Chicago Commons’ Post

The community plays a vital role in the education of children with disabilities, providing support, resources, and inclusive environments. Here are some key aspects: *Community Involvement:* 1. Acceptance and awareness: Promoting understanding and acceptance of disabilities. 2. Volunteerism: Assisting in classrooms, mentoring, or supporting extracurricular activities. 3. Fundraising: Providing resources for special education programs and services. 4. Advocacy: Supporting policies and initiatives benefiting children with disabilities. *Community-Based Resources:* 1. Rehabilitation centers: Offering therapy, counseling, and support services. 2. Support groups: Connecting families with similar experiences. 3. Community organizations: Providing recreational activities, respite care, and employment training. 4. Healthcare services: Access to medical professionals, therapies, and assistive technology. *Inclusive Community Environments:* 1. Accessible public spaces: Parks, playgrounds, and community centers. 2. Transportation: Accessible transportation options for children with disabilities. 3. Recreation programs: Adaptive sports, arts, and cultural activities. 4. Employment opportunities: Job training and placement services. *Benefits for Children:* 1. Socialization and friendship opportunities. 2. Increased confidence and self-esteem. 3. Development of life skills and independence. 4. Better academic outcomes and post-secondary opportunities. *Benefits for the Community:* 1. Promoting diversity and inclusion. 2. Breaking down stigmas and stereotypes. 3. Fostering empathy and understanding. 4. Building a more supportive and inclusive society. *Challenges and Solutions:* 1. Lack of resources and funding: Collaborate with organizations, governments, and businesses. 2. Limited awareness and understanding: Educate and raise awareness through community events. 3. Inaccessible environments: Advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. 4. Stigma and discrimination: Promote acceptance and inclusion through community engagement. By engaging the community in the education of children with disabilities, we can create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment that benefits everyone. Here's a more detailed explanation of the role of community in education of children with disabilities: *Community Involvement* 1. Acceptance and Awareness: Community members can promote understanding and acceptance of disabilities, reducing stigma and stereotypes. 2. Volunteerism: Volunteers can assist in classrooms, mentor students, or support extracurricular activities, providing additional support and role models. 3. Fundraising: Community fundraising efforts can provide resources for special education programs, services, and equipment. 4. Advocacy: Community advocacy can influence policies and initiatives supporting children with disabilities #RaiseAgainstAutism #PinnacleSaysItAll #PinnacleBloomsNetwork #1AutismTherapyCentresNetwork

As we work towards creating inclusive educational environments, the challenge of ensuring that children with disabilities receive the necessary services in community-based pre-K settings is more pressing than ever. This insightful piece by Aaron Loewenberg sheds light on the complexities of mixed delivery systems in early education and the vital role states like Illinois and Oregon play in bridging the gap for special education services. Discover how cross-sector collaboration and innovative service models are making a difference. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all children. #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #CommunityInvolvement #NonProfitLeadership

Crucial New Research 📢 The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) just released a report on child care accessibility for families with disabilities. The Arc proudly contributed to this research, helping to shed light on a critical issue affecting millions. Key findings: 🔸2.2 million children under 5, and 3 million parents of young children have a reported disability 🔸Families face significant barriers in finding and maintaining appropriate child care, impacting work and overall well-being 🔸Child care providers struggle to meet families' needs due to staff shortages and funding constraints 🔸Many parents are unaware of available resources to support their search for inclusive child care This report provides vital data to inform policymakers as they work to improve child care access. We're particularly grateful that GAO created an Easy Read version, making the findings more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While this report focused on early childhood, we acknowledge that families face ongoing challenges finding appropriate care throughout childhood. We continue to advocate for inclusive, accessible care options for children of all ages. Read the explainer blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g39cu9hx

“This proposed delay places a burden on already challenged regional centers, service providers and staff." Thank you to the Los Angeles Times for shedding a light on this important issue! Read the article to learn about the significant impact that the governor's delay of funding will have on people with developmental disabilities and the organizations that provide services. Comment below and share the article to help spread the word. https://lat.ms/4aGe7CM.

