#Disability Services

[not-a-medical-student]

Photo from ECAD

Important information for those not familiar with service dogs:

Don't touch or pet without permission.

Do not remove a service dog from a passed out person, even if they are resting on top of them. That may be the dog’s job during an episode, so just call an ambulance.

Do not let children pet service dogs without permission, It's usually best to tell them you shouldn't pet at all because the dog is at work.

Emotional support animals are not the same as service dogs and are not medically necessary.

Any dog that sits in a shopping cart or purse is not a service dog.

There are idiots out there who fake service dogs, but don't accuse people of faking if you don't know how training is done.

Although service dogs are well trained, their work can be interfered with by loud noises and especially untrained, faked service or emotional support dogs being in spaces expected to only allow service dogs and no other animals. This is especially prevalent in Walmart and other public spaces.

Service dogs are still dogs, if you see one in public with someone it's best to leave the dog alone completely. Even merely making eye contact with the dog can distract it and cause him or her to miss something important. Dogs are very susceptible to human eye contact, it's in their DNA.

And of course don't try to feed them or talk to them while they are on duty.

ALSO

Some service dogs are trained to smell or otherwise detect specific disorders and alert their human in any number of ways. For example, if someone with diabetes blood sugar is too low/high, their dog can smell that and may alert them by laying their head on the human's foot. If a service dog does it's alert to you or anyone who is not the owner of the dog, you should go to the doctor to get checked out because it's possible it's a real alert that the dog sensed in you.

Thank you doggies!

[69consellationsinatrenchcoat]

Disability services interactions be like

ds: we can offer a support person, or home help, or some level of assistance!

me: ...but i don't want a support person?

ds: we can offer a supportive person to help you live better

me: i just said i don't want a support person

ds: we can give you home help and someone to keep you company

me: are you completely ignoring me. i want to keep what freedom i have left.

ds: we can offer support person, you can pick them, we don't chose them for y--

me: i want to stay as independent as possible!!!!!! i've already lost most of my life to my disability! i was told you'd help me find ways to be independent. having a person to help me will ruin my mental health because i hate being seen as incapable.

ds: oh.

ds: we can offer a support person!

[cameoutstruggling93]

Open House at work today 👉😎👉

I'm not wearing healed shoes for a bit.

[cy-cyborg]

So, right before Christmas I got some good news in the NDIS front.

Turns out they DID recognise my non-physical disabilities when this funding plan started, but just...didnt tell me... or anyone else. It still says my only disability is amputation due to meningococcol on everything I have and all the paperwork, but apparently they have my documents saying that i have "very clear but unspecified cognative and developmental difficulties" (my origonal "diagnosis" if you could call it that) so my Local Area Cordinator says they've acknowledged it on their end and agreed to help with it.

Why didn't anyone realise any of this? Since that should mean I have funding to support those disabilities in my plan?

Turns out the answer is just that my plan is REALLY fucking weird. Outside of my LAC, no one ive spoken to has seen anything like it, Something about the way it's structured is really bizarre, which is why my prosthetist, wheelchair maker and other providers had so much trouble getting paid last year: the category they usually take their payment from for 99% of their clients doesn't exist in my plan. I had the funding, but it was somewhere else, and no one told me how to get it because they thought I already knew. None of this was helped that I never got a copy of my plan myself until the advocate pushed for it. Apparently, someone was supposed to tell me all of this and explain it all, but I suspect that didn't happen because this plan started during the later Covid lockdowns, and everything was chaos.

So good news, I have funding to get help with daily tasks and other stuff that im struggling with relating to my non-physical disabilities. A lot actually. Over 2 years worth of funding.

Bad news though, Whatever's left over at the end of this plan period - 4 or 5 months from now - will be used to judge weather I actually need that funding or not. When the plan renews, if it's not all used, they might determine I didn't need it after all, and they are cracking down on this type of funding so they're unlikely to accept "I didn't know I had it".

That's a problem for after new-years though. Right now I'm just happy I don't have to spend several more months jumping through beurocratic hoops for the NDIS just to get some help. Well, any more than I already had to, lol.

