Category: Living with Disability

On May 11, President Biden ended the COVID-19 public health emergency in the United States.

Though many were thrilled to see what they viewed as an official end to the pandemic, others reacted to the news with trepidation. Many of those who were fearful about the lifting of pandemic restrictions were people with disabilities, who are more likely to be immunocompromised and at risk for serious illness.

Meanwhile, disability activists were quick to point out that while COVID-19 cases are down, the pandemic is far from over.

In a statement released May 11, the American Association for People with Disabilities sought to remind members of the public that “more than 1,000 Americans continue to die per week, and a disproportionate number of those deaths are disabled, immunocompromised, and other high-risk people. The end of the Public Health Emergency continues to signal that the nation and our broader society have moved on and ignores millions who have been disabled by long COVID, millions more who could be impacted, and further pushes marginalized communities into greater crisis.”

So, what can people with disabilities do to protect themselves now that the public health emergency has ended?

1. Continue to wear a mask when out in public
Wearing a mask may garner stares or even comments from ignorant individuals, but protecting yourself is nobody else’s business. When it comes to choosing a mask, N-95s and KN-95s worn properly are the most effective in protecting against the virus. You should also feel comfortable about asking others, such as medical professionals, to wear a mask when in your presence.

 2. Get your boosters
According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines will be free until further notice. However, you may not hear as much in the media about getting boosters, so keep track of your own vaccine schedule to make sure you are up to date on vaccines that fight the newest COVID variants.

 3. Test when you are ill
Protect others by testing for COVID when you’re under the weather or if you have been exposed to someone else with the virus. You should also feel free to ask others to test before they visit your home or participate in small, indoor get-togethers. If they care for you, it’s a small sacrifice to make. Note that insurance companies will no longer be required to cover COVID-19 test kits. Therefore, you may need to pay a co-pay. If you are uninsured, you can obtain free test kits by visiting testinglocater.cdc.gov.

4. Beware of how changes may affect Medicaid coverage and what to do about it.
Shortly after the pandemic began, Medicaid eligibility and enrollment were temporarily modified to ensure that people had continuous coverage to sustain them in case of illness. Now that the public health emergency has ended, people may need to reapply for Medicaid. Check out this information from the Administration for Community Living for more details.

5. Continue to make use of telehealth services
Many of us have enjoyed the availability of telehealth during the pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most telehealth services will remain in place for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

6. Reach out to your doctor
If you do contract COVID-19, consult with your physician. Just because the public health emergency has been lifted, there’s no reason to downplay the significance of the virus. If you are elderly, immunocompromised or more susceptible to COVID complications, you may qualify for an anti-viral medication such as Paxlovid. Don’t hesitate to use it to minimize the virus’ effects.

 7. Take precautions when traveling
Now that international travelers do not have to show proof of vaccination, travel may be less safe for people at high risk for complications of COVID. If you’re planning to travel anytime soon, consider asking your doctor if they recommend packing Paxlovid just in case you become ill while away. And wear a mask in the airport and before and after take-off.

British Vogue breaks new ground this month by creating five different covers for its May issue titled “Reframing Disability: Dynamic, Daring and Disabled.”

The covers feature photos of five noteworthy individuals with disabilities including model Ellie Goldstein who has Down syndrome (above); model, author and activist Aaron Rose Philip who has cerebral palsy; actor and disability advocate Selma Blair who has multiple sclerosis; American Sign Language interpreter and performer Justina Miles who is deaf; and Sinéad Burke, CEO of the accessibility consultancy Tilting the Lens and contributing editor for the May issue, who has dwarfism.

Inside the magazine are photos and editorial coverage about fascinating people in the disability community like Jessikah Inaba, the U.K.’s first Black and blind barrister; Rosaleen McDonagh, a writer and human rights commissioner with CP; and Musa Motho, a dancer who lost his leg due to bone cancer.

Overall, the issue features 19 individuals with disabilities.

Historically, the fashion industry has been notoriously homogeneous and fashion magazines have been widely criticized for their narrow definitions of beauty. Yet, in recent years, some fashion designers have begun to recognize that disabled people represent a huge segment of the population and clothing market. Designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, and brands like Target and Lands’ End now design adaptive clothing for individuals with disabilities. Likewise, fashion editors such as British Vogue’s Edward Enninful, are committed to championing diversity and inclusivity in the pages of their magazines.

