#learning disability social worker role

[zylomarshall]

Zylo Marshall - Disabled Rights Advocacy & Awareness

Website: https://www.zylomarshall.com

Zylo Marshall's website is a platform dedicated to addressing the challenges and injustices faced by individuals with disabilities. With over forty years of personal experience in traumatic brain injury and neurological brain damage, Zylo Marshall provides a unique perspective on the struggles of disabled individuals. The site emphasizes the importance of treating disabled people with respect and equality, and aims to raise awareness about the exploitation and discrimination they often face.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zylomarshallstory

Keywords: brain injury awareness month disability rights advocate brain injury rehabilitation near me brain injury rehabilitation centers near me disability inclusion in the workplace abuse of disabled adults disability abuse laws traumatic brain injury awareness ribbon traumatic brain injury awareness disability awareness games for adults disability awareness campaigns disability awareness activities for the workplace brain damage recovery chances disability advocacy training free disability awareness training advocacy for parents child protection brain injury awareness facts disabled welfare association learning disability social worker role disability awareness programs best disability campaigns self advocacy learning disabilities brain rehabilitation therapy learning disabilities advocacy groups disability advocacy resources brain injury awareness activities disabled rights movement methods disability discrimination awareness advocacy services communication physical disability advocacy brain injury awareness week 2024 brain injury awareness day 2024 neurological causes of brain damage activist for disability rights disabled rights activist dies disabled civil rights activist disabled animal rights activist disabled civil rights activists equal opportunities for disabled students signs of disability abuse abuse of intellectually disabled disability challenges awareness in school disability awareness programs for students disability inclusion efforts in the workplace

[viksalos]

The Mycelial Networking Project - A New Kind of Employment Structure for Neurodivergent Talent

Hey y'all--some of you might remember I used to be fairly active on here during my final few years of grad school, and then I nearly burned out of my PhD, found out I was autistic, and subsequently drastically reduced the time I spent on tumblr. Well, good news: I'm ok, I recovered from burnout, graduated, and discovered something surprising both in my PhD research and during my burnout recovery--cooperating with other people who are on the same wavelength as you is both more efficient for knowledge transfer in a variety of expert fields, and also socially healthier than struggling alone! Whoda thunk!

With that in mind, myself and Mykola Bilokonsky (creator of r/AutismTranslated, software developer, and Autistic coach) have been working for the past few months on the Mycelial Institute (at mycelial.institute in your address bar--I haven't linked it because tumblr search suppresses outside links, oops)

The Mycelial Institute is attempting to create a new kind of workplace that’s optimized for neurodivergent people. If you follow me on here or found this post from the tags, chances are you already know there are so many autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent folks who have so much to give but who struggle to do so in a traditional employment context. We can be some of the most passionate experts you know and we'll still be languishing in unemployment because we're not able to do things the way everyone else does - and as a result everyone is worse off.

What if there was a different kind of employment available? One that:

Was completely worker owned, without any kind of profit-taking or power hierarchy orthogonal to the specific goals of the organization?

Understood that there are many different ways to contribute, and that some people can be profoundly valuable in some of those ways while struggling with others - and so decoupled them!

Accepted the fact that disability isn’t a fringe experience to marginalize but a core component of most peoples’ lives - especially during the age of Covid - and so prioritized accommodation?

Embraced non-punitive accountability - we have goals, we have challenges. Sometimes we can’t meet a goal because of a challenge. Instead of that being a source of shame, how can we make that an accepted learning experience and build in additional supports?

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please visit mycelial.institute. We are currently very early in this process, and are actively seeking collaborators. Currently we’re trying to build a diverse leadership team, meaning we want to find folks across as many marginalized identities as we can to help us make foundational decisions. This includes disability - we want non-speakers and intellectually disabled leadership as well. (You don’t need to be interested in a leadership role to fill out our submission form, we’re gathering a pool of folks in general.)

More info below the readmore:

We are the 🍄Mycelial Institute because we are inspired by the decompositional half of ecologies that often goes overlooked. Rather than competing for winner-take-all dominance, mushrooms accept that everything dies eventually and simply wait their turn to build large distributed networks that break down the waste of the broader system, giving rise to new forms of life. No ecosystem is complete without this component, and our economics generally fail to acknowledge this meaningfully.

A “Mycelial Network” here is a new kind of collective workplace. The corporate structure is such that there’s a board that steers the organization, made up of members. The organization seeks paying work from large clients who have needs that can be served by our diverse and specialized membership - but it’s not really important what kind of work that is, as long as it’s ethical. So we may do R&D for one client, engineering for another client, data analysis for another client, whatever - as long as we have folks in our membership who have things to contribute, we can match member to tasks.

The way this is structured is something we’re still working on, but we are thinking it’s likely going to be something like a Social Purpose Corporation or an L3C. The point is, we seek high paying work and exceed the expectations of our clients with specialist output, but those specialists are supported by other members as they carry out their tasks.

So there’s room in this organization for folks with e.g. a deep special interest in esoteric engineering practices, but there’s also room for those folks who derive deep satisfaction from filling out paperwork, or doing compliance or QA oversight, etc. We are a collective, and that means that everyone’s time is valuable and we sink or swim collectively.

Members are paid based on the decisions made by the board, but we’re leaning towards a flatter pay scale where folks are paid for contributing period, rather than treating some peoples’ time as more valuable than others, because we recognize that it requires a collective effort to get the work done and keep the client happy.

The organization itself may choose to keep a portion of proceeds to pay into a “Subsidy Pool”, which can be used to pay members to provide services to other members who couldn’t otherwise afford them. But nobody is getting a cut just for investing or anything like that, this institution doesn’t exist to enrich founders, it exists to cast a wide net of support for members of the served community.

(So far everyone involved is US-based and this will likely be a US-based organization, at least to start. That said, we don’t yet know what we don’t know, and welcome collaborators from other parts of the world at least for early days when we’re not making money etc yet anyway.

Just, we’re going to be figuring it out as we go along.)

