Taking advantage of beautiful summer weather, participants of our ANO community-based social respite program enjoy a day at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris County, New Jersey.
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 an array of services. The Assistive Technology Center is New Jersey’s premier source of information and equipment.
Other Advancing Opportunities News
Voting is a fundamental part of participating in the democratic process! The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and other self-advocacy groups have rolled out their REV UP campaign, of which National Disability Voter Registration Week (July 16–20) is a major part.
We have announced an important professional seminar, “Medical Marijuana: Implications for New Jersey’s Disability Community,” for Wednesday, August 8. Further information and registration details can be found on our website.
ACME Market in Audubon Recognized Advancing Opportunities presented ACME Market in Audubon with our Champion of Inclusion Award on June 30, 2018. The award is given to businesses that have prioritized workplace diversity and provided opportunities for people with disabilities to maintain meaningful employment, including one of our consumers, Manny S., who worked there for 17 years.
The New Jersey Brain Injury Alliance (BIANJ) is hosting a webinar, Voice Assistive Technology for 
People with Brain Injuries, on Wednesday August 22, 2018, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Advancing Opportunities’ Assistive Technology Specialist Kristen Russell will discuss the ways to use voice assistant tools, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, to increase independence and organization. For more information, please see our flyer.
To register, visit the (BIANJ) page.
Disability in the News (Mostly in New Jersey, the Population We Serve)
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is an opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities and family members of children and transition age youth to build leadership and advocacy skills.
Participants will take part in eight interactive educational leadership development sessions over a course of eight months. These trainings, provided by the Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, will prepare the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful change in New Jersey. Applications being accepted through July 25.
New Jersey now has an ombudsman for people with developmental disabilities.
A Scranton, PA, woman with an intellectual disability gave birth to her son in 1981. However, the newborn was taken away from her. Over the years, she had to confront “a bureaucratic demolition of human rights,” to finally be reunited with her son.
Assistive Technology
From translating hearing aids to sign-language gloves, amazing assistive tech is on its way!
For Parents of a Child with a Disability (Parenting)
An NPR podcast discusses a nationwide program that helps parents of children with developmental disabilities, along with people with disabilities themselves, advocate and self-advocate for their civil and educational rights, in school into adulthood.
“Helping My Nonverbal Son Find His Voice”: A mother and her son with cerebral palsy learn to express themselves verbally through an AAC device.
Informative, Positive, Noteworthy (or All Three!)
José channeled his power of positive thinking and self-advocacy and started a successful business. “Sometimes what you think is holding you back is actually an incredible asset.”
Special Education
There are proven ways to help students with dyslexia learn to read. In addition, federal law is in place to ensure schools provide these children with help. However, according to this article, many schools are not providing the proper support, often failing to identify dyslexia at the outset.
The Arts and People with Disabilities
An artist with autism uses few words to communicate, but his paintings speak volumes.
Notable Research on Disability
A new device for amputees, e-dermis, looks like a glove, but it incorporates multiple sensors that mimic nerve endings to re-create a sense of touch.
People with a Disability in the Community (Disability Rights and Acceptance; Inclusion)
Theme parks, other family destinations accommodate families with autism in New Jersey and beyond.
Fashion, Beauty, and Glamour: Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Said Paralympic hopeful Chloe Ball-Hopkins: “So, over the last several months, I have been working with ASOS to create a fashionable, yet practical waterproof all in one! Not just for people like me in a chair but for anyone. It’s about making fashion accessible! So what should be next?”
A fashion designer’s son, who has a physical disability, inspired her to create fashionable clothing that helps people like him dress easier.
