🎉 ! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been granted a $7.5 million cooperative agreement by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This extraordinary collaboration, the National Center Consortium (NCC), will team up with Boston University, Family Voices, and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health to revolutionize the system of services for CYSHCN. 🌟

A new report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics highlights a concerning trend—a significant increase in the prevalence of diagnosed developmental disabilities among children in the United States. The findings, based on the National Health Interview Survey, suggest improved access to mental health services and increased awareness as contributing factors. Early screening and support are crucial for children with developmental disabilities. Read more to understand the implications and steps needed to address this growing concern. #DevelopmentalDisorders #ChildrensHealth #CDCReport

Creating an inclusive shopping experience: Walmart introduces sensory-friendly shopping hours to cater to customers with sensory disabilities during the back-to-school season. Discover the sensory-friendly modifications implemented, support for educators and students, and the positive impact of inclusivity in retail environments. Join Walmart in fostering a welcoming shopping experience for all. #InclusiveShopping #BackToSchool #Accessibility

Discover the disheartening reality faced by children with disabilities seeking medical care. A recent study highlights instances of discrimination and limited accommodations, leading to substandard treatment. Read more about the experiences shared by parents and the need for better training to create an inclusive healthcare system. Together, let's ensure equal treatment for all children, regardless of their abilities. #EqualTreatment #HealthcareInclusion #DisabilityRights

The U.S. Department of Education is taking a crucial step toward updating the regulations that protect the rights of students with disabilities. The proposed changes to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will align more closely with the Americans with Disabilities Act and address persistent barriers to access. #Education #DisabilityRights #Inclusion

Discover how the efforts of dedicated advocates, led by Jennifer Corcoran and the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities, are making a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Read our latest blog post to learn how changing tables designed for adults are poised to become more widely available, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. Join us in celebrating this significant step forward towards a more compassionate and accessible future! #InclusionMatters #Accessibility #BreakingBarriers

A lawsuit filed by Kymberly Hobbs alleges that her brother, Charles Givens, was savagely beaten by correctional officers, leading to his death in a Virginia prison. Givens, who had the mental capacity of a young child, was housed in a special unit for inmates with disabilities and mental illness at the time. The lawsuit accuses five officers of participating in the beating, while others failed to intervene or protect Givens. Despite a medical examination indicating "blunt force trauma" as the cause of death, officials initially claimed it was natural causes. Hobbs and her attorney believe there has been a cover-up, with little interest in investigating the case properly. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by inmates with disabilities in the criminal justice system and highlights the need for better support and protection for this vulnerable population.

The recently released findings of the Senate inquiry into reproductive healthcare present an opportunity for transformative change. These findings address the long-standing barriers faced by women, non-binary individuals, trans people, and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities in accessing sexual, maternal, and reproductive healthcare. This blog examines the importance of further action to ensure comprehensive and inclusive reproductive healthcare for individuals with disabilities.

#ReproductiveHealthcare #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #TransformativeChange

Witness the awe-inspiring journey of Jake Reynolds, a young man with autism, as he defies expectations and breaks the Rubik's Cube world record with a mind-boggling solve time of 3.13 seconds. This extraordinary feat challenges stereotypes and showcases the limitless potential of individuals on the autism spectrum. Discover the story of perseverance, passion, and the power to shatter barriers. #AutismAwareness #RubiksCube #WorldRecord

Remembering Donald Triplett: A Pioneer in Autism Awareness. Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Donald Triplett, the first person ever diagnosed with autism. His remarkable journey paved the way for autism acceptance and understanding, inspiring change and fostering inclusivity. Let us honor his enduring legacy and work together towards a more compassionate and inclusive world. #AutismAwareness #Inclusion #RememberingDonaldTriplett

Resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of athletes with intellectual disabilities shine bright as the Special Olympics resumes its global competition after a significant delay caused by world events. Witness the power of inclusivity and the triumph of the human spirit as athletes from around the world showcase their skills, break down barriers, and inspire us all. Join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting the journey towards a more inclusive world. #SpecialOlympics #InclusionMatters #Empowerment

In a groundbreaking decision, the Supreme Court has handed down a major victory for disability rights. The ruling, announced on June 12, 2023, strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and emphasizes the importance of equal access for individuals with disabilities. This landmark decision has far-reaching implications, promoting inclusivity and fostering a more equitable society. Find out more about this pivotal moment in our latest blog post. #DisabilityRights #SupremeCourt #ADA #Inclusion