The role of an advocate is to offer independent support to those who feel they are not being heard and to ensure they are taken seriously and that their rights are respected. An advocate does not represent their own views but amplifies that of the person they are supporting. There are three types of advocacy – self advocacy, individual advocacy and systems advocacy. We advocate when we believe in something strongly, stay informed on what matters to us most, find our advocacy style, get involved and use our voices. Learn tips on how to help others find their voices. What can we do to support people with disabilities to identify their choices and act to ensure that these are heard? When we advocate and support others are we empowering and putting people first? In a classroom do we encourage speaking and listening (in all forms) and allow space for an argument?

This week, listen to Lindsey Feltis and Cameron Lawrence share their stories and experiences with mental illness. Listen to the stories behind the storms they faced and the courage it took to overcome them.

Ky Elliott, and Cameron Lawrence are IDEAL champions. Ky experienced high school with being apart of the LGBTQ+ community and Cameron Experienced high school with struggling with mental health. Within this podcast you’ll hear them discuss some of their challenges they faced. *Trigger Warning

Etiquette & Interacting with people with ID and others

A basic understanding of disability etiquette can help make you feel more comfortable when interacting with people with disabilities, and others, and can help prevent awkward situations. Good disability etiquette can expand business opportunities and help organizations become more effective.

Disability etiquette refers to respectful communication and interaction with people who have disabilities. The principles of disability etiquette are fairly simple. First and foremost, rely on common sense to guide your interactions with people with disabilities and behave in the same courteous and respectful way with individuals with disabilities that you would with anyone. Remember, people with disabilities are humans, just like you. Tune into an important Q&A to learn more.

Virtual places of learning and work bring with them new challenges to maintaining inclusive and safe classrooms and work spaces. The rapid shift to virtual learning and working from home for large segments of the population in response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted some of these challenges, especially given little time for preparation. How do we accommodate individual needs in a time of heightened inequities? How do we create a sense of community? How do we build connections? Tune into an important Q&A to learn more.

Positivity and gratitude play a major role in the connections and relationships we make on a daily basis. Especially now as we continue to navigate through a global pandemic, how can we maintain a positive attitude? What are the bigger struggles people are dealing with? Are we expressing gratitude or showing appreciation? What does be positive mean for me?

Tune into an important Q&A about these topics and what Ideal Way is doing to show authentic gratitude and stay positive!

Get to know our Ideal Champions and what they are most passionate about!