Love Is In The Air, And So Is Raising Funds For Accessibility!
Love Is In The Air, And So Is Raising Funds For Accessibility!
Everyone in the world has been affected by accessibility advancement, though some more than others. That’s where Dreamscape Foundation comes in! As our very first Stream Team fundraiser of 2022 kicks-off, we wanted to introduce everyone to our hand-picked Charity Streamers this week!
Jessyabeb Draws Attention To Disability Awareness
Jessy, aka Jessyabeb, is a former mental health nurse turned freelance digital artist and variety streamer. She is someone who has personal experience streaming for charity in the past like the b-present foundation which works to help educate and support young adults with cancer, along with “It Gets Better“, an organization that works to uplift, empower and connect with LGBTQ+ youth all around the world.
Jessy is selfless enough to help raise funds with Dreamscape Foundation because she finds herself an adult living with a disability. Knowing the experience first-hand, Jessy wants to help in any way she can. Viewers can expect a lot of art streams during the event, along with some Spelunky 2. “I will have some art up as donation incentives! I’ll also be doing some more viewer interactive stuff like marbles and some other games.” Jessy explains.
TheSaffronMan Raids For Accessibility
Meet Saff, also known as TheSaffronMan! Saff has had a lot of experience volunteering, ever since he was young. Things like summer camps and charity volunteer work to name a few. Where does all this inspiration to do good come from? In our interview with Saff, he mentioned that his late grandmother who had Parkinson’s was a massive role model for him, and continues to motivate him to this day!
For our Charity Stream with TheSaffronMan, the plans are to play a variety of games during the week; from Raid: Shadow legends, Halo Infinite, and GeoGuessr. The fun to be experienced is limitless! Saff also intends to mix it up with music and interact with his community by chatting on any relevant topics. Saff wanted to extend his support and that is how we met HWZ67!
HWZ67 Lends A Helping Hand
Coming in later to the Stream Team is Kofi or HWZ67! Kofi is known throughout his chatroom as a Teacher and a Musician, especially for his interest in creating meme music. His streaming journey began at the end of 2020 as he wanted to connect with more people in the Raid Shadow Legends community.
As an Elementary School teacher, HWZ has constant exposure to fundraising at his school, as well as some volunteer work with an organization called “Hosea Helps” who help families with a wide range of services, based out of Atlanta, GA. When asked why he wanted to join in this Valentine’s Day event, HWZ told us that ” I genuinely enjoy helping others! My fiancé and I are always talking about charity work so I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity. She was very happy when I told her.”
JohnKozlov Blasts Off For Charity
Now introducing.. John Kozlov! John happens to be a full-time programmer, while also working as a part-time content creator. During our interview, Kozlov mentioned that he sees himself as a perfectionist who likes to do everything to the next level. Our new streamer friend is known to have a deep passion for simulation games, especially the Star Citizen universe which became one of his favorite games.
John Kozlov started streaming as a way to find like-minded people with whom he can share common values and ideas. After all said and done, Twitch streaming ended up as one of his greatest passions. Kozlov mentions that “It helped me evolve and express myself better.” We are very happy that he joined our week-long charity, and even though this is his first charity stream, we are happy to have him a part of our growing Valentine’s Day event Stream Team!
Sarcastickelly Welcomes Donations For Dreamscape
Meet Kelly, another friendly streamer we found on Twitch, where she is known as SarcastiKelly; A name her chatroom said fitted her perfectly – due to the fact that her sense of humor is very silly and ironic! As a self-described introvert, she always seems to make sure everyone feels included. According to Kelly, she is very reserved and quiet with people she hasn’t met before.
Although this will be the first Charity Event for Kelly, we can tell that she is very excited to lend her support! As she described in our interview, “This is something that I have always wanted to do and it’s just always been a question of when or how?” She explained ”I have always wanted to get into raising money for charities, there have just been so many questions and not knowing where to start. Once I got in contact with Dreamscape Foundation and got a good understanding of what they do and trying to achieve, I realized it’s something I wanted to be a part of.”
