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Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness
Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness
Everyone knows that child abuse and neglect is a problem worldwide, but people aren’t truly aware of how severe this problem is.
The facts
In 2017, according to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, child abuse reports involved over 7.5 Million children in the U.S. alone. 4.1 Million of those cases were for maltreatment and only 3.2 Million received prevention and post-response services. That is less than half of the total reports! They also reported an estimated 1,720 child deaths in that same year. This means that almost 5 children died each day due to abuse. Within these reports, 71.8% of the children were under the age of 3, and 49.6% were under the age of 1. These statics are just from the United States alone, who knows how high the number would raise if we took reports from across the world!
Knowing the indicators
There are numerous different ways to tell if a child is being abused or neglected. Children can have both physical and emotional indicators that things aren’t going right behind closed doors. A child can be very wary to tell anyone if someone close is hurting them in any way, so pay close attentions to the signs. Different signs of physical abuse are if a child shows any unexplained bruising on their face, torso, back or even thigh area. Another indicator is bruising in various stages of healing or even in a cluster form showing regular patterns. Abusers will use various objects reflecting a bruise shaped as an electric cord or belt buckle. Watch out for a child having any unexplained burns, typically this will be on their soles, palms, and back area, reflecting a cigar or cigarette mark. The child could even have immersion burns or a burn reflecting flat or curling irons. The other indicators are in a child’s emotional behavior. If a child is wary of adult contact or apprehensive when other children cry this could be a sign of physical abuse. They can be taken to an extreme and act out in an aggressive manner, be frightened of their parents or even afraid to go home. Pay close attention to these signs and always report any suspicions you may have.
Don’t be afraid
People often wonder who can report child abuse, but the answer is simple and it starts with YOU! Anyone can report abuse, and in fact if they see any signs they should do so right away. It is not often people realize this issue isn’t just a family problem but a social one as well. When making a report you can do so out of good faith and don’t necessarily need physical evidence. There are many different ways to report signs of abuse or neglect. Contacting law enforcement or any type of child protective services is the first step. After that, a few good actions to take are jotting down notes on what you witnessed and how it harms the child, or how you intervened, and the person continues to overstep boundaries. It is also good to have as much information as possible when making a report, i.e. name and age of child, where the victim can be located, contact information of the guardian, and type of abuse or neglect.
It can be a bit intimidating to make a report of child abuse or neglect, especially if it is a close family member or friend. Remember, you could save a life by simply speaking up for those who aren’t able to do so for themselves. It is never too late to do the right thing!
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11 Facts You Should Know About LHON
11 Facts You Should Know About LHON
No one can prepare themselves for a life altering disability. The best you can try to do is gather an understanding of what is going on with your body. We’re glad to share this information and to help anyone going through the condition, with these 11 facts about Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
Onset effects Young Adults
When Dreamscape founder learned of his disability, he was only 16 years old. Often, we listen to similar stories of those effected by LHON. People usually develop LHON mid-late teens, and is described as loss of sharpness and a fading of color vision. The vision loss mainly affects central vision, which is needed for tasks such as reading, driving and recognizing faces. In a small percentage of cases, the central vision loss can improve; but in most cases loss of vision is permanent. It’s only after a year or so living with the disability, is when people fully adapt to their new surroundings. With the help of accessible technology, and charities like Dreamscape Foundation, you too can find the freedom you are looking for!
LHON is Painless but Quick Acting
You can rest a bit easier to learn that LHON’s onset is a painless one. The experience on the other hand, can throw quite a curve ball. It only takes a few moments for the central vision loss to kick in, leaving only peripheral view. We often hear stories of rapid blindness, usually after rubbing ones eye. In some cases, one eye will start to be effected before the other. The other eye’s condition soon worsens, at an average of 8 weeks after the initial onset. LHON is still has a cloudy reputation, as most people have never heard of the hereditary disability. It’s a good reminder to know that most of the visually disabled are not 100% blind! This can be a common misunderstanding, due to outdated stereotypes of the blind.
LHON is Transmitted by the Mother
LHON is passed down to children primarily due to mutations in the mitochondrial (rather than the male nuclear) genome, and only the egg contributes mitochondria to the embryo. Mitochondria constantly convert energy locked in our food into energy that the cell can use, and are small sub-units that reside within the cell. LHON follows a mitochondrial pattern of inheritance, also known as maternal inheritance. Only egg cells contribute mitochondria to a developing embryo, therefore only females can pass mitochondrial conditions to their children. Fathers affected by LHON or carrying LHON mutations do not pass the condition to their children.
