#regional disability support services

[premiumdisablity]

What are Regional Disability Support Services: A Comprehensive Guide

Regional Disability Support Services (RDSS) play a crucial role in providing essential assistance and support to individuals with disabilities. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of people living in specific geographic areas, ensuring that they have access to the resources they require to lead fulfilling lives.

Key Components of RDSS

Assistive Technology: Allied Health NDIS provides individuals with tools and equipment that help them overcome physical or cognitive challenges. This can include wheelchairs, hearing aids, speech-to-text software, and adaptive devices for daily living.

Respite Care: Offering temporary relief to caregivers of individuals with disabilities. This allows caregivers to take a break and recharge while ensuring that their loved ones receive quality care.

Supported Living: Providing assistance and support to individuals with disabilities who wish to live independently in the community. This can include help with household tasks, personal care, and accessing community resources.

Transportation Services: Offering accessible transportation options to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in community activities, education, and employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Assisting people with impairments in obtaining and retaining jobs. This can involve job training, counselling, and placement services.

Counseling and Therapy: Providing mental health support and counseling services to individuals with disabilities and their families. This can help address emotional challenges and improve overall well-being.

Advocacy Services: Supporting individuals with disabilities in advocating for their rights and needs. This can involve assisting with legal matters, filing complaints, and raising awareness about disability issues.

Benefits of RDSS

Improved Quality of Life: RDSS helps individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives by providing them with the necessary support and resources.

Enhanced Community Participation: By offering accessible transportation and support services, RDSS enables individuals with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.

Empowerment and Independence: RDSS empowers individuals with disabilities to make choices and exercise control over their own lives.

By accessing RDSS, individuals with disabilities can receive the support they need to thrive and participate fully in society.

Source

[lele5429]

Comfort character with his service bird

I got a diagnosis for something I’ve been suspecting for a long time.

Here’s my comfort character with his emotional support bird. Character design by 枭柏, the same artist who did the Chinese regional stereotypes LU AU.

She’s also doing a Chinese high school AU with the same characters (her original design below! ⬇️). And I suggested making Ravio a character with hidden disabilities, and that’s why he has his service bird Sheerow at school!

(In the drawing below he’s showing his phone hahaha)

[mightyoctopus]

Library posts on here have me so conflicted.

On one hand, libraries can provide a lot of value to a lot of people, and it's good to inform people of this. Like, I was recently talking to a friend (grown man in his 40s) who didn't know that you could read books for free at a library. The more people are informed about this matter, the better.

And of course, some libraries also provide other services such as movies, board games, internet, printers, 3D printers, cheap coffee, meeting rooms, courses, etc. Talking about this is also good, because many people can benefit from these services! Especially people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them.

But (and here comes the but), I feel like some people on this site are really insistent on claiming that all libraries offer all these services for free, always. And that no library has any flaws at all. And that anyone can access a library at any time. And if you don't, you're a traitor for not supporting your local library.

And like... there is so much wrong with that. First of all, not all libraries offer all these services. And if they do, they might not be available in minority languages. (Spanish in the USA, Turkish in Germany, etc.) And if they do, they're not always free. And this can vary greatly on region and country, too. Not the whole world is the USA. There's places where libraries are rare and spaced very far apart. There's places where libraries are "mobile", meaning they're a car filled with books. Or sometimes a donkey. I think it's great that mobile libraries exist! It's great that people in villages near me can get free books that way. But also, it's absurd to claim that they have the same type of access as someone from a big city. It's absurd to claim that they're class traitors and it's their own fault because they didn't "create demand" and "support their local library." They do not have a "local" library. Not everyone has a local library!

And even if there is a library near you, it's very possibly inaccessible! Most countries do not have laws regarding accessible design, and if they do, they're rarely enforced. Before you go on praising how all libraries are perfect and wonderful, ask yourself, how many are accessible to disabled people? Which disabled people? Wheelchair users? Blind and visually impaired people? Immunocompromised people? There's so many of us. Yet we are so often left out.

Some countries have libraries specifically for disabled people, but most often you need to qualify and prove your disability. I have a membership in such a library. A lot of them will only accept visual impairment and no other disability. I was lucky I was in occupational therapy at the time of my enrollment, because my therapist could approve my paperwork for me. Otherwise I might not have been able to join. It's online only and costs money. It's not free. A lot of books are region-locked since I'm not in the USA. And yet I am so grateful everyday for this opportunity, for this access to books. I know many disabled people aren't so lucky.

My point is not that libraries are bad, but that libraries are very diverse. Pretending like all libraries are not only perfectly alike, but also perfect, helps no one. Libraries can provide vital services, but they do not provide these services equally around the world, and they do not provide these services equally to all people.

If you truly love libraries so much, fight to make them better, fight to make them accessible. Don't silence those of us who are left out.

[nyaagolor]

Service Pokemon Headcanons

Recent asks got me thinking about service pokemon so I thought it would be fun to write down some ideas about how I think the system works overall

Similar to real life, in order for a pokemon to be considered a service pokemon it has to be trained and certified by the region the trainer lives in. The pokemon has to wear some kind of identification, usually in the form of a vest, and the trainer needs to keep a copy of the certification on hand in case the pokemon causes trouble or disrupts those around it. However, these can and typically are digital and any Rotom phone, poketch, pokedex, etc is equipped to pull it up at the press of a button

Pokemon are classified into categories based on size: A, B, C, and D. A is any pokemon that can be safely tucked under the arm or carried in a purse / bag, B is any pokemon that can fit in the lap of an average adult, C is anything the size of or smaller than a human, and D is everything larger than that. These classifications are mostly relevant for indoor venues and accommodations: you're unlikely to have a problem with a Class A-C pokemon, but Class D pokemon are pretty unlikely to be able to fit in doors or shopping aisles and have some trouble outside of their balls. There's been a lot of controversy in the pokemon world about whether service pokemon the size of people should be charged as an extra passenger, especially since they need their own seat (the answer, btw, as a resounding "no")

