In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, held annually in October, AmeriDisability is pleased to spotlight SourceAmerica, a national nonprofit that creates job opportunities for a skilled and dedicated workforce of people with significant disabilities.
SourceAmerica Focuses on Disability Employment
For almost 50 years, SourceAmerica has connected people with disabilities to meaningful jobs through contracts with the federal government and private sector. With 11 million open jobs in the current 2022 labor market (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), people with disabilities are a largely untapped and valuable talent pool.
Throughout October, SourceAmerica will focus on the theme announced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy – “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” More than 70% of working-age people with disabilities are left out of the workforce and the need to create more access to employment opportunities is paramount.
“When the economy is more inclusive, it’s healthier, more productive and transformative,” said SourceAmerica President and CEO Richard Belden. “We want to lower the unemployment rate for people with disabilities while creating jobs with stability, competitive wages and advancement potential to build careers.”
Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged throughout October (and beyond) to recognize the value employees with disabilities bring to the U.S. economy and workforce. SourceAmerica will continue to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and highlight how their perspectives and experiences enrich the American workforce. As an advocate for herself and others, Customer Care Representative Katie Galloway wants employers to know that “people with disabilities are just as ambitious, capable and hardworking as people without disabilities.”
Advancing Disability Employment Opportunities
Galloway, an Arkansas resident, works for InspiriTec, an IT social enterprise and one of the nearly 400 AbilityOne authorized providers in the SourceAmerica network. The AbilityOne Program is one of the nation’s largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. There are approximately 36,000 AbilityOne employees in the SourceAmerica network.
(Office of Disability Employment Policy)
In her role, Galloway assists service members in various subject areas including retirements, Combat-Related Special Compensation, evaluations, promotions and awards.
Before coming to work for InspiriTec, Katie said, “I didn’t feel like a productive member of society. I woke up and would do things around the house, but I missed being part of something bigger.”
Galloway experienced a catastrophic spinal cord injury in a 2013 car accident. She had to relearn everything she knew, from getting dressed and cooking and cleaning to driving an adaptive vehicle, and how to navigate the healthcare system. Galloway confirmed the personal importance of her AbilityOne job.
“I have connected with co-workers and have a more extensive support system. It’s allowed me to be productive, have a routine and provide better support to my family,” she said.
Her biggest goal is to ensure her three daughters graduate from college and find careers as meaningful to them as her AbilityOne job is to her. In Galloway’s five years with InspiriTec, she was celebrated as a customer care representative of the month, became a trainer within one year of her hiring, and delivered remarks to members of Congress and their staff as a self-advocate.
(Shutterstock)
As an advocate for herself and others, Galloway asserts that people with disabilities are accustomed to adapting. She said, “We are also very flexible when things get thrown our way as we are used to figuring out new or different ways to accomplish things.”
Are you seeking employment? Here are some helpful resources:
Are you in pain today? How about yesterday… and the day before that? You’re not alone! Chronic pain actually affects 20% of the U.S. population.
According to the U.S. Pain Foundation, 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million people experience high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Consequently, pain is the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, with costs reaching $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments and lost productivity.
Still, despite these staggering statistics, chronic pain is vastly under-recognized, underfunded and, perhaps even under-treated when considering its significant impact on those who suffer from the condition. Research, treatment options and support for those affected lag behind when compared to other major diseases/conditions.
The Painful Truth
In the spring of 2022, the U.S. Pain Foundation conducted a survey of roughly 2,400 individuals to better understand the public health crisis of chronic pain, and especially so from the patient perspective. The results clearly show how chronic pain negatively impacts one’s quality of life. More than two-thirds of survey respondents said they considered themselves disabled, and nearly all (95%) of respondents noted at least one comorbidity.
(Shutterstock)
Here are some other key findings:
More than half of respondents said their average pain level is 7+ on a scale of 1-10.
99% reported that pain restricted their ability to engage in routine activities, like exercise, household chores, sleeping and socializing.
Respondents shared that, for the most part, health care providers are not equipped to manage chronic pain effectively. In an effort to help people with chronic pain feel validated and heard, the U.S. Pain Foundation hosts various support groups, in addition to Facebook live events, webinars and other resources. Some of the organization’s state chapters offer in-person support groups; plus, accessible to all, are online support groups. For example, the National Chronic Pain Support Group meets online on Thursdays; and another group exclusively for LGBTQ+ individuals meets online on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. The Foundation also hosts online self-management sessions, such as the Building Your Toolbox videoconference series and The Writing Room, which taps into utilizing creative writing as a coping method. To access the upcoming schedule, visit uspainfoundation.org/events.
