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Learning Without Limits – National Center on Accessible Education Materials at CAST
Learning Without Limits – National Center on Accessible Education Materials at CAST
Looking back, many of us cannot remember difficulties we faced as young students, when learning the tasks we now see as simple. Things like reading, writing, using a computer or smart phone, and more. We have known how to do tasks like these for so long, we don’t even have to think, we just do it. In school, we might have had difficulty understanding material but not the basic functions we use to study and learn. Taking notes, reading chapters, watching educational videos, and studying flashcards are all key study tactics. But what if one day in middle school or high school, you suddenly lose your sight or hearing? Now, these simple everyday tasks have become some of your biggest challenges as a student. What do you do now? How can you imagine keeping up with your studies, when you have to relearn the basics from scratch? With the help of the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), these challenges can be conquered.
Expanding Learning Opportunities for All
The National AEM Center at CAST is a federally funded technical assistance center based out of the nonprofit organization CAST. The mission of CAST is to remove learning barriers by creating inclusive and flexible learning environments. With a goal of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), they know accessibility is a primary factor that needs to be available. We spoke with Luis Perez, a Technical Assistant Specialist at CAST, and he describes accessibility as, “the welcome mat of UDL. It is the first steps to creating a full UDL environment.” He further explained to us, “You need to be able to interact with the environment, receive the information, respond and if we don’t take care of those accessibility requirements upfront, it makes it that much more difficult for students to have access to higher learning skills.” Gaining access to learning tools like this is a life changer!
Programs and Resources
AEM at CAST provides a multitude of resources to help individuals of all ages and abilities learn and develop necessary skills needed for furthering education, as well as workforce development. For people unfamiliar with AEM’s, regardless of age or need, they provide a collection of frequently asked questions and need to know information on their Quick Starts website. They also provide a free online course, open to everyone. The course consists of 5 sections, listed below:
- Introduction to Accessible Educational Materials and Technologies
- How to Make your Documents Accessible
- How to Locate Captioned Videos and Make your Own
- How to Find Specialized Formats of Print Materials
- How to Select Accessible Digital Materials
Additionally, the National AEM Center performs webinars on a monthly basis through Zoom meetings. Each webinar is on a new topic related to the accessibility of education materials. These webinars are perfect to help individuals learn about the different tools available, while also explaining how they are used. But they do not stop there! They also do a number of conference presentations out in the field. This allows them to disseminate information on new policies, new technologies, and new approaches to accessibility. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to collect data to accurately determine the current needs of the field. Using this data, they can further research and development of tools and materials to fully meet the needs of all individuals. The main contribution from CAST, however, has been the creation of the UDL Guidelines. They are based on a combination of research on the learning brain and best practices educators have contributed over the years. To date, these guidelines are being used worldwide by people interested in creating more inclusive learning environments.
In conclusion, apart from learning about accessibility, remember it is more than just creating accessible learning environments, but creating ones where learners are engaged and have options for how to show their understanding. That is where Universal Design for Learning comes in.
For more information on the National AEM Center at CAST, we urge you to visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. If interested in getting involved, sign up for their AEM Connector newsletter and follow their event postings on social media.
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Living with Learning Disabilities
Living with Learning Disabilities
We see children struggling to learn within our school systems each and every day. Learning disabilities are extremely common and in fact according to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in every five children are affected. These children are more likely to fall behind causing them to repeat a grade, get in trouble at school/with the law, and eventually they could drop out making it difficult to pursue a career as an adult. How this is prevented is simple, but first you must understand what a learning disability truly is.
The facts
The Learning Disabilities Association of America defines a learning disability as a neurological disorder that comes in many different forms. The forms include dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. Dyscalculia affects the way the brain processes numbers and math facts. Dysgraphia affects a person’s handwriting and fine motor skills. The most well-known is Dyslexia, and this affects reading and language-based processing skills. Kids can be ashamed and carry this disability with them into adulthood. Some may never disclose their disability with close friends or even their significant other. But, what people don’t realize is these kids are just as smart as their peers! Looking for the early signs and identifying the problem(s) will help significantly with your child’s early development skills and reaching their full potential.