Discovery of Disability
This disease was first written and described by the German ophthalmologist Theodor Leber in 1871, only 31 years old at the time. In said paper, Leber described 4 families in which a number of young men suffered abrupt loss of vision in both eyes either simultaneously or sequentially. This disease was initially thought to be nuclear linked but was subsequently shown to be mitochondrial.
Other Useful LHON Facts
- LHON affects both males and females, but more commonly found in men.
- The birth prevalence of LHON is approximately 1 in 50,000 people.
- More than 50% of men and more than 85% of women with a mitochondrial mutation will never experience vision loss.
- Without a known family history of LHON the diagnosis usually requires a neuro-ophthalmological evaluation and blood testing for mitochondrial DNA assessment.
- “LHON Plus” is a name given to a rare variant of the disorder with eye disease together with other conditions. (Many cases of LHON plus have been comparable to multiple sclerosis because of the lack of muscular control.)
- In 1988 Wallace et al. identified the nature of the first known causative mutation (50-70% of all LHON cases).
- The other two mutations known to cause LHON were identified in 1991 (8-25% of all LHON cases) and 1992 (10-15% of all LHON cases).
Dreamscape Foundation: A Charity for the Blind
Dreamscape Foundation: A Charity for the Blind
Nestled in Naples, Florida is a charity for the blind and visually impaired called Dreamscape Foundation. While they aren’t the only organization providing resources for the disabled, they are unique how they go about it.
Dreamscape doesn’t just provide guidance, resources, and raise awareness about accessibility needs. They empower its followers and individuals with disabilities to take action.
Florida-Based Charity for the Blind Empowers and Informs
When you first encounter Dreamscape Foundation, you may notice something odd. They aren’t just about promoting themselves and their mission.
In fact, they seem to spend more time promoting interviews, stories, and campaigns of other people.
Why? To help dreams grow.
Yet that’s part of the unique flavor that makes up this charity for the blind and visually impaired. They stand upon the forefront of today’s accessibility trends, serving as a voice for making today’s world more accessible.
To paint a picture of their mission, you can break it down into 3 goals: helping disabled individuals, raising awareness, and aiding businesses in making their products or services more accessible.
Helping Individuals Make Their Lives Better
Dreamscape Foundation Founder Joe Sehwani is, in one word, a fighter. After his LHON diagnosis at sixteen, he worked through the uncertainty and unfairness. The end result was a young man who refuses to take “no” for an answer.
While today’s world isn’t equipped to assist every disability, he chose to find or make the resources to make his dreams come true. In spite of his challenges, he graduated from high school, excelled in college, and started his own business.
Now he uses Dreamscape to empower others to do the same. On the website, you’ll notice you can create your own fundraising campaign. This is one of the most obvious ways Dreamscape Foundation empowers individuals to make change happen.
Do you need a piece of assistive technology? Are you are raising funds for a specific cause related to blindness or visual impairment? If so, Dreamscape Foundation offers a free platform to help you reach out to the digital landscape and gain funds and exposure.
It isn’t a tool you use on your own. Dreamscape Foundation collaborates with you to promote and succeed in your marketing efforts.
In this way, you don’t just ask for help. You find the strength, the resources, and the power to bring your own dreams to life alongside the Dreamscape Community.
Raising Awareness About Today’s Trending Accessibility Issues
Dreamscape Foundation does more than campaigns and raffles. They make it’s their job to inform Southwest Florida and beyond. The organization constantly shares news, trends, and issues related to accessibility for the blind and visually impaired.
Through blogs and social media, they share insight into how we as a community can improve the accessibility landscape. Whether it’s through designing new assistive technology, being more mindful of the challenges around us, or improving our businesses to be universally accessible, they are constantly sharing new information and asking the tough questions.
Consulting Businesses on How They Can Be More Accessible
Finally, there is the business end of things. Dreamscape Foundation believes that every business should be universally accessible, both in person and on the web. That’s why it works closely with businesses to update their sites with accessibility features and provide insight on how they can adapt to the needs of the visually impaired.
