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Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal Assistance Services (PAS): A Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

For transition-age youth with disabilities, issues surrounding managing Personal Assistance Services (PAS) can be intensified by normal developmental concerns such as striking out on your own and navigating the road into adulthood. Accessing and maintaining long-term supports, such as PAS, has often been a significant barrier to employment for youth and adults with disabilities. This new guide assists youth in strengthening some of the most fundamental skills essential for successfully managing their own PAS: effective communication, time-management, working with others, and establishing professional relationships. Download the PAS toolkit here. Posted: 3/1/2013

The Next Big Move in My Life

I am so excited about this semester, graduating and the future. I was tired of that "what are your plans after graduation?" question because I really didn't know. My dad told me about Teach for America while I was in high school. The idea always interested me. I didn't know if I wanted to be a teacher, but I know I want to make a difference in this world.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Growing up in Southern California, Disneyland is one of those staples of being in the area it seems, and I was lucky enough to be broken into the aptly named “Happiest Place on Earth” at the ripe old age of 6 months old. Up until college, I went every year with either my family or a friend. We have video of me meeting Mickey with my crutches and leg braces, and being sung to during the parade. I even performed there with my high school choir. It is for these reasons that it’s always held a special place in my heart.

HSCF is now accepting applications for the Advocates in Disability Award (ADA)

The purpose of the ADA Program is to award and encourage a young individual with a disability between the ages of 14 and 26, who has dedicated himself/herself to positively affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families in the United States. The program also supports an innovative project developed by that young person with a disability that serves and empowers individuals with disabilities. Deadline for application is March 15. Posted: 2/25/2013

We’ll Always Have (Beautiful, Bumpy, Partially Accessible) Paris

Barbara Twardowski, who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), details her accessibility adventures in Paris. Although her trip to Paris with her husband proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, she cautions readers that maneuvering through the City of Light can be challenging. The article includes a Q&A with accessible travel professional and wheelchair user John Sage, of Sage Traveling, who provides tips for a successful trip abroad. Posted: 2/23/2013