Charity Transforms Boy's Wheelchair Into Halloween Costume

Most Halloween costumes are not made with children with disabilities in mind, but an Oregon-based non-profit transformed a Virginia boy's wheelchair into a Halloween costume worthy of a movie set.

Brian McNulty volunteers with Magic Wheelchair, a charity that builds epic costumes for children with disabilities across the nation. This Halloween, he built a Jeep for Kevin, a 15-year-old Manassas teen who uses a wheelchair. But it's not just any Jeep, it's the Jeep from "Jurassic Park."

The costume is made of foam and set on a frame that fits around Kevin's wheelchair. McNulty says the hardest part is making sure the fit and movement are perfect. 

"When we put the extra foam on the side, he won't hurt himself," McNulty said.

To read more on this story, click here: Charity Transforms Boy's Wheelchair Into Halloween Costume

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Tom Golisano Donates $5.8 Million to SJFC for Developmental Disabilities Nursing Program

A new institute at St. John Fisher College will focus on nursing that supports individuals with developmental disabilities.

Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation donated $5.8 million to the school to create the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. Tom Golisano donated $5 million and the foundation donated $800,000.

It is the first of its kind in the country, and will focus on training health care providers to support this population.

Research by the Special Olympics shows that there are significant health disparities between individuals with disabilities and the general population.

To read more on this story, click here: Tom Golisano Donates $5.8 Million to SJFC for Developmental Disabilities Nursing Program


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Jamauri Gets His Trick-Or-Treat Bag

Sharing from facebook. This is what his mother wrote:
His bag finally came💙🎃🦇 — with Charlene Williams.

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Thinking of all in Pittsburgh and the Achieva Family for the loss of Cecil and David Rosenthal

ACHIEVA

The ACHIEVA family is devastated at the loss of two well-respected members of their community. Two extraordinary men, brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, were victims of the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue.

Cecil and David had a love for life and for those around them. As long-standing recipients of ACHIEVA’s residential and employment services, they were as much a part of the ACHIEVA family as they were their beloved neighborhood of Squirrel Hill.

They loved life. They loved their community. They spent a lot of time at the Tree of Life, never missing a Saturday. “If they were here they would tell you that is where they were supposed to be,” said Chris Schopf, Vice President, Residential Supports, ACHIEVA.

Chris added, “Cecil’s laugh was infectious. David was so kind and had such a gentle spirit. Together, they looked out for one another. They were inseparable. Most of all, they were kind, good people with a strong faith and respect for everyone around.”

Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy to the Rosenthal family, and to all who were affected by the tragedy at Tree of Life.

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Boy With Autism Still Has 'The Best Day Ever,' After Friends Ditch His Birthday Party

A boy with autism whose friends ditched his 10th birthday party had “the best day ever” when a bunch of strangers threw him a last-minute celebration.

Brody Barron has an August birthday, but having recently moved from the U.K. to Guthrie, Okla., he postponed festivities until school started, so he could celebrate with his new classmates.

The boy invited 10 children to his Fortnite-themed party at the entertainment venue Main Event in Oklahoma City and, according to his mother, Susan, “counted down the days” until the big day, Sept. 29.

“We weren’t expecting everyone to show up, but 30 minutes after the party was supposed to start, we knew no one was coming,” Susan tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “I told Brody, ‘Let’s figure out what to do, because I don’t know if your friends are going to make it.'”

Since Brody’s autism makes it difficult for him to understand social cues, he replied, “That’s OK, I don’t mind waiting.”

“That broke my heart,” says Susan. “I told him, ‘I don’t think they’re coming.’ His entire body deflated and he hung his head. I was crying.”

To read more on this story, click here: Boy With Autism Still Has 'The Best Day Ever,' After Friends Ditch His Birthday Party

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Melwood Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month by Challenging Employers to Explore New Workforce Solutions

Due to historically low rates of unemployment, DC area employers are searching for innovative ways to fill their open positions with quality staff.

Melwood CEO Cari DeSantis has the answer.

“Melwood offers private employers the solution to their labor needs, and I challenge corporations and organizations in the DC area to partner with us so they can learn about the quality and value Melwood teams provide,” says DeSantis. “Melwood has a 55-year history of demonstrating that, with appropriate professional development, people of differing abilities can be successful in the workforce.”

Filling Employment Gaps
According to the Brookings Institution, only four out of 10 people of differing abilities are currently employed despite evidence showing the clear economic -benefits of hiring from this high-quality workforce. People of differing abilities offer companies a professional grade labor force, a boost in consumer market, and improved work culture. Some professional services companies, such as Ernst & Young, have started “neuro-diversity” hiring programs to find these quality candidates.

To read more on this story, click here: Melwood Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month by Challenging Employers to Explore New Workforce Solutions

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