Autism Empowerment Knowledge about the autism spectrum is a slow-moving train, but in recent years one couple has found a way to provide individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome a support group they can count on – Autism Empowerment.   Founded through a grassroots effort in 2011 by John and Karen Krejcha in Vancouver, Washington, they… Read More

Sensory activities can stimulate touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and sound. They create opportunities for exploration and learning. In a group setting, sensory activities can help people bond as they share materials and ideas. Sensory activities can also have a calming effect. At Stephen’s Place, we provide opportunities for our residents to participate in… Read More

It’s a great time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. They can be planted in the ground or planted in pots. Aside from being great for movement and dexterity, an activity such as planting bulbs can help people learn about planting seasons, the different parts of a bulb, and growing flowers. It’s also really great to see… Read More

Beetlejuice in the Waiting Room Costume Every year, Anthony Alfano’s parents, Tony and Deanna, make an epic Halloween costume for Anthony and his wheelchair. They’ve been making him costumes since he was born. Over the years, Anthony has been Beetlejuice, Zoltar, Mini-Me, the Wheel of Fortune wheel, a Lincoln Memorial snow globe, and a Chicago… Read More

A lot remains to be done for the employment equality of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite some more recent changes being made, U.S. workers with disabilities actually decreased as a share of the labor market from the 1980s to 2015. Around 70% of people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities are unemployed. This isn’t… Read More

Around 6.5 million people live with an intellectual or developmental disability in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, many of these individuals are perfectly capable of becoming valuable, productive employees in any workplace.  Despite this, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often remain unemployed as workplaces are either non-inclusive or are unsure of how… Read More

High school senior, Tanner Wilson, wanted to to get his best friend Brandon something he’s been wanting for a long time. It was going to be expensive though–particularly for a high school student. So, Tanner got an after school job as a mechanic and spent two years saving everything he could to get Brandon an… Read More