This guest post is by LaKesha Whitman, Associate Director of the Center for Exceptional Children and Families in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Today, July 26, 2016, is the 26th birthday of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Happy Birthday, ADA!

The ADA 26 Years Old

The Americans with Disabilities Act celebrates the 26th anniversary of its signing by George H. W. Bush, on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that levels the playing field for people with disabilities in the areas of employment, access to programs and services of state and local government, access to healthcare facilities, education, retail establishments, and recreational venues open to the public at large, as well as access to and for communication and transportation.

Reasonable accommodations and removal of readily achievable barriers are basic rights, though many may see the ADA as a “special privileges law, it is NOT a provision of privilege, but of human, legal and civil rights that Americans without disabilities have had, some longer than others. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not include people with disabilities. Discrimination was and still is a practice towards people with disabilities due to ignorance and stereotyping.

A notable leader who was instrumental in the passage of the ADA, is Justin Dart, Jr. Justin came from a wealthy family in Chicago. His mother was the daughter of Charles Walgreen, founder of the thriving drug store chain. His father owned Dart Industries, a conglomeration of businesses he later sold to Kraft Industries. Neither money nor status are exempt from disability.

At the age of 18, Justin, Jr. contracted polio and became a wheelchair user. He then graduated from the University of Houston but was denied a teaching certificate due to his disability. Despite that decision, he went on to become a successful entrepreneur who founded three Japanese Corporations. He left all that behind because of his resolve to end discrimination towards people with disabilities and fight for his and their rights. Justin Jr. is regarded as the Father of the ADA and became immortalized as such, and can be seen sitting next to President Bush for the signing of the ADA.

There were and are countless others who fought and continue to fight for the rights of people with disabilities to be able to exercise that inalienable right outlined in the Constitution; the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, our children will not learn of these valiant leaders in our American History books where they might have read this quote from Justin Dart, Jr as it relates to the ADA.

“…Civil rights are not a guarantee of the good life, but an equal opportunity and responsibility to participate in producing the good life for oneself and for all. Government alone cannot implement ADA; this is a responsibility of all Americans…”           

Article written by SeRonna Rodgers (see citation at end)

Traumatic brain injury in older adults may be particularly significant, as it can often "unmask" an underlying dementia (i.e., changes in the brain associated with dementia without clinical symptoms). Further, the falls or motor vehicle collisions that lead to a traumatic brain injury often cause physical injuries that can be catastrophic to an older adult (e.g., broken hip).

If you are an older adult or are caring for or love an older adult, please consider the following:

(1) Even a small amount of ice or snow (especially melted and refrozen) can be slippery, especially in those with pre-existing balance difficulties. Do NOT go out to get the mail, let the dog out, or take the trash out under these conditions, no matter how innocent it may seem. It only takes one misstep for a catastrophe to occur.
(2) Driving skills are often already diminished in older adults due to physical factors such as changes in vision and age-associated cognitive decline such as reduced processing speed and reaction time. Driving should therefore be avoided in winter weather events given the increased risk for accidents.
(3) Don't be afraid to reach out. Several law enforcement agencies and volunteer groups are providing transportation and other services (i.e., driveway clearing) to older adults or those otherwise in need. For example, locally, the Greene County Sheriff's Office has made a standing offer of transportation to individuals in need of medical care, prescriptions, or other urgent needs. Similarly, Back the Blue out of Craighead County is doing much the same, including driveway clearing. Finally, many church groups make these services available, as well, often through their youth programs.

When in doubt, stay IN. No piece of mail or, yes, even a pup is worth your health and well-being. Stay inside and enjoy the view!

I was recently invited to submit a blog post for American Psychological Association's Your Mind Your Body blog. It was an honor to be included among many psychologists of much greater distinction. Here is an excerpt. I chose the topic of communication and dementia, since it so often presents in my practice. I hope it is beneficial to someone.

Coffee lovers rejoice! According to CBS News, a recent study out of Italy suggests just that! Now, don’t get too excited. There were limitations: Benefits were NOT seen in those drinking more than 2 cups per day. So, those of you glued to your coffee pot just to survive may want to take note!

My take? Many other studies over the years have had similar findings. While there are still no conclusive recommendations that can be made (due to reliance or correlational data- remember correlation does not equal causation), the evidence does appear to be mounting.

So, I say if you are a coffee lover, drink up! If you aren’t, don’t worry about it. Do other things that we know for certain are good for your brain, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regular (P.S. Coffee lovers should be doing these things, too).

If you do drink coffee, keep it plain and simple. Loading your drink with sugar and creamer probably negates any potential health benefits from your coffee drinking. Also, don’t drink too much. Excess caffeine can contribute to anxiety, sleep loss, and cardiac complications. Finally, use caution if you do have a known anxiety problem, sleep disorder, or heart problem. Caution is also warranted if you are taking other substances with stimulant properties such as certain medications for ADHD, wakefulness promoters (Provigil, Nuvigil), or any of the numerous over-the-counter brain or memory supplements available, many of which have several stimulant ingredients including caffeine.

You know we provide neuropsychological assessment services, but what does that mean? See the links below for more information. 

National Academy of Neuropsychology

International Neuropsychological Society

American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

American Board of Neuropsychology