-> mycelial.institute <-

[sleepingdeath-light]

how she’d treat her adopted child hcs ; brandy

requested by ; anonymous (14/07/23)

fandom(s) ; bluey

fandom masterlist(s) ; here

character(s) ; brandy cattle

outline ; “hello! I heard that you do sfw requests for Bluey. I was wondering if you could do a Brandi and a adopted child reader? Like headcanons on Brandi being a mom to an adopted child reader”

warning(s) ; none, just fluff!

once she’d set her mind to it, brandy spent years preparing to adopt a child: sorting out paperwork, consulting everyone from specialists in children’s mental health to social workers and anyone in between, researching different schools, contacting different adoption agencies and preparing her house and her spare room to make everything child proof and child friendly

hell she even had chilli and bandit on speed dial and ended up consulting bluey and bingo for ideas as to what a child their age might want/enjoy — which meant many a shopping trip and ‘meetings’ that the girls took surprisingly seriously

and in the end all of the stress and costs were worth it because she got to take you home

the child (not baby, not toddler) who she’d met on chance and immediately fallen in love with — and who quickly took to her enough to agree to her taking you home with her (after everything was sorted out legally, of course)

she’s extremely gentle and cautious with you — patient to a ‘t’ as she lets you get a grasp on your new surroundings and home

she doesn’t force you to call her anything, simply introducing herself and stating her role and telling you that you can call her whatever feels the most comfortable to you

(but, of course, she does hope that one day — even if it takes some time — you’ll be happy to call her ‘mum’)

takes her time to learn about you through play and conversation — asking about your favourite dinosaurs and least favourite colour but also engaging you in conversation about your latest interest

she wants to know about everything that makes you happy, really, because she wants to be able to make you happy herself

respects your boundaries and implements a system where you’re comfortable and allowed to say ‘no’ or ‘i need some space right now’ — taking some things out of her sister’s parenting playbook and giving them her own twist

she even has a cool down corner for you stocked with the textures you prefer, plenty of your favourite type of toy and some age appropriate books that she snagged from a book fair by bribing bluey

brandy is also the type of mum who has a whole binder and schedule filled with the things you need — be that specific types of medication and doses, foods you can/can’t eat (be that due to allergies or sensory issues), any disabilities and schedules for things like appointments

she also does a heck of a lot of research (independent and aided by professionals) if you do have any disabilities and/or neurodivergence because she wants to keep you facilitated and accommodated in every way — whether that’s finding the best mobility aid or the type of medication that works best for you or even coming up with fun ways to help you compartmentalise and better focus/ground yourself

it really does depend on your specific needs, but no matter what she makes every effort to accommodate you because that’s what a good mum does

she usually either calls you by your name or ‘sweets’ (as well as variations of that nickname)

encourages you to be silly and to have fun, but she’s also pretty protective over you — like she’ll push you to go beyond your comfort zone every now and then but she does have a habit of fussing over you when you get a bruise, nick or scrape

it’s a habit she’s trying to break as you get older and become more independent, but you’re still her baby and she hates when you get hurt

you have frequent play dates with your cousins and the girls adore you — constantly coming up with new games that you can play or just lounging around with you and chatting about your lates grievances

you’ve only seen one instance of the ‘onesie’ issue and thankfully your mum was able to airlift you to safety before bingo ate you alive — it was a mightily close call (you three had a lot of fun that day, and arguably so did your parents)

every piece of art, sculpture, award, certificate or piece of writing you bring home gets displayed proudly by your mum or kept safely elsewhere

your writing and art pieces have their own scrapbook, for example, and your certificates have their own binder

sculptures, meanwhile, end up scattered about the house — mainly on her bedside table or on the mantle

if you are a part of a youth club — whether it’s sports, dance, choir, artsy/creative or acting/drama — then brandy is going to show up to all of your public appearances to support you as loudly and proudly as is appropriate

(like she’ll loudly cheer at a sporting event but she’ll rein herself in for a play)

your aunty, uncle and the girls also show up because how could they not? you show up for your cousins, after all

in short: you’ll grow up absolutely surrounded by unconditional love, encouragement and praise by both your adopted mother and your new family — and they’ll all stand beside or behind you and support you whenever you need them

because that’s just what family does

[buttacake80]

Gotta ask, you’re a lawyer, social worker, writer, NHL fan who’s been to many many games, you hold two degrees across various fields and universities, etc etc…how did you manage to do it all??? What is your life story??? Genuinely asking bc it is very admirable.

Black girl magic.

Genuinely.

When I was 4, I was sexually abused by a relative, then abused again at 6 by a neighbor. Around that same age, I was called nigger for the first time.

My dad was a military officer. I attended 6 different schools between K-8.

Through my dad, I am Black & Native. Through my mom, I am Black & Irish. My paternal grandfather was the product of rape, so he never knew his Native family. My maternal grandfather was a white Irish-American man who grew up in a sundown and attended lynchings as a young man. We learned about his racist past when my aunt went through his chest and found momentos & photos from the lynchings.

When I was a teenager, this same grandfather developed Alsheimers & would call me nigger, tar-baby, and porch monkey when I went to visit my grandma. Other times, when he didn't recognize me, he would approach me with just in his eyes. He would comb down his blond hair, adjust his clothes, then approach flirtatiously. I would have to avoid his hands.

We called him "Mr. Howard" and not grandpa.

In high school, my parents divorced, and we moved to my mother's hometown, where I befriended Black kids who were members of GD, VL, and LK. I got in trouble for fighting and was suspended and expelled from school activities for a semester.

Within a two year period, I lost 6 classmates to car accidents, including my senior year locker buddy.

In high school, I met a junior hockey player who had a crush on my best friend. He invited us to a game where he got in a fight & knocked a dude's tooth out. Thus, I fell in love with hockey.

I attended a PWI on a merit scholarship. I befriended mostly white girls, so that's how I learned about their inner group dynamics.

Got into law school. Did bad my first year. I never learned how to study. I have an excellent memory, so I would read something and retain it. That worked well in undergrad but not so well in law school. I turned my grades around by my final year, but in that same year, I lost my paternal grandfather and my roommate. My roommate died at her computer. They did multiple autopsies but never determined the cause of death. Marta just exhaled and died.

I was interviewing for a prosecutor role in Chicago when I started to have nightly visits from an old hag. I would be in lecture and have an impulse to jump from my seat and shred my clothes with my nails. I was representing a DV victim in her employment case when I had a panic attack and missed an administrative hearing. That was when I decided not to become an attorney.

After law school, I got a job at Amazon.com during its early days. I was there before the Kindle launched, and Jeff B was in my chain of command. I would get 3am emails from him. Had to leave when I found one of my coworkers sleeping under their desk.

So I moved to Ireland and got another degree. Wrote my dissertation on White Men, then returned to Amazon for a few months before jumping to work in government.

I have worked in the court system. I have been a child welfare social worker. I was hand selected to serve as a discharge social worker, working at an inpatient & FORENSIC hospital where I worked with pedophiles, murderers, and rapists. I was assaulted and left brain-injured by such a person.

I had to relearn how to walk and talk properly. I have lost jobs due to my disability and fought off abusive landlords who tried to evict me when I refused to sleep with him.

I have faced legitimate moments when I thought about ending my life, but I have such a strong desire to live. Tomorrow always brings a new day with new opportunities. I know every hardship & every trauma had only made me stronger.

Thank you for asking.

