This week is National Disability Voter Registration Week! People with disabilities are a huge portion of the voting bloc as 1 in 4 people with disabilities live in America –that’s 61+ million voices strong. Be seen. Be heard. Be counted. Register to vote today!

Easterseals HQ put together a checklist to make sure your voice is heard at the polls!

What resources are available for voting during COVID-19?

• When We All Vote: Vote By Mail, Explained
  
• NPR: How to Make Sure You Cast Your Ballot in November (Vote By Mail Tips)
  
• AAPD: Voter Resource Center
  

What are my rights as a voter with a disability?

Federal laws require that all Americans have the same opportunity to participate in the voting process.

A voter with a disability has the right to:

• Vote privately and independently
  
• Have an accessible polling place with voting machines for voters with disabilities
  
• Wheelchair-accessible voting booths
  
• Entrances and doorways that are at least 32 inches wide
  
• Handrails on all stairs
  
• Voting equipment that is accessible to voters who are blind or who have low vision
  
• Bring your service animal with you into your polling place
  
• Seek assistance from workers at the polling place who have been trained to use the accessible voting machine, or
  
• Bring someone to help you vote (including a friend, family member, caregiver, assisted living provider, or almost anyone else).

What if my rights as a voter with a disability are being violated?

If you experience any problems accessing the polls on election day, contact:

• 866 OUR VOTE at www.866ourvote.org or 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
  
• 888-Ve-Y-Vota (888-839-8682) for Bilingual English and Spanish assistance
  
• Call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) for assistance in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, or Tagalog
  
• The Election Assistance Commission, 1-866-747-1471 or BeReady16@eac.gov
  
• The Department of Justice, Voting Section at www.justice.gov/crt/contacting-voting-section, 800-253-3931, or voting.section@usdoj.gov
  
• Your state or local election office – find your state here.
  
• Your state Protection & Advocacy Agency – a list of state agencies can be found on the National Disability Rights Network website.

Download the resource card below to take with you on election day!

Is it too late to register to vote?

• Register to vote — There’s still time! State deadlines can be found here.
  
• Register to vote online at www.aapd.com/REVUP
  
• Study up the voter ID laws in your state.VoteRiders has created wallet-cards with the ID requirements for each state. Find them here. You can also contact their Voter ID Hotline at 1-844-338-8743.
  
• Identify your polling place – VOTE411.org offers a tool to locate your polling place based on the address where you are registered to vote.
  
• Consider voting absentee – learn more about rules and guidelines here.
  
• Consider participating in early voting, if offered in your area – This early voting chart lists time frames for those states that offer early voting.
  
• Check out this SMS Tool – The Voting Information Project supports a SMS Tool that provides voters with election information via text message. By texting “VOTE” or “VOTO” to GOVOTE (468-683), voters can find polling places, contact information for local election officials, and registration URLs. The app is available in multiple languages.
  
• Reach out to your local election officials to learn about other options available to you:
  
  • “Curbside voting,” in which a poll worker brings all voting materials to your car.
    
  • Mobile polling places at long-term care facilities.
    
  • Transportation to the polls and help identifying the accessibility of polling places.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• National Association of the Deaf – ALS Voter Hotline
  
• SignVote, a Deaf and Hard of Hearing community-based Voter GOTV mobilization effort.

Blind and Low Vision

• Department of Justice – ADA Polling Place Checklist
  
• National Federation of the Blind – Training for Poll Workers
  
• National Federation of the Blind – The Blind Voter’s Guide to Voting
  
• National Federation of the Blind – Voting Guide for Young People who are Blind

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• Self Advocates Becoming Empowered – Voting and Guardianship
  
• Self Advocates Becoming Empowered – Voting Laws

Mobility

• Department of Justice – ADA Polling Place Checklist
  
• Election Assistance Commission – Quick Start Guide: Accessibility

For more information on the Voting Rights Act (VRA), Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEHA), National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), and Help America Vote Act (HAVA) please visit the Department of Justice’s Voting Section website: www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/

Be sure to check out AAPD’s REV UP Campaign.

“VOTE as if your life depends on it—Because it DOES!” Answer legendary disability advocate Justin Dart’s call and register to vote or update your registration today at weall.vote/revup!

