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A Review of “The Fault in Our Stars”

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It’s not too often I watch a movie that talks about disability in any way. It’s not because I am unwilling to be open about disability being portrayed in a movie, but because I find most times the representation of people with disabilities in a film or other artistic endeavor is negatively skewed. Some movie roles have shown an inaccurate depiction of what it’s like to have a disability. People with disabilities have been shown as weak, or like they can’t take care of themselves. It always makes me think of characters like Quasimodo and how hard the disability community has had to fight to overcome such antiquated stereotypes.

Since starting the blog, one of my goals has been to increase disability awareness in different areas. One of those areas is disability representation in the media. Continued debate exists about allowing actors with disabilities to fill roles that portray someone with a disability. The other issue is the way people with disabilities are depicted in the media. Because of various reasons, we are depicted mostly in a negative light. It makes me wonder if the way Hollywood shows a person with a disability contributes to overall misconceptions society has surrounding people with disabilities.

The movie I was lucky enough to watch is “The Fault in Our Stars.” There is also a book by the same name. Honestly, I was apprehensive about seeing the movie. I had heard different things about it that made it seem like it was just another movie that shined a negative light on people with disabilities. Despite what I had heard, I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did. Although the movie was sad, it gave what I felt was a realistic depiction of living with a disability.

The movie is about two teenagers who meet in a support group and fall in love. They both have different forms of terminal cancer. I was impressed with how the parents of the characters allowed their children to live independently despite their limitations. This can be a scary concept for the parent of a child with a disability. It can also be a very helpful tool for both the parent and the child. The child gets to gain life experiences and the parent can witness their child gaining independence and navigating their lives with resources available to them. When one of the characters got the opportunity to meet her favorite author, the movie was honest and showed the obstacles she faced getting around the city she was visiting. Additionally they didn’t shy away from showing how she overcame the barriers that existed to make it to their meeting place.

I don’t think living with a disability is about sugarcoating things. I really enjoyed how this movie did anything but that. It showed how people with disabilities aspire to do things in life. It also showed how they can realistically accomplish their goals. I was impressed that the movie writers were brave enough to show that people with disabilities could fall in love. This is an aspect of living with a disability that some people are afraid to talk about but happens all the time.

There have been other books and movies that show people with disabilities as people who should be hidden away from mainstream society. Others send the message that they should be protected so much they don’t have the opportunity to enjoy life. That is not what living with a disability is all about. Each person has a different experience with their disability. However, we all deserve to reach the goals we choose to set for ourselves. I felt like this movie made people with disabilities look like real people. Maybe this movie can help make the topic of disability less scary for others who don’t have experience interacting with someone who has a disability.

I would definitely recommend this movie for anyone who likes a comedy, drama and bit of a sad story. I look forward to finding more stories that include disability in such a realistic way.

It gave me renewed hope that maybe in the future people with disabilities and the roles written around these characters aren’t ones of pity and dismay. As a result, society can gain a more realistic foundation of what life is like for people with disabilities.

Experiences of Parenting with a Disability Help Increase Disability Awareness

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Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate mothers and all they do. Since Mother’s Day was this past Sunday, it made me think about how I’ve used the experiences of parenting with a disability I’ve had through the years. There are three main ways I’ve used my experiences. When I thought about it more, all of them are important to raising awareness of issues surrounding people with disabilities too.

Some people would say that parenting isn’t for everyone. The same could be said from the perspective of a parent with a disability. Every time I give my speech about parenting with a disability, the main message is to do your research before you make any choice.

In the beginning, I didn’t realize the challenges I would face when it came to the way people reacted to me being pregnant. The same was true after my son was born. I wasn’t even sure how I would compensate for my physical limitations. It was both exciting and left me with a sense of apprehension. I was also adjusting to the weekly changes my body was going through from the pregnancy. Some of those changes made life a little more complicated. I was happy to go through these challenges because of the new adventures and experiences parenting was going to allow me to have with my baby.

Because I realized that my son learns from my behaviors and how he sees me react to others, I didn’t want to give him a negative example. I decided to use the experiences and turn them into something positive. The three ways I highlight in this post can have a positive impact on society and the way it perceives people with disabilities in a variety of ways.