[fatfemmefreaquency]

hey y’all. i’ve been innactive here for an age, it seems

there were a few reasons for my disappearing act, but mostly i was increasingly sick of tumblr cracking down on “nsft” / “community guideline limited” content and how bleak that makes a social media/ microblogging space for sex workers and trans & queer folks, especially trans women/ transfeminine people and trans BIPoC

but… reasonably safe and sustainable spaces to exist in on the internet are rapidly disappearing (and by “disappearing” i mostly mean being actively destroyed by asshole tech bros), so after a couple months of lurking on tumblr more than i have in the past two-ish years, i think i’m going to start posting here again (maybe)

i’m a lot less “extremely-online” than i used to be and spend most of my time away from social media these days—even when i’m on a computer

and i’m not sure if i’ll be here to stay

tumblr is still really cracking down on content that is restricted by community guidelines, and while i “get it,” this still fundamentally seems like a violation of freedom of expression to me—and it’s a policy that is disproportionately applied against trans and queer folks like myself at a time when creeping fascism already aggressively targets us for censorship, stigma, and other violent harm

i’m also not sure that social media/ microblogging in general still has the same place in my life that it used to

i came of age on the internet and on tumblr in particular. i’ve been posting on tumblr on one blog or another since 2010

but the internet (like most other spaces in the world) is increasingly oppressive, hierarchical, tightly controlled and surveilled by both major multi-national corporations and governments, anti-freedom, and in many spaces out-and-out fascist—and being a marginalized person (in my personal case: trans, queer, disabled, and more) in public spaces is a precarious position these days

so… all that to say: hi again! if you’re still following! i hope you’ve been well! (feel free to unfollow if you don’t want to still be following me—i know it’s been a while since i would have last crossed your dash)

i used to be “toadbutch” (once upon a time i was “neko-catsume” and before that even i was “passingprivilege” (cringy! i know! I was like… 17) and before even that i was “marigoldmay” and, way back when i started on here, “etaunknown”) but lately i’ve been on a journey and…

as i transition i’ve realized that i mostly wanted to be butch and embody that particular queer/ lesbian gender role because i wanted to be perceived as masculine/ androgynous and have my masculinity respected as a transmasc dyke

early on in my social transition i felt very insecure in both my masculinity and transness and felt that presenting femme, even though i wanted to embody a queer femininity and not a cishet femininity, would result in people—especially cis, straight, and non-queer people—misgendering me more

but the more comfy i get with my gender and my masculinity as i get further into my transition & grow into my adult self, the more i’ve settled into the realization that i’m very, very much femme—and a bit of a fruity femme at that. hence the URL change. i’m fat. i’m femme. and i’m not going to apologize for being bigender and riding the line between dykiness and faggotry

if you’re not here for that sort of queer complexity: here’s the door. you won’t be missed

tangentially related to my past desire to be butch/ identification with butchness and temporary embodiment of it:

i also love and admire butches and masc people—and particularly butch lesbians and women—very much. on some levels i wanted to be like them, to be like the people i admired so strongly. but it is possible to love people and feel a profound kinship with them and not choose or try to be like them—this is one of life’s profound joys and a lesson that i’m still learning

i have no idea if i’ll still be on tumblr in another day, a month, or a year

i definitely will still be my freaky boydyke, ladyfag self at all of those future moments though. so. count on that, i guess

i am never going to abandon my love for other lesbians and queer people. my support for people with complex identities and self-determination. and i will always love and admire queer masculinity and butch gender expression

i’m prepared to give tumblr another chance… even though i’m not sure i want to give any social media or any public expression of myself a chance in this current socio-political climate. and also in spite of the fact that the corporate entity behind tumblr seems plagued by the same flawed capitalist mindset that is damaging other social networks in this cultural moment

further: i’m just as wary of puritanical respectability-policing lgbtq+ people on here as i am of puritanical respectability-policing anti-queer and anti-trans conservatives

reactionaries exist in the lgbtq+ community every bit as much as they do amongst cishets. and i have no interest in engaging with anyone of either stripe

I’m profoundly disturbed by the level of radical feminist, sex negative, political lesbian, lesbian separatist, and trans-exclusionary, so-called “gender critical” ideology that has wormed its way into lgbtq+ spaces and into lesbian and sapphic communities as of late

too many young lgbtq people are aggressively exclusionary and most of their exclusionary ideas have their ideological roots in radical feminism and in separatist movements. these youth are often heavily puritanical, very detached from in-person queer community, unconnected to older generations of queer people (even to elder millennials or Gen X), and have no genuine understanding of queer history beyond misinformation and spin-doctored posturing posted by other respectability-seeking young people online

i fully support all good-faith queer self-determination. i fully support all consensual sexual activity between adults that is engaged in with healthy boundaries and with proper risk awareness

i support these things because i work to completely reject the respectability politics that are necessary to engage in any power-adjacent or privileged role within the white supremacist imperialist capitalist cis heteropatriarchy. you cannot dismantle any oppressive system while engaging in sex-negativity and policing the self-determination of queer and trans people

if actively posting on tumblr again brings me into contact with too many reactionaries, i might be here today and gone tomorrow

i guess we’ll just have to see

[slimy-eye]

Disability & The Jedi

I think a lot of people don’t quite realize just how diverse the Jedi are, from culture, to species, to language, and more. Many see the movies and automatically make the (incorrect) assumption that the life of a Jedi is one of battle, and that all Jedi are trained to fight. This is untrue, as there are multitudes of non-combat roles offered within the Jedi, from agriculture, to archivists, to healers, and social workers for specialized outreach programs, from navigators and diplomats, to educators, the Jedi have it all. They have more non-combat roles than they have combat roles!

Disability within the Jedi Order is not something that would cause particular concern. Physical disabilities, such as auto-immune diseases, or things like Diabetes, would be considerably easy to manage, and wouldn’t hinder a Jedi in any way. Healing force powers, such as Curato Salva, would practically cure such illnesses without the need for intensive medical care or frequent testing. As for those who’ve lost limbs, and even organs, highly advanced prosthetics exist to keep them on their feet no matter what their role in the Order might be. Those who find themselves blind (or born blind) can use abilities such as Force Sight to ensure that they are just as capable at ‘seeing’ as any other in the Order. 

Even developmental disabilities can find a place within the order in the many non-combat roles available. Combat is never required to be a Jedi. Jedi younglings choose the path of a padawan, and eventually, the Jedi Knight, if that is what they want. They are not forced to. They can instead choose to be farmers, ranchers, diplomats, healers, librarians, teachers, and so, so much more. 

It’s incredibly unfortunate that the movies only cared to show us the more combat oriented Jedi Knights, but I suppose the ‘action packed’ movies would be considerably less ‘action packed’ if they chose to focus upon Agricorps or one of the other service corps instead. So, we end up having to learn about the many, many, non-combat roles in other media, such as books. Which... is a shame.

Anyways, I just wanted to ramble about how delightful it is to know that anyone, regardless of who or what they are, or what they might be struggling with, can find a home within the Jedi Order. The Sith would kill such individuals like me, given their hard-on for dominating and murdering those they consider to be ‘weak’. The Jedi, however, protect and encourage their most vulnerable members, allowing them to find their own purpose, and life, within the Order. To the Jedi, everybody has worth and importance. Everybody is valuable.

