Author: Morgan Campbell, MSW, QMHP Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly known as seasonal depression, is a type of short-term mental health condition brought on by the changing seasons. SAD symptoms typically begin to present towards the end of the fall season while transitioning into the winter months. Symptoms typically start to ...
Author: Cory Atkins, Marcfirst intern and student at Illinois State University This month celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness, urging organizations big and small to participate, spread awareness, and improve accessibility and inclusivity in the work force. The 2022 NDEAM theme is "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation." The ...
You may have seen our Disability Pride Month celebrations happening on social media, so we wanted to take the time to explain what we're celebrating. Disability Pride Month is a national celebration in the month of July. It's a way of honoring the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination ag...
Guest Blogger Jack Pennoyer April 10th is National Siblings Day. In honor of Siblings Day, we're hosting Sibshops: a group for siblings of children with disabilities. If you fall into that category, you can learn more or sign up here. We wanted to gain a little insight into what it was like to have a sibling with a disability, so we sat down to cha...
As we celebrate Black History Month this February, we wanted to look at some famous African American individuals with disabilities. Black History Month was created to remember and celebrate important people and events that helped shape the United States. Not only have these individuals done just that, but they happen to live with a disability of so...
February is Black History Month. While we make it a point to celebrate here at Marcfirst, we also noticed another organization already preparing to celebrate in McLean County: the YWCA. Throughout February, YWCA is hosting The Allyship Institute as a way to learn, share, celebrate, and become better allies to the Black community. We sat down with H...
It’s the holiday season! These next few weeks are likely full of baking, gift wrapping, and holiday cheer. Here are a few easy ways baking cookies (or any holiday treat) with your little ones can be beneficial to their development. It could even be an easy way to include some therapy practices at home! Cook...
The holidays are here and that means spending time with those who are the closest to you. If you're not sure how to keep the kids entertained, hosting a gathering, or you want to give back this year here are a few ideas to get into the spirit and be entertained. Making Gingerbread Check your area ...
Sometimes representing or standing up for yourself can be difficult. Especially without proper resources or support. This difficulty can increase for individuals with disabilities. What is Self-Advocacy? Equip for Equality states that “Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself about the things that are impor...
Author: Krystle Able, Hunter's Mother The journey of parenting a child with autism begins differently for each family. Children receive diagnoses at varying times and under unique circumstances; and Autism Spectrum Disorder can look different for every child. However, parents of children on the spectrum all have one thing in common--experiencing th...
