AN INCLUSIVE KIND WORLD

Sometimes, you need to say “ Screw it ” and take that break” As special needs parents and caregivers, we are used to being strong and ever-present. The word “ Break ” doesn’t exist in our vocabulary, except when we see intense moments of distress and realize that we need to rest. At the Exhale Conference 6.0, I had the honor of moderating a session on creating a sustainable future for children with special needs and I was reminded of one thing- Now is the time to start planning for the future.  Not tomorrow, not next week, but now.  But guess what? Your long-term planning for the children won’t be effective if you don't take care of yourself. The future is not just about setting up a trust fund but taking care of ourselves to ensure we can continue this journey with resilience and strength. The Exhale Conference was organized by a powerhouse, Mrs. Bukola Ayinde, a disability advocate and a special needs mother to a child with cerebral palsy. It was the first time meeting Mrs. ...

What if I told you that 60% of caregivers of disabled individuals have considered suicide?  Especially this writer.  Although the theme for this World Mental Health Day is "Work-life balance, I will focus on the aspect of the mental health of persons with disabilities and their caregivers. First of all, I’m glad that the world is recognizing that mental health is essential. However,  some people still struggle with the fact that their words and actions have an effect. A few months ago, I wrote a story of a special needs mother killing herself, after killing her child with Autism.  Extreme?  This may seem fictitious, but it is real. What if I told you that this happens all the time?  I feel like everyone runs away from the topic of mental health because they believe that everything should be fine.  What if it’s not fine? What if you need help? A month ago, I had the worst meltdown in my life; The thing about unhealthy thoughts is that they spiral out of...

  I have to be honest with you. I did not know the Olympics had Paralympic Games  like inclusive games that involves persons with disabilities. And What do I think about it? I think the Olympics might just be my favorite thing right now!  It's the effort for me. So, t he Paralympics were basically established to provide athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete at the highest level of international sport. Sport is a thing that unites everyone; Allowing persons with disabilities to have their own sporting event.  I don't think the Paralympics know how BIG of a deal this is. This challenges  stereotypes that people with disabilities can't do anything; There is a general misconception that the minute one becomes disabled or is born disabled, the person can't succeed in things. These games cancels the stereotypes and remind us that persons with disabilities are living their life and CAN AMOUNT to something in life.  The Games also draws attention to...

  Wow! Your Safe Space 2.0 was one of the best things that has happened to me this year; When I thought of the theme “What’s your role in a neurodiverse World?” I thought of collaboration- for persons to come together and create ways that persons with disabilities can be seen, appreciated and happy in society. That's what I wanted. You know because I have all of these ideas and as effective as I am, I can't do it all. Your Safe Space NG 2.0 surpassed my expectations and even though you weren't there, I think you need to know the ten things that we took away from the intimate gathering.  Your emotions are valid but your actions matter: Neurotypical siblings aren’t the only ones who get upset, or embarrassed of their siblings; parents do; Hearing Mrs. Azazi’s view inspired me. My parents share the same emotions if not more. In managing Special needs, You’ll have a lot of emotions but you must think about your actions. You cannot be upset and spew a lot of curses on your chi...