Held annually from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of the Latinx and Hispanic communities within the United States. It’s a time to reflect upon how people with Hispanic origins, including Latinx with disabilities, have influenced and contributed to American society at large.
According to the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD), approximately 12 million Latinx people identify with some type of disability. Minorities living with disabilities face a “double burden,” says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Minority Health, pertaining to prejudice, discrimination and economic barriers. This, unfortunately, leads to vast health disparities.
AmeriDisability is pleased to share that the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has compiled a comprehensive list of resources specifically intended for Hispanics and Latinx with disabilities. Click here to access this health information.
If you’re planning on celebrating National Taco Day (October 4), partaking in Taco Tuesday on a weekly basis or planning ahead for Cinco de Mayo, you’re likely going to enjoy a meal flavor-packed with Mexican ingredients. But this authentic deliciousness doesn’t necessarily have to be an unhealthy diet disaster! Just a few mindful ingredient swaps can ensure that your Mexican fare is totally fair game when it comes to nutritious, guilt-free indulgence.
A Nutty Swap
Spice up your favorite taco dishes by making walnuts the star ingredient. Yes, walnuts! Nutty and full of flavor, “walnut meat” turns taco recipes into high-nutrient, plant-forward options.
credit: California Walnuts
Health Benefits of Walnuts
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends shifting food choices from those high in saturated fats to those high in good unsaturated fats, like those found in walnuts. This may be especially important for members of the disability community to note because statistics show that people with disabilities are less likely to be of healthy weight and more likely to be obese than people without disabilities.
A healthy eating pattern that includes a variety of plant-forward foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, oils, nuts and seeds, as well as protein and low-fat dairy, is associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancers.
More than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes and about 23 percent of adults are affected by metabolic syndrome. Individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome often have conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high triglycerides and obesity, which increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. But a one-ounce serving of walnuts has only four grams of carbohydrates, so walnuts can easily fit into a low-carbohydrate diet.
Some evidence suggests that incorporating nuts into a diet during adulthood may lower risk of age-related cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Walnuts help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and decrease blood pressure, two of the major risk factors for heart disease. They are also a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) in those with high cholesterol.
And studies suggest that walnuts may increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
source: Shutterstock
RECIPE: Walnut “Chorizo” Tacos
Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2 | Recipes courtesy of California Walnuts
Pickled Vegetable Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
8 radishes, thinly sliced
2 medium jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced
1 large clove of garlic, thinly sliced
Walnut Chorizo Crumble Ingredient:
1 1/2 cups black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups California walnuts
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon ground chipotle
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Taco Ingredients:
16 whole-wheat tortillas
olive oil
thinly sliced romaine lettuce
fresh cilantro leaves
lime wedges
Directions:
To make pickled vegetables: In a small bowl, stir together lime juice, sugar and sea salt. Then stir in radishes, jalapenos and garlic slices; let stand 30 minutes to pickle.
To make walnut “chorizo” crumble: In a food processor, pulse beans and walnuts until coarsely chopped. Add 2 tablespoons oil, white vinegar, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, chipotle, cumin and coriander; pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and resembles ground meat, stirring several times and moving the mixture from the bottom of food processor bowl to the top to evenly mix.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining oil. Add “chorizo” mixture and cook 10 minutes, or until mixture is browned and resembles ground meat, stirring frequently.
To prepare tacos: Brush each tortilla lightly with oil. On a skillet over medium-high heat, cook briefly to brown on both sides, keeping warm in foil until all tortillas are cooked.
Remove pickled vegetables from the liquid and discard garlic slices. Fill each tortilla with equal amounts of “chorizo” and pickled vegetables. Garnish with lettuce and cilantro; serve with lime wedges.
photo: shutterstock
For more healthy recipes, read these articles on AmeriDisability.com:
“Each and every student deserves the best possible care. Parents trust that we are caring for their child to the best of our ability, and our new partnership with SPED Safe is designed to ensure our drivers are well prepared to support students, no matter their mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral needs,” said Ritu Narayan, CEO and founder of Zum. “Since the early days of Zum, I recognized that the disabilities community was being disproportionately affected by lack of access to sufficient school transportation. We have made it a mission of ours to provide them with the best care possible. With the enhanced training, drivers will be even more equipped than before to look after individuals who require extremely personalized attention, ensuring the safety of all students before, during and after the school ride.”
