You are Your Biggest Fan! Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination Resources

The most important skills that an individual can possess when it comes to the future is in the area of self-advocacy and self-determination. It may take years for any individual with or without a disability to become comfortable with choosing their own future paths and become self-managing and an advocate for their own future. This is why I have chosen to address organizations and resources that will help aid in developing strong self-advocacy and self-determination skills for each individuals with a disability and truly help them see they are their biggest fan and can do anything they put their mind too!

Resources
1) ASK- Advocacy, Support, and Knowledge (http://www.arcjacksonville.org/)
- This is a fabulous organization that offers a plethora of services for individuals with developmental disabilities and provides a circle of support. ASK offers self-advocacy training and supports for individuals with disabilities to help them reach their full potential.

2) DSAJ (Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville)- (http://www.dsaj.org/)
- The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville caters to all individuals with Down syndrome and encourages families by offering programs and services and by advocating for people with Down syndrome. The association provides services that: “work with the community to open the door of opportunity for people with Down syndrome and their families, teaches self-advocacy and advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities, and allows for each individual to shine in their community and environment."

3) National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
http://www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=180449

-This website is excellent in that it provides information on current legislature in the Deaf community and offers self-advocacy tips for individuals with a hearing impairment. The following are several tips for developing a strong sense of self-advocacy: "requesting specific accommodations, educate others, knowing your rights, following proper procedures, and being flexible. "

4)Learning Disabilities- Self-Advocacy and Future Planning (http://www.ldonline.org/article/7757)

- This website caters to individuals with mild disabilities and teaches the art of self-advocacy and self-determination. This site provides an in-depth article on future planning for individuals with disabilities, ways to improve self-advocacy skills, ways educators can teach self-advocacy strategies to students with mild disabilities, and identifying students' skills needed for self-advocacy in job interviews and employment opportunities.

Books and Sources
1) Self-Advocacy Skills for Students With Learning Disabilities: Making It Happen in College and Beyond by: Henry B. Reiff

“Filled with strategies, and resources, this book uses the author's groundbreaking research about successful adults with learning disabilities, to promote self-advocacy. This work is brimming with useful and practical information. It is easily understood and embraced by students with learning disabilities, their parents, guidance counselors, and stakeholders in the fields of both higher education and special education.”

2) Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum
by Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane (Author), Kassiane Sibley (Author), Stephen M. Shore (Author), Roger N. Meyer (Author), Phil Schwarz (Author), Liane Holliday Willey (Author)

“Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum aims to help people with autism effectively self-advocate in their pursuit of independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. Ask and Tell is unique by being the first book to speak to the twin issues of self-advocacy and disclosure for people with autism and by consisting exclusively – including the cover art and the preface by Temple Grandin – of contributions by those on the autism spectrum for persons on the spectrum.”

Important Financial Information to Individuals with Disabilities, Parents, and Professionals

Like many individuals, not being able to pay bills, save money for the future, and just living from day to day is a concern for anyone in these hard economic times. However, for individuals with disabilities who are unable to work because of their disabilities, having enough income to pay medical bills and live from day to day is a huge fear. This week’s blog is a resource for individuals with disabilities and their families on ways to financially plan, the benefits of SSI and SSDI, and any questions regarding financial issues.

Resources

1) The Ins and Outs of SSI and SSDI
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
This website provides ample information that is easy to understand for all readers on the details of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability Programs. The website indicates that these programs are, “the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.” This government websites provides links that allow for individuals to assess their eligibility for the program and has a Disability Starter Kit for individuals under the age of 18 that includes a benefits planner, a checklist, and a worksheet that allows for each individual to organize their information. This is an excellent site for individuals with disabilities and their families in understanding the extensive details of government social security programs, so that no one is left behind.

2) Frequently Asked Questions regarding Financial Planning and Social Security Income for Individuals with Disabilities
http://www.socialsecurityhome.com/resources.htm

This website is excellent in that it provides answers to numerous frequently asked questions regarding supplemental security income and financial planning for individuals with disabilities and their families. The following are several questions that are located on this website: What are the Benefits of receiving Supplemental Security Income?, What is Supplemental Security Income?, How does Social Security determine if someone is disabled? and so on. The answers are thorough, detailed, and guarantees that any individual will have the answers to make proactive, financial decisions regarding their future.

Books/Sources

1) Life Planning for Adults With Developmental Disabilities: A Guide for Parents And Family Members by: Judith Greenbaum
A much-needed resource for parents, family, and caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities like Down's syndrome, fragile X, and autism, this book offers resources and planning tools for helping the developmentally disabled adult build skills in employment, education, relationships, independent living, and finances.

