Inclusion & Disability Awareness – May 2023

White background image with gray leaves on the right of image. To the front of the image is a blurred photo of a diverse group of older adults holding handweights with their arms lifted in front of them. Text on the image says, "INCLUSION & DISABILITY AWARENESS May 2023." Pathfinder compass is replacing the letter O in the word "inclusion."
Disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between how people function and how they participate in society and ensuring everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires. In an effort to effectively spread awareness and foster inclusion, each month we commemorate and share Disability Awareness information, resources, and celebrations.

It’s May, and we’re excited because we get to celebrate our older Americans! Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2023 theme is “Aging Unbound,” which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.  With this theme, we all can explore an array of aging experiences without being boxed in by expectations and stereotypes. To find more information about what your state is doing to celebrate older adults visit TCAD.
Check out the proclamation about this special month from POTUS (President of the United States). http://ow.ly/jGuL50O6g4E.

 

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Mental Health Awareness Month also known as Mental Health Month has been observed every year during the month of May in the U.S. since 1949. The purpose of the national movement is to raise awareness about mental health. This year the theme for the awareness month is “More than Enough,” a campaign created by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
We encourage you today to remember that you are more than enough! 
And to Be KIND to your mind.
– don’t Keep your feelings inside.
Invite others in.
– you are Not alone.
– this is not the enD!
Find resources at TNPathfinder.org

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American Comedian, Margaret Cho once said, “The power of visibility can never be underestimated.” In our community we know this statement to be so true and that is why we celebrate each and every culture within our community and the global community.

To our AANHPI friends, we see you, and celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/pacific islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with you!