(Shutterstock)
Educator-backed driver curriculum
Zum’s partnership with SPED Safe introduces a new six-module curriculum specifically designed to train drivers on how to properly care for individuals with disabilities:
Behavioral basics: Zum drivers are trained on the ABCs of behavior, behavioral science and the principles of applied behavior analysis. This introductory training helps drivers better understand how to provide more personalized care for students (of all abilities).
Overview & awareness: Drivers receive an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and learn about special education law and confidentiality.
Structure & routine: Zum is training its drivers on the importance of structure and routine to give them the tools needed to prepare students with disabilities for any changes that may arise day-to-day.
Evidence-based practices: To help aid with positive reinforcement behaviors and practices, Zum drivers are trained on the types of reinforcement strategies they can take that are consistent with how educators would care for students with disabilities in the classroom.
Response & de-escalation: Whether it be a student conflict or an isolated circumstance, Zum drivers are equipped to respond to an individual appropriately based on their needs and are taught a variety of de-escalation tactics.
Communicating & reporting: Transparency has always been a critical component of Zum’s model. Zum is further enhancing its communications by preparing drivers to report effectively to parents, school district staff and the community for any and all incidents.
“With our combined experience of over 100 years in top leadership positions, SPED Safe is proud of its exclusive partnership with Zum because of our shared commitment to enhancing safety across Zum’s school transportation operations,” said Dr. Paul Lavigne, SPED Safe Co-Founder. “Zum’s commitment and participation in the SPED Safe Transportation Series demonstrates their willingness to go above and beyond in enhancing school transportation experiences for students, families and drivers alike. The SPED Safe Transportation Series in conjunction with Zum’s advanced technology and safety features will redefine transportation for all students, particularly those with disabilities.”
(Shutterstock)
Raising the bar on industry standards
Zum works with public schools, private schools and charter schools. At present time, Zum operates in San Francisco Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA. Zum is amidst expansion to establish services in Orange County, CA, Washington, DC, Phoenix, AZ, New York City, NY, Portland, OR, San Diego, CA, Sacramento, CA and Miami, FL.
Zum is at the forefront of driving innovation in student transportation to increase the safety and well-being of all students before, during and after each and every ride. Zum is working with SPED Safe to design highly-specialized courses, exclusive to Zum drivers, to ensure its drivers are qualified to provide premier service and care for students who require additional support. With enhanced training for driving professionals comes added confidence to parents and, of course, a sense of comfort and safety that will be felt by the students.
“Some special needs students express their frustration through actions,” said Zum driver Angela Watson. “The SPED Safe training modules of the Zum SafeGuard Driver Program are how we — as bus drivers — are learning about the needs of each individual student and help cater to their needs. I didn’t have the knowledge as a driver of the ABC SPED Module previously. It really helped me understand that sometimes students demonstrate communication through behavior.”
These new training modules complement the additional safety measures provided through the Zum platform. The Zum app provides ongoing visibility into route updates, a child’s location and the driver’s profile. Families can also use the app to share changes in schedule or pickup location, preferences and feedback, as well as speak with the Zum team directly at any time. Zum also recently introduced SafeGuard, a comprehensive program that ensures the quality and experience of each Zum driver, gives drivers the skills to deliver the best experience to each student on every ride and provides drivers access to its modern technology platform. More transparency, more control and better communication at every step in the process means families can worry less about how their kids are getting to and from school. This emphasis on personalized service and care is especially important for families within the disability community.
Accessibility advocate Ian Mackay is traveling 475 miles via power wheelchair on the easternmost portion of the Great American Rail-Trail. He hopes his outdoor mission will raise awareness of the importance of and the need for more access to the outdoors, especially for people with mobility impairments and other disabilities. MacKay is the founder of Ian’s Ride, a nonprofit that advocates for more accessible trails across the country.
Supporters of Ian’s Ride, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the United Spinal Association (USA) came together on September 21, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to cheer on Mackay’s start of the lengthy trek.
(Rail-Trail Conservatory)
Who is Ian Mackay?
In 2008, Mackay suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a bike crash; the injury resulted in paralysis. Ever since, the avid outdoorsman has relied on a power wheelchair and accessible trails to stay connected to nature and the cycling community.
