At the moment, most of us are stuck inside trying to keep ourselves entertained until this period of quarantine concludes. A great way to pass the time is by immersing yourself in a new show or movie. When looking for something to watch, most of us like to pick a story we can see ourselves in. If that’s the case, why do we rarely see movies or tv shows that portray characters with disabilities, especially in main roles? Furthermore, how often are these characters played by actors with the disability they are portraying? 

In a 2018 study by the Ruderman Foundation, out of 284 shows across 37 networks and 4 streaming services, 21.6% of characters with a disability were portrayed authentically. That means that nearly 80% of stories told about the disability population were told inaccurately. How can you accurately portray the experiences of someone with a disability if you are not casting someone who has lived through those experiences? The media often confuses presence with representation, but the two are not the same. Not only do we need to see more stories of individuals who have disabilities, we need to see more stories FROM individuals with disabilities.  

So how about we spend less time talking about content with authentic disability representation and more time watching. Below is a collection of shows and movies you can stream right now! Some are documentaries, some are fictional stories, but all of them include a story of an individual/individuals with a disability played by someone who can tell the story best.  

Asperger’s Are Us (2016) – Netflix 
Documentary 
Rating: TV-14 

“A comedy troupe of four friends on the autism spectrum prepares for a final show before its members go their separate ways”- Netflix 

This documentary does a great job of reminding us how important friendship is. Whether it’s, taking the next step in life, dealing with family, or preparing for a big performance, these four comics show us the power in our relationships with those close to us. 

If you like this documentary, be sure to check out the sequel, On Tour With Asperger’s Are Us, on HBO or Amazon Prime!  

Best and Most Beautiful Things (2016) – Amazon Prime 
Documentary 
Not Rated 
Warning: Intended for mature audiences only, contains themes of a sexual nature. 

 “In a celebration of outcasts, a precocious young blind woman vanishes into quirky obsessions and isolation. With humor and bold curiosity, she chases love and freedom in the most unexpected of places: a provocative fringe community.”- IMDb 

This film stands out because it dares to go places the media typically doesn’t. When we see individuals with disabilities on our screens, we are usually given a surface-level look into their lives. Very rarely are topics such as sexuality and relationships among individuals with disabilities given much screen time. This film portrays these subjects in a refreshing and unique way, bringing light to conversations and ideas that for long have been considered taboo.   

Crip Camp (2020) – Netflix 
Documentary 
Rated: R 

“A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality.”- Netflix 

This new documentary tells the story of dozens of unsung heroes of the disability rights movement, many of which met at a camp for children with disabilities in the 1960s. The combination of camp footage, shot by the campers themselves, coverage of their historic demonstrations, and present-day interviews with the campers/activists telling their first-hand accounts offer a groundbreaking look at the disability rights movement and the individuals behind it.   

Dealt (2017) – Hulu, Amazon Prime 
Documentary 
Not Rated 

This is the story of a man obsessed with his craft. Richard Turner, one of the world’s most impressive card magicians, is also blind, but he does not want that to be the takeaway. Hear from Richard and his family how his ambition and passion for card magic has impacted all of their lives.  

The Healing Powers of Dude (2020) – Netflix 
TV Show (Comedy) 
Rating: TV-Y  

Noah, an 11-year old boy with social anxiety disorder, navigates middle school with the help of his emotional support dog.  

Representation in children’s shows is especially important because the audience is learning about themselves and others by what they see on television. Every child likes to feel like they are being seen and heard. Finding characters that they can relate to in their favorite shows helps validate their experiences and makes them feel like they are not alone. Shows like The Healing Power of Dude offer that sense of validation for children with disabilities that is otherwise hard to find in today’s media. 

My Beautiful Broken Brain (2016) – Netflix 
Documentary 
Rating: TV-14 

“After suffering a stroke at age 34, a woman documents her struggles, setbacks and eventual breakthrough as she relearns to speak, read and write.”-Netflix 

This film does not hold back on exposing the difficulties and obstacles that came with Lotje’s recovery after experiencing a stroke. With much of the footage recorded by Lotje herself, viewers are able to follow her journey step by step as she learns to adapt to her new circumstances.  

