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When I first started working for Thompson Policy Institute, I lacked an understanding of the nuances between different types of disabilities. Without even realizing it, I had lumped together very different conditions into similar categories and after doing some reading, I see why I was confused! The classification between intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and

Last Monday, Eloy Ortiz Oakley was appointed the new chancellor of California’s community college system. The 113-school system has the lowest cost of tuition at about $40 a unit, but that didn’t stop Oakley from seeing the need for improvement. The new chancellor opened up about his plans recently and laid out goals to support

In May of 2008, the US House of Representatives named July the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The resolution that passed intended to not only increase access to services and spread awareness about mental health, but to also hone in on the spreading awareness about minorities with mental illnesses. As mental illnesses revolve around the brain, it

An article posted recently  by CBS News details the accounts of several instances of sub-standard care and neglect for people with intellectual disabilities. Throughout the article, many care providers fail to meet the basic rights outlined in the American’s With Disabilities Act, which offer protection and much needed support for those with intellectual disabilities.

Thompson Policy Institute is proud to introduce its second expert interview. Our interviews strive to share insight about the disability community in hopes to ultimately impact policy change. Thompson Policy Institute explores and researches topics such as education, housing and integrated communities for people and families with disability and autism. This interview features pediatric neurologist who

Person First Language identifies who I am as a person who is made up of various identities. Identify first language places my identity first. I prefer person first language, as my identity is a beautiful rainbow making up who I am, being on the Autism Spectrum is one aspect of my identity. The use of

A multitude of misconceptions can exist around mental diversity for those people who have not been directly impacted by disability in their lives. Much like the diverse ethnic, cultural and personal differences that exist in our society, different brain functions exist that have been labeled as Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autistic Spectrum, Tourette Syndrome,

Ford is launching a new pilot program to employ individuals with autism starting June 1st called FordInclusiveWorks. Ford partnered with the Autism Alliance of Michigan to bring to fruition this program that provides much needed opportunities for individuals with autism and allows them to use their unique skill set to contribute in valuable ways. Forward-thinking companies

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley announced recently  that a statewide Summit on Disability Employment has been scheduled for October. Governor Bentley has partnered with both the Alabama Labor Commissioner and Mental Health Commissioner. The Summit was announced following the Governor’s tour of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham. Thompson Policy Institute’s DisAbility Summit happened earlier this May and suggested that