Roots & Rivers Consulting’s Post

As Autism Acceptance Month ends, let’s not forget that acceptance shouldn’t be compartmentalized to a special month. In my first TEDx talk, I outlined my family’s story and offer up how we all can support, connect with, and advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. Here are a few more: 1. Learn more about reasonable accommodations to make workspaces accessible, equitable, and inclusive at www.AskJAN.com. 2. Seek out opportunities to connect with your local friendship chapter for youth and adults with disabilities through Best Buddies International. 3. Learn more about areas of improvement and needs related to accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Contact your local policymakers about these areas of needregularly. 4. Celebrate the sportsmanship and abilities of individuals with disabilities by volunteering with your local chapter of Special Olympics. 5. Seek out community organizations where you can connect with individuals with disabilities and their families and provide support. In the Greater Houston area, a few of my favorites are Inspiration Ranch 🐎Special Olympics 🏅and THE MIRACLE LEAGUE ⚾️ at the Langham Creek Family YMCA. Don’t let this month be the ONLY month you seek opportunities to raise awareness and join the advocacy movement for #accessibility, #equity, and #inclusion for individuals with disabilities ✌🏾 To be inspired by the power of family, check out my TEDx talk here or visit the Featured section in my profile: https://lnkd.in/gD2q5upX Looking for keynotes, trainings, and workshops to improve your organizations work in accessibility, equity, and inclusion? I have three slots available for Coffee Chat ☕️ on my calendar today: https://lnkd.in/g6Ty8fm6 Talk soon!

At first, starting Your Safe Space NG was about connecting with others who have siblings with special needs—but it’s grown into something so much more. Beyond support and care, it has become a powerful platform to educate and drive awareness for the special needs community. In 2023, I had the theme 'Awareness to Acceptance to Inclusion,' a reminder that people are curious to learn about autism and other disabilities but fear asking the wrong questions. Our role is to create a space for open, honest conversations about disabilities—breaking down barriers and building understanding. This year, I asked, 'What’s your role in a neurodiverse world?” Alongside fellow siblings and advocates, we highlighted the impact of kindness and empathy on the lives of individuals with special needs. It’s not just about knowing they’re here; it’s about understanding how to communicate and connect meaningfully. Additionally, Your Safe Space NG has a prayer group called “Seeking strength from the infinite one” where we pray for ourselves and also for our loved ones with disorders and disabilities. I have amazing and exciting plans for 2024. If you’re interested in partnering with us, reach out at toyinodunuyi@yahoo.com and copy yoursafespaceng@yahoo.com. Let’s work together to make a difference!

At Liberty, we are proud to partner with Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Through the National Core Indicators (NCI) surveys, we gain valuable insights into what’s working and where we can grow together. Key Findings from the Latest Surveys: ✅ Over 1,700 surveys completed, amplifying the voices of families and participants! ✅ 94% of families said services help their loved ones live a good life. ✅ 54% of participants without a job expressed the desire to work, highlighting opportunities for better community employment support. ✅ 63% of participants reported doing activities they enjoy in their communities. We remain committed to ensuring that all services are person-centered, empowering individuals and fostering inclusion in every way possible. Learn more about the surveys here: https://lnkd.in/eGzaQ_ZU

Symbols and images matter!  ♾️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️♾️ Symbols and images have histories. While the multi-colored puzzle pieces were meant to bring awareness to Autism, how it was done was based in the idea that there is something pieced apart, broken, and imperfect about the Autistic mind and Autistic human experience. There are also negative ties to organizations that are focused on curing Autism because they see it as something making humans less than in our society rather than seeing them as valued members and natural part of diversity.  ♾️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️♾️ Autistic self-advocates have created amazing new symbols and images. These creations continue even today! For right now, the symbols that are most accepted by the Autistic community are the infinity symbol. The gold infinity represents the Autistic community and the rainbow infinity represents the neurodivergent community.  ♾️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️♾️ We must listen to lived experience and follow the lead of the Autistic community. Their voices should be amplified and their needs should be validated.  #Autism #Autistic #AutismAcceptance #AutismEmpowerment #AutismAppreciation #AutismMonth #AutisticMonth #Inclusion #Accessibility #Neuroaffirming #MontcoPa #MontcoLGBTBusinessCouncil #LGBTBusinessCouncil #BuildingCommunity #MontcoProud #Visibility #Neurodivergent #HumanDiversity