Through his nonprofit Ian’s Ride, he raises awareness of accessible trails across the country. As it turns out, Mackay’s trek on the Great American Rail-Trail isn’t his first attempt at outdoor greatness. You see, Mackay recently broke a Guinness World Record for the farthest distance—more than 184 miles—in 24 hours on a mouth-controlled power wheelchair!
“Early in recovery from my injury, access to the outdoors brought me joy when I couldn’t find it elsewhere. The Great American Rail-Trail is a great example of infrastructure designed for people of all abilities and I’m so excited to get my wheels on the easternmost 475 miles of it,” said Mackay.
The complete Rail-Trail spans 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C. and Washington State—Mackay’s home state.
Support of Accessible Trails
Mackay says his philosophy is: “Community is the answer, we are stronger together and nature is the best medicine.” And his sentiment is shared by others.
“We are thrilled to cheer on Ian as he sets off along the Great American Rail-Trail,” said Kevin Belanger, RTC’s project manager for the Great American Rail-Trail. “The cross-country Great American Rail-Trail will provide direct access to trails and the outdoors for 50 million people within 50 miles of the trail across 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C. and Washington State. We hope it serves as an inspiration for what is possible when we prioritize accessibility in creating and connecting outdoor infrastructure.”
(Twitter)
Mackay’s ride on the Great American Rail-Trail comes as several priorities are being pursued in Congress. RTC is championing funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which would provide focused investment for connecting trail and active transportation infrastructure, creating seamless routes for walking, biking and wheelchair use that is separated from vehicle traffic. Additionally, the United Spinal Association is pushing for legislation to lift Medicare’s “in-the-home” rule, which restricts Medicare coverage of wheelchairs and wheelchair components that are designed to function outside of a person’s home, including outdoor environments.
“We are incredibly proud of Ian as he highlights outdoor accessibility, which is a topic that so many of our members are passionate about,” said Steve Lieberman, Director of Advocacy and Policy for the United Spinal Association. “Our Outdoor Access Working Group has brought together wheelchair users across the country to advocate for greater accessibility in built infrastructure and natural infrastructure, to seek greater availability and better maintenance of adaptive equipment to enjoy the outdoors, and to continue to promote outdoor recreational opportunities among our community of wheelchair users across the United States. Ian continues to set the bar higher for all of us.”
Beginning Tale of Mackay’s Rail-Trail
At September’s kickoff event, Mackay and Belanger were joined by Monica Wiley, D.C. Chapter Advocacy Coordinator, United Spinal Association; Jeremy Buzzell, National Accessibility Program Team Coordinator, National Park Service; and Juliette Rizzo, RTC board member, disability advocate and former Ms. Wheelchair America. Dozens of supporters also were in attendance to celebrate Mackay’s ride. Plus, many supporters rode alongside him in wheelchairs and on bikes from the National Mall to the C&O Canal Towpath trailhead in Georgetown. And Mackay is set to welcome and be joined by members of the public and other advocates throughout portions of the ride.
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. This important annual observance focuses on increasing awareness of all gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancer. Every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with one of these gynecologic cancers, according to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer. These diagnoses result in 33,000 deaths per year. Sadly because of gaps in gynecological care (and healthcare in general), the risk among the marginalized disability community seems to be even greater compared to those without disabilities.
Healthcare Gaps for Women with Disabilities
Multiple research studies have found that people with disabilities don’t have the same access to or the same quality of care compared to that of people without disabilities. In fact, a 2020 study published in Women’s Health Issues declared that “women with physical disabilities have unmet gynecologic care needs, including disparities in cancer screening and contraceptive care.”
The study included alarming feedback from physicians; including an acknowledgment that they lacked sufficient training in how to best provide care for patients with disabilities. The study’s responding providers also stated that they “were motivated to provide quality care for women with disabilities, but encountered systems and training barriers.”
(Shutterstock)
There are many factors as to why people with disabilities continue to face barriers within the healthcare system. Patients may: (1) not be properly informed about the need for age-appropriate screenings, (2) have trouble scheduling medical appointments, (3) lack accessible transportation to and from medical offices, (4) struggle with inaccessible spaces and/or inaccessible medical equipment (such as standard exam tables), (5) have limited access to a qualified ASL interpreter and/or healthcare advocate, or (5) simply not be treated effectively by an unformed provider because of misconceptions surrounding the need for gynecologic care for women with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. [Yes, some people, including healthcare professionals, wrongly assume that people with disabilities are not capable of or interested in sexual relations.]
