Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana, Inc.

Politics aside, the mocking of anyone with a disability is never acceptable. Those making fun of Gus Walz, and his display of vulnerability and love from last night, are not only narrow minded but significantly uneducated about the real life experiences of millions of Americans living with disabilities.

Gus’ expression of pure joy and admiration at last night’s event should be a reminder to everyone to lead with kindness and compassion. We feel sorry for those who didn’t see it that way.

At Autism Speaks, we challenge those focused on spreading hateful rhetoric to instead learn more about the needs of those on the spectrum. Rather than bullying others, those commenting negatively about this young man should consider fighting for the rights of others, like Gus, who will lose access to critical supports and services if the Autism CARES Act is not reauthorized this September.

In the meantime, we will continue to focus our time and attention there - doing work to help and serve others instead of finding ways to tear others down. We hope you’ll join us.

Entering into college life can be challenging, especially for those with a disability, but it doesn't have to be intimidating!

There are laws in place that mandate postsecondary institutions provide equal access to programs and services for students with disabilities without creating changes to the essential elements of the curriculum. While students with special needs are expected to meet our institution's academic standards, they are given the opportunity to fulfill learner outcomes in alternative ways.

Examples of accommodations may include testing accommodations (tests read aloud, extended time), sign-language interpreters, permission to record lectures, and note-taking assistance all of which you may already have experience with prior to college! We encourage you to reach out to your local university and learn about their disability services!

Interested in advocacy but not sure where to start? Join us for "Advocacy 101" a comprehensive webinar to explore the basics of advocacy, from individual to system-level changes today at 1 PM!

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/advocacy0821

Join us today at 12 PM for "The Importance of Inclusion" part two! Sharon Blackmon, FHF of GNO and Hope Miller, FHF of NELA discuss the importance of inclusion and how that is impacted by law!

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/Inclusion2Aug20

The Best of Ouachita!

The Best of Ouachita is a one-day event happening today, August 20, at the ULM Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus! This event aims to inform new and existing residents of Ouachita Parish about all of the exciting things happening in our community. The Best of Ouachita will allow residents to be more informed and connected with local businesses and is open to the public! It will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.!

Below is a link to the event page with more information about what to expect!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1493385004586992

did it again! The Barbie Fashionista series now boasts over 175 variations, including dolls in wheelchairs, with hearing aids, those who are blind, and even a POC with Down Syndrome! This inclusive approach aims to provide children with a more comprehensive view of beauty and fashion. Barbie partnered with National Down Syndrome Society to create the first POC Barbie with Down Syndrome!

Understanding leads to compassion. ❤️

Tomorrow is National Nonprofit Day!

National Nonprofit Day is a holiday dedicated to recognizing the hard work of nonprofit professionals and the positive impact that charities across the world have on their communities! An easy way to recognize the giving spirit on August 17 is to use the hashtag on social media to connect to the greater giving community.

Celebrating Differences: SPED 101🌐
TODAY, August 15, 2024⏰12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/SPED101Aug15
Presenter: Luz Lopez, Southern Poverty Law Center
Luz Lopez, Senior Supervising Attorney with Southern Poverty Law Center, will talk about basic things parents need to know about their rights and special education.

Let's talk about brain health!

Brain health can refer to many prevention methods designed to help preserve both mental health and brain neurological health. Neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management. Investing in early detection measures can significantly reduce the burden of these disorders. Spreading awareness about the importance of adopting a proactive approach to brain health is crucial in reducing preventable neurological disorders. Brain health includes cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor functions, enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.

Join us next Tuesday, August 20th, while Sharon Blackmon, FHF of GNO and Hope Miller, FHF of NELA discuss the importance of inclusion and how that is impacted by law!

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/Inclusion2Aug20

Share your thoughts with BESE!

⚜️Action Alert #21⚜️

BESE will meet Tuesday, August 20th to discuss multiple issues affecting students with disabilities

Click for more info 👇👇https://laddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LaCAN-AA21-BESE-Considers-Two-Impt-Issues-8.13.24.pdf

The Drive Thru Back to School Bash was great! We had a line of cars ready to pick up their free school supplies! We want to thank everyone who came by and Healthy Blue for making it happen!

for 's The Art of Recovery Celebration at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Pavilion - Friday, September 20

- Live Entertainment
- Admission to the Zoo
- Food Trucks
- Kona Ice
- DJ
- Arts & Crafts

What an amazing turn out! We had so much fun at the DCHC 2024 Back to School Block Party! We are grateful to be able to provide to our community in such fun and unique ways!

Today’s the day! Our annual Drive Thru Back to School Bash will be in full swing from 10 AM-12 PM! Don’t miss out on free school supplies for the kiddos!

📚📓✏️📚📓✏️📚📓✏️📚📓✏️📚📓✏️📚📓✏️

Limited free school supply kits will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Child/children must be present & accompanied by an adult!

Join us tomorrow for our Drive Thru Back to School Bash from 10 AM-12 PM!

Limited free school supply kits will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Child/children must be present & accompanied by an adult!

Cerebral Palsy Family Network shared some amazing information on how to combat medical costs for children with cerebral palsy!

The link below covers 7 Sources of financial assistance for supporting a child with cerebral palsy and other special needs!

7 Sources of Financial Assistance for Supporting a Child With Cerebral Palsy | Cerebral Palsy Family Network A child's medical costs are 10 times higher when they have cerebral palsy, but help is available in many forms.

Let's talk about ARFID!

A significant number of children with autism (ASD) experience ARFID, or avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. ARFID significantly impacts children’s eating behaviors and sensory profiles, with the fear of new foods exacerbating dietary restrictions. When co-occurring with ASD, these challenges intensify.

In children with ARFID, eating behavior is often characterized by extreme selectivity and aversion to certain textures, colors, tastes, or smells. This selectivity often leads to a limited and repetitive diet. Meltdowns, severe anxiety, food refusal, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and mealtime rituals are prevalent issues that can significantly impact the child’s overall well-being.

ARFID and Autism: Understanding and Managing the Challenges Explore how ARFID affects autistic individuals. Get insights into the causes, symptoms, and management tips.

We had so much fun participating in Preventive Measures Inc. West’s 11th Annual Back to School Extravaganza!