Generally speaking, the types preferred for service pokemon are normal, fighting, fairy, psychic, and electric. Normal types are good all rounders, fighting types are excellent for mobility assistance, electric types shine for those with service devices, psychic types can predict accidents and have the intelligence and dexterity for complicated tasks, and fairy types are great at emotional support. Other types CAN be service pokemon, but for practicality reasons they're not as common. The inherent talents of the species is also relevant

You can get your own pokemon trained as a service pokemon, and those who become disabled later in life will often do this because of their existing bond with their partner. Thus, there are plenty of unorthodox service pokemon out there

[marveltrumpshate]

Civil Rights Advocacy & Litigation

Since there is no Avengers Initiative working to physically fight our way to a more equitable world, we have to rely frequently on advocacy, public education, and litigation to bend the arc of the work more quickly towards justice. If this is your personal charitable focus, you have a lot of options to choose from, from organizations working on systemic change for marginalized populations to those focusing on freeing individuals from the prison industrial complex and defeating censorship. 

For more information on donation methods and accepted currencies, please refer to our list of organizations page.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities and have their voices heard. For that reason, the organization is run by individuals on the autism spectrum. ASAN's primary focuses are advocating for policies that protect disability and civil rights, creating tools and leadership training for autistic self-advocates, and offering educational resources. 

The Bail Project

In their own words, “The Bail Project, Inc. is an unprecedented effort to combat mass incarceration at the front end of the system. We pay bail for people in need, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence. Because bail is returned at the end of a case, donations to The Bail Project™ National Revolving Bail Fund can be recycled and reused to pay bail two to three times per year, maximizing the impact of every dollar. 100% of online donations are used to bring people home.”

The financial burden that bail places upon many arrestees means that they stay in the system disproportionately longer than necessary, disrupting their economic options and personal stability. This is particularly true if they’re poor and/or people of color. To fight bail and provide pretrial support is to fight mass incarceration and the racial and economic disparities of the bail system in the United States.

Center for Reproductive Rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights is the only global legal advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person. With local partners across five continents, they have secured legal victories before national courts, UN Committees, and regional human rights bodies on issues such as access to life-saving obstetrics care, contraception, maternal health, and safe abortion services and the prevention of forced sterilization and child marriage.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

DREDF is the leading civil rights organization in the United States that fights for and is directed by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Not only does DREDF work directly with their clients to help them know their own rights, but they train and educate lawyers, lawmakers, and other societal gatekeepers to make sure they know those rights as well.

Electronic Freedom Foundation

The leading nonprofit defending civil liberties in digital spaces, EFF champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation through impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, and technology development. They fight against online censorship and illegal surveillance, advocate for net neutrality and data protection, and more so that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for everyone. 

Innocence Project

The mission of the Innocence Project is deceptively simple: exonerate those who have been wrongly convicted through the use of DNA evidence. The reality of it involves much broader strokes covering support for exonerees rebuilding their lives post-release and criminal justice reform through targeted litigation and the implementation of laws to prevent wrongful conviction. They strive to restore freedom for the innocent, transform the systems responsible for unjust incarceration, and advance the freedom movement.

Native American Rights Fund

NARF is the oldest and largest nonprofit that defends Native American rights and provides legal assistance to Native American tribes, organizations, and individuals across the U.S. They concentrate on issues such as tribal sovereignty, land rights and treaty compliance, tribal natural resource protection, education on Native American human rights, and more.

Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES)

Most known for their work on the Texas/Mexico border but operating on the national frontlines of the fight for immigration rights, RAICES provides free and low-cost legal services, bond assistance, and social programs to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. Among their many accomplishments, RAICES established the largest bond fund in the U.S., which they use to secure the release of individuals from ICE detention, and has more immigration lawyers than any other organization in Texas. These lawyers represent individuals, including children, in court, offer residency and citizenship services, assist asylum seekers, and deal with removal defense. RAICES also offers social services ranging from case management and resettlement assistance to a national hotline connecting migrants with local community resources and transit support for recently released migrants.

Southern Poverty Law Center

They’re mostly known in the U.S. as a hate group watchdog of sorts, but their work goes beyond tracking and exposing hate groups and promoting tolerance education programs. SPLC fights for voting rights advocacy, children’s rights, immigration reform and family reunification, LGBTQ+ rights, economic justice, and criminal justice reform. They work “with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.” Essentially, if there is injustice against a vulnerable and/or marginalized group in the U.S., SPLC aims to address and fix it.

Transgender Law Center

Transgender Law Center, the largest trans-specific and trans-led organization in the U.S., changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely and authentically and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. Through its precedent-setting litigation victories and community-driven programs, TLC protects the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming people in areas spanning employment, prison conditions, education, immigration, healthcare, and more.

[mariacallous]

At the time of writing, the death toll has risen to 214. Battered cars and other debris are piled up in the streets, large swaths of Valencia remain underwater, and Spain is in mourning. On Sunday, anger erupted as the king and queen of Spain were pelted with mud and other objects by protesters. Why were so many lives lost in a flood that was well forecasted in a wealthy country?

From the global north’s vantage point, the climate crisis, caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas, has long been seen as a distant threat, affecting poor people in the global south. This misconception has perpetuated a false sense of security.