Roll With Me (2017) – Netflix 
Documentary 
TV-MA 

“Backed by a crew of unlikely allies, newly sober paraplegic Gabriel Cordell teams up with his nephew for a grueling wheelchair trek across America” – Netflix 

The audience gets a day by day viewing of Gabriel’s journey from California to New York by wheelchair. On his mission he encounters dozens of strangers who have their own stories to tell, inspiring Gabriel to complete his journey for not only himself but for the hundreds of supporters he’s gained along the way. At the same time, the multidimensional story covers Gabriel’s experience with drug use and how addiction is also affecting his nephew, who has joined him on his journey.  

Speechless (2016) – Hulu 
TV Sitcom 
Rating: TV-PG 

“Maya DiMeo (Minnie Driver) is a mother who is willing to do anything for her family. Her son, JJ (Micah Fowler) has cerebral palsy and she will fight for justice in order to give him what he deserves.” – Freeform 

Creator, Scott Silveri based the show on the real-life experiences of his family and his brother, who has cerebral palsy. Being that cerebral palsy exits in various forms, and not everyone shares in the same experience of his family, Silveri consulted with the chief executive of the cerebral palsy foundation, Richard Ellenson, to assure that the show upheld a multifaceted approach to portraying the character’s experience with CP. The show also stars Micah Fowler, a young actor who like his character has cerebral palsy. In regards to his role and disability representation, Fowler told Forbes “A person living with that disability can draw from real-life experiences and bring depth, perspective, and an essence to the role that a person not having lived with a disability could not.” This show made our list because not only is it entertaining, but the people behind it have a genuine concern for telling the story the right way. 

Before you stream consider this… 

Hollywood is changing, and (very) slowly, but surely we are seeing a stronger presence of the disability community on our screens. Unfortunately, presence does not always mean accurate representation. The above are examples of stories told by the people who can tell them best. Whether documented, or scripted, the stories of those with disabilities matter, and the way they are presented on our screens matter just as much. We must demand more from the content we watch. There are disability stories to be told and plenty of individuals with those disabilities that can tell the stories best. We cannot settle for presence, we must demand authenticity.

With authenticity comes inclusion.  

With authenticity comes more opportunities for actors with disabilities.  

With authenticity comes more individuals seeing themselves on screen.  

With authenticity comes real progress. 

To stay up-to-date on cool content like this or find new resources for people with disabilities, follow us on social media.

Any other programs you want to recommend? Tell us about them in the comments below.

The post Enrich Your Quarantine Watchlist With Disability Content Worth Watching appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

Here’s What You’re Probably Not Hearing Enough of…

If you check the news or head to social media, you will surely be met with endless headlines of COVID-19 related news and health warnings. You will probably be given tons of virus-related advice and instructions on how to stay physically healthy. What you are less likely to hear, however, is a reminder to check in on your mental health.  

When you’re feeling overwhelmed by all that is around you, here are some reminders you probably aren’t hearing enough. 

Take It Easy on Yourself

Many may see this period of quarantine as a time to explore new hobbies, get work done around the house, or learn a new skill. While you can absolutely partake in these activities it’s important to remember that it is perfectly OKAY if you feel like you aren’t being as productive as you typically are. The world is experiencing an unprecedented period of time, you cannot expect to function as if everything is normal.  

At this moment, you and those around you are learning to adapt to circumstances many have never experienced before. Adjusting to an entirely new way of life can be exhausting and can take a significant toll on your mind and body. That’s why it is so important to give yourself a break. Understand that being able to accomplish anything right now is a success that you should take pride in. You are surviving each day of a global pandemic. You are facing the uncertainty and fear head-on, and that is enough.  

It’s Okay to Be Disappointed

Have you ever had someone tell you “there’s always someone who has it worse”? I bet it didn’t make you feel any better. That’s because while it’s important to be grateful for what you have, whether that be your health, your loved ones, or a safe place to quarantine, you’re still going to feel a little sad about what you’re missing out on. Guess what? That’s okay! You may feel grief for aspects of your life that may never be the same, or you may feel anger over missing a celebration or milestone that was canceled because of COVID-19. Whatever it is, feel it! You can be disappointed about your situation while still having compassion for those who have it worse. The two are not mutually exclusive.  

