Dakota is a young man who desired to live on his own. Dually diagnosed with mental health issues and IDD, he had been hospitalized twice for aggressive behavior that injured other adults. Dakota’s mother, however, knew that with the right natural supports, he could live in a supported community setting rather than in a group home. His team agreed that given his behavioral challenges, living alone could actually be a better option than congregate living.
Read MoreDavid's Vision is David's dream of one day building a log cabin for himself on some family property with his red pickup truck and coon dog by his side. The purpose of David’s Vision is to help others with I/DD to attain safe, affordable independent housing.
Read MoreTo reflect on a month of recognition for the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) announced a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) report that describes the percentage of adults living with disabilities in each state and select functional disability types.
Read MoreAccessibility has a place in everything we do and technology plays an integral part in opening new doors. Enabling technology, like SimplyHome, should be seen as ANY technology that increases, maintains, or improves a person’s outcomes. In the end, the ADA is really not about the legislation… it is rather a continuing journey toward an improved outcome for all of us.
Read MoreTelemedicine has actually been practiced in some form for a long time. As early as the 1960s, NASA was regularly monitoring U.S. astronauts' vital signs including blood pressure and pulse oximetry during space missions. Fifty years, later, devices for remotely monitoring a wide range of needy patients, particularly elderly Americans living with chronic diseases or conditions, are available, but their use has been stymied.
A key factor has been the lack of standardized reimbursement for telemedicine technology and services.
Read MoreGrowing up isn't easy, and it can be particularly difficult for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and the parents who care for them. Each year thousands of students with special needs "age out" of services provided by their schools.
Read MoreDakota is a young man who desired to live on his own. Dually diagnosed with mental health issues and IDD, he had been hospitalized twice for aggressive behavior that injured other adults. Dakota’s mother, however, knew that with the right natural supports, he could live in a supported community setting rather than in a group home. His team agreed that given his behavioral challenges, living alone could actually be a better option than congregate living.
Read More“I want to live on my own.” Jackson’s mother heard the words, but wasn’t sure her son understood what that meant. After explaining to him that he would have to cook for himself, remember to take his medication, and get up on time for work, Jackson looked at her and repeated, “I want to live on my own.”
Read MoreHighlighting the often unnoticed role that siblings play in the lives of special-needs children.
Read MoreWhen Andrew Olivier broke his back 20 years ago, he didn't have time to feel sorry for himself. “When you keep yourself busy, life just keeps going,” said the self-employed consultant and former Liberal Party candidate.
Read MoreGiving technology a try means doing research on what you or your loved one actually needs. Are you afraid of falling and not having the ability to call someone? Are you worried about taking medicine on time? Is wandering a concern for you? With the help of family and professionals, it is crucial to decide what your priorities look like.
Read MoreFunding over 42 dreams of higher education, Ruby's Rainbow is using University Participant Programs to bring students with Down Syndrome to college.
Read MorePope Francis interacted with children on the autism spectrum as he encouraged people everywhere to be open to the needs of people on the spectrum. He is hopeful that this will help to break “the isolation and, in many cases also the stigma” attached to disorders on the autism spectrum.
Read MoreLOUISVILLE, Ky. — A mother needs to get her son out the door. Thick white socks cover his contorted feet, a coat drapes his twisted shoulders, a water bottle with a straw nestles in the concave of his chest, and black straps on his wheelchair secure his wrists. He is 33 years old, and she has to get him to an appointment.
Read MoreLiving independently also allows Sarah to be active in her community and walk to the library when she wants to. “Sarah loves her privacy and loves the peace and quiet of living alone. We have seen such a big difference in her behavior since she now has the freedom to make her own decisions,” says the Independent Living Coordinator.
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