Looking for the signs
It can be very challenging to identify if your child truly has a learning disability or not. Pay close attention to the little warning signs when you start introducing them to the first stages of school (informational learning, i.e. memorization). There are different ways to pinpoint if your child has a problem.
Preschool/Kindergarten:
- Difficulty connecting sounds & letters or pronouncing words
- Problems with counting
- Difficulties using crayons/paint
- Trouble being understood by strangers
- Difficulty with dressing themselves
Elementary School:
- Can’t speak in full sentences
- Continuously forgets newly learned information
- Trouble holding pencil/writing
- Problems following directions & routines
- Can’t play age appropriate games
Now that you have identified the signs it is time for you to take the next steps for your child or loved one to live up to their full potential!
Next steps
The first step after you have a suspicion that your child is struggling it is time to seek professional help and have an evaluation done. There are plenty of resources for you to take action. The easiest would be to see your pediatrician to meet with them and discuss your concerns. You could also contact the school your child is attending and let them know you would like to have your child evaluated or to keep them updated with the evaluation process. Most likely, they will have noticed the signs or will recommend you to someone you should see for the professional evaluation. After they evaluate your child’s basic skills, they will go over their results and tell you if your child should need to receive special education services or additional help. If this is the case they will go over a learning plan based on where the help is most needed. Most schools accommodate to the specific learning plan for any child with a disability or already have a plan set for different types of disabilities. During this process, your child could become very self-conscious or embarrassed. This is normal and happens quite often, that is why as a parent it is important for you to help continuously build up their self-esteem. Some easy ways to do this are by pointing out things your child is good at and praising them for that specific attribute. Also, getting them involved in activities they know they do very well at! This will help develop their self-worth and determination to keep striving to succeed even with the extra difficulties.
Living with a learning disability can be difficult for all parties. Remember, this does not make someone less than anyone else and with your help, love, and support your child will strive to be the absolute best at anything they put their mind to!
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Hook, Line, and Sinker: New Hope Ministries 11th Annual Fishing Banquet
Hook, Line, and Sinker: New Hope Ministries 11th Annual Fishing Banquet
Love fishing? How about BBQ? Or maybe you prefer great entertainment, live auctions and raffle prize giveaways? If so, we have one event you will not want to miss! This year, New Hope Ministries is back with another fun filled, family friendly event for the whole community. The Annual Fishing Banquet is a night dedicated to the people of the community New Hope Ministries is proud to call home. To them, their community is more like family than anything else! With food, music, prizes and more, the banquet is perfect for people of all ages and open to everyone. For all the details you’ll need to know, please read on.
The When, Where, and Why
On Saturday July 13th at 6pm, New Hope Ministries will be hosting their 11th Annual Fishing Banquet. The banquet will be held in New Hope’s event center, located at 7675 Davis Blvd. Naples, Florida, with doors opening at 5pm. Tickets are available now and the low price of $20 will buy you the best BBQ dinner you will ever have, along with drinks and entries into the raffle drawings. In total, there will be over 100 prizes given away and at the end of the evening, there will be a live auction you won’t want to miss! To give you an idea of what you can win, raffle prizes will consist of charter trips, fishing accessories, boat accessories and even more gear from Bass Pro Shops. But that’s not all! At the end of the evening they will announce the grand prize winner, who will receive is a boat, complete with a motor and trailer! So how can you go wrong?
