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Cognitive Disabilities, Disability Insurance and Trades

Joanne Burke-Sherman • Mar 21, 2023

Why we need to do more than just provide disability insurance

We are lucky to have access to things like disability insurance or SSI because some people absolutely need it to help them get by in this life. That said, I do not think that SSI should be a goal to achieve, especially when young adults are capable of so much more and deserve to live a life that provides them with more income and a good reason to “get up and go every day.”

If having SSI means someone is sitting at home either sleeping all day or watching TV, they are not feeling very accomplished. In addition, having too much time on one’s hand without having a sense of purpose (Dharma) can lead to drug and alcohol addiction; hanging out with “the wrong people;” or even having encounters with law enforcement for unacceptable behaviors.

So let’s take a look at other reasons that SSI may not be enough and why training in the trades can be beneficial.

While Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides some financial assistance to young adults with cognitive disabilities, it is often not enough to meet all of their needs. Here are some reasons why SSI may not be enough:

Limited income: SSI provides a limited income that may not cover all of the expenses that these young adults may have. For example, SSI may not be enough to cover the costs of housing, transportation, and medical care.
High cost of living: The cost of living can be particularly high for ALL young adults, and even more so for those with cognitive disabilities who require specialized services and supports. These services and supports may include housing modifications, assistive technology, and personal care services, which can be expensive.
Limited access to healthcare: Young adults with cognitive disabilities may require more frequent and specialized healthcare services, which can be expensive and may not be fully covered by SSI. In addition, individuals with cognitive disabilities may have difficulty accessing mental healthcare services, due to limited availability or affordability. Without access to these services, they may struggle to manage their mental health conditions effectively, which further contributes to the inability to hold a job long term.
Social isolation: Being without work and on SSI, individuals with cognitive disabilities may struggle to form and maintain social connections, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Without support and social interaction, their mental health conditions may worsen over time.
Unique challenges: Overall, young adults with cognitive disabilities may face unique challenges related to their disability that can increase their expenses and make it difficult to make ends meet, such as specialized diets, transportation needs, services, mental health and assistive technology.

While we are thankful that SSI exists and can provide some financial assistance, it may not be enough to meet all of their needs. Additional support and resources, such as specific hands-on vocational training, employment support, and access to healthcare, may be necessary to help them live full and independent lives. As a parent, that is one of the ultimate goals…. To help our kids be happy and independent.

As mentioned above with respect to vocational training, there are several reasons why young adults with cognitive disabilities may benefit from working in trades such as landscaping, painting, and plastering:

Develop vocational skills: Trades such as landscaping, painting, and plastering provide practical, hands-on experience that can help young adults with cognitive disabilities develop valuable vocational skills. These skills can help them become more independent, increase their self-confidence, and improve their overall quality of life.
Opportunities for social interaction: Working in trades often involves working in teams, which can provide young adults with cognitive disabilities opportunities for social interaction and building relationships with their peers and co-workers.
Physical activity and exercise: These trades can also be physically demanding, which can provide this group with opportunities for exercise and physical activity. Often, weight and health can be an issue for this population, as they do not tend to take care of themselves in a very healthy way. Again, if at home for long periods of time, many young adults are bored and turn to food and drink.
Sense of accomplishment: Completing a task, such as painting a room or landscaping a yard, can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work, which can be especially important. This group often faces challenges in many areas of their lives. So, they deserve to feel good about what they can do.
Opportunities for creativity: Trades such as landscaping, painting and plastering can provide young adults with with opportunities for creativity and self-expression. This can be especially important for individuals who may struggle with traditional academic pursuits. Dharma Dreams Vocational Center puts the focus on what students CAN learn and not on what they CANNOT learn very easily.

As you can see, working in trades such as landscaping, painting, and plastering can provide our students at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center with valuable vocational skills, opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, a sense of accomplishment, and opportunities for creativity. These are all good reasons to come learn these skills here at our program. APPLY NOW

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Nurturing the Mind and Body: The Importance of Meditation and Mind-Body Techniques at Dharma Dreams Vocational Center

By Joanne Burke-Sherman • 06 Jul, 2023

Introduction In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it is crucial to prioritize our mental and physical well-being. For individuals with cognitive disabilities, this importance is magnified, as they strive to learn job skills and life skills to lead productive and fulfilling lives. At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, we use a unique approach incorporating meditation and mind-body techniques, such as connecting with nature, breath work, and yoga. These all can help transform the lives of individuals with cognitive disabilities. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of these practices and how they empower individuals to enhance their well-being and cultivate a sense of purpose.

Empowering NeuroDiversity: Dharma Dreams Vocational Center Joins Forces With The League School And The Collaborative Neurodiversity Employment Incubator Project

By Joanne Burke-Sherman • 16 Jun, 2023

Introduction In a world that thrives on diversity and inclusion , it is imperative that we recognize and celebrate the unique talents and abilities of every individual, including those with cognitive disabilities. At Dharma Dreams Vocational Center, our mission is to empower adults aged 18-26 with cognitive disabilities by providing specialized education and vocational training in trades such as landscaping, painting, and plastering. Dharma has to do with Life Purpose and the mission of Dharma Dreams Vocational Center is to provide real life job skills for young adults who learn differently. We inspire students to exceed their own expectations using technical training, the power of positivity, and balancing mind, body and soul in order to achieve their highest potential and their life purpose. Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant development that will further enhance our impact in the community: our partnership with The League School and other like-minded organizations to form The Collaborative Neurodiversity Employment Incubator Project. Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration The Collaborative Neurodiversity Employment Incubator Project brings together passionate organizations committed to championing neurodiversity and fostering inclusive employment opportunities in our communities. Through the development of businesses and strategic partnerships , the project aims to address the unique employment needs of neurodiverse individuals, ensuring they have access to meaningful and fulfilling work. The Importance of Neurodiversity Employment Initiatives Neurodiverse individuals possess a wide range of skills, talents, and perspectives that can greatly enrich our workplaces and communities. However, they often face significant barriers when seeking employment, leading to underutilization of their potential. By actively promoting neurodiversity employment initiatives, we can break down these barriers and create a more inclusive society that values and embraces the contributions of all individuals.

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