Understanding what a person is trying to communicate can sometimes be challenging, particularly when their message is expressed through actions or behaviors rather than words. Looking beyond the behavior itself and considering the need behind the action can help families, professionals, and direct support professionals respond with greater understanding, compassion, and effectiveness.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of workers with disabilities while raising awareness about the importance of creating truly inclusive employment opportunities. 

Everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute their talents, build independence, and experience the pride that comes with earning a paycheck.

This month, we had the privilege of speaking with Marie, a woman who dreamed of working and earning her own paycheck, not only for the independence it would provide, but for the simple joys of being able to shop and buy gifts for her family. We asked her to share, in her own words, why employment is meaningful and the difference that an opportunity to work can make in someone’s life.

Learn more about Person-Centered Thinking, an approach that gives people with disabilities the leading role in their own life. It recognizes every person’s right to make choices that create a life meaningful to them, rather than playing a supporting role in someone else’s script. Person-Centered Thinking is the foundation for Person-Centered Planning, which allows people with disabilities to live the lives they want, supported by those around them. 

July is Disability Pride Month. But with community living protections being challenged by the Department of Justice, increased concern about a reduced commitment to home and community based services (HCBS), and shifting oversight on special education, many people in the disability community are feeling less-than-celebratory.  Mustering enthusiasm for Disability Pride Month may feel hard this year, and people may be wondering what there is to celebrate.

However, Disability Pride Month has never been about pretending everything is fine. Disability Pride Month exists because disability rights took decades of organizing, protest, and persistence—even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. 

The Community Living Education Project is delighted to welcome a new team member on-board! Jill Novotny brings with her over twenty years of experience in support coordination and supervising support coordinators. Jill is also a sibling of someone with a developmental disability and is passionate about providing dignity, advocacy and meaningful support to those who need it. Jill brings the perfect combination of professional and lived experience to the CLEP team.

Summer is a wonderful time of year! Warm weather brings longer days, outdoor activities, trips to pools and beaches, and time spent with family and friends. But summer can also bring real health risks — from the heat and sun to bugs and water. For people with developmental disabilities, some of these risks need a little extra attention. Thankfully, with the right information and some simple planning, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable summer.

You are invited to read our May 2026 Newsletter, Sharing Possibilities in Community Living. Contents include information about Star Wars Day, Accessible World Cup celebrations, Preparing for life after graduation, and upcoming events.

You can subscribe to our monthly email Newsletter HERE.

You are invited to read our April 2026 Newsletter, Sharing Possibilities in Community Living. 

Contents include information about our new conversation series, Autism Acceptance Month, and upcoming in-person and virtual events.

You can subscribe to our monthly email Newsletter HERE.

You are invited to read our March 2026 CLEP Newsletter, Sharing Possibilities in Community Living. Contents include information about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, National Down Syndrome Day, HCBS Final Review, and upcoming events.

You can subscribe to our monthly email Newsletter HERE.