Don’t Feel Bad About Setting Boundaries

While you’re adjusting to life under these circumstances, you may need to reevaluate your relationships with others. This may mean having difficult conversations with people you care about. For example, are you doing your best to avoid too many COVID-19 related updates? You may need to tell your friends and family to limit their virus-related conversations when you are around.  

Quarantine can make setting boundaries extra difficult, especially if you are quarantining with others. Since you’re home all day, you may be losing out on the alone time you typically look forward to as part of your daily routine. A solution may be to designate some time to be alone and asking those around you to refrain from interacting with you during this period. While setting boundaries can be uncomfortable, it can ultimately help keep your mind and body healthy. 

Mind Your Media

With the status of the virus changing by the hour, staying informed is critical and can even be lifesaving. However, the way in which you consume and share the constant flow of updates should be closely evaluated. You may have been advised to limit your news consumption. Doing so may prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the influx of new information, limiting your stress level. Furthermore, paying attention to exactly what you’re consuming is just as crucial to your mental health.  

False news stories can spread rapidly on the internet, especially in times of panic and uncertainty. When you come across a piece of information that worries or alarms you, take the time to make sure it is factually true before you allow yourself to become stressed over it. You owe it to your mental wellbeing to protect yourself from unnecessary worry. This is also true for the sharing of information you find. Do not contribute to the spread of unwarranted fear by sharing false news stories. Not only is it harmful to your mental health, but it is dangerous to the mental wellbeing of others. Furthermore, before sharing news, remember to respect the boundaries of others who may be trying to limit their intake of updates.  

What’s Most Important?

While you’re trying to do all you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, remember… 

Many of us are so consumed with the health and wellbeing of our loved ones that we forget to check in with ourselves. You cannot be of great help to those you love if you are not taking proper care of your own mind and body. This period of fear and uncertainty may be taking a significant toll on your mental health, but it will not last forever. We will see an end to the uncertainty and the chaos will subside. In the meantime, just hang on. Be kind to yourself and take the necessary steps to maintain your mental wellbeing. Everything will be okay. 

The post The Pandemic Mental Health Advice Not Enough People Are Talking About appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

Why Should I Fill Out the Census?

Because it’s important to people with disabilities and their families!

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone who lives in the country, regardless of age, nationality or ability. It is important that everyone – especially individuals and families living with a disability – respond to the 2020 Census. Information collected in the Census will inform the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds for states and communities each year for the next decade. That includes money for services that ensure people with disabilities have access to the supports they need to thrive!

The census determines allocations for real-life necessities critical to people with disabilities throughout their lifespan including:

• Medicaid
• Medicare
• State Children’s Health Insurance Programs
• Head Start and Early Head Start
• Special education grants
• Vocational rehabilitation services

Census figures help advocates, community leaders, and elected officials address disparities in housing, health care, employment, and education. The health and well-being, and the political power of all communities, rests on a fair and accurate census count. Elected officials cannot make informed decisions about how to allocate federal tax dollars fairly and effectively without an accurate accounting of the population.

Under normal circumstances, census workers will make door-to-door visits to homes in order to gather accurate data, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are NOT living under “normal circumstances.” This makes it that much more important to fill out the forms either online or through the paper forms they send to your home. With these in-person visits by census workers likely to be impacted by the pandemic, there is a chance persons with disabilities will go uncounted and therefore be underfunded by the government. It takes only a few minutes and can have a lasting impact for years to come.

This funding is crucial when it comes to the wellbeing of those we serve. Please take a look at the resources below and be counted today!

Census resources:

Official Census.gov 2020 Website

An Accessible 2020 Census: FAQs by the Disability Community About Census Operations

CensusCounts.Org State By State Resources

For more information about Easterseals programs and services, visit our programs page.

And visit our COVID-19 page for updates and resources.