Scientists have long known that heating the climate with fossil fuel emissions will result in the intensification of floods, storms, heatwaves, drought and wildfires. However, it was not until 2004 that the first attribution study formally linked a weather event – the devastating 2003 European heatwave – to our changing climate. Despite the evidence, people have been hesitant to connect extreme weather with the climate crisis.

I founded World Weather Attribution in 2014 to shift the conversation. Our attribution studies are carried out quickly, over days or weeks, in the immediate aftermath of weather disasters to inform people in real time about the role of the climate crisis.

A quick analysis following the floods in Spain found that the climate emergency made the extreme rainfall about 12% more intense and twice as likely. Despite this, in Paiporta, where at least 62 people have died, the mayor said floods were not common and “people are not afraid”. But the changing climate is making once-rare events more common.

Record-breaking events such as these complicate preparedness – how do you communicate the extreme danger of something someone has never experienced before?

We saw this play out recently after Hurricane Helene made landfall. More than 200 people died in floods in the inland southern Appalachians region of the US. Despite warnings of “catastrophic and life-threatening” flooding ahead of the disaster, people were still caught out when disaster struck, and many could not appreciate how extreme the downpours were going to be.

However, in Spain, people were only warned as it was happening. Warnings were not sent until many people were already trapped in flooded houses or in underground car parks, trying to move their cars to higher ground.

The same happened – or rather didn’t happen – in Germany in 2021. No information was given on how to act and, crucially, no support was given to those who could not help themselves: in the German town of Sinzig, 12 residents of a home for disabled people drowned. Back in Spain, the deaths of the inhabitants of one care home have already been reported and I fear more disturbing stories such as this will emerge in the weeks to come.

World Weather Attribution has studied 30 devastating floods, and in almost all cases, including in developing countries, we’ve found that the rainfall was well forecast. But as we’ve seen in Spain, forecasting is not enough. The warnings, when they finally came, did not include vital information on where to evacuate to and how.

Local governments and emergency services are the essential mediator between the weather services and the people in harm’s way. They need to be strengthened and not dismantled, as had been the case with the Valencia Emergency Unit.

Clearly, Spain’s disaster systems need to improve. More widely, we need to ask some hard questions about international disaster funds – should the EU have funds for prevention, rather than cleaning up the mess after a disaster has struck? In my view, it absolutely has to increase funds and develop coordinated plans.

We will see more extreme weather events as long as we burn fossil fuels. Today we are at 1.3C of warming, but we are on track to experience up to 3C by 2100, which would mean similar floods in Spain increasing in frequency and severity. Without creating an action plan and knowing exactly how to implement it, as practised in drills, death tolls will always be high when a heat record is broken or a new region experiences hurricane-scale forces of rain, as happened in Spain.

Investing in people and emergency services will save lives. But governments also cannot build back the same way. Almost everywhere in Europe where people live, rivers are canalised, and all surfaces are sealed with concrete and asphalt to make a comfortable city for cars. If we want to start caring about people instead, we need to give rivers space again, so that they have somewhere else to go, rather than into people’s homes. Urban sprawl across Europe is creating ever more sealed surfaces and exposing an increasing number of people to devastating floods.

We Europeans need to learn and rebuild for a future that is only just emerging. But most urgently, we have to practise survival in a climate-changed world.

[why-am-i-not-fictional]

Things to script - nature or status of realities

This is something I recently started inputting into my DRs to make them better and safe. I got much help from ChatGPT too to categorize all these things. I wanted to share it with you guys too :) feel free to use anything for your scripts. Happy Shifting!!!

All of the below discriminations does not exist in any of my DRs

Misogyny

Racism

Homophobia

Transphobia

Classism

Ableism

Ageism

Xenophobia

Islamophobia

Anti-Semitism

Colorism

Nationalism

Casteism

Environmental injustice

Sexism

Sizeism

Religious discrimination

Ethnic discrimination

Discrimination based on immigration status

Discrimination based on language

Discrimination based on nationality

Discrimination based on indigenous status

Discrimination based on political beliefs

Discrimination based on marital status

Discrimination based on parental status

Discrimination based on veteran status

Discrimination based on HIV/AIDS status

Discrimination based on neurodiversity

Discrimination based on mental health status

Discrimination based on physical appearance

Discrimination based on cultural practices

Discrimination based on regional or geographical origin

Discrimination based on caste or social status

Discrimination based on educational background

Discrimination based on housing status

Discrimination based on criminal record

Discrimination based on economic status

Discrimination based on access to healthcare

Discrimination based on access to education

Discrimination based on access to employment opportunities

All of the below issues have been solved many years ago and they do not exist in the times of any of my DRs

