disabilities

Those with disabilities may have a more difficult time finding work, establishing housing and fitting into a community. Programs such as Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD) help with all of those needs. This allows for individuals to live the lives they want without their disabilities getting in the way.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, one of the most recognized charitable organizations in our area, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In addition to providing affordable goods and services, Goodwill gives meaningful employment to thousands of individuals who may have disabilities, including veterans. In 2014, the organization recycled more than 45 million pounds of donated material.

Horseback riding is a fun, recreational activity kids and adults alike can enjoy. But horse-assisted activities go beyond leisure; they can provide therapeutic benefits for those who are disabled. Equine therapy can help individuals with disorders ranging from spina bifida to Down syndrome to ADHD.

Able-bodied people may take for granted their usually effortless ability to access transit, buildings, housing, products, services and so on. But for those with disabilities, this may not be the case, and accessible design is vital in their day-to-day lives.

    A recent survey found that only 34% of adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States are employed. That includes several thousand individuals in Greater Cincinnati. For years, training centers or sheltered workshops have provided work opportunities for adults with disabilities. But there is a current push in many states to close these centers and direct individuals towards community-based employment. But incorporating people with intellectual disabilities into the general workforce is a challenge.

  Kim Nuxhall, son of Cincinnati legend Joe Nuxhall, is carrying on his father's dreams to provide a safe, happy place for children of all abilities to play baseball. The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields will be adding additional safe playground areas near their ballfields, and Kim Nuxhall and fellow board member Larry Tischler join us with an update of  the Miracle League Fields.

  Imagine if Carl Lindner never tried an ice cream cone. That intriguing thought is put forth by Starfire, a local organization working to build better lives for people with disabilities, as it invites people to its third-annual Starfire 3-Day “"un"”-conference. The free event starts off August 26 with a blank schedule, which is filled by guests offering classes and presentations on a variety of topics.

Visionaries + Voices is one of this area’s unique arts organizations, dedicated to showcasing and developing works from artists with a variety of disabilities. New programs are also allowing the artists to teach their talents to children and adults. Krista Gregory, exhibitions director, and Samantha Charek, educational outreach director, join Jane Durrell to talk about the wide-range of programs and events organized by V+V.

Jane Durrell introduces listeners to the InsideOut Studio, based in Hamilton, which serves artists with various physical and mental challenges. They have recently closed exhibits at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts and Miami University-Hamilton campus. Art Education Coordinator Steve Smith and artists Ashley Parris and Jody Mann describe the program and its meaning to them and the community.

Cincinnati is one of 9 US cities hosting a week of exceptional, touching, courageous and beautifully made films as the Reel Abilities Film Festival begins Saturday night. From March 9 through the 16, at various venues around town, films that share the stories, lives and art of people with disabilities will be shown, all benefitting local organizations that work with, advocate for or provide services to people with disabilities. Organizer Christa Zielke from Visionaries + Voices and disability advocate Kathleen Sheil from Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled join Mark Perzel to discuss the importance and the quality of the films that are a part of this festival.

Robin Carey-Allgeyer learns more about Melodic Connections, a non-profit music therapy organization, and the upcoming Fall Fundraiser Bash, from Executive Director Betsy Zenk Nuseibah.