As for the auction, their will be roughly 20 items open for bids throughout the night. In past years, they have auctioned off trips, lunch with Fishing Pro Roland Martin, jet ski rentals and more. Auctions can always be fun and exciting and add a little extra flare to any event. What makes this particular auction all the more exhilarating, is that all funds raised will go directly to next year’s Night to Shine event! For those who don’t know, Night to Shine is a prom night sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, open to everyone ages 14+ who have any kind of special needs. Dreamscape Foundation was lucky enough to team up and take part in last year’s event. Our whole team was blown away at the amazing job New Hope Ministries did and even more so from the look of genuine happiness on the face of everyone in attendance. What makes it a night like no other is that New Hope Ministries isn’t alone in going above and beyond. On the same night, over 655 locations in all 50 states and 24 countries around the world, give the special needs community their time to shine!
To show how deeply they care for their community, the folks at New Hope Ministries began hosting this event 11 years ago, as a way to bring people together and give back to the community. The event is not to be confused with a fundraiser but instead a way to say thank you. It is always a phenomenal time and if you don’t believe me, just ask one of the 700+ people who attended last year! For more information, you can contact the office of New Hope Ministries by calling (239)348-0122 or messaging them online.
We hope to see you all there!!
« PreviousNext »Dreamscape Works With Louisiana Elementary School To Create A Sensory Room
Dreamscape Works With Louisiana Elementary School To Create A Sensory Room
For many, the first years of school can be a frightening time. Not knowing other students or leaving your parents for hours on end can be hard for any child, especially when living with a disability. The caring and dedicated faculty at Whispering Forest Elementary in Slidell, Louisiana, are well aware of this fact and on a mission to help make school a fun and happy experience for every student. But with over 560 students both abled and disabled, how can they expect to handle every situation when all their needs are different? Even students with the same disability react different. Some, when frightened or upset, can be soothed by calm music. Others may react better to playing with soft, sensory friendly objects or toys. Students with a visual impairment may have a sensitivity to light and need a dimly lit area. Well, what if there was a private classroom that could accommodate all of these needs and more?
A Classroom Not Meant for Learning
Whispering Forest is in the process of designing and implementing a complete sensory room. This room will be unlike any other accommodation they have to offer. Fit for any need, a sensory room is a therapeutic space with a variety of equipment that provides students with special needs a personalized sensory input; to help them calm and focus themselves so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. “Its very hard to explain what the room is and how it works and how it benefits people, without seeing it and experiencing it”, stressed Whispering Forest teacher Peyton Capretto. At first glance it is common the room will be mistaken as a play area. I mean, what kids wouldn’t love diving into a crash pad or jumping on a waterbed? But for children with sensory, mental, and behavioral disabilities, these activities are equally as therapeutic as they are enjoyable. Many children with autism, sensory processing disorder, and other disabilities can experience a sensory overload. A sensory overload is an episode where the five senses take in more than the brain can process. These episodes can happen at anytime, even something as simple as multiple conversations or bright flashing lights can cause an episode. For young children this can be an extremely frightening experience. That is why a safe, conducive environment can play a major role in working through it and preparing for future incidents.
Now this room wouldn’t just aid in calming and helping students suffering from sensory overloads. These rooms are also a great way to help children with special needs put themselves in the proper mindset for learning. Students in the Pre-K to 3rd grade levels don’t always focus and pay attention in the classroom. When you can get the students in the right mindset, they will keep focus and increase the effectiveness of each lesson. Sometimes kids just need to blow off steam and get out some energy/anxiety. When children enjoy the learning process, they are more likely to succeed. More so, they are less likely to act up. Bored students become disruptive students, even when they don’t mean to be. This says nothing about the true character of that student, but kids will be kids. It is important to remember and embrace that fact. Allowing small freedoms in a controlled environment where they can throw objects or run and dive into pillows can be all a wild child needs sometimes.