Poverty

Economic inequality

Environmental degradation

Climate change

Pollution

Deforestation

Political instability

Armed conflicts

Civil wars

Humanitarian crises

Global health challenges

Infectious diseases

Pandemics

Inadequate healthcare systems

Lack of access to essential medicines

Educational disparities

Limited access to quality education

Illiteracy

Child labor

Child marriage

Gender inequality

Women's rights violations

Child labor

Human trafficking

Forced labor

Modern slavery

Corruption

Lack of transparency

Ineffective governance

Authoritarian regimes

Suppression of free speech

Violations of human rights

Arbitrary detention

Torture

Persecution

Indigenous rights violations

Land grabs

Cultural appropriation

Technological and digital divides

Ethical dilemmas in technology

Privacy concerns

Data breaches

Cybersecurity threats

Food insecurity

Malnutrition

Water scarcity

Access to clean water

Sanitation issues

Homelessness

Housing affordability

Urbanization challenges

Aging population

Elder abuse

Mental health stigma

Lack of access to mental health services

Substance abuse

Addiction

Disability rights violations

Accessibility barriers

Stigmatization of disabilities

LGBTQ+ rights violations

Discrimination based on sexual orientation

Discrimination based on gender identity

Family rejection

Reproductive rights violations

Access to reproductive healthcare

Maternal mortality

Child mortality

Access to clean energy

Energy poverty

Fossil fuel dependence

Renewable energy transition challenges

Wildlife conservation

Endangered species protection

Animal rights violations

All the DRs I shift to are abundant of the following things 

Compassion

Empathy

Cooperation

Collaboration

Sustainability

Environmental stewardship

Peacebuilding

Conflict resolution

Dialogue

Reconciliation

Education

Knowledge-sharing

Critical thinking

Cultural diversity

Cultural respect

Inclusivity

Equality

Justice

Ethical leadership

Integrity

Accountability

Service to others

Health promotion

Well-being

Healthcare access

Mental health support

Social support systems

Innovation

Creativity

Social justice

Fairness

Equity

Human rights

Freedom of expression

Freedom of assembly

Democratic governance

Rule of law

Transparency

Accountability mechanisms

Community empowerment

Grassroots activism

Civic engagement

Volunteerism

Philanthropy

Sustainable development

Responsible consumption

Renewable energy adoption

Conservation

Biodiversity protection

Animal welfare

Gender equality

Women's empowerment

LGBTQ+ rights

Disability rights

Indigenous rights

Racial equity

Anti-discrimination policies

Social welfare programs

Poverty alleviation

Economic empowerment

Access to education

Access to clean water

Sanitation infrastructure

Housing rights

Food security

Global cooperation

International aid and development

Humanitarian assistance

Conflict prevention

Diplomacy

Multilateralism

Solidarity

Tolerance

Forgiveness

Resilience

All of the DRs I shift into are currently successfully overcoming the following challenges as they rise

Sustaining Progress: Maintaining the momentum of positive change and preventing regression into previous discriminatory attitudes and practices.

Ensuring Equity: Addressing lingering disparities and ensuring that the benefits of progress are equitably distributed across all communities.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Remaining flexible and responsive to evolving societal needs, dynamics, and challenges over time.

Balancing Interests: Navigating competing interests, values, and priorities among diverse stakeholders in society.

Preventing Backlash: Mitigating potential backlash from individuals or groups who may resist or oppose efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote positive change.

Addressing Unforeseen Consequences: Anticipating and addressing unintended consequences or side effects of interventions aimed at addressing societal issues.

Managing Complexity: Dealing with the complexity of interconnected social, economic, political, and environmental systems, which may require interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration.

Maintaining Engagement: Sustaining public engagement, participation, and support for ongoing efforts to promote equality, justice, and well-being.

Ensuring Accountability: Holding individuals, institutions, and governments accountable for upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Resisting Entrenched Power Structures: Challenging and dismantling entrenched power structures, systems of privilege, and institutionalized forms of discrimination.

Addressing Global Challenges: Collaborating internationally to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and conflict, which require coordinated action across borders.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and accommodating diverse cultural norms, values, and perspectives while promoting universal principles of human rights and equality.

Managing Resources: Efficiently allocating resources and managing competing demands to sustain progress and address ongoing needs in society.

Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring that marginalized or vulnerable groups are included in decision-making processes and benefit from positive changes in society.

Building Trust: Fostering trust, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals, communities, and institutions to sustain positive social transformation.

Addressing New Challenges: Remaining vigilant and adaptive to emerging challenges and threats to equality, justice, and well-being in an ever-changing world.

[ayin-me-yesh]

If you're in Aotearoa, especially the upper part of the North Island, Cyclone Gabrielle is going to be here soon. Here's where you can get information.

MetService for national severe weather warnings

Get Ready has information on what you should be doing to prepare you household, school, or workplace and is available in a variety of community languages, including NZSL

The Northland Regional Council has a list of Community Response Plans (CRPs) for each Northland community in PDF form on their website.

Te Tai Tokerau Te Whatu Ora recommends Northlanders make sure they have plenty of food and water to get through the next seven days. For further advice on getting your household ready for an emergency , check out the Stay Storm Safe webpage.

Local updates for the Coromandel are being provided at Thames Coromandel District Council.

Auckland Emergency Management has Auckland-specific for the recent floods and upcoming cyclone, including a list of current Civil Défense Centres and shelter sites. They have information sheets in a variety of community languages.

If you're in West Auckland and were affected by the recent floods, you can also reach out to Vision West. They can also help with food and provide other support as this next storm hits.

If you need temporary, emergency accommodation because your house was damaged in the Auckland floods, check the Temporary Accommodation Service. WINZ also may be able to help. There's also more information about available support at the National Emergency Management Agency.

Disabled people and whānau can contact Whakarongorau Aotearoa, New Zealand Telehealth Services if you need support on 0800 111 213, Text 8988. You can also get help through the New Zealand Relay Services.

All hospitals, including emergency departments remain open. If you are seriously unwell and need emergency care please dial 111. You can also text 111 if you have hearing or speech difficulties.

[soon-palestine]

Urgent appeal from Gaza’s journalists and media crews, Save and support those who remain of us

Since the onset of the genocidal war on Gaza, journalists and media crews working in the field have faced unimaginable challenges and hardships covering the daily realities of the war. Since the start of this devastating war, we have been deliberately and systematically targeted by the Israeli forces. The toll has been immense. We mourn the loss of over 140 courageous colleagues who have lost their lives in pursuit of the truth, with many more sustaining injuries, while tens of journalists remain unaccounted for, languishing in Israeli detention centers where their fate remains uncertain. Those who survived were displaced and lost family members; their homes, offices, cars, reporting equipment, and archives were destroyed in the bombardments.

