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Writing Letters and Forming Connections Through Pen Pals

By Olivia Normandin My 23-year-old nephew, Ben, has lived in a group home in Charlotte, North Carolina, for more than four years. He has many opportunities to visit parks, museums, restaurants and make friends at his day program and group home. Through Ben, I became familiar with Steven, another resident who lives at the group home. A few years ago, my sister, Vanessa, told me that Steven loved creating drawings and giving them to the volunteers she enlisted to help at the group home. At the time, I thought, “I should write to Steven.” But, as life often does, time got away from me, and I never did. This year, I found myself with extra time and began looking for volunteer opportunities in my community. During my research, the old idea of becoming a pen pal came back to me. Ben Pals was born: The name is a play on my nephew’s name and the brainchild of my husband. Ben Pals is a program created to build lasting relationships between individuals with intellectual and developmental disab...
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Cakeable Helps People with Disabilities Build Skills

  I wrote this story about Cakeable, a nonprofit in Charlotte, in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month."  Building Skills for Employment History of Disability Employment Month: " In October 2026, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce.  "This yearly event began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress designated the commemoration as NDEAM, which then evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities.  "In 2001, ODEP was created and entrusted to administer NDEAM, including the selection and promotion of its annual theme."  Office of Disability Employment Policy
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Why Volunteers Matter: The Lasting Impact of Community Support

When Ben moved into his group home more than four years ago, a friend suggested we plan a tailgate party for the residents. Since then, we've hosted therapy dogs, yoga, live music, gardening days, crafting events, trivia games, bingo and much more.  Friends, neighbors and family members serve as the volunteers. Staff jump in to help. The residents go along with most of the activities we plan. Their favorites are definitely music trivia and bingo. And we must bring snacks; they never ask but I wouldn't show up empty handed. Unintended Results of Volunteering  1. Opens communication between our family and the staff at the group home. 2. Introduces others who volunteer to group home living. They develop friendships with Ben and the other residents. 3. Forms partnerships with local schools and businesses. The Beta Club at the local Montessori high school volunteers each year. Several businesses and foundations continue to donate every year. 4. Connects us to Ben in another way. If...
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Disability Night Out

Disability Night Out is Saturday, October 10, 2026 It's a community night out, a collective action, and a real-world access check, all at once. People with disabilities, their families, and allies dine out together nationwide. Aim to be at the table between 6 and 9 p.m., your local time. Pick a restaurant, show up and tell us what happened.  Send us the details at here.  Learn more and get the details: Disability Night Out. 🠞Where are you headed for Disability Night Out?
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How to Create a Book About Your Child With Disabilities: A Meaningful Way to Tell Their Story

Many years ago, I created a book to share with new staff, therapists and teachers. I update it as Ben's needs change but the core stays the same. It's been a quick way for people to learn about Ben – and it's written from Ben's perspective, giving him a voice to share his story and preferences. Make a book with these sections: Family members Friends Favorite foods Favorite people Quirks and skills Favorite movies and TV shows Favorite activities Add current photos of your child as well as older ones to give readers context. Include sections that fit for your child such as medications list, doctors' contacts, equipment, things to avoid, calming activities, allergies, diagnosis details, etc.  🠞Let me know in the comments what you'd add to your child's book. Here's a sample from Ben's book: Quirks & Skills ·        I don’t like my shirts or pants to be pulled up. Roll up my sleeves and I’ll have them down faster than you can say, Jack Russell. · ...
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What the Texas v. Kennedy Ruling Means for People with Disabilities

If you’ve been following the news, you may have heard about a recent court case in Texas that threatens a law that protects people like Ben from entering institutional facilities such as nursing homes instead of living at home or in a group home. Community integration and community-based services have been at the core of Ben's life – these program are the reason why he thrives now as a 23-year-old man. A  threat to these services is a threat to so many individuals with disabilities. SUMMARY Texas v. Kennedy changes how disability care rules are handled.  What the rules were: In 2024, the federal government made rules requiring states to help people with disabilities live in their own homes and local communities instead of forcing them into nursing homes or institutions. What the court decided:  Alaska, Florida and Texas sued to get rid of these rules. Many more states were involved in the beginning but withdrew due to advocacy pressure . The federal government agreed to...
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2026 Volunteer Impact for Easterseals PORT Health

Since 2023, we've been planning activities and events at Ben's group home in Charlotte. Family, friends, neighbors, local schools and businesses, and local and national nonprofits have contributed in so may ways. Together, we are a team! The Easterseals PORT Health group home manager, Tylesha, makes volunteering at the house easy. She removes barriers to ensure her residents get the best experience while living under her care.  Thank you!  
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