SMYAL’s Post

In my work, I’ve shared information with people in the homeless and educational service systems. Many are surprised to learn about the rights and resources available to them, or that they may not be aware of all their options. Sharing this critical information helps strengthen our communities!! You can also learn a ton of great information from SchoolHouse Connection. #education #youth #rightsandresources #selfdetermination #mckinneyvento #hud #homelessness #housinginstability #California #CommunitySupport #RightsAwareness #SocialServices #ResourceSharing #SupportSystems #AccesstoResources #EmpowermentthroughInformation #StrengtheningCommunities #SocialEquity #PublicAssistance #InformationDissemination #AdvocacyforHomeless #DirectServices #TraumaInformed

📣 Review the New York Association on Independent Living's (NYAIL) 2024 Legislative Priorities! Our commitment is centered on advancing the independence and community integration of New Yorkers with disabilities. Paramount to our mission is urging New York to prioritize initiatives safeguarding civil rights and fostering programs that facilitate independent living within communities. 📈 While acknowledging positive strides in New York, we recognize there remains substantial progress required to attain equitable conditions for the disability community. We extend sincere appreciation to our esteemed government partners for their consistent support and collaborative efforts. 🔗 Visit our website for an in-depth overview of the advocacy initiatives we champion: https://lnkd.in/ekTJC2Yf Your informed engagement plays a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive future. 🤝 #NYAIL #LegislativePriorities #DisabilityAdvocacy #CommunityIntegration #NYS

Help spread the word by sharing this post with your network.

"People with disabilities face significant and sometimes compounding barriers to community inclusion that extend far beyond access to services. As policymakers consider opportunities to strengthen the service delivery system, such initiatives must be coupled with action to improve social safety net services more broadly." The recent report "The Case for Inclusion" reveals that our nation’s system of disability services remains under severe pressure as years of workforce shortages and other challenges persist. Waiting lists for home and community-based services rose 3.3% in 2023 and that number is likely higher due to inconsistent approaches to data tracking. Learn more about this looming crisis and the policy and financial solutions required to ensure that all members of our community have access to safe, affordable and inclusive housing: https://lnkd.in/gBREg7ii #IntellectualDisabilities #InclusiveHousing #AccessibleHousing #AffordableHousing #Equity #Inclusion #CommunitySupport #CommunityInclusion #Policy #Advocacy

Wednesday Blog, - Working in communities means being inclusive of children and young people "All this is to say that if we are truly being inclusive of marginalised and vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities, young people, and people with diverse SOGIESC, we need to be inclusive of their family and community life. We need to have honest co-design conversations about what needs the groups have beyond the individual to the family and community and how we can accommodate those needs to ensure that we don’t exclude people from our projects. It might even add layers of insight and community engagement beyond our wildest expectations." #internationaldevelopment #GEDSI #Socialinclusion #childprotection #decolonisation https://lnkd.in/g9hf4tRp

--- 🌟 **Inspiring Positivity: Empowering Students with Disabilities** 🌟 As a motivational speaker specializing in disability advocacy, I am passionate about helping students embrace their unique strengths and navigate their challenges with confidence and resilience. 🌟 During my recent sessions with students, I've seen firsthand how powerful a positive mindset can be. By sharing my own journey and the stories of others who have overcome obstacles, I aim to: ✨ Foster a supportive and inclusive environment. ✨ Encourage students to focus on their abilities, not their limitations. ✨ Equip them with strategies to maintain a positive outlook. ✨ Inspire them to set ambitious goals and pursue their dreams. Every student has the potential to achieve greatness, and it’s our collective responsibility to support and uplift them. Let's work together to build a brighter, more inclusive future. 💪 If you're interested in learning more or collaborating on future events, feel free to reach out. Let's make a difference together! #DisabilityAdvocacy #MotivationalSpeaking #StudentSupport #Inclusion #Positivity #Empowerment ---

INCLUSIVE SAFEGUARDING! Raise awareness with organizational leaders, staff, beneficiaries and community members of the intersectionality of disability, age, gender, socio-economic status, religion and ethnicity, and how combination of these characteristics can compound the safeguarding risks individuals experience. For example, the intersectionality of age, disability and gender means girls with disabilities will experience multidimensional discrimination and abuse. Disability-Inclusive Safeguarding is very significant in project designs and implementations.

Individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to live below the poverty line and receive unstable employment due to discrimination which puts them at a higher risk to face the odds of homelessness. Around 40% of the entire homeless population qualifies for attaining SSI or SSDI due to a physical or mental disability. Despite qualification, not every person gets approved. Among these people who are often denied SSI or SSDI, they did not have enough medical records, did not have a relationship with a doctor, or were physically unable to complete the paperwork needed to go through with the process, leaving only 14% of the applicants to be approved. #morecommonthanyouthink #disability #disabled #disabilityawareness #endthestigma #winterwalk 📃 Source: The Impact of Homelessness on People with Disabilities; The Homemore Project

Among youth w/ intellectual & developmental disabilities, Black youth and females faced higher risk for foster care involvemen; the likelihood increased with age. Research is urgently needed that focuses on addressing system-level factors that drive risk. https://ja.ma/49ckn4u

“[P]eople with disabilities are overrepresented in nearly all aspects of inadequate housing and homelessness.” –Canadian Human Rights Commission ⚫July is Disability Pride Month, and this month we’re highlighting how homelessness disproportionately affects disabled communities. 🟢A report published in June, 2024 outlines that people with disabilities are “four times more likely to experience homelessness” and are “more likely to become homeless due to violence.” 🔵These facts are staggering and changes to social assistance programs, healthcare, and housing costs must occur. ➡Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/g_93_Ks3 #DisabilityPrideMonth #EndHomelessness #Right2Housing #HomelessConnectToronto #HCT