“Mental illness is something I’m way too familiar with, both myself and in my family, and I’ve always felt like it’s rarely taken seriously. I think that’s why I’ve grown to be so passionate and empathetic about wanting to help people, whether it’s to help someone move, or just be there if someone wants to talk, or just cheer someone up to make them forget about something that’s bringing them down if only for a moment.”
During the Charity Event, we can expect lots of fun, goofiness, and nothing but great time. Sarcastikelly adds “Not only will there be giveaways, but there will also be donations that’ll trigger certain actions that change the way I play whether it’s being blindfolded or choose what build/weapon to use, but you could also decide a future cosplay or a game to play and much more.”
How You Can Help Share The Dream:
We appreciate what these amazing streamers are doing as a part of giving back to Dreamscape’s disabled community. This Charity event will be filled with fun and passion from different people all around the globe. Let us all gather and unite to raise $5,000 in the spirit of Accessibility and Valentine’s Day.
All week long, February 7th to February 14th, 2022 we will be LIVE on Twitch and Tilitfy raising awareness of Dreamscape Foundation’s cause. Depending on an individual’s amount donated, donors will be eligible to win a variety of prizes, from multiple redeemable steam keys, to Dreamscape merchandise like T-Shirts, Magnets & Drawstring Backpacks. If you have anything to give, this is an amazing cause. Help us Share the Dream!
« PreviousNext »Illuminating Invisible Disabilities
Illuminating Invisible Disabilities
Many know a disability when they see one; Quadriplegics in a wheelchair or Blind people with a walking cane are some afflictions that come to mind. If I asked you, “What is the most common disability?” what would you say? Actually, the most common ones are typically non-physical related. Many people will not know immediately that someone is living with these Hidden Disabilities. This is where we want to step in to help spread the word.
Living with a Mental Disorder
Psychiatric disabilities, an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of mental health issues, are as common as 1 in 2 people. This is something people deal with every single day. These people do not require use of a cane or any accessibility device, as they have no actual physical disability. Keep in mind, people suffering from Psychiatric Disabilities can have years of experience, but still suffer from their condition. One mustn’t confuse experience with curing of a disability. Think of it as a scale, day to day, ranging from mild to severe. For example with the right amount of experience, people living with Bipolar Disorder will be able to notice signs of a disturbance and might even be able to contain their emotions, to a degree. Other days, the person may not even notice their mental disorder.Knowing the Signs
Although some invisible disabilities can be kept low-key, some will actually need to be presented to everyone around them. Due to the possible life-or-death situation, conditions such as Epilepsy, Diabetes, and Learning Disabilities should be shared as soon as you get to know someone. There is no shame in telling someone about your condition. especially if you spend a lot of time with them. The triggering of your disability can spark a wide variety of health issues and symptoms that can have you thrown for a loop, and can even lead to death. Keeping loved ones in mind, there should be no judgement. It may be a hard conversation to have, but one that needs to happen.Being the Support they Need
Living around someone with an Invisible Disability may sound like a rigorous task, but actually it’s pretty simple. With the right experience, someone will be able to “get into the mind” of their mentally disabled friend. These skills can be learned through personal experience, knowledge of previous events, and works best when you’re very close to the person. Catching someone slipping can save hours if not days of grueling mental laps that the invisible disability affects on the person afflicted. A simple, “Let’s step outside and get a breather” or “Hey, drink some water” can go a long way! Tackling Invisible Disabilities can be as easy as changing the pace of the day. Get some fresh air, take your mind of what it bringing you down. Staying positive is one of the best ways to deal with Invisible Disabilities. Without the right attitude, the afflicted will never get better. With the help of loved ones and the advice of professionals, Invisible Disabilities can be identified and dealt with accordingly. « PreviousNext »Improving Lives With Heightened Hearts Foundation
Improving Lives With Heightened Hearts Foundation
Millions around the world are suffering from poverty, hunger, and social injustice. After being struck with hard times, many struggle to get back on their feet. With only limited resources and help available to these families and individuals, the Heightened Hearts Foundation is going above and beyond to help them get back on their feet.
Who is the Heightened Hearts Foundation?