Autistic Masking The Autistic Advocate describes autistic masking as: "A psychological safety mechanism made up of complex layers of physical emotional and social actions which an autistic person is driven to use to protect, sorry, to self-protect and project an acceptable version of who they are." (https://lnkd.in/eKfHeU4C) In our Discovery Programme, we are going to explore masking in more detail, looking at why we do it, whether it is always safe to unmask, and finding out about each other's experiences of masking /unmasking and feeling safe. Our 6 week Discovery Programme is fully funded by Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Rethink Ireland To find out more: https://lnkd.in/eXaWF6FK

It is week 3 on our Autistic Adult Discovery Programme and we are exploring: Emotional Regulation and Self Care Sonny Jane Wise describes emotional regulation as ' "The ability to control and manage your emotions as well as your reactions to your emotions .” When we are talking about emotional regulation we are not talking about repressing and controlling our emotions rather we are aiming to gain a deeper understanding of how our sensory system and social communication needs work for us as autistic people and how this can impact our emotions. If we have a deeper understanding of our unique autistic self and a deeper understanding of our autistic identity then we can make some changes in our day to day lives and environment to help our days flow a bit easier. Membership is free for autistic adults and our 6 week Discovery Programme is currently fully funded by Rethink Ireland Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eeeAqpEx

TODAY we are in Prince George. TUESDAY we will be in Smithers. WEDNESDAY we will be in Prince Rupert. THURSDAY the tour closes out in Terrace. Your insights are crucial in shaping accessibility standards that are truly inclusive and effective. That’s why AutismBC and ACT – Autism Community Training are hosting engagement sessions all across Northern BC. Our goal is to capture input from the diverse communities in Northern BC and make sure your voice is heard by hosting in-person sessions. Key Focus Areas: • Empowering People with Disabilities: Honouring individuals as experts in their own experiences. • Removing Barriers: Identifying and addressing obstacles faced by people with disabilities. • Accessibility at Work: Creating inclusive workplaces. • Inclusive Organizations: Ensuring organizations are welcoming to all. • Successful Implementation: Strategies for effective and lasting change. Register now: autismbc.ca/northern-bc

With information and confidence, we know that people with disabilities are safer, less likely to be victims of abuse, and have the opportunity to have meaningful relationships. This fun and playful session will look at the issues and skills needed to decide if you want to have a friend or relationship. Topics cover basic skills like identifying different types of relationships, public and private (what is ok in each), friendship, decision making, and communication, moving from friend to sweetheart, and being in a relationship. PLEASE NOTE: The presenters will tailor this session to be age-appropriate for ALL attendees. https://lnkd.in/gyYtCAtw

Today is Autistic Pride Day! As we celebrate this important day, let’s take a moment to honor and embrace the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals. Autistic Pride Day is a time to recognize the contributions of autistic people and to promote acceptance, inclusion, and understanding. It’s crucial to move beyond awareness and into acceptance, creating environments where neurodiversity is valued and celebrated. In the workplace and beyond, let’s ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. To all the autistic individuals out there: your voices, insights, and experiences enrich our world. Let’s continue to advocate for a society where everyone is respected and appreciated for who they are. #AutisticPrideDay #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Acceptance #StrengthInDiversity

Guardianship does not prevent your adult child from buying a boat on eBay, opening 16 credit cards while on a trip to the mall, or hitching a ride two hours from their home to visit a friend. But sometimes parents feel pressure to put guardianship in place simply because their child is turning 18. It is important to understand that there are a wide range of options for decision-making in adulthood and one of the best ways to really protect your child is to help them build the skills to be as self-determined as possible. We want our kids to know which choices they can make themselves, which choices they can make with support, and which choices they might want someone else to make for them. This looks like a great webinar series hosted by CYVYC of Institute for Community Inclusion. #guardianship #guardianshipalternatives #decisionmaking #IDD #developmentaldisabilities #specialeducation #IEP #transitionplanning #transitiontoadulthood