Dr. DeShanna Reed’s Post

In a society that values independence, it's essential to recognize and talk about the power of interdependence! For youth and adults with disabilities, this concept is crucial. But the truth is that interdependence is equally important for all people: needing help is universal. We all rely on one another in various ways. Acknowledging the ways we lean on one another, and normalizing the act of needing help, can lead to more successful transitions from school to adulthood for all young people. It can also lead to stronger and more supportive communities. Interdependence means building networks where everyone feels comfortable asking for help and everyone’s strengths are valued. It’s also about fostering inclusive environments where mutual support is the norm. For adults with disabilities, interdependence provides access to necessary resources and support, empowering them to pursue their goals. Teaching youth to embrace interdependence (and not just focus on independence) as they enter into adulthood also enhances emotional well-being, because youth learn that they have a support system to lean on (and that this is a normal part of adult life). But interdependence is not just about individuals with disabilities; it’s about all of us. We all benefit from the exchange of skills, knowledge, and support. By shifting our focus from independence to interdependence, we are aiming for a world where everyone has the skills to access the support they need. This Independence Day, let’s celebrate our connections and work together to build a more interdependent and inclusive future! #Inclusion #Interdependence #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #TransitionPlanning #DisabilityAdvocacy

They are more vulnerable to attack, molestation, abuse and violence Over 50% of them are not heard and ignored, 65% experience s£xual violence before age eighteen especially by family members, caregivers, and institutional facilities. Will you believe that over 40.7% of these same set of people doesn't and more might not have primary education? Happy International Day of the Girl Child 🎉 It is of utmost importance that we recognize, celebrate and address the unique challenges faced by girls with disabilities. Caring and educating girls with disabilities is paramount. 5 QUICK TIPS to give them the best care. 1. Safe and Supportive Environment: Create a nurturing home that fosters independence, positive self-esteem, free from emotional, mental and s£xual abuse. 2. Healthy Interpresonal Relationship: Caring for girls with disabilities can be alot but it would be far better to have a close relationship with her than having to treat or nurture what can be avoided with good communication, understanding, observation and patience. 3. Educational Support: Enroll her into a good school where she can get quality education or collaborate with educators to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) if there's none, take time to educate your child. (Thank God for Google College of Education where almost all your questions and worries would be answered) 4. Encouragement and Advocacy Advocate for their needs in schools, communities, and healthcare settings. 5. Social Inclusion: Take them out, show them movies, videos of other girls with disabilities doing exceedingly well. Then foster friendship and participation in community activities to enhance social skills. Together we can make the world a more inclusive place for girls with disabilities. I am Fadekemi Dorcas Adeoti , a disability advocate and tutor of children with disabilities. #happyinternationaldayofthegirlchild #girlchildday #girlswithdisabilities

In my book, "The Power of Community Connectedness," I showcase many of our community's organizations and individuals who are passionate about serving those on a disability journey. Trying to figure out everything on our own and googling for answers to our questions doesn't work well, if at all. Talking to a real human being - truly connecting - knowing we are being heard and understood - is what is powerful and life changing. The book features local people, but is meant to be used by other communities who long to duplicate similar services. Maybe you, or someone in your community, want to start a nonprofit coffee shop, similar to Kenzie's Be Cafe. Or look into housing for individuals with disabilities - GRACIOUS GROUNDS INC. Maybe they need help with Special Needs Planning - Jeff Light, ChSNC™. You probably know of caregivers who would benefit from talking with Jessica Ronne - Coffeewithcaregivers. Or perhaps you are looking to create a place where everyone is welcome, similar to Momentum Center. There are people who would love to talk with you and partner with you on your journey. Reach out. I love how the book's contributors share ideas, resources, and time with one another, furthering the reach and strength of their impact. Other communities can easily adopt the same practices. I am happy to talk with you if your community is interested in creating a similar resource book. We are stronger together. #community #strongertogether #disability The Power of Community Connectedness: Creating Lifelong Impact & Inclusion for Individuals with Disabilities https://a.co/d/8g6qNyb