The Sensory Room Décor
Where many sensory rooms have similar objects and equipment, each is unique in its own way. The design at Whispering Forest was strategically planned to have a sensory input for every child’s needs. So what will their room consist of, you might ask? We start with the needs of the students and what would help them best calm themselves and prepare for learning. These needs can range across multiple senses from visual, to sound, and lastly physical. For the visual aids, Whispering Forest plans to implement multiple acrylic mirrors, 2 interactive bubble tubes, and a number of effects projectors. All of which hold a therapeutic purpose. Sound can have a major impact on people with special needs or sensory disabilities. In the sensory room, calming and peaceful sounds/music are all around. Through multiple stereos, sound systems, and speakers, children can listen to sounds of nature, or light calming music depending on what they react to. But that’s not all. In addition, a vibroacoustic platform will be installed which not only plays music but will vibrate in accordance with the beat. Lastly, for physical accommodations. There will be a waterbed surrounded by crash pads and floor mats for the students to lay on and jump into. All these accommodations sound like great fun and excitement, but their true nature is shown when they are seen in action. The impact they can have on an upset child is unlike any other option a school can offer.
Dreamscape’s First Efforts of Support
Recently, on Saturday June 1st, the Dreamscape Foundation teamed up with Twitch Streamer: PaintWithJade, to host a 12 hour charity stream event. But for Jade that wasn’t enough. She decided to continue on and dedicated her following 2 streams towards the campaign as well. As we are still wrapping up the final details and preparing for the raffle prize drawing, we anticipate that through Jade’s efforts, $800-$900 will be contributed towards the school’s fundraising goal of just over $11,400. While we still have a ways to go, this truly was an incredible first step towards helping hundreds of children get the most out of their education. Our next event is still to be determined, but rest assured, there is still more to come! Lastly, all of us at the Dreamscape Foundation and Whispering Forest would like to thank Jade for her efforts and support!
For more information on Whispering Forest’s campaign and how to get involved, please feel free to give us a call: (239) 325-1881 or send us an email: info@dreamscapefoundation.org.
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Jade Brings a New Creative Style to Dreamscape’s Next Charity Stream
Jade Brings a New Creative Style to Dreamscape’s Next Charity Stream
As we prepare for our next Dreamscape Charity Stream, we are proud to announce a first and new twist on our typical event! On Saturday, June 1st, we will be teaming up with Twitch Streamer and artist Jade (PaintWithJade) for a 12-hour long stream, to raise money for the young students at Whispering Forest Elementary. From 10am-10pm, Jade will be demonstrating her true talents on the canvas. Just coming off her first ever showing in a gallery, she is excited to create a piece with a deep level of meaning. To Jade, “it always feels good as an artist when you are able to create something that represents something or has a greater meaning to it.” Continue reading
« PreviousNext »Best Ways To Adjust To Your Disability With Age
Best Ways To Adjust To Your Disability With Age
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015 there were roughly 53 million (1 out of 5) adults in the US living with some type of disability. In a more recent study, the CDC concluded this number has grown to over 63 million (1 out of 4) adults in just 3 short years (2018). Whether it be physical or mental, it is clear the number of people living and aging with a disability is growing year after year and more and more people are looking for answers. This article is intended to provide important information and sources on:
- Statistics and Medical concerns for people aging with a disability
- Functional Problems associated to aging with a disability
- Current actions being taken towards helping those with disabilities
Medical Problems
Studies have shown the average person normally wouldn’t experience medical or functional issues directly related to aging until at least 70-75+ years old. However, it has been shown that people with a disability tend to develop these issues 20-25 years sooner!
These same individuals are also 3-4 times more likely then their nondisabled peers, to develop secondary health problems. These include but are not limited to Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Fractures, and Osteoporosis. These are due to a number of different aspects depending on the type and severity of the disability.
Functional Problems
Aging with a disability is hard enough as it is and with the addition of functional problems can become over baring. Regardless of the original disability, it is common for individuals to begin experiencing a sudden weakness or loss of strength, decreased endurance, limited range of motion and in some cases an increase in pain. As these symptoms progress, it can become inherently difficult to complete basic daily tasks such as feeding or dressing oneself, shopping, or getting around from place to place. Seeing as many people with disabilities can develop these at an earlier age (40-50 years old), employment and being able to complete the necessary tasks associated to your career can also be affected.
