| October 26, 2024 — Volume 86 |
|
|
October is one of the most beautiful months in New England with all the leaves changing with beautiful colors. It also brings Halloween! One of the most wonderful things about October 31 is our director of marketing/communications Erica (who loves Halloween) makes wonderful baked goods for her neighborhood and then shares them with all the staff! We are looking forward to tasting some "ginger-dead men" very soon.
What happens at Halloween if an adult or child, who wants to fully participate in the festivities or outdoor trick or treating has a disability? Below are helpful highlights from an article I read entitled “Inclusive Halloween” from the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The information is helpful for all of us to remember.
- If you are giving away candy or treats and the participants need to climb stairs – set up a lawn chair or a table at the bottom of the stairs or even (if you have one) in your garage to give out the treats. Trick or treaters in wheelchairs or with walking devices cannot climb the stairs.
-
Those with certain special needs may not be able to eat by mouth. Consider non-edible goodies like pencils, mini notebooks.
- Some of the witches, goblins and others knocking on your door may have disabilities that effect their vocal skills. Please do not insist every individual say “trick or treat” to get the treat.
-
By October 31 it is getting cold in many parts of the country, and many handing out candy want to open the door, give out the treat, and close the door. Be patient. For some they may need a minute to fully participate.
-
Even if a child or adult struggles to walk up your walkway, please do not single them out for walking. Instead compliment on costumes, how much candy everyone collected or anything that does not have to do with a disability.
- Remember to be accepting. There is a picture going around Facebook that states:
-
Keep in mind the child who is grabbing more than one piece of candy may have poor fine motor skills. The child who takes forever to pick out one piece of candy may have motor planning issues. The child who does not say trick or treat or even thank you may be non-verbal. The child who looks disappointed when they see your bowl might have an allergy or is diabetic. The child who isn’t wearing a costume at all might have a sensory issue (SPD) or autism. Be nice & be patient.
We are so excited to be starting our annual campaign in November. Your gift to the Annual fund helps us to engage in projects that will benefit our target population— adults living with physical disabilities. You will be receiving information through the mail or via email. You will also see our campaign on social media. It is our sincere hope that you will consider supporting our work to find innovative solutions to get adults back to work, attain higher education, and alleviate isolation.
Have a safe and happy Halloween and thank you for all your support. We appreciate you. |
|
|
| ‘My disability is the least interesting thing about me’: Actor Adam Pearson on fame, film and his sibling rivalry.
Actor Adam Pearson feels disfigurement onscreen is often presented as a problem. He sees it very differently. He talks about karaoke in Croydon, rivalry with his twin, Oscar ambitions – and why his mum refuses to believe he’s famous |
|
|
How People with Disabilities Can Find Help in Their Communities
The Disability Information and Access Line(DIAL) is national call center that helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights and more. Additionally, DIAL has information on COVID-19, flu and other adult vaccines and can help you find how to access vaccines in your community.
|
| |
|
A Look at the M-Enabling Summit: Insights on Accessibility Innovation
This month, I’m stepping away from the usual updates to share my experience at the M-Enabling Summit in Washington, DC, an annual event that focuses on promoting accessible technologies and services. It brings together leaders in various sectors—technology, advocacy, policy-making, and beyond—to advance digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. Since its inception in 2011, the summit has served as a platform for collaboration and innovation, driving discussions on how technology can remove barriers and enhance independence for people with disabilities.
|
|
|
Flood Recovery Update - We're back! |
|
|
| We can't say thank you enough for all your support during our recovery from the flood in May.
We are thrilled to report that the renovations are complete enough that the administrative team was able to move back into the building this month! We even had a little reception with some of our friends to celebrate on October 18! Be sure to follow us on social media to see photos from that night. |
|
|
It's a big month for birthdays here at the Monkey Living Center! Happy Birthday to O'Leary, Gizmo, Andy, Lucy, Gwen, and TC!
Remember, you can honor a person or pet (or one of our monkeys!) for their birthday, a holiday, or some other occasion. Your “In Honor of” gift will show them how much you care for them. Or you may choose to remember a person or a pet with an “In Memory of” gift that pays tribute to them.
When you make your gift, we will send a card to the person you designate, informing them of your tribute. | |
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| |
|
|