The first way is to educate the public. There have been times in a store or even when my son played soccer where people have confronted me with their misconceptions about people with disabilities. Sometimes they have said blatantly mean things to me about being in the outdoors or out in public. Instead of having a negative reaction, I use the opportunity to let people ask questions. This approach is surprising to them but, I believe it’s the only way to help get rid of the unnecessary fear or misconceptions they might have. Most of the time it has created an ongoing dialogue with the people around me at the time it happens. Once people see there is an available space to ask questions, they seem more at ease. It allows them the chance to gain a better perspective into the human experience of disability. Hopefully, it helps them not be so afraid at other times when they may encounter a person with a disability.

The second way is to advocate for issues related to parenting with a disability. Luckily, I have had previous experiences advocating for myself and others for different reasons. For someone who feels like advocacy is a scary or intimidating topic, it’s never too late to start sharpening your advocacy skills. It can be an exciting journey where you learn more about yourself and the way each organization functions. You can also tap into different avenues available in your community for help. Whether it has something to do with school, sports or getting to my son’s doctor’s appointments, I’ve had to advocate for different issues. Other examples include requesting needed accommodations to attend a parent teacher conference or using a delivery service to get a prescription. For the most part, once you express a need there are people around willing to lend a hand.

The third way is to foster a sense of acceptance and understanding of people who have different limitations. For example, it takes me a little longer to get on the floor and play with my son. He has learned to be patient with me and even figured out ways to help. Having a parent with a disability helps children be more patient with their parents, themselves and other people. Because he has watched me adapt to different environments, he has a greater awareness of his surroundings. There have even been articles stating that children of parents with disabilities develop greater emotional skills and are more empathetic than kids whose parents are not disabled.

Everyone’s journey of parenting and parenting with a disability will be different. The most important part is to enjoy the ride because it goes by quickly. Parenting with a disability tests your strengths and limitations like you would never imagine. It provides great rewards that are worth every moment spent overcoming obstacles and sharpening your skills. The result is an experience no one can take away from you. It will strengthen the bond you have with your child for years to come.

Coronavirus Vaccination Chronicles: Part One

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The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to spend the last year at home. Because vaccines are now available and being administered, it’s time to restart interacting with others more regularly.

I wanted to write this post to share my experience of getting the vaccine. I also wanted others who haven’t been vaccinated yet to get a better idea of what to expect about the process. This is a three-part series detailing my experience being vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine.

Since the vaccines being used to fight the devastation the virus is causing in different countries was approved so quickly, I was a bit apprehensive about getting the vaccine.

Most vaccines go through rigorous testing before they are considered safe and effective for people who choose to get vaccinated. I felt like this was the best choice for me so that life could start to return to some sort of normalcy.

Although I am getting vaccinated, I can do my part by continuing to wear a mask and practice social distancing when I have to leave my house. There are still people who haven’t been vaccinated for various reasons and others they may come into contact with that could inadvertently be affected by my actions.

I thought that getting the vaccine would be as easy as making an appointment with my doctor. After doing some research and calling my doctor, I found out he didn’t have any doses of the vaccine available. It turns out they weren’t sure if or when they would be administering doses to patients. They directed me to the CDC website so that I could get the required medical necessity documentation. The documents were sent to me electronically, so I didn’t have to go to their office. When I looked into the other options available to me, I found out that the local health department was administering doses. Some stores such as Walmart, Sam’s Club and Publix were also options for people interested in getting the shot. Since I know that Publix has given out flu vaccines in the past, I was comfortable in choosing them as my preferred option to get my vaccine.

I had to get up early to complete my online reservation. Once I was on the website, and because I was not an educator or part of the age requirement at that time, I had to wait a while to input my information. Once my appointment was reserved, I got a confirmation email with both my initial appointment as well as for my second vaccination.

I must admit that I was a little nervous the night before the appointment. It was honestly because I did not know what to expect. I’ve been vaccinated before with no problem, so I think it was fear of the unknown. Regardless of the anxiety I was feeling, I was determined not to let it stop me from this first step back toward the active life I had pre-pandemic.

We arrived at the grocery store and they had a designated person checking people in for their vaccine. When I got back to the pharmacy, I let the pharmacist know that the shot needed to be given to me in my right arm due to my disability. He had to correct my card and move the chair but was quick to adjust to my request. The vaccination process was quick, and I was on my way as fast as I had gotten to the store. This experience makes me a bit more at ease when it’s time for my next dose.

Now it’s your turn. Do the research necessary to make the best choice for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor to figure out the best option for you. I will be back with more of my post vaccination experience.

Students with Disabilities and Gaps in their Education During the Pandemic

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During the coronavirus pandemic, the way education is delivered to students in the United States has drastically changed. Students with disabilities are more affected than most by this change.

