WallBusters

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Swim lessons are essential for the safety and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At Swim Fit Alaska, our Adapted swim programs address the higher risk of drowning by providing a supportive and customized learning environment tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Each swimmer will have different cognitive, behavioral, and sensory processing responses, which are carefully considered in adapted swim lessons. Our program focuses on:

- Safety Techniques: Teaching life-saving skills such as floating, treading water, and safe entry and exit from the pool.
- Sensory Considerations: Creating a calming and predictable environment to accommodate sensory sensitivities.
- Clear Communication: Using visual aids and straightforward instructions to enhance understanding.
- Social Interaction: Encouraging structured social engagement within a supportive setting, often in one-to-one lessons.
- Personalized Approaches: Utilizing adaptive equipment and individualized teaching methods to meet diverse needs.

By providing these tailored programs, we can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and ensure that all individuals can safely enjoy the water.

Let’s make water safety accessible for everyone!

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Like clockwork!! MyLifeLesson in PERSISTANCE & Dedication came last month. =)
So........"We don't always toot our own horn; but when we do...."

WallBusters Accessible Voting Advocacy

The voting process for people who experience disabilities in Alaska has been flawed for decades. Since 2008, the WallBusters have been working to make changes to Alaska's voting policies so that they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In June, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division found that the State of Alaska’s accessible voting procedures are in violation of the ADA…that's 16 years, by our count.

So, what have Advocates been doing in that time......? Here's a few examples:

-Meetings and trainings with 'I vote I count'

-Members of the group trained as Voter Registrars

-Offered Transportation options for getting to Polling places

-Touch Screen trainings for people with disabilities

-State-wide Surveys and Public Comment opportunities

-As early as 2009 we wrote a Letter to (then) Lt. Governor (Parnell) asking that Touch Screen machines be available at all elections. (Local, State, & Federal.)

Thus began an effort to communicate and work with the several Administrations since.

So; here we are in 2024, with this Alaska ADA non-compliance letter from the DOJ to the Alaska Division of Elections stating that, “To remedy the deficiencies discussed above and protect the civil rights of qualified
individuals with disabilities who seek to participate in Alaska’s voting services, programs, and
activities, the State must, at a minimum, implement remedial measures to bring its voting
services, programs, and activities into compliance with the ADA:

The State must furnish an accessible voting system in all federal, state, and local elections, and at each site that conducts in-person voting, including early voting, absentee in-person, and absentee ballot drop-off sites. The State must also provide its online election information and services in an accessible manner.

The State must remedy the physical accessibility deficiencies found at each polling place or voting facility surveyed, which the State could remedy with temporary measures or by relocating its voting services, programs, or activities from the deficient sites to an alternate, accessible facility. In addition, the State must assess the remaining polling places or voting facilities not surveyed by the Department and determine whether temporary measures or relocation to alternative accessible sites is necessary to bring all the State’s polling places or voting facilities into compliance........"

So many Agencies, Groups, & Individuals have participated in carrying the message over the years.......

WallBusters is committed to seeing that ALL Alaskans have equal access to vote.

"The ability to Vote is the highest expression of Independence."

Lyme Disease & Mental Health Explore the latest research.

🫣🤯😮🦁🐅 It's LION Day !!

Living with food allergies and being at risk of anaphylaxis can create a lot of stress and anxiety for children and adults.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for food-allergy anxiety has proven effective in supplying valuable tools and coping strategies to help those living with food allergies overcome their worries and fears.

You can be alert and conscious about food allergies without being fearful. If you struggle with food allergy anxiety, here are some CBT techniques you can try out to alleviate those feelings.

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It's time to break the stigma around men's mental health. Telling someone to "man up" only deepens their struggle. Real strength comes from acknowledging our emotions and seeking support when needed. 💪 Let's encourage open conversations and support each other. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. 🧡

Call us now at 1-877-266-4357 (HELP) - we are available 24/7/365! 📞🕒

Northern Hope Center
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Members at the fair today at wall busters event ! Thank you for hosting a table ! You all rock ☺️

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Updated COVID-19 vaccines are coming later this year.

Health officials have used the term "updated vaccines" in anticipation of needing to formulate a new vaccine every year to match circulating variants as is done for the flu shot.

Here's what you need to know about the updated COVID vaccines: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/542JVg

About SCA
Shout-out to those battling this insidious disease........

Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) is a progressive, degenerative, neurological disease with multiple types. This disease is characterized by slowly progressive incoordination of gait and poor coordination of extremities, speech, and eye movements. Quite often, atrophy of the cerebellum occurs in individuals with this disease. This disease results in clumsiness of the body due to a failure of muscle moments along with various other symptoms. A person with SCA usually maintains a full mental capacity but progressively will lose their physical control. Symptoms of SCA vary with the specific type of ataxia and with the individual. There is no known treatment or cure available yet.
Our group provides support, education, awareness, and shares personal experiences with each other to learn and become aware of how SCA affects individuals.
Our goal is to create awareness of this incurable disease and provide support for all those affected by SCA. Through research and awareness, we hope to have a cure or treatment for affected individuals suffering from SCA.

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Do you know the answer? It's Disability Pride Month

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