-
More Than Work: Autism, Stigma, and the Power of Belonging
What could karaoke possibly have to do with autism and workplace stigma? We’ll get to that, but first, allow us to explain what we do for a living. We are both privileged to work in the Employment Program at an agency called Job Path, where we match people with autism and other disabilities...
-
How Digital Health Ecosystems Are Shaping the Future of I/DD Support
The disability service sector finds itself at a crossroads. The current federal administration is working with Congress to reduce the size of government and overall spending levels. It is likely that this will affect Medicaid Long Term Service and Supports in many states, creating concern within...
-
The Neurodiversity Movement: Promoting Acceptance and Understanding
Diversity is a cornerstone of human society, encompassing the range of identities, experiences, and backgrounds people bring to their communities. This includes differences in ability, race, gender, age, and more. For people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), diversity also...
-
Medicaid Cuts Will Put People Like Me at Risk
My name is Jimmy Tucker. I have a learning disability, and I am on the autism spectrum. In school and in adult life, I never felt like I fit in. I’ve always felt different, and that made things harder for me. But Medicaid-funded programs have helped me find my way. These are the supports I rely...
-
More Than Words: Empowering the Voices of People with Autism
Living Resources, a Capital Region agency where I proudly work, serves about 1900 people with autism or other disabilities and life-challenging conditions. As I pen this piece during the holiday season, I am reminded of one of the most rewarding and instructive moments I experienced at one of the...
-
The Importance of Personalized Support and Care for Autistic Adults
People with autism have the potential for growth at every stage of life. When providing care for autistic adults, know that every moment and interaction can make a difference in their well-being and independence if you understand how they learn. Many of the people who receive support at The Summit...
-
Innovative Recruitment Campaign Launched in NY State to Address Direct Support Professional Workforce Shortage
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide crucial services for more than 125,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, all across the state. The important roles that DSPs serve cannot be understated; I see it every day in my interactions and visits to...
-
The Economic Undervaluing of the Direct Support Professional Workforce: Unveiling Societal Values and Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
In the intricate tapestry of our society, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) stand as unsung heroes, offering unwavering support to individuals with disabilities. However, despite their invaluable contributions, the DSP workforce remains severely undervalued economically, reflecting broader...
-
Hiring People with Disabilities as Direct Support Staff – AHRC NYC Advance & Earn Provides Training and Support for NYC Youth With and Without Disabilities
“He has this desire to learn.” “I knew he was personable and had the temperament for the job.” These are the words of some AHRC New York City staff describing Alex DeCarlo, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who brings a unique perspective to his colleagues and the people with...
-
An Interview with the New York State OASAS, OMH, and OPWDD Commissioners to Address Critical Healthcare Issues
In a rare opportunity, Mental Health News Education, publisher of Autism Spectrum News and Behavioral Health News, has brought together the Commissioners of the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), The NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and The NYS Office for People with...
