Stimulus, Sand & Structure

Welcome to this week’s edition of my free e-newsletter dedicated to helping families with disabilities learn to bloom. Thanks for being here.

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the contributions and challenges of people with disabilities in communities everywhere. Great strides have been made since this month was established back in 1987; however, there’s still much work to be done. Please share this newsletter with someone to encourage more progress.

You can also inspire others by commenting below about what you’re doing in your community to build meaningful connections and opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities. Please highlight a special activity or organization so we can all learn to bloom.

Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.

— Mary Tyler Moore

Stimulus savings.

Policy makers expect to approve a new round of $1,400 stimulus checks this week to help offset economic challenges brought on by the pandemic. Financial advisors are now urging people with disabilities to save some of that money in tax-favored ABLE accounts to avoid the loss of need-based government benefits like Medicaid and SSI. Washington, DC and 43 states offer ABLE accounts. And you don’t need to live in the state where you open one. In many cases, ABLE account funds can be used to save for major purchases like a home or apartment, accessible vehicle, and even legal fees. Have you opened an ABLE account? Please share thoughts and suggestions for others below.

 

On a lighter note.

In an effort to be more inclusive, the social media app Snapchat has launched Bitmoji avatars using wheelchairs. The company says it’s working hard to enable all users to more accurately portray themselves on the platform. Use this suggestion form to help Snapchat improve its designs and work towards greater inclusion for all users.

 

Roll with it.

Speaking of wheelchairs, check out this wonderful program in North Carolina that enables people with mobility impairments to access the beach, many for the first time ever. Our family also loves the Mobi chair, which many coastal communities are now purchasing for use at public beaches. The company also offers beach mats and other products to make navigating sand, shells and surf much easier for those who need to roll. Several years ago, I worked with a municipal commission on disabilities to purchase these items for our town. What does your town need?

Break the boredom.

Since life isn’t always “a day at the beach,” I’m sharing a new resource I found to help stave off boredom from being at home so much during Covid19. This video offers parents, caregivers and others some creative and clever ways to facilitate learning and growth. Ensuring your loved one’s day includes structured fun is especially essential during these tough times. Here are some other ways to keep people productive and on-task, even when your days start to run together. Please share your ideas to help others make the most of the pandemic-filled weeks ahead.

Coffee, custard and courage.

Check out Chris’s Coffee & Custard, which opened recently in Roanoke, VA. Yet another example of one mother’s commitment to building employment opportunities in her community for individuals with disabilities. Where hot coffee meets cool friends!