Now I can focus on dealing with centrelink next year instead... yay...

ID: a gif of someone running across a field. the caption says: "[screaming]" /end Id

[an-undercover-bi]

I am having to deal with so much Disability Services bullshit at my university right now so. . .

Here’s a sick academia-related tip for every chronically ill person out there:

Document. Everything. For real.

• Take detailed notes during accessibility-related meetings.

• Print out any accessibility related emails (your emails you send, their emails they send) with the dates clearly specified.

• Record the accessibility meetings themselves*.

It’s also worth noting that simply choosing not to delete the emails you send may not be sufficient depending on the email provider’s policy regarding old emails and how stable your internet connection/access to internet is.

So, paper copies are best.

To keep the emails: print them out, stick them in a folder or a binder and use sticky tabs to label the general subject discussed.

Trust me. This will come in handy.

You have rights. Exercise them.

* Check on your country’s/state’s laws prior to recording others without gathering consent first. These vary by country and locality. In my state—Virginia—it’s a single-party state, so only one “party” [in my case, me] needs to know the meeting is recorded). Make sure you know the laws in your area regarding this before you record.

[bookquotesfrombooks]

“Doctors hold positions of power and dominance over the people in their care. They are gatekeepers of services, medications, and information. Their credentials grant them the authority to make life-or-death decisions, and their directives often go unquestioned. With that power comes great responsibility, so my expectations are uncompromising.”

Meghan Ashburn

I Will Die On This Hill

[neurodiversitysci]

Ordering at a Restaurant Without a Menu: The Challenge of Navigating Disability Services as a Late-Diagnosed Adult

Some people with disabilities, especially those of us diagnosed as teenagers and adults, spend our lives puzzling out how our brains work and what makes them function at their best.

It’s not just that we lack accurate information. Understandably, those around us assume we are neurotypical by default, and give us inaccurate information. We then have to realize it doesn’t fit us and unlearn it. 

Sometimes, we have to do so while being told that other people understand our brains better than we do.

(Yes, that experience affects our self-concept and self-esteem, but that’s a topic for another post).

When we finally have access to accommodations, we are expected to know and ask for exactly what we need.  

That expectation is unrealistic.

One might expect that folks whose job consists of supporting people with disabilities (such as university Disability Services staff) would start by explaining what they do. They could easily provide a list of all the services they offer and say, “here are all the ways we help people. Do any of these things sound like they could help you? Do you have any questions or suggestions?” In my experience, otherwise helpful support people don’t, even when asked directly. 

That’s like going to a doctor in some obscure medical specialty who expected you to know everything about what they do and insisted you tell them what treatments or medication you need. Or -- since disabilities aren’t necessarily diseases -- it’s like going to a restaurant without a menu and being told to ask for what you want, with no guidance as to what they can actually make or whether they can accommodate your diet. 

That’s absurd to begin with. All the more so when a significant portion of the people they work with have never received services and have been left alone to figure out their needs. 

(Yes, enough late-diagnosed, never-accommodated people have shown up at disability services offices by now for them to know we exist). 

Here’s a possible fix: offer coaching on how to discover your needs, navigate the service system, and ask for support. It might not even be hard; some disability services offices at universities already offer ADHD coaching.

...

Have you dealt with this frustrating situation? How would you fix it?

10/18/2022

[chronic-chronic]

I am soon going to send my application to the city's disability services. I hope it'll be approved and I'll get transportation!

[thedashproject]

[ladymalchav]

Hey, if you're reading this and you're disabled (officially or not) do yourself a favor and check out these two orgs: United Cerebral Palsy and your state's Rehabilitation Commission. These two orgs are how I got all my adaptive technology AND a homemaker.  

UCP doesn't require a doctor's note. They got me a bath chair, a no-touch can opener, a UV lamp, and a bunch of other stuff. These are what they call adaptive technology. They eve offered to set me up with Smart Home tech! For FREE! There's lots of stuff they can get you. 

