Disability Awareness!

Page Dedication: In honor of Joshua DeShawn... an academic and Biblical scholar who had Cerebral Palsy - Left Hemiplegia, a speech impediment, and suffered from epileptic seizures. 

Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (KJV)

Disability History 

 

Disability History Should Be Taught In Schools!

Did you learn about disability history at school?

By realizing that the issue of disability rights has a longstanding and cultural identity, we can change narratives regarding the bias and stigma that the disability community experiences every day.

Recognizing disability history can also give students with disabilities a sense of belonging, reduce harassment and bullying, and help keep students with disabilities in school.

Teaching disability history in schools can help students understand their roots, current issues, and how to build an inclusive environment. In 1975, California developed a plan for Special Education, which notably expanded the types of services schools were required to provide students with disabilities.

 

 

Disability Awareness:  Voice beyond the grave from Joshua DeShawn...

You May have questions so here are some answers.

  • We have conditions NOT diseases.
  • We may talk differently but want to be talked to.
  • We may walk differently but want to walk with you.
  • We may think and play differently but want to play and be included.

Include Us: we are ALL human and need LOVE, we need to LEARN and we need to LAUGH. I AM A VOICE THAT CAN NOT BE SILENCED!!

       “Human Kindness Makes a Difference” - JDM

 

 

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a general term applied to many conditions that can result from a disturbance to the developing brain. It is the most common lifelong physical disability.CP affects muscle tone, movement, and coordination. This can make it difficult for a child to control the movement of their body. CP impacts coordination, balance, and movement in a variety of ways: Spasticity (stiffness), Hypotonia (low tone), Dystonia ( fluctuating tone), Athetosis and Chorea (extra involuntary movements).Common activities like speaking, standing or sitting can be challenging. Some children may have associated health conditions related to cognition, speech, vision, hearing, breathing issues, or difficulty eating and swallowing. Options for treatment of Cerebral Palsy are surgical and nonsurgical: medication, Orthotics, Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy, Injections, and Deep Brain Stimulation, and surgery. There are even assistive technology devices available for those individuals with CP.

 

REMEMBER: Cerebral Palsy looks different for every person who has it, and people with CP are not a monolith. Meaning, they are not all the same and have different experiences, needs, and lived realities or experiences. Many individuals with CP go on to lead very ‘normal’ lives and accomplish much with the right support, access, and accommodations. Everyone’s experience of this disability is different. How you treat them and respond to them matters.

 

Credit to: Cerebral Palsy Alliance Foundation & cerebralpalsystrong.org

Epilepsy

National Epilepsy Awareness Month is in November!

Epilepsy is common. It's estimated that 1.2% of people in the United States have active epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epilepsy affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages.

For more educational information, contact your healthcare provider or visit www.mayoclinic.org.

 

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.

There are many types of epilepsy. In some people, the cause can be identified. In others, the cause is not known.

During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms, and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures.

Epilepsy is usually treated by medications and in some cases by surgery, devices, or dietary changes.

Credit to: Epilepsy Foundation of America & MayoClinic