The post YOU Count, so Be Counted: 2020 Census appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued a stay-at-home order and many New Jerseyans are struggling to deal with the isolation. There is a toll “social distancing” takes on our mental health. When you have a mental illness, that toll is multiplied. Luckily, there are steps you can take to manage your mental health until this pandemic ends and we can return to normal life. 

Here are 7 tips for keeping “mental-healthy” during a quarantine:

1. Technology to Keep in Touch

There is no replacing face-to-face interactions with your family and friends. Still, a close second is using video call apps that can show you a friendly face when you’re feeling down. Keep in touch with iPhone’s built-in Facetime function or try some of the free apps listed here for Android or here for desktop.

2. Online/Phone Crisis Groups

It’s important to understand that if you are struggling with addiction, times like these can trigger us to use. We’ve listed a fantastic resource from our friends at Community In Crisis here. Read through their times and options and find the best way for you to connect to these recovery meetings.

3. Contact Your Case Manager

If you are enrolled in our case management program, you can contact your Easterseals case manager. Otherwise, you contact the NJ Mental Health Line for support by calling (877)294- HELP(4357) for emotional support, guidance, and mental health referrals

4. Set an “Unplug” Schedule

Social and news media are great ways to keep informed about current events, but too much time spent on these platforms can take their toll on our mental health. That’s why you should set boundaries for yourself and limit TV watching and social media detailing the day-to-day goings of of the pandemic. Instead, after you have checked the news, try to engage in “mindfulness activities.” These activities include drawing, journaling, coloring, reading, or listening to music. and/or a puzzle. YouTube also has plenty of free guided meditations to help center your mind and put you at ease. 

4. Walk It Out

Though we are in a “stay-at-home” environment, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a short walk around your home to get out and about. Just be sure not engage in close contact social activities and keep a minimum of six feet away from others. Soaking in the sun does wonders for our state-of-mind and with Spring coming a bit early this year, you might not even need to bundle up!

5. Daily Routines

set a routine for yourself every day that includes exercise, phone or video contact with someone, meals, meditation, fun activities, and music. If you work from home, continue to get dressed as if you were going into the office. These routines can be comforting and keep you focused in a time when things feel out-of-place. 

6. Turn Your “To-Do List” Into a “Done List!”

We all have a list of things we have been putting off for weeks, months, or even years. This is the time to tackle this list. Checking off these boxes and seeing the tasks get completed feels great. If you don’t have one, start one! There has never been a better time to clean the house or start that novel you’ve been waiting to write. Set a plan and stick to it so you can feel productive in these uncertain times.

7. Give and Recieve Kindness

Practice gratitude and kindness to yourself and others. Times like these give us the opportunity to put in perspective what matters. Send or make a gift for a family member. Call and check on your neighbors. Write a list of all the things you’re thankful for. Use this time of self-isolation to identify what matters to you. Here is an article from Psychology Today about ways to practice gratitude.

If you are having trouble finding identifying the good things in these tough times, reach out to your therapist or Easterseals case manager.

Have any other tips you want to share? Leave them in the comments below! 

For updates on Easterseals New Jersey’s COVID-19 response, please visit our updates page or read our Special Needs Considerations for COVID-19 blog.

The Department of Human Services is also providing mental health resources during this time.

About the Author:

Unconditional positive regard is the basic acceptance and support of a person regardless of what the person says or does. My mission as a therapist is to assist clients in accepting and taking responsibility for themselves. To assist clients in building a healthy sense of self at any age in order to deal with life’s complicated in’s and out’s. I have provided effective coaching and counseling to those who struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, family conflict, and crises. I have worked with families to assist in identifying the root of their challenge, identify positive problem-solving skills, coping skills, and increase positive communication. I have worked with clients that have experienced trauma in order to assist with the emotional processing of the event and work toward pre-trauma functioning.

