Participants of our Parents’ Night Out program honored Earth Day creating objects from recycled materials. Kim Tackett (CENTER) mentors Isabelle W. (LEFT) and Sarah R. (RIGHT).
Welcome to our latest installment of noteworthy disability-themed articles! In addition, as a leader in the field, we are pleased to share our experience, knowledge, and expertise with the disability community through our social media outlets: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest.
In addition, we are specialists in the area of assistive technology and offer a huge array of services; the Assistive Technology Center is New Jersey’s premier source of information and equipment.
Two interesting pieces from Huffington Post:
News analysis: People with disabilities have largely been left out of recent dialogue on harassment.
Opinion piece: Stephen Hawking’s disability “wasn’t something to overcome.”
Featured Advancing Opportunities Jobs
As we continue to grow, we continue to hire! Choose from a variety of rewarding full- and part-time, as well as summer seasonal jobs. Want to know more? Meet us at our next open house:
Wednesday, April 18, 10:00 am-3:00 p.m., 322 U.S. Hwy 46 W., Ste. 290, Parsippany, NJ
Can’t make the open house? You can apply online!
Advancing Opportunities News
Our annual Spring Hoedown is coming Friday, May 4, at the beautiful Laurita Winery!
It’s our third annual spring Hoedown! We had so much fun last year, we’re doing it again—to celebrate the independence we help consumers achieve and recognize organizations and individuals who share our mission.
Many of the people at the first Spring Hoedown came to last year’s event! It’s great fun for a great cause: serving people with all disabilities throughout New Jersey, enabling them to achieve independence through full participation in society!
In addition, businesses large and small have gained important positive recognition in the community by signing up as sponsors, and we continue to thank new benefactors!
Participants of our Weekend Recreation program enjoy creative holiday-themed crafts. Cathy P., featured in this space last Friday, is among them!
Disability in the News (Mostly in New Jersey, the Population We Serve)
Falling off the “services cliff” can have dire consequences for young adults on the autism spectrum.
PBS report: How to prepare autistic children for a life without limits
Assistive Technology
“I’m not a mind reader.” That’s no longer an excuse or even necessarily true. Researchers at M.I.T. are working on an assistive tech device that can put one’s thoughts into words. This device would be especially welcome for individuals unable to communicate orally with their voice.
About that synthetic speech at the heart of AAC devices: the roots of this important technology go way back—in fact, more than 200 years. That said, the homegrown professionalism of Assistive Technology Specialists has never been stronger!
Last week in this space, we featured an Israeli startup, 6Degrees, which developed an armband computer-access device that replaces the traditional computer mouse.
Another wearable mouse, this one from GlassOuse, comes in the form of a pair of glasses.
And another Israeli startup helps parents who use a wheelchair travel independently when pushing a stroller.
A toy made up of blocks that incorporate a refreshable braille display offers blind children a fun way to learn.
For Parents of a Child with a Disability (Parenting)
Sesame Place is now the world’s first autism-certified theme park, meaning that at least 8 of every 10 staff members are certified in working among children with autism. Of course, everyone else is welcome! Oh, and by the way, Julia is as strong as ever!
After watching this beautiful video, it is easy to see why it has gone viral. Although March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day, its spirit continues!. You will recognize the song, which Christina Perri has graciously allowed these 50 moms and 50 children to use.
Special Education
A year after taking heat when a key special education website went down, the U.S. Department of Education is preparing to revise the site in favor of an updated approach.
The five senses and sensory processing disorder: a public-radio podcast explains
Advocacy and Self-advocacy
Important long-term education: advocacy and self-advocacy for students
Grateful to be in New Jersey, the leading state for caring for children with autism, a mom advocates for more than awareness: acceptance and inclusion.
Employment for People with Disabilities
Vocational organizations in New Jersey give young adults with autism a chance for independence through meaningful employment.
Are we approaching the end of sheltered workshops and unfair pay for persons with disabilities?
Research on Disability TRENDS: March nTIDE Report
The gender pay gap is very real. So is the disability pay gap.
The Arts and People with Disabilities
Acting out of advocacy and self-advocacy, a professional fashion designer channeled her physical disability into designing beautiful clothing that could be easily fastened by others with disabilities like hers.
People with a Disability in the Community (Disability Rights and Acceptance; Inclusion)
Inclusion is alive and well among students in New Jersey schools!
A hip café chain staffed by workers with Down syndrome opens in Paris
Disability Awareness and Appreciation
A comic book artist introduces Scarlet “to help both students and teachers have an opportunity to not only to bring up the topics of kindness and inclusion but to acknowledge diverse intelligences, talents, skills, interests and backgrounds.”
Medical News—Research
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that stimulating targeted areas of the brain with a mild electrical current can enhance the motor skills of children with cerebral palsy.
Most of us fear the costs of an unexpected injury or illness. However, research has found that medical bills are only part of the heavy financial burden one takes on when leaving the hospital.
