#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

[mythmash]

LA Wildfire Resources

this is a collection of all of the information and resources i've found to help those affected by the los angeles count wildfires. this is not a completed list, and you are welcome to send me an ask with any additional links, fundraisers, information, or other resources that you know of and i will update this post accordingly. if there are any missing or incorrect links, please let me know. stay safe out there 💜

──────────────────────────────────────────

Live Updates on the Southern California wildfires & Evacuation Orders

LA Scanner - Coverage of Pursuits, Crimes, Wildfires and More.

2025 Los Angeles Fires - Resources for Californians impacted by Los Angeles Fires.

LA Wildfire Resource Center - Resource navigator for finding emergency resources and support services.

──────────────────────────────────────────

Mutual Aid Los Angeles & their Fire & Wind Storm Spreadsheet - An ongoing spreadsheet of resources such as shelter info, animal boarding info, addresses for distribution centers, volunteer opportunities, etc.

LAFD Emergency Funding Alert & Fire Zone Map - Donations to help support the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies - Lists of evacuation shelters and hotlines for those who are disabled and in impacted by the fires.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Thread of mutual aid groups assisting through Los Angeles

CleanAirLA & MaskBloc LA - Mutual aid project to distribute free masks and respirators in the so-called Los Angeles area. They are currently taking donations for masks.

MaskBloc LA & their Mask Requests and Volunteer Interest - A form to fill out if you need masks or want to volunteer.

List of shelters, animal boarding, distribution hubs, and free items

Pacsun providng clothes and listing organizations to donate to

World Central Kitchen - Donate to support their efforts in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

Thread of organizations to donate to - Thread including links to disaster relief, firefighter aid, food banks, first responders, etc.

SoCal Wildfires: How You Can Help - Article including links and info for Californians. Links are also included in the Thread of organizations to donate to above.

Pete and Thomas Foundation supporting Pasadena Humane & LA Animal Care - How to support, injured wildlife hotline, and listed shelters for large and small animals.

Thread of GoFundMes to support people affected by the wildfires

What to keep in a grab & go bag - List of things to keep in a easily accessible bag in case of emergency evacuation.

Displaced Black Families GoFund Me Directory - Spreadsheet dedicated to black families devastated by the Altadena fires.

Advice from a survivor of the 2017 Thomas Fire on insurance, rebuilding, etc.

California Volunteers - Donate, organize, and volunteer for wildfire recovery here.

Baby2Baby Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program - Donate to help distribute supplies to children impacted by the wildfires.

Guitar Center is replacing instruments lost as a result of the LA wildfires

Sunny Optometry is offering support to those in need of glasses, contact lenses, eye drops, face masks, and wi-fi

Stratia is offering a free place to work if you need a work space with wifi right now, and donation drop off/sorting + storage site for people who organize.

Seconds Market & their Match Donation Program - A program designed to directly connect donors with individuals affected by the LA fires.

Anti-Recidivism Coalition & their donation page - Donate to help support the incarcerated fire crews, including the 30 young men from Pine Grove currently out fighting the LA fires.

Spreadsheet of Free Mental Health Services for the LA Wildfire Crisis

Tips from an attorney on dealing with insurance companies

County of LA Vital and Property Records Access - LA County residents directly impacted by the fires can request property and vital records free of charge to help with recovery efforts.

Azay in Little Tokyo, LA - Donate to help provide free meals to evacuees, first responders, volunteers, folks who can’t leave their homes, and their houseless neighbors.

[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

[aymanfamily]

Evacuation of my Neurological Patient Brother 🥹🙏

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I’m reaching out to you today, on behalf of my husband, with an urgent request for assistance. My family is currently facing an unimaginable situation as I desperately seek to evacuate them from the ongoing crisis in Gaza including my brother-in-law, who is a neurological patient, and my mother-in-law who is 70 years old, and she is not only grapples with the challenges of aging but also shoulders the burden of chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure and diabetes. My brother-in-law's condition requires specialized medical care, as he suffers from a benign tumor in the cerebellum. He underwent two major surgeries to remove the tumor, and an internal valve was installed to drain the cerebrospinal fluid.

This operation led to a permanent disability in movement and stiffness in the muscles of the legs, especially the left side. He needs constant follow-up and permanent rehabilitation treatment, as he was receiving two physical therapy sessions weekly to relieve muscle stiffness, but since the beginning of the aggression on the Gaza Strip (more than 4 months ago), he has not received this service, and in the same context, he needs daily medication which is simply not available now in Gaza, as the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, with limited resources and a shortage of medical supplies. It is crucial that we act quickly to evacuate him to a safer location where he can receive the necessary medical attention and support, in addition to the evacuation of 6 other members of my family.

