These Toy Cars Help Kids With Disabilities Get Moving

For individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington, D.C., inclusion’s uphill battle, while still happening, has shown results. After the practice of institutionalization ended decades ago, there was a shift to group home living, nonprofit advocacy groups, and job placements. Challenges remain though, like slow-moving bureaucracy, funding, and those still fighting inclusion, but moves toward inclusive jobs and living continue.

It is not uncommon for senior citizens to face mobility issues, but a clinic in Guanacaste is working to "boost mobility for senior citizens and, along with it, their independence and safety." The program, which attendees eventually graduate from, places individuals of similar ability in groups where they work on mobility techniques with a physical therapist while also socializing with their peers.

At least five people who were paralyzed are walking, thanks to a pain stimulator and physical therapy. The stimulator, which is implanted in the body, sends electricity to the spine, and combined with therapy, can retrain the body to walk again. “The first day I took steps on my own was an emotional milestone in my recovery that I’ll never forget, as one minute I was walking with the trainer’s assistance and, while they stopped, I continued walking on my own.”

What began as an individual project for a family adapting toys for their children with disabilities to use and communicate with has turned into a global non-profit operation. With a dedicated volunteer base and a frugal idea to make toys more accessible, those with disabilities across the world have been able to receive toys that are both fun and accessible.

People with HIV/AIDS don't always know where to go for help or don't feel empowered to return when psychiatrists or doctors seem unwelcoming. Organizations throughout Washington, D.C. are working against perception by providing comprehensive approaches to health care services.

Providing a comprehensive approach helps veterans struggling with addiction. At the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, when VA campus police who identify drug-related cases, patients are also paired with social workers and representatives of job placement programs. The benefit plan of the VA system provides a range of services, including medical care, addiction treatment, counseling, and social services such as housing or job assistance.

When the coronavirus pandemic shut down school buildings and led to many people working from home in New York City, a city child care program was launched to give children a place to go while they were learning from home. However, the program failed to accommodate children with disabilities who required the assistance of a paraprofessional. After realizing the gap in care, the city is now working to increase access.

Employment intermediaries from VšĮ SOPA act as workforce development counselors and recruiters for both employers and people with disabilities. By preparing people for jobs that fit their abilities, and then aiding in a job search, the intermediaries are able to place about half of their 100-plus clients in appropriate jobs. Common in Western Europe, where government funding enables such services, the service in Lithuania relies on private funding, which can be less stable. Jobs for people with disabilities provide self-confidence and independence.

A team of sign language interpreters across Nigeria translated into indigenous Nigerian sign language, the internationally acclaimed book “My Hero is You” which helps children, their parents and caregivers understand and answer questions about the coronavirus. With the signing of this book into an indigenous Nigerian sign language, deaf signers can now reach out to their communities. They teach them in the sign language they understand, using local words to explain how the virus came to be and how to prevent its spread and protect their communities.

One Nigerian religious center offers a safe space where the hearing impaired can use sign language to communicate and build community. The Christian Mission for the Deaf Church’s members feel empowered through dance, music, and worship, while children of deaf adults build skills and friendship.