What if it gets tough? Help is available!

Although the goal is as much autonomy as possible for individuals with disabilities, they may struggle and need tools for success just like anyone else does. From physical accommodations like ramps, larger door frames, even wall colors to a wake up service to be sure they remember to go to work and appointments. These, and so many more, help these individuals accomplish their goals successfully and still create a great a great amount of self-determination.

Mostly throughout school with IEP's these individuals have received some sort of accommodation and/or assistance. These accommodations continue throughout life, in employment, living, transportation, school, social activities, etc. I would like to quote on the show Little People Big World when Matt Roloff says, "We can do what everyone else does, just in a different way". This is at the core of what these accommodations mean. It is critical that these individuals truly need extra services and are not becoming dependent upon, and ultimately cutting themselves short and depriving themselves of the satisfaction of achieving goals completely on their own. For example, I can only image the amount of dependence we have all come to with the use of the computer and Internet. Do any of use still obtain the ability to write in clear legible handwriting and in a letter!? That gets mailed with the United Postal Service, not Yahoo?

Because of the mass confusion that we all(including these individuals) must face when it comes to these decisions I have provided some resources to understand further the purpose of accommodations and some examples of what is available.

Resources

http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5064

- This website provides information on several different workplace accommodations in many different areas. Also answered are frequently asked questions from employers and employees.

http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm

- The complete guide from the ADA (American Disability Act) and Disability Right Laws. A great reference for many issues individuals with disabilities may face throughout their life. It is extremely important for their self-advocacy to know their rights!

http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/toolkit/accommodations_manual.asp

- The U.S. Department of Education has put together an amazing tool kit for educators on teaching and assessing students with disabilities in the classroom and gives assessments, instructional practices, behavior, and accommodations. In addition they provide information on technical assistance products, and models for large scale assessments.