As many of you may be aware, Gaza has been experiencing a devastating humanitarian crisis for years. The recent Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has worsened the situation, leaving innocent civilians trapped and in desperate need of help. Knowing that we live in Gaza City, but the Israeli occupation army forced us to evacuate our homes and move to the center or south of the Gaza Strip. We left our home on 13th Oct. 2023 and moved to the center of the Gaza Strip, which was supposed to be a safe area, but then the Israeli soldiers began military operations in the central region. Therefore, we were forced to move to Rafah, living in a house including 20 members. Currently the Israeli Occupation Forces are threatening to invade Rafah, where 1.4 million people are taking refuge in an area of 55 km2. If Rafah is invaded, more massacres will be committed in addition to the massacres that were and are currently being committed in all areas of the Gaza Strip. Note that our house was directly hit by a missile, and currently the Israeli army does not allow us to return to Gaza city and to our homes, in addition to the fact that Gaza currently does not have the minimum necessities of life, such as electricity or clean water, in addition to the scarcity of resources. So, in an attempt to save our lives, we are planning to evacuate to Egypt, but the cost of evacuation is exorbitant, far beyond what our family can afford, therefore I'm setting up a GoFundMe campaign to raise USD $59,000. Here is the breakdown of the funds: • A total of USD $49,000 is estimated to cover the expenses associated with obtaining permits to leave Gaza, as well as crossing fees at Rafah, at the Egypt-Gaza border. This amount breaks down to USD$ 5,000 - $7,000 per person (7 people). • It is estimated that USD $10000 will be sufficient to cover the basic needs of my family in Egypt, including their accommodation, food, and other essential. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. Even the smallest contribution can help us an inch closer to our goal of saving our life. Knowing that times are tough, and the invasion of Rafah could happen at any time, noting that the crossing with Egypt is in the city of Rafah, and it is possible that the crossing will be closed at any time due to the invasion, so I hope you help as soon as possible. Many thanks in advance for your contribution to save our lives.

My gofundme link:

Thanks for your trust and support ❤️🙏

[mariacallous]

On U.S. President Donald Trump’s first day back in office, he announced a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid. This sudden freeze caught one of America’s most successful and strategically vital global health programs in the crosshairs: the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR was created in 2003 in a moment of crisis. AIDS was ascendent, and life expectancies across sub-Saharan Africa were in precipitous decline. In Botswana, life expectancy had declined from a peak of 62 to 51 that year; in Lesotho, from a peak 59 to 44. Nearly 3 million people died of AIDS in 2003, 76 percent of them in sub-Saharan Africa. And experts predicted that the death count could continue to rise, reaching perhaps 100 million by 2020.

Twenty years later, largely thanks to PEPFAR and other U.S.-led programs, the world is winning the war on AIDS. Deaths have dropped by 69 percent since 2004, and life expectancy in Botswana is at its highest-ever level. PEPFAR alone—costing less than 0.1 percent of the U.S. federal budget—is credited with saving 25 million lives. As Trump took office, some 21 million people received antiretroviral drugs, ARVs, through PEPFAR. ARVs are crucial to controlling the epidemic, as they disable the HIV retrovirus. People on ARVs have no symptoms of HIV, nor can they transmit it to others.

This helped advance U.S. health security by taming the AIDS epidemic, saving American lives in the process—but it has also advanced U.S. interests more broadly. Political leaders in sub-Saharan Africa look much more fondly on the United States than their North African neighbors do, and PEPFAR has served as an important source of soft power in a region increasingly contested by America’s geopolitical rivals.

All of that ground to a halt during the first week of Trump’s second term. By Jan. 24, his day-one halt to foreign aid became a stop-work order—meaning that all organizations had to halt any U.S.-funded work. Even if organizations already had the HIV medications in hand, they had to turn patients away—they were not allowed to give them out. Overnight, the AIDS epidemic was back on.

The administration then began to walk back its sudden change of policy, stating that “life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence” assistance could continue. But significant questions remained; no one was entirely sure if PEPFAR was allowed to keep operating or not.

On Feb. 1, a PEPFAR-specific waiver was finally issued, but it lacks clarity on specific aspects. According to the waiver, medication and testing are to continue – though nearly a week after the waivers were announced, implementers report that the stop work order remains in effect. Even if the waiver is eventually implemented, though, there could still be difficulties. Only medication and testing receive a carve-out; other services are still paused. With only barebones administrative funding allowed by the waiver: will clinics even be able to keep the lights on for the next three months?

Nor do questions stop with the current aid freeze. PEPFAR’s current congressional authorization expires in March 2025, before foreign aid is currently set to resume. What happens then? The program has traditionally had strong bipartisan support, but that has weakened over time. No one knows how it will fare in the Trump era.

