November
It is election season again and I want to hear your opinions about what the most critical issues that our I/DD community currently face. Please follow the link to complete the survey, your feedback is very important to us! Click here for survey
1. Access to Inclusive Education:
Education laws exist to support appropriate and inclusive education for individuals with disabilities, many schools still face inadequate resources, lack of trained staff, and barriers to inclusive practices.
2. Employment Opportunities:
Despite Fargo’s high ratings of employment rates for people with disabilities, there are still many with I/DD who remain unemployed or underemployed due to the stigma of low expectations, lack of vocational staff/resources, and insufficient supports in the workplace.
3. Healthcare Access:
Individuals with I/DD often have distinct health needs but encounter barriers such as a shortage of providers experienced in treating I/DD, inadequate insurance, and challenges in navigating the healthcare system. Finding dental care that will take medical assistance can be very challenging.
4. Social Inclusion and Stigma:
Just because a person lives in the community doesn’t mean that they don’t face isolation, and the stigma of reduced expectations. Social isolation and stigma are significant challenges, leading to mental health struggles and reduced opportunities for community engagement and relationships.
5. Support Services and Resources:
Obtaining essential support services has been hampered due to DSP shortages, and/or inadequate training. This creates difficulties in daily living and overall quality of life. Families often struggle due to the additional stress that this issue brings on. As individuals with I/DD age, they may require specialized care that is often not readily available, leading to concerns about health management and living arrangements.
6. Transition to Adulthood:
The transition from school to adulthood can be particularly daunting, and is exasperated with insufficient resources for vocational training, independent living skills, and social integration.
7. Legal Rights and Advocacy:
Some individuals with I/DD may not be aware of their legal rights or lack access to advocacy resources, leading to potential violations of their rights in various settings. Underutilization of Support Decision Making as an alternative to guardianship is a concern for some. Additionally, crime is becoming a real issue even in our fine state. The threat of exploitation via the internet is real and occurring at an increasing rate.
8. Crisis Intervention/Behavioral Health:
People with I/DD may experience behavioral health issues or crises without access to appropriate interventions, leading to increased risks of rights restrictions (often with no planned exit strategy), or institutionalization.
9. Housing & Cost of Living:
The high cost of housing in the Fargo/West Fargo metro has continued its relentless upward climb. Rent, of course, is not the only thing to see price increases. We have seen prices go up with all products. Some people are unable to afford their own apartment.
10. Transportation:
Public transportation is a key component for community inclusion. FM area has a good bus system, but it fails to serve some areas of the metro. Some service providers charge people receiving services for rides that they receive from their support staff.
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October Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and it is a month of celebration not just at The Arc of Cass County, but across the nation! Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) was established in the United States to educate the public about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
The origins of NDEAM date back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The goal of this initiative was to address the employment challenges faced by disabled veterans returning from World War II. Over the years the movement grew, as society increased their understanding of disability issues and rights. In 1988, the week-long event was expanded by Congress to recognize the challenges faced by all people with disabilities in finding employment, and officially renamed it National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Today, NDEAM continues to emphasize the importance of ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities in the workforce, and to thank the employers who provide employment opportunities.
As we recognize this month, it is essential to remember that disability is a part of the human experience. According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people—approximately 15% of the world’s population—experience some form of disability. This includes physical disabilities, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and many others. Yet, despite this significant number, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers in employment.
Employers in particular have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to change this narrative. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, they can not only empower individuals with disabilities by providing employment opportunities, but also help in changing perceptions and stereotypes. Employment is a big part of all our lives, and that includes people with disabilities. Working is key for people with disabilities to experience full inclusion in their communities. It comes with many of the rewards we all desire – financial, social, and self-fulfillment. So this month-and all year long, let us pull together as a community to raise awareness, and take action to promote inclusivity, and employment!
September
