Film, Work, Voting & Travel

Welcome to our second issue of what we hope will become a valuable weekly addition to your e-mail in box: material and musings on a variety of subjects to help young adults with disabilities develop happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Topics include employment, travel, entitlements, recreation, housing, family supports and more.
 
Please let us know what you’re interested in learning more about so we can tailor our news in upcoming issues. And thanks for sharing this information with others via e-mail and social media.
 
No matter what life holds, your "normal" is whatever you make it. Another Normal helps cut through the clutter so you can enjoy figuring it out along the way.

"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream."

--C.S. Lewis

Lights. Camera. Action.
 ReelAbilities is the largest film festival in the U.S. dedicated to promoting awareness of and appreciation for the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. The festival presents award winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations throughout each hosting city. They’re offering “virtual screenings” in July to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Watch wonderful shorts on a variety of topics and full features like “Code of Freaks” and “Crip Camp,” followed by virtual Q&A sessions. An entertaining and educational way to beat the heat this month, and maybe even a chance for your young adult to host a Netflix viewing party for family and friends.

All in a day's work. 
We love learning about creative approaches to expanding employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities. With the arrival of summer, let’s celebrate ice cream, flowers and gardening. Businesses like these can be developed anywhere there’s energy and support for such an undertaking. The need is great, and research indicates that people with disabilities make the best employees.

Your vote matters.
People with disabilities need absentee voting now more than ever, due to increased risks associated with Covid-19. Many states currently provide this option to residents without requiring any justification for the request. Check here to see what’s required in your state. No one should have to choose between voting and staying safe.

Fly me to the moon.
Although we can’t travel much now, due to concerns from the coronavirus, it's never too soon to dream. Here’s a great website to start planning for the future, no matter where you’re interested in going. Also check out Cory Lee, an award-winning travel writer with a sense of adventure and spirit that makes us long for our next plane flight, boat ride and more. Now more than ever, certified travel agents are creating individual, family and group trips that meet the special needs of people with disabilities. Remember, you define your normal, which may include a wheelchair, behavioral challenges, or other sometimes-limiting aspects of disability. Don’t let that stop you from exploring and adventuring to whatever degree you desire.

Helpful hydration.
Drinking enough water each day can be hard for people with limited mobility. But it’s especially important during the hot summer months. After much trial and error, we stumbled upon the amazing Drink Partner System. Easy to attach, refill, clean and remove, this accessory features a convenient flex tube that requires limited lip strength/suction. The bottle holds 25 fluid ounces. Bottoms up!