The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau has awarded the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) a $7.5 million cooperative agreement to form a new national center for a system of services for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). The project will start in July 2023 .
With the five-year cooperative agreement, the AAP will establish a National Center Consortium (NCC) with Boston University, Family Voices, and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health. The goal of the collaboration is to provide better care for more children and youth with special health care needs by supporting the implementation of the MCHB Blueprint for Change: Guiding Principles for a System of Services for CYSHCN.
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According to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), only 13.7% of children with special health care needs receive care in a well-functioning system. The Maternal and Child Health Bureau identified structural racism, ableism, complicated and siloed service systems, and weak links between clinical and non-clinical supports as some of the reasons. One of the goals of the NCC will be to assist state Title V Programs for Children with Special Needs and various stakeholders who serve children and youth with special needs and their families. Strategies will be implemented in four critical areas: health equity; financing of services; well-being and quality of life; and access to services to improve the cross-sector systems serving this population.
“The AAP is thrilled to receive this new award,” said AAP President Sandy Chung, MD, MPH, FAAP. “Through this new National Center, the AAP and its partners will work across the intersections of the four critical areas of the Blueprint for Change to drive innovation and change to advance and strengthen the system of services for children and youth with special health care needs and their families.”
To advance the system of services, the NCC will develop an implementation roadmap based on the MCHB Blueprint for Change: Guiding Principles for CYSHCN that identifies actionable steps at the research, practice, and policy levels for sectors serving CYSHCN and their families across their lifespan. The target audience includes state Title V programs, families, pediatricians, child health clinicians, education professionals, early childhood and adolescent experts, mental and behavioral health professionals, community-based organizations, payers, health systems, and policymakers.
The systemic barriers facing children and youth with special health care needs and their families are long-standing and underscore the need for new approaches to advance the system of services. The AAP and its partners are committed to transforming and improving the systems of services for CYSHCN and their families through the NCC and subsequent national center.
Kudos to all advocates dedicated to the disability community.
If you’re not a member of the disability community, you may not realize that July is Disability Pride Month. Because of misinformation and misunderstanding, people with disabilities are often not thought of as equals or valued members of society. But all people – with or without disabilities – deserve to feel a sense of pride about themselves! Listen, people with disabilities constitute the nation’s largest minority group; so, if you’re not already connected to it… know that you could be at some point during your lifetime (whether you become disabled or a caregiver). But anyone can become a disability ally right now!
Being a disability ally doesn’t mean you have to be an expert on all things pertaining to the disability community. Rather, allyship, as defined by Dictionary.com is “the status or role of a person who advocates and actively works for the inclusion of a marginalized or politicized group in all areas of society, not as a member of that group but in solidarity with its struggle and point of view and under its leadership.”
Here are ways to be a disability ally during Disability Pride Month and beyond…
1. Combat ableism.
Ableism is defined as discrimination against disabled people; and/or the tendency to regard people with a disability as incomplete, diminished or damaged, and to measure the quality of life with a disability against a nondisabled standard. First, evaluate whether you may be consciously or subconsciously ablest. Then, mindfully combat ableism by educating yourself and others about disabilities. For example, encourage your company to embrace an inclusive workforce, introduce inclusive/diverse books and television programs to family members, encourage community sites (like your church or gym) to prioritize accessibility, advocate for equal access by communicating with elected officials, speak up when you hear others use discriminatory words and welcome people with disabilities into your life.
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2. Align with disability-serving charities.
You can help support the disability community by donating (time, funds, resources and more) to further the missions of disability-focused organizations. Advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising makes a difference!
3. Put people first.
The movement of disability pride is growing but, of course, disability is not the only identity a person has. It’s advised that the community-at-large practice “person-first language,” meaning a “person with a disability” versus a “disabled person.” Note that the person, not the disability, comes first. However, language within different sectors of the disability community isn’t always consistent. Sometimes disability “identity first language” is acceptable. For example, a recent survey polled more than 11,000 people with or connected to autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and, over 76% of respondents favored “identity first language” — meaning personal preferences to be referred to as an “autistic person.” Confused? That’s OK! People with disabilities usually don’t mind being asked about preferences. Overall, be cautious of using outdated, offensive terms.
4. Scrap labels.
The use of either extreme praise or negative labels inevitably over-emphasizes one aspect of a person’s life; thus, making a disability the primary factor. Many don’t like to feel pitied for or victimized by their disability (i.e., “It must be hard being a stroke victim”). On the flip side, people shouldn’t continually be put on a pedestal for living their typical life (i.e., “You’re so brave for trying that despite your disability. You’re my hero”). Just like typical people, those with disabilities are equal members of society with individual strengthens and weaknesses.
5. Don’t make assumptions.
There’s no shortage of misconceptions when it comes to disability. For example, the connection between wheelchair use and illness may stem from healthcare facilities customarily using wheelchairs to transport patients. But, in any setting, a person may use a wheelchair for a variety of reasons, none of which are connected to being sick. Perhaps the old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” is spot on when it comes to members of the disability community… well, all humans for that matter. Not to mention that some disabilities are invisible. This quote comes to mind: Be kind always, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
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6. Be conscious with communication.
