Weed, Webinars, Working & More

Volume 35

Not sure about you, but nothing in my world is the same as it was a year ago. I look at things differently; I see myself differently; and I yearn for different things than “before covid.” Topping the list is a desire to connect with people once the pandemic is under control, both physically and emotionally, in ways that social media and Zoom can’t begin to provide. Many of the people I know with disabilities feel the same way, including our 24-year-old son. His new theme song is “Get Back” by the Beatles — a pretty clear message that he’s more than ready to return to his independent life.

Another Normal is my attempt to create community and connect with others each week who are committed to helping young adults with disabilities learn to bloom. Thanks for caring and sharing with someone who may benefit from the news and resources highlighted here.

Thanks for commenting and offering some perspective from your own experiences. Thanks for being here.

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Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

—Hans Christian Andersen

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Helping hands.

Everyone has been impacted in some way by the pandemic, including organizations that need volunteers.  Lending a hand to help others is just harder for many of us because of Covid19. According to a recent study by Fidelity Charitable, the nation’s largest grantmaker, two out of three volunteers decreased or stopped contributing time due to the pandemic. And the majority of those who continued did so virtually.  Organizations still needing on-site help are actively seeking volunteers.  As this man with quadriplegia who teaches computer skills to children with disabilities illustrates, we all have talents to share.  It’s just a matter of finding a good match and then letting the magic happen.  How might your loved one with disabilities volunteer in his/her community?  We need all hands on deck, perhaps now more than ever.

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The wonders of weed.

Did you know marijuana is being researched for its potential effects on seizures, sociability and learning in young people with autism?  It’s already approved for the treatment of autism in Colorado. And the Ohio state legislature is now considering legalizing medical marijuana for autism spectrum disorders in that state.  Currently, people can legally buy and use medical cannabis for certain approved conditions in 33 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This issue is not without controversy, though. Penny for your thoughts on the topic.

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Proposed panel.

Here's an interesting independent living concept under development in South Carolina called Oak Tree Farm.  Specifically designed for people with autism and intellectual disabilities, it’s another example of how parents are working to address the lack of housing options for people with disabilities across the country. Would you be interested in a webinar on this subject, hosted by Another Normal? Please leave a comment below to help me determine the value of such a panel discussion.  

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Discrimination disagreement.

Should people with disabilities who can’t wear masks be allowed to fly? According to his mother, a 22-year-old man was removed last week from their Southwest flight, despite having a doctor’s note attesting to his condition, a negative Covid test result and proof of vaccination. With CDC guidelines changing almost weekly, I find it hard to believe that airlines can’t do better in these situations. Lots of different ways to look at this, obviously.  What do you think?  

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Top o’ the mornin’.

Finding and keeping a job takes more than just luck, as we all know, especially for people with disabilities. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I wanted to spotlight Employers for Change.  This government organization in Ireland strives to create workplace equity by helping employers hire, train and retain employees with disabilities.  Is anything like this available in the U.S.?  Please leave a comment if you know where to find helpful resources and information on the topic.  So many will benefit.

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Until next week…

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