Disability and Employment Resources from Diversity World

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• Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully within our economic communities.
• Workplaces are enriched by the diversity of their workforces.
• People should be valued for their differences - not in spite of them.

Disability and Employment Resources from Diversity World

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'Micah's Voice' - Boyz II Men star & The Sing-Off judge Shawn Stockman on his son’s autism

Stockman and his wife Sherhonda share the challenge of finding the best care and making sure the other children feel special too.
Special schools, behaviorists, speech therapists are all extremely expensive. 
...the couple decided to launch Micah’s Voice, a non-profit to benefit a family with a child suffering from autism.
The goal of the organization would be to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for and educating the child.Read the article. Watch the video.

Boyz II Men star Shawn Stockman on his son’s autism: ‘There’s no way a normal couple or a single mom could afford this’ | The Autism News

via

'EnjoyHi5Autism'

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'Staring is Rude! ...unless you're in Cote d'Azur'




Hi-5!

We are sharing this post, as the result of responding to another post on Facebook.
One of our FB Friends is exposing the fact that money is being raised for Autism needs based on the misconception that living with ASD is 'bad'.

This is what we wrote in support of his expose' -

Ya hit the nail RIGHT on the head!

Image by Mickael Casol via Flickr

go STARE there! 

Just like strangers tend to want us to publicly share, apologize and offer impromptu explanations about our kids 'strange' behavior. I've stopped unnecessarily apologizing and sharing with rude, insensitive 'inquirers'. It's not like people with autism are willingly engaging in 'bad' behavior like drunk drivers. THEY ARE BORN OR DEVELOP ASD! Many have spent years in therapies trying to learn how to display appropriate  behavior. The unique behaviors of individuals on the autism spectrum are ways they interact and adapt to other people and the environment. I was told by a special education specialist that "all behavior is COMMUNICATION."

It was an Ah Ha! moment for me. I started weaning myself from invading my son's privacy and embarrassing him by always telling strangers about his developmental disabilty in order for them to accept him and his nonviolent behaviors. I've learned to ignore stares and POLITELY remind starers that STARING IS RUDE.

While at the pediatrician yesterday, I did not offer or acknowledge the strangers rudely starring at my son's way of playing while in the kid-friendly waiting area. He was not disruptive or destructive -just played and spoke  differently. Suddenly the 'starers' go from discomfort to amazement when our 5 year old routinely shifts and starts incorporating counting to 100. Next the 'starers' shift from amazed to inclusive sharing as he points to and phonetically says the letters on the ABC carpet while using sign language. Like 'Transformers', they change from shoving their kids away to easing them over to 'boy wonder'. Some are too shocked to move or talk. BUT, the newfound 'Integrators' rush their precious youngins - just a draggin-tossin dem chern over to the impromptu 'Autism learning-style center'.

Now, these former 'separatists' command their children to listen. learn and engage in parallel play with 'the smart kid'! Remaining true to their rudeness, they never once ask if it is ok to bombard him with their 'teach my kid' requests.

I am so proud of my growth and acceptance of his neurological condition. I am extremely proud of him who daily wakes up with a smile on his face ready to face this strange world he lives, learn and recreates in as a boy diagnosed with autism.

Your loving Moomie

{Y.M. offered this humorous advice: ...  if you go to the Cote D'azur people make staring a pass time... Just tell people your children are from the Riviera :)) }

ENJOY!

Note:
*Upcoming Topic:  Worth STARING at...
Our son enjoys alphabets.  We will feature the unique 'letter' sculptors that are...                          'Worth STARING at...

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Voice Your Choice! Stop the use of the 'R' word!

Hi5!

New Jersey bans the use of the word "retarded"

(Governor) "Christie said "he regretted people had to wait so long to get the bill passed, and said he was proud to have signed it. This is making sure each citizen in our state is treated with the respect they deserve ... It’s their government, too,’’ he said.



The 81-page bill includes the citations in state law and regulations that have to be changed, including: "mentally retarded," "physically handicapped," "feeble-minded,’’ and "physically or mentally defective." The law also applies to language involving people with mental illness, such as "the insane," the "mentally deficient," and "the mentally ill."


"Words matter - it’s that simple,’’ said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), one of the bill’s sponsors and the father of a daughter with a developmental disability. "We have a community of productive, hard-working citizens...The ‘R’ word should mean respect."


The legislation (S1982) passed in June. "


http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/296278

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitaljournal.com%2Farticle%2F296278&h=01110

ENJOY! 

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"What A Tribute!"

Hi-5!
.

Scotty B. Memorial to all Rapid City residents with a disAbility.

Kbj Cosse': "What a tribute!"

