# data[].attributes.headline
There are resources and materials to support diverse abilities in their learning. However, we have never been in their place, so we can never fully understand how challenging their lives are. We unintentionally show discriminatory appearances, and sometimes we have such fragmentary thoughts. We as a community should put more effort into connecting with people with different abilities. Suppose there were more connections between people with diverse abilities and the community. In that case, people might understand more deeply about how they think and feel, Which will help us act less discriminatory and prevent the isolation of people with diverse abilities when they enter their society, including workplaces. There will be some barriers that people with different abilities face in people's early childhood, but we can be more open to diversity. By preventing viewing people with diverse abilities as an unfamiliar group through educating, I hope we can make this community more inclusive.

# data[].attributes.subject
There are resources and materials to support diverse abilities in their learning. However, we have never been in their place, so we can never fully understand how challenging their lives are. We unintentionally show discriminatory appearances, and sometimes we have such fragmentary thoughts. We as a community should put more effort into connecting with people with different abilities. Suppose there were more connections between people with diverse abilities and the community. In that case, people might understand more deeply about how they think and feel, Which will help us act less discriminatory and prevent the isolation of people with diverse abilities when they enter their society, including workplaces. There will be some barriers that people with different abilities face in people's early childhood, but we can be more open to diversity. By preventing viewing people with diverse abilities as an unfamiliar group through educating, I hope we can make this community more inclusive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This Canada-wide awareness campaign aims to increase employer awareness about how people with disabilities are a talented part of the workforce.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
NOTE: This page presents an overview of the diagnostic process in British Columbia, Canada. For a more comprehensive view, see Autism Diagnosis in BC - Chapter 1 of ACT's Autism Manual for BC (pdf).

The Process for Children

If you are the parent of a child whom you suspect may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), your first stop is your family doctor. Family doctors cannot diagnose ASD in BC but they can refer you to a specialist (a pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist) or directly to the BC Autism Assessment Network - BCAAN. This is a network of regionally-based diagnostic teams across BC funded by the Ministry of Health. For general information about the BCAAN see the PHSA's Autism Services page.

If you would like more specific information about the BCAAN process and the assessment/diagnosis of children who may have autism, you can send an email to autism@phsa.ca or call the BCAAN Information Line at 604-453-8343. You can also find helpful information within the PHSA's Frequently Asked Questions.

Unsure as to whether your worries about your child are reasonable?

Unfortunately, there is no medical test for ASD. Diagnosing autism is complicated because it is based on a child's behaviors not on the results of blood or genetic testing. However, parent concerns are shown by research to be a good indicator that a child is having significant problems. Usually it is the parents or close family members who first recognize that a child is showing atypical behavior.

Standards & Guidelines for the Assessment & Diagnosis of Young Children with ASD in British Columbia

Families in BC are fortunate that there are diagnostic standards that are clearly in line with the best of international research and practice. The BC Standards and Guidelines can be found in the Health Services ASD Standards (pdf). An important part of the guidelines are found in: Section 5.2 Surveillance and Screening. These guidelines are something that you can share with your family doctor as you are discussing whether a referral to BCAAN is a good idea. Your family doctor may know about them but they do have a great deal of information to keep current with and may appreciate you being proactive.

Some of the highlights of this section are:

"Numerous studies have established that parental concerns about communication, development and behavior are highly sensitive and specific and should always receive serious consideration."

"It is critical that children with ASD be identified as early as possible. It is possible to identify and diagnose ASD by 3 years of age and some believe as early as the second year of life."

"Studies have demonstrated that most parents of children subsequently diagnosed with ASD first became concerned about their child's development around 18 months of age."

What to do if your family doctor does not share your concerns?

At times parents find it difficult to convince their family doctor that they have reason to be concerned. Research is clear that waiting to initiate a referral is not in the best interests of the child. ASD is invisible; affected children are frequently overlooked because they appear intelligent, healthy and attractive. Sometimes parents are told that they shouldn't worry because their child is a boy or more than one language is spoken at home. These are not reasons for a child not developing typically.

Parents should be persistent in asking for a referral. List your concerns in writing. Bring copies of any supportive reports from other professionals, including teachers, speech pathologists or Infant Development Program Consultants. If this is not successful, consider finding a new family doctor who understands the need to address your worries in a timely manner.

How long will I have to wait for my child to be diagnosed?

