Ability Together, Inc.

Help us make a difference by donating to our mission! Your generous donation will help Ability Together provide resources, education, and support for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, individuals with disabilities, their caregivers, and community. Your gift will directly impact programs that create more inclusive and equitable spaces. Ready to make a difference? Ability Together, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your donation is eligible for tax exemption (speak with your tax professional)! Tax ID: 81-4694111 https://bit.ly/44dWjMR

"?? Myth: All wheelchair users are chronically ill or sick. ? Fact: Wheelchair use ≠ illness. This misconception likely stems from hospitals historically using wheelchairs for patient transport, but many people use wheelchairs for reasons that have nothing to do with being sick. ?? Some use them due to spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or MS. ? Others may need them temporarily after injuries or surgery. ? Some use them for energy conservation or mobility support—because independence looks different for everyone! Wheelchair users are diverse, active, and engaged in all areas of life. Their wheelchair is a tool, not a symbol of illness. ?? PSA: Never touch someone’s wheelchair without permission—it’s like grabbing a part of their body. When we challenge stereotypes, we foster a more inclusive, understanding world. Let’s celebrate diversity in the disability community and work toward a future where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. ?? ?? What’s a misconception about disability you wish more people understood? Drop it in the comments! ??"

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Google’s Making Work More Accessible with 9 Powerful Android Features! ?? Accessibility at work just got a major upgrade! Google has rolled out game-changing Android features to support vision, hearing, and mobility needs in the workplace. Here’s what’s new: ?? For Vision ?? Braille Display Support – Read & type seamlessly on compatible devices. ?? Lookout – AI-powered assistance to describe the world around you. ?? TalkBack – Gesture-based navigation & spoken feedback. ?? For Hearing ?? Real-Time Text (RTT) – Type during calls without hitting send. ?? Sound Amplifier – Boosts voices, reduces background noise. ?? Hearing Aid Streaming – Direct audio to compatible hearing aids. ?? For Mobility ?? Gesture Navigation – Swipe, tap, and move with ease. ?? Camera Switches – Control your device with facial expressions. ?? Action Blocks – One-tap shortcuts for essential tasks. ?? Workplace accessibility isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. These updates are making Android more inclusive than ever! ?? Read more: https://bit.ly/3XQZcBa

Daylight saving time isn’t just about losing an hour—it can create real challenges for individuals with disabilities. ??? ?? Routine Disruptions – Structured schedules help many navigate daily life. A sudden time shift can cause confusion, anxiety, and difficulty adjusting. ?? Increased Fatigue – Neurological conditions and chronic illnesses can make adapting to sleep changes even harder, leading to exhaustion. ?? Medication Schedules – Strict timing is crucial for many. Time shifts can lead to missed doses or improper timing, impacting health. ?? Access to Services – Public transportation and healthcare schedules may shift, making access harder for those who rely on them. Daylight saving time may be a small inconvenience for some, but for others, it brings significant challenges. Recognizing these impacts helps create a more accessible and understanding community.

Fragility Bias in Healthcare: A Hidden Barrier to Equitable Care ?? Did you know that unconscious bias in healthcare can impact the quality of care that disabled and Deaf patients receive? Fragility bias—the assumption that these individuals are inherently vulnerable or incapable—can lead to misdiagnoses, inadequate pain management, and limited treatment options. ? What does this look like? ? Dismissing symptoms as part of a disability instead of investigating further ? Assuming patients can’t make informed decisions about their own care ? Failing to provide communication accommodations like ASL interpreters Healthcare providers must recognize and overcome these biases to create a more inclusive system. At Ability Together, we’re committed to helping medical professionals implement inclusive, patient-centered care practices. Ready to make a difference for your patients and your community? We're here to help through programs like People First Language and People First Healthcare. ?? Read more about fragility bias and how we can challenge it: https://bit.ly/4bre66U

Words shape perceptions, and People First Language puts respect and dignity at the forefront. Last month, Keith and Kristin presented on this important topic at the Anaheim Public Library, highlighting how language choices impact inclusivity and representation in our communities. By prioritizing the person before the disability, People First Language challenges outdated terminology and fosters a more respectful and empowering way to communicate. Conversations like these create ripple effects, making spaces more welcoming for all. Gratitude to the Anaheim Public Library for hosting this discussion and to everyone who showed up to learn and engage! ??

?? March: Advocating for Healthier, Happier Care Spaces! ?? ?? Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month – Accessibility matters in medical spaces. Adjustable exam tables, sensory-friendly areas, and trained staff create better care for all. ?? Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – Healthcare should be inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Small changes make a big impact. ?? Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month – Flexible scheduling, comfortable seating, and patient-centered care improve the experience for those with MS. ?? How to help: ?? Speak up – Share ideas & solutions. ?? Collaborate – Support policies & better training. ?? Show compassion – A little kindness goes a long way. Every step forward creates a more inclusive healthcare system! ??

?? Today is Rare Disease Day ?? Rare diseases affect over 300 million people worldwide, yet each individual’s story is unique. For those living with rare diseases, and for their families and caregivers, every day can bring challenges that many don’t see or understand. This day is about more than awareness—it’s about shining a light on the strength, resilience, and courage of those navigating rare diseases. It’s about acknowledging the importance of research, access to care, and building a more inclusive world where no one feels invisible or unheard. ?? Show your support by sharing stories, starting conversations, and learning more about the rare disease community. Together, we can work toward a world that prioritizes equity in healthcare for everyone.

Have you heard of IHSS? In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a program in the United States that provides in-home care services to individuals who are elderly, blind, or have disabilities, allowing them to remain in their own homes rather than moving to a care facility. IHSS is shaped by the federal Medicaid program. Medicaid doesn’t mandate IHSS, however it establishes the framework and funding mechanisms that allow states to implement their own home and community-based services. The guidelines can be found in the Social Security Act, Title XIX (19) of the United States Code. In California, the legal basis for IHSS is found in the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 9, Part 3.5 (Sections 12300 - 14133). Eligibility for IHSS is typically based on factors such as disability status, financial need, and age. Each state and county may have other eligibility criteria. To apply for IHSS, contact your local social services department.