As the first male editor-in-chief of British Vogue since its founding in 1916, Enninful has featured models of all sizes, races, gender identities and abilities in the publication. He is also known for turning away fashion advertisers that he deems not inclusive enough. In fact, Enninful went so far as to tell the Guardian, that “he was prepared to take a financial hit to support values of diversity and inclusivity in his magazine.”

In his 2022 memoir, “A Visible Man” (Penguin Publishing Book) Enninful revealed that he is visually and hearing impaired and lives with a blood disorder. As he told the BBC last month, “It was so important I could relate—I felt real pride that people can actually speak up about disabilities and not have to hide it and how it impacts them. I think this is one of the most incredible issues I’ve had the privilege of editing in my tenure.”

Editing the issue, and in particular, working with Sinead Burke also taught Enninful a great deal about the accessibility challenges faced by disabled people as they go about their lives, said the BBC article.

“Sinéad taught me that retail spaces are quite unfriendly to people with disabilities and that photographic studios are not designed to cater for them. She has really opened my eyes and taught me that a whole group of people are being ignored.”

Enninful believes that the more the public understands about the lives of disabled people, the more inclusive the fashion industry and society at large will become.

Photo of Ellie Goldstein for VOGUE  UK by Adama Jalloh

 

Avery Roberts, 15, has been dancing since she was 4. Her talent has led to performances with renowned dance troupes such as Alvin Ailey and at iconic venues like New York City Center and the Ziegfield Ballroom. She was even part of the ensemble for NBC-TV’s “Annie Live.”

On April 19, Avery, a resident of Rockland County, New York, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, faces her greatest challenge yet. She will perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Avery told writer Nancy Cutler of Lohud that many people underestimate the potential of people with disabilities. “There’s so many misconceptions about disabled people,” she said. “Disability doesn’t take away any talent … just give us a chance and let us show what we’ve got.”

The teen is one of 150 youngsters selected to participate in New York tri-state area nonprofit Garden of Dreams’ annual talent show. This year’s program is titled, “Dreams Take Flight: Watch Us Soar!”

Founded in 2006, Garden of Dreams “is committed to creating meaningful, unforgettable programs for children affiliated with our 30 local partner organizations,” including Children’s Aid, Children’s Village, Covenant House, Hospital for Special Surgery, Make a Wish, and Madison Square Garden Entertainment.

Young people chosen to participate in Garden of Dreams programs live with disabilities, chronic or critical illnesses, face financial hardship, sex trafficking or homelessness, or have experienced the loss or injury of a parent during military service.

Garden of Dreams has many well-known board members. According to Lohud, “the talent show’s creative director is Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC. Comedian Tracy Morgan, who was honored last year with the Foundation’s Hero Award, is also on the board.”

Morgan became involved with the organization after he sustained life-altering injuries from a bus crash in 2014. He and other board members as well as Rockettes, actors and other talented individuals, helped talent show participants prepare for their performances.

Avery was full of compliments and appreciation for the celebrities who helped her. “They are such nice people,” she told Lohud.

In her Lohud interview, Avery reiterated Morgan’s message to her just before her performance during a rehearsal: “We hear you; we see you, and we’re right there with you,” he told her.

Despite her love of dance, Avery isn’t certain whether she will make a career of it. Instead, she may pursue a career in public policy advocacy. In particular, Avery wants to see more research and better healthcare for individuals with rare diseases.

Photo credit: Mark Vergari for The Journal News

A traditional college experience may seem out of reach for many young people with intellectual disabilities. But the planned expansion of faith-based Shepherds College in Union Grove, Wisconsin, may put that dream within reach.

Established in 2008, Shepherds College serves 75 students enrolled in three-year programs in culinary arts, technology and horticulture. In addition to their programs of study, students at Shepherds learn skills of independent living such as caring for their on-campus dorm rooms and apartments, doing laundry and food shopping and preparation. Shepherds students can participate in a range of extracurricular activities including Special Olympics.

The school is accredited by the Atlanta-based Council on Occupational Education, and about 75% of students graduate. Tuition is a steep $62,600 for the 2023-2024 school year, but loans and need-based scholarships are available. After completing their studies, three out of four Shepherds students are employed in their chosen professions.

When the school first opened, there was talk of expanding to other states, but the idea didn’t receive serious consideration until Brian Canright, then director of recruiting for the college, wrote his master’s thesis, which described a hypothetical plan for expansion. When Canright completed his degree, his thesis became the basis for the expansion plan.