Respectfully communicate with people with disabilities in the same manner as you would anyone else. When possible, make eye contact and speak in your normal tone of voice (not shouting). Regardless of ability level, no one wants to be treated like a child or patronized. Do speak directly to the person, rather than to an aide, caregiver or translator. And while their service animal may be adorable, it’s best not to engage with service animals unless permission is granted.
7. Grant personal space.
Consider disability equipment to be extensions of a person’s body. You wouldn’t push someone’s body that didn’t have a disability, and the same applies to disability devices; meaning don’t push someone’s wheelchair without asking first. Refrain from touching a cane, crutches, hand-held translator, oxygen tank, scooter, walker or other aid/tool.
8. Ask before attending.
Have you ever heard, “Here, let me help you!” Assertive helpers who frantically rush to assist without asking are likely just trying to be kind. But, sometimes, that potential helper doesn’t realize that the gesture is presumptuous. People with disabilities are extremely independent; others may be adapting to a newfound disability and find it beneficial to do things for themselves. If you’d like to offer a helping hand, simply ask first, such as “May I help you with that?” And don’t take offense if the answer is “no, thank you.”
9. Embrace teachable moments.
Children, especially those not accustomed to inclusion or diversity, have a natural, uninhibited curiosity. For example, little ones may ask a parent, “Why is that person in a wheelchair?” Some parents may uncomfortably react by shushing the child. This silencing makes disability feel taboo, rather than normalizing unique differences. Try to embrace teachable moments with simple, age-appropriate explanations, such as “Everyone is different. This person uses a wheelchair rather than legs to move around.”
All humans can get hung up on differences. But people have so much more in common than they realize, regardless of ability. Just like people without disabilities, members of the disability community have families, jobs, hobbies, favorite foods, preferred pastimes and so on. Each one of us has varied likes, dislikes, personalities, backgrounds, etc. Most people, with and without disabilities, can make connections and identify similarities, regardless of physical, emotional or spiritual differences.
11. Listen with compassion, not judgement.
Sometimes friends vent to each other. That doesn’t mean that people with disabilities are necessarily looking to have every barrier solved for them. Listen, hear, validate. Avoid unnecessary and inapplicable comparisons. For example, maybe you temporarily used a wheelchair when you broke a limb, but that doesn’t mean you understand what a friend adapting to amputation is experiencing. A supportive ear is kind.
More Tips to Be a Disability Ally
Follow and interact with disability activists on social media.
Attend Disability Pride Month events – in person or virtually.
July is recognized as Disability Pride Month. This annual celebration of differing abilities connects back to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark ruling that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Many years passed before a much-needed disability pride flag was created. Need help decoding the inclusive design? Here’s what the disability pride flag represents…
History of the Disability Pride Flag
Ann Magill, a writer who has cerebral palsy, was in grad school when ADA became law in July 1990. Often penning work on disability and social equality, she had a knack for flagging injustices. In 2010, she attended an underwhelming event for the 20th anniversary of the ADA. The lackluster celebration, in her opinion, did not garner the attention needed to strengthen awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. She visualized making a disability pride flag and, finally, was fiercely motivated to do so following a horrific attack on a disabled-serving facility in Japan in 2016.
“My first design idea was to make the stripes zigzag… to represent how disabled people have to maneuver around all the barriers we face. We have to go this way, and then we have to go that way, and then we have to go this way and then we have to go that way. And that’s how we move through the world,” Magill described on The Accessible Stall podcast. The disability pride flag started to go viral in 2019.
Thanks to input from the disability community, the original design of the disability pride flag (left) was updated in 2021 (right) to be more accessible. | (Wikipedia)
Members and allies of the disability community praised the flag’s concept yet offered constructive feedback. While well-intentioned, the bold colors and zigzag construction of the initial design caused a strobe-like effect on computer and phones screens which was off-putting for those with migraines, seizures, sensory sensitivities and other conditions. Thus, in 2021, Magill unveiled an updated and more accessible design of the disability pride flag featuring muted hues and softer angles.
“I think it’s even better this way because it truly represents the community because the community came together to solve a problem,” Magill explained on the podcast.
Understanding the Disability Pride Flag
Flags are traditionally flown to proudly signify nations and/or cultures. Flags also symbolize other types of identities, beliefs and, yes, pride. A couple of commonly recognized flags, for example, are the pride flag (rainbow banner honoring the LGBTQ+ community) and the Juneteenth flag (red and blue banner with bursting white star representing the end of slavery in the United States).
Here’s what the disability pride flag represents:
Black: The black background, which is more so like a faded charcoal base, ignites the mourning of disabled persons victimized by ableism or lost to disability-fueled violence, abuse/negligence and death. The dark shade also illuminates the rage and protest against the mistreatment of people with disabilities.
Diagonal band: The light, connected band of stripes cut straight through the darkness (i.e., barriers). The slanted formation is a symbolic contrast to the vertical walls and horizontal ceilings that resonate with feelings of isolation among some members of the disability community.
Multi-colored: The disability pride flag includes all six standard international flag colors to denote that the disability community is wide-reaching and on a global scale. Regarding the flag’s redesign, Magill explained in a Reddit post that the warm and cool colors were grouped separately on either side of a white stripe to “lessen the chance of a flicker effect when scrolling online, lessen a nausea trigger for those who suffer from migraines and separate the red and green stripes for those with color blindness.”
