The State of Homelessness in America 2015: Trends in Veteran Homelessness

Sadly, if you have served in the military, you’re more at risk of experiencing homelessness. Why?

A variety of factors are at play, so there is no one fast and easy answer for why veterans experience consistently greater rates of homelessness than the general population. But one major factor is combat-related disabilities like traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are among the most significant risk factors for homelessness.

In June 2014 First Lady Michelle Obama announced the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, a campaign to enlist mayors and other leaders at the local level in the administration’s goal of ending veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. (The departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) are contributing substantial resources toward to this effort.)

To read more on this story, click here: The State ofHomelessness in America 2015: Trends in Veteran Homelessness

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A Guide for Teens: How to Find a Summer or Part-Time Job

Even if summer vacation is still a few months away for most teens, now is the time to plan and lay a foundation for landing that cool summer job you really want.

Some caveats: This article is really geared to older high school and college teens, with a focus on summer jobs, not internships. For younger teens (under 15), please check out another of our articles, Job Ideas for Teens 15 and Younger: Beyond Babysitting. For college students looking for internship tips, please read our article, How to Find Your Ideal Internship: A Three-Step Process for Gaining Key Work Experience While in College.

The Action Plan for Teens Wanting a Summer Job

The first step you need to do is decide on the summer job you want or need -- in terms of the type of job, the location, the hours, the pay. You may not be able to find a job that meets all your needs, but given the current employment situation you should strive to find one that meets as many as possible.

To read more on this story, click here: A Guide for Teens: How to Find a Summer or Part-Time Job

  

Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. 

RCM of Washington April 2015 Newsletter

Please enjoy our monthly newsletter!

See what RCM has been up to this April! And if you'd like to join our mailing list, please send us a private message with your email address. To send your email, click HERE.

D.L. Hughley Breaks Down When Sharing Story About Son With Asperger's Syndrome

When we think of D.L. Hughley, we think of "The Hughleys" sitcom star and "The Original Kings of Comedy" funnyman who sold out arenas around the country with fellow comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and the late Bernie Mac.

But in his "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" interview, the husband and father of three shares a different side of himself, telling an emotional story about his son Kyle, who has Asperger's syndrome.

Kyle was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome as a child. Today, at age 26, he sticks to a very regimented schedule.

To read more on this story, click here: D.L. Hughley BreaksDown When Sharing Story About Son With Asperger's Syndrome

14-Year-Old Boy with Asperger Syndrome Gets a Shelter Dog…and Hugs His Mom for the First Time

A Los Angeles mother watched her young son Joey struggle in uncommon ways. In kindergarten, he got suspended from school six times for behavior he couldn't control. Sitting still was torture for him, and sometimes he couldn't resist hitting himself.

His diagnosis at age 7 with Asperger syndrome, a disorder on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, rocked Granados' world. Even more challenging was Joey's loathing of physical contact. Granados wanted to hug, kiss and cuddle her son, but she never could. Years went by, and it seemed she never would.

Then, a few months ago, a new friend entered Joey's life. This friend, named Roxy, had fur, four legs, a tail and a goofy disposition, and she made Joey so happy that he did something unthinkable: He gave his mom a big, spontaneous kiss on the cheek.

To read more on this story, click here: 14-Year-Old Boy withAsperger Syndrome Gets a Shelter Dog…and Hugs His Mom for the First Time

National Nurses Week 2015 Webinar: My Patient, My Code, My Practice: Ethical Decision-Making and Action - Thursday, May 7, 2015 – 1:00 p.m. Register Now!

How often are you dealing with an ethical situation – and aren't sure what action to take? Do you feel dragged down by the weight of tough decisions that you have to make for your patients? Nurses face ethical dilemmas related to patient care and its practice on a daily basis. Dealing with these ethical situations requires finding the best option and acting to resolve the issue. Success is often dependent on a supportive work environment and without it, nurses often feel a high level of moral distress and fatigue.