Tracy Terrill, President of Shepherds, told Disability Scoop that she feels a responsibility to make a Shepherds education available to students across the country. By providing the three-year course of study, “we’re changing the trajectory of their lives. It’s profound,” said Terrill.

Canright, who is now vice president of expansion for the college, believes Shepherds is so unique and the need for post-secondary education for high school graduates with IDD is so great, that expansion makes perfect sense.

Shepherd will initiate its recruitment campaign for new campuses in July when some of its staff members present the “Shepherds College Preview Experience,” at churches in Georgia and Texas.

One stop the staff will be making is at Westwood Church outside Atlanta. The church’s outreach director, Kevin Bloye, told Disability Scoop “he is certain that families will welcome Shepherds College to Georgia, and that many of them will jump at the chance to enroll their sons and daughters.”  Currently Westwood Church is building a $5 million facility that could become the future home of Shepherds’ Georgia campus.

Initially, the college will create temporary commuter colleges in other states. If they perceive that there is real interest in the colleges, they may choose to build residential campuses. School officials believe that making the Shepherds’ experience available to everyone who can benefit is a moral imperative.

A new autobiographical play by New York-based playwright and actor Ryan J. Haddad gives audiences a firsthand look at what it’s like to negotiate an environment that’s not designed for people with mobility challenges.

“Dark Disabled Stories” began previews at New York City’s Public Theater on Feb. 28. The play’s official opening will take place on March 9 – coinciding with both Developmental Disabilities Month and National Cerebral Palsy Month. (We don’t know if that is intentional, but it’s pretty cool)!

Directed by Jordan Fein and performed by Haddad, who has cerebral palsy and uses leg braces and a walker, “Dark Disabled Stories,” encompasses a series of vignettes that illustrate Haddad’s real-life experiences living in an inaccessible city.

Joining Haddad onstage is deaf actor Dickie Hearts who will provide sign language interpretation and wheelchair user Alejandra Ospina who will provide audio description.

“Dark Disabled Stories” is Haddad’s first off-Broadway play, but not his first foray into the entertainment industry. His first one-man show, Hi, Are You Single? was performed as part of The Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival and he has also appeared in various regional theater productions. Haddad can also be seen on Netflix’ “The Politician”, in which he has a recurring role, and in shows such as “Madam Secretary” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

Despite his success in television, Haddad attributes his career to the fact that he has written roles for himself. As he told MetroWeekly back in 2022, “it’s no secret that the reason I have a career at all is because I wrote my way toward a career with this play and the subsequent plays that have yet to be produced but will be soon, and the stories that I keep telling. … the thesis of what I’m trying to say is that I am an actor, but 70 to 75 percent of the work I do on a daily basis or a monthly basis or a yearly basis is writing my way towards an acting opportunity that I have created for myself.”

Haddad says that’s the case because the entertainment industry still provides few opportunities for actors with disabilities.

While Haddad acknowledges that the entertainment industry is making progress toward the inclusion of disabled actors, he says “we’re not there yet. We haven’t arrived at the moment of, ‘No, no, we will not cast a non-disabled person in a disabled role.’ It’s still accepted in many instances.”

For the duration of “Dark Disabled Stories’” run, The Public Theater has taken steps to make the theater and production more accessible to disabled audiences. Not only does the show include ASL interpretation, open captions and audio description, the theater has also added extra wheelchair seating to ensure that all audience members can be comfortably situated. Additionally, The Public is relaxing its usual audience etiquette so that individuals “can be free to be themselves” during performances. Finally, deaf and disabled individuals can access discounted tickets to performances with a code available on The Public’s website.

For more information, visit publictheater.org

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is the perfect day to remember that all human beings desire love and intimacy. Sadly, common misconceptions, stereotypes and ignorance can make dating more challenging for individuals with disabilities.

According to Dr. Danielle Sheypuk, a dating expert and disability activist specializing in dating for people with disabilities, “The biggest stigmas are that we’re still seen as asexual and not beautiful. Our bodies are different than what people see on a daily basis, [so] it’s unknown territory for them. In the media, we’re never portrayed as sexual people. We’re never associated with anything sexual or glamorous or beautiful. Therefore, people don’t in general make that association.”

Stigmas about disabled people are reinforced by the fact that there is so little awareness and exposure to the experiences of disabled people. This is the case despite the fact that approximately 25% of Americans have some sort of disability.