Waiting times for BCAAN's regional publicly funded teams vary from region to region and fluctuate across the year. There is a shortage of diagnosticians working in the area of autism across the province. Although priority is given to children under six, the current average time to receive a BCAAN diagnosis ranges is 18 months.

Private Assessments

It is possible for parents to pay for autism assessments privately, however, many of the more experienced private diagnosticians for autism also have waiting lists. Private assessments do vary in quality as currently there is no system for ensuring that all private practitioners are adhering to the BC Standards and Guidelines or using the diagnostics tools as they are meant to be used. In order for families to receive autism funding from MCFD, private clinicians need to use the same tests as are endorsed by the Standards and Guidelines.

It does happen that parents have a private assessment done but it does not meet the standards of a multi-disciplinary assessment as required by the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Rather than wasting money, it is a good idea to take a copy of the Standards and Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Young Children with ASD in BC (pdf) when visiting a prospective diagnostician to make sure they are able to do what is required.

As of July 1, 2017, the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) has taken over responsibility for individualized information, support and referral services for families in B.C.

If you have questions about diagnosis, please contact:

Autism Information Service British Columbia (AIS BC)
3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7

Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700
Email - Info: AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca
Website: http://www.gov.bc.ca/autisminfo

You may also find useful information about:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NOTE: This page presents an overview of the diagnostic process in British Columbia, Canada. For a more comprehensive view, see Autism Diagnosis in BC - Chapter 1 of ACT's Autism Manual for BC (pdf).

# data[].attributes.body
DID YOU KNOW: 75% OR MORE OF

EMPLOYERS RATE WORKERS WITH

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AS GOOD TO

VERY GOOD ON PERFORMANCE FACTORS.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These resources have proven helpful to families and others we support. Whether it's a guide to advocating within the education system or a tip sheet on meeting with your MLA, we're here to help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Autism Resource Centre (ARC) is a non-profit organization in Regina, SK that aims to meet the needs of young people with autism so they can realize their potential, achieve independence and engage with their communities.

The Autism Resource Centre serves the needs of young people with autism to realize their potential and achieve independence through program delivery, education and community building...
READ MORE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism Resource Centre | We're here to help!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Autism Resource Centre (ARC) is a non-profit organization in Regina, SK that aims to meet the needs of young people with autism so they can realize their potential, achieve independence and engage with their communities. The Autism Resource Centre serves the needs of young people with autism to realize their potential and achieve independence through program delivery, education and community building...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
World Autism Month Join us in creating a kinder more inclusive world for people with autism Learn More Donate Now Did You Know? Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups. Autism develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or environmental, influences. 1 in 66 children…

# data[].attributes.headline
Current government and community system for support. (Local support system)

# data[].attributes.subject
Current government and community system for support. (Local support system)

# data[].attributes.body
Early intervention with developmental disorder, ADHD, Physical disorder - CP disorder or disabilities, help children improve their abilities and learn new skills.

Families need support too. Caregivers and family members can find support from government and community programs for things like:

Respite care

This is planned or emergency care provided as temporary relief to families who are caring for a family member

Financial aid

Community involvement

Parenting information and support

ASD is managed through a strong intervention and support system that starts early and continues into adult life. Additional support is important during times of change while growing up. This includes:

early childhood

entering elementary and high school

becoming an adult

getting a job

transitioning to living alone or with assistance

# data[].attributes.body
Adapted Yoga in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna

Adapted yoga offers a safe, calm environment for people with physical disabilities to practice meditative breathing and movement. Please note that participants who may require substantial physical or behavioral support may be asked to attend alongside a guardian or support worker.

This is a free, inclusive program. Drop-ins, parents and caregivers are welcome!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adapted Yoga - Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, Victoria & Vancouver

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Adapted Yoga in Vancouver and Victoria offers a safe, calm environment for people with physical disabilities to practice meditative breathing and breathing.

# data[].attributes.body
We provide Environmental Control Systems (ECS) that assist people with high level physical disabilities to control devices in their homes and on the go. Some of these devices include:

TV (audio/video) Control

Smartphone/Tablet Access

Landline Phone Control

Lamp/Fan Control

Attendant Call Access

Door Openers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Google Nest Mini

Control your TIL smart home devices (Nest Hello Doorbell, Chromecast, August Door Lock, TP Link/Wyze Lights, ECOBEE Thermostat, etc) using your voice.