#DisabilityVote #NDVRW

The summer is coming to an end and most families have either just started, or are about to start, the 2021-2022 school year. Teachers, staff, students, parents, caregivers … whatever role you play, you may see or experience the back-to-school jitters or stressors in some capacity. It’s been a weird and challenging year, to say the least, so it may be more difficult for some families to go back-to-school in-person. We’ve gathered some general tips and ideas to prepare you for a great start to the year!

Anxious about going back to school? You’ve got this!

• Talk about what you will learn this school year and identify something you are excited about.
  PBS Kids offers age-by-age tips (ages 2-8) and activities for: Emotions & Self-Awareness, Social Skills, Characters, Literacy, Math, Science, Arts. OR just generally discuss the year and name one thing that is exciting about going back to in-person learning.
  
• Walk through your exact routine beforehand to get more familiar and comfortable. The early alarm, brushing teeth, putting on clothes, eating breakfast, transportation, etc. Do this for the evening routine too! Create mini checklists to walk through each morning and night. Read more on “SUPER Morning and Bedtime Routines” on pbs.org.
  
• Take a tour of the new school (if possible) to get familiar with walking to the classroom, to lunch, to activities, or to the bus. Establish a specific pick-up or meet-up spot if needed. Some schools are offering virtual ways to connect with new students. It is helpful to learn the ins and outs of the school beforehand to help with any first day anxiety.
  
• Create a calendar that serves as a good visual for the days activities. This can also help you know what to expect or even what to look forward to that day/week/month.
  
• The night before: set out your clothes and prep your lunch! This will help the next morning feel a little less hectic. You can also try to identify a few quick and easy options/choices for breakfast the next day.
  
• New school? Meet a classmate beforehand so you have a familiar face/friend on your first day! Your parent, teacher, or school counselor should be able to help with this.
  
• Start a back-to-school tradition! Identify something your family enjoyed doing together this summer and make a special night out of it to commemorate the new school year! Dinner and ice cream out at a favorite spot? Movie and popcorn night? Make it a yearly tradition!
  
• Mental health is important! Make sure you can identify any intense feelings and have someone to support and talk with you at school, in your family, etc. Make sure you and/or your child knows how to find these resources if necessary!
  
• Reframe the conversation! Focus on yours and others strengths rather than weaknesses, and similarities rather than differences.
  
• Be open-minded! Explore new passions or activities and get involved in clubs or extracurricular activities at school. This is a great way to engage with other students who have similar interests!

Let us know if you have a specific tip or trick to add to this list!

As always, you are not alone. Easterseals HQ has a recent blog post “Parents of Kids with Disabilities are Asking Schools to Make up for Lost Time” that shows some of the disparities kids with disabilities have faced with COVID school shut-downs.

And here is an interesting article with tips from a pediatric psychologist. Some kids may have stressors they face at school, some kids may have trouble adjusting to new COVID protocols, etc. Great professional advice and suggestions here!

We are wishing everyone the best as they head back-to-school.

Easterseals Colorado is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary.

What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. This important civil rights law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life – including employment, education, transportation, health care, and all places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to guarantee that people with disabilities have equal opportunities as everyone else (similar to civil rights protections provided to people on the basis of race, color. sex, nationality, age, and religion). The ADA is split into five titles:

• Title I – Employment (applies to employers with 15 or more employees)
• Title II – Public Services: State and Local Government (includes public transportation)
• Title III – Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities (hotels, restaurants, sports stadiums, movie theaters, etc)
• Title IV – Telecommunications
• Title V – Miscellaneous Provisions

It’s also important to remember that the definition of “disability” under the ADA is a legal term, not a medical term and therefore differs from the definition under other laws. including Social Security Disability. “The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability.”

Before the ADA … There was nothing stopping businesses from refusing to hire or provide workplace accommodations for people with disabilities. The U.S. Capitol had no wheelchair ramps. Public transportation didn’t have lifts. Elevator buttons didn’t have braille. A grocery store or restaurant could refuse to serve a person with a disability.

Click here to learn more about this important civil rights law.

Easterseals History with the ADA
Easterseals was a leading supporter of the ADA and actively lobbied in Washington D.C. to ensure its passage. Easterseals also created some of the most powerful advocacy pro-ADA public service campaigns with messages to support the law and its implementation. These famous posters were made for adults and children with disabilities to bring along to protests and events across the country. The posters illustration the dilemmas and desires of Americans with disabilities and helped the county understand the reasons for the legislation. After the passing of the ADA, Easterseals worked tirelessly to ensure that all people are empowered to access their rights under the ADA. Read more about Easterseals history with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and check out some of the historical ADA campaign posters below.

