ECTA Center’s Post

Today April 17, 2024 the U.S. Congress and the disability community will celebrate National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. The day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT. Learn more about AT Awareness Day at: https://buff.ly/3UfvGDQ #ATAwarenessDay #disability #disabilityinclusion

Each year, the Case for Inclusion assesses how well all 50 states and the District of Columbia are supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to be supported in the community. This year’s Case for Inclusion reveals some promising progress that has been made since we published the 2023 edition of this annual report. Undoubtedly, this progress has been made possible through meaningful but temporary investments in community services. The question now is whether and how states will find ways to build on the progress revealed by the data to transform it into longer-term sustainability in our service delivery system. To glean an understanding of what the data reveals, as well as the roadmap for critically needed policy innovations and what advocates can do to support those innovations, please join United Cerebral Palsy and ANCOR for the national launch of the Case for Inclusion 2024. This webinar is free, but space is limited and advanced registration is required. To register,  visit: https://lnkd.in/ePhg38qy

Really glad to see OFSTED and CQC specifically looking at community inclusion and independent living for children with SEND. To prepare children with SEND for adulthood, they will need opportunities in schools to practice self-advocacy, make choices about decisions that effect them, and share a sense of belonging and community. My research explores this through the experiences of children with a disability, which you can read here: https://lnkd.in/e9h2tT2t

Happy #NationalATAwarenessDay! #AssistiveTechnology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the independence and function of #PeopleWithDisabilities and #OlderAdults by fostering #Independence, enhancing #Accessibility, and facilitating #Inclusion in various aspects of daily life. 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. AT allows individuals with #Disabilities and older adults to be included in their communities and in inclusive classrooms and workplaces. https://buff.ly/3xFVLDp

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

3 PM EDT TODAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 -- Interagency Partnerships So All Infants And Toddlers With Disabilities Get The Services They Need To Thrive --- Please join U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Director Valerie Williams for the webinar Interagency Partnerships So All Infants And Toddlers With Disabilities Get The Services They Need To Thrive. The webinar will highlight how federal, state, and local agencies work together to support infants and toddlers with disabilities’ growth and development. Representatives from federal agencies will highlight the importance of interagency collaboration between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C early intervention program and other federal programs serving infants and toddlers and their families. Representatives from state agencies representing the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program will share how they have developed partnerships and collaborated to support equitable and comprehensive systems that identify, locate, evaluate, and serve infants and toddlers with delays and disabilities and their families. https://lnkd.in/e9rN69wV

ACLP's 2024 Child Life Conference Lightning Pass gets you 12 recorded sessions in all domains covering timely topics like research, diversity, and, yes, disability! This year's pass includes four sessions that address disability, whether through a theoretical lens or practical intervention tips like representation in toys. Purchase the pass today and immediately receive access to all recorded sessions including: ⭕Disabling the Status Quo: Incorporating Disability Theory into Child Life Practice ⭕Inclusivity Kits: Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in play opportunities ⭕Health-Related Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Special Healthcare Needs: A Daily Diary Study ⭕The Role of Child Life Professionals in Overcoming Disability Stigma & Stereotypes At some point in their life, most individual experience disability- even child life professionals. These sessions speak to disability inclusion in clinical practice as well as how child life professionals can shift the conversation and attitudes towards disabled individuals- including colleagues in the field. Purchase the lightning pass TODAY: https://ow.ly/GpFc50SzbgH

Wondering how you can promote inclusion in your program? Does navigating policy seem daunting to you? Join this series to learn about the newly released Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To register, visit bit.ly/fedguidance2024 In the first session (May 8th), we will provide an overview of the policy statement and state-level recommendations. In the second session (May 15th), we will dive deeper into the components of this policy statement, explore local recommendations and the ways in which this statement can be a resource, and reflect on how it can reaffirm your program and community’s commitment to inclusion.

Wondering how you can promote inclusion in your program? Does navigating policy seem daunting to you? Join this series to learn about the newly released Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To register, visit bit.ly/fedguidance2024 In the first session (May 8th), we will provide an overview of the policy statement and state-level recommendations. In the second session (May 15th), we will dive deeper into the components of this policy statement, explore local recommendations and the ways in which this statement can be a resource, and reflect on how it can reaffirm your program and community’s commitment to inclusion.

A group of researchers, parents and youth under the leadership of Kinga Pozniak studied the impact of the #COVID-19 pandemic for Canadian children with disabilities and their families. Families faced a mix of disruptions and unexpected advantages during the pandemic—routine supports like healthcare, education, and social activities were often interrupted or moved online, creating significant challenges. However, some families also reported positive experiences, such as greater family cohesion and the beneficial use of online solutions for education and healthcare. Moving forward, the study identifies a critical need for flexible, consistent, and comprehensive support services that foster relationships and are coordinated across healthcare, education, and community services. These services should accommodate the varied needs of different families and include supports for the entire family, not just the disabled child. The findings emphasize the importance of adaptable, inclusive support systems in improving the well-being of children with disabilities and their families in the post-pandemic landscape. #participatoryresearch https://ow.ly/TSum50Rl8Cf