UCP CAN get you a homemaker, but I didn't go through them for some reason I don't remember. ANYWAY! The Rehabilitation Commission! It's known as MassRehab here, so just Google search for [your state] Rehabilitation Commission. Through them I DID get a homemaker. She cleans, she shops for me, she could even cook for me if I needed it. I don't remember what all I had to show them to get her, but it's worth finding out! The RC can also help you get back to school AND PAY FOR IT, but that's another conversation. 

So, yeah. If you're disabled at all, the tiniest bit, check out these orgs. They have been lifesavers! Feel free to ask me questions, and I'll try to help.(5/5)

[underleveledjosh]

Voc rehab says that there has been several unsuccessful attempts to contact me. They have not attempted to contact me, or perhaps they somehow got my phone number wrong? "In an effort to provide continued services, we have made several unsuccessful attempts to contact you. If we don not hear from you within ten working days the assumption will be made you are no longer interested in services and your cases will be closed."

Bitch what the fuck you completely fail to contact ME within ten business days without sending me a letter and you are putting it on ME? How about get your shit together. If I don't hear from them today, I won't be continuing services with them from now on.

I have come to the conclusion that Vocational Rehabilitation is a ploy for cheap labor. You get paid, but only minimum wage. I haven't learned much job skills at all. It's a scam.

[bleakbeauty]

It's been very difficult getting good help from job services. I've gone through several job coaches, and none have been effective. One placed me in the job I have now, and I don't like it. He made bad assumptions about what the job would be, so he gave me bad information about what to expect from the job. Now I'm trying to get out of my current job and find another one.

My experience working with a job services provider has led me to believe that job coaches aren't trained in any way to interact with disabled people. Most just seem to be random individuals off the street who know how to use job search websites. My current job coach talks a lot, but she's a poor communicator and an even worse listener.

I can't believe that she's ever worked with an autistic person before. I've tried to explain my specific social challenges, but she ignores me. There's no malice in this; she's simply the kind of person that isn't capable of understanding social disabilities. She also disregards what I say I want in a job. If she has any kind of training or special aptitude, she can't be drawing on it.

The process of working with job services to try to find a job that doesn't make me miserable has itself made me miserable.

[69consellationsinatrenchcoat]

eighty five minute holds to talk to disability services is insane

...their music choice is so bad too

[cameoutstruggling93]

Today was a bit rough, got my Mental Health First Aid certification but the topics of bipolar, suicide, non-threatening self harm, and panic disorder were only SLIGHTLY triggering.

So! Came home, changed, and took a weed gummy cause I can't smoke well due to this facacta cough. My brain is feeling less....heavy. Self care its best.

[angelholyhomesau]

Empowering Lives Through Disability Servic

In Australia, individuals with disabilities deserve access to quality support that enhances their independence and well-being. At Angel Holy Homes, located in Modbury North, SA 5092, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive disability services in Australia that empower individuals to live their best lives.

The Role of Disability Services

Disability services are essential for helping individuals navigate the challenges that come with living with a disability. These services can encompass a wide range of support options, from personal care and daily living assistance to community engagement and skill development. The goal is to promote independence, social inclusion, and overall quality of life.

Our Comprehensive Services

At Angel Holy Homes, we offer a variety of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients:

Personal Care Support Our dedicated caregivers provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. We focus on enhancing our clients’ independence while ensuring they feel comfortable and respected.

Community Engagement We believe that active participation in the community is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Our team facilitates opportunities for clients to engage in local events, recreational activities, and social gatherings, fostering connections and friendships.

Skill Development Programs Gaining new skills can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life. We offer tailored programs that focus on life skills, vocational training, and educational support, empowering clients to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Respite Care Services Caregivers often need a break to recharge. Our respite care services provide temporary support, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the care they need while giving families a much-needed respite.

Support Coordination Navigating the disability service landscape can be complex. Our experienced support coordinators assist clients in understanding their options and accessing the right services, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.

Why Choose Angel Holy Homes?

