The end of the year is a good time to think about what you have done. You can look back at the goals you met. Or you can think about what you finished. Self-Advocate Network did a lot this year. So the team has a lot to be proud of. We talked about what we are most proud of doing in 2025.

The Network Nothing About Us Without Us People with IDD have valuable lived experience. They should work on projects about their lives. Most project staff want to work with people with IDD. But findin...

During the holidays, people often want to be kind and caring. But sometimes, they forget an important truth: People with IDD are not children. They may like fun things, bright lights, or games. But that does not make them child-like. They are adults with adult interests, goals, and rights. In this post, we talk about why treating people with IDD like children can be harmful.

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The holiday season can be fun. It’s a time for family and friends to be together. It’s a time to share in traditions. But it can be stressful and even sad for some people. Last week we talked about supporting family caregivers. This week, we look at using new holiday traditions to support people with IDD. Old Traditions Getting together with family and friends can be hard for some people.

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The holidays can be stressful. Some families support a person with special needs. The season can be even harder for them. Changes in routine and loud, busy places bring extra challenges. Some caregivers do not get breaks, even when they are overwhelmed. We’re sharing real talk from three family caregivers. We also share simple ways everyone can help with supporting family caregivers this season.

This week we have a guest post by Mary Jane Williams from Bridges to Possibilities. Big changes are happening in the Department of Education. When this happens, families of kids with disabilities feel the impact fast. With less oversight, schools may have less direction. This can cause confusion and conflict. But this is when families become the strongest advocates in the room.

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Guest Post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health Last month, we talked with Dr. Kim Fulda about substance use disorder (SUD). It can affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We’re heading into the holidays. This is a time when people feel stress. It might cause them to start or increase substance use. So this month, Dr.

This week, we celebrate James Meadours. He wrote an article for the Institute on Community Integration. It's called “Dignity of Risk.” In it, he shares his life journey. He talks about how taking risks has shaped his life. He thinks that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should have the chance to take risks. What Is Dignity of Risk?

Tomorrow is Election Day! Voting is a powerful way to make your voice heard. The people we elect make choices that affect our daily lives. This includes our health care, education, and support services. When you vote, you shape what happens in your community and our country. Every vote counts. Your voice matters. In this video, James talks to us from Washington, DC.

Work is more than a paycheck. It gives people purpose and independence. It helps them build connections. But for many people with IDD, myths and stereotypes get in the way of getting jobs. It’s time to break those myths about IDD and employment! Cynthia Burrow is the owner of Strategic Education Solutions (SES). James Meadours is SES’s Advocacy and Outreach Lead.

It’s homecoming season. Across the country, people are cheering for their teams. They are celebrating “Friday night lights.” It’s a fun time for students to come together. But for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), those moments of celebration never happen. They may be included in the classroom. But they are left out when the bell rings. They deserve inclusion beyond the classroom.

World Mental Health Day was October 10. We can use this time to remember that mental health is a human right for people with IDD. To support IDD and mental health, going beyond the basics includes care that is fair. It should be respectful. It should center on the whole person. IDD and Mental Health Needs Mental health is important for everyone.

Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use. Last month, we learned that people with IDD can have substance use disorder (SUD). We learned the truth about some harmful myths.  UNT Health is leading a project in Texas to share the truth about SUD.

In 1973, Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act. It’s sometimes called the Rehab Act for short. It helped clear a path for disability rights and inclusion. Before this law, many people with disabilities didn’t have rights in schools and at jobs. They were left out of public life. The Act helped change that. It made sure people with disabilities had more equal rights.

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Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health September is National Recovery Month. Some people think that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) don’t use substances. This is not true. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use. Some people with IDD have substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is when using drugs or alcohol creates serious problems in your life.

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September 22 is National Family Day. But we’re taking it over! We're calling it “National Found Family Day.” For many, family is a source of love and support. But for some, family relationships are hard. Families may not accept people as they are. When that happens, a found family can be life changing. Found family is a group of trusted people who care for you.

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September is Deaf Awareness Month. This is a time to learn about Deaf culture. It’s about building spaces that are welcome to everyone. It is also a time to celebrate the Deaf IDD community. Deaf Culture Deaf culture is full of stories and customs. Many people take pride in who they are as part of the Deaf community. They celebrate Deaf artists, athletes, and leaders, like Judith Scott.

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