By Michael Rock:
It’s no secret that people with disabilities and their families often must be innovative and creative to help make life easier. In just the past week alone, several reports have emerged of only a few ways people with disabilities are finding new ways to get through their struggles.
More and more people with autism are becoming scientists, and they are leaving an impression on how their field sees the condition. While much scholarly literature on the condition uses dehumanizing language and rhetoric, these scientists are helping to better understand the struggles of autism as well as the perks.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, students have helped develop a virtual reality game to assist in physical therapy for people with cerebral palsy. Based on hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy, it offers simulations of different activities that require simultaneous use of both hands.
In Maryland, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a likelihood of devastating budget cuts to services for people with developmental disabilities for fiscal year 2021. In response, The Arc Maryland; Maryland Association of Community Services; and People on the Go of Maryland are organizing a Zoom rally to prevent such cuts the morning of Monday, June 15.
People have always adapted to changing realities, and each of these new approaches demonstrates that those with disabilities are not just no exception, but they also provide great insights into how to adapt to these changes.
Michael Rock is a New York City-based reporter and self-advocate with autism. A graduate of Brandeis University, his work has appeared in Kings County Politics, Chelsea Now, Our Town, Queens County Politics, and WhoWhatWhy.
