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.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. This is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. Get the facts about Glaucoma.
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Moebius Syndrome has varying definitions but these two strict clinical criteria are what experts use to establish a diagnosis:
1) Congenital (occurring from birth), non-progressive congenital facial weakness
2) Inability to abduct (move the eye away from the nose) one or both eyes
In addition to the above criteria, additional signs or symptoms may also be present, including, but not limited to:
Other cranial nerve involvement
Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)
Hearing loss
Club foot
Limb reduction deficits
Other limb anomalies
Poland anomaly
Muscular hypotonia
Congenital heart disease
Developmental delay/ intellectual disability
Autis
Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is an annual event celebrated globally each year on January 24th. To find out more click here.
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World Leprosy Day is recognized internationally on the last Sunday of January to increase public awareness of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. Find out more about this special day.
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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness Day is a day to reflect on those lost to CTE, how to help those suffering with the disease, and most importantly how to stop the disease. The StopCTE.org website is full of helpful information, treatment discussions, prevention strategies, etc. Find out more here.