                                                              [Facebook entry July 27, 2010]

July 26, 2010 marked the 20th Anniversary of the signing of landmark legislation to curb the injustices experienced by Americans with disabilities. Known as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 - a civil rights decree to bring parity, services, understanding, acceptance and appreciation for our fellow citizens - who are challenged with a disability. 

A disability may be of the physical, mental, visual, auditory,medical, and mobility nature.  Like our 5 year old son who IS 'enjoying the hi-5s of autism', a disability may also be a developmental condition.

We thank our good Facebook friend Anna B. of Rapid City, South Dakota for sending in this picture of a statue in her hometown.  Rapid City has long stood as a supporter of its residents with disabilities.  Mr. Scotty B. lived and enjoyed life, even as an adult with a debilitating degenerative disease.  As you observe this awe-inspiring testiment to the great people of Rapid City, notice that -just like many of his fellow residents without a disability:
Scotty B. is smiling.
Scotty B. is well-groomed.
Scotty B. is in motion.
Scotty B. is going about his  daily goals of life.
Scotty B. is still contributing to his community.

Also, we like this memorial statue because it is exhibited in an American public square!  This is reflective of how people with disabilities want to be productive, understood and appreciated for their ABILITIES - instead of being idle, unknown and hidden away in shame.

Thank you Anna B. for sharing.  Thank you Rapid City,S.D. for caring. Thank you Scotty B. and so many others for enduring joyfully.  If ever we travel to your great city, we would definitely want to take a picture with you and Scotty B. IN an American PUBLIC SQUARE!

Kindly share your photo or story about a person(s) with a disAbility. 


ENJOY!

{"Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism-A Family Experience!" is now on Facebook.  Go to the Discussion section of the FB page with the same title, and share your comments about various autism and developmental disAbilities topics.}

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[Several of these links include visual and auditory components.]

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• Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with Substance (whitehouse.gov)

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

Hi-5!

July 26, 1990 is the historical day that landmark legislation was signed which catapulted the civic rights of people with disabililities into a new level of understanding, appreciation, acceptance and support.

 Americans with Disabilities Act

 is still affecting the disabilities population in  positive ways.

Overall, America is a better country because of the passage of this monumental presidential act.

Share how the ADA vision of 'Liberty, Justice and Access forAll'

 has impacted your life or someone that you know with a disability.

ENJOY!

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Happy VALUE Day! sharing 'Artists and Autism' & 'Autism Exposure'

 

Hi-5! Just decided a way to share some good news.  Blog about it. 

On our Facebook page, we have the honor of highlighting "Artists and Autism" (administered by Jeffrey M. Kellan,who also has a FB link).
The art pieces and music features are wonderful.

Yesterday, we shared one of the art works entitled "ESE Extremely Strong Emotions". 

We think sharing selections from Artists and Autism and from Autism Exposure should be dedicated for Sundays.  Happy 'VALUE Day!' is the theme reflecting the inherint, innate, undeniable VALUE that is present in all people with a developmental disability. 

Let us share what we wrote on one of the contributors Facebook page, after reading her piece with a question for Parents of children with this and other neurological conditions. We hope that Parents of neuro-typical children will seek to understand and share with their kids,too.


July 17, 2010

Autism Exposure Discussion: i have asked this question before but i think it is important as will help people understand autism better. As a parent of a child with an ASD what do you wish people knew or understood about your child??

5 hours ago

Kbj C- I wish people knew that my 5 year old son is happy, athletic and enjoys life. I wish they understand, that just because he has ASD, does not make him void of feelings, deaf or an inanimate object. Thus, my son feels your discomfort, hears your rude comments and sees your piercing stares. You are not invisible and neither is he. He is just as curious about you as you are about him, but, he shows manners, as he has been taught by his parents. He is a developing person with a developmental disability. ASD is not contagious- in the medical sense. Rather intellectually, non-disabled kids can learn from disabled kids - if adults would cease prejudicial prejudgements and seperation. [ Now let's sing, "I love you, you love me"...see most kids know this unifying song.]

2 seconds ago
 
Then we wrote:
 
I'm going to share this question on my Google blog - "Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism - A Family Experience (of Life raising a child with a developmental disability). But, right now, I have to pray. Sharing how others sometimes view my child is painful.
 
[Kindly 'friend' each of these artists Facebook pages, too. (Artists and Autism and Autism Exposure).  We hope you will learn a lot from them, just as we do every time we view their sites. We appreciate how they share their hearts, so honest, so pure.]
 
Autism Exposure
exposing the world towards acceptance, understanding and the truths of autism.

Home Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Description: this page was created by a young woman diagnosed with autism who purposes in spreading awareness, acceptance and understanding across the world.