Like everything else Dreamscape does, it’s a collaborative effort. The organization works one-on-one with individuals and businesses to help tackle everyday accessibility challenges and make life easier for others.
Create a Campaign or Get in Touch
Are you struggling with a disability?
Are resources out there, but they aren’t quite within reach?
Join the Dreamscape Foundation community and let’s work together to make accessibility possible. If you have a personal need for resources but financially you don’t have the budget, start a campaign on our website!
Our Southwest Florida charity for the blind also works one-on-one with individuals and businesses looking to tackle accessibility issues. If you have a specific need that you would like us to collaborate with you on, reach out to us directly.
Our goal is to empower others while bringing accessibility goals to fruition.
« PreviousNext »5 Tips on How to Design for Accessibility
5 Tips on How to Design for Accessibility
The United States government reports that 8 million people over the age of 15 suffer from low vision or blindness. That doesn’t include the 8 million with a hearing disorder or the 35 million with mobility challenges.
With so many in North America alone facing these physical challenges, there is no reason why we shouldn’t design for accessibility challenges as well as functionality and aesthetics.
But how do you go about identifying and tackling accessibility issues for numerous disabilities? Just the thought alone may feel like a monumental undertaking. Yet it’s easier than you might think.
5 Ways to Help You Design for Accessibility Challenges
Whether you’re designing graphics, creating a website, or developing software and apps, accessibility belongs in design. While the level of assistive requirements varies from project-to-project, there are many basic best practices that can help you design for universal user experiences.
Below are 5 ways you can make your digital designs more user-friendly to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
Don’t Depend on Color to Convey Meaning
Remember the photo of the dress that took the internet by storm as people argued over its color? Some claimed it was white and gold; others swore it was blue and black. No one could agree because people weren’t seeing the same things.
Without diving into a lengthy explanation involving rods, cones, and the mind’s tendency to make assumptions, this internet disrupting challenge brought to light a fascinating reality: not all of us see colors the same way.
This, of course, is especially true for those who are colorblind.
Make it a habit of not designing in a way that depends on color to convey meaning. A great example is online forms. Often, we lean on the color red to indicate an error, but what if someone can’t see it?
The best way to audit yourself is to take a look at your design in a grayscale format. Make indicators and interactive elements clear so that users can identify them even without color.
Allow Users to Control Automated Content
Sliders, videos, and other automated elements look sleek and draw the eye. However, they don’t do you any good if they’re moving too fast for users to read or interact with them.
Instead of finding an alternative, simply add control elements such as a pause, back, and forward button. These are easily integrated into website, software, and application designs. Plus, you’ll likely find that a lot of users will use them!
When you give control over automated content, you allow the user to digest information at their own pace and even go back to portions of your media they want to revisit. This is great for engagement and conversions.
Always Use Sufficient Contrast
When it comes to overlaying text, buttons, images, and other elements, it’s important to consider the contrast between content and its background. You can find more information about contrast minimums through this online resource.
Light gray text on a white background is hard for most people to read, but it can be impossible for others. The key is to provide enough contrast to make readability possible, especially for those whose vision is limited.
Provide Alternative Navigation Options for Your Users
This accessibility practice is something you may have already seen on many sites without realizing its connection. Websites and interactive software should provide easy navigation options, including:
- Keeping your navigation bar or menu design consistent across all pages
- Providing alternative navigation options such as sitemaps or search bars
- Provide orienting clues such as clear, easy-to-read headings and breadcrumbs
Multiple options are always better than one.
Include Alternative Descriptions for Visual Media
Not everyone can see or follow your visual media. Always include alt text with every photo and include transcripts for video or audio related media. If you can, also provide links or options for audio that describes a video as it’s unfolding. This feature allows users with low vision or blindness to still actively experience what the video has to offer.
Another element that people often don’t think about, but is easy to apply, is including text alongside icons or graphical buttons. Like captions, this will help clarify the item’s message or function.
Adapt an Existing Website with Accessibility Tools
These 5 tips are only a handful of best practices for accessibility designs. To learn more about ADA compliance for websites, check out these 12 guidelines.
If you already have a website, you can still adapt your design for accessibility. Talk to us about how we can help you take your existing website and make it user-friendly for every visitor. We’ll provide insight on to how it’s done and connect you with the right resources.
To get started, contact us through our online form or give us a call!