ANA's May 7 National Nurses Week webinar provides practical advice, based on extensive research, to help staff nurses and managers take the lead in ethical situations. Incorporating the provisions from the revised Code of Ethics for Nursing, experts will explore several case studies that apply to common day-to-day dilemmas, not just high-visibility issues. You will gain a better understanding of the daily stresses created when making ethical decisions, and recognize the importance of employing self-care and self-awareness. In addition, learn about the value of an environment that fosters ethical behaviors as well as the role of nurse leaders in creating the space for their teams to have important conversations about ethics.  

To learn more about this Webinar, click here: My Patient, MyCode, My Practice: Ethical Decision-making and Action

National Nurses Week, May 6th-12, 2015

During National Nurses Week, from May 6 to 12, ANA celebrates RNs’ contributions to delivering the highest level of quality care to their patients. ANA’s 2015 National Nurses Week theme is “Ethical practice. Quality care.” It recognizes the importance of ethics in nursing and acknowledges the strong commitment, compassion and care nurses display in their practice and profession.

To learn more about National Nurses Week, click HERE.

Reminder: This Sunday, May 3, At 1:00 P.M., Join Us For The 'Good News' Event: For Special Needs/Disabilities Family and Friends - Mt. Airy Fairgrounds - Free!

Come join us for this exciting 'free' event! Everyone welcome, come and have fun! Be supportive, and encouraged…meet new friends!

WHAT: 'Good News' Event: For Special Needs/Disabilities Family and Friends

COST: FREE!

WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 2015

TIME: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p. m.

LOCATION:
Mt. Airy Fairgrounds
1008 Twin Arch Drive
Mt. Airy, MD 21771
(Intersection of Twin Arch Drive and Route 27)

Activities:
Pizza and Ice Cream, Games and Prizes, Moon Bounces, Water Play, D & D Pony Rides, Live Music, Hayrides

Take a Look at Last Year's Event:

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Meet Doris Plater, The Senior Student Who Never Stops Learning

Sharing From: Byte Back’s PC for Beginners

For many, age is nothing but a state of mind, especially if you’re anything like Doris Plater. As an active member of the Senior Wellness Center, Doris takes advantage of the many programs offered to her fellow “seasoned” companions. Whether it’s zumba, water aerobics, or tai chi, you can certainly find Doris soaking up the plentiful resources offered at this center. She also joined Byte Back’s PC for Beginners class this term.

She attributes much of her motivation for taking advantage of neighborhood opportunities to her teenage years as a student and graduate of the now-closed Spingarn High School in Northeast DC. Prior to graduating, Doris participated in a number of programs offered at Spingarn – tennis, field hockey, archery, and even ballroom dancing.

To read more on her story, click here: Meet Doris Plater,The Senior Student Who Never Stops Learning

Sharing From: Campaign for Disability Employment

The U.S. Department of Labor is issuing $15 million in grants through the Disability Employment Initiative to state workforce agencies to help increase the participation of people with disabilities in federally funded education and training programs.

WASHINGTON — Americans with disabilities face many obstacles in life, including those that make their search for employment difficult. To help remove some of these impediments, the U.S. Department of Labor is working to increase the ability of federal job training programs to serve youth and adults with disabilities through better collaboration and new partnerships at state and local levels.

The department today announced the availability of approximately $15 million in grants through the Disability Employment Initiative to state workforce agencies to develop flexible and innovative strategies to increase the participation of people with disabilities in federally funded education and training programs.

"People with disabilities have enormous contributions to make to our economy and our society, but they remain disproportionately represented among our nation's unemployed," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "We are working to change that by providing more training options that prepare these workers for good jobs. These grants will help build strong ladders of opportunity to the middle-class for these workers."

To read more on this story, click here: The U.S. Department of Labor is issuing $15 million in grants through the Disability Employment Initiative

Help Wanted: More U.S. Employers Offering On-the-Job Training Programs – Department of Labor

Glassdoor is proud to participate in the White House Upskill Summit hosted by Vice President Biden April 24. The goal of the summit is to maximize the potential of America’s workforce by making training and educational opportunities more accessible. As part of our commitment to help people find good jobs and to assist employers recruit the best workers, Glassdoor is launching the On-the-Job Training Finder. 