Website: http://www.autismexposure.ning.com108/ People Like This

2 albums Angels with autism

Created about 2 weeks ago College Graduates with an ASD


Artists and Autism by Jeffrey M. Kellan

Artists and Autism postings are to be strictly art and/or music--no other posts of any kind will be tolerated...:)

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Links


3 of 460 links
God's Ears - Independent Film from Grizzly Peak Films 2:14pm Jul 17.

"Friendships and Autism" written and copyrighted by Melody_Rain 5:20pm Jul 16.

Creative minds  1:31pm Jul 15

Links

3 of 18 links
Probing Question: Can autistic people succeed at work? 7:15am Jul 17

Autism, PDD-NOS & Asperger's fact sheets Depression and suicide risk with Asperger syndrome and A 4:28pm Jul 16

Pain: Teaching what it is and what it means 1:31pm Jul 15

{Check today's next blog "Happy VALUE Day!"  sharing one of the art works entitled "ESE Extremely Strong Emotions".}

ENJOY!

{Support your favorite charities at Good Search.com}

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FYI - Back to School #5 part C - Visiting the Pediatric Dentist

Hi-5!

I know we were supposed to conclude with the pediatric dentist info. on yesterday.  But, in providing  a reference link, we reviewed the posted comments from those reading the online article.  So many understood the challenges that people, like our son, face at the dentist office. 

Unfortunately,several of the comments lacked insight, compassion and understanding.  This is one of the reasons we are writing  this blog - to help the non-disabled community understand the disabled community. [We won't provide other readers posted  comments, positive or negative, that's not within the text of a written article.]  We supplied a somewhat rebuttal comment and directed those individuals to our blog.

July 14th, 2010 at 12:44 pm Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Hi-5! What a great dentist. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder should be treated with respect and humility. Professional doctors should always be professional. If a pedodontist does not want to take the time to learn and train dental staff, then they should not provide services for people touched by this developmental disability. I commend this doctor.
My Google blog,entitled, “Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism-A Family Experience”, posted a blog today about visiting the pediatric dentist as a back to school FYI. Read about my family’s experiences, including at the dentist.
Feel free to include your comments-try to show some compassion,please. You never know when you, a loved one, colleague or friend will be touched by ASD. Go to http://familyenjoyinghi5autism.blogspot.com/ .
Enjoy
If you are interested in reviewing the article and viewing the doctors video-taped techniques, go to
Dental Care Program for Children and Adults with Autism

This film is an educational tool used to train dental professionals in the “D-Termined Dental Program of Repetitive Tasking and Familiarization in Dentistry” so that they can provide better dental care to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Because of their difficulties in communication, heightened sensitivity to, reactivity to, and fear of stimuli in the dental environment, individuals with autism are often unable to receive proper dental care without sedation. The D-Termined Program is a behavior management approach to dentistry which has proven successful in practice with children with developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit: http://nlmfoundation.org/media.htm

Remember, as this progressive dentist is seeking to make the dentist visit pleasant while productive for clients with autism, so is Autism Speaks in their Dental Tool Kit Guide and online video.

ENJOY!

{Support your favorite charities at Good Search.com}

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FYI - Back To School!

Hope you enjoyed your 4th of July!  Our family enjoyed a cool day in the froggy pond pool eating a huge watermelon.  Later we watched U.S. President Barack Obama & FLOTUS Michelle Obama give a heartwarming military celebration in Washington,DC. Just as the sun was starting to set, the neighborhood fireworks illuminated our community with colorful sparkling pop, crackle,poppoppops!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog topics to for this important announcement
(depending on where you live):

OUR KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL IN LESS THAN A MONTH!!!

So, we will intersperse FYIs for Back to School all month long.  July is already zooming by - see we started typing on Wedneday and now it's already Thursday, July 8th!

You do want to be ready, right?

Now, is the time to get your kids back on a regular schedule. For most families who care for a child with a Developmental Disability(i.e. Autism, Aspergers ,PDD-NOS, etc..), you tried very hard to stay on a regular schedule. All summer, you've probably kept the school schedule going. We know our son enjoys ROUTINEs.
Just in case...
But, just in case You've ...
- stopped waking to an alarm clock
- allowed the 12noon nap to roll into the 3pm nap(What?!)
- Just in case you've been letting your kids play in the park until it's almost dark
- laughed while your kids been bouncing at the bounce house until they can't bounce anymore
- watched world cup soccer games with your own horns blowing for the past few weeks
- viewed so many movies online that you're a bunch of zombies now
- changed bedtime to whenever the dog got tired of playing with the kids
- Just in case the kids have been overindulging in Wii, Nintendo, XBox,Mario,PacMan,online UNO Hulu, Pandora, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter until they're hands are numb and their eyes are swollen!

YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO BE START WINDING THE CLOCK BACK!
Because,

omg!!!  YOUR KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL IN LESS THAN A MONTH!

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