Rock Steady Blog

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 […]

By Michael Rock: Several scientific breakthroughs occurred this past week. Brisbane, Australia’s Queensland University of Technology and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS) published a study using statistical analysis to better monitor the milestones of children with developmental disabilities. The researchers involved hope they can use this information to help […]

By Michael Rock: Amid this week’s chaotic news cycle, there have been several important nuggets of news relevant to the disability community. In Missouri, the Department of Mental Health hoped to abolish a Medicaid waiver waitlist, making it easier for state residents with severe developmental disabilities to access key services. Unfortunately, budget cuts rendered this […]

By Michael Rock: During the current pandemic, various attempts to advocate for people with disabilities have developed. Self-advocates and those without such conditions have made various forays into better aiding them during this trying time. Michelle Ballan, a Professor and Associate Research Dean at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare and Professor of Family, […]

By Michael Rock: While the challenges and dangers people with disabilities currently face amid the coronavirus pandemic have been widely covered, the more positive and hopeful stories are often overlooked. In Tennessee, officials announced that they would begin to prioritize COVID-19 testing for 12,500 state residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on public […]

By Michael Rock: Disability services and providers have all been hit hard since the coronavirus emergency began. However, some states are handling the situation better than others. In Pennsylvania, the disability services sector has been on the verge of financial ruin as budget cuts due to reductions in services have hampered their ability to pay […]

By Michael Rock: There have been a number of recent developments in the area of developmental and intellectual disability. The State of New Jersey just announced that it would permit hospital inpatients with developmental or intellectual disabilities to have a visitor to support them during their stay. Regulations will be implemented to make sure such […]

By Michael Rock: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate headlines, including on matters related to the disability community. Already, at least two prominent advocates have lost their lives to complications related to the virus. April Dunn, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died March 28 at the age of 33. Dunn, who had fetal alcohol syndrome and […]

By Michael Rock: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to provide people with developmental disabilities unique challenges. The closing of in-person disability services can be difficult for those with autism and related developmental disabilities who may struggle with the eye contact necessary to use Zoom or FaceTime as an alternative. The lack of structure may serve to […]

By Michael Rock: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a seemingly-endless array of unsetling news stories, especially regarding people with developmental disabilities. Fortunately there has been some light within the darkness. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for progress made in the rights of people with autism to not be undermined amid the coronavirus crisis on […]