City of Mesa的动态

REMINDER Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported Decision Making virtual seminar. Registration available at https://go.hawaii.edu/nLv Presenter Che Silvert Thursday, April 11th, 2024 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm HST, via Zoom. --- The goal of the presentation is to educate our community of what Supported Decision Making is and how it is an alternative to Guardianship/Conservatorships. In this talk we would fully break down how SDM works, what the benefits are, and where Hawai'i is today with implementing it. ?? Attendees of this session will be able to address the following prompts: ?? What is Supported Decision Making and how does it work? ?? What are the benefits of Supported Decision Making? ?? Where is Hawai'i in terms of implementing Supported Decision Making? Che Silvert, a Community and Legislative Liaison for the Department of Developmental Disabilities, is born and raised in Hawaii and has worked for the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities since 20218. --- Interested in getting updates on upcoming partner seminars? Sign-up for our news email listserv at https://go.hawaii.edu/yVn

This is truly my MOST PROUD MOMENT! ?? Throughout my extensive and accomplished career, I've celebrated many significant achievements and milestones, some of which have been truly groundbreaking! However, this one? It resonates deeply and holds a special place in my heart. Just last week, we proudly inaugurated the first ‘All Play’ playground in Westminster, with plans to create many more! ?????? The real triumph lies in the transformation of attitudes and perceptions regarding how children with disabilities are treated. One of the most touching moments of the day was watching a non-verbal autistic child use the communication board to articulate his needs. Another non-verbal autistic child experienced the joy of swinging for the first time, feeling secure in the harness and seat. These moments are invaluable and beyond words, and truly represent what inclusion means. What I cherish most is having witnessed children of all abilities playing, learning, and socialising together. For me, this is the ultimate expression of joy, and where my heart has felt the fullest! ?? Read the article ?? https://lnkd.in/dYCUzmtD Photo ID: Sara with Amani who is on her left, and another little girl who is on her right posing for the picture on the wheelchair accessible roundabout. #AllPlay #Inclusion #InclusivePlaygrounds #AccessiblePlayground #Play #InclusivePlay #Parenting #Disability #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabilityAwareness #Equity #Equality

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!

I am excited to share an insightful resource from CADRE Works that delves into the critical issue of IDEA due process procedures. As a parent navigating the complexities of the education system for children with disabilities, I found this webinar not only enlightening but also empowering. It addresses the overly legalistic barriers that disproportionately affect parents from marginalized communities, leading to inequities and delays in critical services for our children. The bureaucratic hurdles and financial strains only add to the challenges we face. What stood out to me were the actionable recommendations presented for the upcoming reauthorization: simplifying the process for better accessibility, fostering a collaborative rather than adversarial approach, ensuring expedited resolutions through strict timelines, and advocating for increased IDEA program funding. These changes can potentially enhance support for children with disabilities and their families significantly. I highly recommend this webinar to professionals and parents looking to understand and navigate the IDEA due process more effectively. It's a call to action for all of us to advocate for a system that truly meets the needs of every child. Let's come together to support these necessary changes. #AdvocateDad #SpecialEducation #IDEA #InclusiveEducation #ParentAdvocacy

Breaking the Silence, Building a Brighter Future As a parent, you hold the key to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for your child with a learning disability. Embrace the power of your voice – speak out and seek assistance without hesitation! Why Speak Out? - Early intervention significantly enhances outcomes - Promoting awareness diminishes stigma and fosters acceptance - Support networks provide strength to families - Advocacy paves the way for equal opportunities - Your voice serves as inspiration for others Resources to Get You Started: - National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) - Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) - Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Autism Society - Local support groups and organizations Ways to Advocate: - Share your narrative on social media - Engage with advocacy groups and events - Collaborate with educators and policymakers - Participate in awareness initiatives - Connect with fellow families Empowering Messages: - Your child's disability does not define their potential - Each child merits equitable chances - Inclusion enriches all lives - Your voice holds significance - Together, we can shape a more promising future Join the movement by sharing your child's journey on social media using #LearningDisabilityAwareness. Let's amplify our voices and drive change together.

