Here are some great photo highlights of this year's Special Olympics Virginia that took place last weekend at the University of Richmond's Robins Stadium!
We’re excited to share the story of Montae Warren, whose hard work and dedication have led him to success at Michaels! Montae began working with The Choice Group in June 2023. He independently applied for jobs, demonstrating his drive to find the right opportunity. In March 2024, he landed a position at Michaels, where his strengths—organization and attention to detail—help him excel in his role. Like many job seekers, Montae faced obstacles in the workplace. He sought clearer instructions from supervisors, positive reinforcement for his efforts, and a strong, supportive team environment. Through our Follow Along services, we’ve worked together to ensure he has the tools and support he needs to thrive. Since starting his position, Montae has shown remarkable growth. He takes notes to retain important information, actively advocates for himself, and has gained confidence in the workplace. His dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed—he was recently named Employee of the Month! ...
Despite the fact that one in four U.S. adults has a disability, many doctors report feeling unprepared to provide adequate care for this population. Historically, medical education has framed disability as a problem rather than focusing on inclusion, accessibility, and patient-centered care. This lack of training has contributed to negative biases, inaccessible healthcare environments, and disparities in treatment. At institutions like Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, educators are working to change this narrative. A new approach to disability-competent medical training ensures that future physicians gain direct experience and insight into the needs of patients with disabilities. Hands-On Learning for a More Inclusive Future. Medical students at Feinberg are now actively engaging in: ✅ Patient-centered history-taking – Learning to ask about a patient’s disability and functional needs in a respectful and informed manner. ✅ Guest speaker experiences – Hearing first...
Every day, the individuals who receive services from The Choice Group go above and beyond to surpass the expectations that others have set for them in order to meet their goals of earning an income, contributing to the world, building relationships, and maintaining employment. Katie Knipple, of the Richmond team, shares the story of Michael, who, with a little support along the way, has overcome several barriers to competitive employment. All too often, the perfect job may not exist in a google search or indeed posting, but instead, is created with the willingness of an employer to consider their business’ unmet needs in conjunction with the contributions that an individual brings. From there, a partnership is forged. According to Meriam-Webster, the word customized can be defined as “to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications.” This story of success is rooted in the customization of building, fitting, and altering to best fit Michael and his employer’s needs. Mich...
As we step into 2025, disability advocates are closely monitoring three major trends that could shape the future of accessibility, healthcare, and independence for individuals with disabilities. While advancements in technology and policy changes bring both opportunities and challenges, staying informed is key to ensuring inclusive solutions remain a priority. 1. The Growing Role of AI in Healthcare Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into healthcare systems, from streamlining administrative tasks to assisting with medical decision-making. However, automated processes aren't always perfect—errors in Medicaid eligibility systems, for example, have previously resulted in wrongful disenrollment for eligible individuals. As AI continues to evolve, ensuring these technologies serve all individuals fairly is essential. 2. The Future of Medicaid and Community Care Medicaid is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, providing access to long-term care, home-...
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