Between at home care, physical rehabilitation and permanent disability, people with disabilities now more then ever, can get the help they need to support themselves and their families. It is important for anyone struggling with a disability to conduct some research of your own, because everyone is different and so are their disabilities and needs.
Current Actions Around the World
Today, doing all we can to help those struggling with a disability has become a global responsibility. In 2006, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). According to the UN the Convention, “takes to a new height the movement from viewing persons with disabilities as ‘objects’ of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing persons with disabilities as ‘subjects’ with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society.” It highlights the legal obligation to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities both in society and individual development. Some key topics identified by the Convention are accessibility, living independently and being included in the community, personal mobility, and health. In addition to the CRPD, the UN has also implemented the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda which specifically references ending poverty, good health and well-being, decent work and sustainable communities, for older persons and persons with disabilities.
Striving to Understand
An associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Michigan Medicine and a member of the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Michelle Meade, Ph.D., once said “When we work in a health care system, we interact with patients with disabilities, but we don’t always understand what it’s like to live with a physical disability”. In this statement, she expresses the notion that only those living with a disability can truly understand what they are going through. No matter how much you study or how much time you spend with people who have disabilities, you will never know what it is like to walk in their shoes, but we can lend a helping hand.
In a world where people are living longer and new scientific/medical breakthroughs are happening regularly, we must remember to continue taking strides towards making life better for everyone, regardless of our own abilities.
« PreviousNext »Sports Programs for Children with Disabilities
Sports Programs for Children with Disabilities
For many of us, sports meant everything growing up. Not because we were competitive or winning mattered, but because we loved every minute of running around with friends and having fun. Some kids never had the opportunity to experience this or were afraid to due to a disability. Today, we can happily say this has changed and many programs have become accessible to all. In an article from the National Federation of State High School Associations, they explain how in 2013 the Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter spelling out the legal duty all federally funded schools had to provide accessible recreational sports programs to children with all types of disabilities. Making a huge stride to assure no child is left out again.
What kind of Programs are available and how to learn more?
Nationwide, communities are supporting inclusive sport programs both recreational and national. In addition to school or recreational leagues, organizations such as the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs are helping to form new independent leagues that offer sports ranging from wheelchair basketball and football to power lifting and table tennis. Educated Sports Parent has put together a great list of different sports programs and organizations dedicated to the inclusion of all competitors.
Special Needs Sports Programs
To assess the needs of all children, leagues have been introduced not only for those with physical disabilities but for children who have special needs too. The most well-known example would be the Special Olympics, where countless athletes come together to take part in a multitude of competitions. In addition to being active and having fun, participating in sporting events help to teach these young men and women important lessons about self-pride and bravery as well. Put best by the Special Olympics athlete oath “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
These programs are not limited to only track and field but also include; baseball, basketball, cheerleading/dancing, flag football and soccer. For those interested in less traditional sporting events, we encourage you to look into these organizations for other sport opportunities they offer!
How to get involved?
Perhaps you have loved ones who suffer from a disability or you admire the heart of these athletes and want to know what you can do to help them? Well getting involved is simple and can be more rewarding then you think! In an interview with a special Olympics volunteer, he exclaimed that besides the sheer effort each athlete put in, what he was impressed by most was the joy expressed on each of their faces whether they won or lost because this is something often lost amongst the competitive nature of today’s sports.
The first step you can take to volunteer is to reach out to local organizations such as schools, community centers or YMCA’s and see what kinds of programs they offer and what help they may need. Other options on a national scale can be found through volunteer programs. There are plenty of organizations such as Disabled Sports USA, the Special Olympics and Blaze Sports America, that are constantly looking for volunteers, donations and any other help one could offer.