Choosing the right provider for disability services in Australia is vital. Here’s what sets Angel Holy Homes apart:

Personalized Care Plans: We recognize that each individual has unique needs. Our care plans are customized to reflect personal preferences and goals, ensuring a supportive and tailored approach.

Compassionate Staff: Our team comprises trained professionals who are passionate about improving the lives of those they serve. We prioritize creating a nurturing environment where clients feel valued and cared for.

Community Connections: We actively engage with local organizations and resources, allowing our clients to access a wide range of opportunities for social engagement and skill development.

Family Involvement: We encourage family participation in the care process. Open communication ensures that families feel informed and involved in their loved ones’ care journey.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one is seeking reliable and compassionate disability services in Australia, look no further than Angel Holy Homes. Contact us today at 0425-760-172 to discuss how we can support you in achieving a more independent and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Disability services play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. At Angel Holy Homes, we are committed to providing high-quality support that empowers our clients to thrive. Let us be your partner in this journey, because everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life full of dignity, independence, and joy.

[sowilo1]

Disability Support Services

Disability support services are essential for disabled people to lead full and happy lives. They pave the way for increased independence, access to education and employment, all-round healthcare, and social inclusion and community participation.

They also provide emotional and psychological care through counselling, physiotherapy, speech pathology, and positive behaviour support.

Accommodations

Students with disabilities can access the college experience through a variety of accommodations. Students must register with Disability Services and provide documentation verifying their disability in order to receive accommodations.

Once registered, a Disability Services coordinator will schedule an orientation meeting to discuss the protocols and procedures for receiving accommodations. The coordinator will also review the student's documentation, which can be a medical report, psychologist report, learning disability specialist or rehabilitation counselor report.

At FIT, our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and be their best selves. Learn more about the services and accommodations available to students with disabilities, including specialized testing, homework assistance, tutoring, and other support programs and resources.

Advocacy

Assistive technology, priority registration and class scheduling, disability-related counseling, mobility assistance, specialized tutoring, test proctoring, academic accommodations, access guides and other resources are available. Click here for more information.

Individual advocacy involves a professional advocate working one-on-one with a person to support their needs and promote their rights. P&A programs also provide research, story gathering, testifying in court cases and educating others about disability-related issues to affect system change.

ADAPT is a national grassroots community organizing people with disabilities to take nonviolent direct action in pursuit of civil rights, equality and freedom for all. ADAPT works to ensure the full civil and human rights of people with disabilities through education, training and direct action. The organization has a long history of advocating for independent living and promoting self-advocacy. They offer a variety of workshops. ADAPT also has a network of local ADAPT groups across the country. Local ADAPT organizations are called Citizen Advocacy agencies. ADAPT has many volunteer opportunities.

Resources

Disability support services provide resources for people who are facing issues that affect them on a daily basis. These programs can help individuals with disabilities find solutions to problems like finding employment or navigating the health care system. These organizations can also help them find local and national resources that can help them with their specific concerns.

Many state departments offer disability services for their residents. For example, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services provides a comprehensive list of disability-related employment programs. Another resource is PA 211, which offers information on various community services and housing options that are tailored to individuals with disabilities.

The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency that advises the President and Congress about policies that impact people with disabilities. The organization also works to ensure economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities. The organization works with other disability groups to promote access to the workplace and fully implement nondiscriminatory laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Training

Disability support services offer a wide range of resources and assistance to students with physical or cognitive disabilities. They also help students overcome barriers and challenges in order to pursue a higher education and achieve their goals.

At CUNY, each campus features its own disability services office managed by a director who coordinates the provision of accommodations for students. These accommodations are based on nationally recognized best practices and are deemed reasonable to meet a student's needs. The office also arranges crucial auxiliary aids and services, including priority registration, class scheduling, academic tutoring, test proctoring, and sign language interpreter services.

Your child gets a contact person at the disability service center that will continue to be his or her point of contact for as long as he or she seeks accommodations. This person will work with your child to determine "reasonable" accommodations, which may be academic (like a note-taker) or non-academic (like single dorm room). The director will write a letter of accommodation that your child gives to professors listing the accommodations.