Special education is often viewed as something that happens in the classroom, but the reality is that it’s much more than just a school issue—it’s a community responsibility. At Eternal Anchor, we see firsthand that children with disabilities need support not only at school but at home, in public spaces, and in all areas of life. Education alone isn't enough. True inclusion means every member of the community stepping up—parents, businesses, healthcare providers, and neighbors—to create environments where individuals with disabilities can thrive. In the San Quintin Valley, we work to ensure that our students and families are not isolated but embraced by the entire community. From providing custom adaptive equipment to in-home therapy and community workshops, we focus on holistic care, because success for these individuals goes beyond academic achievement. Join us in rethinking how we support those with disabilities, because creating a world of belonging and opportunity is everyone's job—not just a school's. #DisabilitySupport #SpecialEducation #Inclusion #InclusiveSchools #DisabilityServices #EducationForAll #Education #Mexico #InclusionForAll #LoveIsAnAnchor?

Nothing is more fundamental than connecting with your audience when conveying your message. It’s the same when your audience members are children. But how do you do it when you have a topic that is often difficult to explain? For example, what do you say to your child when she asks you? “Mom, why does that kid in the wheelchair talk funny?”??? Most parents might squirm and chastise their child for being rude to another child’s disability. We are often at a loss when such innocent questions come out of our children’s mouths and we scramble to think of how to explain developmental disabilities without sounding trite or dismissive. Thankfully, the NYC Kids Project, a wonderful educational arts program uses puppets to teach children awareness about disabilities and differences, rooted in empathy and inclusion.? ? Seeing the performance and having a conversation with one of the puppets, I was instantly drawn into their world, as if the person behind the puppet wasn’t even there! (I guess I’m a big kid at heart and felt right at home like I was talking to a character on Sesame Street.) That is the power of connection. Knowing how to reach your audience because you understand where they are coming from, their pains, frustrations, or just plain curiosity to know more about something they don’t get. As a presentation coach, I love to learn from others by using different mediums to get my message across in an impactful way. I doubt I’ll be trying my hand at puppetry the next time I present, but I am the wiser now and will be armed (couldn’t resist the pun) when my kids ask me about children with differing abilities. I’m so grateful I was able to contribute to their fundraiser and support the amazing work that they do. Drop a ?? in the comment if this resonates with you. #PresentationSkills #CommunicatewithEmpathy #LearnwithFern

Nice little reminder that people have different needs and skills, how important it is to get to know individuals beyond surface level. Loving the two way questions and a little insight into the diversity one can bring to an organisation with Autism. Celebrating it, and allowing space to inform and remind us all. Get to know the person, not the label.

February shines a spotlight on inclusivity with North American Inclusion Month. It's a time to reaffirm our commitment to the educational rights of all kids and the importance of belonging. Here’s what we should all be aware of: Disabled students represent 15% of national public school enrollment, a clear call for comprehensive support systems. The scarcity of special education professionals in many schools is an urgent issue. Roughly 1/3 of disabled students in the U.S. have specific learning disabilities, like dyslexia, affecting their educational journey. Children with autism account for 12% of students with disabilities, which emphasizes the need for tailored educational strategies. Let’s ensure every child feels valued and supported in their educational environment. This month, let's learn, advocate, and strive for the inclusion of all students. ???? #NorthAmericanInclusionMonth #StayAtHomeDad #Fatherhood #Brotherhood #Parenthood #Fatherhoodmatters

In a society that values independence, it's essential to recognize and talk about the power of interdependence! For youth and adults with disabilities, this concept is crucial. But the truth is that interdependence is equally important for all people: needing help is universal. We all rely on one another in various ways. Acknowledging the ways we lean on one another, and normalizing the act of needing help, can lead to more successful transitions from school to adulthood for all young people. It can also lead to stronger and more supportive communities. Interdependence means building networks where everyone feels comfortable asking for help and everyone’s strengths are valued. It’s also about fostering inclusive environments where mutual support is the norm. For adults with disabilities, interdependence provides access to necessary resources and support, empowering them to pursue their goals. Teaching youth to embrace interdependence (and not just focus on independence) as they enter into adulthood also enhances emotional well-being, because youth learn that they have a support system to lean on (and that this is a normal part of adult life). But interdependence is not just about individuals with disabilities; it’s about all of us. We all benefit from the exchange of skills, knowledge, and support. By shifting our focus from independence to interdependence, we are aiming for a world where everyone has the skills to access the support they need. This Independence Day, let’s celebrate our connections and work together to build a more interdependent and inclusive future! #Inclusion #Interdependence #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #TransitionPlanning #DisabilityAdvocacy