« PreviousNext »Medicaid and Eligibility for the Disabled
Medicaid and Eligibility for the Disabled
Many jobs provide medical benefits to employees, but what about those who cannot work do to get coverage? Many people are unaware of their eligibility for Medicaid insurance, especially those who are unemployable due to a disability. Thankfully in most states, applying for Medicaid and meeting eligibility requirements is simple. To find out more about the program and if you or a loved one are eligible, please read on!
What is Medicaid and Who is Eligible?
Medicaid is a health insurance program jointly funded by the state and federal government, for individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements. Under federal law, states are required to provide these programs to specified groups of people, but the states have the ability to offer coverage to certain additional groups, as well as enact their own eligibility requirements. For example, low-income families, seniors, qualified pregnant women, children and people with disabilities are a few groups eligible for these programs.
One of the primary groups specified under this federal law are those with disabilities. In fact, most states will automatically provide Medicaid coverage to those who are approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In addition, often times the Social Security Administration will take care of the Medicaid application process when approving SSI eligibility. However, there are ten states that have decided to utilize section 209(b) of the Social Security Amendments of 1972, in order to create their own eligibility criteria. These ten states include Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
For additional information on eligibility and enrollment strategies please follow the link or you can contact the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) toll free at (877) 267-2323.
What Benefits can Medicaid Provide?
Depending on your home state your Medicaid benefits can vary. The federal government has set mandatory benefits the state must provide under Medicaid but there are also optional benefits they may choose to offer. The mandatory benefits include but are not limited to inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services. The optional benefits include prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Please follow the link attached for a complete list of all mandatory and optional benefits!
What happens if I am Denied?
Where denials are rare for those with unemployable disabilities, it does happen and there a few things you should be aware of when applying. First, the response time for approvals or denials can vary based upon your reason for applying. If it is due to a disability, the response can take up to 90 days from the application date. On the other hand, if applying on another basis the response time will be cut in half to 45 days. Secondly, if denied you will always have the right to a hearing where you can appeal the decision and state your case for why you should be approved.
The way to request an appeal varies depending on the state, some require you submit the request in writing while others do not. According to an article by NOLO, “even if you are not required to file a written notice, you should. You can write a simple appeal request like ‘I want to appeal the denial notice dated 8/1/12.’ If possible, submit your request in person at your local state Medicaid agency office, and have it date stamped to show that it was received by the deadline”. Doing this will give you written confirmation that your appeal was filed correctly and before the deadline, avoiding any issues that may occur later on. Lastly, before filing an appeal we strongly urge you to contact or consult with a disability lawyer who can provide helpful information and guide you on the proper processes.
How can I find out more?
We hope all readers found this article helpful and informative and encourage you to visit the official US Medicaid site to learn more and answer all your remaining questions!
« PreviousNext »Kessler Foundation Uses Research to Improve Lives
Kessler Foundation Uses Research to Improve Lives
Many nonprofit organizations raise money for research. Dreamscape Foundation is no exception. But what does “raising money for research” really mean? More importantly, what does it do? We recently interviewed the Kessler Foundation in order to give our readers more insight into how funding research can make a big difference.
What is the Kessler Foundation?
Kessler Foundation is a nonprofit research center dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities through both scientific breakthroughs and specialized programs.
“We strive to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities through innovative research,” said Kessler Foundation Research Recruitment Specialist Samantha Schmidt. “We want to help people regain physical and cognitive function after a brain injury like a stroke or a debilitating illness like multiple sclerosis.”
The Kessler Foundation has grown significantly since its founding in 1947. It now has 6 research facilities where scientists develop potential treatments and effective interventions.
This foundation hones in on specific disabilities caused help by:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries in Adults and Children
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Stroke(s)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Breast Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- ADD and Autism in Children
Beyond their research, the Kessler Foundation also uses their grant-making resources to help individuals struggling with these disabilities regain their independence.
How Ongoing Research is Changing Lives Today
So how is their ongoing research and programs impacting lives today?
“Our researchers changing the lives of people with disabilities by helping them walk after a spinal cord injury, teaching them techniques to improve their memory after a brain injury, and understanding the differences in the brains of children with autism and healthy children through neuroimaging,” Schmidt explained.
