Independent Living

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Px6pBjguuA


Name of Article: The Cultural Perspectives of Independent Living and Self-help Movement of People with disabilities
Goal: Independent Living

Weather it be Independent living or self-help, persons with disabilities are striving for self determination and control over their own lives in developing and developed countries in the world. Developed countries like Japan and the United States have gone far beyond in accommodating persons with disabilities in what is referred as Independent Living. This transition has occurred due to two major reasons: the use of modern technology and assistive devices (computer-aided equipment and motorized wheelchairs) and the procurement of social services and programs which would help the person with disability to be included in the wider community (personal care attendant). On the other hand, in developing countries, these services and modern technology has kept back this special group of individuals to be accommodated in the wider community. Compounded with this, they have to rely on self-help programs which offered by limited resources that exist in these countries. More so, other hurdles which keep them back from being included in the community are parental dependency and dependency by social and economic support. Teachers and parents, as well as governments in developing countries need to seek funding to develop programs that are already functioning in developed countries in terms of accommodating this special group of human resources. The persons with disabilities, on the other hand, need to start to make their own choices and speak up for their legal rights to be included in the wider community.

http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/asia/resource/z00ap/002/z00ap00208.html

Independent Living

Name of article: Call for Right to Independent Living
Goal: Independent Living

In this article, Jane Campbell from the Commission for Social Care Inspection comments “But when there are locks on the door and rules and regulations - that's when it contravenes your human rights, and your privacy, dignity and freedom." This implies that persons with disabilities are rather provided with bodily supports in institutionalized day care centers rather than providing them with an opportunity to live independently in the community. More so, the person who suffers the condition of a spinal injury in this article reiterates that his human rights are greatly discriminated. Government departments, educators and private institutions who offer support services to persons with disabilities, need to be very mindful about the type of support services given to persons with disabilities. In other words, the support services that they offer need to allow these persons to be able to do informed choices, thus giving them the opportunity to acquire independent living skills. On the other hand, it is just right for those persons with disabilities to start to struggle for legal rights when their human rights are being infringed upon. This will send a strong message to governments, the private sector and the community at large in accommodating persons with disabilities in the community.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3529473.stm

Name of article: Employment leads to Independent Living and Self Advocacy: A Compartive Study of Employed and Unemployed Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
Goal: Independent Living

Educational institutions, governments and educators should provide for training in advocacy and independent living for persons with learning disabilities in their curriculum. According to this study, it has been proven that given the opportunity and proper training, persons with mental retardation can earn and talk for themselves. More so, the opportunity to work in open employment conditions leads to self-independent living and self advocacy. In other words, allowing opportunities for persons with mental retardation to make decisions for themselves should be further developed if they are to be included successfully in the wider community. Both teachers and students would benefit from the ideas in this article since they would be able to train students with various degrees of mental retardation with the appropriate self-advocacy and self-independent skills from an early age: thus leading them to live a meaningful life in the world of work.
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:Mc4UO42jLbsJ:www.aifo.it/english/resources/online/apdrj/apdrj0106/employ-cognitive.pdf+journal+articles+on+independent+living+for+persons+with+disabilities&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=
bz

Employment for Persons with Disabilities

I.Name of Article: Full Accessibility By 2005: Will Your Business Be Ready?
Goal: Employment

This article caters to employers, persons with disabilities and the community on a whole because it informs us about possible situations and accommodations that can be provided in the workplace to maximize capabilities of workers with disabilities. By reading this article, we will become aware of how we can better prepare as employers and employees to welcome this move at our workplace.
By the year 2005, the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) have proposed a goal of making the province of Ontario fully accessible. This is good news for persons with disabilities in Canada and the rest of the world since it is a major step taken by the government of this country to make use of all its available human resources in the workplace. In Ontario, persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to communicate with employers, unions, family members and public at large that they could make a positive impact in the workplace. Another good thing about this accessibility of persons with disabilities is that the time frame given to employers is adequate for everyone to get ready for this major venture to be taken in Canada.
You can read this article and find out more information on this move by going to the following website.

http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/article.asp?intArticle_ID=713
http://cases.ivey.uwo.ca/cases
www.iveybusinessjournal.com/article.asp?intArticle_ID=713



II. Name of Article: Disability and Employment: considering the importance of social capital
Goal: Employment
The information in this article serves as a reminder to teachers and parents how difficult it is for individuals with disabilities to be employed thus we need to improve on the quality of training, skills and values that we provide to them at our home, schools and community in their preparation for a brighter and more independent future.