[ot-stheh]

"I Am Sam" is a movie that explores the challenges faced by people with mental illness, The movie tells the story of Sam, a man with an intellectual disability a  mental illness that involves problems with general mental abilities that affect Intellectual functioning which includes  learning, problem solving, judgement and Adaptive functioning that includes activities of daily life such as communication and independent living (American Psychiatrist Associations 2023). This blog entry will reflect on this movie, reviewing the events from the perspective of an OT. 

Sam  functions at the age of a 7 year old and manages to raise his daughter Lucy to the age of  7 , when she turns 8 and her intellectual ability grows to be higher than  his ,He is shown in this film as  struggling to be a good father to his daughter, Sam faces many barriers to performing his role as a father due to his mental illness. His problems increase when social services get involved and he wants to take Lucy away from Sam to foster care as they believe he does not have the capacity to take care of his daughter Lucy. This leads to Sam fighting for her daughter in the court of law with the help of a lawyer, Rita.

  

Sam was presented to be struggling to engage in some occupations as well such as his occupation as an employee, he had difficulty with tasks such as organizing the shelves, operating the cash register, and interacting with customers and co-workers. He also had difficulty participating in community activities, such as going to the library or attending events. These challenges are due to his difficulty with executive functioning, social interaction, and emotional regulation, all of which are impacted by his mental illness. These difficulties are some of the reasons why it was presented in court that he does not have the ability to take care of 8-year-old and therefore lost custody of his daughter. These difficulties deprived him of his meaningful role, that of a father. 

 Not only does this movie reveal occupational an engagement difficulties of people living with mental ill but also reveal of how mental illness is often overlooked and under-resourced in the healthcare system. For example, Sam's mental health issues are not taken seriously by his social worker, who sees his difficulties as merely a result of his low IQ. Furthermore, Sam is not given access to the same resources and support that other people with disabilities receive, such as vocational rehabilitation or support groups that could have helped him to be better resourced and equipped to take care of his daughter.

The movie highlights the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness often face, both from the healthcare system and society at large, according to an article by health direct , stigma can cause people with mental illness to withdraw from society, after having denied custody of her daughter Sam withdraws from society and locks him self in his room, in a corner closed with paper origami, he could not deal with the emotions of dealing with the society that took his daughter away and believed to have no value in it.

 Occupational therapists could have intervened in several ways in this movie, First, they could have provided Sam with more support in the workplace, such as coaching and training on how to perform his tasks. This would have helped him be more successful at work and reduced the likelihood of termination. Second, occupational therapists could have helped Sam develop coping skills and strategies to manage his emotions, as well as strategies for navigating social situations. This would have helped him better interact with his co-workers and customers and reduced the likelihood of conflict or misunderstanding and thus helped him to keep custody of his daughter as a report from the Occupational therapist stating his capability and training would have saved his role as a father. 

Also, we see the law is portrayed as a barrier rather than a tool for supporting individuals with mental illness. Sam's case in court highlights how the law can be used to discriminate against people with mental illness, rather than protect their rights. Sam is denied custody of his daughter not because he is unable to care for her, but because of the stigma associated with his mental illness. This illustrates how the law can perpetuate stigma and discrimination, rather than promote inclusion and equality. The judge, who made decisions based on stereotypes and preconceived notions about people with mental illness, rather than on the evidence presented in court. 

 The movie "I Am Sam" offers several valuable lessons for occupational therapy supervisors. First, it shows the importance of taking everyone's situation into account and not making assumptions based on stereotypes or preconceived notions. Sam was not a typical client, and he required a unique approach that took into account his specific needs and abilities. Second, the movie demonstrates the power of collaboration and teamwork in achieving positive outcomes, that was demonstrated through some characters that supported him. Sam's friends and co-workers offered him support and encouragement, both at work and in his personal life. Sam's lawyer, who advocated for him in court and helped him present evidence of his capacity to parent his daughter. Lucy, Sam's daughter, who remained close to him and benefited from his love and care, despite the challenges of his mental illness. These characters helped Sam to engage in his roles as a friend, co-worker, and father, despite the barriers he faced. They demonstrated that support and understanding can make a big difference in the lives of people with mental illness.  

Finally, the movie emphasizes the value of compassion and understanding in helping clients to reach their goals, The importance of occupational therapy in helping people with mental illness overcome barriers to occupational engagement and fulfill their meaningful roles. 

References

Mahoney, W.J. et al. (2015) Occupational engagement and adults with intellectual disabilities, American Occupational Therapy Association. Available at: https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/70/1/7001350030p1/6123/Occupational-Engagement-and-Adults-With (Accessed: 30 September 2023).

[w-ht-w]

ADHD

Risk factors: Researchers are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other disorders, ADHD probably results from a combination of factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors that might raise the risk of developing ADHD and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments might play a role in ADHD.

ADHD is more common in males than females, and females with ADHD are more likely to primarily have inattention symptoms. People with ADHD often have other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, depression, and substance use disorder. (3)

Medication: The most common type of medication used for treating ADHD is called a “stimulant.” Although it may seem unusual to treat ADHD with a medication that is considered a stimulant, it works by increasing the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry, which means he or she has completed medical school and received specialized education and training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, such as ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety. Psychiatrists understand the complex relationship between physical and emotional disorders, as well as the benefits of multimodal treatment plans.

More than 48 percent of ADDitude readers surveyed said they have seen a psychiatrist for their child’s or their own ADHD treatment.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Some do provide talk therapy, but many focus primarily on medication management. In instances where talk therapy or other treatment strategies are deemed necessary, psychiatrists frequently work with other therapists — psychologists, social workers, or counselors — to balance medical and non-medical interventions. (1)

Psychologist

A psychologist has an advanced degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D). Traditionally, psychology Ph.D.s worked primarily in research or academia, but today many are clinical psychologists who actively treat patients. State laws for licensing of psychologists vary; in most states, psychologists can diagnose ADHD and other mental health disorders, but cannot prescribe medication.

More than 35 percent of ADDitude readers surveyed said they have seen a psychologist for their child’s or their own ADHD treatment.

Psychologists primarily treat patients using talk therapy, most often psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. If medication is needed and the psychologist is unable to prescribe, he or she may coordinate with a psychiatrist or medical doctor to manage a patient’s complete treatment plan. (1)

1. https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-doctors-psychiatrists-psychologists-and-more/

2. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29680085

But “can’t focus on boring/uninteresting tasks” is often presented as the main symptom. Like … yeah no shit it’s hard to focus on uninteresting things?

3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

[achilleanfemme]

SCOTUS v. Democracy

Capitalism and democracy are fundamentally opposed to one another. This is a tenant of socialist politics that I learned early on in my political development on the Marxist left in 2017. A social-political-economic system that supports claims to capitalist, minority control of private property over majoritarian, democratic claims to control of wealth and resources cannot support genuine popular, democratic sovereignty. The interests of the vast swaths of the world’s ordinary peoples who are workers, peasants, small farmers, small business owners, enslaved and incarcerated people are completely at odds with the rule of a small, owning-class elite. This has always been the core flaw of liberal democracy.