Recently, the Dreamscape Foundation had the pleasure of speaking with Lyubov Smirnova, the Founder and CEO of the Heightened Hearts Foundation. While speaking with her, it was clear she is a driven and dedicated woman on a mission. It is no surprise that since founded in 2015 they have been able to implement over 32 successful programs in the US, Ukraine and Mexico. Outside of these set programs, Heightened Hearts is open to doing all they can to provide for those in need. But what sets them apart from many organizations is their ideology that providing needed goods alone is not enough. In line with their mission of creating lasting solutions for poverty, hunger, and social injustice; they focus not on just providing for temporary relief but work with people to help them become self-sufficient once again. To put into prospective, as the old saying goes, you can give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and he’ll never go hungry again.Programs Leading to Lasting Solutions
Heightened Hearts has 6 main programs established to help families, individuals, children, students, and the elderly. These consist of: Food Box program, Adopt-a-Grandparent, Back to School Children’s Baskets, Spiritual Programs, Teen Pregnancy Education, and Global Relief Centers. The Food Box program offers meals and vital nourishment to people in the worst conditions. The recipients of this program are constantly struggling to battle hunger, malnourishment and even starvation. However, it goes beyond just providing them with food for survival, but to educating those better off, of the devasting conditions being faced around the world. The programs purpose is to save countless lives, while educating and inspire others to join the fight. The programs run twice a year every November and June. Adopt-a-Grandparent is a sponsorship program to aid the aging and elderly. Unlike most developed countries who have assistance and elderly care programs, many seniors in other regions of the world are not as lucky. All volunteer sponsors will aid in offering services to the senior they are connected with. These services include obtaining proper medical care, proper nutrition, and companionship to let them know they are not alone. To ensure children have all the necessary supplies they need to learn and further their education, Heightened Hearts has created their Back to School Baskets program. Many families struggle financially and are faced with enough hardships as it is. Heightened Hearts believes their children’s education and chance for success should never be one of them. What this program offers are baskets full of all the necessary supplies a young student needs. Including backpacks, notebooks/paper, pens/pencils, highlighters, rulers, calculators, dictionaries, folders/binders, and a whole lot more! The Heightened Hearts Spiritual programs focus on specific themes from the Bible to provide insight and an opportunity for reflection on life. Help comes in all different forms and for many, reconnecting with God and strengthening themselves from within is all the help they require. Additionally, these programs allow individuals to address broken relationships with God, friends/family, and even themselves. The Teen Pregnancy Educational program is just as it sounds. A program established to properly educate teens on the aspects of safe sex practices. Additionally, many unplanned pregnancies around the world come from abuse. That is why Heightened Hearts includes therapy and clinic-based programs to ensure no child/teen is left to suffer alone. Lastly, the Global Relief Centers program is an initiative to give communities around the world a place to meet and discuss social and economic issues. Heightened Hearts will work with these communities who lack social gathering or relief centers, to build new Community Centers. Providing a safe, spacious area to discuss solutions to the problems they face.Holiday Events on the Horizon
Every year, leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Heightened Hearts goes to work. Packing large sized laundry baskets with pantry staples, foods, snacks, desserts, detergent, toilet trees and more, to ensure families will have much needed supplies to make the best of their holiday season. Delivered one week before the holiday, the baskets include enough supplies to last through the holiday and for weeks to come. At Heightened Hearts, they feel families should be helped in the long term and not just for a day or two.Love the Mission and want to get involved?
Heightened Hearts relies entirely on Volunteers. With almost no paid employees, they are always look for new donors or volunteers to support their programs. If interested in donating, you can go online and give funds right through their website. But if you are more interested in helping prepare for the upcoming holiday events, they are still in great need of the following items:- Children’s toys, clothes, school supplies
- Nonperishable food items
- Home goods: detergent, toilet trees
- Kitchen items
- Computers
- Beds or bedding
- Cooking items
- Adult Clothing: Male and Female
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
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Live Accessible Changes Lives for the Blind
Live Accessible Changes Lives for the Blind
Whether you were born with a visual impairment or developed one throughout your life, it can be extremely difficult to find the resources and tools you need. Over the years, accessibility concerns have been growing and a lot is being done to help the blind and visually impaired community. But while new accessible internet designs and assistive technology are being developed and implemented, we are still forgetting one thing… Knowledge. Where individuals or families impacted by a visual impairment may now be able to use assistive tech or access the internet, how do they know what tools and options are best for them? Or how they can research and learn about these new developments? That is where Live Accessible hopes to fill in the gaps.
