Insight shared from Don Lewis...

Introduction

     My name is Don Lewis (d_lewis@abilitylabs.com, AbilityLabs.com) and my son Randy is my best friend (along with my wife, of course). When Randy was a junior in college, he was in a terrible motorcycle accident (an accident in every sense of the word; no one was at fault except for the animal crossing the street that Randy tried to avoid hitting). He suffered a severe head trauma among many other injuries, but we’re all eternally grateful he survived. From that day on, his physical and cognitive abilities have changed, but he’s still our son and still my favorite person in the world. I created abilitylabs.com. 
     
Discussion

     My son, Randy, was in an accident when he was in college that changed his physical and mental abilities. I remember right after it happened going to support groups, mostly because I wanted to learn how I could help our family adjust in a healthy and harmonious way and to not feel alone in my experience. I remember meeting a lot of parents whose amazing children had been differently-abled their whole lives, and it really made me think about how I would have wanted to make sure Randy always felt included had he been little when his abilities changed.

     Now that I’ve finally started my own site to support other families who have a differently-abled member, I want to honor the parents of young children who work so hard to see that their little ones are always included, especially this time of year when there is so much outdoor fun to be had. Here are the resources that I've compiled and found most useful: 

• Backyard Camping for Kids with Disabilities
• Playground Tips for Children with Special Needs
• Teaching Swimming to Children with Disabilities: Benefits & Safety Precautions
• Accessible Entertaining: Making Sure Your Disabled Guests Feel Safe and Welcome in Your Home
• The Best Bikes for Special Needs Kids
• Finding the Right Hotel for Your Child with Special Needs
• 32 Vacation Destinations for Individuals with Special Needs

Conclusion
     At Ability Labs, we really believe that everyone is special and shouldn’t be defined by 
their unique abilities. We hope our site will inspire others to promote or even adopt this 
way of thinking. 

2 Little Ways (and 1 Big Way) to Help Active Duty Military and Veterans

2 Little Ways (and 1 Big Way) to Help Active Duty Military and Veterans
written by: Kelli Brewer

Do you wish you could do more to support our nation’s service members and veterans? Military members make enormous sacrifices for our freedom, and it’s only natural to want to repay the favor. As an individual, it might feel like you can’t do much to help the military, especially compared to the lost lives and family separation that so many service members face. However, while they may not match up to military deployment, these three actions can make a meaningful impact in the lives of service members and veterans.

Fundraise for Military Charities

There are countless charity organizations supporting active duty military member, their families, and veterans. Whether you want to raise money to provide service animals to veterans, to support the families of service members killed in combat, or show gratitude to deployed service members via care packages, there’s a charity that can help you meet your goal.

While there are many legitimate charities serving the military, you should always research organizations before donating money. Unfortunately, some people start fake charities to scam good-willed community members out of their money. You can also use lists of vetted charities to find a reputable organization to support.

If you personally know a veteran who needs help, starting a crowdfunding campaign is another option. However, always ask the recipient before starting a crowdfunding campaign in their name. Not everyone is comfortable having their information shared publicly.

Befriend an Older Veteran

Older veterans are considered high risk for loneliness. Loneliness on its own is difficult enough to deal with, but when you learn that loneliness is linked to depression and suicidal behavior, it’s clear that we need to do something about isolation among our nation’s veterans.

If there’s a veteran in your neighborhood or you have an older family member who served, reach out. It doesn’t take much to visit or call the veteran in your life, and it could make a world of difference to them in the long run.

When spending time with your veteran, take note of their health. Do they seem active and upbeat, or do you notice things like irritability, mood swings, poor focus, or clumsiness? These could be signs of a prescription drug problem, which is unfortunately common among veterans with service-related disabilities and in older adults in general. If you’re concerned your friend may have a problem, avoid passing judgment. Instead, let them know you care and you’re concerned, and encourage the veteran to talk to their doctor.

Start a Career in Social Work

If you are passionate about supporting service members and veterans, you could turn that passion into a career. Social workers play important roles in military and veteran affairs. Military social workers help active duty service members and their families navigate the challenges of military life, including financial problems, interpersonal issues, and the transition to civilian life. They also help veterans access veterans benefits, mental health treatment, affordable housing, and other important resources that veterans need to succeed in the community.

Licensed social workers hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. This advanced degree requires 900 to 1,200 hours of field education in which MSW students receive hands-on experience performing social work in the community. You can find accredited MSW programs at colleges and universities around the country, including online universities.

There’s no question that our military members and veterans deserve support. Instead of limiting that support to well-wishes, take action to uplift the people who serve our country. Whether you raise a few dollars or pursue a degree in military social work, your actions make a difference.