Disability Pride
We envision a world where every single one of us is 100% included and 100% empowered (Easterseals’ tagline and an idea that the ADA embodies). It means you take pride in your whole self (including your disability!), understand your limitations, and accept and love who you are. Many people view their disability as an integral part to who they are, rather than a flaw or something that should be separated from their identity. Disability pride emerged to promote human rights and in response to negative views on disability. Learn more on disability pride on Easterseals’ website with many links to further resources.

What’s Next for Disability Rights?
When building a better future, it’s important to recognize where we’ve been. It is with extreme gratitude that we recognize the pioneers, leaders, artists and activists of the Disability Rights and Inclusion movement –all of whom fought and continue to fight for a better future for people with disabilities. We honor these trailblazers as we continue the work towards building an accessible world for all. Judy Heumann is one of those leaders and her memoir “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist” is a must-read! She discusses this book, our continued fight for equal rights, and ‘what’s next’ for people with disabilities. Watch the recording on Easterseals Southern California’s YouTube page.

Also, Easterseals recent COVID-19 report found that children with disabilities were more likely to miss key developmental milestones during the pandemic and less likely to engage in virtual learning. The report also found that people with disabilities are more likely to be denied health care and be treated poorly when they do receive care. As far as we have come with the passing of the ADA in 1990, we still have a long way to go to ensure everyone is 100% empowered and 100% included in ALL aspects of life. Click here to listen to historic speeches and read stories about the importance of the ADA.

Test Your ADA Knowledge
Easterseals shared a quiz to see how much you know about the landmark ADA legislation and its impact on the disability community! If you read this blog post, you might have learned some important information to be able to show off your knowledge. Click here to take the quiz.

Remember to share your story on social media using #ThanksToTheADA #ADA31 and tagging @eastersealscolorado. Visit the Easterseals Colorado website to learn more about how we are joining the movement and leading the way to creating a Colorado where everyone, regardless of age or ability, is 100% included and 100% empowered.

Easterseals Colorado, like all of us, is eagerly awaiting the full return to life, jobs, activities, and communities.

2020 was hard for us all, but caregivers and clients who rely on programs were especially hit hard. Our fundraising events this year, more than ever, are bringing together a community who understands the importance of taking care of one another. 

That is why we are so excited to announce our 2021 Easterseals events! 

We will be kicking off our event season with our 2nd Annual Walk With Me as a hybrid event! From now until June 26th, we invite you to sign up (as an individual or as a team), choose your route, and let your friends and family on social media know why you walk to support OUR Easterseals community! You also have the option to walk with us in person on Saturday, June 26th at 9:00 a.m. at our Vestal Center in Lakewood (5755 W Alameda Ave). Easterseals Colorado has continued to run our programs throughout this difficult time. Will you consider helping us and support our programs through Walk With Me? Don’t forget to tag us in your social posts with#WWMColorado.

Join us on August 7th to celebrate 70 years of camp! Did you know camp is used by more than 1,200 children and adults living with disabilities throughout the year? Rocky Mountain Village is honored to be regarded as one of the top Easterseals camps in the country. Campers enjoy swimming, fishing, overnight camping, outdoor cooking, travel camp, day trips, arts & crafts, sports & recreation, hiking, dances, music & drama, horse-back riding, zip-lining and more. Come experience the magic of camp and its 70-year long history! 

Are you a marksman or want to learn? Join us August 13th for our 2nd Annual Archery Challenge or August 20th for the 18th Annual Clay Shoot! Both of these events raise money to send children and adults living with disabilities to our RMV camp! We are pleased to bring back archery – a fun filled challenging course through camp! For 18 years, the annual Clay Shoot has been a highly anticipated event, and Easterseals Colorado is very grateful for Mansfield Service Partners Rockies, LLC / Western Fleet Services and Worldwide Rental Services to host this event at Colorado Clays this year! 

Are you more of a foodie? Then our 8th Annual A Perfect Pairing event on September 18th is for you! Your favorite mountain community watering holes and restaurants come together for a night of delicious food, beer and entertainment at our RMV camp.

