 Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize and promote the diverse talents and abilities of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. This month is a powerful reminder that everyone is employable regardless of their abilities. In this blog, we explore the importance of NDEAM and the principles of inclusivity and diversity in the workforce.
Celebrating Success Stories NDEAM is an opportunity to celebrate success stories. Countless individuals with disabilities have overcome barriers and achieved remarkable success in various fields. These stories not only inspire others but also underscore the value of inclusivity. Within Barrier-Free several individuals have had successful placements within the Downtown Sykesville community. Katie, Tyler, and Sophia have each embarked on their individual journeys towards success. Katie has found her place at Botigal, where she shines every Friday. Tyler's dream of working in the world of music has come true with his job at The Band Shoppe. Meanwhile, Sophia dedicates her time and passion to helping out at Tidal Salt every week. Their stories reflect the triumph of determination and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's goals. These individuals are not just employees; they are the embodiment of success in their chosen paths, inspiring others to follow their dreams with the same dedication and enthusiasm. Inclusive employment partnerships include: Botigal, The Band Shoppe, Tidal Salt, and the Sykesville Downtown Connection. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is not just a celebration; it's a call to action. It reminds us that inclusivity and diversity are strengths, not weaknesses. It challenges us to look beyond disabilities and recognize the immense talents and abilities that everyone, regardless of their background, brings to the workplace. As we celebrate NDEAM, let us recommit to creating a world where everyone is employable and genuinely embraced, valued, and empowered in their professional journeys. It's a vision where we all benefit from the unique perspectives and talents of one another, and together, we create a more vibrant and equitable workforce.
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 Introduction Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries and speaks to the depths of our souls. For individuals on the autism spectrum, this form of expression can be particularly transformative. In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable world of art as a means of communication and self-expression for those with autism. We'll explore the unique ways art empowers individuals on the spectrum, fosters connections, and offers a window into their inner worlds.
Here are some recent photos from the Art Gallery:Conclusion Art is a remarkable form of expression that transcends barriers and provides individuals with autism a unique avenue to communicate, connect, and grow. It transcends the limitations of words, offering a non-verbal language through which they can convey their emotions, thoughts, and unique perspectives. Art provides a window into their inner worlds, fosters connections, builds confidence, and supports sensory regulation. As we celebrate the transformative role of art in the lives of those with autism, let us continue to provide opportunities for them to express themselves creatively and connect with the world in their own extraordinary way.
 Introduction: Recently, a movement has been growing to celebrate and promote disability pride. Disability Pride Month, observed annually in July, provides a platform to raise awareness, challenge stigmas, and foster a sense of inclusivity and acceptance for individuals with disabilities. The month of July was chosen as Disability Pride Month because the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in law on July 26,1990. Over the years, celebrations have become more widespread and more cities have officially recognized the month. It is a time to recognize the unique experiences, strengths, and contributions of people with disabilities and to advocate for a more equitable and accessible society. In this blog, we delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month and explore why it is essential to celebrate and embrace disability pride.
