PES Structural Engineers’ Post

Yesterday Myles Wallace and I had the opportunity to visit with the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center. Did you know... 📌 Many people develop vision loss later in life. 📌 People who are blind may not use a cane or guide dog and you'd never know they were blind walking past them on the street. 📌 Blind people may have some vision left but it comes and goes, so they're trained to navigate the world without relying on it. 📌 The leading causes of vision loss are macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Like many other disabilities, vision loss exists on a spectrum. Blind people are a diverse group who experience disability differently. One my biggest wow moments was learning that one of the classes students are required to take is woodworking. (Yes, a blind person can use a circular saw.) This helps them learn to use other senses as well as follow safety protocols. In one of the pictures attached here is a shelf and box made by blind people in the center. -- Vision loss can be scary, especially if you've lived your life up to that point seeing. Criss Cole Center, run by Texas Workforce Commission, helps newly blind Texans get re-oriented to living and operating in the world with vision loss. Peak Performers partners with Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center because many blind people have skills that are perfectly suited for office work. Also, technologies such as voiceover (especially #JAWS developed by Freedom Scientific) and screen magnification allow them to operate computers. Blind people often hold positions as customer service representatives, accountants, accessibility professionals, and more. 👉🏾 If you'd like to learn more about how to tap into this unique talent pool--let's talk! https://lnkd.in/gABhkzyd 👉🏾 If you know a Texan who has developed blindness, you can learn more about Criss Cole here: https://lnkd.in/gea4VuDR #VisionLoss #Blindness #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityEmployment #PeakPerformers A special shout out to Jessica Glasebrook and Michael Sanchez for being our guides at the center!

Last week our Minnesota community lost a beautiful child. Police believe that his death was an accidental drowning. This boy was non-verbal and diagnosed with Autism. He was drawn to water and afraid of loud noises. Unfortunately, this is a story that we have heard before. Our hope is through this tragic loss we can start to have conversations about the importance of Assistive Technology (AT). Not only can AT improve lives it can SAVE lives. Parents of children with disabilities MUST be informed of tools and resources that are available to help and protect their children. There are many types of tools available for people who wander. Alerts can be installed in homes; an example would be a door alarm. If a door is opened an audible alert will sound. An alarm mat is another possibility. As soon as someone steps on the mat an alarm sounds alerting caregivers. Another example would be a GPS tracking device. These trackers can be wearables like a watch or, a shoe insert or could be attached to a backpack. GPS trackers offer different features that are customizable to the individual's needs. Examples include 24/7 TRACKING (monitor location at any time), GEOFENCING (create geofence areas to alert you if your loved one has left a "safe zone". SOS BUTTON (quick emergency assistance) if the person becomes lost, confused, or needs medical help. If you would like to learn more about assistive technology for wandering or elopement in Minnesota please contact us at star.program@state.mn.us or call 888-234-1267. If you are not in Minnesota go to the AT3 Center to find your state AT Act program (link below). #AssistiveTechnology #Autism #Dementia #GPSTracking

SHIM: Oh, absolutely, because the last thing I will add here is that those systems, all of these systems, they all are working the way they were designed to work. So, everything that we see in the system that looks terrible, they're actually working exactly the way they are supposed to work. And this is why I get so frustrated when we get into rooms with intellectuals, and we sit around, and we talk about like: how can we fix the system? There are not enough people who really have a desire and a vested interest to fix the system. If we had that, we wouldn't see these outcomes. But the system is working to give capital and money and power to exactly the people within that system that want money and power, and this is the result of that design. https://lnkd.in/e9yVcmXM

The Essence of Life and the Importance of Being Law-Abiding Life is a precious gift, filled with opportunities and experiences that shape our existence. Its essence lies in the pursuit of fulfillment, nurturing relationships, and contributing to the greater good. Laws provide the foundation for order and safety in society. Being law-abiding means respecting this social contract, fostering trust, and promoting collective well-being. In contexts of rampant delinquency and drug abuse, adhering to laws becomes even more crucial. Delinquency and drug abuse often stem from deeper societal issues like socioeconomic challenges and lack of opportunities. Addressing these requires a holistic approach, including mental health services, education, and community support. Individuals play a vital role by making positive choices, supporting those in need, and promoting awareness about the consequences of illegal activities. By working together, we can build a safer, healthier society where everyone can thrive, upholding the principles of justice and compassion. Nforba John, Esq. Dayton - OHIO July 2024

As I near my 21st year at one of California's 21 Regional Center's I can't help but reflect on the challenges within California's system serving those with Developmental Disabilities including insufficient funding which leads to inadequate resources and critical shortage of trained professionals, resulting in high caseloads and impacted quality of care. Lengthy and complex bureacratic processes often delay access to necessary services and supports. The system I have spent my entire career in is in dire need of increased funding, workforce development, streamlined processes, equitable service distribution and community integration. If we address these challenges and implement strategic solutions, California can create a more effective and supportive system.

Check out our recent feature from SJ Mag Media on the many programs available to treat mental health!

Check out our new blog post! We want to commemorate the Olmstead Decision that passed in the Supreme Court 25 years ago and highlight the impactful work of AIMS Center and Park Center. https://lnkd.in/dvmY5fbe

The rise in co-responders is a promising development to promote public safety and serve the public. This effort in Loveland is just one more sign about the progress we are making. https://lnkd.in/gVb4eYmU

Certainly: As someone familiar with the nuances of neurodiversity, I've come to appreciate the expansive nature of this field, extending far beyond my personal journey. The wealth of knowledge available can often feel overwhelming, yet it's essential in understanding how to effectively support individuals with diverse neurological profiles. Navigating the world alongside my three neurodiverse children has underscored the importance of patience and empathy in facilitating their access to necessary resources and accommodations. In contemplating ways to foster greater inclusivity, I've envisioned a future where businesses and entire communities commit to becoming neurodiverse-friendly environments. While this may seem like a formidable undertaking, it represents a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive society. Imagine the impact of encountering neurodiverse-friendly spaces in our everyday lives, from shopping establishments to entire cities. Recent developments, such as the establishment of Mesa, Arizona, as the first Autistic city, serve as promising indicators of progress towards a more inclusive world. This journey towards greater acceptance and support for neurodiversity is not only essential but also emblematic of our commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. https://lnkd.in/gyc3RyWj

This is a great article on how designing behavioral health spaces can enhance patient outcomes. If you want some real time expertise on how we can help you, reach out to Real Time Furniture! https://lnkd.in/gdjjk6Hq