Through research and studies, the Kessler Foundation has developed innovative approaches to rehabilitation that are making it possible for patients to redeem a higher quality of life. From mobility and independence to everyday interactions, they help redeem what illness or injury has taken away.
One of these life-changing programs is called Emotional Processing Training.
“Some individuals after a brain injury or multiple sclerosis diagnosis might have difficulty recognizing emotions in others,” Schmidt pointed out. “They might not be able to identify when somebody is angry with them or sad because they aren’t able to read the nonverbal cues on someone’s face. You can see how this can create a lot of problems in someone’s life. Understanding the emotional experience of others is really important for personal relationships with family, friends, and even in the workplace.”
How You Can Make a Difference Today and Tomorrow
Residents who live near the East Hanover or West Orange, New Jersey Kessler Foundation can participate in research studies even if they don’t have a disability. In addition to seeking volunteers affected by the conditions they study, the organization also needs volunteers without disabilities to serve as control subjects.
These studies are essential in helping scientists better understand and treat disabilities. However, this isn’t the only way you can make a difference. Every volunteer plays an influential role in their search for new and improved rehabilitation, whether you donate your time or financial gifts.
In fact, locals can register to participate in their annual Stroll ‘N Roll now. This exciting event is one of their largest. It offers a full day of games, prizes, crafts, music, and other family-friendly activities. Best of all, its profits go toward funding their mission.
To learn more about the Kessler Foundation, visit https://www.kesslerfoundation.org/.
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Financial Planning for the Future: Tips for Individuals with Disabilities
Financial Planning for the Future: Tips for Individuals with Disabilities
Planning for the future can be a stressful endeavor, but it’s absolutely necessary these days if you want to ensure that you are well taken care of down the road. There may be health issues and medical bills, rising insurance costs, and home maintenance to think about, and for individuals with disabilities, there is also the possibility of long-term care. Knowing that you’ve prepared as much as possible for anything life might bring will give you peace of mind and reduce the stress that comes with such planning. But how do you get started?
It’s important to look at your current cost of living and figure out where you might be able to start saving money. The details are key, especially if you don’t already have a large amount in savings to give you a running start. You might also talk with a financial consultant who can help you find the best ways to get some cash flow. Set a budget, and take a look at your assets to get an idea of what you already have under your belt.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to start financial planning for the future.
Consider a Reverse Mortgage
A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow money from your lender against your home’s value, so it’s a viable option if you have lived in your home for many years and have a good amount of equity in it. There are pros and cons to this path, so it’s important to have a very good idea of how the process works before you make a decision. There are several reverse mortgage options available, so finding one that meets your needs is imperative.
Create a Budget
Creating a budget is essential for financial planning since it will allow you to take a close look at both your income sources and your expenditures. Having a good grasp on what you spend your money on — and how much of a difference there is between how much you bring in and how much goes out — will be necessary to figure out where to begin when it comes to paying for future expenses. It’s important to create a budget that will be easy to stick to; don’t cut back on everything at once, as this may not be a realistic option.
Know Your Employer Options
There are many options for individuals with disabilities when it comes to not being able to work; from sick pay to disability insurance, there are plans in place for those who find themselves unable to physically continue to work. Read up on your company’s employment rights and rules to get an idea of what you might face if you are suddenly unable to continue the same job.
Get Help
If your family is classified as low income, there are several programs put into place that can help you pay for everything from your medical bills to your groceries. It’s important to know what these programs are and how to qualify for them; even if you don’t need them now, you may in the future. You can start here for an idea of what may be available to you.
Planning for your financial future is essential because it allows you to remain independent even if you are unable to work, or if your employment needs change. Talk to your family members so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to saving and spending, and start creating a good plan that will help you feel in control and give you peace of mind.
Looking to contact us? Let us know if you want to set up a conversation! (+1) 239-325-1881
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