Independent Arts Projects (IAP)’s Post

Making Positive Moves: Hearing from people with learning disabilities about rebuilding their best lives after discharge. Learn about this project at this on line workshop 6.8.24 at 10am Book here https://bit.ly/4bCxPPE

Medical News Today: The connection between eczema and learning disabilities is a relatively new area of research. However, existing studies suggest that there is a link between the two. Learn more. https://ow.ly/OJH750QIev4 #LearningDisabilities #learningchallenges

"...parents used metaphors with negative connotations regarding uncertainty, conflict + harm..." I find this article by the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research team veeerrrrry interesting. It is about metaphors used by families with disabled kids to describe health care. Walls, puzzles, slamming doors, games...all common words to describe experiences. Now my question is: Who is going to help families tear down these walls? https://lnkd.in/gRTfBFpC

It's official! We are running an in person 'communicating about hidden disabilities' seminar and social on Saturday 23rd March, 13:00-16:30. At Garden House in oxfordshire (OX13 6AF) - tickets £16 adult, and £6 child. With COVID precautions. It is especially relevant to people who live with fatigue, pain, or overwhelm and their family, carers, and even health and social care professionals who work to support them. For more info and tickets, see: https://buff.ly/42YbRDP (Note: we are working on a blog with detailed information about the venue including accessibility information, but it's going to take a day or two to complete - it will be linked from the event page as soon as it's ready) [Image description: Smiling white woman with shoulder length brown hair, blue eyes, and slightly wonky glasses. On the LHS is a title powerpoint slide "Creating understanding of hidden symptoms and disabilities' - with an overwhelmed stickman holding it's head. ]

If we want children to thrive we must first understand their sensory and emotional needs. By recognising sensory triggers and ensuring emotional needs are met, we create inclusive environments where every child can shine. PD: Graphic with green border and quotation marks with the quote 'If we want children to thrive, we must first understand their sensory and emotional needs'. #InclusivePractices #SENDInclusion #ChildrensActivities #TheFriendlySENDAdvisor #SEND #SensoryProcessing

Calling all AAC users! What has been your experience with peer supports? Please take this short 5-question survey: https://lnkd.in/e9BPmRwh (If you aren't an AAC user yourself, please share with those that you know. The information from this survey will help develop a national plan for AAC peer support models.) #AAC CommunicationFIRST

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

We've got to start asking the hard questions when we look at diversity.  I am constantly working to put in place accessible policies at Onwards and Upwards Psychology to break down barriers in the community. Accessibility, accessibility, accessibility. For my upcoming workshop, I saved 3 x  free spaces for those colleagues who may not have been able to afford the ticket fee, opening it up to single and/or neurodivergent parents, with reduced fees for students. Yes, professional development is important but so is putting food on the table and ensuring the lights stay on, which is the reality for some of our colleagues.Being highly educated does NOT equate to higher standards of living, as everyone's situation is different. Our disabled colleagues often find ourselves working reduced hours when compared to our neurotypical counterparts, with less disposable income as a result. I am in the position where I get to hear people's experiences and sighs of relief when they know this too can be an option for them. I *know* what it's like to be not and left out of the conversation. It's one of the reasons I teach therapists about the power of privilege, societal gaps and the importance of knowing your own. A very warm welcome to the table. (ID: Two cartoon characters are chatting. In one speech bubble, it says "Diversity asks "Who's in the room?", to which equity responds "Who's trying to get in the room but can't?" #neurodivergent #Psychology #Inclusion 

🏠 Creating Inclusive, Sensory-Friendly Spaces 🏠 Inclusive environments are vital for individuals with ASD and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive. These spaces go beyond physical accessibility, recognizing and addressing the diverse sensory needs of all community members. Picture a community center hosting a sensory-friendly event: the lighting is gentle, the noise levels are low, and there are designated quiet areas for those who need a break. These thoughtful adjustments can greatly enhance the experience for people with ASD and IDD, enabling them to fully engage in community activities. But inclusivity doesn't stop there. It extends to everyday spaces like parks, libraries, and restaurants. Practices such as easy-to-understand signage, visual schedules, and staff training on interacting with people with diverse needs. Accessibility encompasses digital spaces too. Websites and apps can be designed with features that cater to the needs of people with ASD and IDD, ensuring equitable access to information and services. By sensory-friendly spaces in our communities, we create environments where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Let's continue to advocate for inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that people with ASD and IDD have equal opportunities to participate and contribute to community life! 💙 #InclusionForAll #AutismAwareness

Very interesting article from the House of Lords on disabled young adults and employment. The importance of reasonable adjustments, particularly in English and Math, cannot be overstated. But who can get an EHCP to be given the reasonable adjustments. Additionally, the delays in Access to Work are a significant issue that must be addressed. As we enter 'Dyslexia Awareness Month,' it's crucial to acknowledge that awareness should go beyond a day or a week. Hidden disabilities, like dyslexia, are experienced 24/7, 365 days a year. We rely on accessibility tools constantly—whether it’s ramps, lifts, braille, subtitles, hardware, or software. These tools aren’t used once a year and stored away; they are essential for daily life.Let’s move beyond token gestures and ensure that awareness and meaningful change continue every day. #Dyslexia #Disability https://lnkd.in/e_DBjn86