Google Nest Hub

Control your TIL smart home devices using your voice or touch. The screen also give you the opportunity to see who is at the door before you open it, play YouTube videos, and get visual feedback as well as audio feedback.

Amazon Echo Dot

Control your TIL smart home devices (Ring Doorbell, Amazon Fire TV, August Door Lock, TP Link/Wyze Lights, ECOBEE Thermostat, etc) using your voice.

Amazon Echo Show 5

Control your TIL smart home devices using your voice or touch. The screen also give you the opportunity to see who is at the door before you open it, play YouTube videos, and get visual feedback as well as audio feedback.

Logitech Harmony Hub

Watch your favourite cable tv shows using your voice or touch and any voice assistant provided by TIL (Nest Mini, Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Dot, Amazon Echo Show 5). The Harmony app also provides a remote control on your phone, which works great with iOS Switch Control and iOS Voice Control.

Google Chromecast

Watch your favourite streaming service (Netflix, YouTube, etc) using your voice, either through the Nest Mini or Nest Hub provided by TIL.

Amazon Fire Cube

Watch your favourite streaming service (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc) using your voice, either through the device itself, Amazon Echo Dot, or Amazon Echo Show 5 provided by TIL.

TP Link Kasa Light Switches

TIL provides TP Link light switches as they can be activated by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device, Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show 5). These switches also come in Single Pole, Dimmer, or 3-way variations.

TP Link Kasa Mini Plug

This versatile smart plug is designed to allow you to use your other outlet when in use. It is great for controlling non-smart devices like lamps, fans, heaters, etc. using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device, Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show 5).

Wyze Smart Light Bulb

The Wyze smart light bulb may seem simple, but it allows dimmer and tunable functionality to a bulb that can be controlled using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or TIL provided voice assistant with display).

iHome Smart Plug

We use the iHome Smart Plug specifically with our members that want to control non-smart plug in devices (ie: lamp, fan, etc) using Apple's Homekit environment.

Meross Smart Light Switch

We use the Meross Dimmable Light Switch specifically with our members that want overhead lighting control using Apple's Homekit environment.

ECOBEE 3 Lite

This smart thermostat can control any "low voltage" heating/cooling system (ie: furnace) using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or any TIL provided voice assistant with display).

MYSA Thermostat

The MYSA thermostat can control any "high voltage" heating systems (ie: baseboard heaters, in floor heating, etc) using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or any TIL provided voice assistant with display).

August Smart Lock

Not only can you control this smart lock using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device or any TIL provided voice assistant with display), but you can also check to see if your door is closed and locked from anywhere in the world.

Google Nest Hello Doorbell

The Nest Hello Doorbell is a very intuitive doorbell that connects to your existing doorbell wiring. Using your smart device or Nest Hub, you can see and hear who is at the front door. You can also have a conversation with them, or activate a pre-recorded message telling them you will be right there.

Ring Doorbell

The Ring Doorbell is very versatile...not only can it be connected to your existing doorbell wiring, but it can also run on rechargeable batteries. They also come in a few varieties including a doorbell that replaced a peephole! You can see who's at the door using a smart device or the Amazon Echo Show 5 provided by TIL.

Soma Tilt

Soma Tilt is a device that is connected to the twist wand of your mini or venetian blinds. The Soma Tilt can be controlled using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).

Soma Smart Shades

Soma Smart Shades are similar to the Soma Tilt, but allow for control of any blind utilizing an endless cord loop or beaded chain. The Soma Smart Shade can be controlled by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).

Switchbot Curtain

The Switchbot Curtain allows for control of single or dual panel curtains. The Switchbot Curtain sits on the curtain rod and pushes the curtain open or closed, depending on your command using voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).

SmartThings Sensors

The use of SmartThings sensors allows automation of your TIL smart devices, using motion, temperature, vibration and window/door sensors.

Fingerbot

Fingerbot is a small robot that presses any non-smart button (coffee machine, light switch, etc) that can be activated by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).

Switchbot

Switchbot is a small robot that uses a rotating arm to press any non-smart button (computer power, light switch, etc) that can be activated by voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).

Bond Bridge

Bond Bridge is a radio-frequency (RF) smart replicator that can learn your RF remotes (ie: ceiling fan, garage door, etc). Once learned, you can then control these RF devices using your voice (any TIL provided voice assistant) or touch (smart device).