Who is Live Accessible?
Live Accessible is a platform created to provide visually impaired people with resources and information they need to learn about the many programs, communities, technologies and more that are available to them. Additionally, they have a very active Youtube Channel, loaded with helpful tips and advice for the blind community. It was founded by Carrie Morales, a young woman who has lived her entire life with a visual impairment. Carrie was born with Aniridia, an eye disorder where the iris (colored part of the eye) is either partially or completely missing. This condition causes a loss of visual acuity and sensitivity to light. In addition, as Carrie got older, she developed Cataracts (age 6) as well as Glaucoma (age 15). Inside every eye, there is a natural lens that captures light to help us see. Cataracts cause this lens to become clouded and diminishes the ability of the eye to pick up light. Glaucoma is caused from a build up of pressure in the eye most commonly from excess fluid. The increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, diminishing the connection between your eye and brain. Carrie knows that life with a visual impairment/s can be difficult but it’s not just the disability that makes things hard. Growing up, one of the toughest difficulties she faced was the reaction from society. One of the effects of her visual impairments causes her eyes to move constantly. She does not always have a way to control it because her eyes are simply trying to focus on something they cannot. For her it was the reactions she would get from people in her every day life and the stereotypes that came with them. But she did not let this discourage her! With the help of her Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and different organizations providing her and her parents with resources, she was able to figure out what was out there to help her. Without these, she never would have known about the assistive technology or programs that could help her and her family. Additionally, through these resources she found the visually impaired community. Just being with and talking to people who understood what she was going through helped her to finally not feel alone.Using Personal Experiences to Help Others
Despite these conditions and difficulties, Carrie has remained positive and now wants to use her own personal experiences to help others struggling with conditions/difficulties of their own. But she is not alone here! Her husband Pablo, who in his mid-twenties went completely blind, also brings his own unique experiences and perspective to Live Accessible. Pablo went from having perfect vision to being completely blind within a matter of hours due to a medical mistake. Additionally, they have a son, Pablo Joseph, who also has a visual disability. Together, they want to help those facing their own difficulties find the resources they need to fully equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to live a fully accessible life. Whether it be tech related, parenting advice for a child with visual impairments or parents with visual impairments, and much more! With a combination of constant resources and information provided on their site, along with the walk throughs, tips and tricks for the blind on their Youtube Channel; Live Accessible, wants to give people the knowledge they need to live a life without limits. At Live Accessible, they are clean and clear with their goals and purpose. “We don’t claim to know everything but, we have a lot of experiences and want you to take advantage of them.” Dedicated only to helping people educate themselves and not feel as if they are alone! To learn more about Live Accessible and see all they have to provide, you can check out their site or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube! « PreviousNext »Joys and Challenges: Tips for Disabled People on Preparing for Parenthood
Joys and Challenges: Tips for Disabled People on Preparing for Parenthood
There’s a longstanding misperception that disabled people either aren’t physically able to be parents, or that they need extensive and ongoing assistance. Some people believe that an expectant disabled couple has twice as much work to do getting ready to be parents, having to accommodate both their disabilities and the demands of parenthood. In fact, they face the same challenges that any parent faces: their baby will need a crib and changing table, baby clothes, and the emotional support of loving parents. Getting up for a 3 a.m. feeding may be the hardest adjustment for any parent, disabled or not.
By the time they become parents, a disabled couple’s home has already been adapted to accommodate their physical needs. There may, however, be a few logistical arrangements to make depending on the nature of their disability. Most of these adjustments can be made with easily acquired special equipment. Just like any parent, disabled people are simply interested in making the job of parenting as easy as possible.