Green: This stripe signifies sensory disabilities, including blindness, deafness, lack of smell, lack of taste and other sensory conditions.
Blue: This stripe represents those with psychiatric disabilities, such as anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
White: This central stripe connects to persons with invisible disabilities and/or undiagnosed conditions.
Gold: This stripe signifies those with cognitive and intellectual disabilities and other neurodivergence.
Red: This final line denotes persons with physical disabilities.
Magill waived copyright and entered this disability pride flag into the public domain in an effort to encourage everyone – with and without disabilities — to promote and use the symbolic design. So, are you using the disability pride flag this month (and beyond)? Disability pride, of course, is a year-round movement! And your participation is needed.
People with disabilities are the largest and most diverse minority group within the population, representing all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Because at least 1-in-4 adults in the United States has some type of disability, it’s no surprise that a movement of “disability pride” is emerging and rapidly expanding. So, what is disability pride? AmeriDisability has the breakdown of what you need to know…
Disability pride is defined as accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness, and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Disability pride is an integral part of an inclusive crusade and, furthermore, a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability.
Defining Disability Pride
Since disability pride is a fairly new concept, it is important for people with disabilities to be proudly visible in the community, according to the Disability Community Resource Center.
Oftentimes, people solely think about disability as a medical diagnosis. For example: “My disability is a spinal cord injury,” “my disability is depression” or “my disability is a brain injury.” But disability is far more than just the physical and/or mental effects on the body. Disability is much more than the pills that you take or the specialized physicians that you see to manage a condition. It’s a part of who you are. However, disability is not the only identity you have; of course, you may also identify by gender, race, height and many other attributes. All of your unique individuality is important and has value.
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Disability Pride Month
In alignment with the July 1990 passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability month is celebrated every year in July. This observance aims to promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by those within the disability community. Using bold images and powerful words, disability pride awareness events and parades strive to educate and empower people with and without disabilities. You see, pride comes from celebrating the unique experiences that we have as people with differing abilities and the contributions that we offer society.
The first ‘Disability Pride Day’ was held in Boston in 1990, and the first U.S.-based Disability Pride Parade was held in Chicago in 2004. Today, disability pride parades are held nationwide, such as in Los Angeles, New York City, San Antonio and Madison, among other locations. These events celebrate disability culture with the intention to progressively influence the way civilization thinks about and/or perceives disabilities – with the ultimate goal to put an end to stigmas surrounding disability.
Ancillary movements have also developed. For example, in 2005, Autistic Pride Day was established to heighten acceptance and understanding of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This disability observance is now held annually on June 18.
“There is a tremendous need to create a counter-culture that teaches new values and beliefs, and acknowledges the dignity and worth of all human beings. Disability pride is a direct response to this need.” – Sarah Triano, National Disabled Students Union.
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Disability Pride Matters
Sadly, because of misinformation and misunderstanding, people with disabilities are often not thought of as equals or valued members of society. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the prominent civil rights leader who helped champion disability rights, said, “As long as the mind is enslaved, the body can never be free.” So, as long as people feel ashamed of who they are, they will never realize the true equality and freedom they desire and can achieve. That’s why disability pride matters. YOU matter.
A portion of this article was originally published by Disabled World. It was initially adapted and reprinted with permission by AmeriDisability in 2019, and updated in 2023.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodivergent condition that can make aspects of daily life more challenging — when compared to those without ASD or other disabilities. Because ASD typically causes social, behavioral and communication differences, many autistics may feel limited when it comes to securing gainful, fulfilling employment, and especially so if and when hiring managers appear to be put off by autistic mannerisms or the concept of accessible accommodations. That’s why when Aaliyah Alicia Thompson, a 21-year-old autistic woman with a passion for beauty, wanted to let her talents shine, she opened her own salon in Stockbridge, Georgia with the intention of diversifying the beauty industry.
Thanks to the support of her family, Thompson established Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar in the fall of 2022. As a young, black female with a disability, Thompson acknowledges the great need for operating an inclusive salon that provides hair, make-up and nail services to all women. Diagnosed at the age of five, she’s always strived to break down barriers surrounding autism and, now, will also enhance diversity within the beauty industry.
Aaliyah Thompson (seated) with her team from Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar, an inclusive salon offering hair, nail and make-up services for all women.
Further Diversifying the Beauty Industry
The unemployment rate of individuals with a disability is nearly 60 percent higher than the rate of individuals without a disability. That alarming statistic helped to motivate Thompson to boldly create Aaliyah School Of Nails, which is set to open in less than a year’s time from the creation of Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar! The school will be a first-of-its-kind training center empowering and educating beauty enthusiasts of all abilities.
“As someone with autism, I know firsthand the challenges of finding opportunities in the workforce. But I also know that individuals with autism have unique talents and abilities that can be harnessed to achieve great things,” Thompson shares. “I hope that my nail school will serve as a model for inclusive entrepreneurship and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter their background or challenges.”