This new interactive job search mapping tool is designed to make it easier for American workers to find on-the-job training career opportunities, such as apprenticeships and trainee positions.

To read more on this story, click here: Help Wanted: More U.S. Employers Offering On-the-Job Training Programs

Sharing From: Fox 5 DC & MyFoxDC - Blind Runner, Jerry Gatton, Wins Silver Metals in All Three Events

You might remember Jerry, a runner determined to make it to the finish line despite the fact that he is blind. His story last year touched our hearts, and many of yours. Well on Friday, he competed in the Special Olympics Spring Games at Leonardtown High School, and won silver metals in ALL THREE of his events. Way to go Jerry! Watch his story again here: Blind Runnerand Coach Build Special Bond on the Track

We're also proud to announce that our own Beth Parker FOX 5 DC and photographer Chip Baysden were honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Feature Reporting on Jerry's story. Congratulations!

Blind Runner and Coach Build Special Bond on the Track

WASHINGTON - Sometimes you can win without even being able to see the finish line. Jerry Gatton is a runner. He is determined and eager.

He is also blind. He was born that way.

“I cannot see nothing at all,” said Jerry. “Everything is dark.”

A voice you hear with Jerry is the steady cadence of his coach Dale Becker. He guides Jerry at Saturday morning practices in St. Mary's County and at Special Olympics competitions.

“Oh, I love Special Olympics,” Jerry told us. “I love it with all my heart.”

“They give us three lanes,” said Dale. “One lane for Jerry. One lane for me. And he has an extra lane so that if he needs to wander of a little bit, he has that space to do it.”

On this steamy spring day, the sun beats down on the track. The sweat drips, but Jerry never quits.

“Don't ever say you can't do it people because you can do it,” said Jerry. “You try to do it. Don't say I can't do it. Say I can do it.”

To read more on this story, click here: Blind Runner and Coach Build Special Bond on the Track

Players Unlimited Presents Believe In Yourself...A Woman Is President

Players Unlimited Presented, 'Believe in Yourself...A Woman is President', today, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Lab Theatre II, in Washington, DC.

'Believe In Yourself', is a play performed by people with intellectual disabilities, and asks the question, "Will Peggy Sue become the first woman President?"

They had a great cast including: Bernard Crawford, Ricardo Thornton, Donna Thornton, and many more!

Thank you to all that attended and supported this event!

Take a look at the photos below:

A Little Girl Asked Why My Daughter With Autism Is Weird: Her Friend Had the Best Response

The other day we had a few girls from the neighborhood over. I was sitting, having a cup of coffee and talking to my best friend, who happens to be the mother of one of the girls. I heard another little girl ask my best friend’s child, “What is wrong with Gabby?”

This is a moment that usually causes me to cringe because even though the girls are just playing in my living room with toys and watching a Disney movie on TV, this one’s already figured out that my daughter is different. Without any meltdowns or tantrums, this new 5-year-old child has caught on to my daughter’s disability.

I hold my breath and wait to hear her response. My best friend’s daughter, also five years old, smiles and says, “Well Gabby has autism, and that’s what makes her special. She lives in a world that is different than ours…kind of like her brain does not work the same way.”

To read more on this story, click here: A Little Girl Asked Why My Daughter With Autism Is Weird: Her Friend Had the Best Response

Photographer Dad Makes His Son With Down Syndrome Fly In Adorable Photo Series

18-month-old William (Wil) Lawrence, the youngest in his family, was born a little bit different from the rest of his brothers and sisters, but that won’t hold him back. Wil has Down syndrome, but thanks to a bit of Photoshop magic from his photographer dad Alan, he also has a very special gift – Wil can fly!