Check out this webinar on May 30th on "Supporting caregivers of children with disabilities in Cambodia" hosted by RTI International

“On Time Mobility” is a term coined to reflect best practices towards providing hours of daily active mobility opportunities to young children with disabilities, to foster exploration, motor development and socialisation. The On Time Mobility Framework addresses five key principles – Timing, Urgency, Multimodal, Frequency and Sociability. These principles allow therapists to examine current mobility practices in young children with disability alongside advocating for and providing equitable resources. For more information about the Framework and how clinicians, researchers, manufactures and families can get involved to create a better future for children with disabilities through on-time mobility, click here- https://lnkd.in/eb4H5-Bd

Did you see this NPR article on the special education staffing crisis in Del Norte County, CA? It highlights severe challenges for children with disabilities and shows that this crisis is part of a bigger problem - school absenteeism, exacerbated by the pandemic (yes, many are still feeling the impact). As a clinician who works closely with school districts, parents, educators, and other youth service providers, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of these challenges. The pandemic has caused historic learning losses, and while there has been some progress, many students are still struggling to reach pre-pandemic levels in math and reading. Emma and Shawn’s stories in this article remind us of the real impact of this crisis. Students with disabilities are missing out on education due to a lack of support, leading to a loss of vital skills. This issue is compounded by the broader problem of absenteeism affecting all students. It is so important to educate parents on their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provide them with the advocacy skills needed to fight for their children’s needs. At the same time, schools must prioritize hiring and retaining skilled special education staff; policymakers need to fully fund programs and we need to continue to build supportive communities around families with children with disabilities. I'm glad to be part of a community of advocates, educators, and clinicians committed to making a difference and providing support to children, teens, and families. Now, back to work. https://lnkd.in/gSBCdQik

The role of community in the education of children with disabilities is vital for fostering inclusivity, support, and accessibility. A community-centered approach promotes a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration among educators, families, and local organizations. This creates a holistic learning environment where children with disabilities receive tailored support, enhancing their academic and social development. Communities can provide essential resources such as specialized services, assistive technologies, and trained personnel that may not be available within schools alone. Collaboration with healthcare providers, therapists, and disability advocates ensures that the unique needs of these children are met. Moreover, community involvement helps break down societal stigmas associated with disabilities, fostering a culture of acceptance and empathy. Parents and caregivers, as integral members of the community, play a key role in advocating for their children’s needs, ensuring they have access to quality education. Schools and community groups can also offer peer support programs, where children without disabilities learn to interact and empathize with their peers, promoting an inclusive culture. Ultimately, an engaged community enriches the educational experiences of children with disabilities by providing the support, resources, and advocacy necessary for their full participation in education, ensuring they can thrive academically and socially. #RaiseAgainstAutism #PinnacleSaysItAll #PinnacleBloomsNetwork #1AutismTherapyCentresNetwork

Celebrating Katelyn Boyles! Katelyn (they/ze/hir) is a Training Manager based in central Texas. Ze spent the last ten years serving disabled and neurodivergent young people in New Orleans, LA, and now helps youth-serving organizations do good work better by providing training in best practices of inclusivity, equity, and access for educators and clinicians. We asked Katelyn some questions about their experience at Cardea thus far: What are you currently working on? Currently, I have the exciting task of building out comprehensive sexuality education materials specific to the needs of disabled and neurodivergent young people. The current vision for this body of work is to include both eLearning modules and a virtual cohort model that will allow educators to self-elect either a Mid- or High-Support track depending on the needs of their students, collaborate and share resources, and deep dive into specific student needs. Resources for sexuality education for students with support needs have often lagged behind mainstream curricula and instructional practices, so it’s both humbling and super inspiring to get to be a part of this work! What’s exciting about your field at the moment? The COVID landscape has meant that conversations of access and equity are on the front lines for disabled folks like myself, and even before COVID, advents in the disability justice movement and the protactile movement have made huge advances in the last couple of decades. More and more educators and family members are looking for tools to maximize the autonomy and agency of the young people in their lives and provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to self-advocate and make change. I’m so grateful for the work of Sins Invalid and other folks living at the intersection of access needs and systems of oppression, and so grateful for the opportunity to share the wisdom of the disabled community at a time when understanding and advocating for equitable access is so crucial. #DisabilityJustice #Equity #Accessibility

I am excited to share an insightful resource from CADRE Works that delves into the critical issue of IDEA due process procedures. As a parent navigating the complexities of the education system for children with disabilities, I found this webinar not only enlightening but also empowering. It addresses the overly legalistic barriers that disproportionately affect parents from marginalized communities, leading to inequities and delays in critical services for our children. The bureaucratic hurdles and financial strains only add to the challenges we face. What stood out to me were the actionable recommendations presented for the upcoming reauthorization: simplifying the process for better accessibility, fostering a collaborative rather than adversarial approach, ensuring expedited resolutions through strict timelines, and advocating for increased IDEA program funding. These changes can potentially enhance support for children with disabilities and their families significantly. I highly recommend this webinar to professionals and parents looking to understand and navigate the IDEA due process more effectively. It's a call to action for all of us to advocate for a system that truly meets the needs of every child. Let's come together to support these necessary changes. #AdvocateDad #SpecialEducation #IDEA #InclusiveEducation #ParentAdvocacy