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Dr. D's Solutions

Here and Everywhere—May is Mental Health Awareness Month

by Dr. Larry Durbin Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949. It was started by the National Association of Mental Health (now known as Mental Health America) with the purpose of raising awareness and educating the public about mental illnesses. More recently, there has been increased focus on educating the public not only about the conditions themselves, but also about the realities of living with these conditions and strategies for attaining and maintaining mental health and overall wellness. Many other state and national organizations join in the effort to call attention to mental health awareness during the month of May and there is generally a theme associated with each year’s activities. The 2017 theme is “Risky Business” which focuses on habits and behaviors which can exacerbate existing mental health conditions... Continue Reading 

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Dr. D's Solutions, General awareness

Down Syndrome: The Paradox

There has been tremendous progress in overall life expectancy, IQ levels, and many other quality of life measures for persons with Down Syndrome over the last 30 years. The Executive Director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Michelle Whitten, writes about “The Story of Two Syndromes” on their website. The “Old Syndrome”, referencing before the 1980’s in the U.S., was characterized by institutionalization, limited access to education, marginalized healthcare, and short life spans. The average life expectancy for a person with Down Syndrome in the 1980’s was only 28 years old. Fortunately, public policy and litigation in the 1970’s and going forward started a significant shift away from institutional services and toward community living, improved health care, and educational access. The “New Syndrome” ultimately resulted in a dramatic improvement in life span such that today’s average... Continue Reading 

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Dr. D's Solutions

ABLE and ADA Anniversary

ABLE and ADA Anniversary This entry will remind us that the landmark Civil Rights legislation known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, continues to have far reaching implications for our nation’s citizens with disabilities.  Even as we prepare... Continue Reading 

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