2) Nolo’s Guide to Social Security Disability by: David A. Morton III
Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is an essential book for anyone dealing with a long-term or permanent disability. Written both for first-time applicants and existing recipients of Social Security disability, the book demystifies the program and tells you everything you need to know about qualifying and applying for benefits, maintaining your benefits and appealing the denial of a claim. This comprehensive guide also explains:
 what Social Security disability is
 what benefits are available to disabled children
 how to prove a disability
 how age, education and work experience affect benefits
 whether or not one can work while receiving benefits
 how to appeal a denial of benefits
 how to respond to a Continuing Disability Review
 and much more

The Fears of Transportation and Mobility- Resources to Help Lessen the Anxieties for Individuals with Disabilities

The fear of not having adequate transportation and the issues of mobility is a constant fear in an individual with a disability and his or her environment. Most individuals without a disability never think twice about transportation. The majority of individuals with a disability, such as, visual impairment, physical impairment, have constant worries about their safety in all aspects of their life.

If you find yourself asking questions like, “what if I miss my bus?”, “what if my transportation service is late…what will I do?” “How do I cross the street?” “What environmental accommodations can I utilize?” “What are the services available to assist an individual with transportation and mobility barriers?” “Will I feel like my independence is being hindered?”….THEN the following resources are invaluable to you and your success in the community and society as an individual with a disability.

Agencies/Advocacy Groups

1) ASK- Advocacy, Support, and Knowledge: http://www.arcjacksonville.org/
- Committed to helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve improved self-sufficiency, independence and quality of life.
- Will provide and improve serve accessibility and integration throughout the community in a plethora of areas, in particular, transportation.
- Individuals with disabilities and their families will develop an improved understanding of how to access, participate in and influence the design and policies of the systems that serve them.
· This is a wonderful organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities rights and demands successful services through transportation and to ensure successful mobility in the community.

2) Florida School for the Deaf and Blind- Resourceful for Children with Visual Impairments
http://www.fsdb.k12.fl.us/
- School system assists blind and visually impaired children develop the skills and confidence to make their way through a world designed for the sighted.
-Offer special programs, such as, Travel Training, which inspires students to achieve increasingly difficult levels of mobility, with the ultimate freedom to venture outside on campus.
· Mobility training for individuals with disabilities is essential and must be addressed to promote independence and ensure safety.

3) Major’s Disability Council- Jacksonville, Florida: http://www.coj.net/
-Dedicated to improving the quality of a life for persons with disabilities and consists of a council of 13 members who have an array of disabilities, such as, visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mobility impaired.
- This council raises awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities by assisting in the formulation of solutions to meet those needs by providing a public forum.
- One of area of discussions is transportation and the issues as they relate to the Jacksonville area.

Accommodations and Available Services- the Do’s and Don’ts
This website provides information on services dogs for individuals with an array of disabilities and stressed the “Do’s and Don’ts When Relating to Service Dog Partners.”
http://cals.arizona.edu/agdiv/servicedog/info.html

· Do talk to the person about their service dog or other animals that serve - but avoid personal questions on a first encounter.
· If you are afraid of dogs, do place yourself away from the service dog.
· If the service dog barks, growls, or otherwise forgets its manners, do ask before taking action. The bark may be an alert signal used to warn its owner of an oncoming seizure or other event.
· Don't pet the service dog without permission - it will distract the dog from its work. Also avoid whistling, barking, motioning or interfering with a service dog.
· Don't feed the service dog - resist the temptation to offer treats.

Books

1) Mobility Training for People with Disabilities: Children and Adults with Physical, Mental, Visual, and Hearing Impairments Can Learn to Travel by William Goodman (Author)
2) Seating and Mobility for Persons With Physical Disabilities-by Elaine Trefler (Author), Douglas A. Hobson (Author), Susan Johnson Taylor (Author), Lynn C. Monahan (Author), C. Greg Shaw (Author)

Because Post-Secondary Education is Not for Everyone: The Ins and Outs of Vocational Training/Education

Deciding on what the next path is soon after graduation from High School is a daunting experience for anyone. Should I apply to college? Will I like post-secondary education? What do I really want to do with my life? Are there other options?

The answer to that is: YES! The option of Vocational Education/Training has become valuable and promising for all individuals, in particular, individuals with disabilities in finding enjoyable and lasting career options and learning valuable skills.

The following are several corporations and non-profit agencies that cater to individuals with disabilities and the transition to work experience through vocational training and education.

1) Vocational Rehabilitation- Florida Department of Education
http://www.rehabworks.org/

Vocational Rehabilitation had designed a program entitled, “School to Work Transition”. This program “involves a number of activities that help students enter training and/or work after leaving high school…our goal is to help students, who want to work, become better prepared for life beyond high school.”
- Who is eligible for VR Services? “Any individual who has a physical or mental disability which results in an impediment to employment and requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.”
- When is a Good Time for Referral to VR? - “VR representatives should be invited to all students Transition IEPs in high school. This is to ensure that early communication is occurring and that the student and family are aware of the opportunities, requirements, and services to ensure success after high school.”
- After the referral to VR, what is the next step? - “The student meets with a counselor and starts the application process and determines if he or she is eligible. After being found eligible, post-school planning can occur and a vocational plan will be developed that is similar to the objectives and goals of the students IEP in high school.”