Our situation reflects the struggles of our whole community, as this conflict has obliterated our lives and means of making a living.

The challenges we face are manifold. Israel’s deliberate destruction of land communication infrastructure, which was already old and run-down due to two decades of blockade, left parts of Gaza isolated from the world and from different parts of Gaza itself. Israel also systematically disabled mobile networks across the Gaza Strip by demolishing coverage towers and their power sources. It's worth noting that mobile phone networks in Gaza are limited to second-generation (2G) technology due to restrictions by the Israeli occupation, preventing companies from offering third-generation (3G) services. To address these obstacles, journalists turned to eSIMs, which required being in elevated, dangerous areas for long periods, as sending 1 GB took almost three hours.

The scale of the current devastation in Gaza is beyond description. Our ability to continue the coverage and show what’s happening on the ground is rapidly diminishing, particularly in the northern region, due to the destruction of reporting equipment. This situation deteriorated even further following a series of deliberate targeting of one of the last working SNGs, which was stationed by al Shifa Hospital and provided live audio and video to numerous satellite channels.

We are, therefore, making this an urgent appeal to our colleagues, fellow journalists, and media professionals across the globe to swiftly come to our rescue from this Israeli aggression. We urge them to take immediate action through their respective institutions, press unions, and press freedom organizations. We need protection to continue our coverage.

Moreover, we urge the international community to provide us with the essential equipment needed to continue reporting and to take all measures necessary to ensure its arrival in Gaza, especially the northern regions.

As an urgent first step, we desperately need equipment for satellite Internet connectivity. It's also imperative to exert pressure on Israel to permit the entry of international media crews.

For decades, Gaza has been a battleground and a classroom where many of the world's finest journalists honed their craft. In this bleak moment, we are hoping for the support and solidarity of our colleagues.

Our plea is clear: Act swiftly to protect us and stop the assault, provide us with the resources and equipment needed to continue our work - especially satellite Internet equipment - and apply pressure on Israel to allow international journalists and media crews into Gaza.

The time to act is now; our lives are at stake.

[rainbowywitch]

Jabalia Rehabilitation Society is the only institution in the northern Gaza Strip that provides services to a large group of people with disabilities, especially those with hearing disabilities. It is considered a center for health, psychological and educational support in Jabalia camp that is no less important than government institutions. It is considered one of the contributing and supporting institutions alongside the government health and educational centers in the camp and shares the burden and community services with those centers.

Since the beginning of the war on Gaza on October 7, the institution has been a center for sheltering thousands of displaced civilians, especially those with disabilities and their families who benefit from the institution's services. However, after the Israeli occupation forces entered Jabalia camp for the second time in the war on May 12, they destroyed and burned all the buildings and facilities of the association after it had been a shelter for thousands of displaced people. https://gofund.me/6f974a1b

https://gofund.me/ea5370ab

Campaign to rebuild hope for people with disabilities by rebuilding and restoring their institution in the northern Gaza Strip :

Who are we? Jabalia Rehabilitation Society is a Palestinian non-governmental community organization that does not seek to achieve material profit, but rather seeks to achieve social justice among members of the same community and to defend persons with disabilities as the main beneficiaries of the society. It was established in the northern Gaza Strip governorate in Jabalia camp on August 1, 1991 with voluntary efforts and financial and in-kind assistance from UNRWA in Gaza - Disability Program. The society is the first community rehabilitation center established in partnership with UNRWA in Gaza. It is registered with the Palestinian Ministry of Interior and holds registration certificate number 4010. Jabalia Society is a member of (the Network of Civil Society Organizations, the Coordination Committee for Community Rehabilitation Centers, the Gathering of Rehabilitation Institutions in Northern Gaza), and it is also a member of (the Network of Arab Organizations) at the regional level. The association’s main headquarters contains three main buildings: 1- The association’s administration building, which includes the secretariat and reception, the association’s director’s office, the audiology and speech clinics, the project management department, the accounting department and the association’s executive management, and the community activities department. 2- Jabalia Joint School for the Education of the Deaf building, which provides educational services to more than 90 male and female students with hearing disabilities, distributed over three different age groups (kindergarten - primary stage - preparatory stage). 3- The third building includes the institution’s warehouses, the theater, and a number of offices. 4- External facilities, consisting of a sports field, a sandy yard, a green garden, a cafeteria, and a beneficiaries’ lounge. The association provides its services and activities to more than 40,000 beneficiaries annually from the North Gaza Strip Governorate, through its staff of about 80 employees, including (46) permanent basic employees, and the rest are distributed between temporary contracts and volunteers. Employees with disabilities constitute about 20% of the total number of employees in the association. The activities and services of Jabalia Rehabilitation Association revolve around (7) basic programs, 1- Audiology Program, 2- Speech and Language 3- Community Rehabilitation 4- Capacity Building 5- Teaching children with hearing impairment 6- Physiotherapy. 7- Relief Aid.

Why do we collect donations? Jabalia Rehabilitation Society is the only institution in the northern Gaza Strip that provides services to a large group of people with disabilities, especially those with hearing disabilities. It is considered a center for health, psychological and educational support in Jabalia camp that is no less important than government institutions. It is considered one of the contributing and supporting institutions alongside the government health and educational centers in the camp and shares the burden and community services with those centers. Since the beginning of the war on Gaza on October 7, the institution has been a center for sheltering thousands of displaced civilians, especially those with disabilities and their families who benefit from the institution's services. However, after the Israeli occupation forces entered Jabalia camp for the second time in the war on May 12, they destroyed and burned all the buildings and facilities of the association after it had been a shelter for thousands of displaced people.

