CSCS is proud to advocate for people with mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities! Check out this article from Mike Mort commenting on disabled activism. DISABLED FOLKS (WE GET THE JOB DONE) All across the United States something powerful is happening, have you noticed? People are speaking up, speaking out and sitting in. Wheels are turning, tides are shifting and voices are demanding to be heard. In a country forged by resistance, protest and pure force of will, people are fighting for their very lives once again. Lives that our culture still finds inherently other, at times even lesser. A diverse group, organized under a common, sometimes conflicted banner known as disability. We’re strong, we adapt and we sure as hell get things done! Disabled Protest Right now, disabled activists are fighting arguably one of the most important battles since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Paralleling the movement for disabled civil rights in the 80’s and 90’s, organizations such as ADAPT are leading the charge. Things like equal transportation were not just gratuitously given by the government, they were demanded using direct-action protest methods. Activists today continue to make the “dis” in civil disobedience stand for “disabled”. From Washington D.C. to Chicago, from Ohio to Colorado, there are disabled people holding their elected officials accountable. Currently, the Republican controlled White House, Congress and Senate are seeking to alienate self-evident truths. The health plan nicknamed “Trumpcare” would cost many disabled Americans their life, their liberty and certainly the pursuit of happiness. This bill would strip roughly 22 million people of health insurance and cut Medicaid by around $800 billion over the next few years. Since disabled people would be some of the most deeply impacted by the cuts, we’re bringing the thunder. Disabled Protest 2 Activists like Anita Cameron, Stephanie Woodward and Gregg Beratan filled the hall Mitch McConnell’s office, willing to be arrested for the cause. In Denver, protesters took part in a sit-in that lasted nearly 59 hours. Among was disabled lawyer Carrie Ann Lucas who defiantly said, “We are not going down without a fight… I’d rather go to jail than die without Medicaid!”  Disabled activists are also extremely connected; for every one protesters on the street there’s a dozen more online. People like Dominick Evans, Alice Wong and myself use the internet as our platform for change. In the battle to preserve healthcare, many lives hang in the balance and it’s up to all of us to fight. When politicians opinions can so deeply affect the life of someone with a disability, that life is inherently political. Democracy does not end at the ballot, it carries forward with every heartbeat and keystroke of protest. These are very uncertain times, however, there is still hope in resistance. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Our day to day lives are busy, it can be hard to find a time to stop and breathe, much less a time to volunteer. The benefits of volunteering are so large that making time to do it will not only bring a positive impact to your life, but to your family and your community. If you find the right type of volunteer work for you it could help reduce your stress, find friends, learn new skills and even advance your career. Volunteering is something we have been encouraged to do our entire lives. We think that everyone should be volunteering somewhere. Here’s why you should start volunteering in your community today. One of the largest reasons to volunteer is because of the impact you will have on your community. Sometimes it is difficult to go out and experience your town and community. Volunteering will help you expand your view and knowledge about that people around you. Plus, you will be helping accomplish chores and activities that would otherwise take longer. You are helping to make a difference in the lives of other people, animals and organizations in need. If you are new to an area, volunteering will give you a place to meet new people. Not only will it help strengthen your community, it will give you a place to broaden your network with people with similar interests. You will make a difference on your community. Every person counts. Community service will help you by decreasing stress and counteracting anger and anxiety. You might be thinking how will it do all of that? The social contact aspect of helping and working with and for others can have a profound effect on your overall health. It is about putting others in front of yourself. Focusing on what you can do to cater to someone else’s problems and worries and realizing either you’re aren’t that bad, or just giving perspective. Humans are hardwired to help other humans. It’s who you are; don’t deny it. You might even gain some confidence, and a sense of purpose. If you have been feeling lost, community service could help you find a new meaning to your life. Maybe you will discover some new strengths and weaknesses. You might even discover a passion or a hidden talent. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to expand your horizon and get out of your comfort zone. Also, to try new things and developing technical, social and academic skills that couldn’t be learned in a school or work environment. See? There are so many doors that are opening! You will be helping families, improving schools, youth or making your community beautiful. Alone you will help strengthen your community. You will create connections with people you never would have had the opportunity to otherwise. Give back! Working for CSCS will give you the opportunity to provide support, assistance and encouragement to people who need it. Volunteer today.

Do you consider yourself a kind, patient, hard-working individual? Maybe you should think about going in to a job as a direct support professional. The requirements are that you need your GED, to be over the age of 18, willing to participate in the random drug/alcohol testing program and back ground check. Gain professional experience and training. A job in DSP requires training in first aid and CPR classes, medication distribution, lift training and all day-to-day occurrences.  It will all be paid for you to begin your job. DSP is a great way to gain some knowledge and experience to launch a career in healthcare, social work, counseling, human services and special needs jobs. Making someone’s life easier and happier. Clients are depending on you to make their life as normal as possible. They are paying you to be their friend, go to and caretaker. The day-to-day work has a strong impact on the individuals being served. You will help them with their abilities to live an independent life. Do Fun things! Also, take your clients out and about during the day. You could be going to lunch, a movie, the mall, bowling or anything you think your client might enjoy. Anything that they would like to do, you can and should take them to do. Change of Perspective. As a DSP, you will be touched by your clients. Hopefully it will begin to change your perspective of the world. Becoming a DPS will give you a sense of accomplishment and self-fulfillment that you will most likely not find in other jobs. CSCS’s philosophy starts with an emphasis on advocating with and for people with mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities by providing the support, assistance, and encouragement they need to live and work as independently as possible in their community.