Students with disabilities are caught in a situation they didn’t choose. How they get their education has been altered so drastically, portions of their daily routine have become nonexistent. Related services that were part of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) have been slashed to a minimum or eliminated. Few services can be delivered effectively by virtual means or by the student’s parents. Parents are left at home attempting to deliver services they are not trained to provide, potentially causing their student unintentional harm. For example, if parents try to assist in physical therapy sessions, they could hurt themselves or their children because they aren’t trained in the correct techniques. There have even been instances where it seemed to the parent that the student’s impairment was totally disregarded. This left the time used for the therapy session like some sort of preliminary fact-finding mission, instead of building on progress previously made during the last session.

School officials try their best to modify plans and deliver needed services. Because the pandemic happened so quickly, they are poorly prepared to do so. Even now, more than a year into this model of learning, educators are on a continual learning curve they just can’t get ahead of, while students are left behind. It makes you wonder how this set of students going to school during such an unusual time will compensate for the gaps being left in their education in years to come.

Although students are missing their friends and the socialization aspect traditional school offers, some parents of kids with disabilities find themselves in another dilemma. The student with a disability might be at a higher risk of contracting the virus. As a result, parents feel they have no other choice but to keep students in the virtual model of learning. Parents must take extra precautions not to come into contact with the virus. There might be other risks involved with exposure to the virus. If a student contracts the virus, they could have other health complications as well. The million-dollar question becomes how do we get all our students back to school so they can receive their education and services properly, while staying safe from the virus at the same time?

In implementing any reopening plan, many factors need to be considered. First, the health of the students and how to catch them up on the material that is being missed. Students need instruction and guidance about things like social distancing, proper handwashing and most difficult of all, consistently wearing a face mask. Some individuals with a disability can’t wear a face mask for medical reasons. If that is the case for a student, an alternative plan needs to be implemented. Lastly, the health and well-being of the educators must be considered as well.

Currently educators are at the front of the line when it comes to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, other workers such as speech, physical and occupational therapists need to be added to that list. These workers need to be considered essential and should be prioritized. One of the goals in returning us to pre-pandemic education is to fully open schools. That can’t be done unless these support personnel whose aim is to provide related services to students with disabilities get vaccinated too. They ensure students stay focused on their education while making sure their therapeutic needs are met regularly.

These are merely a starting point of suggested guidelines to help students with disabilities get safely back to learning in the classroom. The positive steps we take to rid ourselves of the virus will give kids the opportunity to move forward and make the progress they need to confidently succeed as young adults, well-prepared for different kinds of adversity.

The Importance of the IDEA for All Students

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Thinking about how far I’ve come professionally, it would be wrong not to talk about how the IDEA has helped me achieve my goals. The IDEA or Individuals with Disabilities Act is a very helpful tool for students with disabilities.

Each law related to people with disabilities is intended to give them a better opportunity to achieve their goals in life. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is no different. Before it was enacted into law in 1975, its original name was the Education for all Handicapped Children Act. This law helps students with disabilities get the education and supports they need. It helps them receive accommodations to go to school in an integrated environment with other children.

Socialization is an important part of going to school and growing up. Being included and integrated with other kids has many benefits for everyone involved. It gives students with disabilities the opportunity to get the full school experience. It allows kids without disabilities to be exposed to another person’s perspective. This interaction gives them valuable experiences at an early age. It will also influence their behavior as they get older.

While I always did well in school, I remember some things about the experience that have always stuck with me. Being mainstreamed in the 3^rd grade, I had to explain my disability to other kids. Most of them were very curious to find out why I had to use a wheelchair to get around. This doesn’t mean all my school experiences were positive ones. Being exposed to students who had different reactions to my disability allowed me to be better prepared for how people might react to my disability as an adult. In my opinion, I have been able to take this point of view and use it to try and inform others about the abilities a person with disability possess. It’s been a good teacher on how to get that conversation started with people in the first place.

If it had not been for the accommodations that were given to me in my Individual Education Plan (IEP), I think school would’ve been a lot more difficult. It’s not because I didn’t know the work, but because of the limitations I had to overcome just to get the work done. Of course, I had transportation that allowed me to get to school. I have to say getting therapy in school helped me keep a regular school schedule and I didn’t have to miss any extra time to get to and from appointments. Because of the educational supports I received, college and beyond were a possibility for me. I was not only able to complete, but excelled in my studies.

Parents and students should stay up to date on what’s going on with their student’s education and related services. As part of the IEP team, they should maximize the delivery of services needed and keep up with their advocacy skills. This is an effective strategy to hold team members accountable when things aren’t going according to what is agreed upon during each meeting.