Since non-disabled people have so little knowledge about what it’s like to live with a disability, they may shy away from pursuing a disabled partner, says Sheypuk.

Like so many singles in today’s world, singles with disabilities frequently utilize dating apps to find love. But unlike their non-disabled counterparts, dating app users with disabilities face additional challenges. First and foremost, many struggle with the decision about whether to disclose their disability in their dating profiles. Some disabled dating app users report that disclosing their disability up front means that fewer prospective matches show interest. But not disclosing disability up front may result in rejection later on, which can be even more disappointing.

So, what’s the best course of action?

In a Q&A on vantagemobility.com,  Sheypuk says it’s best to make your disability known right from the start.

“I think [disclosure of your disability] needs to be written on your profile and there needs to be pictures that show you have a disability,” says Sheypuk, whose personal story can be found at https://wheelinsexyinthecity.wordpress.com/.

“It avoids a lot of rejection and a lot of heartache, I feel. The opposite side of the argument is: Don’t put it there and let them get to know you. They’ll see you for who you are. [Then], you’ll reveal you have a disability, and they won’t care. That is most likely not going to happen. Yes, they might get to know you and really have feelings for you, but when you reveal you have a disability, they could feel lied to. It’s just like people being dishonest with their age, weight or marital status. It’s just good to put who you are right up front.”

While there’s no reason why disabled people should limit themselves to dating others with disabilities, dating sites geared to disabled singles eliminate the disclosure dilemma and may reduce some of the stress associated with online dating.

Here are some of the most reputable ones.

1. Whispers for You is one of the longest running dating sites for disabled singles. In 2016, the site was nominated for best niche dating site in the industry’s iDate awards ceremony. According to its website, Whispers for You enrolls hundreds of new members every week. Typical site users are people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, amputations and those with intellectual disabilities.  The site is open to individuals of all abilities.

2. Founded by sisters Alexa and Jacqueline Child, Dateability is a brand-new dating app for people with disabilities. The sisters founded the platform after becoming frustrated with traditional dating apps. As Jacqueline told Channel 7 in Denver, “I had a lot of ableist experiences with people telling me that I shouldn’t have children in case my conditions were hereditary and people’s families not accepting me because of my health conditions,” said Jacqueline Child. Adds Alexa, “Dating apps have been around for over a decade now, and they’ve had their time. They’ve had the opportunity to be more inclusive of the disability and chronically ill communities, and they haven’t.”

3. Dating4Disabled.com has been around since 2005.  The site bills itself as an “online community where people with disabilities can meet, connect and date other people with disabilities.” The site includes blogs, chats and forums, and it’s free to register.

4. My Special Match.com was started by the parents of a young woman with a brain injury that resulted in physical and intellectual disabilities. After she graduated from high school, Amanda had difficulty meeting friends and potential partners. Her parents founded the dating site to help their daughter and others in similar situations find a safe and comfortable place to meet each other.

5. Special Bridge.com is a family owned and operated community for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Whether you’re seeking friendships or romance, Special Bridge provides opportunities for forming relationships at your own pace. As its website explains, “meeting new people face-to-face can be intimidating for some people, [so] Special Bridge allows for online connections that can be made through the site’s messaging system.” The messaging system makes it simpler for individuals who have trouble expressing themselves verbally to communicate with others. “The beauty of Special Bridge is that technology helps to even the playing field, allowing users to feel less self-conscious about their ability levels.”

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

©2023 Sony Interactive Entertainment

Listen up all you gamers! PlayStation’s new adaptive controller will soon be here!

Recently, we reported on the many reasons why gaming is awesome. For example, gaming helps players to build cognitive and educational skills; provides opportunities for social interaction; offers multisensory stimulation and much more.

In recent years, gaming has become increasingly accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Earlier this month, PlayStation announced that Project Leonardo, a highly customizable accessible controller kit designed for physically disabled players, is finally in the works. Following its release, the kit will be compatible with PlayStation 5.

According to the PlayStation blog, the new kit is “designed to remove barriers to gaming and help players with disabilities play more easily, more comfortably and for longer periods on PS5.”

To be fair, accessibility isn’t an entirely new concept for PlayStation. Many of the company’s games including mega favorites “God of War Ragnarök” and “The Last of Us Part I,” offer lots of accessibility features. But until now, PlayStation’s hardware wasn’t nearly as accommodating for users with mobility challenges. In fact, Microsoft Xbox was way ahead of its competitor, offering an adaptive controller since 2018.