Unemployment rates for persons with disabilities have always been at a low according to this article. However, the three entities that are the determinant factors for a person with a disability to get a job in the workplace are human, cultural and social capital. Both the persons with disabilities and the employer need to consider these factors if a business is to be successful.
It is necessary that parents and teachers prepare their students with disabilities with the proper training, skills, knowledge, values and attitudes that will help them make positive impacts in the workplace thus become more appreciated and valuable to employers. Adequate preparation of our students can help students to transition smoothly from the field of studies to the real world and increase their chances and opportunities in the field of employment. By simply helping them to learn character value, appropriate personal social and daily living skills or write a resume or teaching them business etiquette, employers will be more open and willing to accept them in the workplace and value their presence and contribution to the business/company/industry.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0825/is_3_71/ai_n15379668/



Name of article: Supply Augmentation in the Employment Market for Persons with Disabilities
Goal: Employment
Although Special Education Programs have improved and come a long way, there is much more needed to be done in order to lessen discrimination and provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in our overall society. This article serves a good purpose to inform parents and teachers to know what to appeal for and propose to government /NGO’s for the improvement of the services provided in Special Education on a whole. It also encourages government officials to look into the matter and consider increasing budgets for this field.
According to Rakish Arora, in order to enhance the supply needs of persons with disabilities in the workplace, a long term investment is required to prepare them with their education, vocational training and skill development. This could only happen if Governments along with the private sector provide the adequate support and accommodations, mechanisms to cater for persons with disabilities to be employed in the job market. Also, these mechanisms and supports require careful planning, co-ordination, funding and execution with additional support services, in an inclusive environment. This article serves as a reminder to Governments since they play a key role in preparing persons with disabilities to join the private sector or to take up self employment. Also, vocational trainers and instructors need to be sensitized to the capabilities and needs of persons with disabilities as they are prepared for the world of work. Therefore, it is imperative that governments, NGO’s and the private sector take into consideration serious recommendations to provide self-employment to its entire human resources in their countries. After all, equal opportunities should be the order of the day.



http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:qALXxXQfQrIJ:www.aifo.it/english/resources/online/apdrj/apdrj102 /employment.pdf+journal+articles+on+employment+for+persons+with+disabilities&cd=27&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=bz

Employment

This article is geared towards the general public. It can help to educate us on the idea of employment for persons with disabilities.

I. Name of Article: Full Accessibility By 2005: Will Your Business Be Ready?


By the year 2005, the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) have proposed a goal of making the province of Ontario fully accessible. This is good news for persons with disabilities in Canada and the rest of the world since it is a major step taken by the government of this country to make use of all its available human resources in the workplace. In Ontario, persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to communicate with employers, unions, family members and public at large that they could make a positive impact in the workplace. Another good thing about this accessibility of persons with disabilities is that the time frame given to employers is adequate for everyone to get ready for this major venture to be taken in Canada.

The article provides definitions of “disability” as they are evolving in recent years. It also includes information on the employer’s duty to accommodate employees with disabilities in the workplace to allow them to function better. Readers will find an interesting real life story that has helped to change perspectives of persons who do not have a disability. Many times we forget to realize that we are in a world that already accommodates many of our needs. Therefore, we need to be open to diversity. In order to do so, we need to be willing to extend accommodations to everyone with no discrimination.

Transportation and Mobility

Teens in Transition to Community Transportation.