I know students with disabilities are having difficulty right now because of the pandemic. Parents and their students should be patient with themselves. Continue to sharpen and maintain their advocacy skills. This will help preserve their rights and maintain services they need now and beyond. Connecting with local advocacy and special education groups that offer webinars and other resources can also be beneficial. This will help you learn about techniques and other methods available to maximize desired educational outcomes. Advocacy groups can help if you need to find someone to go to a meeting with you or advocate on your student’s behalf. Using these tools successfully will allow a path for your student’s educational and life goals to be achieved in the future.

The Inauguration of a New President of the United States and What it Means for People with Disabilities

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Along with the Inauguration of a new president and vice president of the United States, comes new possibilities for people with disabilities.

As I sat watching history being made when Kamala Harris took the oath of office, I realized she has knocked down many barriers. Not only for women and women of color, but also for people with disabilities.

The theme of inclusion and unity was not only prevalent but relevant during the historical event. Because Vice President Harris is now in office, the possibility of further inclusion for all is now a reality more than ever. The firefighter who led the Pledge of Allegiance in spoken word and sign language was a surprising change. It was also a sign of the times. In my opinion, it symbolizes the dedication the current administration has of including everyone in this country, even people with disabilities.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt was in office, he spent most of the time hiding his disability. Researching the political climate that existed during those years for other projects I’ve done on his presidency and its importance for people with disabilities, I’m not sure society would have been accepting of openly having a person with a disability serving in a political office. The fact that he occupied the highest political position in our land may have made it even more mind-boggling for some. During Roosevelt’s time, people with disabilities were hidden in the shadows. Individuals with disabilities were regularly being housed in institutions instead of in community settings when possible. We had not gained the rights from laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act just yet. The ADA helped people with disabilities acquire the opportunity of a level playing field to accomplish individual goals. It also gave them the chance to be more active and visible in society. That includes things like voting and even running for political office.

The possibilities available to us now are only limited to how big we allow ourselves to dream. Since the passage of the ADA, people with disabilities have been making strides to increase not only representation but acceptance of our community into the mainstream. Society is increasingly interested in diversity and inclusion more than ever. That conversation cannot be complete unless people with disabilities are part of the equation. It’s more likely now that a young person with a disability can see themselves as the next vice president or even president of the United States.

This is the perfect opportunity to increase our visibility and make our mark on society. The steps we take today to let our voices be heard and our influence felt can only help us move the ideas of what it really means to live with a disability forward. We can be the reason long-standing myths are eradicated and new ideas become the norm. There are always opportunities to change the outdated and inaccurate stereotypes that surround disability.

While there are disabled politicians such as Senator Tammy Duckworth (D) from Illinois, who currently occupies a political office, for some reason this seems different. Now is the time to set goals and take action to increase representation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. Every step forward is needed and welcomed. Every victory toward increased representation should be celebrated. We can accomplish anything we want to achieve. There are so many aspects of society that need the input of the disability community. The only question that remains is what is the most efficient course to chart in pursuit of your personal success?

Voting Basics for People with Disabilities

October 26, 2020 by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

“Vote as if your Life Depends on it…Because it Does”. Since we’re in an election year, I thought it was important to spotlight some voting basics to try and help ease the fear people with disabilities may have about voting. Justin Dart, who is considered the father of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 made this important statement many years ago. This idea is more important now than ever before.

There is basic information many people should know about voting. The first thing to know is the difference between the primary and general elections. Primaries are held to determine a political party’s candidate for the general election. During the general election, the final nominee, and their running mate, if applicable, are the ones voters are choosing when casting their ballots.

There are also many laws in place to prevent discrimination of people with disabilities and protect their right to vote. These laws have also helped increase the accessibility of voting for people with disabilities. The laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Voting Rights Act of 1965, The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA), The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), and the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).

Each state has voter registration deadlines and mail-in ballot request deadlines. Make sure your voter registration is up to date and that you have requested your absentee ballot, if that’s your preferred method of voting, with plenty of time to have it mailed to your address. These are two important steps you need to take to participate in the voting process. It’s important to make sure you request your ballot before the deadline expires. If you decide to change your political party, it’s important to follow the local Supervisor of Elections procedure to do so. Complete this step with enough time so you can cast your ballot. If you don’t meet the timeframes your Supervisors of Elections has established, you won’t be able to vote until the next election cycle.