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A Brand New Beginning: Interview with Joseph Sehwani & Chris Girsch
A Brand New Beginning: Interview with Joseph Sehwani & Chris Girsch
Joseph Sehwani started Dreamscape Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit foundation, because of his developing Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare visual impairment, in high school at age 16. Chris Girsch, Dreamscape’s social media/blog manager and longtime friend, witnessed firsthand Joe’s worsening condition, as well as the conceptual stage of Dreamscape. Joe and Chris have been friends since high school, and they both realized that it doesn’t take much to make a difference.
Only employing as early as 2017, Dreamscape has been consistently pushing out blog posts and video game charity streams. Chris has witnessed over a year now, Dreamscape showing a complete night and day from when he has started. His daily goals are promotion and spreading the word. “A lot of it is catering to people like Joe, who seem like they don’t believe they will have any relief, or support through anything,” Chris stated.
Making the Difference
Girsch closely witnessed Sehwani’s journey and how he overcame his struggles, starting with stigma. While Joe’s vision isn’t 100% gone, he started noticing others had a lot of confusion surrounding the topic. Arriving to class equipped with a cane, the stigma was at its peak attending high school. The soon charity founder felt as though people felt bad for him, or assumed he wasn’t as intelligent. Sehwani is not one to admire pity, so it was difficult for him to adjust to that kind of reaction. His coping method was to crack a joke about it early on in meeting someone to help clear the air.
For Chris, he noticed that people didn’t understand that Joe still had some vision, at the time equipped with a walking cane and wearing prescription sunglasses. There’s no way anyone could know. Chris and Joe were becoming good friends six months before Joe told him he was becoming blind, and it was a bit of a shock. Chris witnessed the evolution of people changing around them, changing their dialect, and treating Joe like he was fragile. It came out of not understanding how to treat or talk to someone with a disability, which is just like talking to everyone else. That stigma was something both experienced. Joe was always very social, calling up friends to go to the movies and hang out, so he got to see who his real friends really were.
Sharing The Dream
Part of Dreamscape Foundation’s mission became educating the uninformed, as well as supporting the disabled through accessible technology. As for Joe’s LHON, it’s a gray area where he can look at his phone. In order to see, he takes advantage of using the accessibility options found on the iPhone. All while using accessibility every day, Dreamscape wants to educate people that visual impairments are more than just being blind or not blind. There is a mix of in-betweens, such as with LHON. Resolving confusion could also end some stigma for people, in their receptiveness of those with visual impairments. It’s not the same for everyone.
Not only does Dreamscape help the disabled, one such story found our charity support a young girl with cancer. Although, Sehwani’s advice to any nonprofit starting is to find a niche and not take on everything. With that said, ever since Joseph’s grandfather passed of cancer, he was glad to help someone with cancer. Dreamscape stays open to various needs in the future. As the charity matured, they found their niche. However, their open-mindedness to helping others in general, saved that young girl with cancer. She wouldn’t have gotten treatment without Dreamscape’s help.
According to Chris, “We’ve done so many fundraisers; Some for St. Jude, we’ve supported orphanages, and second chance homes for kids in the state of New Jersey. All while leading up to the Giving Season (Holidays) working with Toys for Tots and Salvation Army.”
A Fresh Start
In terms of last year’s accomplishments, Joe says “I would say another big thing that we accomplished over the year would definitely be establishing the Dreamscape Foundation website and kind of really pushing that out there.” Sehwani personally works on the website, and states “It was less of rebranding and more of building context in what we’re doing.”
Dreamscape upheld their commitments with schools in Jersey, supporting accessibility school programs. Here at Dreamscape, accessibility means independence for everyone. When Joe was starting the new website, User1st and Dreamscape partnered up. User1st is a company who helped teach him a lot about accessible software for people with disabilities. Joe then returned the favor, by supporting their web accessibility initiative. Through User1st, Sehwani started reaching out to Universities to help disabled students have all the access they need.
Before Chris was faced with Joe’s visual impairment, he admits that he did not think too much about accessibility. He did not know the full measure of its importance to people with disabilities. As someone without a disability, he says “it taught [him] a lot!” Dreamscape current campaign is helping twins Justin & Kenny Jongsma who both have LHON, like Dreamscape owner Joseph Sehwani. Brand new accessible technology for the blind called eSight eyewear has changed the game. The glasses like device adjusts visual impairments and corrects the vision loss. According to Chris and Joe, everyone deserves independence through accessibility.
