Life Skills, Self-Advocacy & Holiday Shopping

Another week awaits us. Happy Monday!

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.

—Aristotle

You’ve got this.

I just downloaded this great poster for our son’s room. We discussed it at dinner and again the next day. Love all the reminders and examples to help in his journey to independence. Even though not all the categories apply to everyone, it’s an excellent conversation-starter for young adults with a variety of special needs. So is this article on how to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health as a person with disabilities. Sometimes parents need a vehicle to bring up complicated subjects. Hope these are helpful.

Talk to me.

Here’s a great video to share with young adults, too. It highlights the importance of self-advocacy, one of the most vital skills a young adult with disabilities can have. This short Ted Talk is pretty great, too.

https://youtu.be/ccIAqPjwKcY

The message is simple: the best way to create a more inclusive society is to just talk to one another. Best Buddies offers guidance here. And this “poster club” says it with signs. What can you do in your community to help advance inclusion and increase understanding?

Turn the page.

Some of us read to escape the real world. Others read for information and guidance on how to improve our realities. Honestly, I do both. Next on my list is this new book by Sheryl Sandburg about resilience, joy and adversity. What are you reading these days?

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Started your holiday shopping yet? I love these new dolls with disabilities, available at Kmart. Wal-Mart offers a block set along this theme, and Amazon is also getting in on the action. What a great gift to make disability discussions a part of everyday life, beginning at a very early age. If shoes are on your list, check out how Zappos is offering functional yet fashionable footwear, including adaptive Uggs. All just a click away!

What resources do you have to help families navigate life with a disability? I'd love to feature products, services, books, podcasts, events and anything else that helps us on our journeys.