February is Disability Awareness Month. It’s also the month of Valentine’s Day. This month is a good time to talk about relationships. Today, we’re going to bust some myths. Some people have wrong ideas about what people with IDD want, need, and deserve from romantic relationships. We talked with three people with IDD about these myths. Here’s what they had to say.

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...

Many people with disabilities use Social Security to help pay for basic needs. This includes SSI and SSDI. These programs are meant to help people live safe and healthy lives. But old Social Security rules can make life harder instead of easier. This week, we talk with our friend Logan about why these rules need to change. We talk about how fixing them can help people with disabilities…

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...

Last week, James shared his thoughts about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a hero of the civil rights movement. The disability rights movement has many heroes, too. Some are well known. Others worked behind the scenes for years to make change happen. Last week, we honored Dr. King and his call to serve others. This week, James reflects on another leader who lived those values every day: Bob Kafka.

In January, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday. Dr. King worked for civil rights, fairness, and dignity for all people. He believed that change happens when people come together and take action. That is why Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is also known as the Day of Service. We do not honor Dr. King only with words.

Last week James asked us to resolve to be kinder in 2026. This week we are talking about a special way of being kind: being a strong ally. We hear from our friend Pauline Bosma about ways you can be a strong ally. What Makes a Strong Ally? Pauline is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has IDD. She tells us that being an ally to both groups starts with listening.

It's the start of a new year. Many of us are making New Year’s resolutions. We think about the things we want to do better in the year to come. Resolve to Be Kinder In a new video, James talks about some of the typical resolutions we make. James then challenges us to resolve to be kinder in 2026. Being kinder can change how people feel, how they are treated, and how safe they feel in the world.

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.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

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.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

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.

YouTube video by Pursuit Of Purpose - Leadership - Growth - Success

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.