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December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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By Nathaniel Lenz
Inclusion for me was not being in a disability community, but of the community that was equal as one. But I know that this is not everyone’s experience. Inclusion gave me opportunities that others were not afforded. This is why International Day of Persons with Disabilities is so important to recognize. Every person in this world should have an opportunity to be included.
All through my life, I was included with my classmates, curriculum and extracurricular activities. Inclusion means that I was able to be in the high school band, Drum and Bugle Corps, playing on the football team and other activities. I was the only physically disabled person in my class from elementary until I graduated high school. In my experience I was not even part of the “disability community,” I was part of the “community.”
Being in the community is taking people with disabilities into the community to do activities. Being of the community is about relationships and connection with all types of people with or without disabilities. Often this is protected because family members or program staff want to protect. However, it is important that a person takes supported risks and is open to try new activities or put themselves out there. We do not want people to do for us, but with us.
My family encouraged me to try new things and to speak up for myself. Because of their support and encouragement, I learned how to adapt quickly when there was something I did not understand. Inclusion allowed me to learn so many skills including professional skills for employment. I was able develop methods that worked best for me.
Relationships are just as important as academic and professional areas of life when it comes to inclusion. Participating in extracurricular activities allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with people from all over, not just from my own town. People saw me as a person, instead of my disability. I would get invited to games, get-together’s, meeting people who thought of me as “Nathaniel,” not a person with a disability. I felt like myself.
A person who has a disability should not be limited by their disability. It is important for administrators, funders, community programs and all people to be inclusive. Don’t be afraid to approach people with disabilities. Equally, I encourage people with disabilities to learn how to communicate and interact with people who are not disabled. The best way to learn is by doing. An inclusive community makes this possible.
We should not live in a divided world of people with disabilities and non-disabilities. Recognize the humanity of the people around you. Your actions of inclusion can be impactful. Inclusion is empowering.
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The National Center for START Services is hiring! As part of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, our employees engage in meaningful work that advances individuals and communities impacted by disability.
NCSS Grant Management Specialist
Under administrative supervision of the NCSS Director of Research and Quality, this position is responsible for the administration, coordination, and execution of a grant funded project according to the Sponsors’ requirements including coordinating project milestone submissions, budget monitoring, and report submissions.
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Training & Professional Development
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The 2023 START National Training Institute will take place from May 1-3, 2023 in Austin, Texas. This year's theme is "Building Connections & Activating Strengths: 35 Years of START." Registration will open in January 2023. We can't wait to see you in Austin!
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Positive-Interactive-Behavioral Therapy (P-IBT):
5-Day Training Course in New Hampshire
March 13-17, 2023
This 30-hour week-long in-person course will provide attendees with the skills and tools needed to facilitate P-IBT sessions within their own practice settings. A multi-modal instruction approach includes didactic lectures, group discussion, demonstrations, and experiential learning through expressive writing and role-playing. All interested professionals are welcome; no credentials required. A wide variety of continuing education credits are offered. Space is limited and advance registration is advised.
Watch this 3-minute video to learn why P-IBT is an invaluable tool for the toolbox of all professionals (not just therapists!)
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Dan Tomasulo, PhD, TEP, MFA, MAPP
Teachers College, Columbia University
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Suicide Screening for People with ASD-IDD/MH
Training for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Counselors
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This online, asynchronous (on-demand) training enables 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline screeners/counselors to provide improved support and assistance to people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD) and mental health needs who contact the Lifeline seeking help.
While originally designed for 988 counselors, it is highly relevant for any professional who is interested in learning more about providing support and assistance to people with ASD-IDD/MH in crisis.
The objectives of this short training are:
- Describe at least five (5) key factors related to the prevalence, signs & symptoms of suicidality amongst people with ASD-IDD
- Utilize skills and approaches outlined within presentations to effectively engage with people with ASD-IDD who contact the 988 lifeline
- Identify and describe suicide screening tools that can be utilized when engaging with people with ASD-IDD
Upon registering you will immediately receive an email with all course links and information necessary to complete the entire training at your own pace.
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National Research Consortium
Request for Research Project Proposals
Deadline extended!
The National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH-IDD) is seeking innovation research grant applicants with a focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals with MH-IDD service needs. The application must clearly articulate how the project meets the National Research Consortium's mission. The National Research Consortium prioritizes four areas of grant funding:
- Expanding the use of positive psychological methods;
- Developing and scaling evidenced-based interventions;
- Expanding capacity and reducing service disparities; and
- Revising and/or developing accessible measures.
Additional information about the National Research Consortium can be found on our website. This year, the National Research Consortium will prioritize applications that also address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.
The National Research Consortium will fund grants up to $35,000. Applications that request less funds are welcome. Applications require an institutional match, often represented as coverage of effort/salary. For other information about grant requirements, please visit the National Research Consortium webpage. Applications were due September 15, 2022 but will continue to be accepted.
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Have a healthy and happy week,
National Center for START Services
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