Another Normal is a newsletter devoted to helping young adults with disabilities bloom and grow. If this e-mail was forwarded to you, please subscribe here and join our community.
As we near the holiday season, please also work hard to protect those at increased risk of covid-19. As this article explains, developmental disabilities heighten the risk of covid death. It’s that simple and that scary. Making sacrifices now with family and friends will save lives and get us all back to our version of “normal” sooner.
Now for some news…
Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is.
--Mandy Hale
On the road again.
Many people with autism want to get out of the passenger seat and learn to drive. But how do you know if your son or daughter should be among them? Here’s a good list of questions for families wrestling with this question. On November 23, this young man will share his own journey and personal guidance in a “Driving with Autism” webinar from 6:30-8pm EST. Register here to see if someone you know might be ready to get behind the wheel.
Abilities Expo.
The free virtual Abilities Expo will take place this month November 20-22. Register here to learn more about assistive technology, adaptive sports and equipment, universal design and other interesting and entertaining topics through dynamic workshops and engaging exhibits for the whole family. There’s truly something for everyone here, with a schedule of sessions on everything from social media to service dogs to sex and so much more. What a fun way to get smart about things that make life meaningful!
Speaking of smart.
Check out this amazing new smart home developed by LADD in Cincinnati, Ohio, to serve as an innovative, affordable, long-term housing solution for adults with developmental disabilities. This house utilizes state-of-the-art technology and training to help reduce staffing needs and aid young adults with disabilities on their journey to independence. Might something like this work in your community?
Unfriendly flying.
For some people who need to leave home, American Airlines has made it harder by banning power wheelchairs on certain flights. The airline implemented this new policy because they were damaging a large number of chairs loading them onto aircraft (including ours!). The ban restricts passengers with power chairs from traveling to more than 100 regional airports in the U.S. Seems the airline should be able to improve damage control without simply excluding certain passengers. Tell American what you think here. On the flip side, check out what All Wheel’s Up is doing to make air travel more accessible for passengers. Flying the friendly skies is not easy for people with disabilities. Share a tip below to help with the challenges.
Holiday shopping made easy.
As we approach the holidays, I want to encourage shopping with the fabulous Southfork Bakery on Long Island. I learned about this non-profit recently and love their commitment to “see beyond disabilities and instead see employees willing, able and excited to work.” Founder Shirley Ruch tells me they’re ready and waiting to fulfill online orders and will ship your gift of cookies, brownies or bars throughout the U.S. Doesn’t every town need a bakery like this?
Speaking of gifts.
My parting gift today comes by way of a friend in South Africa. This wonderful video of her delightful son, Stefan, reminds us to appreciate all that is beautiful in life, including family, music, confidence and self-expression.
Dance to the beat of your dreams.
Leave a heart if you like or a comment below. Thanks for sharing, too.
Until next week…
Love this! Thank you
Beautiful!