Liberalism, while a vast school of political thought, most typically seeks to balance private property rights with social, economic, and civil rights. Liberals support capitalism to some degree but also support democracy to some degree. The contradiction here has played out bloodily over-and-over across history. Large capitalists and their conservative and far-right allies will always support private property rights over democracy in times of crises. Ordinary people will nearly always support democracy over private property rights in a crisis (race, gender, religion, sexuality, caste, national origin, colonial status, and disability status are complicating factors here for sure). In our time of profound social, political, economic, and ecological crisis it is no wonder that the wheels are falling off liberal democratic institutions all over the world, as forces, especially those from the far-right, seek to permanently enshrine minority, capitalist rule to protect private property at the expense of the continued existence of humanity. 

In the United States of America, there is no shortage of examples of liberal and social democratic institutions collapsing under the weight of decades long rightwing rule and neoliberalism. The Supreme Court and the judiciary have played an outsized role in this forced democratic decay. One case before SCOTUS, Moore v. Harper, demonstrates just how far the MAGA right in the USA is willing to go to undermine democracy in the name of racial capitalist and hetero-patriarchal rule.

The Harper case, which is set to be argued before the High Court on December 7, revolves around a North Carolina Republican gerrymandered electoral map that was struck down by the state’s supreme court. The plaintiffs in the case, the conservatives, who support the gerrymandered map, are arguing in favor of a fringe, far-right legal theory known as the independent state legislature theory (ISLT). ISLT supporters argue that the US Constitution only allows state legislatures and federal courts to regulate elections in the USA (meaning not state or federal executive branches, state ballot measures, and federal legislatures). State legislatures and federal courts are notably two of the political institutions that are most captured by far-right forces in the USA. A recent New York Times piece notes, if ISLT is implemented by the Court, this would threaten state and municipal laws around ranked-choice voting, rights to a secret ballot, regulation of maintenance of voter rolls, and more. It would effectively mean the end of free-and-fair elections in states dominated by the Republican Party.

So, what is to be done? I have long argued that it has historically been the role of the Left to support liberal democracy in times of fascist insurgence. The liberal center has demonstrated throughout history an inability to stop and reverse slides towards far-right authoritarian capitalist rule. A further move away from any semblance of democracy in the USA would mean that leftwing movements would have to move completely underground. Many comrades would be disappeared, imprisoned, exiled, or killed and our movements would have to resort to guerilla style tactics to protect vulnerable communities that are already under assault under our current governmental regime. This would undoubtedly result in much more suffering and loss of life than if we are able to continue organizing for social and economic justice under our current liberal democratic arrangement. On a personal note, I rather like not dying in a White Power uprising.

Socialist and progressive support for liberal democracy does not mean support for the status quo. I believe massive social, economic, and democratic reforms are necessary to hold on to the US’s liberal democracy. Abolition of the Supreme Court (or at least ending of judicial review), abolition of the Senate, creating multi-member congressional districts using Ranked-Choice Voting to allow for a multi-party democracy, and the dramatic limiting of Presidential powers are just a few of the democratic reforms needed. Moreover, mass expansion of labor organizing rights and voting rights, a new Equal Rights Amendment that would enshrine the right to an abortion and non-discrimination protections for all historically oppressed communities into the Constitution, and the adoption of something along the lines of FDR’s Second Bill of Rights are needed. We know that none of these things will come to fruition without a militant, well-organized Left in the USA that is fighting for them because they challenge the power of the ruling racial capitalist order. Without these things, I fear that I soon will not even be able to publish pieces like the one you are reading now. The stakes are high, the challenges are immense, but the rewards for our action could be great.

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What Does an NDIS Disability Support Work?

An ndis disability support worker is someone who provides direct assistance to people with disabilities. These individuals help with things like cooking, shopping, and cleaning. They also offer companionship and emotional support. They work with a person’s family to create individualized care plans.

This approach allows participants to shape their own support, promoting a sense of empowerment and independence. Independent support workers can provide a more consistent experience than larger service providers.

Personal care

If you’re an empathetic person with a passion for helping others, then disability support work is a perfect career choice. This type of care is often hands-on and involves assisting individuals with basic tasks such as showering and dressing. It also includes providing companionship and emotional support. You can learn more about this career path by visiting the NDIS website.

Aside from personal care, NDIS support workers also offer a wide variety of other services. These include help with housework, transportation, social activities and medical appointments. They also provide emotional and mental health support. Their contributions are invaluable to participants and their families.

The impact of these professionals can be seen through the transformative stories of their clients. NDIS support workers become a trusted friend and advocate to their participants, forming genuine bonds that go beyond the workplace. You can use your NDIS funding to book disability support service through Mable. To get started, simply set up an account and share your NDIS plan details.

Social support

In addition to offering a range of personal care services, disability support workers can also help participants with their social and emotional needs. This is an important aspect of their role, as living with a disability can be emotionally challenging. Having a trusted friend to confide in can make a huge difference in the life of a person with a disability.

A good NDIS disability support worker will be able to communicate well with their clients and understand their individual needs and concerns. They will be able to create assistance plans that are tailored to the specific goals, needs and requests of their clients. They will also have a variety of experience working with different types of disabilities.

It’s also important for NDIS disability support workers to be empathetic and compassionate. They will work with their clients on a daily basis, so they should be willing to take the time to build genuine connections. You can often see this in their bios on platforms like Mable, where they will share their motivations and experiences.

Emotional support

NDIS participants may be going through emotional trials, and a good disability support worker should be empathetic with them. They can also offer advice and encouragement to help them overcome these challenges. However, they must be careful not to impose their own ideas on the participant. This can lead to confusion and anger. The best way to give emotional support is by asking the person what they need. This will allow them to feel empowered and in control of their situation.

In addition to offering emotional support, NDIS disability support workers can also help their clients with household chores. This can include laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and basic housekeeping. This helps improve the health and quality of life of those they assist.

A disability support worker can also help their clients find social activities that they enjoy. They can help them plan events and even attend them with them. They can also provide respite for their family and friends, if needed.

Respite

Respite services allow caregivers to take a short break from caregiving responsibilities while maintaining a healthy and sustainable caregiving relationship. They may be provided by family members or friends, home care professionals, adult day service providers, and residential facilities. Respite programs also offer support services and educational resources for caregivers to reduce stress and help them cope with their caregiving duties.

An NDIS disability support worker is a valuable member of any care team, and their influence can be seen in the lives of those they serve. Their compassion, dedication, and training enable them to provide comprehensive care and make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

Whether it is helping a spirited young woman discover her talent for art or providing the essential assistance needed to live independently, NDIS support workers are invaluable to people with disabilities and their families. Their transformative impact can be felt in the countless stories of success.

[bunjicommunitycare]

NDIS Respite Accommodation and Host Living Options

The NDIS offers a variety of accommodation and respite care options for participants. These include Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Respite. STA funding can help you live away from home temporarily for reasons like respite for caregivers, waiting for home modifications, or attending camps.

