Health and Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities: Importance and Strategies

Building independence is one of the most empowering gifts you can give a child. It fosters self-confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility. Whether at home, school, or out in the world, promoting independence helps children prepare for life’s challenges while encouraging them to thrive in their own unique ways. Here are five practical strategies to help build independence in children. 1. Encourage Decision-Making Allowing children to make choices helps them to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Start with small decisions, such as choosing between two outfits, snacks, or activities. As your child’s confidence grows you can incorporate opportunities to make complex choices and decisions, such as planning a family outing or organizing their study schedule. Tip: Offer limited options to avoid overwhelming your child and praise their decisions to boost confidence. 2. Create a Consistent Routine Routines give children a sense of structure and predictability, helping them understand what to expect and how to manage their time. Assign tasks within the routine that they can manage independently, such as brushing their teeth, setting the table, or packing their school bag. Tip: Use visual schedules or checklists for younger children to help them follow their daily routines independently. 3. Teach Life Skills Teaching life skills is essential to foster your child’s independence. Involve your child in age-appropriate tasks such as making a sandwich, tidying up their toys, or doing simple chores. Over time, progress to more advanced responsibilities, such as cooking meals, managing money, or organizing their personal belongings. Tip: Be patient as they learn. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and offer valuable lessons. 4. Promote Problem-Solving Help children develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think through challenges. Instead of immediately providing solutions, ask guiding questions like, “What do you think we could do about this?” or “What are some other ways to solve this problem?” This approach teaches them to think critically and trust their ability to handle situations. Tip: Celebrate their problem-solving efforts, even if the solution isn’t perfect, to build resilience and confidence. 5. Support Without Hovering It’s natural to want to protect children, but stepping back allows them to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities. Offer support when they truly need it but encourage them to try difficult tasks on their own first. This balance helps to build self-reliance while knowing there is a safety net if needed. Tip: Gradually increase the level of responsibility and independence you expect as they grow, ensuring your expectations align with their developmental stage. Final Thoughts Building independence is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and trust. By incorporating these five strategies into your daily interactions, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate life with independence and self-assurance. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress! Independence is a lifelong skill that will empower your child to succeed, adapt, and thrive in all areas of life. Start small, stay supportive, and watch them soar!

Five tips for parents on how to teach daily life skills to their children: Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Divide tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, or preparing a snack into smaller, manageable steps. This makes learning easier and less overwhelming for children, allowing them to focus on mastering one step at a time. Use Visual Aids and Schedules: Visual aids such as pictures, charts, or schedules can help children understand the sequence of tasks and what is expected of them each day. Visual cues provide structure and support independence in completing routines. Provide Opportunities for Practice: Encourage children to practice skills regularly. Repetition helps solidify learning and builds confidence. Allow them to do tasks independently when possible, while offering guidance and support as needed. Offer Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and praise children for their efforts and achievements in learning life skills. Positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise, stickers, or small rewards, encourages continued effort and motivates children to independently perform tasks. Incorporate Learning into Daily Routines: Integrate skill-building activities into daily routines and activities. For example, involve children in meal preparation to teach cooking skills or incorporate counting and sorting into grocery shopping. Making learning part of everyday life reinforces skills in meaningful contexts. By implementing these tips, parents can effectively teach and reinforce daily life skills, fostering independence and confidence in their children’s abilities.

Credentials and Experience: Look for providers with qualified staff, such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) for ABA therapy or licensed speech-language pathologists. Check their experience working with individuals with similar needs and disabilities. Quality of Services: Research reviews and testimonials from other families. Look for providers known for delivering high-quality, effective services. Ask for references or speak directly with current clients to gauge satisfaction. Individualized Treatment Plans: Ensure the provider offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals. A good provider will conduct thorough assessments and collaborate with you to develop a plan that addresses your child’s unique challenges and strengths. Communication and Collaboration: Choose a provider who emphasizes clear communication and collaboration with families. They should keep you informed about progress, setbacks, and adjustments to treatment plans. Regular meetings and updates should be part of their approach. Accessibility and Support: Consider the provider’s accessibility and support options. Are they responsive to your inquiries and available for emergencies or urgent questions? Do they provide resources or support for navigating insurance, funding, or other administrative needs?  By following these tips, families can make informed decisions when selecting a provider that best meets their child’s needs and supports their family throughout the treatment process.