For our members that are not able to activate a pressure switch, the Sip n Puff Switch is a great alternative. The Sip n Puff switch allows the member to activate any of the devices listed below using a slight sip and/or puff on a clear tube.

Sip n Puff switches are built by team members of the Technology of Independent Living (TIL) program, on site, using 3D printing, sensitive pressure transducers, and various other supplies.

To better access the Sip n Puff switch, our technicians will mount the clear tube in a position that is easy to use for the member, whether on a wheelchair or at bedside.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Technology for Independent Living - Technology for Living

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Control your TIL smart home devices (Nest Hello Doorbell, Chromecast, August Door Lock, TP Link/Wyze Lights, ECOBEE Thermostat, etc) using your voice. Control your TIL smart home devices using your voice or touch. The screen also give you the opportunity to see who is at the door before you open it, play YouTube videos, and get visual feedback as well as audio feedback.

# data[].attributes.body
Occupational Therapy for Kids

Victoria Pediatric OT and tele-therapy

Canadian Children’s Therapy provides a wide range of pediatric Occupational Therapy Services in person and online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Canadian Children's Therapy | Pediatric Occupational Therapy for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Canadian Children's therapy provides fun, active, play-based pediatric occupational therapy for kids in Greater Victoria Area and throughout BC via online occupational therapy.

# data[].attributes.body
1.
The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) http://www.bcands.bc.ca/

2.
Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada
https://caddac.ca/

# data[].attributes.body
Adaptive Recreation programs support people living with a disability or barrier in experiencing inclusive recreational activities while exploring nature and their natural abilities. From land to sea, we adapt our programs to our participants and provide the equipment and support they may need to experience year-round adventures – and we encourage family to participate and share in the experience, too.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Adaptive Recreation programs support people living with a disability or barrier in experiencing inclusive recreational activities while exploring nature and their natural abilities. From land to sea, we adapt our programs to our participants and provide the equipment and support they may need to experience year-round adventures - and we encourage family to participate and share in the experience, too.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Adaptive Recreation programs support people living with a disability or barrier in experiencing inclusive recreational activities while exploring nature and their natural abilities. From land to sea, we adapt our programs to our participants and provide the equipment and support they may need to experience year-round adventures - and we encourage family to participate and share in the experience, too.

# data[].attributes.body
Community Service Directory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this episode, Jen talks with healthcare architect Noam Platt about Makers Making Change, an organization that is creating affordable assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. They discuss how this program works, types of assistive tech that are being made to order, as well as tech designs that can be downloaded and made at home.

Resources Discussed:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Noam Platt: Makers Making Change Assistive Technology

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Listen to this episode from Cerebral Palsy Health on Spotify. In this episode, Jen talks with healthcare architect Noam Platt about Makers Making Change, an organization that is creating affordable assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.body
Victoria Disability Resource Centre (VDRC) is a cross-disability, grassroots, not-for-profit organization run by and for persons with disabilities. We work closely with people who have a disability and with other community organizations to find and remove barriers that prevent full participation in life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The VDRC resides on the ancestral, unsurrendered, and unceded lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. The VDRC recognizes the injustices upon local lands and peoples and the benefits we reap from them. We encourage our membership to give back what they can to the land and its people when possible.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Victoria Disability Resource Centre - Promoting a new perspective on disabilities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The VDRC resides on the ancestral, unsurrendered, and unceded lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. The VDRC recognizes the injustices upon local lands and peoples and the benefits we reap from them. We encourage our membership to give back what they can to the land and its people when possible.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the Census Bureau from 2015, approximately 15 percent of the world population experienced some class of disability and it is part of modern life. Historically, disability rights have been part of the broader civil rights movement, until now this population has to deal with a variety of barriers. In Canada, 11 % of the population experimented one of the three more prevalent disability types: Pain, mobility or flexibility, Also more than 40% experienced all three at the same time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Social Justice: What’s disability got to do with it? #DisabilityDemandsJustice

# data[].attributes.body
Nowadays, In Canada, disability is defined by the social model. It means that it does not include just the individual difficulty, also the social barriers. An example of these are Physical, technological obstacles or social attitudinal  (discrimination, stigma and exclusion).