Marginalized Have Increased Gynecologic Cancer Risk
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published data pertaining to the healthcare gap among adults who identified as having at least one of four disability types: hearing, vision, cognitive and/or mobility.
Key findings specifically surrounding cervical cancer screenings among women between ages 21 and 65 years with disabilities ranged from 66% to 80%, compared to a consistently higher rate (81%) for women without disabilities.
Additionally, this CDC report stated that the prevalence of having a mammogram for breast cancer screening among women between 50 to 74 years of age with disabilities was likewise lower (61% to 68%) and varied according to specific disabilities compared to women without disabilities (73%). Gaps were also found surrounding screening recommendations and access for colorectal cancer.
(Shutterstock)
These healthcare gaps are concerning because research also shows that women with disabilities have higher rates of sexual violence and increased risk of pregnancy complications. During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, it’s imperative that all women – and perhaps especially women with disabilities and their caregivers and/or loved ones – learn about gynecologic cancer symptoms, risk factors and prevention.
International Week of Deaf People runs September 18-24, 2023; plus, International Day of Sign Languages is September 23, 2023. There is no universal sign language, meaning different signs are used in different countries.
In the United States, American Sign Language (ASL) is recognized as a complete language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders. ASL is the primary language of many who are deaf or hard of hearing, plus used by some hearing people.
Because ASL has the unique capability to unite and connect people of all abilities, AmeriDisability is thrilled to acknowledge International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages – this year and every year.
Here’s a round-up of ASL gifts for people with and without disabilities:
A great addition to any home library, this children’s book hones in on the inclusive motto of its main character, Ada: “Be bold! Be brave! Let you be you… and let’s help others, too!” Seems like sound advice from a dancing, deaf fox with cochlear implants who loves to help others. The text is written in the English language with ASL integrated onto every page.
Building with blocks helps little learners work on hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, logical thinking, spatial awareness and more. Made of basswood, these ASL blocks are painted with both the ASL alphabet and the English language alphabet.
John’s Crazy Socks was founded by John Cronin, a creative entrepreneur who has Down syndrome. His company sells tons of colorful socks, including an array of awareness socks. The ‘I Love You’ pair celebrates the people who communicate through ASL. Ten percent of sale proceeds benefit the Lexington School for the Deaf.
This porcelain mug acknowledges the importance of ASL interpreters. ASL interpreters process information from one spoken language (such as English) and translate it into another, like ASL, so people within the hearing and Deaf community can communicate seamlessly.
The popular board game of Scrabble is sold in 121 countries and available in more than 30 languages, according to Wikipedia. Featuring 100 ASL game tiles with point values and two wild card tiles for playing Scrabble, Deaf and hard of hearing players can get their game on while testing vocabulary skills! FYI, a game board is not included.
Word searches are a fun way to stimulate the brain, especially for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Word search games can aid vocabulary fluency and attention skills. This book challenges gamers to learn and/or recall the ASL alphabet using more than 100 puzzles.
Sold in mens, womens and youth sizes, this vintage-style t-shirt makes an important fashion statement: “In A World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind” (with complementary ASL translation). It comes in black, navy, heather blue and dark heather gray.
(Amazon)
8. Love Language Desktop Sculpture
Every employee – with or without disabilities – is unique with varying talents to contribute. An inclusive workplace grants and promotes equal access to resources and opportunities among all types of people, including those who are often marginalized. This ASL desk sculpture is a great addition to an accessible workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
This nameplate bar is made of stainless steel. Aside from customizing this beautiful piece with ASL, choose a black, gold, rose gold or silver finish. The bar measures 1.57″ x 0.28″ and the chain measures 19.5″.
Part of the popular Willow Tree collection, this hand-painted statue features an angel, in a cream dress with wire wings, standing with crossed arms to symbolize “love” using ASL. This ASL gift communicates a genuine sense of caring.
Adaptive yoga is an accessible style of yoga that offers flexibility ─ pun intended ─ for individuals with varying abilities and body types. It centers on working toward one’s personalized goals through a mind-body connection. Modified poses allow for differing variations to foster practice accessibility for people with and without disabilities.
“Yoga doesn’t see one’s disability as an obstacle but rather an opportunity,” says Dr. Amanda Arruda, owner of Physical Therapy and Wellness based in Central Florida. She continues, “Yoga is available to everybody and adaptable to every body type.” Throughout her career as a yoga instructor and physical therapist, Dr. Arruda has specialized in serving a diverse population, including individuals of all ages with disabilities, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions.