This type of accommodation provides a safe and supportive environment. It also offers opportunities to develop skills and socialize with others.

Host living arrangements

Host living arrangements are a contemporary ndis respite accommodation that allows a participant to live in a natural home environment with a family who provides disability related support, household assistance, and emotional support in exchange for payment or reimbursement from their NDIS plan. These supports are tailored to suit the individual’s needs and are designed to increase their participation and sense of belonging in a caring community.

Another option is short-term accommodation, which provides temporary housing and support away from home. This service is available for up to 28 days (about 4 weeks) per year and can be used as a transition to other types of support.

Recreational respite involves participating in activities with other people who have disabilities at a specialized center. This can be a great way to make new friends and gain social skills. It can also help individuals build their capabilities for future independence. This type of respite is often offered by non-government organizations and local councils.

Short-term accommodation

NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA) provides a safe, supportive environment for individuals who are away from their usual caregivers. These services offer a variety of benefits, including opportunity for independence, social interaction, and skill development. Many of these services take place in group settings, such as respite care homes and camps, which allow participants to interact with peers and develop valuable connections.

Caregivers can benefit from STA, too, as it provides them with much-needed time to rest and recharge. This is particularly important if they are experiencing caregiver burnout, which is a serious health issue that affects both the person receiving care and their caregiver.

STA funding can be included in your NDIS plan, and it typically covers the cost of accommodation, meals, and activities. The duration of STA is flexible, and you can use it to cover a number of short stays, such as one weekend a month. You can also choose to use it in blocks of up to 28 days per year.

In-home support

Caring for a person with a disability requires tremendous love and dedication from both participants and their families. In such cases, it becomes essential that both parties get some well-deserved respite. This is where short term accommodation (STA) plays a vital role.

STA is a support service that shoulders the cost of accommodation away from a participant’s usual home for up to 14 days. The support can be provided in a range of settings, including holiday homes, hostels and camps. It can also include active overnight care, suitable for participants who need help turning in bed.

Community access respite involves a paid worker accompanying the person with a

disability for a period of time, either during the day or evening. This support can include recreational activities, classes and group events. It is ideal for people who want to enjoy a variety of activities and socialize with new people. If you are interested in this type of support, the Social, Economic and Community Participation sections in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits guide can offer valuable insights.

Community participation

NDIS respite accommodation is a community care ndis for participants and their families. It allows them to build independence in a safe environment, learn new skills and make friends. It also provides a break for their regular caregivers who may experience burnout. It is therefore important that people living with disability, their families and their informal supports understand the different options available to them.

One option is Short Term Accommodation (STA), which shoulders the cost of care in an alternative setting for up to 14 days at a time. This is especially useful for participants transitioning to Supported Independent Living (SIL) and can help them develop the confidence and skills they need to live independently.

The process of selecting the right respite accommodation provider can be overwhelming, but with a little research, it can be made easier. Look at the provider’s website, check reviews and testimonials and talk to other families and caregivers who have used the service.

[jdhealthcareservices]

Understanding Household Tasks NDIS: Empowering Independence through Support

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has revolutionized the way individuals with disabilities access support services in Australia. One of the critical aspects of the NDIS is the provision of assistance for household tasks, enabling participants to maintain a clean and organized living environment. At JD Health Care Services, we specialize in providing support for household tasks NDIS, ensuring that individuals can live independently while receiving the assistance they need.

What Are Household Tasks Under NDIS?

Household tasks encompass a range of activities essential for daily living. Under the NDIS framework, these tasks are designed to help participants maintain their homes while promoting independence. Here’s a closer look at what household tasks may include:

Cleaning: Regular cleaning is vital for a healthy living environment. This includes vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing different areas of the home. Support workers can assist participants in maintaining cleanliness to ensure a comfortable space.

Laundry: Managing laundry is another essential household task. This involves washing, drying, folding, and ironing clothes. Having support in this area can alleviate stress and help participants manage their wardrobes effectively.

Meal Preparation: Preparing nutritious meals is crucial for overall health. Support workers can assist participants with meal planning, cooking, and cleaning up afterward, promoting healthy eating habits.

Grocery Shopping: Assistance with grocery shopping helps participants maintain a well-stocked kitchen. Support staff can accompany participants to the store or assist with online shopping, ensuring that they have access to necessary food items.

Organizing: Keeping a home organized can be a challenge. Support workers can help with organizing spaces, decluttering, and ensuring that everything has a designated place, promoting a more functional living environment.

The Role of JD Health Care Services

At JD Health Care Services, we understand the importance of household tasks in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Here’s how we assist participants in managing these tasks effectively:

Personalized Support Plans: We develop tailored support plans that reflect each participant's unique needs and preferences. This ensures that our assistance aligns with their specific goals and lifestyle.

Trained Support Staff: Our team of dedicated support workers is trained to assist participants in various household tasks while promoting independence. They are compassionate, respectful, and committed to providing high-quality care.

Skill Development: In addition to assistance, we focus on skill development. Our support workers encourage participants to learn and engage in household tasks, empowering them to take charge of their living environment.

Regular Monitoring and Feedback: We continuously assess the effectiveness of our support services. Regular feedback from participants allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that our assistance remains relevant and effective.

Connecting Household Tasks to Daily Personal Activities NDIS

Assistance with household tasks often overlaps with assistance with daily personal activities NDIS. These activities are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and independence. Here’s how they are interconnected:

Daily Personal Care: Assistance with daily personal activities includes help with grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene. A clean and organized living environment complements personal care routines, promoting overall health and well-being.

Meal Preparation: Just as household tasks involve meal preparation, daily personal activities also encompass nutrition. Support in preparing meals ensures that participants maintain a balanced diet, which is vital for their health.

Social Engagement: Both household tasks and daily personal activities play a role in social engagement. A clean home and proper personal care can enhance self-esteem, making participants more likely to engage in social activities.

The Benefits of NDIS Household Tasks

Utilizing NDIS funding for household tasks brings numerous benefits:

Enhanced Independence: By receiving assistance with household tasks, participants can focus on developing their skills and maintaining independence in their daily lives.

Improved Quality of Life: A clean and organized living space contributes to overall well-being, reducing stress and promoting a positive living environment.

Tailored Support: The NDIS framework allows participants to choose the type of support they need, ensuring that assistance aligns with their goals and preferences.

Community Connections: Engaging in household tasks with support fosters a sense of community. Participants can build relationships with their support workers and other individuals, reducing feelings of isolation.

Conclusion

Household tasks are an essential component of daily living for individuals with disabilities. Through NDIS household tasks support, participants can maintain a clean and organized living environment while fostering independence. At JD Health Care Services, we are committed to providing personalized support that empowers individuals to thrive. If you or someone you know is looking for assistance with household tasks or daily personal activities under the NDIS, reach out to us today. Together, we can create a supportive environment that enhances independence and quality of life.