Prepared to welcome its first round of students at the end of the summer 2023, Aaliyah School Of Nails plans to offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on all aspects of nail design and care, in addition to basic business management skills. Thompson says the inclusively-minded institution aims to provide personalized devotion to every student to, ultimately, help each achieve careers in the beauty industry, whether that be working as a nail technician at an established salon or by pursuing entrepreneurship.
Students, with and without disabilities, who attend Aaliyah School Of Nails will learn nail design and care techniques.
Hiring people with autism or other disabilities is, quite simply, smart business. Approximately 1-in-4 people in the U.S. have at least one debilitating condition and, as it turns out, members of the disability community have valuable attributes. Just like other potential employees (with and without disabilities), workers with differing abilities such as ASD are extremely driven to do a good job and, in some circumstances, can even present superior work. For example, people with ADHD can become hyper-focused on a task; and, thus, may produce high-quality nail designs repeatedly during an uninterrupted work session. Similarly, employees with ASD are usually detail-oriented, a trait that would benefit the meticulous duties of a nail technician or beauty stylist. Plus, an inclusive work environment is a positive one for all.
Tips Diversify the Beauty Industry
Grooming can be difficult for people with ASD, sensory processing disorder and other conditions. One can become overstimulated or destressed by the noise of hair scissors or razors, the sensation of clipping nails, the scent of beauty products and even the change in routine of just getting to the appointment site.
Here are a few tips for stylists and beauty professionals to bolster inclusion:
Be patient and kind with all customers and perhaps especially so with those who have differing abilities and may experience added anxiety during services.
Aaliyah Thompson, an autistic entrepreneur is diversifying the beauty industry by advocating for inclusion and diversity.
Skip the salon gown/robe to omit tag or fabric irritation.
Strive to accommodate neurodiverse patrons during quieter time slots to limit overstimulation.
Dim lighting and lower music volume, if possible.
Show the client the tools that’ll be used and, if applicable, demonstrate first (i.e., comb your hair).
Allow sensory-sensitive customers to bring in their own product if requested to curb triggering scents.
Suggest a dry cut to lessen duration of the appointment and/or forgo rough pressure from the waterspout.
Be vocal with what is happening and what will happen. [For example: First, we will comb your hair with this round brush, then we will trim the ends with this scissor.]
Aaliyah School Of Nails will offer full-time, part-time and night classes for those interested in pursuing a certification. For questions pertaining to this program, contact their glamorous team. For those interested in exploring entrepreneurship in other business sections, check out AmeriDisability’s article: “A ‘How To Start a Business Guide’ for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities.”
Nancy Rothner has dedicated more than two decades to the field of stress reduction; first as a clinical hypnotherapist and then as a product entrepreneur. You see, when she couldn’t find an affordable, holistic stress reliever ideal for her clients and anyone experiencing stress, she invented one. Rothner developed Pinch Me Therapy Dough, a non-prescription, scented putty-like tool that’s at the ready to reduce one’s stress ‘in a pinch’ – or any time for that matter.
Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, per the American Psychological Association. But it can worsen to impact one’s day-to-day functioning, which can greatly affect a person’s mental and physical well-being. Examples of specific diagnoses include acute stress disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety, to name a few.
Stress Reduction Through Inclusive Product Design
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a study found that adults with disabilities reported mental distress nearly five times as often as those without disabilities. In 2018, an estimated 17.4 million (32.9%) adults with disabilities said they experienced frequent mental distress, defined as 14 or more mentally unhealthy days within the past 30 days.
Perhaps consequently, fidget toys have gained popularity as a fairly simple, yet effective stress-reliever within the disability community and beyond. People with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and generalized anxiety disorder, for example, have turned to these handy devices at record numbers as of late. Fidget toys come in a variety of different forms, such as cubes, putty, spinners, stress balls and chewable pendants.
(Available in varying colors and scents, Pinch Me helps one relax in a pinch — literally and figuratively.)
Pinch Me is best categorized as a putty. Uniquely engaging one’s senses, it’s comprehensive design taps into aromatherapy, chromotherapy and tactile stimulation.
“When someone is around a scent they like, the first thing their body does (as a reflex) is a shift that opens the breath… which starts the opportunity to reduce one’s stress,” Rothner tells AmeriDisability. “The design of Pinch Me also pulls one’s attention to their hands since the brain has so much of its sensitivity wired to the agility in the fingertips. This acts as a quick catalyst to become centered; followed by the kneading action that allows tension to seep out of the fingers without even thinking about it.”
The soft, brightly hued putty is available in about 20 different scents, which can also be paired with a matching mist spray. Some of the fragrances are self-explanatory, like Citrus and Spice, while other namesakes are more so aligned with a desired mood. For example: Bliss is a delicate fusion of lemon and lavender, and Refresh is a soothing cucumber mint blend.
The Pinch Me label isn’t just a descriptive connection to the physical action of manually pinching the putty. Rothner explains that “Pinch Me is probably the most feel-good, happy expression on the planet… those moments that are just too good to be true — the ‘pinch me’ moments.” And since Pinch Me is affordable, convenient and effective… yes, consumers are saying “Pinch Me!”
Because of the clientele she was accustomed to through her clinical practice, Rothner initially assumed that Pinch Me’s primary consumer base would mostly consist of college-aged students and adults. But thanks, in part, to an appearance on the Shark Tank television show, demand for Pinch Me substantially grew, including high numbers of people with disabilities and even people who work within the disability community (such as physical therapists).