Yoga provides physical benefits with movement; social aspects through the community of an inclusive class or one-on-one with a yoga teacher or yoga therapist; and, in some cases if the student wants to take it there, a spiritual aspect to find inner strength and inner peace.
“I became an advocate for adaptive fitness and recreation, which led me to explore yoga-related medical research,” Dr. Arruda explains. “I found study after study suggesting that yoga and mindfulness practices — like guided relaxation and breathing activities — are effective in improving balance, range of motion and strength, while also reducing anxiety, depression and stress, and/or stress-related conditions like blood pressure.”
(Shutterstock)
While the benefits of yoga are proven and widespread among different populations, research has drilled down further to identify some specific gains for members of the disability community. For example, a study of patients with Parkinson’s disease found that adaptive yoga improved physical mobility while reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. Similarly, another study found that adaptive yoga improved the balance and walking speed of patients with brain injuries. And additional research found adaptive yoga also helped those with cerebral palsy loosen muscles that tended to be, otherwise, tight and spastic.
Adaptive Yoga Equipment
Yoga props offer added support to practice poses while maintaining healthy alignment. “Props can help people of all abilities relax and feel more confident to explore adaptive yoga,” says Dr. Arruda.
Part of the Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Collection, these adaptive leggings feature the clean, classic Tommy style with internal pull-up loops (designed for ease of dressing) and an elastic waist. The material is soft, stretchy and machine-washable.
Leggings from the Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Collection (Amazon).
Available via paperback or kindle, the text (with visuals) of this book instructs budding yogis on how to enter, hold and exit a pose, as well as insight into why such pose is beneficial for specific conditions. It offers guidance and recommended poses for some of the most common conditions and disabilities, including arthritis, cerebral palsy, lower back pain, lower limb amputation, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and stroke.
An investment in this high-density foam chaise lounge may just lead to priceless practice possibilities! The chair is intended for exercising and stretching, but can easily double as a comfy space for reading or screen time. Available either with or without wooden base legs, this chair can be ordered in seven different colors. Its microvelvet cover is removable and machine washable.
Micro-movements from sitting on a balance ball chair engage the body and mind, leading to higher energy levels. Incorporate this equipment into your adaptive yoga practice or, for increased productivity and focus, use it as a desk chair. It’s recommended for users 5’ to 5’11” tall. And this Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair comes with an air pump.
Rectangular in shape, the Gayo bolster pillow is made with 100% certified organic cotton. It’s breathable, soft and moisture-wicking to inspire a restorative yoga session. Use this piece during challenging poses to curb injury or even during deep-breathing exercises. It comes with a convenient carry case.
Tune into your mindfulness practice as you tune into soothing sounds. There’s no need to fuss with uncomfortable earbuds as this wireless garment allows you to listen to music while doubling as a hair- and sweat-control headband. Plus, it remains restfully in place so it won’t distract you from your practice.
If you’ve finally warmed up to Bikram or hot yoga, be sure to have a Youphoria Yoga towel within reach. It’s made of lightweight microfiber and can absorb seven times its weight in water. That way sweat won’t turn your yoga mat into a slip n’ slide. Plus, machine-washing this towel is much easier than hosing down a smelly exercise mat.
This adjustable floor chair is described as a meditation chair, but it can seamlessly double as an alternative yoga seat. The detachable buckwheat-filled cushion provides added comfort. And the chair is especially inviting for those who prefer a seated savasana position over the flat, lying down savasana position.
Using any stretch strap can help yogis achieve desired poses and improve flexibility. But this multi-loop version is especially user-friendly with pre-looped slots, thus allowing for easier pose transitions. The strap also folds up to a compact size.
Available in multiple color combinations, these socks are thick, moisture-wicking, breathable and offer added support around the toes. The stretch-flip elastic strap keeps these socks in place as your change positions. Interestingly, these socks come three to a pair (rather than a set) so you can mix and match colors just for fun.
Joints and knees can certainly be tested during yoga sessions but the extra padding of this thicker yoga mat allows for a gentler practice. It’s textured on both sides to ensure a non-slip experience. It comes in gray/lime green, light/dark gray and purple/pink combinations.
