Resources

How A Child With Down Syndrome Can Qualify For Social Security Disability

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title of article and down syndrome awareness ribbon

Written by: Elizabeth Van Arsdall

Parents who have a child born with Down Syndrome and are having trouble making ends meet because of the additional expenses related to their child’s illness can apply for Social Security disability benefits for their child. The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a type of disability benefit, to the parents of children with serious medical conditions. The money from SSI can be used to pay for any of the child’s living or medical expenses, but the parents must keep records showing that the money is spent on the child’s expenses.

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Part One: Making Nature in New Jersey More Accessible

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title of article with plants

In this first blog of a multi-part series, we explore the importance of making sure both public and private natural resources are available to all who want to enjoy being outdoors in New Jersey. 

While there are activities where accommodations may be impossible for some, New Jersey offers a vast array of natural experiences for all. 

New Jersey is known as the Garden State but make no mistake, in addition to gardens and farms galore, NJ boasts more than 452,000 acres of natural and historic property including forests, parks, and recreation areas. Visitors are invited to take part in a variety of activities including biking, hiking, camping, boating, swimming, and picnicking. 

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Is Your Business Website ADA Compliant?

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It comes as quite a surprise to many business owners that the provisions detailed in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) extend to websites. Well, it most certainly does!

People living with disabilities have every right to live, learn, work, and play using the Internet, just like anyone else. They know all too well that many companies aren’t aware of updates made to the original 1990 ADA. Their failure to accommodate people who are blind, deaf, living with mobility issues, etc., has made it difficult for people with disabilities to use the web.

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Easterseals New Jersey Supports CEOs Who Support Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

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If you are super lucky, you love your work. Getting up every day is a thrill and you can’t wait to see what new information the day will bring. However, if you are, unfortunately, like most, you go to work to earn a paycheck. And, hopefully, you have more good days than bad.

If you find yourself “not fitting in” at work, stop and think. Does your company have a Diversity and Inclusion policy that protects you?

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How Do You Measure Inclusion in the Workplace?

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graph how to measure inclusion in the workplace

When it comes to hiring in the workplace, diversity is a rather easy area to measure. It’s not difficult to make goals and measure metrics to assure the Human Resources recruiters are hitting various targets.

On the other hand, measuring inclusion is far more difficult. In a sense, the only way to truly measure inclusion is by starting to have conversations with various teams at your company. From management down, ask questions and not only listen to answers, but create strategies to integrate new ideas for inclusionary practices into your company’s culture.

Asking these questions could include personal 1:1 meetings with teams and managers, managers sending out micro surveys to their teams, or by a companywide annual employee survey asking employees to share their opinions anonymously. Yes, you’ll have to ask the hard questions… so be ready to read what could be harsh responses. However, employee feedback is the only way to truly gauge if your company is doing its role to be part of the DEI solution, rather than adding to the problem.

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Help Make Inclusionary Language Accessible

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Sticks & Stones May Break Your Bones, But WORDS Matter Too

There’s no doubt about it, some people think before speaking; their mind-to-mouth edit filter is in full functioning order, and some who suffer terribly from “open mouth, insert foot” syndrome. When this happens, it’s usually the listener who bears the brunt of the faux pas.

Since July is Disability Pride Month, we thought now would be a great time to look at how people communicate when talking about disabilities. Most people could use a refresher course in inclusionary language.

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Advocate for the Disability Community in New Jersey: Your Voice Matters

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advocate for disability community

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard. Life came to a screeching halt, and for almost two years everything we did, like how we work, our interactions, and even getting food and common household staples became challenges.

For the disability community, life became even harder and the world even narrower. Many with sensory conditions found themselves unable to wear masks and shop. People saw their services shuttered and their hard-won skill progression erode.

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Disability and Dental Care PART II – All About Dentists

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Disability and Dental Care

Welcome to PART II of our dental care and disability blog series, where we break down what you need to know about how to keep good oral hygiene when you or your loved one has a disability. PART I was all about the basics, so if you haven’t checked that out, be sure to take a look. As with the previous article we sat down with  Keith Libou, D.M.D. of Delta Dental of New Jersey to answer all our questions about disability and dental care. This time we are focusing on dentists – how do you get the most out of your visits? How do you choose the right one for you? Let’s dive in so you can make the most of your next visit.

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Raising a Child With a Disability – 8 Vital Reminders For Parents

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Raising a Child with a Disability

Raising a Child With a Disability

When you’re about to have a child, you prepare for everything. You paint the nursery, you buy the crib and you do a million other things. And no matter how much you prepare, you will never be ready for a child, but you do your best. One thing many parents don’t consider though, is raising a child with a disability. If you aren’t exposed to the world of disability, you might feel lost and unsure what to do next. So, we compiled a list of eight important reminders

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