(During an appearance on Shark Tank, Rothner landed a deal with ‘shark’ Robert Herjavec.)
In no way does Rothner proclaim that her inclusively designed product guarantees mental or physical healing. It’s intended to be (and is marketed as) a basic stress reduction tool. Still, countless satisfied customers have offered more specific praise about the benefits gained by using Pinch Me. This includes many with specific conditions, like ADHD, ASD, chronic pain, weakened muscles or limited mobility (of hands), spasticity muscles and, of course, stress.
Headquartered in Lewes, Delaware, Pinch Me supports the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit offering mental health support, career counseling and long-term rehabilitative care to veterans and service members and their families. A portion of proceeds financially support the organization, plus Pinch Me product is also provided to military personnel in an affect to combat stress.
In addition to utilizing stress reduction fidget tools, other ways to manage stress include:
A longstanding tradition, fireworks are set off annually in celebration of Independence Day. Many Americans love the festive, colorful bursts but others — including some people with disabilities like autism, PTSD and sensory-processing disorder — dread the sights and sounds that burst on the 4th of July. Here’s how to prepare people with disabilities for Independence Day fireworks.
5 Tips to Prepare for Independence Day Fireworks
Communicate the Change in Routine
Routines help to provide the framework for one’s day. And, for those who need to avoid overstimulation and/or minimize sensory experiences, routines allow one to lessen anxiety. For autistics and people with other special needs, a change in routine can be especially troublesome. Plan to:
Start communicating the upcoming change a few days in advance. Discuss the schedule for the day, what will happen during the change (including details about the fireworks display) and what break options may be available.
Integrate a variety of effective communication methods, such as videos, pictures, stories, etc. of fireworks to help illustrate what is expected on Independence Day.
Integrate Calming Elements
Because nature is calming for many people, get some fresh air and outdoor time on the 4th of July well before fireworks are expected to go off in the evening.
If physical activity is also a go-to calming strategy, be sure to exercise on Independence Day.
Also practice relaxing breath exercises, positive self-talk, meditation and similar strategies beforehand.
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Minimize Overstimulation
You may not know if and when fireworks will go off in your neighborhood or in close proximity, so consider remaining indoors at home (if best) with a plan.
Whether you watch from a window or outdoors at an organized event with a robust fireworks display, provide sunglasses to minimize stimulation from light.
Similarly, offer earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to lessen startling noises. Consider playing white noise to offset unfamiliar sounds.
Also incorporate comforting items, such as a weighted blanket, compression vest, a child’s lovie toy, favorite sensory-friendly clothing, etc.
Real-Time Reminders
Unlike New Year’s Eve when fireworks are mostly ignited around midnight, Independence Day fireworks can go off for a lengthier duration of time. Proactively remind those with special needs of what’s to come and, if helpful, count down to specific transitions and/or changes.
Prompt your loved one with autism, PTSD or special needs to communicate if he/she/they needs a break during the stimulating activity.
Backup Plan at the Ready
Evaluate the exit plan prior to arrival at an event. Should fireworks (or any activity) be too much to enjoy, will you be able to leave the area quickly and safely?
If attending a fireworks show isn’t enjoyable, do you have an alternate activity option to pivot to?
If needed, have prescribed anti-anxiety medication accessible.
(Shutterstock)
Safety Tips to Prepare People of All Abilities for Fireworks
Aside from triggering people with autism, PTSD and sensory issues, fireworks can also be extremely dangerous for people of all abilities. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association reports that emergency rooms treat roughly 13,000 people for firework-related injuries each year, including burns on the hands, fingers, head, face, legs and eyes. These burns can range from mild to severe — and can be debilitating or life-threatening.
To avoid the risk of debilitating injury, note that:
It’s best to attend a professionally-run fireworks display hosted by trained, experienced personnel (rather than risky at-home use).
If you plan to ignite fireworks at home, be sure to use legal fireworks! Some fireworks are deemed illegal for personal use because of the serious risk of danger.
Light fireworks outdoors, ideally on a flat, concrete surface away from grass or flammable items. Choose a spot away from houses, cars, spectator areas, etc.
Note that flaming hot sparklers can also cause injury to children with and without disabilities. Opt for safer alternatives for youngsters, such as glow sticks.
Read and follow directions noted on firework product labels.
Have a bucket of water handy to dispose of used fireworks.
Also have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and cell phone (to call for help) at the ready in case of emergency.
Meditation is gaining popularity as a self-care wellness method. While this conscious concept may be unfamiliar or somewhat new to many, meditation dates back thousands of years. Meditation, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, is a practice that involves focusing or clearing one’s mind using a combination of mental and, if and when possible, physical techniques. But is meditation accessible for people with disabilities?
For individuals within the disability community — perhaps especially so for those with limited mobility, chronic degenerative conditions, autism spectrum disorder and other conditions — meditation may boast significant benefits.