These chiropractor-designed blocks optimize wrist angle and shift weight to the palm for rock-solid yoga wrist support, equating to 60% less pressure. These high-density foam blocks have an anti-slip surface and come in a set of two.
This accessible seat is intended to relieve back pressure, correct posture, relax muscles and, overall, help one stretch. The chair also comes with a bonus yoga resistance band. It can accommodate up to 350 pounds and be folded for storage. Choose either a black or grey hue.
These slant and stretch wedges help make muscles more responsive during exercise. During yoga practice, or any physical therapy for that matter, the wedge(s) supports proper stretching to reduce the chance of injury. Each wedge measures 13″ x 12″ with the standing area about 15-20% larger than other wedges.
This bolster pillow can support any part of the body but is especially suitable for the waist, hips and neck. It uses a high-density, slow-rebound sponge material for support. Plus, this pillow can transport from the yoga studio to the office to serve as a pelvic pillow between the waist and the chair, thus lifting the back tendons to better maintain posture.
Yoga pillow (Amazon)
Where to Find Adaptive Yoga
Now that you’re outfitted with the best adaptive yoga equipment, it’s time to find an adaptive yoga class. Certified adaptive yoga teachers lead sessions in studios nationwide as well as online. Plus, you can always learn poses and do a self-guided practice (or follow along on a mobile app). Here are helpful instructional websites:
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. Here’s information you should know; plus upcoming events to support sickle cell awareness.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America’s (SCDAA) theme for this year’s awareness month is Sickle Cell Matters 2023.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells may become sickle-shaped and harden. For a baby to be born with sickle cell disease, both parents must carry a sickle cell trait. Sickle cell disease is not contagious, and there is no universal cure.
(source: SCDAA)
SCD Facts
About 1-in-13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait and many do not know they have it.
An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. have SCD.
Approximately 2,000 babies are born with SCD annually in the U.S.
On average, a diagnosis is made at birth.
8% of African Americans are carriers of SCD.
People of many ethnic backgrounds can have SCD.
Latinos have the second most common incidence of SCD in the U.S.
The blockage of blood flow caused by sickled cells leads to complications including:
Preventing infections from common illnesses such as the flu
Medications to reduce the severity of sickle cell disease
Regular preventive care including vaccinations and health and dental checkups
Quality medical care from doctors and nurses who are educated about SCD
Building a support system of friends and family
Connecting with a patient support group or a community-based SCD organization
for information and assistance
The search for a cure…
Bone marrow (stem cell) transplants can, in some cases, cure sickle cell disease, but not all individuals are eligible for this procedure and there are associated risks. Read more about this NIH initiative: www.curesickle.org.
How Can You Support Sickle Cell Matters?
You can share this article to help generate awareness! And use hashtags on social media: #SickleCellMatters2023, #SickleCellAwarenessMonth, #SCDAA2023AwarenessMonth and #SCDSCTmatters.
SCDAA encourages everyone to be a part of this national effort to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell traits during the month of September. Individuals and organizations can join their efforts to bring attention to sickle cell disease by engaging elected officials for proclamations, hosting awareness events, distributing educational information to dispel the myths about sickle cell disease, and lighting public spaces, buildings and landmarks with the color red.
(Shutterstock)
Here are more ways to help:
• Donate blood to support transfusions. Click here to register for the virtual blood drive!
• Advocate for better treatment, education and research.
• Educate others about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
• Get tested for sickle cell trait if you are of African descent and do not know your status.
• Support SCDAA as we search for a universal cure.
SCD Treatment Options:
• Over-the-counter pain relievers are commonly used to treat chronic pain.
• Hydroxyurea (Siklos, Droxia) and Oxbryta (Voxelotor) are prescribed medications that can decrease some complications of SCD.
• Endari (Glutamine) and Adakveo (Crizanlizumab) are prescribed medications that can reduce the number of sickle cell pain crises.
• Blood transfusions can help relieve symptoms of SCD and potentially prevent complications.
SCD Screening Test:
• Newborn screening can help identify SCD and expedite early management and treatment.
• Adult screening can help identify if someone has SCD or is a carrier of the SCD trait.
• Sickle stroke screening, also known as Transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening, can help identify people with brain abnormalities as a result of SCD who are at high risk for ischemic stroke and brain injury.
• Organ screening can help identify damage to organs such as the kidney, eye and heart.
(source: CDC)
Attend an Event
SCDAA member organizations across the country are hosting events to bring our community together. Click here for a full list of events and find one near you!