People with disabilities can sometimes find voting intimidating. Maybe you’re concerned about how a poll worker will react if you ask for help. They are trained and there to help. Whether it’s because of barriers such as voter accessibility at the polls, long lines or even the current pandemic, every attempt should be made by voters with disabilities to have their ballot counted. Some people think their vote won’t make a difference but in reality, every vote counts.

Even local elections are important. When we have problems accessing services in our community, local government officials can be a source of support and guidance. Depending on the situation you’re facing, they may be the first place to turn. They can be a resource that should be tapped into more than is currently the case. Some people only vote in November because they feel it’s the only election that matters. Primaries are also important because in some cases, those elections are the only ones that have to happen to determine the next candidate that will hold a particular office.

People with disabilities should let their voices be heard and vote for many reasons. This election year, getting out to vote is extremely important. The results will have long term implications on this country. It’s time for people with disabilities to take an active role in the political process of this country and vote. The choices you make will impact the lives of many and make up the America of the future.

Varying Communication Options Necessary Now More than Ever Due to the Pandemic

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During any sort of emergency, it’s important for people with various speech and hearing limitations to have the ability to communicate and receive information effectively.

Communication is important to get ideas and information across to people. Most people don’t give the simple act of communicating a second thought. People with hearing and other communication disabilities must have the information conveyed to them in a way they can understand while being able to communicate their needs as well. Effective communication is extremely important in these instances.

Simply put, effective communication means whatever is written or spoken must be as clear and understandable to people with disabilities as it is for people who do not have a disability. For people with hearing disabilities, utilizing the services of an Oral interpreter or an American Sign Language interpreter are excellent examples that help facilitate effective communication.

Oral interpreters use silent lip movements to repeat spoken words. American Sign Language is visual in nature. Sign language is not a universal language. Just like there are many different languages spoken around the world, each country has its own sign language. It’s also important to know that American Sign Language (ASL) is not the same as English. For example, it may not be effective communication to use note taking with an individual who is deaf in place of American Sign Language. The best way to avoid any guesswork or miscommunication is to ask the person what type of communication works best for them. It’s important to remember that the individual is the expert on their disability. They know what is best for their particular situation.

An ongoing theme I stress in many of my writings is the availability and use of assistive technology. Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. Assistive technology takes many forms. Most recently, there has been an increase in the use of 911 to text messaging. This not only helps someone who can’t speak due to a dangerous situation, but also someone unable to communicate due to a speech disability or other impairment that hinders communication.

AAC devices can also be another option for communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help people with communication disorders express themselves. These devices can range from a simple picture board to a computer program that synthesizes speech from text.

In a news story recently broadcasted, the work of sign language interpreters was highlighted. It showed how they bridge the gap of communication to help deliver important information. The impact their work makes on people’s lives, quite often behind the scenes, is crucial to allow access for all.

It was good to see the sign language interpreter out in front because it showed that not only were government officials doing their due diligence to ensure everyone has access to needed information, but was a visible acknowledgement of an ongoing effort for increased inclusion in the community. During a time of so much political divide and uncertainty in our country, it felt like a way our community was somehow being unified. The fact that the local news station invested the time and effort in putting the story together also demonstrated a shift toward further inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

The availability of accurate information is always important for everyone. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have other communication disabilities are a population that must receive communication and be able to express ideas in alternate formats accessible to them. Sign language interpreters and other varying modes of communication are an integral part of that equation. They provide a gateway that wouldn’t otherwise be available but continues to be extremely needed.

Back to School Survival Guide

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Parents getting ready to send little ones off to school experience mixed emotions. As a parent with a disability, the experience isn’t any different.

During the time of a pandemic, it can seem even more nerve-wracking. Safety concerns are now more common. We need to take precautions for our children and family like never before. While keeping this in mind, don’t lose sight of the adventure school can be for our students. This is an exciting time in both you and your child’s lives. The learning and growth of our children that happens each year molds them into the adults of the future. Making preparations before the first day of school is sure to help create wonderful memories. Here are some ideas to help you get through the first few weeks of a new school year.

As parents, we are our children’s first teachers. When our kids go to school, their teachers add a layer to that learning. Although going back to school looks different now because of the pandemic, it’s important to encourage your child to do their best and enjoy the experience.

“Meet the Teacher” is typically the first thing that happens before the school year starts. This is a critical time to speak with your child’s teacher so you know their expectations of your student. It’s a good idea to work with them to form a collaboration. During this meeting, teachers can be reassured you are there to help your child while also being a source of support to them. The collaboration you form can greatly benefit your child throughout the school year.