Here are some recent photos from Disability Pride Fest at MakeStudio:Conclusion: Disability Pride Month is an essential time to celebrate the diversity, achievements, and resilience of individuals with disabilities. It is a month to challenge stigmas, promote accessibility, empower individuals, and advocate for change. Allies can support us by centering disabled voices, establish a foundation of accessibility in every space you're in, join advocacy efforts without speaking over disabled people, and challenge implicit bias you hold surrounding disability. By embracing disability pride, we create a society that values and respects the contributions and worth of every individual. Let us come together to celebrate Disability Pride Month and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
Neurodiversity and neurodivergence are two terms that have gained increasing attention in recent years. Both concepts are related to the idea that there is a natural variation in the human brain, and that this variation should be recognized and respected. However, there are some important differences between these two concepts. In this blog, we will explore the definitions of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, their similarities and differences, and the implications of these concepts for society. Neurodiversity refers to the idea that there is a natural variation in the human brain, and that this variation is normal and should be recognized and respected. This concept was first introduced by the autism rights movement in the 1990s, and has since been embraced by a variety of disability rights advocates. Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome, among others. Neurodivergence, on the other hand, refers specifically to individuals whose neurological development diverges from the norm. This concept was introduced by Nick Walker, a writer and advocate for the autism community, and is closely related to the concept of neurodiversity. However, neurodivergence focuses more on individuals who experience a significant difference in their neurological development, rather than simply recognizing that variation exists. There are some important similarities and differences between neurodiversity and neurodivergence. Both concepts recognize the natural variation in human brains, and challenge the idea that there is a "normal" or "typical" brain. Both also emphasize the importance of respecting and accommodating individuals with neurological differences. However, there are some key differences between these two concepts. Neurodivergence specifically focuses on individuals who experience a significant difference in their neurological development, while neurodiversity is a broader concept that includes a wider range of neurological differences. Additionally, neurodivergence often emphasizes the experiences and perspectives of individuals who are diagnosed with conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, while neurodiversity is a more general concept that encompasses a wider range of experiences and perspectives.  The implications of these concepts for society are significant. Embracing neurodiversity and neurodivergence means recognizing that individuals with neurological differences have unique strengths and challenges, and that these differences should be valued and respected. This includes providing accommodations and support for individuals with neurological differences in educational and workplace settings, and challenging the societal norms that stigmatize and marginalize individuals who do not fit the neurotypical mold. In conclusion, neurodiversity and neurodivergence are two important concepts that challenge the idea of a "normal" or "typical" brain. While both concepts share some similarities, there are also important differences between them. Recognizing and embracing neurodiversity and neurodivergence is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society, where all individuals are valued and respected for who they are. References:
 I recently experienced loss of someone I knew from one of my social groups I am a member of. Let's call him A. A was sweet and always smiling young man. A probably understood the world in ways other people couldn't. A passed away on Sunday at the age of 17. A was entirely too young for anyone to pass away. Because of his passing, I'm reminded of the unique loss within the disability community. Grief can take many forms. Grief is described as a loss of some sort, psychological distress, confusion, shock, yearning, and/or anxiety about the future. Loss takes many forms within the disability community. Some examples include:
We also must recognize that older people with developmental/ intellectual disabilities may have a cumulative loss. Cumulative loss can be referred to as multiple losses in a short period. In people with disabilities, we must look at a loss within a person's lifetime.Some things to think about if you support someone with a disability
What can grief look like? For individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities and autism, grief can be hard to understand and/or difficult to express. They may also struggle to make sense of loss. They may have difficulty finding the silver lining or benefit of that loss. They may need extra support during that time, and whoever is taking care of them may not be able to know how to support them. There is not much research about those with intellectual disabilities and whether or not they can find the benefit in the loss or if they're unaffected by it. A study conducted by Harper and Wadsworth found that over half of the respondents with a developmental disability reported at least one death that was very disruptive to their lives; more than a year after the deaths, the majority of these respondents were still suffering from feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness, as well as from behavior problems. I think this study points to the isolation felt by living with a disability. Often people with disabilities are isolated and spend lots of time in the mind. If you cannot express your grief to those around you, it encourages self-harm and harm to others. How do we support those with disabilities in their grief?
Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/05/26/we-know-theres-a-disability-community-because-we-mourn-our-losses/?sh=5555c70f98c4 Brickell, C., & Munir, K. (2008). Grief and its complications in individuals with intellectual disability. Harvard review of psychiatry, 16(1), 1–12.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166634/ Harper DC, Wadsworth JS. Grief in adults with mental retardation: preliminary findings. Res Dev Disabil. 1993;14:313–330. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] http://www.intellectualdisability.info/mental-health/articles/managing-grief-better-people-with-intellectual-disabilities https://www.mylepage.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Guidebook-for-People-with-IDs-.pdf
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7520 Main Street #103 Sykesville, MD 21784 | Email: info@barrierfreemd.com | Phone: 301-799-8669 (text preferred) | EIN: 84-2964880
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We are proud to be funded in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council
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We are proud to be funded in part by a Safeway Foundation Grant
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We are proud to be funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council
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