Insights

Recognizing Notable African Americans Who Triumphed Over Challenges to Make A Powerful Impact On The World
February is Black History Month. We can think of no better time to highlight inspiring Black and African Americans who did not let disabilities and other health challenges stand in their way on their path towards success. Whether their contributions and achievements...
Recognizing Notable African Americans Who Triumphed Over Challenges to Make A Powerful Impact On The World
February is Black History Month. We can think of no better time to highlight inspiring Black and African Americans who did not let disabilities and other health challenges stand in their way on their path towards success. Whether their contributions and achievements...
Winter Preparedness and Safety Tips for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The winter months can be dangerous for everyone, but they can be particularly perilous for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Plunging temperatures, rain, wind, snow, and ice often pose challenging conditions which could lead to...
Affecting Change: Simple Ways We Can All Improve Lives for People with Disabilities
Did you know that more than 61 million people in the US live with some type of disability? While not all are entirely dependent on others, many people have difficulty managing what we consider to be simple daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, bathing, running...
Staff Appreciation During the Holidays
The holidays are a festive time of the year, especially for staff and Individuals at ILA. From creating holiday cards to decorating our residences and day programs, everyone enjoys getting into the spirit of the season. ILA is a family, and never is that more evident...
Supporting Inclusion with Technology for People with Disabilities
We recently celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This year’s theme was “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: the Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World.” Technology has been especially meaningful in...
Celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday
The holidays are a special time when families come together to share a meal and give thanks for our many blessings. For the thousands of families that include an adult with I/DD, it can be stressful with all the activity, people, and stimulation. Many individuals with...
November is National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month, and what better time to raise awareness about the vulnerability of people with intellectual and developmental disabilites (ID/D) to developing diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, people...
Let’s Celebrate! October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and an opportunity to shed light on diversity, equity, and inclusion, issues that are top of mind for many employers today. While the recognition of disability and more employment opportunities should not be...
Fostering Inclusion for Adults with Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome today have many more resources and opportunities than in previous generations when many individuals were not expected to live into adulthood. Today, many people live well into their 50s and 60s. Many live on their own, go to college, and hold...
Identifying and Treating Anxiety in Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Anxiety disorder is one of America’s most common mental health concerns, affecting up to 31.1% adults at some point in their lives. However, that number may creep higher in the case of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Untreated anxiety and...
Dispelling Communication Myths Around Autism
People with autism may communicate differently than others, but many understand words and can convey their thoughts through writing. In childhood, some individuals with autism may start to speak earlier than their peers and may have a strong penchant for topics or use...