Fit For A Queen

While much of the world paid tribute to Great Britain’s former queen this past week, I decided to learn a bit about what she did to help people with disabilities during her historic reign. I knew about and was understandably critical of the Royal Family’s ill-treatment of relatives with intellectual disabilities. But I was unaware of the Queen Elizabeth Foundation (QEF), which provides a range of services to help people with physical and learning disabilities achieve greater independence in their lives. Here’s a QEF clip of great tips for flying with a motorized wheelchair:

Much of this advice, and other info from the QEF website, applies to life outside the U.K., too. And that’s the thing, isn’t it? Our experiences, both good and bad, are often universal. No matter where we live, how old we are, or what we do for a living, we care about many of the same things — especially those things that impact our family members, friends and colleagues with disabilities.

This newsletter spotlights issues of concern to families everywhere who care for and about each other. I hope the information helps you learn about something new or understand something a bit better, including yourself and the people around you.

It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.

—Queen Elizabeth II, R.I.P. 

Moving in the right direction.

Research indicates that nearly 50% of all workers are or will soon become caregivers for a child or parent. And as a recent article from The New York Times explains in vivid detail, the cost of family caregiving can be extreme. Shouldn’t we think about how to accommodate caregivers better in the workplace? Here are some ways we can shift our support of caregivers to ensure they have what they need to perform optimally at both work and home. Click here for additional info on Community Care Corps, a national program connecting volunteers with caregivers in need.

Please pass the clicker.

Films and movies can entertain us, teach us or sometimes just help us think about something in a different way. Depending upon your mood, maybe one of these is of interest:

1. Extraordinary Attorney Woo was the most watched title on Netflix last month. This light-hearted Korean drama about a young woman with autism who takes her super high IQ to work at a super high-powered law firm has received rave reviews and some not-so-raves. The range of reactions to such a popular show is very interesting to me, and I’m eager to hear what you think. Having only watched the first two episodes, my jury is still out. Please leave a comment below if you care to share. I value your opinions more than anything Rotten Tomatoes has to say.

3. Based on a true story (or so says Hollywood!), GG & Nate is promoted as a heart-warming movie about hope and friendship. It captures the loving bond between a young man who is paralyzed and his service monkey. Rated PG13 and now showing in theaters. Again, I wonder, who has seen this and what did you think? Too cute-sy or just cute enough?

4. He’s My Brother, is an emotional PBS documentary about a 31-year-old Danish man man with autism who is also deaf and blind. Told from the perspective of his sister, Christine, this gripping film chronicles the challenges faced by families and siblings, especially as children age, and spotlights the necessity of societal support and future planning to help with such hardships. It’s difficult to watch, but an important life story for people to understand. Reactions? Please share.

Back to school time.

1. I recently came across this video that explains “stimming” and how repetitive behaviors can be helpful to people with autism. Seems like a powerful tool to help increase understanding by people of all ages.

2. Join BCBA and assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Laurie Sperry, for two free virtual webinars next month on internet safety and love/friendship/sexuality for people with autism. Sponsored by Chapel Haven Schleifer Center in New Haven, CT. For details and registration, click here.

3. Together for Choice is hosting a free informational webinar next week on “Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs”. Learn more here about how to access this event online.

Up, up and away.

Here’s a great list of the best airlines for people with mobility impairments, along with a terrific PBS story on how to support travelers with disabilities (we can all help in some way). Safe travels, everyone!

 

Another Normal is a newsletter dedicated to helping families with disabilities bloom and thrive. Check out the archive for previous editions. And thanks for being here.

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