So, on behalf of the disabled and the beneficiaries of the Foundation’s services, I address you through this platform to convey their voice to you. They need your support and assistance in rebuilding and restoring the Foundation so that it can reopen its doors to carry out its societal mission by providing services to those in need and contributing to alleviating the suffering of displaced families, especially those with disabilities, and to be a safe haven for them during this war.

How will these donations be used? These donations will be collected to restore and rebuild the Association's buildings and facilities destroyed by the war and equip them with the necessary tools and equipment, which is estimated to cost approximately $300,000. 1- The cost of rebuilding and renovating the three buildings of the institution is estimated at $255,000, meaning that each building is estimated to cost $85,000 to rebuild and renovate. ( 3 × $85,000 = $255,000 ) 2- The cost of restoring and rebuilding the Association's external facilities is estimated at $45,000. In the first phase, the building that includes clinics and service offices for citizens will be equipped to ensure the continuation of providing services to those who deserve them during and after the war. In the second phase, if the appropriate conditions are available during the war to continue the restoration and reconstruction, the remaining buildings will be equipped, but if it is not possible to continue in the second phase, it will be postponed until after the war.

How does your donation and support make a difference?

Your support and donation to them is a noble humanitarian purpose that supports and enhances the resilience of civilians during this war and after the war. This contribution that you will provide, even if it is small, will make a big difference in the lives of these displaced families and families benefiting from the Foundation's services in the North Gaza Governorate.

Please help them restore and rebuild their institution and create a safe environment that will provide them with a bright future so that they can live in dignity, security and peace and start again to achieve their ambitions and dreams .

[premiumdisablity]

Enhancing Wellbeing with Regional Disability Support Services

Regional disability support services are offered by many leading service providers that are aimed at offering services in regional and rural areas of Australia. The leading service providers offer many different types of services like community participation, household tasks, supply of specialised products for people with some health issues and many other similar services. When it comes to offering different services for differently abled people the registered NDIS service providers offer many different services.

Allied health NDIS is one such service and it provides therapeutic support to different individuals and an allied health assistant works as direct support for allied health professionals. The professional allied health assistant provides flexible and responsive support to the individuals and at times also offers administrative and clinical support functions. Also, the leading service providers understand that many times differently-abled people are not able to travel for therapy sessions and hence in such cases they offer mobile assistance.

What is Short-Term Accommodation and Medium-Term Accommodation?

Short-term accommodation under the NDIS provides temporary housing and care for individuals with disabilities, offering support for up to 28 days a year. The leading service providers offer people personal care, nutritious meals, and assistance with daily activities in a safe and comfortable environment.

Medium-Term Accommodation is a temporary housing solution under the NDIS for individuals transitioning to a permanent home. Offered for up to 90 days, MTA provides participants with a safe and comfortable place to stay while awaiting their long-term accommodation. Unlike Short-Term Accommodation, MTA covers only the housing costs, not personal care or meals. This service is generally required for those who cannot currently move to a permanent house and are stranded in hospitals, residential aged care, etc.

The leading NDIS service providers ensure that the individuals accessing their services are offered the best support and do not face any issues. Contact the leading NDIS service providers through call or just fill out the online application form to get more details.

Source

[humanrightsupdates]

(Nairobi) – Kenyan authorities have not responded adequately to flash floods resulting from heavy rains, Human Rights Watch said today. The floods have left at least 170 people dead; displaced more than 200,000; destroyed property, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the country; and exacerbated socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Kenya’s government has a human rights obligation to prevent foreseeable harm from climate change and extreme weather events and to protect people when a disaster strikes. Extreme weather events such as flooding are particularly threatening for marginalized and at-risk populations, including older people, people with disabilities, people in poverty, and rural populations.

“The unfolding devastation highlights the government’s obligation to prepare for and promptly respond to the foreseeable impacts of climate change and natural disasters,” said Nyagoah Tut Pur, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Kenyan authorities should urgently ensure support to affected communities and protect populations facing high risk.”

Kenya and most of the East Africa region has been lashed by relentless and devastating downpours in recent weeks, as an El Niño weather pattern exacerbates the seasonal rainfall. Recent studies suggest that climate change could be a contributing factor. The government has acknowledged that the extreme weather events were predictable.

Over the last few days, social media videos and mainstream media reports indicate that the affected people were receiving little to no support from the government to reach safety and to access essential services such as shelter, health care, and food assistance. Media reported that police and rescue teams’ help lines were unresponsive in some locations. (Human Rights Watch )

[copperbadge]

Radio Free Monday

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Radio Free Monday! Ways to Give: Anon linked to a fundraiser for Jamari Woodard, a young Black teen who was recently attacked by a white man and stabbed in the head with a tire iron. He is doing well but not out of the woods yet, and is going to need a lot of support, plus will be facing medical bills. While the fundraiser has reached its goal, that was a minimum number for what the family will need. You can read more and support the fundraiser here; there's also a cashapp name in the top post if you prefer to give directly. Anon linked to a fundraiser for dee-the-red-witch, a trans woman who needs to raise $400 for uncovered expenses and bills, and to feed her family for the next two weeks. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here, give via paypal here, or purchase her leatherwork here. Anon linked to a fundraiser for rayshippouchiha, whose mother recently passed; she needs funds for the funeral and memorial service. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here. (and Anon, I know you were worried, but you did just fine filling out the form!) kshandra has been out of work for six weeks undergoing cancer treatment, and her disability claim is still pending; as the primary breadwinner with a disabled partner, the family is losing most of their income during the leave. They've received some insurance money but most has already gone towards living expenses. You can read more and support the fundraiser here, or give via paypal, venmo, or cashapp. News To Know / Help For Free: snowy2989 linked to information about >Unite Here Local 11 (I'm linking to their "about us" page because the home landing page has a strobing graphic image that I'm concerned might cause seizures). This is a Southern California (into Arizona) regional Hospitality and Tourism workers' union who are striking for higher wages, better healthcare and pensions, and more protections for undocumented and justice system-involved workers. Their mutual aid linktree offers ways to stay updated, support picketers, and offer activism aid; they don't appear to be soliciting donations. Recurring Needs: rhythmelia has an update to last week's post about yilinwriter, who has had their translation work used by the British Museum in a major exhibit without credit or compensation. The museum has removed the translations (along with the original Chinese, silencing the poet) but has said that because of that, they will not pay for them; however, there are still uncredited and unpaid translations in the exhibition catalog. Yilin now has a fundraiser, working to raise £15,000 by July 10 to get their legal case started. You can read more and reblog here, or support the fundraiser here. And this has been Radio Free Monday! Thank you for your time. You can post items for my attention at the Radio Free Monday submissions form. If you're new to fundraising, you may want to check out my guide to fundraising here.