“There really is no nonprofit for accessibility,” Joe says. Together, Joe and Chris want Dreamscape to be out there and to have its own niche. Not just another visual impairment or blind charity, cancer charity, etc. but we want to leave a unique footprint on the world of accessibility.
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Acts of Blind Charity: 5 Key Organizations for the Visually Impaired
Acts of Blind Charity: 5 Key Organizations for the Visually Impaired
If you type “blind charity” into Google, you’ll find several organizations who have made helping the visually impaired their mission. It’s an ongoing need in today’s society as we tackle the many challenges that come along with losing such an imperative human sense.
However, there are some charities for the blind that have become cornerstones of this effort. While our team at Dreamscape Foundation doesn’t believe that any charitable mission is of any less value than another, we can’t help but admit the significant impact of certain organizations.
5 Charities for the Blind Everyone Should Know About
Below we cover just a handful of charities we think everyone should know about. Read on to learn why they are making ripples in the lives of the disabled here in America and—in some cases—across the world.
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind provides a rich amount of resources and programs designed to help individuals with little to no vision thrive.
Living with vision loss is challenging enough. Those who develop these disabilities later in life often have difficulty adjusting. This organization is the perfect go-to source to help find information and programs that will assist in regaining some independence.
This includes guidance in living alone or finding and applying for jobs that are mindful of your condition while utilizing your skills.
On their website, you can even access a directory of listings by state in order to find relevant services in your area.
Society for the Blind
Similar to the American Foundation for the Blind, the Society for the Blind is all about empowering individuals with vision-related disabilities. However, one of the great aspects of this charity is its community-based eye clinic located in Sacramento.
This nonprofit clinic provides necessary healthcare and device training for patients across 27 counties and has been since 1975. Their doctors work closely with patients’ primary Optometrist or Ophthalmologist in order to provide care for individuals whose vision can’t be restored through regular means, such as glasses, contacts, surgery, or other medical treatment.
Helen Keller International
Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International is one of the largest charities for the blind you’ll find today. Their mission is a joint objective of trying to cure and prevent blindness as well as malnutrition.
Their programs span all across the world, including the United States as well as 20 other countries scattered across Africa and Asia. One of their unique offerings is ChildSight. This program provides vision screenings and prescription glasses for free to impoverished children in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Guide dogs are phenomenal working companions who work hard to help low vision or blind individuals rediscover independence. However, these working canines aren’t cheap. Many who struggle with these disabilities don’t have high enough incomes to afford them.
Enter the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Founded in 1946, this organization is dedicated to training and providing guide dogs to the visually impaired at zero cost. They go to great lengths to pair the right dog with each student in order to create the perfect bond.
These dogs help their owners navigate by directing them around obstacles he or she may not see. Through this service, they make navigating to and through various places possible.
Dreamscape Foundation
Here at Dreamscape Foundation, we count our mission among the essential. Our dedication is to accessibility. More specifically, making today’s world more accessible through technology.
So much of today’s world is connected through digital devices. However, with this great advancement comes new and unique challenges to those who are blind or have low vision. We help individuals and communities become aware of and embrace accessibility technology. Through this, we can bridge the accessibility gap in today’s society.
Will You Make an Act of “Blind Charity”?
We look at the term “blind charity” as an uninhibited act of giving. Whether that gift is your time, a monetary donation, the giving of a service or product, or something else, we believe that the best kinds are given wholly with one’s heart.
If you would like to play an active part within Dreamscape Foundation’s mission, hop on over to our “Get Involved” page. It lists several different avenues of volunteering or donation that you can participate in.
Or, if you have a unique way you would like to contribute, contact us directly. We are always open to working with individuals, companies, or other organizations. Together, we can better the lives of those struggling with low vision or blindness.
« 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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Give and Game: How to Donate Using Humble Bundle
Give and Game: How to Donate Using Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle gives gamers a way to turn everyday fun into acts of charity. The concept is simple. You buy the games you want and you give a little of what you spend to the nonprofit organization of your choice.
But how do you do that, exactly? This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process of giving. But first, let’s dive into the backstory of this “bundle”of joy!
What is Humble Bundle?