To ensure that Project Leonardo was truly accessible, PlayStation consulted with accessibility experts, community members, and game developers including AbleGamers, SpecialEffect and Stack Up. The result is a controller that enables players with mobility challenges to create an individualized and enjoyable gaming experience.

Project Leonardo’s unique split design is an important difference when it comes to making the controller accessible. As Sony Interactive Entertainment designer So Morimoto told Wired magazine, “Our team tested over a dozen designs with accessibility experts, looking for approaches that would help address key challenges to effective controller use. We finally settled on a split controller design that allows near freeform left/right thumbstick repositioning, can be used without needing to be held, and features very flexible button and stick cap swapping. Because players can customize it according to their needs, there is no one ‘right’ form factor. We want to empower them to create their own configurations.”

Another benefit to Project Leonardo’s design is that it can be used with a “variety of external switches and third-party accessibility accessories.”

In other words, it’s highly likely that the wide range of switches and mounts made by Enabling Devices will be compatible with Project Leonardo.

So far, there’s no release date or price point listed for Project Leonardo. Stay tuned for more details!

The Cionic Neural Sleeve by Cionic

Thirty-five million Americans with mobility challenges such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injuries could soon benefit from an invention called the Cionic Neural Sleeve. The sleeve, designed to be worn on the leg, is sometimes referred to as “bionic clothing.”

Developed by Jeremiah Robison, founder and CEO of the San Francisco startup company Cionic, and the father of a girl with CP, the neural sleeve makes it easier for individuals with gait impairments to walk more fluidly and more securely.

Robison, who had worked in the technology sector for many years, was inspired to invent the sleeve to help his daughter Sofia. As he told Carolyn Said of the San Francisco Chronicle, “I had enough knowledge and a huge motivation to say, ‘Since nothing is available for my daughter, if not me, who? If not now, when?’”

The leg sleeve is “embedded with sensors, that [monitor the wearer’s] movements, and electrodes that stimulate [the wearer’s] muscles to activate as needed,” writes Said.

It is sold with a small rechargeable battery-operated device that fits inside a pocket built into the sleeve.

“That device communicates with an app on the wearer’s smartphone that allows the user to customize stimulation settings and offers exercises to help increase strength and reinforce motor learning.”

One of the advantages of the neural sleeve is that it can be used by people with a range of motor impairments. The sleeve works on the shin, calf, hamstring or quad. Remote training and “fine tuning” are offered by Cionic’s mobility specialists.

In addition to the physical benefits provided by the neural sleeve, it also provides emotional advantages. Says the inventor’s 13-year-old daughter Sofia Robison, who walks with the sleeve: “For me, just being the one left behind (because she’s slower than friends) can be mentally really difficult. Helping people not be the one left behind can be really important. ”

The neural sleeve is expected to be released to the public in early 2023 and Cionic has already received FDA approval and state licensing. At first, it will only be available for adult use. Following its release, the sleeve will be sold at the introductory price of $200 per month. After a year, the sleeve becomes the property of the buyer. Since it is so new, Robison says that insurers are unlikely to provide coverage in the near future.

People interested in receiving a Cionic Neural Sleeve can add their names to the waitlist on Cionic’s website at cionic.com.

Photo credit Airbnb

In November, Airbnb, the highly popular home rental platform, updated its website with a new “adapted” section that includes 1,000+ homes around the world with accessible features for users with mobility challenges.

As reported by Disability Scoop, “These wheelchair accessible homes with wheelchair accessible features have been reviewed to ensure they have step-free paths into and through the home and to one or more bedrooms and bathrooms and also at least one accessible feature in the bedroom or bathroom.”

To accomplish the website improvements, Airbnb partnered with a space data company called Matterport to create 3D maps of each home in the adapted category.

“[They] have gone in and have scanned every single home to make sure that the features that [hosts] say they have are accurate, including the width of corridors and the width of the entry,” Catherine Powell Airbnb’s Global Head of Hosting told Forbes. “We’ve taken some of those images from the 3D scans, and that’s what you will see in the listings.”

As the business community begins to recognize that disabled individuals make up approximately 20% of the population, companies are making long overdue changes to their policies and online features.

Airbnb is an example of a company that was subject to criticism from disabled customers in its earlier years, but has since made significant modifications in the way it does business with disabled customers and employees.