Breaking the Silence, Building a Brighter Future As a parent, you hold the key to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for your child with a learning disability. Embrace the power of your voice – speak out and seek assistance without hesitation! Why Speak Out? - Early intervention significantly enhances outcomes - Promoting awareness diminishes stigma and fosters acceptance - Support networks provide strength to families - Advocacy paves the way for equal opportunities - Your voice serves as inspiration for others Resources to Get You Started: - National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) - Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) - Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Autism Society - Local support groups and organizations Ways to Advocate: - Share your narrative on social media - Engage with advocacy groups and events - Collaborate with educators and policymakers - Participate in awareness initiatives - Connect with fellow families Empowering Messages: - Your child's disability does not define their potential - Each child merits equitable chances - Inclusion enriches all lives - Your voice holds significance - Together, we can shape a more promising future Join the movement by sharing your child's journey on social media using #LearningDisabilityAwareness. Let's amplify our voices and drive change together.

This is truly my MOST PROUD MOMENT! 🥹 Throughout my extensive and accomplished career, I've celebrated many significant achievements and milestones, some of which have been truly groundbreaking! However, this one? It resonates deeply and holds a special place in my heart. Just last week, we proudly inaugurated the first ‘All Play’ playground in Westminster, with plans to create many more! 🥳🙌💪 The real triumph lies in the transformation of attitudes and perceptions regarding how children with disabilities are treated. One of the most touching moments of the day was watching a non-verbal autistic child use the communication board to articulate his needs. Another non-verbal autistic child experienced the joy of swinging for the first time, feeling secure in the harness and seat. These moments are invaluable and beyond words, and truly represent what inclusion means. What I cherish most is having witnessed children of all abilities playing, learning, and socialising together. For me, this is the ultimate expression of joy, and where my heart has felt the fullest! 🤩 Read the article 👇 https://lnkd.in/dYCUzmtD Photo ID: Sara with Amani who is on her left, and another little girl who is on her right posing for the picture on the wheelchair accessible roundabout. #AllPlay #Inclusion #InclusivePlaygrounds #AccessiblePlayground #Play #InclusivePlay #Parenting #Disability #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabilityAwareness #Equity #Equality

🌟 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 🌟 In honor of this important day, we’re revisiting one of our most heartfelt episodes from Season 1, Series 3 of Questions You Didn’t Ask: Parenting Children with Disabilities in the African American Community. As a proud mom to a beautiful daughter with Down syndrome, this topic is so close to my heart. In these episodes, I joined Maya Corneille, PhD, Director of Nia School Inc. to share the joys, challenges, and lessons we've learned raising children with Down Syndrome and Autism. This conversation is a reminder that we still have work to do to create a world that truly includes everyone. 💙 🎧 Listen now and let’s continue the conversation: https://lnkd.in/e48Jekq9 #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #DownSyndromeAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #QuestionsYouDidntAsk #healthequity 📢 Shoutout to the incredible organizations dedicated to providing care, support, and advocacy for the disabled community—you are making a world of difference! 🙌 Autism in Black Black Down Syndrome Association (BDSA) North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance GiGi's Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers Disability Belongs Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities The Well Project LaVant Consulting, Inc. 💡 Tag a leader or organization making an impact in health equity. Let’s amplify these stories and create change together!

You are not defined by your diagnosis. Your worth goes beyond any labels. Embrace your journey, celebrate your victories, and remember, you are enough. 🌟 #YouAreEnough #EmbraceYourJourney San Antonio has several organizations dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities. Here are some notable ones: 1. San Antonio Independent Living Services (SAILS): Provides services that promote independent living for people with disabilities, including advocacy, peer support, and skills training. 2. The Arc of San Antonio: Offers a variety of services, including day programs, case management, and support for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 3. Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI): Provides residential, vocational, and day habilitation services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 4. Disability Rights Texas: While not exclusive to San Antonio, this statewide organization offers advocacy and legal services to protect the rights of people with disabilities. 5. Autism Community Network (ACN): Focuses on early diagnosis and providing comprehensive support services for children with autism and their families. 6. Any Baby Can: Supports families with children who have special health care needs, providing services like counseling, case management, and financial assistance. 7. Down Syndrome Association of South Texas: Provides support, resources, and activities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 8. Morgan's Wonderland: An accessible amusement park designed for individuals with and without disabilities, promoting inclusion and fun for all ages. These organizations offer a range of services, from advocacy and legal assistance to direct care and recreational opportunities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities in San Antonio have access to the support they need. #SanAntonio #DisabilitySupport #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusiveCommunity #IndependentLiving #DisabilityRights #AutismSupport #DownSyndromeAwareness #SpecialNeeds #AccessibilityMatters #Empowerment #SupportServices #CommunityCare #InclusivePlay #DisabilityResources #TexasNonprofits #FamiliesFirst #SupportLocal

