Help Make Inclusionary Language Accessible

two images of people smiling

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.

Read more

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

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.

Read more

How Much Do You Really Know Developmental Disability?

Raising a child with Developmental disability

A Time to Learn

DD awareness monthIn honor of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we will be exploring what exactly “developmental disability” is. How is it defined? What challenges does it pose? And why do we have the term in the first place? This is the first part of our ongoing series of blog posts that will be diving a bit deeper on individual types and classifications of disabilities. We hope these posts will serve

Read more

Terrific Thanksgiving Tips – Safety, Gratitude, & Inclusion

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is here and we want to share a few holiday safety tips so you can enjoy a safe and fun holiday. It is also a time to reflect on the things you are grateful for and ensure that all can partake in this family-themed holiday. Read on to hear from our staff and a parent of one of our program participants.  

Read more

Accessible Vacation Destinations? You Know it!

Van in paradise

Everyone Deserves a Vacation

by Elise Giacobbe

Summer is here and the thought crossing everyone’s mind is, “I need a vacation.” We’re all ready to get away and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. However, before you pack your bags, you may need to make some preparations if you are taking a trip with someone who may have special needs. Many important questions need to be answered: will medical needs be available? Is the area accessible? Will we have fun?

Read more

Disability, Life, and Moments That Matter

Quote of Teddy R "Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort"

#lifesmoments

Moments pass, life changes, we move on.

There are those times however, that stick out as significant and universal. Maybe it’s when you graduated high school? Or got your driver’s license? Or the first time you tied your own shoes? These moments are milestones. We use them as indicators of a life fully lived. All people, whether they have a disability or not, are entitled to

Read more

The Greatest Thing about Having a Child with Special Needs

Eric Packages Items at the Work Center

A Proud Father Speaks About Special Needs

Last month, we spoke about different steps you could be taking to best manage your loved one’s disability. This month, we’d like to focus on the bond that forms between a parent and a child with special needs. That’s why we sat down with Harold Finkel, retired engineer, Easter Seals volunteer, and parent of a child with special needs to ask him about

Read more

How to Manage Your Loved One’s Disability

Caring for a loved one with a disabilityCaring for a loved one with a disability can be one of the toughest jobs around. Non-stop, physical, mentally and emotionally exhausting; adjusting your life to accommodate someone who is living with an intellectual or physical disability can be a daunting challenge. Though, by implementing these three simple concepts into your approach to daily care management, you can take steps towards removing some of the stresses that may be affecting both you and

Read more