Making Meditation Accessible Is Doctor’s Orders
Dr. Rex Marco is a surgeon specializing in spine surgery and orthopedic oncology. As a world-renowned physician and the father of four, his schedule is undoubtedly busy! Still, he made the deliberate decision to parlay his passion for meditation into a second profession — completing the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program. He was motivated to do so because, he attests, that meditation is essential to his well-being. Furthermore, he credits meditation as instrumental to his recovery journey following a C3 spinal cord injury.
“Meditation became a part of my life in the fall of 2015 when I was experiencing a lot of emotional pain in my life,” Dr. Marco tells AmeriDisability. He was led to the book titled The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts. “This book introduced me to the practice of mindfulness, which I currently define as nonjudgmental, loving awareness of senses in the present moment.”
Next, he read the book This Moment is Full of Wonders by Thich Nhat Hanh. “I began starting my day meditating on his calligraphy work. One page would say “Breathe,” and another page would say “Breathe, my dear” and yet another page would say ”Listen,” Dr. Marco recalls. “Sitting at the side of my bed, in silence, helped me be present in those moments before getting ready to start my day.”
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Dr. Marco tells AmeriDisability that he was suffering from numerous stress-related conditions before initiating meditation, including pre-diabetes, hypertension, insomnia, unrecognized stress, anxiety and depression. “I was able to treat all of these conditions once I started meditating,” the Houston-based physician asserts!
Then, in 2019, Dr. Marco, an avid mountain biker, set out a nature trail for a mindful ride. However, on that day, he hit a branch and his life was uprooted by paralysis. Because of his ironically-precise medical expertise, he immediately took an active role in his treatment – instructing bystanders on first aid, reviewing his own diagnostic test results and collaboratively developing the surgical plan that his colleagues would perform.
In recovery, Dr. Marco reminded himself to tap into meditation, as he had so often advised at the bedside of his patients. You see, studies show that meditation can decrease stress, anxiety and pain, as it did for Dr. Marco, while also increasing relaxation, memory and clarity, among other benefits. Psychology Today writes that “meditation acts on areas of the brain that modulate the autonomic nervous system, which governs such functions as digestion and blood pressure—functions heavily affected by chronic stress. Through its physiological effects, meditation has been found to effectively counter heart disease, chronic pain and other conditions. It is also valuable in improving emotion regulation.” In general, the meditative mind can help one achieve a sense of control to combat mental and physical discomfort.
How to Make Meditation Accessible
There are several types of meditation, such as guided meditation, mantra meditation and transcendental meditation, to name a few. Meditation forms often emphasis breath and body awareness. However, because of his paralysis, Dr. Marco discovered he couldn’t access full sensation from standard practices like he previously did during meditation.
(Dr. Rex Marco)
“I lost my ability to use my breath as my primary anchor after my accident,” he explains. “Thankfully, my sense of hearing became my primary anchor and it allows me to ground whenever I become aware of sound.”
Meditation apps, commonly used by meditators of all abilities and skill levels, aren’t always inclusive for people with disabilities. A Mashable article summarized the inequality by explaining: “For people with disabilities, standard meditation fare can seem exclusionary. Meditation resources—apps, online courses, in-person classes—often make assumptions about the person meditating. A basic set of misguided assumptions: that they can walk, see, hear or feel.”
It’s fair to say that one, traditionally designed app won’t work for all. But companies are starting to embrace accessible features.
“Our mission is to create a world where everyone is kind to their mind — which is why we’re committed to making our mobile products more accessible for every person, regardless of their visual, auditory, cognitive or motor abilities,” Hannah Foley, Corporate Communications Manager for Headspace Health, tells AmeriDisability.
Headspace is among the most downloaded meditation apps. “We’ve prioritized trainings with our team to ensure that we are designing for disability, meaning that we consider impairments that affect everyday activities, including software/device use and physical space navigation,” Foley added.
Headspace has advanced its accessibility features over the years to implement:
Closed captions for all in-app content
Haptic feedback to enhance experience for visually impaired users
Text scaling
Support for all screen widths and orientations (landscape mode)
Screen reader supports (considering focus order)
Color contrast (to improve readability and usability of design)
Audio descriptions for videos
And that’s not all. “Separately, as part of this commitment, we’ve partnered with Perkins Access, a division of Perkins School for the Blind, to ensure that our platform conforms to the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W3C WCAG) Version 2.1 Level AA requirements to the maximum extent possible,” Foley shares. “These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities. Perkins Access provides us with user and expert reviews, ongoing accessibility support, Accessibility Conformance Reports/Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs) and expert standards guidance.”
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The product and design staff at Headspace, Foley says, are required to complete self-paced Web Accessibility Learning Paths that outline several topics, including:
The top 51 best practices and strategies for designing for accessibility;
Designing accessible charts, graph and other data visualizations; and
Accessible interaction states (focus, hover, etc.).
AmeriDisability reached out to other meditation apps, including Calm and Ten Percent Happier; neither responded to our inquiries about accessibility. Other sources, such as YouTube, may also offer additional features, such as ASL-interpreted mediation.
Accessibility Tips for Beginner Meditation
People with ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or other neurodiverse conditions often assume that meditation is beyond their mental reach. But Dr. Marco disagrees.