[rofromsinnoh]

hi rotomblr!

about me!

my pronouns are xe/they, i'm an adult, and i currently live in the heart of sinnoh! i have several mental disabilities that impact how i function physically, including autism, ADHD, OCD, and major depression. my dream is to one day be a pokemon professor, and i’m currently enrolled in eterna city university of pokemon studies studying pokemon biology and regional mythology! i love meeting new people! i actually made this blog to make new friends! it's a lot easier for me to make friends online than it is in person

my pokemon currently with me:

bunke the cinderace: my very first partner! he helps me do daily tasks around the house and takes care of the rest of the team when i am resting (which is a lot). why is his name bunke? it's a long story.

max the jolteon: max is my official service pokemon. i take him with me in all public outings. he looks for signs of meltdowns, provides emotional support (i love to stim with his fur), and alerts me to when i need to sit down and eat something. he's pretty calm for a jolteon because he uses his excess energy to basically power my house lol

sharkboy the quaquaval: sharkboy is trained to help around the house, but he much prefers to dance with me when i have the energy. when i don't, he exercises with bunke (his best friend).

my pokemon back at home:

toothpaste the togekiss: toothpaste basically carries my mental state. she helps me work through depressive episodes and calms down anxiety attacks. she rarely ever leaves the house even after years of trying.

frank the quagsire: frank provides deep pressure therapy and is by far the best hugger on the team. she's pretty lazy, preferring to nap with me. her and toothpaste are a bonded pair

(ooc under the cut)

OOC

my main blog is @autistic-skeletons

this is NOT a faller account, but it is me roleplaying as if i was in the pokemon world. this is basically me coping with my reality, so on my blog the pokemon world is disability friendly. the energy thing isn't a character thing, i deal with it every day in real life, so if i am slow to post or answer that's why. the background of my sona and their pokemon was kept vague on purpose so people can ask about xir life and how they met their pokemon!

i have lots of stories to tell, so please interact!!

pelipper mail is ON, everything else is OFF. sapient pokemon are allowed and encouraged to interact! this character belives in legendaries.

all ooc messages will be formatted like this: [[ooc message]]

tags i'll use (will be updated)

#speaking : textposts made in character. this does NOT include answering asks

#ooc speaking : textposts made by me, this DOES include answering asks directed to me

#ooc reblog : reblogging ask games, interact signals, and the like

#reblogs : reblogs that are in character or are just standard art/post reblogs

#answering : answering asks in character

#lore answer : answering asks that reveal lore about my character

#lore dump : textposts about the character's lore

#questions i asked : reblogs of answers to questions i asked

posts featuring the pokemon will be formatted like #bunke the cinderace

CURRENT ARC: #college arc

ALL ooc tags will be formatted like this: #[[ooc message]]

character ref:

their eyebrows are meant to be white and their eyes are grey, the picrew just didn’t have those options. hidden behind the bangs is a right eyebrow slit with a piercing. picrew link: https://picrew.me/share?cd=B0bO949JFZ#google_vignette

[marveltrumpshate]

Health

Between the pandemic, disabilities, trauma, and the wear and tear that comes with being a human, physical and mental health are always on the forefront of our minds. The organizations below strive to address the structural inequity of healthcare access, disability rights, and safety and well-being.

For more information on donation methods and accepted currencies, please refer to our list of organizations page.

Amputee Coalition

The Amputee Coalition supports, educates, and advocates for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference as well as their families and caretakers. They developed the National Limb Loss Resource Center, have a large focus on peer support programs, advocate on the federal and state level, and offer educational programming. They also fund local chapters that serve amputees across the globe.  

Assistance Dogs International

Assistance dogs are essential to millions around the world but are cost-prohibitive for many. Supporting this organization will mean that this essential service is less of an economic burden for those who need it. In addition to training and placement, ADI advocates for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs and sets standards, guidelines, and ethics for training the dogs.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities and have their voices heard. For that reason, the organization is run by individuals on the autism spectrum. ASAN's primary focuses are advocating for policies that protect disability and civil rights, creating tools and leadership training for autistic self-advocates, and offering educational resources. 

Center for Reproductive Rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights is the only global legal advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person. With local partners across five continents, they have secured legal victories before national courts, UN Committees, and regional human rights bodies on issues such as access to life-saving obstetrics care, contraception, maternal health, and safe abortion services and the prevention of forced sterilization and child marriage.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

DREDF is the leading civil rights organization in the United States that fights for and is directed by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Not only does DREDF work directly with their clients to help them know their own rights, but they train and educate lawyers, lawmakers, and other societal gatekeepers to make sure they know those rights as well.