Indeed, all aid—including PEPFAR—is at risk now. Elon Musk has tweeted that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) must “die” and that Trump has given him permission to shut down the agency. Each day seems to bring new threats to the agency; as this piece goes to press, the majority of Washington-based USAID employees will be put on leave and staff based abroad are to be recalled. Many staff are uncertain if USAID will survive the week.

And if USAID dies, PEPFAR would, too.

The immediate health consequences of this would be dire. Every day, PEPFAR provides access to ARVs for 222,000 individuals. Each day another quarter of a million people miss a dose, the virus begins to rebound in their system. Within weeks, viral load would increase enough to make them infectious again. Thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of new cases of HIV would result, undoing decades of progress.

Perhaps those in the most immediate danger are the children of HIV-positive mothers. PEPFAR currently supports around 680,000 pregnant women with ARV treatment—without access to these drugs, some 20-40 percent of them will transmit HIV to their babies. Without ARV treatment, about half of those infants will die within their first two years of life, most within the first few months. We could very well return to the world of the mid-2000s, where AIDS is once again a death sentence for a large percentage of those infected with HIV.

Nor would the consequences of ending PEPFAR stay in Africa. In up to 20 percent of individuals who inconsistently take ARVs, HIV becomes drug-resistant. It would not be long before drug-resistant HIV reached the United States, which could undermine decades of progress in HIV prevention and treatment domestically.

Even if PEPFAR manages to make it through this, though, and is renewed in March, the freeze has already delivered a significant, and entirely avoidable, strategic blow to U.S. global influence.

To date, PEPFAR has been a tangible demonstration of U.S. commitment to the well-being of African nations, fostering trust and goodwill that extend far beyond health outcomes. This kind of positive engagement contrasts sharply with China’s engagement on the continent. While China has invested heavily in infrastructure throughout the region, these projects often come with strings attached and can be seen as exploitative. PEPFAR represented a different model of engagement: one focused on partnership, capacity building, and genuine concern for human well-being.

The confusing and chaotic implementation of this freeze undermines this image of the United States as a reliable partner genuinely concerned for the well-being of Africans. Instead, the last week has shown Africans a confused, incoherent America. The waiver, while welcomed by partners on the ground, has been perceived as reactive and insufficient, failing to fully mitigate the damage already inflicted. The lack of clear communication and guidance has sown uncertainty at both USAID and implementing partners.

As Atul Gawande, a former USAID assistant administrator for global health, warned in a recent interview, the stop-work order could destroy U.S. global health infrastructure. The perception of instability and unreliability erodes confidence in the United States as a dependable partner, not just in health but across the spectrum of international engagement. In a world increasingly characterized by geopolitical competition, such self-inflicted wounds are strategically disastrous.

While the United States falters in its commitment to global health, China can readily step in to portray itself as a reliable partner, willing to fill the void left by U.S. retrenchment. This is not merely a matter of public perception; it translates into real geopolitical leverage, undermining U.S. strategic interests in a crucial region.

After all, not just PEPFAR is in danger. Even as the waiver allows vital ARV programs to (maybe) continue, all other aid programs remain on ice. That includes vaccination campaigns, basic health care in some of the world’s poorest places, and even programs that directly support national security. Foreign aid also supports demobilization programs for ex-militants who would otherwise threaten American lives.

Some may see this freeze as a fiscally responsible move, restoring focus to the American homeland instead of abroad. It is true that it is important to make sure that government resources are not wasted and that each taxpayer dollar is used wisely. However, a blanket 90-day freeze is a blunt and counterproductive instrument for achieving these aims.

A temporary halt to lifesaving programs is not a necessary precondition for reviewing their cost-effectiveness or identifying areas for improvement. Indeed, the chaos caused by the freeze actively undermines program efficiency and effectiveness, potentially increasing long-term costs and hindering the U.S. ability to deliver aid effectively in the future.

Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have consistently emphasized the importance of American strength and global leadership and rightly so. The United States remains the world’s indispensable nation, and programs such as PEPFAR clearly demonstrate why, exemplifying smart, strategic investment of U.S. resources. For less than 0.1 percent of the federal budget, this single program has saved 25 million lives, built enduring partnerships across Africa, and helped contain a global health crisis that threatened U.S. security.

Now, the United States risks dismantling one of its most effective tools of global influence. At a moment when China is aggressively expanding its presence in Africa, when new health threats are emerging, and when U.S. leadership is being tested worldwide, America cannot afford such a devastating self-inflicted wound.

U.S. foreign aid isn’t mere charity. Aid programs are strategic investments that yield significant returns for U.S. security and prosperity. By strengthening health systems, fostering economic growth, and building goodwill, these initiatives create a more secure and stable world—a world in which U.S. interests are more likely to thrive. To undermine these programs with shortsighted freezes and budget cuts is to dismantle a crucial pillar of U.S. power and influence.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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 .

[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