In 2016, the company introduced a non-discrimination policy designed to make the company a more inclusive place for disabled employees to work. The policy seems to have succeeded as Airbnb received 100% on the Disability Equality Index for 2021 and 2022 and was recognized as a DEI Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

The company has also worked to improve the Airbnb experience for disabled users. In 2017, the Airbnb purchased Accomable, a small startup that works similarly to Airbnb but is exclusively geared toward disabled travelers. The acquisition added “roughly 1,100 house and apartment listings that can accommodate guests with physical disabilities,” according to Reuters.

“Airbnb hired Accomable’s founders and most of its seven-person staff to build out Airbnb’s wheelchair-accessible housing inventory and provide more complete and accurate information to disabled travelers, who often rely on a hotel emailing pictures of a room to determine whether it is accessible.”

In 2018, the company added 21 new accessibility search filters that allow users to search for accessibility features such as step-free entry to rooms, wide entryways for wheelchairs, elevators, wheelchair accessible showers, ramps, and more.

Three years later, Airbnb updated 13 search filters and also added an accessibility review process which helps to ensure that homes rented are truly accessible. Hosts submit photos of the accessibility features in their homes, and a trained team of Airbnb employees review them.

Interested in listing your adapted home on Airbnb? Check out this video by wheelchair user and Airbnb host Sophie Morgan.

Last week, television viewers across the country watched Pennsylvania Senate candidates John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz debate a host of issues affecting Keystone State residents. The debate was noteworthy not just because Pennsylvania is a battleground state, but also because Fetterman, who suffered a stroke back in May, was permitted to use closed captioning technology to assist with stroke-induced auditory processing difficulties.

This blog isn’t about politics and we aren’t taking a stance on who should win the Senate seat. But the debate did get us thinking about the issue of accommodations and why employers are sometimes resistant to providing them.

In many cases – particularly with regard to hiring decisions — employers overestimate the expense and/or burden of providing accommodations. They may mistakenly believe that individuals with disabilities are receiving special treatment or that they are being forced to hire a disabled person.

These misconceptions may come from a lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding of the regulations stipulated by Title I of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Here are the facts:

According to ADA.gov, “Title I requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others. For example, it prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant’s disability before a job offer is made, and it requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship. Religious entities with 15 or more employees are covered under Title I.”

But what are reasonable accommodations? The Department of Labor explains them as follows:

“Reasonable accommodations are intended to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have rights in employment equal — not superior — to those of individuals without disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is a modification to a job, work environment or the way work is performed that allows an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of the job, and enjoy equal access to benefits available to other individuals in the workplace.”

Contrary to popular belief, most accommodations aren’t expensive. In fact, the majority of disabled employees (56%) don’t require any accommodations to do their jobs. Those who do require some accommodation usually cost their employers no more than a measly $500 according to a 2020 survey by the Job Accommodation Network. Surely, that’s not too much to spare for employees the Journal Nature contends are among the most productive, motivated, loyal and creative team members.

“The results of countless studies speak for themselves,” says Nature: “If the right people with disabilities are selected for the right job and are given responsibility, they often outperform other employees, with higher levels of efficiency, productivity, accurateness, commitment, loyalty, and satisfaction. This, in turn, increases the company’s profitability and overall shareholder value.”

Sounds like a win-win to us! We believe that all employees should receive the accommodations to which they’re entitled!

It’s Deaf Awareness Week, a time to celebrate deaf culture, highlight the organizations that support deaf individuals and encourage the inclusion of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What will it take to create a truly inclusive society that is welcoming to deaf and hard of hearing individuals? As many deaf advocates put it, “there is no inclusion without accessibility.”

Below are some suggestions for how to make be inclusive of those living with deafness and hearing loss.

1. Just ask
Deaf people are individuals just like everyone else. They may have distinct communication preferences. When starting a conversation with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, ask them how they prefer to communicate. Then, try to meet their request. Some deaf or hard of hearing individuals may prefer lipreading; some may wish to use writing; others may prefer transcription apps or other communication methods.

2. Get their attention
Wave your hand, gently tap them on the shoulder or ask someone who has their gaze to point to you to let the deaf or hard of hearing person know that you wish to communicate with them.

3. Don’t yell
Though you may mean well, yelling at a person who is deaf or hard of hearing will not help them to understand you. It will only appear disrespectful.