🌟 Monday Motivation: Empowerment and Intimacy Solutions with Scout Merry! 🌟 Hello, #GMAFamily! Let's start this week on an empowering note, embracing opportunities to grow, learn, and connect in meaningful ways. This Thursday, we’re hosting a special webinar with Scout Merry, focused on exploring intimacy solutions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 📅 Mark Your Calendars: Date: This Thursday Time: 12 PM CST Topic: Intimacy Solutions and Empowerment with Scout Merry Why This Webinar Matters: Scout Merry is dedicated to fostering understanding and support for individuals with disabilities, especially regarding relationships and intimacy. This session will delve into essential insights on how to navigate these topics, providing practical solutions and breaking down stigmas. What to Expect: In-Depth Insights: Explore ways to support the IDD community in developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Practical Tools: Discover resources and strategies that can be integrated into daily life, promoting positive self-image, communication, and intimacy. Live Q&A: Have your questions answered by experts, providing clarity and guidance on addressing these sensitive topics. Stay Motivated and Engaged: This is an opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute to inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with disabilities. Empowerment isn't just about technology; it’s also about fostering personal growth and connection. Join Us: Let's kick off the week with the motivation to make positive changes, whether through education, advocacy, or direct support. Don't miss this chance to learn and engage with Scout Merry and see how we can build a more inclusive world for all. See you on Thursday for a session that promises to inspire and inform! #MondayMotivation #ScoutMerryWebinar #InclusiveRelationships #IDDCommunity #Empowerment

Is this a hot take? People shouldn’t have to disclose their disability to get the support and accommodations they need to be successful. I know the Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodations be provided to people with disabilities, but hear me out… There are all these myths that people take advantage of accommodations, that lazy people are looking for an easier time, people even think that others pretend to be disabled to “hack the system”. Sure there are gross people who do gross things. And What does that say about the state of our humanity if we choose to believe that there are more frauds than people who truly want to be successful at what they do? A recent article said the 43% of people with disabilities don’t feel safe asking for accommodations. Another report found that nearly half of workplace accommodations can be made at NO cost. If you are saying “no” to a student or employee asking for help to be more successful - and you are labeling them lazy, instead of thinking about ways to help them - maybe you should take a step back and ask yourself why you want to hold them back from their success. __________________________________ If you’re new here, I’m Christy. Mom to 3 amazing young men, and my youngest is autistic. I’m building Experiential Life, the community for parents and caregivers raising neurodivergent kids. The app (under development) provides a single point of entry for parents and caregivers raising neurodivergent children to receive information, resources, community, and support. You can find more info in the comments 💕

Why is disabilities housing important? Because if things work out the way we hope, our children will outlive us - and they will need housing solutions that work when we are gone. Yesterday, I attended a powerful disabilities housing symposium. As I sip my tea this morning, I’m reflecting on the conversations that took place and the housing models shared. The housing crisis for people with disabilities is not new, but having so many people in one room learning about what's possible was both inspiring and hard. Each person has unique needs, making this an incredibly complex challenge. At first, I felt overwhelmed thinking about how to address it all. But today, I’m shifting my mindset: - Why can’t we create ALL the housing solutions? - What’s stopping us from thinking bigger and bolder? With the collective knowledge in that room, with right support for families and resources, and with organizations like the Autism Alliance of Michigan, SAIL, and other incredible groups driving these conversations, THIS IS POSSIBLE. Let’s be bold. #Housing #creativity #Inclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #BeBold