International Association for Suicide Prevention

IASP tackles suicide and suicidal behavior prevention and creates a space for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers, and people with lived experience to come together. They push for evidence-based research, suicide prevention efforts across all cultures, sectors, and regions globally, and the facilitation of mentorships between countries with more established prevention strategies and countries at earlier stages of strategy development.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Odds are you’ve heard of MSF, the global organization that sends trained medical professionals to the places they’re needed most. MSF has been working globally for over 50 years, providing medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare—no matter what. They’re guided by principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality to global political policies or movements. 

National Network of Abortion Funds

The National Network of Abortion Funds builds power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice. They provide their grassroots base of over 100 autonomous, diverse organizations/abortion funds in the U.S. and abroad with leadership development, infrastructure support, and technical assistance. Some fund procedures while others cover abortion pills, transportation, lodging, childcare, doula services, and other forms of support.

The Pad Project

Period stigma and lack of access to affordable, safe, and effective menstrual products are a global problem. The Pad Project partners with local communities internationally to serve people who menstruate across all genders through funding the placement of pad machines and implementing washable pad programs. They also pair menstrual product access with education—workshops on menstrual hygiene management and sexual and reproductive health and their award-winning documentary, Period. End of Sentence.

Palestine Children's Relief Fund

PCRF delivers crucial, life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid to children and families in Palestine and throughout the Middle East, especially those in Gaza and Lebanon's refugee camps. In addition to providing free medical care, equipment, medicine, and treatment, PCRF also supplies clean water, hygiene kits, food, and other necessities. Their programs include mental health and amputee projects, support for infrastructure plans such as hospital expansions to improve healthcare access, and sponsorships for children who are disabled, orphaned, or in need of medical treatment or surgery.

Partners In Health

Founded by Paul Farmer when he was still in medical school, PIH is committed to bringing exceptional health care to every corner of the planet. PIH also works to provide access to food, transportation, housing, and other key components of healing to the most vulnerable. Their work started in Haiti but has expanded rapidly across the globe. 

Undue Medical Debt

Over 100 million Americans (one in three) are struggling with paying off medical bills. COVID has only added to those numbers, putting people under significant financial burden and emotional distress. This organization buys up medical debt in order to forgive it with no tax consequences to donors or recipients. Donate just $1 and you wipe out $100 of someone's medical debt, $100 to get rid of $10,000 in debt, and so on—the ripple effect is real. Through their work, Undue Medical Debt not only helps with financial relief but also brings attention to the need for a more compassionate, transparent, equitable, and affordable healthcare system.

[mariacallous]

Russian regions are raising contract sign-on bonuses in a bid to draw more people into the war effort. These payments are now coming from regional social welfare agencies that, in peacetime, primarily supported orphans, large families, veterans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. A new investigation from the independent outlet iStories found more than half of the social welfare budget in some regions is now going to soldiers or their families. Meduza shares key insights from the outlet’s findings in English.

As Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine stretches far its third year, regional governments are funneling an average of 13 percent of their social welfare budgets into sign-on bonuses for new contract soldiers, iStories reports. When factoring in compensation for injuries and regional death benefits for soldiers’ families, nearly a quarter (23 percent) of social spending in Russian regions is now going to war participants.

In some regions, every second ruble earmarked for social support goes to soldiers and the families of the fallen. In certain areas, this allocation even exceeds half of the entire social budget. Over a third of Russia’s regions (35 percent) now allocate at least a quarter of welfare funds to war-related payments. In three regions — Stavropol Krai, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, and Kaluga — less than half of the funds set aside for social spending remain for other residents in need.

Stavropol Krai leads the nation in the proportion of social welfare funds directed to war participants. Contract soldiers, wounded veterans, and the families of the deceased have received 83 percent of all social payments, according to regional data. In 2024, the region allocated 10 billion rubles ($102 million) for those fighting in Ukraine, with 8 billion rubles ($81.6 million) already distributed. Most of these funds cover compensation for injuries and death, but one-fifth of all social spending in the region (2 billion rubles, or $20.4 million) has gone to sign-on bonuses for new contract soldiers.

In 2024, those fighting in Ukraine are receiving more support than any other group in Stavropol Krai. Payments for contract soldiers are 12 times higher than those for orphans and six times higher than the support provided to unemployed residents. The sign-on bonus for soldiers, at 1.6 million rubles ($16,318), is among the highest in Russia. iStories noted that Stavropol Krai struggled with contract recruitment over the summer, ultimately mobilizing more people than it attracted to contract service.

In the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, 75 percent of all social payments in 2024 went to war participants and the families of fallen soldiers. Of that, 63 percent — 845 million rubles ($8.6 million) — was allocated to one-time payments for mobilized troops and contract soldiers, the highest share in any Russian region. This amount is nine times what was set aside for unemployment support and thirty times more than what was paid to doctors, including those who relocated to rural areas.

In Kaluga, half of all social spending (52 percent) was directed to war participants and the families of the deceased. Most of this money went to the wounded and to bereaved families. Contract soldiers, who receive a sign-on bonus of 600,000 rubles ($6,120) from the regional budget, accounted for 16 percent (397 million rubles, or about $4 million) of all social welfare payments. This is 17 times more than what was given to people with disabilities, including children, and seven times more than housing support for large families in need.

These figures underscore the Russian government’s clear prioritization of war participants, a policy repeatedly emphasized by both regional and federal officials. Yet these payments represent only a fraction of regions’ overall war-related spending. While the total amount is difficult to determine, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported that regional war expenses in 2024 alone are estimated at over 800 billion rubles ($8.2 billion) — an amount comparable to the combined annual budgets of Tatarstan and Krasnoyarsk Krai.