In recent years, the creative techniques of art therapy have gained popularity, including among those within (and/or supporting) the disability community. Maybe that’s why the annual logo design of a prominent disability awareness month has become such an important representation. AmeriDisability is pleased to spotlight Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, as well as the talented artist whose work was chosen to be the official logo design of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2023 campaign.

For years, both faculty members and students at Roanoke College have dedicated their efforts to implementing various courses and initiatives aimed at promoting disability programs. Through a gradual and persistent process, they have achieved their goal, and the college is now poised to offer a comprehensive Disability Studies major.

You understand the great complexities of parenting a child with special needs – from the boundless rewards to the abundant challenges. Parenting journeys are hard and, perhaps, especially so for those nurturing a child with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Well, as you might imagine, the teaching journey of special education instructors is also unique. Teaching is one of the hardest, yet fulfilling careers; and, of course, the highs and lows of this profession can be amplified when working in an inclusive or special education setting.

Teaching is a demanding profession and, unfortunately, burnout is common – and occurring at a greater rate among special education teachers. According to findings by the Learning Policy Institute, turnover among special teachers is nearly twice as high when compared to educators instructing typical classrooms. So, yes, special education teachers need a summer break to relax and recharge!

The average military child changes schools three times more than their civilian counterparts, causing disruption to their academic development as well as their emotional health. These challenges are exponentially more difficult for military families with children with special needs, who must navigate the ever-changing military lifestyle and complicated special education system. Since the nonprofit Partners in PROMISE began surveying military special education families a few years back, they have confirmed these families are in crisis. And although there are federal and state laws protecting special education students, military families report that some schools are violating these laws.

The entertainment market is fairly saturated when it comes to viewing options. According to a Consumer Reports survey conducted in early 2023, more than half of American households subscribe to four or more streaming services, like AppleTV, Amazon Video, Disney+, Netflix and Max, among others; and almost 1-in-10 subscribe to nine or more. As it turns out, content consumers are willing to give yet another digital channel a chance. ReelAbilities Stream is the first-of-its-kind streaming platform dedicated to a collection of disability-themed films and presented with pioneering accessibility features.

Holly Robinson Peete is famously known for her TV acting roles on 21 Jump Street and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, as well as being an original co-host on The Talk. But, especially within the disability community, she’s also recognized as a dedicated disability advocate. Just in time for Mother’s Day, Best Buddies International, a friendship-based nonprofit serving persons with disabilities, is honoring Robinson Peete with their annual ‘Mother of the Year’ award.

Approximately 10 percent of Amazon’s worldwide revenue comes from book sales, according to statistics reported by WordsRated.com. That equates to a whopping $28 billion! Many bookworms purchase hardcopies, paperbacks, audiobooks and Kindle books from the popular e-commerce giant. But, now for a limited time only, Amazon is offering readers one free Kindle book from a list of ten diverse titles, including a disability e-book.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodivergent condition that can make aspects of daily life more challenging — when compared to those without ASD or other disabilities. Because ASD typically causes social, behavioral and communication differences, many autistics may feel limited when it comes to securing gainful, fulfilling employment, and especially so if and when hiring managers appear to be put off by autistic mannerisms or the concept of accessible accommodations.