Rock Steady Blog

By Michael Rock: One of the key inequalities that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face in relation to their peers without disabilities is a considerably shorter lifespan. Fortunately, new insights into the roots of this problem better allow us to understand and solve it. A recent study from researchers at Australia’s University of New […]

They call it “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the holiday season can be a stressful time for people with disabilities and their families. Thanksgiving dinner can be difficult for those with developmental disabilities because of behavioral and sensory issues. Judgements from some family members as well as other diners in restaurant settings […]

By Michael Rock: It is no secret that people with disabilities have a high unemployment rate compared to the general population. Despite improvements in the current strong economy, there is still much work to be done. In the meantime, there have been several innovative approaches used to help address their unemployment issues. San Diego County […]

By Michael Rock: Despite the current scientific breakthroughs in our efforts to better understand intellectual and developmental disabilities, there is more room for improvement in how we statistically represent them. For instance, people who have autism and comorbid intellectual disabilities are often excluded from studies about the condition, even though they represent about half of […]

Scientists have recently learned to diagnose a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability that is particularly prevalent in societies where marriage between relatives is commonplace. Drs. Hugo Bellen of Baylor University and Stylianos Antonarakis studied five unrelated individuals from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and found they each had similar symptoms. In addition to intellectual disability, […]

By Michael Rock: Few celebrations are as important to American children as Halloween. However, there are often barriers that make it harder for children with disabilities to fully celebrate. Fortunately, they are easy to work around. This year, Target began selling adaptive costumes as well as themed wheelchair covers for those trick-or-treaters who have difficulty […]

Nationwide, there are countless opportunities to see and purchase artwork by artists with disabilities. San Francisco’s Mission District is home to Creativity Explored, a nonprofit art studio and gallery where artists with disabilities can create, share, and sell their art in a judgement-free environment. Washington, D.C. offers a studio with a similar concept called Art […]

By Michael Rock It is no secret that there are numerous benefits to getting a diagnosis for a developmental or intellectual disability when necessary. However, there is increasing evidence that the way many such conditions are diagnosed can easily be corrupted by the individual biases of those who make such determinations. A recent study found […]

By Michael Rock In American society, one of the most effective ways members of marginalized groups can advocate for the needs of their communities is to run for elected office. For people with disabilities, this is no exception. While Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Governor Greg Abbott of Texas are two of the most […]

By Michael Rock: It is no secret that air travel can be extremely daunting for people with disabilities. Those with mobility impairments have reported losing their wheelchairs or scooters or even having them returned damaged. While more legal protections for such passengers have emerged in the past year, their effectiveness is limited. Those with invisible […]