Category: General

January 24, 2024

It Starts with Special

How do you define special? Do you look at the word positively or negatively? Why is it that we use words to hurt and minimalize people? As you may know, Special Olympics campaigned against the “R” word several years ago as people with intellectual disabilities spoke out about how the word had been used to bully, abuse, and hurt people....

Categories General/Resources

January 17, 2024

Popcorn for the People

Popcorn is a favorite snack for many people, especially if they are watching a movie!  I love a big bowl of popcorn covered in melted butter and salt.  How about you? I read an article about an NFL team who is introducing a popcorn stand at their stadium for the 2023 football season.  This popcorn stand is different from others...

Categories Community/General

January 10, 2024

Finding the Pathways to Justice Together

I have been on a journey to find ways in which we, as a system, can better support those who have been a victim of crimes or may have engaged in criminal behavior. This means I am always on the lookout for resources. I recently came across The Arc’s initiative is called Pathways to Justice. This initiative is through The...

Categories General/Resources

December 27, 2023

iCanConnect

Talking on the phone or working on a computer can be difficult for someone who has minimal hearing and/or vision loss, but what about someone who has significant hearing and/or vision loss?  Do you support someone with that diagnosis?  If you answered “yes” then you will want to read on.  I have good news!  There is help, but you have...

Categories General/Technology

December 20, 2023

RODS Heroes Gives Voice to the Voiceless

An amazing organization helping every child hero get a family. I recently came across an organization called RODS Heroes, which helps hero children with special abilities come home to loving families. This amazing organization described what they do in this heartful paragraph on their website. “RODS Heroes inspires families to answer the call to adopt a child with special abilities...

Categories General

December 13, 2023

Adaptive NFL Apparel for Fans with Disabilities

Adaptive and assisted clothing designed specifically for people with disabilities is now available for all 32 teams of the NFL. This special collection features hoodies and T-shirts, giving fans the chance to wear the team of their choice. Assisted and adaptive clothing is designed specifically for people with disabilities that make it difficult to dress independently, or those with sensory...

Categories General

December 11, 2023

Employees in the Community Share Their Experience

Employment is essential for everyone. Having a job gives us financial independence, a sense of purpose, and a better quality of life. But, for many with intellectual disabilities (ID) who are able and willing to work, getting a job can be very challenging. Potential employers often have concerns about a person’s abilities or how to accommodate their needs. To help...

Categories Community/Employment/Everyday Life/General

December 6, 2023

Dorothy Paad Writes for Others to Reach Full Potential

The arts have a way of grabbing us like nothing else. Stories and their creative expression in many mediums and styles reach across the divide of age or experience. They bring relatable perspectives that can speak to many hearts. The golden ones inspire us. Two publications are already growing in their reach and impact on the next generation. Dorothy Paad...

Categories General

November 29, 2023

A Success Story After Being Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

Do you remember when you got the diagnosis? Whether it was you or someone you care for, when you hear the word Diabetes you know it will affect many factors in life. When Brooks Shuster was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he had an A1C of 12. This is the equivalent of an average blood sugar of 298 for the...

Categories Everyday Life/General

November 22, 2023

Dishing Out Food Safety Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are times for sharing favorite foods and dishes with family and friends. No one wants to give the gift of food or foodborne illness to their loved ones.  Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration on how to keep everyone safe from foodborne illnesses while sharing meals. Keep foods...

Categories General/Resources