[mukelaniot]

Addressing Sustainable Goals in Occupational Therapy.

In a country like South Africa, there is a huge need for development implementation. People from all walks of life, and professions must work together towards achieving the goal of getting the country more developed. This includes the occupational therapy profession. This blog will explore how I, an occupational therapy student, have been, and plan to continue addressing some of the Sustainable Development Goals in a community like Cator Manor, a community facing a lot of socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, crime, substance use, and poor infrastructures.

 

 As an occupational therapy student currently in the community blog, my colleagues and I have been doing our part in the movement of implementing some of the Sustainable Developmental Goals in the community we are currently serving. For the sake of this blog, I am only going to mention 5 of the SDGs, namely; No poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Good Health and Well-being, and Gender Equality United Nations (2023).

For the past 3 weeks, I have had the pleasure and the privilege of serving the community through services I provide in the community clinic, local creches, the primary, and secondary school. Through these services, as minuscule as they may seem, I would personally like to believe that I have been doing my part in bringing positive change in the community, promoting occupational engagement to some of the community members, and somehow enhancing life in the community as a whole.

According to the United Nations (2003), the Sustainable Development Goal of No Poverty aims to alleviate Poverty in all shapes and forms.  As an occupational therapist, I have a duty that includes encouraging and enabling community members to develop job skills, rehabilitate the injured, and prepare them for job integration, and encourage the community to consider exploring sustainable incomes through self-employment, such as starting vegetable gardens, all in the name of trying to improve economic independence (Durocher et al.,2016).

The idea of the vegetable garden can ultimately work on another Sustainable Goal, which is Zero Hunger. And in the interest of the sustainable goal, of Zere Hunger, we, as Occupational Therapy students have had the pleasure of helping in the community feeding scheme that serves food outside the community hall.

In a community facing socio-economic challenges, quality education is of significant importance for all willing to receive it. This would ultimately offer the community more opportunities such as getting more people into higher education and bettering their chances of getting more jobs. In a community like Cator Manor, schoolers were reported to be abusing and selling drugs, having behavioral issues, and also facing hardships in their school and personal lives. We, as occupational therapists, have an important role in helping teachers and social workers address the needs of students with learning disabilities to enhance engagement in education (Durocher et al.,2016). We also run groups and individual interventions for psychosocial challenges such as peer pressure and substance use.

While working in the Clinic, I also have the opportunity to address the Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being. My colleagues and I have been doing health promotions almost every day, aimed at informing the public about services Occupational Therapy and other medical professionals in the clinic offer. We worked on raising awareness on Mental Health (anxiety and depression, substance abuse, traumas), and addressing the often-overlooked Maternal Mental Health (Wednesdays at the Philamntwana Clinic). We also looked at barriers the community members face that prevent them from engaging in meaningful occupations, all to promote Good health and Well-being.

In a school with social workers, there were a lot of reports of scholars witnessing and experiencing Gender-based Violence, at home and the school, I had the pleasure of doing a group session that included promoting Gender equality. This was aimed to address social and cultural norms that are unfair to women and provide psychosocial assistance to those experiencing these inequalities.

As many of our academics say, as occupational therapists, we are agents of change in communities. Through advocation and promotion, we can address Sustainable Developmental Goals. As much as we cannot address these with every single individual in the community, I believe through engaging with some of the members, we can create a ripple effect that benefits the community. Still, until then, we are going to do what we can, one step at a time.

REFERENCES

Durocher, E., Gibson, B. E., & Rappolt, S. (2016). Occupational justice: A conceptual review. Journal of Occupational Science, 21(4), 418–430.  https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2013.775692

United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

[shreejitraining02]

Unlocking Potential: How Health and Social Care Transform Lives and Strengthen Communities

Introduction: The Pillars of Health and Social Care Health and social care form the bedrock of any thriving society. They not only address the immediate needs of individuals but also work to empower communities, ensuring that people receive the support they need at every stage of life. These services are essential to building inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of circumstance, can live with dignity.

Holistic Support for Individuals Health and social care provide comprehensive support that considers the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals. Through personalized care plans, people are treated with respect and compassion, which fosters recovery and empowerment.

Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access In many societies, there are barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Health and social care services break down these barriers, offering critical support to underserved populations. From rural communities to marginalized groups, these services ensure that no one is left behind.

Empowering Through Education and Training One of the cornerstones of health and social care is the emphasis on continuous learning. Professionals in the field are often encouraged to participate in health and social care training courses. These courses provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their practice, ensuring that the care they provide evolves with the needs of their communities.

Building a Workforce Through RQF Levels The RQF system plays a pivotal role in structuring the careers of health and social care professionals. The RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care provides foundational knowledge for those entering the field. As professionals advance, the RQF Level 3 in Health and Social Care deepens their understanding of complex care needs, while the RQF Level 5 in Health and Social Care prepares leaders to manage and innovate within the sector.

Transforming Lives Through Compassionate Care At the heart of health and social care is the transformative power of compassion. Individuals in need of care often face challenges that go beyond their physical health. Social care workers provide emotional support, helping to rebuild self-esteem and improve mental health outcomes for those they serve.

Strengthening Families and Support Networks Health and social care services don't just focus on the individual; they also extend to families and caregivers. By providing education and respite care, these services enable families to better support their loved ones, creating stronger support networks that benefit entire communities.

Reducing Health Inequalities Health inequalities can have a profound impact on the well-being of vulnerable populations. Health and social care initiatives work to reduce these disparities by promoting access to preventive care, education, and resources. This ensures that every individual has an equal opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Promoting Independence and Self-Determination For many individuals, particularly those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, the ability to live independently is a key goal. Health and social care professionals strive to promote independence by providing tailored care plans that empower individuals to make decisions about their own lives.

Mental Health Support: A Critical Component Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. Health and social care professionals are trained to recognize and address mental health challenges. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive the emotional and psychological support they need to thrive.

Fostering Community Well-Being Strong communities are built on the well-being of their members. Health and social care services contribute to this by offering preventive care, education, and support. By focusing on both individual and community health, these services help create environments where everyone can flourish.

Innovation in Care Delivery The health and social care sector is constantly evolving, with innovations in technology and care delivery improving outcomes for patients. From telehealth services to advancements in medical treatments, the future of health and social care is one of continuous improvement.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Thriving Communities Health and social care are not just services—they are lifelines for individuals and communities. By empowering professionals through health and social care training courses, promoting leadership through the RQF Level 5 in Health and Social Care, and ensuring that every person has access to compassionate, quality care, these services lay the foundation for stronger, healthier communities. As we look to the future, the importance of health and social care will only continue to grow, shaping a society where every individual can reach their full potential.

[elitedisability]

NDIS Community Participation

Community participation involves engaging with other members of the community through various activities, fostering connections and promoting inclusion. Through Maple’s NDIS-funded community participation services, you can book a support worker through Mable who shares your interests and goals.

Depending on your NDIS plan, community participation is funded under either the Core or Capacity Building Support Categories. This article will cover both.

