When it comes to disability, there are many different programs and organizations that can help. Some operate at the federal, state, and local levels.
They may focus on a particular demographic or area of life. Others are more general in their scope and serve a wider population with disability support services melbourne -related issues.
Assisted living
Assisted living is a type of housing where people live in small apartments or rooms that share common spaces. They have access to a wide variety of services including meals, medication management and housekeeping.
In addition to these support services, many assisted living communities offer classes on art, writing, technology, home safety and more. They also provide residents with access to a doctor and pharmacy.
Several states have optional state supplements that can be used to help with the cost of assisted living. These supplements are usually based on income and can cost as high as $1,000 per month.
In New York, the Empire State Association of Assisted Living serves as the governing body for operators of licensed Adult Homes, Enriched Housing Programs and Assisted Living Residences. It represents the interests of residents, their family members and providers.
People-first language
People-first language is a preferred way of referring to people with disabilities. This eliminates prejudicial language like “the disabled”, “the handicapped” or “the ill”.
Person-first language places the person before their diagnosis. This avoids treating the disability as the primary identity of the individual. Most members of the disability community prefer this practice.
However, some people with disabilities prefer identity-first language, including members of the autism and Deaf communities. This terminology may be less familiar to other parts of society, so ask the person you’re talking with about how they would like to be described or speak with a spokesperson for the disability organization.
Style guides such as the Associated Press advise that if a person’s preferences can’t be determined, they should use person-first language when describing groups of people and in reporting. This is a positive step towards inclusion, but it requires constant effort and ongoing open discussions to keep the practice alive.
Learning and thinking are two different things
Learning and thinking differences refer to differences in brain wiring that affect how information is processed. Examples include ADHD and dyslexia.
Children with learning and thinking difficulties often have other challenges, such as anxiety, depression, sensory processing problems, social skills challenges, or anxiety. They can still thrive with the right support and accommodations, despite their challenges.
Early screening is a key first step to supporting students with learning and thinking differences. This helps caregivers notice signs of possible differences in their child’s academic performance, focus and organization, and behavioral and developmental milestones.
College accommodation
Students with disabilities can benefit from a number of different accommodations in college. These can help with a variety of issues, including access to classroom materials, note-taking services, and books in audio format.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 require colleges to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students who qualify for them. This law is intended to ensure students with disabilities are treated the same as their non-disabled peers and have equal access to education.
Typically, the disability support office (DSO) or other department responsible for upholding the ADA and Section 504 will verify that a student has a documented disability and meet with them to determine which types of accommodations might be helpful. The accommodations will be based on a needs assessment and a functional interview with the student.