The holidays can be stressful. Some families support a person with special needs. The season can be even harder for them. Changes in routine and loud, busy places bring extra challenges. Some caregivers do not get breaks, even when they are overwhelmed. We’re sharing real talk from three family caregivers. We also share simple ways everyone can help with supporting family caregivers this season.

Guest Post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health Last month, we talked with Dr. Kim Fulda about substance use disorder (SUD). It can affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We’re heading into the holidays. This is a time when people feel stress. It might cause them to start or increase substance use. So this month, Dr.

Tomorrow is Election Day! Voting is a powerful way to make your voice heard. The people we elect make choices that affect our daily lives. This includes our health care, education, and support services. When you vote, you shape what happens in your community and our country. Every vote counts. Your voice matters. In this video, James talks to us from Washington, DC.

It’s homecoming season. Across the country, people are cheering for their teams. They are celebrating “Friday night lights.” It’s a fun time for students to come together. But for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), those moments of celebration never happen. They may be included in the classroom. But they are left out when the bell rings. They deserve inclusion beyond the classroom.

World Mental Health Day was October 10. We can use this time to remember that mental health is a human right for people with IDD. To support IDD and mental health, going beyond the basics includes care that is fair. It should be respectful. It should center on the whole person. IDD and Mental Health Needs Mental health is important for everyone.

Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use. Last month, we learned that people with IDD can have substance use disorder (SUD). We learned the truth about some harmful myths.  UNT Health is leading a project in Texas to share the truth about SUD.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

September 22 is National Family Day. But we’re taking it over! We're calling it “National Found Family Day.” For many, family is a source of love and support. But for some, family relationships are hard. Families may not accept people as they are. When that happens, a found family can be life changing. Found family is a group of trusted people who care for you.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

September is Deaf Awareness Month. This is a time to learn about Deaf culture. It’s about building spaces that are welcome to everyone. It is also a time to celebrate the Deaf IDD community. Deaf Culture Deaf culture is full of stories and customs. Many people take pride in who they are as part of the Deaf community. They celebrate Deaf artists, athletes, and leaders, like Judith Scott.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

Every worker should be paid fairly. But people with disabilities do not always get fair pay. They can even be paid less than minimum wage. In July, we talked about fighting for the right to live in the community. We must also fight for the right to fair pay for people with IDD.  Meaningful Work Meaningful work builds on people’s talents and skills.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

Back-to-school month continues! This week, we talk about high expectations for self-advocates. When teachers set the bar high, students succeed. But only when they also get the right support. A Lifetime Love of Learning When teachers believe in their students, amazing things can happen. James Meadours is a great example. In high school, he was short one English credit to graduate.

We're sharing more posts for Independence Month. Today, we are talking about community living. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should live as they choose. Community living is a big part of that. It's not just better for self-advocates. It’s better for everyone! Community Living Helps Self-Advocates Community living gives people with IDD control over their lives. They get to say where they live and who they live with.

Vídeos sobre prevención de agresiones sexuales, relaciones y más #PrevenciónDeAgresionesSexuales #relaciones #IDD #Neurodiversity #SelfAdvocacy #Autogestor W...

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

We’re wrapping up Independence Month. You might think asking for help is the opposite of being independent. The truth is, we all need support to build the lives we want. You can build your circle of support. What Is a Circle of Support? A circle of support is a group of people who care about you. They help you make choices, solve problems, and reach your goals.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network