"Teens in Transition to Community Transportation" is a very informative article especially for parents and families of individuals with disabilities. It discusses the issues that families encounter and need to address as their children enter adolescence. One of these being transportation as a way to gain greater independence. Parents are informed about their teen's shift in interest towards friends, extra curricular activities, and earning money with part time jobs. However, getting out of the house and developing a separate schedule from the rest of the family requires a lot of special consideration, preparation and extra planning more so for teens using wheelchairs because of the many barriers which may hinder their mobility and progress. Often if individuals with disabilities are not trained in this area, they are forced to depend on others for transportation. In spite of American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, public transportation systems have been slow to implement mandated changes, such as conversion of vehicles.
The article also looks at new transportation alternatives to maximize self reliance. The urge for independence is the beginning of the transition into the world of community life and employment. In the process of learning new transportation modes, students not only gain a greater sense of personal responsibility but can also learn and acquire good safety practices and lifelong traffic skills as well. Addressing the idea of transportation and mobility during teen years creates more opportunities to practice assertiveness, problem solving and life skills through community interactions. However, families and individuals need to be realistic about their situation, expectations and goals depending on their situation. But, they also need to learn to let go and help their teen mature which is difficult for most families because of they think of the risks their teens might face and are concerned about their vulnerability and safety.
All these points and much more are addressed in this article to inform families of individuals with disabilities how to prepare their children to become more independent.

Reference:

http://www.articlearchives.com/society-social/families-children-family/1488925-1.html

Transportation and Mobility for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Mobility is an area where the benefits of technology are obvious: freedom of movement, increased privacy, and personal independence. Today, individuals can select artificial limbs that are bionic and resemble human limbs. Myoelectric Limbs are battery-powered and aesthetically pleasing. They are hollow but contain a sensor that picks up electrical signals transmitted from the individuals brain through the limb. These, allow individuals to control movement and function. Limbs are used for running, daily walking, holding,hugging and so on.
Robotics is another area that gives hope to the future of individuals with disabilities. Robotics is the use of sophisticated devices to accomplish motor skills such as grasping. Robotic arms can manipulate objects in at least three directional movements: extension/retraction, swinging/rotating, and elevation/depression. This type of assistance is beneficial in independent daily living or self-help activities. Costs, transportability, repairs, and training are present barriers to this type of technology but their increasing demand might make it more economical in the future.

Reference:

Introduction to Special Education
Teaching in an Age of Opportunity
Fifth Edition

Transportation and Mobility

This posting will address the topic on Transportation and Mobility. It is geared for professionals, parents of and students with physical disabilities.

Performance of Physical Activities by Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

A Research Study

Comments by: Juanita Cadle

Studies have proven that mobility and self are essential factors which contribute to a successful transition of adolescents with cerebral palsy to adulthood. In this particular study, the performance of physical activities from the perspective of adolescents with cerebral palsy was characterized.

Adolescence is characterized by that period of development that an individual prepares himself/ herself for social roles associated with young adulthood, including postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. There is no doubt, that for adolescents with the condition of cerebral palsy, the transition into adulthood is a challenging one. More so, these individuals face low employment opportunities, are restricted in leisure and social participation and are more dependent on their relatives for their living arrangements. In fact many parents or guardians of these individuals are faced with lifelong responsibilities for care that can become more difficult as the person and parent become older. Studies have shown that the Gross Motor Function of adults with Cerebral Palsy were one or more levels lower on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) compared with their function during childhood. A high percentage of adults with cerebral palsy have reported needing physical assistance in self-care and activities of daily living. A personal factor which is associated with independence and persistence in adolescents with physical disabilities is self-efficacy (a person’s belief that he or she can perform certain behaviors). Another factor that may improve the performance of physical activities of individuals with cerebral palsy is a supportive environment. These include accessibility, accommodation, resource availability, social support, and equality both in the home and outdoors.

In this particular study, the Gross Motor Classification System, the Activity Scale for Kids Performance and a Usual Methods of Mobility Questionnaire were implemented. The GMFCS was completed by a Physical Therapist, the ASKP was completed by the adolescents of Cerebral Palsy and the Usual Methods of Mobility questionnaire was completed by the parents. Results of the study demonstrated that an overall self-sufficiency in performance of physical activities by adolescents with cerebral palsy differed based in the five levels GMFCS scale. In other words, the GMFCS level discriminates the ability to perform physical activities independently among adolescents with cerebral palsy. The performance of activities outlined in the ASKP demonstrated that improved performance among adolescents with cerebral palsy is more likely to occur in specific activities as a result of instruction and practice, accommodations, assistive technology, environmental modifications, or some combination of these factors.