Finally, Easterseals Colorado will be hosting the 11th Annual Seasons of Lights Gala on November 13th at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. “Hollywood Nights” is this year’s theme and you are sure to spend the night feeling like a celebrity. The annual Season of Lights Gala is our largest and most anticipated fundraising event each year. It’s a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate the year’s accomplishments and look to the future while also raising critical funds for important Easterseals Colorado programs.

We know the impact of COVID will long be felt, but we also know our community is strong! We cannot wait to see you this year!

For more information please visit: https://www.easterseals.com/co/get-involved/events/

May is Stroke Awareness Month.
Did you know that stroke is a leading cause of death and serious disability nationwide? And about 80% of strokes are preventable. We hope to share some tools to help you learn how to prevent and treat stroke, as well as how our Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program (NRADP) can help you!

What is stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or ruptures, causing brain tissue to become damaged or die within minutes.

These are the two major types of strokes:
(1) Ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot or other particles blocking blood flow to the brain, (2) Hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a blood vessel rupturing in the brain.

Symptoms of brain cell damage are shown in parts of the body controlled by the damaged brain cells. 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes.

There is also a third type of stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a warning sign or “mini stroke” where blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short amount of time.

It’s important to learn what causes stroke as early action is crucial.

Have you heard of F.A.S.T.?
F = Face Drooping
A = Arm Weakness
S = Speech Difficulty
T = Time to Call 911

If the person shows any of the first 3 symptoms, call 911 to get medical treatment immediately.

Other warning signs include the unusual and sudden onset of these symptoms:

• A feeling of numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg (You might notice it on one side more than the other.)
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance; difficulty walking
• Confusion
• Problems speaking or understanding what other people are saying
• Severe headaches without warning or explanation
  

Women may have the same symptoms as men, but they’ve also reported a few others. These symptoms also happen suddenly and unexpectedly:

• Pains in the face or legs
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Feeling weak all over
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart beat
  

Are you at risk for stroke?

Anyone at any age can have a stroke. Age, gender, ethnicity, and family history are risk factors beyond your control that can increase your chances of having a stroke. Your risk of stroke increases with age with about 65% of strokes occurring over age 65. Stroke kills more women than men. African-Americans have the highest rate of death from stroke. If a family member has had a stroke, you may be at a greater risk of stroke.

With 80% of stroke being preventable, it is important to know the unhealthy habits and treatable risk factors of stroke. The most important treatable risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, as well as, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

The CDC references these steps you can take to reduce your risk for stroke:

• Eat a healthy diet low in sodium with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Prevent or manage your other health conditions, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.

It is important to control, treat and improve these stroke risk factors. The American Stroke Association has a great ‘Stroke Risk Quiz’ you can take on their website.

Effects of Stroke
Understanding the brain is important to understanding the effects a stroke can have on your body functions. The effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain the blockage or burst occurred in and the extent of brain tissue damage. The effects will appear on the opposite side of the body that the stroke occurs on and can include paralysis or weakness in some parts of the body, memory loss, problems speaking, numbness, trouble thinking, expressing emotion, or even swallowing. There is always hope after stroke – and rehabilitation through speech, physical and occupational therapy is the next step in recovery and to regaining your independence!

About Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program
Easterseals Colorado provides a unique day program for people living with neurological disorders, such as but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, MS, TBI, Stroke, etc. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies are available through an adult day program environment, assisting participants in their pursuit of independence. It is a place to find community, support, and friendship. This program also provides respite for caregivers. Our program hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday at our Vestal Center located at 5755 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226. Some participants utilize Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Funds, VA Benefits, and Private-Pay to pay for program fees and transportation. 

*We are offering VIRTUAL programming to qualified applicants! Due to current COVID-19 restrictions and limited capacity, we are not accepting new in-person applicants. However, we can offer a variety of virtual programming to qualified applicants. We also offer FREE virtual Facebook live sessions on Easterseals Colorado’s Facebook page – Mindfulness Meditation at 10:00 a.m. and Rehabilitative Strengthening at 1:30 p.m. Feel free to join us and tune in!

Learn more about Easterseals Colorado’s Neurological Rehabilitation Adult Day Program on our wbsite here or contact Jessica Richardson at jrichardson@eastersealscolorado.org.

For more specific information on stroke awareness, visit the CDC’s website or the American Stroke Association’s website.