Founded in 2010, Humble Bundle is a distributor of games, ebooks, software, and other digital entertainment. Their name is a combination of their humble approach to giving and their enticing bundles that offer enticing games at a reduced price.
Over the years, it’s ever-growing online platform has evolved to include subscriptions, an online storefront, and even indie game publishing opportunities. All of this is rooted in ways to give back to worthy causes.
In fact, they’ve raised more than $131,000,000 for charities to date!
So how do you tap into the fun and donate a portion of your purchases to Dreamscape Foundation? It’s easy!
How Do I Donate to Dreamscape Using Humble Bundle?
Follow along below as we take you through a simple 5-step process that you can complete in seconds.
Step One: Visit Humble Bundle’s Online Store Through Our Link
Start your Humble Bundle adventure by visiting: https://www.humblebundle.com/store?charity=70501. This special link will take you to their online store where you can browse a wide variety of games and bundles, including pre-orders for upcoming titles.
Use the various categories to sort through various categories, from specific publishers and genres to hot indie titles. They also have a running list of popular, new, and upcoming titles you can browse on the right-hand side.
When you see a product that interests you, click on its title.
Step Two: Select the Product You Want to Buy
By clicking on the product’s title, you will be taken to a preview page where you can check out screenshots, trailers, and other additional information about the product you selected.
If you decide you want this product, click the “Add to Cart” button. This will pop it into your digital cart. You can then either continue browsing for more items to buy or begin the checkout process.
When you’re ready, click the big, green “Checkout” button on the product page or select the small, gray cart at the top-right of your menu bar.
Step Three: Double-Check Your Charity of Choice
The link provided should automatically set Dreamscape Foundation as your default. However, it never hurts to double-check! Before you pay, look beneath your Humble Rewards section to make sure that the “Charity” box is selected and that it states your purchase is in support of our organization.
If the organization is different from Dreamscape Foundation, you can easily update it by clicking the edit button, which is shaped like a pen and paper beside the charity name.
Step Four: Search and Select Dreamscape Foundation (If Necessary)
If you’re updating your charity selection, it will take you to a simple search window. Simply type in “Dreamscape Foundation” and click “Search”. This will populate any nonprofits that align with your search phrase.
Click “Select” under our logo in the search results to add our organization as your charity of choice.
Step Five: Purchase and Play!
Once you’ve made your charity selection you can check out. Simply scroll to the bottom of the gray box and select your payment method. You can either pay with a card, your PayPal account, or your Amazon account.
Once you’ve made your purchase you can download your game onto your PC.
Now smile and give yourself a pat on the back! You just made a difference by supporting a nonprofit’s mission.
« PreviousNext »The Benefits of In-Kind Contributions
The Benefits of In-Kind Contributions
Not all donations have to start with dollar signs. While financial gifts to non-profits can be influential, sometimes the best thing you or your business can offer are the skills or products you know best. We call these donations in-kind contributions. They bring unique opportunities to the table.
From raffle items to event collaborations and more, discover how businesses are making a difference.
What In-Kind Contributions Look Like
There is something undeniably personal about in-kind contributions. While monetary donations can undoubtedly come from the heart, we often find at Dreamscape Foundation that in-kind contributions can often lead to long-term relationships with the giving entities.
This is particularly true when businesses offer in-kind donations that bring them directly into the mission we so passionately serve. In the past, we’ve had companies donate equipment and technology that went directly to individuals in need of accessibility accommodations.
We’ve also partnered with other brands to put on events, campaigns, and programs, from raising money for charitable causes to raising awareness of needs within our local communities. This involvement, which includes their direct participation and contribution, turns a blind donation into a firsthand experience.
We love this kind of engagement. Connected giving leads to understanding. When our donors experience the difference their time, their services, and their products make, they feel empowered.
Simply put, it means more to everyone involved.
The Synergy of In-Kind Contributions
More often than not, in-kind contributions benefit both the nonprofit and the business. An interesting example includes MOD Pizza, who found that by connecting with organizations in their community and forming a synergetic relationship, their business benefitted.
By partnering with JUMA, an organization dedicated to reducing youth poverty by opening doors to education, employment, and financial backing, they were able to reduce their turnover rate while filling positions with employees who sought opportunities through JUMA’s organization.
