Month: March 2015


Mar
2015

Self-determination for Youth with disabilities

categories: Education

Alarm clock displaying timeExpectations for Youth with Disabilities

As a Transition Specialist, I attend a lot of meetings with families to help plan for future opportunities for young adults with disabilities. I love meeting with families to think through how to help young adults have a meaningful life after high school. I see potential in all young adults. Sadly, families and schools often help young adults too much. That limits skill development. An important skill for young adults to develop is making their own decisions.  When they make more of their own decisions, they realize the importance of responsibility.

Do Accommodations help?

I find many accommodations are necessary for young adults to learn to be independent. On the other hand, I also find accommodations can limit a young adult’s growth at times. One example I often see is that young adults with disabilities often have more flexibility when it comes to being on time or attending classes. This is an example of a special rule most young adults with disabilities do not truly need. It teaches them a bad lesson around responsibility.

Why should we push youth with disabilities to follow the same rules?

Accommodations that allow young adults to play by a different set of rules sends the wrong message. That does not prepare young adults for life after high school.  In the world of work, employers are often not as forgiving when it comes to being late for work, or not showing up at all. During the transition years of high school, it is important to teach independence and responsibility.  These are the most important skills that students will need in college, employment, or other community involvement. Most of the students I have worked with hope for at least one or more of these activities when we talk about future goals.

How can we help youth with disabilities be more prepared?

We need to put more effort and thought into teaching lessons, around responsibility and independence, to young adults with disabilities.  Massachusetts has a goal for all young adults with disabilities to transition into the community, and to have a meaningful life that, if possible, includes working. Responsibility is one of the main skills that can help young adults make this goal a reality.  I work with families and schools to practice self-determination for young adults with disabilities. Self-determination is a strategy that encourages independence and choice-making, which can lead to more responsibility and a more-fulfilling adult life.  We need to make sure we provide all necessary supports to help young adults with disabilities reach their full potential, but not teach those who are able that


Mar
2015

FAQs ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS

categories: Accessibility
Carl with his service dog Merrick
Carl with his service dog Merrick

As a person who has used a service animal for just over 15 years, I can tell you I get stopped constantly and asked a lot of questions. I once even got stopped by Bill Gates of Microsoft; he asked me if my guide dog was a bomb sniffing dog.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions I get asked.

  • People with disabilities who use guide or service dogs can go everywhere.
  • A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
  • Examples of Service Animal include those who guide people who are blind, alert those who are deaf, pull a wheelchair, alert an individual to a seizure attack, remind one with a mental illness to take his/her medication, and much more.
  • A service animal is not a pet.
  • Do not touch the animal or give him/her treats without the permission of the owner.
  • Service animals are not required to be certified. If the person tells you it is a service animal, treat it as such.
  • A person is not required to carry proof of disability or to say why he/she requires the use of a service animal.
  • A service animal must be on a leash if local ordinances require that.  But a harness, special costume or muzzle are not required and are only present when needed for the animal to do its job.
  • If the animal is out of control or presents an active threat the handler may be required to remove it from the site.
  • A business is not required to walk or otherwise care for the animal.
  • If an individual asks that you hold a guide dog, and if it is appropriate to the situation, hold the leash not the harness.
  • Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals.
  • An Emotional Support Animal is not a Service Animal.
  • A Service Animal cannot tell when a traffic signal changes color.
  • A Service Animal does not always know where it is. It is up to the handler to know where he/she is at all times.
  • According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), a service animal can only be a dog.
  • A business or service cannot charge a customer extra for having a service animal.
  • My service animal is still smart even if he doesn’t know how to give “paw”.
  • Yes, my dog likes to play fetch.

The next time you see a service animal, remember these answers and tips. Also, remember to ask the handler what you can and should do, and ask yourself how you would like to be treated if you had a service animal.