Academy of St. Louis’ Post

April 14th to 20th is Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Week in Colorado! With a spotlight on National AT Awareness Day on April 17th. Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day commemorates the importance and vital role AT plays in the lives of people with disabilities. This day reinforces the necessary support and funding the federal government provides to ensure people receive the assistive technology necessary to engage in education, employment, and community living. Assistive technology allows individuals with disabilities to be included in their communities and in inclusive classrooms and workplaces and these devices are necessities, not luxury items. National Assistive Technology Awareness Day also provides an opportunity to commend assistive technology specialists and program coordinators for their hard work and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities who are in need of finding the proper assistive technology to meet their individual needs; and professional organizations and researchers dedicated to facilitating the access and acquisition of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities in need of assistive technology devices. What kind of AT can you think of that enables individuals to do things independently? #creatingcommunicators #k9speechie #ashaigers #atinei #cci #caninecompanionsservicedog #weareindepdence #facilitydog #authenticcommunication #aacfun #aactherapy #aacassessment #privatepracticeslp #speechielife #aacslp #speechlanguagepathology #aac #itsaboutconnection #preverbal #nonverbal #betterworldwithafacilitydog

🚨 Transforming Justice: A New Approach for Learning Disabilities 🚨Part Two Law enforcement's involvement in sensitive cases with individuals with learning disabilities calls for a radical rethink. Shifting from punitive to supportive strategies is essential for honouring their rights and well-being. ✨ Minimising Trauma and Promoting Understanding : - 1️⃣ Trauma-Informed Practices: Adopting trauma-informed practices can help minimise the psychological impact of police interactions on individuals with learning disabilities. 2️⃣ Community-Based Support: Engaging community-based support services can provide a more supportive environment, reducing the need for police intervention. 3️⃣ Individualised Care Plans: Developing individualised care plans that include input from healthcare providers, caregivers, and the individuals themselves can ensure more tailored and appropriate responses. 📚 Preventive Education as a Cornerstone Early Intervention: - 1️⃣ Implementing educational programs that focus on early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into police matters. 2️⃣ Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities can foster a more inclusive society and reduce stigma. 3️⃣ Collaborative Efforts: Collaborating with schools, healthcare providers, and community organisations can create a robust support network that preemptively addresses potential issues. Creating a more inclusive and sensitive approach to justice for all cognitive abilities requires proactive steps and a commitment to continuous improvement. #JusticeReform #SupportNotPunishment #InclusiveSociety

This piece discusses some of the most common learning disabilities and their typical symptoms. So when you see it in your kids, you know how to identify what's what and you do better. Subscribe to read The Morning Context https://lnkd.in/egDaDi2d

Research suggests that roughly one in seven people with learning disabilities exhibit challenging behaviour, and Pete McGill, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Learning Disability, Tizard Centre at University of Kent, says this is because some children with learning disabilities never develop the social skills to communicate their needs. Challenging behaviour can have a significant impact on people with learning disabilities, as well as family members, friends and carers. Behaviours that challenge may include self-injury, hurting others, destructive behaviours and eating inedible objects. We created our #learningdisabliity solution to encourage communication between service users and caregivers - no matter their level of digital literacy. Like to learn more about how we help individuals with learning disability to live their best lives and provide caregivers with the data they need for funding applications and inspections? Book a demo or reach out to us 👇 https://lnkd.in/gp-fBsxJ #learningdisability #communitycare

¡Only 3 places left! Tomorrow, Wednesday 4th September 16:00-17:30 is the online launch of Speculative Care Futures. Speculative Care Futures is a report written from the perspective of an imagined social care facility providing services for individuals described as having PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities). The report follows a staff team who are questioning their practices and exploring new ways to nurture a meaningfully connected community of individuals with profoundly different ways of being. “It is written from a neurodivergent celebrating and affirming perspective. And follows many years of working with Sensory Beings in my practice. “It is the longest thing I’ve ever written and I’m so excited to finally share it with the world.” says Max If you’re interested in attending the launch follow the link below for more information and a sign up form. Those who sign up will have the option of receiving a printed copy of the report. There are limited spaces so if you’re keen hop on it! The report will be available online from the 4th September with an audio version following. 👉Sign up for tomorrow's sharing - https://bit.ly/3X1hLCU #pmld #complexneeds #inclusion #artist #particpatorypractice #sensory #play #supportwork #carework

Disabilities, Vol. 4, Pages 368-383: Evaluating an Adapted Physical Activity Program for University Students and Staff Living with a Physical Disability and/or Chronic Condition through a Self-Determination Theory Lens @MDPI

Did you know that today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day? Did you know that there is often bi-partisan support for Assistive Technology? Assistive technology can make the difference for employment and other opportunities Please check out the provided link to learn how assistive technology empowers people AND learn about companies that are purposefully making opportunities accessible and compatible for people with disabilities. #ATAwarenessDay #disability #disabilityinclusion

Children with emotional disability (also known as emotional disturbance) are significantly more likely than children with other disabilities to: ❌ NOT be integrated into regular classrooms ❌ Experience a disciplinary removal ❌ Drop out of school Over the years, multiple social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions have been developed to support children with emotional disabilities. But, New York City Public Schools found that one-size-fits all programs were not sufficient for their student population. So, the district created—and began studying—an educational pilot called the Path Program. At the heart of this program are occupational therapists ❤️ and #occupationaltherapy concepts ❤️. Our OT Potential featured journal article describes the research-practice partnership that supported this program’s development—and the role of trauma-informed care in social-emotional learning interventions. Next week on the OT Potential podcast, we will welcome Michelle Flemen-Tung, MSEd, the program director for the Path Program. She will share concrete ways we can all improve the support we provide to kids with emotional disabilities. Let me know any thoughts/questions you have about the research!

Our latest #ASHAInnovator is Lauren Abremski, an SLP in Florida. Read Lauren's story to learn how her passion to advance inclusion and representation played a crucial role in her decision to become a CSD professional. What led you to become a CSD professional? "I decided to become a CSD professional because I am a person with a disability (Cerebral Palsy) who received therapy services as a child. I personally understand the importance of how interventions from speech-language pathologists and other related fields positively improve peoples’ lives. I also understand the importance of inclusion and representation and wanted to be a role model, inspiring and encouraging others to pursue their professional and personal goals." How do you use innovation in your work? "My innovation comes from experience with having a disability. I have personal insight on how a disability can impact your life. I have learned the importance of teaching self-advocacy skills, providing additional resources on disability support, and teaching others the rights people with disabilities have such as reasonable accommodations and modifications at school and/or work." If you could tell future audiologists/SLPs/CSD professionals one thing, what would it be? "The CSD field is wonderful to be in because it's rewarding to see how it positively impacts the well-being of others, so they can have a better life." ________________________ The ASHA Innovator initiative is led by ASHA’s 2023 Board of Directors President Dr. Robert M. Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP. Answers submitted by ASHA Innovators are presented in their own words and may not necessarily represent ASHA or its views. #ASHAInnovator