Sightsavers’ Post

In fifty years, the general public attitude towards people with disabilities has improved greatly from "lock them away! Institutionalize them all!" We still have a long, long way to go, but we have a reasonable start. If you feel drawn to helping disabled people live their fullest and best life, we have a number of agencies with plenty of opportunities for you. Some positions ask for in-person assistance and companionship, like the Vision Mate for the CNIB or the Leisure Pal for Community Living Trent Highlands. Alternatives Community Programing needs Dance Chaperones for their monthly dances. Community Care requires drivers to help get seniors and independent disabled people to appointments and shopping. All of these positions require a Vulnerable Sector Screening and a few other qualifications. Check each posting carefully to make sure you can/will tick all the boxes. You can also assist at the monthly bingo at Delta Gaming. You just need a resume and proof that you're over age 19 to be in the bingo hall. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/41Jqa0H Never underestimate how much assisting with a fundraiser benefits the agency. And don't worry about tobacco use. Only the Drag Bingos allow smoking! It's not Memaw's bingo hall! Make your search easier. Make a free profile for yourself, choose "people with disabilities" as one of your causes, and pick from the dozens of very worthy opportunities in our listings. Check them out today! https://buff.ly/3rsamzk #TryItTuesday #InclusionMatters #VolunteersNeeded

The earlier we support children with learning disabilities and their families, the better their outcomes. Our report Investing in Early Intervention, developed with @Cerebra, @Mencap_charity, and others, highlights the crucial role of early intervention in improving lives. It urges leaders to act strategically, invest wisely, and create lasting change. Read the full report and learn how early support can make a real difference for children and families: https://lnkd.in/eV8c7X2E #universalchildrensday

Boost your impact on young lives! Our comprehensive training specifically designed for nonprofit organizations targets positive youth-development strategies. From understanding adolescent development to responding to adverse childhood experiences - join us to create safer, supportive environments for youth. #learnwithSAM #everyonecanthrivehere #youthfundamentals

💙 Supporting Adults with Disabilities at The Arc of Space Coast 💙 At The Arc of Space Coast, we are on a mission to ensure that adults with disabilities have the resources, support, and community they need to lead empowered, fulfilling lives. This September, we’re calling on our community to help us continue this vital work. Why Your Support is Crucial: Every day, adults with disabilities in our community face challenges that many of us take for granted. Whether it’s finding meaningful employment, connecting with peers, or accessing essential services, these individuals deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. With your help, we can provide: Skills Training: Equipping our members with the tools they need to gain independence and confidence. Community Engagement: Offering social activities and events that foster connection and belonging. Advocacy and Support: Ensuring that every individual has a voice and the support they need to thrive. Here’s How You Can Make a Difference This Month: 1. 🎁 Donate: Your contributions directly impact the lives of the individuals we serve. Every donation, big or small, helps us provide essential services and programs. The Arc of Space Coast | Donate (arcofsc.org) 2. 🕒 Volunteer: Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Join us in supporting our events, activities, and daily operations. The Arc of Space Coast | Volunteer (arcofsc.org) 3. 📣 Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network! The more people who know about The Arc of Space Coast, the more we can accomplish together. Let’s Make September Count: Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing stories of the incredible individuals we serve and the impact your support has on their lives. Follow our journey, get inspired, and see firsthand how your contributions are making a difference. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in making this September a month of empowerment and inclusion. #SupportArcOfSpaceCoast #Empowerment #DisabilitySupport #CommunityImpact #DonateNow #SeptemberOfGiving

Adults with learning difficulties are being moved out of their homes against their wills - with some ending up in secure accommodation. Around forty "villages" have been shut down over the past few years and many residents face problems finding suitable housing. Campaigners say adults with learning difficulties and their families are not being listened to. In this conversation, journalist Angela Walker speaks with Ron Brown from the charity Our Life, Our Choice about the pressing need for more choice and better accommodation options for adults with learning disabilities. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals in finding suitable living arrangements, the role of regulatory bodies, and the importance of advocacy and community involvement in ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard. Full link in comments.

In conversation with #AngelaWalker #SocialCare

The 2024 Columbia Housing Market Analysis is here! Data Driving a Place in the World for Autistic Adults and Others with Neurodiversities explores the needs and preferences of adults with A/I/DD and their families/caregivers in Richland and Lexington counties and offers data-driven recommendations to mitigate potentially negative outcomes. The study was conducted by the Make Waves Center for Community Development at the First Place Global Leadership Institute in Phoenix. Commissioned by SOS Care, the report is the first-ever study to comprehensively address the housing needs and preferences of adults with A/I/DD in Columbia. The analysis educated consumers on their potential options, collected data on their needs and preferences, identified barriers to meeting demand, and explored how public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors can work together to find market solutions. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eW_4HifY

In both my personal and professional life, I’ve observed recurring patterns when working with disabled communities, particularly in South Asia. One significant challenge is the often well-intentioned but misplaced approach of donors and caregivers. Donors, while crucial to supporting initiatives, sometimes operate from a perspective that can unintentionally perpetuate dependency. However, this should not lead to offence or defensiveness; instead, it should prompt reflection on how their contributions can be more impactful in fostering long-term empowerment. In post-colonial societies like Pakistan, this mindset often manifests as a paternalistic attitude towards anyone perceived as vulnerable. Disabled individuals, for example, are frequently treated as helpless and dependent, rather than as people capable of living independently with the right support. It's as if they're constantly being told, "You can’t handle this on your own, so we’ll do it for you."

When it comes to foster care, this is literally the only innovation to the program that makes any sense. With violent and often mentally unstable youth ending up in foster care due to state legislation, this is the least the state can do. Let’s not wait until they are homeless and addicted to drugs or trafficked to support intervention services. If First 5 funds the Effective Parenting Initiative to offer early intervention to parents, let’s not sideline the importance of adopting intervention as a strategy!