4. Maintain eye contact
Regardless of whether the deaf or hard of hearing person is accompanied by an interpreter, looked directly at the person, maintaining eye contact at all times. Do not talk to the interpreter, even if the deaf person is looking at the interpreter while you’re speaking. Likewise, always face the deaf or hard of hearing person when you are speaking to them. That way it is possible for them read your lips and observe your body movements and gestures which can help to facilitate communication.

5. Make office spaces accessible
Danielle Guth, a blogger for HearingLikeMe.com, recommends “providing visual cues like flashing lights for things like fire alarms, doorbells, phones, and computers.” She also advises holding meetings in spaces where everyone can face one another and using close captioning for any video or audio presentations. Using “note-taking systems like NoteTaking Express or Otter, which transcribe meetings into real-time text transcriptions” is also a helpful resource, says Guth.

6. Watch your language
Never refer to a nonverbal individual as “dumb.” This is an outdated, highly offensive and extremely inaccurate term.

7. Hire an interpreter
When arranging a meeting, performance, seminar or lecture, make sure to provide an interpreter for deaf or hard of hearing guests.

 8. Consider studying American Sign Language
Did you know some colleges offer ASL as an alternative to foreign language study? Even if it’s not realistic to become fluent in ASL, it may be helpful and fun to learn a few words or phrases.

9. Be patient and respectful
When communicating with someone deaf or hard of hearing, you may need to repeat yourself or adapt your language usage to accommodate lipreading. Take your time, and don’t give up. With patience your message will get through.

In many parts of the country, kids are already heading back to school. That means their parents are busy with back-to-school shopping.  But finding accessible back-to-school supplies, clothing and shoes can be more challenging for children with disabilities. Here are some items to make back-to-school shopping fun, fashionable, accessible, and oh yeah – educational.

1. Adapted Scissors
Scissors are an item you’ll find on most school shopping lists. But what if your child needs switch adapted scissors? No problem. You’ll find them on our website.

2. ADL Boards
One of the hardest parts of sending kids back to school is getting them up, dressed and out of the house. Our ADL Board helps them build the fine motor skills necessary to dress independently. There are boards that teach buttoning, zipping, snapping and lacing.

3. Slant Board
Kids with fine motor challenges will benefit from our slant board. It is ergonomically designed to encourage correct wrist position, posture, stability and good penmanship.

4. Weighted Handwriting Gloves
These gloves provide the proprioceptive input and compression, students need for legible handwriting and other fine motor tasks.

5. PenPalz Handwriting Helpers
Another tool to improve penmanship, PenPalz help students to find the proper writing position. Plus, their high cuteness quotient will make younger kids the envy of their classmates.

6. Adaptive School Uniforms
if your child attends a school where they are expected to wear uniforms, Lands End’s website could be your go to adaptive clothing spot. They offer adaptive shirts, pants, shorts and skirts specially designed for neurodivergent and physically disabled children.

7. Fashion-forward Adaptive Apparel
Kohls has been offering adapted versions of some of their children’s styles since 2019. “With features including abdominal access and sensory-friendly and wheelchair-friendly options, the new adaptive clothing is thoughtfully designed, making stylish, quality apparel accessible to all,” says a press release from the department store. And Kohls isn’t the only store that offers adaptive clothing for kids. Designers are getting on the band wagon all the time. Some of the best collections can be found at Tommy Hilfiger; Target, JC Penney and Patti and Ricky.com.

8. Myself Belts
Even if your child can get his shirt and pants on independently, he may not have the coordination to fasten his belt. Myself Belts close with Velcro, making it simple for children with fine motor challenges to get dressed.

9. Adaptive footwear
Nowadays, more and more shoe sellers are making adaptive shoes that are easy to get on and off. One fashionable choice is Nikes FlyEase shoes. FlyEase are laceless and have a zippered heal so that wearers can just slide their feet in, zip up and go. Other brands to consider are: Hatchbacks, which sells its “Elites” line of shoes designed to accommodate ankle foot orthotics (AFOs). Billy offers shoes and sneakers with universal design, which means they are appropriate for people of all abilities. According to Billy’s website, the company’s “goal was to combine fashion with function—dissolve the line between adaptive and non-adaptive—and create mainstream shoes for the masses, yet still preserve the functionality for those that need it, like Billy.”

10. Chew Necklaces
Some kids with sensory challenges focus better when they’re chewing. Gum has its drawbacks, mainly risk of swallowing, and isn’t usually allowed at school. Chew necklaces make it possible for children to receive oral stimulation while they learn.  It’s easy to find all styles on Amazon.