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.

Senator Stephen Sweeney (primary sponsor) and Senator Troy Singleton have put forward a bill in the New Jersey legislature that would increase direct support professional (DSP) wages in the state.

As the bill’s “statement” makes clear, DSP wages are becoming unsustainable at their current levels as the cost of living rises. See below:

 “At an average starting salary of $12 per hour, DSP wages are not competitive, with an increasing number of retailers paying $15 to $18 per hour and New Jersey’s minimum wage on a path to $15 per hour for entry-level jobs that are far less demanding.  To compound the issue, there is a growing DSP shortage that is threatening the safety and health of individuals with I/DD living in community settings.”

An increase in funding for DSP wages would be a boon to this industry and would ensure better, more consistent care is provided to individuals with disabilities and their families. The statement goes on to say:

“It is the sponsor’s goal that this supplemental appropriation will provide the funding necessary in order for the DSP workforce to stay competitive and maintain a stable.  According to the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage, these funds, along with a federal match of $16.5 million, will equal a $1.20 an hour increase for DSPs, which is needed in order to accommodate the next increase to the minimum wage on January 1, 2021 to $12 per hour.”

Seeing it spelled out this way makes it clear the need for this legislation to be enacted, but we wanted to point to a statement made by an individual who works with DSPs to access her community. Annie Sims is an advocate and a person with a disability. She wanted to deliver a statement to the committee but was unable to. We would like to amplify her voice by posting her statement below:

“My name is Annie Sims. I am a self-advocate. I live in my own apartment. I don’t need help cooking or cleaning. I have direct care staff work with me only a few hours a week. But, I use a lot of supports from other staff at CAU (Community Access Unlimited) every day. The facilities department takes care of my apartment, if my toilet or shower breaks, they come right away and fix it. I eat in our cafe daily. Chef Peter not only make really good food, he created an environment where everyone can hang out during the day and feel welcome. My employment support counselor and my supervisors make sure I have what I need to work at my two jobs. I work in our chat center and with our advocacy team. Boris and Christ, in I.T., are there to fix my computer or my phone. They also reset my password when I forget it. None of these people are considered DSPs. If any of them left to make more money, I would not have everything I need. I am asking you to create an overall rate increase, so everyone can have a raise, not just certain staff.”

We are so thankful for advocates like Annie who are willing to step up and make their voice heard.

We hope you’ll join Annie in making this bill a reality. It has moved out of committee, but still has a ways to go before it is enacted. If you are interested in helping take it over the finish line, so join our advocacy network and reach out to your local representatives to make a difference.

The post It’s Time for a Direct Service Professional Wage Increase in NJ appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

Megan came to Camp Merry Heart as a camper and had a fantastic time. So much so, that she couldn’t stay away. She came back as a volunteer because she wanted to help make sure other campers were able to experience camp the way she did. We ask her what makes her feel so strongly about the camp experience.

Camp and Disability

Megan says, “I come to Camp Merry Heart because it is fun and I get to meet different people and learn about different cultures. As a child, I went to elks camp more and once I was old enough I became a camp counselor. I was able to connect with the campers on a personal level because we all went to camp together as kids.”

Her inspiration to help others doesn’t stop at camp though, explaining how she also finds time to educate others:

“I have 3 different teacher’s certifications and a teaching degree from Caldwell University. Now I teach elementary education, middle school, and English language arts to students with disabilities. Special education has taught me to be more patient in overcoming diversity in my own disability and also in working with people with disabilities.”

We have to agree – Megan’s patience and abilities are an asset to Camp Merry Heart and we’re so thankful to have her on campus.

Join the Camp Family!

“Now being at Easterseals Camp Merry Heart I am able to reconnect with some of my old friends. My favorite activity at Camp Merry Heart is arts and crafts and I always look forward to coming back”

Thank you so much for reading Megan’s story. In case you were wondering, camp registration is open for the upcoming summer respite sessions. Sign up today and join Megan as part of the Easterseals New Jersey, Camp Merry Heart family.

The post Megan Tells Us What Camp Means to Her appeared first on Easterseals New Jersey Blog.

A Special Relationship with Special Education

When raising a child with an intellectual or developmental disability, it is essential to find the most suitable environment for them to receive the best education possible. Sometimes, a traditional approach to education can be the perfect option, but it’s important to know that it is not your ONLY option. There are many avenues to accomplish this: mainstreaming, specialized curriculums, and even schools tailored to meet the needs of particular disabilities. We spoke with Jacky Wilensky, a teacher at The Shore Center, a public school placement for students with autism, to learn more about what kinds of accommodations parents should consider to ensure a student’s educational success.

“Depending on the student, there can be a variety of accommodations. Some students need to read aloud, some to use calculators for simple addition or subtractions, some may need visual cues when reading,” Jacky explains.

Although the correct accommodations are vital to a student’s development, Jacky stresses the significance of communication between parent, teacher and child:

“It is very important for the parents and teachers to be on the same page. As a teacher, there are many things we can teach in the classroom that the students may not follow at home. Routine and structure is important when working with a child with special needs and many times there is a lack of structure and routine at home. If a student uses a token board or behavior chart in class, they may behave well in school and follow directions but at home, if they are not given constant praise or positive reinforcement they may not behave since there is no reward for doing so.”

Specialized Programs for Students

Specialized programs are created so the core aspects of a general curriculum can be taught in an effective manner to all enrolled. The objective is for students to receive a top-notch education whilst still providing the necessary modifications to their individualized learning experience. In these programs, students are provided with appropriate accommodations but still expected to independently accomplish their school tasks. This outlook introduces the child to personal accountability, as they are now responsible for completing tasks and practicing time management.

“Homework should be given even to the lowest functional child but maybe not given something they are unable to complete without help. We call this “independent work” which is simply something the student is able to complete without an abundant amount of help.”

Jacky explains that although academic work is critical to a child with a special needs education, it is equally important to focus on activities that help build social skills as well. In order to properly evaluate and improve a child’s behavior, an Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence, or ABC Chart is generally used (see below).

“The teacher or behaviorist will pinpoint the reason the student is having a problem behavior and they will use the data from the evaluation to find this. The behavior graphs will show an increase if the strategy being used is working. Social groups can be beneficial for students who struggle with social situations. These are generally monitored by a teacher-created task analysis sheet or simple observation. “

With a proper balance of communication, individualized accommodations, and opportunities for personal growth, a student is able to tackle the demands of a general studies curriculum at their own pace. These methods allow children with disabilities to learn crucial academic and social skills needed to thrive in a general environment. In fact, many students in school placements such as The Shore Center have been able to learn and grow to the point where they are able to transition into a traditional learning environment, continuing to learn alongside their peers.

“We have had many students mainstream back to the district. The process for mainstreaming is usually started after an IEP (individualized education plan) where the teacher recommends the transitions and the school is capable of accommodating the student. The student may start with one class period for a semester and then move to 2 periods the second semester. Depending on the learner, the time frame for the transition will vary,” Jacky says.

All students have the potential to learn and grow at their own pace. Many students can benefit greatly from specialized education programs like the ones found at The Shore Center. These services can make a substantial difference and prepare many individuals for transition into adult life. Every child has the right to receive an education, regardless of any disability they may have. We encourage you to explore your options and find what’s right for your child. After graduating, they can look for a job, live independently, or participate in community activities, but it all starts with a solid education.

As we just discussed, int’s undeniable that knowledge is POWER. So please share the power with others, by sharing this article on your social media networks. Thank you for reading!

Also, a big thank you goes out to Jacky Wilensky at The Shore Center for her invaluable input into this vital topic.

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