware of the various services made available by government agencies in the West Palm area until Kalyn and Thea pointed me in the right direction. I received weekly emails, updates, info about support groups. These ladies made my son's autism their problem.  Kalyn would email me with deadline reminders, appointment reminders and even on the morning of a meeting. She would routinely follow-up with me to see how support coach, Dani, was doing with Devin.

Thea, another angel sent from above, not only would send me contact info for parent support groups, she would answer my personal questions pertaining to having a child with a disability. She would send me booklets, websites, pamphlets and would give me pointers on how to manage my son's autism and how to cope with his disability emotionally. Thea not only introduced me to the various school options for children with autism outside of Child Find but she actually accompanied me on a tour at the Palm Beach school of autism. We scheduled the tour, she assisted me with creating a list of questions I'd want to ask and she stayed there on site waiting for me for over 45 minutes because I got lost, Talk about commitment, talk about superior service, talk about two model employees. I thank the Lord every day for sending these two women into mine and Devin's life. I hope they can impact the next family as positively as they have impacted my life.

Both ladies would call to check in on me to see if I had all of the requested documents. They are truly an asset to the organization. if the organizations reputation depended solely on a few individuals, I would name Kalyn and Thea as stellar employees and warm loving people who go above and beyond their job duties to make sure the children of child find can successfully complete the program, get the treatment they need and transition. I'm indebted, thank you for sharing all of your knowledge, your time, for coordinating the child find meetings, for assigning Dani to my son and for being there to answer my questions, for going on the school tour with me when my husband could not.

Sincerely,
Sablouna

For more information about the Treasure Coast Early Steps program, visit www.fl.easterseals.com/TreasureCoastEarlyStepsProgram or contact us.

Sablouna has made our day and we hope yours as well. Thank you so much for visiting us this Friday.

Yoga and Yogurt

We all have stress, but the stress experienced by caregivers is often elevated. For example, research has shown that the hormone associated with stress of mothers of children with autism is similar to the level of stress of combat soldiers. Unfortunately, according to researchers, chronic health problems and irregular glucose, immune functionality and mental activity have been associated with these hormone levels. This chronic stress condition is common among all caregivers.

Photo Credit: SomaHealingArts

The up-side is that there are always ideas for combating the stress! Studies have shown that some caregivers experienced highly improved quality of life and less feelings of being burdened when practicing yoga. From the physical benefits of exercise to a fun activity, it is easy to see how yoga would be a great outlet. Though there are no studies proving stress relief effects of yogurt, we recommend you follow up your yoga with yogurt just because it is delicious and good for you!

(Photo Credit: Ingrid Heczko)

Check out this homemade yogurt recipe by Megan O. Steintrager!

Great Weekend Outdoor Ideas!

Feeling Fabulous Friday!

Great Weekend Outdoor Ideas:

Are you ready for a fun weekend? It can be easy to lay back and watch television all weekend, but sometimes we all want to get out in the sun. Some studies even show that outdoor environments can improve the attention span of individuals with autism and relieve stress. We've created a list of some fun family weekend activities. We sure hope you enjoy!

1. Have a tasty picnic
2. Walk in the park
3. Enjoy some playground time
4. Visit the zoo
5. Collect leaves and flowers to make a nature collage
6. Volunteer at a local opportunity
7. Do a scavenger hunt
8. Visit the farmers market
9. Visit a local garden
10. Designate a flower pot for each family member and plant away your own unique flowers

Photo Credit: Northfielder 

Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend.

Miss Montana’s Encouraging Words

Feeling Fabulous Friday!

Sometimes we all need to be reminded of what truly defines us as individuals. We are unique and amazing because of our spirit. How we choose to overcome our challenges sets us apart from others. These decisions give us confidence and make us great.

Today we at Easter Seals are feeling fabulous because we are inspired by a young lady named Alexis Wineman. Alexis Wineman was diagnosed with autism at age 11. Last year she won the title of Miss Montana and recently went on to reach the top 15 in the Miss America Pageant.

Her achievements are admirable; her challenges are compelling. Yet, it is a combination of her compassion, genuine nature, resilience and positive attitude that truly makes Alexis the wonderful young woman the country has come to love.   

We want to share some of her own words today…

“My path may not be one that another person would choose, but I challenged myself to enter the Miss America competition because it seemed like the peak to my own personal Everest.”

~ Alexis Wineman

“I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know there is a lot for me to do to make sure people really get that ‘Normal is just a dryer setting’."

~ Alexis Wineman

Wishing everyone a fabulous Friday!

Health Care for Adults with Autism

Recently there has been a lot of discussion surrounding a need for improvement of healthcare for adults with autism. According to news articles such as Many Adults With Autism UnhappyWith Their Health Care, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have presented findings that adults with autism are experiencing higher levels of unmet health needs than adults without autism.



Photo Credit: Kurhan



Fortunately their situation is not going unnoticed. Though we are all discouraged by these reports, there are solutions and resources ready to help.  Adults with autism report significant shortcomings in their health care, a press release issued by the Autism Society of America, recently addressed the same report. Autism Society of America brought to light a grant given to AASPIRE by the National Institute of Mental Health aimed at creative interactive toolkit to improve primary care services for adults on the autism spectrum. AASPIRE is calling for participants. The first step in progress is to get involved.

There are also some preventative measures to be considered if you are a caregiver thinking of your child’s future. The SpecialCare (sm)Program designed by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) offers information, solutions and specialists to help you address many of the issues you face daily. MassMutual's team of financial professionals certified in SpecialCare can help you design a life plan that will assure the future financial security of your loved one with disabilities.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

~Easter Seals Florida