A valuable strategy you can use to get your child ready for school is implementing a routine at home. Routines can be of great assistance to our children for many reasons. They provide a sense of security and certainty to how they are expected to behave. Routines also provide a schedule that lets students know the amount of time they have to complete specific tasks. Routines are also helpful for students so they can anticipate what comes next in their day at home and school.

Don’t be afraid to be an involved parent in your child’s education. When people see you have a disability, it opens up avenues of communication. It allows people to ask questions they may otherwise be afraid to ask. As a result, your interaction with them can even dispel stereotypes they might have about people with disabilities.

Keeping up with your child’s assignments and adding to their learning experience can enhance your student’s education. Working with your child’s teacher to find out what’s going on in the classroom can be helpful in many ways. Being informed about classroom goals gives you an opportunity to implement certain activities at home. Games and television shows can be chosen that are geared toward ideas being taught in school. This gives your child a chance to practice what they’re learning at school on weekends. These activities can provide reinforcement of important concepts. As a result, kids can be better prepared for the materials being covered in the classroom.

This year some parents have decided to use the distance learning option offered by certain school districts because it is the best choice for their family. Setting up a separate space for learning at home is a great idea. It helps kids stay focused on their schoolwork. Having a morning and after school routine is another good way to put your child in learning mode. This gives kids an opportunity to prepare themselves for interacting with their teacher virtually. They can also have set activities to help them wind down at the end of the day.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, technology is being used more frequently and is more acceptable than ever before. The truth is, it has always been there to lend parents with a disability a helping hand. Technology can become your best friend to make communicating with your child’s teacher easier. Things like Skype, email or even the phone can help you schedule conferences or quick chats to stay in the loop of what’s going on with your child’s progress in the classroom.

Having open communication with your child’s teacher using these techniques will help increase your child’s educational success. If your child happens to encounter issues at school that need to be addressed, knowing all expectations beforehand makes it easier not only to troubleshoot problems, but increases the chances of promptly remedying the issue.

These are straightforward ideas available to anyone. However, when you are faced with certain situations, you may not be sure where to begin. Hopefully, you will use this as a survival guide or the beginnings of a road map that can help you come up with something similar that works best for you and your family.

Practical Solutions to get Through the Pandemic

July 30, 2020September 2, 2020 by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

During these difficult times most of us are spending a lot of time at home. Because of the importance of social distancing to help flatten the curve of the spread of the coronavirus, everyday tasks like going to the grocery store or the bank are important, but now carry a level of risk that didn’t exist before.

In one of my older posts, I talk about how assistive technology helps people with disabilities live independently. Devices like smart speakers, automatic locking devices for front doors, smartwatches and smart thermostats are now available. They add a level of ease to everyday life. These modern conveniences are great resources for people with disabilities too. They offer a level of accessibility that has not been available before. Now more than ever, it’s important to share some solutions to help us all get through the pandemic safely and offer people with disabilities useful information on getting their day to day chores done.

Online shopping has existed for quite some time. The upgrade to this is on-demand shopping services. There are many options to consider based on individual needs. They offer same day delivery of grocery items, essentials from drug stores and even Target. I talk about this alternative to conventional shopping in a previous post and even provided a review of one service. Since then, demand for similar services has increased. One positive aspect of utilizing this type of delivery, particularly in the case of Instacart, is that the person assigned to putting your order together will communicate with you if your requested items are out of stock. They do their best to find comparable replacements to fill your order so you can get what you need.

The way we handle our banking needs has also evolved. Mobile banking is now available through most financial institutions. It’s as easy as using your smartphone to download the app. Once you have it installed, you can do things like check your available balance, deposit a check, or even transfer money with just a swipe of your finger. There’s no need to worry about sitting in line at a bank drive-thru or getting in line to complete a transaction with a bank teller anymore.

Along with contactless delivery now being offered by places like Dominos, it’s easy to monitor who is coming to drop things off at your home. Services like Ring and Blink are now available. They make it easy for you to see who is at your door and let you communicate with the person without ever being face to face. Additional conveniences of both products is they each have motion detection and night vision capability. This allows you to monitor activity going on outside your home anytime, day or night. They both have pros and cons so, it’s best to research each one before deciding which one to choose.

Although these solutions are available to anyone, it’s always important for people with disabilities to have different resources at their fingertips. Having information on different options allows people with disabilities the opportunity to plan alternative and safe ways to get things done. Compiling this kind of information helps reduce stress and stay focused on what you need to do while keeping you and your family safe. That is a win-win situation for everyone involved.