Getting Started

NDIS community participation is an integral part of the NDIS, designed to empower participants and connect them with valuable resources that fuel their journey. Specialist disability accommodation providers like Coastwide Disability Care play a crucial role in this initiative by providing inclusive living environments and developing personalised support plans that foster social connections, build new skills, and give participants a sense of belonging.

The NDIS supports the cost of attending community activities under their social and community participation funding, which may include transport to and from activities as well as a support worker’s time during outings. The NDIS also has funding available for capacity building activities, such as training courses, workshops or coaching that will develop an individual’s skills and independence over time.

The key to success is setting clear goals that will guide your journey. Start by identifying what interests you and the skills you wish to develop. From there, you can explore a variety of options to find activities that complement your goals and interests.

Developing a Personalised Participation Plan

The cornerstone of the NDIS is individualized planning, allowing participants to craft plans that reflect their goals and aspirations. This includes community participation, which allows participants to explore their interests while fostering social connection and developing skills.

A personalised community participation plan outlines the goals and supports necessary to achieve them. Your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will work collaboratively with you to develop your plan. They will conduct an assessment to identify your preferences, then connect you with services and activities that align.

You may be eligible for increased social and community participation funding, which is provided under the support category titled “capacity building supports” in your NDIS plan. This funding is intended to help you learn new skills, such as cooking classes or sports coaching. However, the activities you choose must be considered “reasonable and necessary” to align with your plan goals. You should also consider whether they will improve your quality of life.

Capacity Building

In addition to fostering meaningful relationships and friendships, NDIS social and community participation can also improve participants’ overall wellbeing. It helps ward off isolation and builds confidence in social settings, all while developing and strengthening skills that can be applied to a variety of situations.

Capacity building is an approach that focuses on improving the ability of individuals or groups to accomplish development goals themselves, rather than depending solely on outside experts or agencies. This approach seeks to minimize an overreliance on outside experts and encourages the formation of local community partnerships.

If you want to get started with NDIS social and community participation, your LAC or NDIA planner can help you understand what options are available to you. You can use your Core Support or Increased Social Participation budget to book activities and services, including a support worker with an interest in your area. You can also find a suitable support worker through Mable.

Social Activities

Innovative ndis community participation is a unique initiative that promotes inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. It enables participants to explore their interests and access opportunities for social encounters. In addition, it can also help them build community networks and increase their capacity for self-care.

Besides supporting mental health, community participation programs also offer a range of recreational activities that are accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. These include wheelchair basketball leagues and swimming sessions with adaptive facilities. These activities provide a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual and their family to decide what types of activities will be the most beneficial for them. Be sure to seek advice from your family, friends, local area coordinator (LAC), NDIS planner, support coordinator or psychosocial recovery coach. You can also attend disability expos to meet a range of providers and find the right one for you. You can book a support worker who shares your interests on Mable, for example, like how Angela booked her support worker Damien, who loves animation.

[colinwilson11]

Australia Training: Australia Investing In Skilled Workforce Through Innovative Training Programs

Vocational education and training plays a critical role in Australia by helping develop job-ready skilled workers. Various government-supported vocational training programs are actively working to address skills shortages across many in-demand industries. Through these programs, thousands of young Australians and career changers are gaining hands-on experience in fields like construction, aged care, early childhood education, and health services each year. The programs combine classroom learning with structured work placements, giving participants real-world job skills. For employers, these programs provide a pipeline of qualified applicants to fill open roles. Both individuals and businesses benefit from increased employment opportunities and a more productive economy.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships Equipping Australia Training  Australia's apprenticeship and traineeship system is one of the largest and most effective job training schemes. Each year over 300,000 new apprentices and trainees enroll to learn vital occupations skills while earning an income. These paid positions allow young people to "earn as they learn" through a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job classes or other training provided by Registered Training Organizations. Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years for traditional trades like carpentry, plumbing, and mechanics while traineeships often take 6-24 months to complete for roles in business, retail, community services and more. For young Australians seeking a hands-on career path, apprenticeships and traineeships open doors to stable, lifelong careers in high-demand sectors.

Higher Education Partnerships Driving Innovation

-Led Centers Equipping Learners For Digital Future

Recognizing emerging skills shortfalls in cybersecurity, data analytics, and related digital disciplines, Australian governments are establishing national training hubs focused on these high-tech domains. Led by experts, centers at the newly designated "Jobs and Skills Exchange" campuses immerse students in collaborative project work tackling priorities within each sector. For instance, Queensland’s Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct co-locates Gold Coast TAFE with Griffith University’s medical research facilities and public and private hospitals. Here learners gain hands-on experience applying technologies like AI, robotics and 3D printing to fields from healthcare to advanced manufacturing. The precinct model promotes multi-sector partnerships that continually refine curricula to evolve with needs. Learners exit with in-demand qualifications and having built professional networks primed to translate directly into careers.

Workplace Training Boosting Careers Of Mid-Career Workers

With Australia’s aging population driving strong demand for specialist skills in areas like aged and disability care, health services and social assistance, governments are investing in retraining existing workers as well as school-leavers. Flexible vocational courses delivered through registered training organizations, community providers, and directly in the workplace empower mid-career Australians to reskill and diversify. Models like skill sets - short, focused qualifications that can be started and completed incrementally - make training more accessible for mature workers juggling jobs and families. Employers also partner TAFEs to ‘upskill’ current employees such as by offering subsidized courses during work hours. This training benefits businesses through increased productivity while supporting individuals to progress in their professions or transition to new roles with livable wages.

Elearning Expands Access To Quality Training Nationwide

Australia’s geographical spread poses access challenges for vocational learners in remote areas. However, eLearning innovations are overcoming barriers through blended and online models. Programs combine online theoretical components with practical assessments conducted face-to-face by qualified trainers either locally or during campus visits. Learners benefit from flexibility to study anytime while still receiving support. By using interactive tools like virtual and augmented reality simulations, instructors can recreate real work environments to give remote and rural trainees -standard training experiences. Online vocational training also benefits individuals unable to attend regular classes due to disability, caring responsibilities, or part-time work. Overall, these digitally-enhanced learning options are opening vocational qualifications to more Australians regardless of location while maintaining high educational quality.

Through ongoing innovation and collaboration across education, and government, Australia's vocational training system is equipping the nation with a highly-skilled workforce ready to fill jobs now and into the future. Targeted programs are helping address skills gaps in priority sectors from construction to healthcare to technology. Whether through traditional apprenticeships, specialized university partnerships or flexible eLearning models, individuals across all stages of career find pathways to careers in high-demand fields. With a focus on applied, work-integrated study, Australia’s “earn and learn” approach continues transforming lives through vocational education and contributing to sustainable economic growth nationwide.

Get more insights on this topic:  https://www.pressreleasebulletin.com/australia-training-unlocking-various-career-opportunities-through-skill-development/

Author Bio:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163 )

*Note: 1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research 2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it