Children and adults with disabilities and their families will benefit from time spent outside in a number of ways. Research has shown children who regularly play outdoors tend to be less stressed and more creative, which ultimately can lead to happier, healthier, and more confident children. Time in nature also can encourage a sense of… Read more Getting Outdoors
Category: Adult with Disability
Nutrition and Children With Disabilities
What nutritional concerns are common in children with disabilities? Many children with disabilities have health issues that can impact their nutritional well-being and eating habits. This makes meeting your child’s nutritional needs even more important. Some issues that might affect your child include: Slower oral-motor development Larger tongues, smaller teeth, challenges with chewing Food texture… Read more Nutrition and Children With Disabilities
Connecting Individuals With Disabilities With Meaningful Employment (for Faith Communities)
The overall unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 10.1% (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Feb. 2022), and according to a report from the President’s Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities (2004), individuals with severe disabilities, such as an intellectual disability or autism, the unemployment rate fluctuates between 80-90%. It is clear that individuals with disabilities… Read more Connecting Individuals With Disabilities With Meaningful Employment (for Faith Communities)
Inclusion in a Faith Community Tip Sheet (for Individuals and Families)
Being included means more than being in a community. It means being with a community. To be fully with a community requires that all aspects of the community—from physical space to attitudes—are accessible and welcoming, and that all members have opportunities to share gifts and to contribute to the community. Sometimes accessibility means making accommodations.… Read more Inclusion in a Faith Community Tip Sheet (for Individuals and Families)
Inclusion in a Faith Community Tip Sheet (for Congregational Care Committees)
Congregational care committees and disabilities An inclusive faith community commits to sharing one another’s joys and challenges. Included members love, respect, and treasure each other; nurture and support one another on a journey through faith; and use their gifts and graces in ministry. This commitment does not change with the experience of disability. A… Read more Inclusion in a Faith Community Tip Sheet (for Congregational Care Committees)
Intellectual Disabilities
What is an intellectual disability? An intellectual disability is a condition that begins before age 18 and significantly limits intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may have challenges with learning, reasoning, problem solving, and/or thinking abstractly and quickly, and may also have additional challenges with everyday social and practical skills. Those born… Read more Intellectual Disabilities
Health Care for Adults with Disabilities (for Primary Care Physicians and Nurses)
Why is health care an issue? Adults with intellectual or other developmental disabilities often face barriers to good health care. Many primary care providers do not have much experience treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). There may be physical barriers to receiving care, such as examining tables that don’t lower completely for those… Read more Health Care for Adults with Disabilities (for Primary Care Physicians and Nurses)
Going To The Doctor
Going to the doctor is important, because it gives you an opportunity to ask questions about your body and to stay healthy. This tip sheet will explain why people go to the doctor and what to expect before, during, and after a visit. Common reasons for going to the doctor General checkup to stay healthy … Read more Going To The Doctor
Fragile X Syndrome
What is Fragile X syndrome? Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. It is caused by a mutation of a gene (FMR1) on the X chromosome responsible for making a protein that plays a role in brain development. When the gene is fully mutated, it becomes inactive and does not… Read more Fragile X Syndrome
Employment and Individuals With Disabilities
Why Employment Matters Having a job can provide a person with a path toward independence and financial self-sufficiency. It can create a sense of purpose and be a means by which to connect with the community. Employment is associated with fewer behavior problems and better mental health outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities… Read more Employment and Individuals With Disabilities