In delivering Rights training to staff and observing how the self-advocacy movement across Ontario looked like it could use a major facelift, I began to consult with Rights lawyers at ARCH Disability Law Centre to learn more about the legal rights of persons labeled with intellectual disabilities. It seemed as though the law was missing from the fabric of how rights work was being carried out across Ontario’s developmental services agencies. It wasn’t just one agency or another – it was the whole province from what I could gather through academic searches, literature reviews, and my own environmental scans.
Issue Paper: The Efficacy of Warning Labels on Alcohol Containers for FASD Prevention
Organizations and countries around the world have developed a number of prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Alcohol warning labels are becoming an increasingly common prevention strategy. However, research is mixed on whether this approach is an effective means of FASD prevention.
Public Definition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
In July 2019, CanFASD released a standard definition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with … Read More
#FeatureFriday: World Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Submitted By: Alicia Groom This past August, I was lucky enough to get to travel to Scotland to present an oral presentation at the World Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD). This conference was held in the historic city Glasgow at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). As many as 1,254 abstracts … Read More
Highlight on Canadian Service Providers: Alberta- Lakeland Centre for FASD
The Lakeland Centre for FASD (LCFASD) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 2000, with offices based in northeast Alberta. They are committed to providing continuous care for individuals affected by prenatal alcohol use. LCFASD focuses on three main areas: Identification & Diagnosis Members of the LCFASD team will travel to communities close to clients’ homes, to make diagnostic … Read More
Disability Employment Awareness Month: A Focus on FASD
Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated in Canada during the month of October. The goal of this national holiday is to raise awareness of the positive outcomes that come from hiring people with disabilities, and celebrate the contributions that these individuals have made within the Canadian workforce. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the most common developmental disability in North … Read More
6 Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner! For most Canadians, this exciting holiday filled with scary tricks and sweet treats is fun for the whole family, but for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) this holiday can sometimes be overwhelming. Individuals with FASD may experience challenges with sensory processing and emotional regulation. Challenges with sensory issues and so-called “problem behaviours” … Read More
Article Summary: Neurocognitive functioning in young offenders with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Background Without proper support and intervention, individuals with FASD are at risk for adverse outcomes such as disrupted school experience, mental health issues, inappropriate behavior, substance use and involvement with the justice system. Along with neurocognitive impairment experienced by those with FASD, environmental factors such as neglect, abuse and poverty increase one’s risk of such adverse outcomes. The high rate … Read More
Let’s Make FASD Part of the Conversation This Election
Federal election campaigns are currently underway in Canada and candidates across the nation are campaigning fiercely for your vote. There are many social, political, and environmental issues that are currently impacting Canada, as well as the rest of the world. Choosing the right candidate for you can be difficult, as attitudes towards these issues may differ across parties. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder … Read More
World Mental Health Day – A Focus on Suicide Prevention for Individuals with FASD
Please note this blog post deals with sensitive subject matter, such as mental illness and suicide. If you are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, or you just need to talk to someone, please contact Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text CONNECT to Kid’s Help Phone at 686868. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. October 6 to … Read More