Likewise, Dreamscape Foundation finds mutual relationships with its brand partners through collaborations that promote our partners in a positive way. Through combined efforts, we help each other succeed while making a difference along the way.
Would You Like to Make an In-Kind Donation?
In-kind contributions aren’t restricted to businesses. Whether you’re a corporation or an individual, you have gifts and services to contribute.
Artists can donate their work for raffles.
Volunteers can donate their time to events.
Videographers can put together visual narratives and call-to-actions.
Businesses can donate their services to help boost awareness or improve the lives of disabled individuals.
Everyone has something to contribute. If you want to bring something to the table to aid in Dreamscape Foundation’s mission to bridge the accessibility gap and help individuals with disabilities overcome challenges and embrace their potential, talk to us.
We are always open to new connections. Our goal is to work as a community of individuals and organizations who are united in a combined effort to make today’s world more accessible. Whether you have an idea in mind or just an in-kind contribution you would like to offer, we would love to hear from you.
« PreviousNext »Fund the Charity Room Brings Charity to Twitch with Sonic Zeroes
Fund the Charity Room Brings Charity to Twitch with Sonic Zeroes
Video games are all fun and games, yet Fund the Charity Room is giving it a special twist on Twitch. At noon on August 11th, they’ll be streaming a competition called Sonic Zeroes between 4 streamers.
The winner?
None of them, really. This Sonic Heroes marathon is all about raising funds for Extra Life, a non-profit that teams up with gamers to raise funds for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
What is Fund the Charity Room?
Fund the Charity Room, also known as FTCR, began in 2016. It isn’t a non-profit, nor is it any time of official organization. In truth, it’s just a handful of gamers who are looking to have fun and do some good along the way.
“Fund the Charity Room is a joint venture between a few different YouTube channels, including [Find the Computer Room]. We’ve done a series of charity events off-and-on where we play video games with a theme to raise money for a specific charity,” explains Gareth Spriggs, one of the organizers and streamers going head-to-head in this month’s Sonic Zeroes event.
Yet don’t let their laidback personas fool you. FTCR has accomplished a lot over the last 2 years. With the help of what is now approximately 20 different volunteers, they’ve raised thousands of dollars for several different causes and charities, including:
- Dreamscape Foundation
- International Rescue Committee
- Donations to Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Efforts
- Amazon Wishlist
- Fight for Emily (a fundraiser to raise money for a young girl’s cancer treatment)
The reason?
“Personally, I’ve just been very lucky,” confesses Spriggs. “We collectively want to help people who don’t have it as lucky as we do.”
Dreamscape Foundation’s Connection with Fund the Charity Room
Dreamscape Foundation is no stranger to FTCR. In fact, Founder Joe Sehwani played a role in its early beginnings. The first effort was to help a GoFundMe campaign Fight for Emily reach its $8,000 goal to pay for the young girl’s cancer treatment.
“I credit Joe with teaching me how to promote these kinds of events,” shares Spriggs. “It ended up being called ‘Fight for Emily’ and Joe came up with the tagline, the logo, and promotional images on the Twitch page. He put in a lot of effort and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.”
The campaign was a huge success, helping Emily and her family reach their financial goal. Spriggs was thrilled to add that Emily went into remission and is doing well.
“It’s one of the proudest moments of my life,” he confesses.
Getting Psyched (and Shaved?) for Sonic Zeroes
This year’s theme revolves around the notorious game, Sonic Heroes, in a competitive series of matches to see who is the fastest. Yet the streamers won’t be the only ones racing the to finish.
Viewers will play a strong role in the competition as well. For each funding milestone met, the streamers will add another story to the race. The more money, the more stories, until they finish the game.
Not only that, if the campaign reaches its funding goal, Spriggs will shave his head on camera—to fans delight and his chagrin!
“I’m very happy and proud that Fund the Charity Room has been able to accomplish in the two years we’ve been open,” says Spriggs. “I’m very proud of all the people who work with me, and I look forward to hopefully shaving my head because that means we’ve raised a good amount of money.”
Tune in August 11 at Noon to Participate
Tune in to Fund the Charity Room’s Twitch Page at noon on August 11th for a meme-filled marathon of gaming, laughs, and giving. Share your thoughts through the chat or via their social media channels on Twitter and Facebook.
Your role is simple: Log on. Participate. Donate.
It’s bound to be an exciting race—in more ways than one!
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