The Accessible Canada Act exclusively defends people with disabilities. Discrimination is prohibited by Canadian Human Rights. The law explains that people with and without disabilities have the same benefits, including employment access. However, the general population believes that only 10 % of people with disabilities are fully included in social life. As an example of this, the income GAP is $8,853 annual in women and  $9,557 less in men.

# data[].attributes.body
The social gap continues to be a trend around the world due to the polite related to discrimination are not sufficiently strong. As stated by Emerson et al (2020) the cost of living of people with disabilities is 15%  more than the rest of the population. Moreover, they spend £ 550 more on average in cost-related to their needs and cares such as transportation, specialized equipment. Also, this population has less social support and suffers more isolation than the general individuals. In the same way, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020.) indicate that adults with disabilities experience 5 times more mental distress due to disability limiting the social life-affecting capacity of movement and the impossibility to be autonomous. Furthermore, social isolation is associated with the amount of social contact and the degree to which a person is interconnected with others in the community. On the other hand, people with disabilities have 20% less possibility to get married than another person of the same age, but without a disability. Also, during the COVID 19 pandemic these issues related to mental health have increased, experimenting more isolation, due to disconnect, disrupted routines and diminished health services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
THE OBSTACLES OF DISABILITIES | Sean Gold | TEDxGatewayArchSalon

# data[].attributes.body
Impacts of colonization such as residential schools survivors, removal of children from their houses and relocation of their communities are still affecting all the aspects of the persons.

One of these is the disability, it has been studied in Canada widely in non-indigenous people. However, indigenous people are underrepresented in the Canadian statistics of the population with a disability. This is an essential  fact, because both populations have differences in demography, social structure, and location distribution, extending the historical discrimination, oppression and intergenerational trauma.  In addition, it reflects social and health inequalities that indigenous people still live with every day.

# data[].attributes.body
The Canadian government helps people with disabilities who may be eligible for job offers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover resources that support people with disabilities to explore careers, pursue an education, and find a job or start a business.

# data[].attributes.headline
How do indigenous people with diverse abilities feel and see society?

# data[].attributes.subject
How do indigenous people with diverse abilities feel and see society?

# data[].attributes.body
Transportation is a barrier for many people with disabilities. For Indigenous people living with a disability on reserve, making a trip to the doctor to have their DTC form filled out can be extremely challenging. Disabled Indigenous individuals living in rural areas are sometimes forced to move into urban areas so they can access much-needed services and support. Their sense of community gets lost along the way and they can feel isolated.

# data[].attributes.body
1.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/autism-awareness-day-mcelroy-finch-piece-2021-1.5971745

2.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/adhd-awareness-month-bc-1.6214539

3.
https://planinstitute.ca/2017/11/10/issues-indigenous-people-disabilities/

4.
https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/disabil_ss_en.pdf

5.
https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/psychiatry/adult-adhd-in-the-dsm-era/

6.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html#:~:text=ADHD%20stands%20for%20attention%20deficit,at%20home%2C%20and%20in%20friendships.

7.

https://languages.oup.com/dictionaries/

8.

https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Celebrate-Diverse-ABILITIES-WEB.pdf

9.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html#:~:text=Diagnosing%20autism%20spectrum%20disorder%20(ASD,at%2018%20months%20or%20younger.

10.

https://studentmentalhealthtoolkit.com/diverseability-and-inclusion-public/

11.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html

12.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMe4qvbcO6Q

13.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jUv3gDAM1E

14.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWtGozn5jU&t=1s

15.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/vet_03112011.pdf

16.
https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/default/files/rerpd_rdepad-eng.pdf

17.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability.html.

18.
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/diseases-and-conditions/infographic-autism-spectrum-disorder-highlights-canadian-survey-disability/autism-infographic-eng.pdf

19.
https://youtu.be/aYAxqHXRbB4

20.
https://youtu.be/dh9CAlfLdqI

21.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pCNlRIr0K2Xk8cYHrSELo?si=ec4lIravT_-i4c2NWVdpcw&utm_source=copy-link

# data[].attributes.body
Definition of Disability; a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

Diverse abilities: 'Diverse' means variety. And 'abilities' means skills and qualities. Diverse abilities mean that people's abilities are varied, and the different abilities all have value.