“I believe one misconception regarding meditation (that is common to those with and without limited mobility or a disability) is that there is a ‘need’ to quiet the mind while meditating. It is true that some forms of meditation do engage in the practice of quieting the mind. However, mindfulness meditation or insight meditation engages in the practice of understanding that the mind thinks and emotes while the body feels, listens, sees, tastes and smells. Learning that it is normal for the mind to think even while meditating was helpful for me to continue practicing mindfulness meditation,” he shares.
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Tactics to Make Meditation Accessible
Distractions happen. If and when the mind wanders to unwanted thoughts, strive to regain focus.
There’s no wrong way to meditate. Practice is varied and personal. And one’s approach to meditation may change over time.
Begin with brief three-to-five-minute sessions and build. Consistent practice is more important than how much time is devoted daily.
If one form of meditation doesn’t fit, try another type.
Choose a comfortable position, especially if the traditional crossed-legged stance isn’t ideal. One can meditate in a wheelchair, lying on a bed, while taking a walk, during a yoga session and so on. One may also close the eyes or focus on a calming object.
Some opt to practice in the same, designated space (perhaps with a meditation pillow). Consider incorporating other relaxation elements into the environment too, like fragrance oils or candles and soft lighting.
If desired, explore technology-assisted meditation; from guided apps to pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices.
It takes time to master meditation skills. And benefits may not happen overnight! Grant yourself some grace.
Teaching Meditation for All
Dr. Marco, now 58, summarizes: “I have used mindfulness meditation during my entire recovery from the moment of my accident until the present moment, to help remind me to live in this moment rather than worry about the future or dwell on the past.” And living he is! Dr. Marco is practicing medicine, giving lectures and teaching meditation to colleagues and students of all abilities.
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“I teach meditation for Gathering Strength, which is an organization whose mission is to empower people with physically disabling conditions by ensuring equitable access to community resources and spaces, technology and better health,” Dr. Marco says. “I also incorporate mindfulness meditation into most of my speaking engagements and teach my spine surgery fellows and residents mindfulness meditation as a stress reduction and burnout prevention technique.”
In his spare time, Dr. Marco reads, plays with his kiddos and enjoys nature. He most recently enjoyed an adaptive skiing adventure.
National PTSD Awareness Day is observed annually on June 27. According to the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects around 3.5% of the adult population yearly. They estimate that one in every 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD during their lifetime, with veterans suffering from PTSD at a much higher rate. There are various ways to cope with PTSD. And one organization is helping do just that by pairing veterans with PTSD with trained service dogs.
Paws of War began in 2014 and, to date, has given hundreds of trained dogs to veterans with PTSD and other conditions. The organization has helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion animals, food insecurity and veterinary care.
“Veterans tend to suffer from PTSD at a significantly higher rate than the general population,” says Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “This reminds us that freedom isn’t free. Many military members develop PTSD while on deployment and the effects come home with them. We are doing everything we can to help them through our many support programs. These veterans come home to a new war, this time the war is with PTSD.”
Since its founding, Paws of War has been rescuing dogs from kill shelters and providing them with the necessary training. They are paired then with veterans, many of which are living with PTSD. Those who receive the trained dogs report that they provide them with more independence and help with their PTSD and quality of life. For some veterans, the dog is literally a lifesaver! Many recipients tell Paws of War that they are alive today because of their dog.
Understanding Veterans with PTSD
Some people may not know that they or those around them have PTSD. Knowing what the signs look like and what to do if they are identified is a good idea. According to the National Institutes of Health, the condition develops in those who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event. The symptoms, which should be present for at least one month, include experiencing flashbacks, recurring memories or dreams related to the event, having distressing thoughts, and undergoing physical signs of stress.
(Paws of War)
Most people with PTSD avoid putting themselves in a position that may remind them of the traumatic event. They also try to avoid any thoughts or feelings that are associated with it, which may lead to them changing their routine, being tense or on guard, having difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and being irritable or having aggressive outbursts. Those with PTSD also tend to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, feel isolated and find it difficult to be happy.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that:
Recovery from PTSD is a process rather than something that happens overnight.
Healing from PTSD is an ongoing daily process, with improvements being made a little at a time.
Healing from PTSD should lead to fewer symptoms, more confidence to cope with the condition and feelings, and use of a variety of coping strategies.
“We like to say that we help at both ends of the leash,” added Misseri. “PTSD is an important issue that more people need to know about so that we can help our veterans who suffer from it.”
Paws of War is currently helping two heroes with PTSD: Russel Anderson, a Purple Heart recipient and U.S Marine, who came back from Afghanistan not the same person as when he left; and Rob Weisberg, a fire fighter, who was never the same after his heroic service at ground zero on 9/11. Both are working hard to get the message out about PTSD recovery so others who are suffering don’t have to battle alone. Help is available.
Anderson recently received a service dog in training and is educating fellow combat veterans about the services that Paws of War can provide. Weisberg has started a six-month journey to walk from Georgia to Maine to spread awareness for PTSD recovery and to help his fellow brothers and sisters, who need help getting a service dog.
On this upcoming Independence Day, and always, AmeriDisability thanks our military members for their service, including the many veterans with PTSD.
According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, about half of adults in the U.S. and 70 percent of older adults (71+) take a vitamin; with about one-third of them incorporating a comprehensive multivitamin pill. But some question whether it’s really necessary to take a daily multivitamin. Well, findings from a new study reveal that taking a multivitamin is especially beneficial to improve brain health. The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2023, showed that taking a multivitamin (for at least one year) was associated with improved memory and cognition equivalent to reversing age-related memory loss by three years.