Martha Wolfe, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

The post 7 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Quarantine appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

Pandemic Protection for Our Most Vulnerable

Within a few short weeks, the Coronavirus (Covid-19) went from being a dangerous disease to being classified as a global pandemic. Countries have begun to take extreme measures to control the outbreak, but we must also take responsibility for the protection of ourselves and our loved ones. This virus can be lethal to anyone with a compromised immune system, heart disease, or respiratory complications, which means we must take extra precautions for people with disabilities, special needs, and seniors. We should also be considerate of the unique challenges we will face as a result of the special measures being put in place by our local, state, and federal governments. You can find many online resources detailing how to generally protect yourself and others, but this article will focus on those unique considerations for the individuals and families we serve.

The Careful Caregiver

Many individuals with disabilities employ caregivers, nurses, and other support staff to provide daily living assistance. This is often a vital service that cannot be put on hold, even with this public health crisis hanging over our heads. Since you cannot control what your staff does outside of their working hours, this means the staff you employ could possibly be exposed to or infected with the virus. This does NOT mean you need to halt the service entirely, however, you may want to take the following steps to ensure your staff is taking the proper precautions when providing services.

1. If your caregiver is employed by an agency, call their representatives and find out more about what precautions they are taking to ensure their staff is following proper protocols to ensure they do not spread the disease.
2. Have a conversation with your staff so they are clear about your expectations for them when it comes to caring for you or your loved one. Don’t be afraid to insist on increased handwashing, equipment sterilization, and any other recommended safeguards.
3. Take a look at your OWN habits and sterilization techniques. Infection goes both ways when it comes to viruses. If you are showing symptoms or know you were exposed to the virus, be sure to let your staff know. If your staff becomes infected, they may unknowingly bring the virus to another vulnerable person they may care for, putting others in danger.

Quarantine Preparation

There are plenty of funny quarantine memes going around about stockpiling everything from toilet paper to copious amounts of wine. By all means, don’t let the pandemic rob you of your sense of humor, but don’t forget that quarantine preparation is a very real consideration during these times of uncertainty. Here are a few things you should consider when making your last-minute shopping list:

1. Prescription Medications – needlessly stockpiling medications can put a strain on pharmacies and is not something that should be done lightly. However, persons with disabilities and seniors often have an increased need for medications. The CDC has suggested stockpiling a three-month supply of critical prescription medications. We encourage you to contact your doctor to discuss increasing the number of meds they normally prescribe. Follow their recommendations to ensure you are properly prepared for a quarantine environment.
2. Adaptive & Medical Equipment Purchases/Repairs – if you rely on medical or adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, specialized lifts, infusion pumps, etc.) and you have been putting off a repair for a while, now is the time to give your equipment the attention it deserves. If there is scheduled review/maintenance of the equipment, perhaps call the inspectors and see if they can bump up the date so it can be checked earlier.
3. It Takes a Village – give a call to a neighbor or close friend you trust to discuss how you can help one another if a quarantine does go into effect. It is always nice to know that if something does happen, someone outside of your home is aware of your challenges and is ready to assist.
4. Mental Health Helpers – being stuck inside with nothing to do can be taxing on one’s mental health. If you have a favorite hobby or indoor activity, be sure you have what you need to fully enjoy that activity. Plan for both group AND solo activities. Having fun with family can be great, but you need to set aside some alone time as well. Video games, board games, books, movies, needlepoint – find what works for you and make sure you have everything you need to enjoy them.
5. Food and Water – some individuals with disabilities may have food sensitivities or allergies to consider. Others may need their food and liquids specially prepared (purees, thickening liquids, etc.). Similar to your medications, you may want to have a healthy stockpile of these foods/liquids/items on-hand to prepare for a time of scarcity, should it arise.

Disability Community Contributions

We hope you found these tips helpful as you prepare for the coming months. We don’t pretend to have all the answers so we hope you will help us add to this article by contributing YOUR tips in the comments below. Pooling our collective knowledge is the best way for everyone to keep everyone safe and thriving during these uncertain times. As new information presents itself, we will keep you up-to-date regarding any changes to our services here.

You can also take time to reach out to Congress and remind them to keep people with disabilities in mind as they craft legislation to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the meantime, check out our latest blog post: 7 Tips on How to Stay “Mental Healthy” During a Quarantine.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for all our Coronavirus updates.

The post Special Needs Considerations for Coronavirus (Covid-19) appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.