This study provides many implications for educators, physical therapists, and parents/guardians who deal with individuals with the condition of Cerebral Palsy. It is of vital importance that physical therapists, educators and families collaborate with each other by providing adolescents the opportunities to participate actively in decision making skills and problem solving skills on how they can become more self sufficient and assume more responsibility despite their limitations in physical capability; not only in the home but also in the community. In other words, any person who may have this form of disability should be encouraged to identify proper movement strategies, tasks adaptations and modification of the environment in order to optimize performance in physical activities. Let’s give a helping hand to those who need us by creating better experiences and opportunities for all persons with disabilities.

Reference:

http://www.ptjournal.org/cgi/content/full/87/1/77

Inclusive Communities - Facilitating and promoting Transition for Individuals with Disabilities

Recreation and Leisure

This posting is targeted for professionals and parents of individuals with disabilities. Other community members may also find it very informative on how to allow social inclusion through recreational activities. The purpose of this blog is to make us aware of ways that we can all collaborate and make school and community recreation fun for everyone by identifying places in the environment and techniques, making modifications and adaptations to these as we integrate them in our daily lives to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Although for the past decade or so we have seen more participation of persons with disabilities in general education classrooms and community workplace we still need to improve and focus on more activities to integrate them into regular recreational and leisure activities. The resources provided in this blog discuss some of the following topics:
Strategies for Successful Inclusion in Recreation Programs
- Specific strategies to help different age range persons with disabilities to participate more fully in local school and neighborhood social and leisure activities.
- The use of community leisure facilitators to support people with disabilities in community programs.
- The importance of finding or creating local groups and activities for people of all ages.
- Ways of encouraging and assisting persons with disabilities to try new activities and experience participation.
- Disability awareness training and social networking.
- Promoting Inclusive recreation and Leisure Opportunities for adults.
- Procedural adaptations to promote accessibility.
-Ideas of different activities/coordinating programs.
- Common situations and support.
- Tips for training families.

To read and find out more on these ideas, the following resources can be very useful.
Book
- IDEA 2004 UPDATE EDITION - INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION - TEACHING IN AN AGE OF OPPORTUNITY FIFTH EDITION - Deborah Deutsch Smith, pages 299, 300, 315, 332, 333, 402, 403.
- Goodall, P. (1992). Integrated Leisure options for individuals with severe traumatic brain injury. (Special Topical Report #1). Richmond, VA: Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia.
- Ray, T. (1991). SCOLA leisure activity guide. Ramsey, Co.,
Articles:
- Strengthening Relationships and Bodies: Social Inclusion through Recreation.
- The meaning of Social Experiences in Recreation Settings.
- Community Recreation Programming to facilitate Social Inclusion: Rules of Thumb.
- Advocating for Inclusion: Strategies for Individuals.
Website:

http://thechp.syv.edu/recreation.html.
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDOCSrecreation/



Recreation and leisure activities are very important aspects of our lives. They allow us to socialize, relax, have fun and develop friendships/relationships with others. All these, in return help us to attain skills and abilities required in our daily lives for us to adapt to our environment and live higher quality lives as social beings that we are. By educating and training the community on a whole on strategies and activities to include persons with disabilities in recreational programs, we are increasing their opportunity to become more competent in functioning productively in their community. Therefore, we need to be aware how to help develop a sense of belonging, motivate them to become involved and be active members so that we can all have similar experiences as we grow and transition in our life.
Inclusion in recreation has many benefits, including activities where socialization is likely to occur naturally. Participation in sports and recreation sets the pattern of physical exercise that lasts a lifetime. In addition to all the health benefits of recreation and exercise, recreational skills can allow individuals with physical disabilities to have fun with their peers and can provide opportunities for enjoyment with their families. However, many sports and recreation programs for individuals with physical disabilities are not inclusive in that individuals with and without disabilities do not usually play and learn together. In many cases, only special programs genuinely allow everyone to participate, even those who are not athletically able. Research has shown that many individuals claim to enjoy recreational activities that are not integrated because they do not have to fear judgments and can take risks they would not otherwise take (Easter Seals, 2002).
Many special sports and fitness programs are now available for individuals with physical disabilities in America, however, in Belize we have yet to develop, fund and implement these.