By Allison Rawlins I was certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014, but my road to achieving my certification as a BCBA began when I was an undergraduate student at the College of New Jersey pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. When I started college in 2005, as a TCNJ student, I was not yet interested in the field of Special Education. My passion for working with students with special needs, more specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was sparked in 2008, when I began substitute teaching at a special education school district, where I worked with preschool and elementary aged children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is where I first learned about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and I learned how ABA techniques are used to support and teach individuals with ASD and IDD diagnoses. My experience as a substitute teacher in autism classrooms led me to pursue a career where I could provide support and empower individuals with special needs and autism. I began to seek positions as an ABA therapist where I could learn more about ABA therapy. I worked under BCBAs who inspired me to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst so that I could improve the lives of individuals with special needs and autism and help them to reach their full potential through the implementation of applied behavior analysis. In 2011, I started classes at Rider University in the Applied Psychology Masters program and began to work towards my goal of becoming a BCBA. While I was completing my courses at Rider I continued to work as an ABA therapist to collect my field work hours while engaging in meaningful work in a supportive work environment. In 2014, after completing my fieldwork hours and passing the board exam, I completed my Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and ABA and earned my certificate as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. My road to becoming a BCBA was a little different than many of my colleagues. I began my education on the path towards elementary education, driven to help children learn and grow. In 2008 my path changed when I stepped into an autism classroom which led me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis and BCBA certification in 2014. Over my career I have continued to learn and grow as an ABA provider, and BCBA, and sought out opportunities that were fulfilling and fostered career growth opportunities in supportive environments. If you have the drive to help and empower others and you seek opportunities in a fulfilling field, then maybe you should consider a career in Applied Behavior Analysis too.

By Amanda Rodriguez It was the end of 2021, and I was looking for a new job. I had worked in adult behavioral health for years but wanted a little bit of change. That’s when I saw an ad posted on Indeed.com indeed.com for Sidekicks Support Services. I read through the postings for an ABA Therapist and for a Behavior Technician. I checked out the Sidekicks website. “Every Superhero Needs A Sidekick”. That slogan stuck. I continued reading and quickly felt like this could be a place whose values truly aligned with mine. I wrote a cover letter and submitted my resume. The rest, as they say, is history! I started working part-time with Sidekicks as a Behavior Technician in the Individual Support Services (ISS) program. This means I worked with children ages 3-21 who were diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. I worked in their homes and in the community and taught life skills. First, I had virtual training, and then hands-on training during the first few sessions with each child I worked with. I even got to shadow a Sidekick while they worked with a Superhero! Fantastic families, friendly and welcoming staff, paid training… I was thrilled with my new position and proud to work for a company that was so passionate about what they do.