This recently published COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) was a randomized clinical trial inclusive of 3,562 participants (aged 60 and over). Those in the “vitamin group” far surpassed the placebo group when improved brain function was analyzed.
“The benefits of taking a multivitamin were maintained throughout the three years of the study. This confirms numerous earlier studies showing that folate (simple folic acid) dramatically lowers dementia risk,” says board certified internist Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., a published researcher focused on effective treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia and other conditions. While not one of the COSMOS study authors, Dr. Teitelbaum is an advocate for nutritional supplementation as a complement to the standard American diet and typical medical therapies.
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More Tips to Improve Brain Health
Dr. Teitelbaum says he has a dozen suggestions for patients looking to improve brain health:
(1) Take Your Multivitamins in Multiple Forms: Again, in line with the COSMOS findings, Dr. Teitelbaum believes taking a multivitamin is a simple way to improve brain health. In addition to a daily multivitamin, he recommends supplementing with a good B complex, folate, vitamin D and magnesium.
“The reason doctors have traditionally been slow to recommend multivitamins is because their training has been pharmaceutical-focused and sorely deficient in nutritional education. This new COSMOS study is an important step towards setting the record straight—and represents a wakeup call to clinicians, researchers and media that cover latest medical findings,” he says.
It’s important to note that a multivitamin cannot replace a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. A multivitamin is taken to fill in nutritional gaps; not serve as a stand-alone solution.
(Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.)
“The [COSMOS] study simply used Centrum Silver. I much prefer Clinical Essentials as it is likely far more effective for overall health (e.g., research shows adding the 150 mg of magnesium in the Clinical Essentials is associated with a 22 percent lower diabetes risk, which would also lower dementia risk). The Clinical Essentials would also address the elevated homocysteine component,” Dr. Teitelbaum tells AmeriDisability.
(2) Lighten Up Your Life: Research published in Brain and Behavior has shown that simply increasing light exposure — which can be done with a lightbox or sunlight — improved cognitive testing.
“The meta-analysis of 12 randomized studies with 766 dementia patients, showed that phototherapy with bright light, as is used for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), significantly improved cognition,” Dr. Teitelbaum shared. “Lower dementia risk was also associated with other ways of getting vitamin D, a deficiency which has been associated with dementia.”
(3) Hear This: Hearing aids, now available over-the-counter, are also a powerful tool for reducing dementia risk. Dr. Teitelbaum cites a UK observational study that found that untreated hearing loss contributed to a 42 percent increase in dementia risk compared to peers who had no hearing troubles.
(4) Make Egg-cellent Choices: A nutritional study covered in Science Daily found that people who ate diets rich in phosphatidylcholine, found in eggs and other foods, were 28 percent less likely to develop dementia.
(5) Get Moving: Dr. Teitelbaum says that no medications yet invented will reduce dementia risk by 50 percent. However, science shows that walking 10,000 steps a day may do the trick, as reported in JAMA Neurology. It’s important to note that statistics show that people with disabilities are less likely to be of healthy weight and more likely to be obese than people without disabilities. However, options for accessible equipment and/or modifiable exercises are aplenty so physical activity may be attainable for people of all abilities, including those unable to walk the recommended amount of steps.
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(6) Bore that Snore: Do address sleep apnea as recent research published in Neurology in May 2023 has correlated it with loss of brain volume and accelerated Alzheimer’s.
(7) Hit the Sheets:Harvard researchers recommend getting at least six to eight hours of sleep per night to reduce the risk of dementia and death. Plus, ample sleep can help lower risk for serious health problems (like diabetes and heart disease), reduce stress and improve your mood, among other benefits.
(8) Say Bye to UTIs: The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease notes that it’s important to eliminate silent infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) which are common in older adults, to prevent cognitive decline.
(9) Be OK with PEPCID: Dr. Teitelbaum cites the JAMA Neurology with advice to avoid PPI acid blockers, which can create as much as a 44 percent higher risk of dementia. Use Pepcid instead, he suggests.
(10) Consider HRT: More than two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, which likely correlates with reduced estrogen levels following menopause. Although notably controversial, female hormone replacement may help slow cognitive changes. A January 2023 study in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could provide needed protection. Dr. Teitelbaum endorses bio-identical hormones instead of the pharmaceutical version.
(11) Spice Up Your Life: Curried foods containing turmeric (and the active ingredient curcumin) are promising for reducing Alzheimer’s risk which, Dr. Teitelbaum says, is 70 percent lower in India than the U.S.
(12) Pain, Pain Go Away: Chronic pain is associated with escalated brain aging. “Our published research shows that treating the root causes of pain can often make the pain go away,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. “Just like putting oil in a car makes the oil light go off. And according to research published in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this unnecessary chronic pain is associated with eight years of excess brain aging.
Editor’s Note: AmeriDisability is a digital publication that aims to inform and inspire. We do not claim to offer medical advice. All individuals should talk with their physicians about medical-related care, including diet, exercise, vitamins/supplements and debilitating conditions.
