In today’s diverse and interconnected world, promoting inclusivity is not just a buzzword but a vital aspect of fostering understanding, empathy, and unity. This month, September, is Deaf Awareness Month, and we want to discuss breaking down the communication barriers the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HoH) community faces.
Resources
Embrace the Great Outdoors: Exploring Outdoor Accessibility in New Jersey this Summer
With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to venture out and embrace New Jersey’s natural beauty. This picturesque state is not only known for its cities and rich history but also boasts outdoor spaces catering to people of all abilities. In this blog, we at Easterseals NJ explore outdoor accessibility options in New Jersey, ensuring everyone can experience the joy of nature this summer.
How A Child With Down Syndrome Can Qualify For Social Security Disability
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.
Part One: Making Nature in New Jersey More Accessible
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.
AmazonSmile: Make Purchases & Support Easterseals NJ
It’s that time of year again…time to shop ‘til you drop, find the perfect holiday presents, and cross out every person on your list.
Regardless of which holiday you are celebrating, unless you started shopping months ago, you still have a long way to go to find gifts everyone will love.
Is Your Business Website ADA Compliant?
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.
Easterseals New Jersey Supports CEOs Who Support Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
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?
How Do You 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.
Help Make Inclusionary Language Accessible
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.
Advocate for the Disability Community in New Jersey: Your Voice Matters
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.