Despite progress in social awareness and accessibility, much remains to be done. A more inclusive society acknowledges individuals with disabilities and provides acceptance for all. Disability awareness is understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. This includes recognizing the barriers they face in education, employment, and social situations. To increase understanding and recognition for individuals with disabilities, we can take three key actions: educate, create, and challenge. By educating others about the unique experiences and potential of individuals with disabilities, creating welcoming environments, and challenging negative stereotypes and misconceptions, we can foster a more inclusive society. Disability inclusion involves removing barriers and creating a welcoming environment that supports individuals with disabilities. This includes encouraging the hiring and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, promoting disability rights that ensure accessibility, and using inclusive language. Let’s create a society that prioritizes, values and accepts the unique contributions and perspectives of individuals with disabilities. Disability acceptance is an essential aspect of creating a more inclusive society. Our aim should be to promote a culture of respect where everyone is valued and heard. To promote disability acceptance, we can celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities in society. We can empower individuals with disabilities to be self-advocates and participate in decision-making processes that affect them. Encouraging positive and accurate portrayals of individuals with disabilities in media and popular culture is also important. This can help challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes towards disabilities. It is important to listen to the experiences and perspectives of individuals with disabilities to better understand their unique challenges. Individuals with disabilities should not be defined by their disabilities, and they should not be excluded from opportunities and experiences that others take for granted. Promoting awareness, inclusion, and acceptance for individuals with disabilities requires the active participation and engagement of the community and organizations. Together, we can create a society where everyone can participate and thrive. Everyone deserves the chance to be seen, heard, and valued. Let’s work together to make that a reality for individuals with disabilities.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based science which informs a practical and comprehensive approach to behavior modification. Practitioners of this science, called Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) rely on years of empirical research to assess, design, and implement ABA programming for the beneficiaries or clients that they service. ABA therapists, who may pursue credentialing as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are those who operate under the supervision of a BCBA, and are responsible for carrying out or implementing the specific programming that the BCBA has designed. Considering factors such as age, skill level, and disability, among many others, BCBAs take care to specifically design a treatment program for each of their client’s unique situations and needs. It is then imperative for the BCBA to ensure proper training of the technician who will be responsible for the implementation of treatment. ABA therapists have several responsibilities when conducting their sessions. They must make sure that they are adhering to the programming as designed by their BCBA supervisor and are implementing appropriate ABA practices. Sessions include working on specific skill deficits of the learner, while also implementing behavior intervention procedures, such as reinforcement. Reinforcement can be used to target any socially significant maladaptive behaviors that the learner may be exhibiting which hinder them from acquiring these skills. ABA therapists should also expect to be trained in various forms of data to be collected during sessions. Data is an essential piece of the ABA model as it allows the BCBA to determine the learner’s progress with skill acquisition and behavior reduction. The BCBA often reviews the data in order to make informed decisions about whether any modifications to programming are appropriate. The therapist should be prepared for any such modifications as they will impact how sessions are conducted. ABA therapists need to be outgoing and approachable so as to develop a strong rapport with their learners. Pairing is the process of a clinician associating themselves with reinforcement so that when they arrive for instruction the learner is excited to see them and is looking forward to their session. By establishing this positive relationship with their learner, the technician is more likely to make meaningful progress during ABA sessions. Therapists should also expect regular visits from their BCBA supervisor during sessions where the BCBA will observe the technician’s implementation of programming in order to ensure treatment integrity. The relationship between the therapist and the BCBA is also an important one, as the two work closely together, and the BCBA must be able to provide effective supervision to the technician. The technician should also be able to communicate with the BCBA, updating them on sessions and seeking clarification on any piece of the programming that may be unclear.

Today, we will discuss the functions of behavior. In a previous blog, we briefly reviewed the four functions of behavior. To quickly summarize, behavioral function refers to the purpose that a behavior serves, or the reason why an individual engages in that behavior. All behavioral functions fall into at least one of four different categories. The four functions are: attention-seeking, access to tangibles or activities, escape or avoidance of tasks or demands, and automatic reinforcement. Now let’s apply these functions to real-world scenarios. Example 1, (Attention-Seeking): You’re scrolling through Facebook when you come across a funny meme. You engage in the behavior of sharing that meme, which is then followed by people reacting to and commenting on your post. The reactions and comments from your friends are providing your behavior of sharing the meme with reinforcement in the form of social attention. Example 2, (Access to Tangibles): You get home after a long day of work and you decide to relax on the couch and watch TV. You engage in the behavior of picking up the remote control and pressing the power button, which is followed by the television turning on. Your behavior of picking up the remote and pressing the power button is being reinforced by gaining access to the activity of watching TV. Example 3, (Escape): You work for a Scranton-area paper supply company and are attending an awkward dinner party with your boss and colleagues. You pretend to get a text message from your landlord saying that your apartment flooded and you have to leave. Your behavior of making up an excuse is being reinforced by escaping the aversive situation of the uncomfortable work party. Example 4, (Automatic Reinforcement): You’re walking through an elaborate garden with beautiful flowers. You come across some roses and you decide to smell their pleasant scent. Your behavior of smelling the roses and experiencing the aroma is in itself reinforcing.