The following are the types of assistance that may be available from Vocational Rehabilitation:
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Training and Education After High School
• Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
• Job Coaching
• Supported Employment
• Vocational Evaluation and Planning

Vocational Rehabilitation services provide a wonderful avenue for an individual with disabilities to expand their knowledge in the community through real-world experience, improve upon their self-determination skills, and find something they truly enjoy to do.

2) Hands On Educational Services, Inc. (813) 886-5600
- It is a reality-based approach to Vocational Training, Evaluation, and Placement for those with Special Needs.
- This type of training is for individuals who require an alternative to traditional programs at local community colleges and are targeted for individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues, emotional handicaps, and low reading levels.
- The training program is also for those who are too high functioning for intensive supportive employment.
- The services that “Hands On” provides are the following: “employability skills training, job coaching, evaluation, placement assistance, and inclusive services (uniforms, meals lodging, transportation).
- The following are the training sites that “Hands-On” offers: “The Hyatt Culinary Training Program, The Sears Program- training in automotive repair, sales, shipping/receiving.
- The goal of this program is to “remove the barriers to employment, increase the self-esteem and independence through reality-based training that leads to quick, successful employment.”

3) Angelwood, Inc (Jacksonville, Florida)- http://www.angelwoodjax.org/index.html

- Angelwood, Inc provides supervision and training for adults with cognitive or physical limitations to learn work related skills through their Adult Day Training Program and Vocational Rehabilitation services.


Books and Resources
• Community-Based Vocational Training- by Jill Wheeler
- A hands-on, how-to manual helps you create and maintain community-based vocational experiences for students with significant disabilities. The book's ten chapters follow a sequence of successful job placement - from getting started to on-site job training. Stresses functional assessments, transition planning and supportive employment options.

Recreation and Leisure: Finding Joy in Life…A Resource for Individuals with Disabilities

Everybody likes to have fun and this aspect of life is no different for an individual with disabilities. The majority of society does not take into consideration that individuals with disabilities enjoy recreational activities and can embark on new hobbies and activities. Unfortunately, much of society’s recreational activities do not accommodate individuals with disabilities. In today’s posting, I hope to enlighten individuals with disabilities and all who are associated with him or her in finding outlets and avenues for fun, making lasting friendships through recreational activities, and discovering how easy having fun can be with adaptive equipment and support.

As I was researching useful tools and resources pertaining to recreation and leisure for individuals with disabilities, I discovered an excellent source on the Internet at http://www.disability-resource.com/sports.html
This website has an accumulation of organizations and tools to assist individuals with disabilities in their recreational adventures.

Websites

http://www.accesstr.com/AMAZING/index.asp?url=IND
As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, society has not accommodated individuals with disabilities in the area of recreation, however, I have discovered a wonderful website that provides adaptations to all indoor/outdoors activities so that individuals with disabilities can participate just like anyone else. The website is entitled, “Access to Recreation, Inc”. This website is phenomenal and its goal is to “provide our customers with products that give them the ability to enjoy activities that they once thought impossible.” The site provides adaptive golfing equipment for those who use wheelchairs for transportation, provides adaptive bowling equipment, swimming pool equipment, and much more.

http://www.dreamfit.com.au/index.php

“DreamFit” is an organization through the University of Western Australia and provides opportunities to those with a disability to participate in all athletic and recreation avenues with assistive equipment. This organization has several projects that are currently being implemented in finding innovative ways for individuals with disabilities to participate in boating excursions, motorcycle experiences, and much more exotic recreational activities. The mission statement for this organization is the following: “To provide a service designing, modifying, building, manufacturing and retailing innovative recreational and leisure equipment that overcomes physical limitations and difficulties for people with disabilities, allowing them to participate in activities normally not possible.” I feel that this nicely illustrates the wants and desires that all individuals need to become active citizens of society and be capable of having fun along the way!

In addition to these valuable and useful websites, I have included several agencies/organizations in the Northeast Florida region that provides recreational activities and support. The following are the agencies/organizations and their contact information that provide recreational activities, social opportunities, leisure adventures, and clubs for individuals with an array of disabilities:

Agencies/Organizations in the Northeast Florida Region
1)The St. Augustine Center for Living- affiliated with the Florida Department of Children & Families
Contact Information: (904) 797-5027
2) ASK at Arc Jacksonville
Contact Information: (904) 358-1200
3) Heal- Helping Children and Families with Autism
Contact Information: (904) 285-5651
4) The Arc Jacksonville Academy On Campus Transition Program- University of North Florida
Contact Information: (904) 620-3890