The New York Foundling’s Post

Bild is among 14 organisations calling on our political leaders to take action to protect the rights of people with Learning Disabilities and autistic people. “As a society we can decide whether we provide children and adults with learning disabilities, and autistic children and adults, with the support and services, including a named social worker, which we know enables them to lead the fulfilling lives that they have a right to. We know it is possible.” Read the full letter here https://lnkd.in/e2bbn-fW

Working in mental health, we don’t spend enough time learning about the history of our field. It always shocks me to remember that the legal precedent which granted people with mental health disabilities the human right to community participation was only established 25 years ago! There are leaders still working in our field today who played a critical role in this monumental advocacy, and who remember a time when most people with mental illness were institutionalized. Yet, we continue to institutionalize folks with mental illness in restrictive and carceral settings today. In Pennsylvania alone, there are about 1100 children in youth prisons. Some data estimates that as many as 65% of people in prisons or jails have a mental health condition. While the landmark Olmsted decision sought justice for people with mental illness to participate in their communities, we have entirely failed to build community-based mental health systems that support de-institutionalization. And, of course, this systemic failure disproportionately impacts minoritized communities. We must honor our history to forge a path forward. The fight for mental health justice must continue. None of us are free until all of us are free.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, we are reminded of the ongoing journey towards true equality and justice. Affordable housing is a critical piece of this puzzle. The Legacy of Housing Inequality 🏠 : For too long, systemic racism has created barriers to affordable housing for Black communities. From redlining to discriminatory lending practices, the legacy of these injustices continues to impact families today. Juneteenth is not only a day to celebrate freedom but also a call to action. We must continue to advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to affordable housing. This includes supporting fair housing laws, increasing funding for affordable housing projects, and promoting inclusive community development. How You Can Help: Educate Yourself: Learn about the history of housing discrimination and its impact on Black communities. Advocate: Support local and national initiatives that aim to create affordable housing opportunities. Get Involved: Volunteer with organizations dedicated to housing justice and support efforts to create inclusive neighborhoods. We can honor the spirit of Juneteenth by working towards a future where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. #Juneteenth #AffordableHousing #HousingEquality #FairHousing #CommunityDevelopment

Race and color discrimination in housing is still extremely prevalent. Sometimes in more or less obvious ways. "The seller wanted to pull out of the deal. Why? “You could hear the fear and disbelief in his voice,” Dr. Baxter said, recalling what her broker told her next. “He said, ‘I don’t know how to tell you this, but she doesn’t want to sell the home to you, and it’s because you’re Black.’” The seller, Jane Walker, 84, is white." These experiences that black and brown individuals and families have to go through can be traumatic and life-changing. This is why Fair Housing and education surrounding housing discrimination is important, and why we do the work that we do. Read the article to find out more about this story. #FairHousingForAll #FairHousingAct #fairhousingrights #FairHousing https://lnkd.in/g3Hszxgp

From our partners at the Rutgers Community Living Education Project (CLEP) - a person-centered organization that shares possibilities in community living. Their new video highlights the lives of four unique individuals living in different types of community environments. But 'community living' is about MORE than where you live. It's about being able to do the things you love, learn the things you want to learn, continuing your education if you choose to, and spending time with the people you enjoy. These are the things that create a person-centered life, and essential human right for everyone – including people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. https://lnkd.in/gnVabww2

Young children, especially Black children, are most at risk of eviction, a new study shows. About a quarter of Black babies and toddlers in rental households face eviction threats each year and housing instability has long-term impacts on their development. Eviction has devastating effects on the mental and physical health of families — especially children. We need affordable housing and policies that protect *all* our children’s futures. Read the full piece in The New York Times: https://nyti.ms/3tmI9um #EvictionCrisis #ChildhoodInstability #Eviction #HousingRights #TenantsRights #RentersRights

Sharing a little bit of myself. I don’t like wasps and I want to be better at not running away from them! Our ‘who am I?’ YJS family tree in reception. Promoting positive interactions, relationship building and giving a visual picture of the whole YJS network of support. The ‘who am I?’ document is also completed with all the children we work with and presented at decision making meetings where the child is being discussed. This helps to ensure that we separate the behaviour and the child, helps prevent adultification and promotes child first practice. #childfirst

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion begins with helping those in most need of thy mercy. Let us always find ways to empower people with disabilities so they can have a safe and fulfilling life. So, reflect on the teachings of Saint Mother Teresa who inspired hope and offered a renewed focus on living a life of love, service, and faith. A few of her quotes are as follows:: “Peace begins with a smile.” “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” My purpose in life is to offer faith and hope to others, as well as create a village where people with disabilities can live together in unity. My hope is to foster partnerships so we can develop a living village for the intellectually disabled. Please help an organization which has a focus of helping the disabled. Research is great but individual support makes an immediate difference in the lives of others. It only takes faith and action to make a difference! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Excellent conversation with Melanie Frazer, ACE and the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce! Thanks for giving me a platform to share information about the Project SEARCH program. #networking #schooltoworkprogram

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Tim Menke, CEO of Lott Industries, Inc. and District OPRA Board Member, District 4.   How many years have you served people with disabilities? 12 years   How long have you been an OPRA member? 4 years   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? 3 years   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? To be engaged and more informed about our industry, and to help serve people at Lott to the best of my ability.   How did you get started in our field of work? God’s direction and I obeyed.   What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? To be able to enjoy their lives without all the restrictions, guidelines, and rules that regulate their daily lives.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? I love serving people in this industry and would love to see them freed from over-regulation.