Alan, who lives in Utah with his wife and 5 kids (with 1 more on the way), takes the pictures with the hope that they will inspire Wil; “These photos of Wil flying have taken on a special meaning for me as I think about the unique challenges Wil is going to face growing up. I hope to teach him that even with his disabilities he can do anything he puts his mind to.” He takes them by holding up Wil and then editing himself out.

Alan is also preparing a project called “Bringing The Light,” the goal of which will be to inspire and support other families living with Down syndrome. Check it out on Kickstarter!

To read more on this story, and see adorable pictures of Wil, click here:
Photographer Dad Makes His Son With Down Syndrome Fly In Adorable Photo Series

Visit his blog to see more pictures and videos: THAT DAD BLOG

The R-Word: A Documentary Film

Everyday the word retard(ed) can be seen and heard at school, at work, at home, on the playground, on public transportation, in TV, in movies, in music, and all over social media. The inappropriate use of the r-word as a derogatory slang term used to put people down continues to marginalize and dehumanize an entire population of people and their families and friends. But there is a social and cultural movement afoot and now is the time to leverage this momentum for change.

The R-Word documentary film will confront the word retard(ed). It will investigate the evolution of the r-word, from its origins to its current place in popular culture, as well as its relevance globally. This film will ask why this word is still relevant and what is at stake if people do not stop using the r-word.

This film will tell the stories of a diverse group of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have the same hopes & fears as everyone else, and of their siblings who advocate on their behalf and turn their love and pride into action. This film will challenge every viewer to put their mind where their mouth is  - inspiring and encouraging everyone to think before they speak.

To read more on this story, click here: The R-Word: A Documentary Film

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Arlington Filmmaker Wants To Stamp Out 'R-Word'

ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA9) -- It's a word so hurtful it's often referred to by its first letter. One Arlington filmmaker is devoting her life to making a film she hopes will open people's eyes about how the R-word hurts people with intellectual disabilities.

The issue is a personal one for Amanda Lukoff. Her sister Gabrielle has Down Syndrome, and she desperately wants people to think twice before they use the word 'retard' or call someone or something 'retarded,'

"Kids nowadays are growing up saying it. They're hearing their parents say it, and their friends at school. They're hearing it on the bus, hearing it all over TV and movies, so people are desensitized. People just don't realize. So that is why we are making this film," Lukoff said.

Gabrielle wants people to know she's independent, has traveled inside and outside the country and has feelings, just like everyone else.

To read more on this story, click here: Arlington Filmmaker Wants To Stamp Out 'R-Word'


Please Share!

Will Peggy Sue Become the First Woman President? Come See “Believe in Yourself,” the Latest Show by Players Unlimited - Saturday, April 25th - 2:00 p.m.

Will Peggy Sue become the first woman President? Come see “Believe in Yourself,” the latest show by Players Unlimited, a theatre group which is made of some actors with intellectual disabilities.

Come support the Players Unlimited for their upcoming play 'Believe In Yourself'. Great cast including: Bernard Crawford, Ricardo and Donna Thornton, and many more!

WHAT: 'Believe In Yourself': A play performed by people with intellectual disabilities.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2015

TIME: 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Atlas Performing Arts Center, Lab Theatre II
1333 H St NE
Washington, DC 20002

ADMISSION: $20 General Admission, $5.00 IFC/MR Admission (Individual and Staff)

To purchase tickets, click below:(When the page opens, click on this link: Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm)

For further information, contact: Shirley Rees (301) 325-5269

For additional information, click here: Believe in Yourself: Players Unlimited

                Ricardo and Donna Thornton                    Bernard Crawford

Please support and share!

Another Study Finds No Link Between MMR Vaccine And Autism

(CNN)The vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella doesn't bring an increased risk of autism, according to a new study of more than 95,000 children.

The study, published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, is the latest piece of research to debunk the myth associating the MMR vaccine with autism.

Vaccine-autism connection debunked again

Using a claims database from a large commercial health plan, the researchers paid particular attention to children who had older siblings with autism, or ASD, which puts them at a higher genetic risk of developing autism.

To read more on this story, click here: Another Study Finds No Link Between MMR Vaccine And Autism