The word disability makes us focus on what people with disabilities can't do instead of what they CAN do. Diverse-ability means that we all have different abilities, but a certain group of people isn't more able than the other. The primary purpose of this presentation is to inform people that having slightly different abilities does not mean they deserve discrimination and alienation from society by introducing developmental and physical disorders that are common in children. In addition, we will present the different perspectives of seeing diverse abilities, which will help us to think about our role as educators to minimize the concern for having diverse abilities in the community and find a way to support them in the field.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do diverse abilities feel they are included?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do diverse abilities feel they are included?

# data[].attributes.body
One of the most under-acknowledged barriers is disability stigma. Society still sometimes views people with disabilities as burdensome, and even sees certain disabilities as a deficit in the person’s character. So, many people do not identify as a person with a disability or keep their disability hidden.

Viewing impairment as a problem or deficiency of the individual is a deep attitudinal barrier. It extends into our thinking and practice both as individuals and as society. This has an impact on infrastructure, policies, institutional practices, customer service, and stereotypes about people living with disabilities. People have impairments; but disabilities and barriers to participation are created by attitudes and environmental conditions in society that are disabling to people.

# data[].attributes.body
We heard that, while some progress has been made, barriers continue to exist in all areas of life, including attempts to get justice after having experienced discrimination. Some of the most common shared challenges include accessibility in physical environments and on the Internet, social exclusion, the absence of assistive technology,  barriers in healthcare and in the workplace.

# data[].attributes.body
CP ( Cerebral palsy ) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness of problems with using the muscles.

Types of Cerebral Palsy. Doctors classify CP according to the main type of movement disorder involved. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected, one or more of the following movement disorders can occur: Stiff muscles(spasticity), Uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia), Poor balance and coordination (ataxia).and four main types of CP is spastic Cerebral Palsy, Dyskinetic cerebral Palsy, Ataxic Cerebral Palsy and mixed Cerebral Palsy.

# data[].attributes.body
Stigma can be defined as a set of damaging attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviours

These damaging attitudes and stereotypes can lead to inaccurate assessments of people’s personal characteristics. They may also lead institutions to develop policies, procedures and decision-making practices that exclude or marginalize people with disabilities.

We should reduce stigma through ongoing training and education for educators and health and help reduce misconceptions  perpetuated about individuals with disabilities and their families.

# data[].attributes.headline
Join business leaders working to create accessible employment opportunities

# data[].attributes.subject
Join business leaders working to create accessible employment opportunities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Presidents Group - Business Leaders Creating Accessible Employment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the benefits of building an accessible and inclusive workplace. Join the Community of Accessible Employers today.

# data[].attributes.body
Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD) is a disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by significant deficiencies in communication and social interaction, and by rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors. Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. The underlying source of ASD’s symptoms seems to be poor communication among brain regions that normally work together to let us take another’s viewpoint. From age 2 months on, as other children spend more and more time looking into others' eyes. Those who later develop ASD do so less and less. People with ASD are said to have an impaired theory of mind. Mind reading that most of us find intuitive is difficult for those with ASD/ They have difficulty inferring and remembering other’s thoughts and feelings, appreciating that playmates and partners might view things differently, and understanding that their teachers know more than they do. ASD has differing levels of severity. Some (those diagnosed with what used to be called Asperger syndrome) generally function at a high level. They have normal intelligence, often accompanied by exceptional skill or talent in a specific area, but deficient social and communication skills and a tendency to become distracted by irrelevant stimuli. Those at the spectrum’s more severe and struggle to use language.

Biological factors, including genetic influences and abnormal brain development, contribute to ASD (Colvert et al., 2015; Makin,2015; Tick et al.,2015). Studies suggest that the prenatal environment matters, especially when altered by maternal infection and inflammation, psychiatric drug use, or stress hormones (NIK,2013; Wang,2014).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

# data[].attributes.body
ADHD is a psychological disorder marked by extreme inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity.ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships.

DSM has broadened the diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For those who experience these challenging symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment can be a relief and bring improved functioning(kupfer,2012; Maciejewski et al.,2016) According to the latest DSM- 5 guidelines, in order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a patient has to have shown at least six of the nine symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/ impulsivity prior to age 12, and must impair the person’s functioning in more than one setting-home, school or work

9 symptoms of ADHD is
- Being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings.
-Constantly fidgeting
-Being unable to concentrate on tasks.
-excessive physical movement
-excessive talking
-being unable to wait their turn
- acting without thinking
-interrupting conversations