Joseph Gaugler’s Post

A reminder: The fields of gerontology and disabilities studies can learn much from each other. For a variety of reasons, however, insights and discoveries are often not shared across these fields. I am thus thrilled to announce a call for papers for a new and crucial Special Issue of The Gerontologist: Bridging Disability and Aging Research. Edited by two prominent scholars of aging and disabilities, Tamar Heller and Michelle Putnam, this Special Issue encourages "papers that explore the heterogeneity of the disability experience over time; consider the disability diversification of the aging population; identify commonalities as well as differences across younger and older populations of persons with disability; consider economic, social, psychological factors and outcomes across the life course for persons growing older with disability, including intersectionality of group identities; analyze policies/programs related to health and social care, rehabilitation, long-term supports and services, caregiving, employment, or other policy areas; explore theoretical and conceptual perspectives; and/or discuss the science of bridging. We ask all authors to clearly articulate the bridging component in their work—specifically, the intersections between aging and disability research—and to draw on extant literature and research from across aging and disability knowledge bases." For more information about the scope and focus of this exciting Special Issue and to submit an abstract for consideration, please go to: https://bit.ly/3L60AKa. Abstracts are due on February 1st, 2024. Please do consider submitting your work for this timely Special Issue! Gerontological Society of America (GSA), University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, James Appleby, Nelson James, Judie Lieu, Karen J. Jung; Megan McCutcheon, Sara McNamara, Patricia C. Heyn, PhD, FGSA, FACRM, Nicholas Castle, Howard Degenholtz, Ulla Kriebernegg, Rick Scheidt, James Vanden Bosch, Andrea Gilmore Bykovskyi, Jennifer Ailshire, Deb Bakerjian PhD, APRN, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN, Kara Dassel, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE, Jung Kwak, Elham Mahmoudi, Brianna Morgan, Tina Newsham, Brandt Pence, Karon Phillips, Ph.D., MPH, MS, CHES, CAPS, FGSA, Blanka Rogina, Beth Marks, PhD, RN, FAAN, Tetyana Pylypiv Shippee, Kaipeng Wang #gerontology #geriatrics #agingwell #research #innovation #successfulaging #umnproud

Neurological Conditions & Global Disability. Quite often, the numbers about disability are underestimated, and I never gave much credit when the UN estimated that number was only 15% of the global population. Now, a recent landmark study in the Lancet Neurology journal sheds light on a pressing global health crisis: neurological conditions are now the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 3.4 billion people in 2021. This represents an 18% increase over the past 30 years. Tension headaches, migraines, and diabetic neuropathy are most common. The findings reveal a critical intersection of health and disability, pointing to an ageing population and increased risk factors as key drivers. The impact is especially pronounced in lower-income countries, where access to healthcare and preventative measures is often limited. What does this mean for us?  It's a clear call for a collective effort to prioritize prevention, enhance access to care, and support disability rights globally. By addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure and blood sugar, we can significantly reduce the burden of strokes and dementia, offering a beacon of hope for millions. We need united efforts to tackle this challenge head-on. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by neurological conditions. It's time to act, not just for health's sake but for the dignity and well-being of people living with disabilities around the world. Together, we can pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive future. https://lnkd.in/dFKPCxZm #Healthcare #Neurology #Disability #Inclusion #AXSChat 

Nearly 1 in 10 Canadians has a diagnosed mobility disability, making it one of Canada’s most common disabilities. As it disproportionately affects older adults, the ability to monitor and assess mobility is critical not only for proper planning and decision support but in promoting engagement and motivation. Understanding the needs and perceptions of end-users to inform the development of better and more accessible assessment tools could improve proactive monitoring and “future-proofing”, enabling older adults with mobility concerns or challenges to better age in place. Researchers at the University of New Brunswick are collaborating with the National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada through the Aging in Place Challenge Program. Led by Dr. Erik Scheme, Associate Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, this project will explore Technology-Enabled Mobility Assessments for Community-Dwelling Older Adults. This research aims to help us understand the needs and experiences of older adults with mobility concerns or challenges and the role of mobility assessment and monitoring. We are recruiting both older adults (60+) with mobility concerns or challenges AND adults with experience caring for an older adult with mobility concerns or challenges (e.g., caregiver, friend, family, informal circle of care) to participate in an online survey and follow-up phone interview (up to 1.5 hrs total). Please note this study is currently only available in English. Contact me at jaikens@unb.ca or (506) 458-7703 for more information.

An absolute highlight for me in the calendar, International Women's Day #IWD24, which brings global attention to the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of #women and where we must continue to #invest more in to ensure we #accelerate progress. It’s a call to action, aligned to the theme "Count Her In" emphasising the importance of #recognising and #valuing women’s contributions across all sectors, especially in the challenging ecosystem of #health. We are at forefront of consumer-centric care, innovative research, leading teams, policy setting, and community and primary health initiatives. Despite this we continue to see women encounter challenges such as unequal income based on part-time hours and consulting time especially in general practice, underrepresentation in leadership positions globally and the constant work-life or non-work balance struggles. "Invest in Women and Accelerate Progress" emphasises the need for us to address these challenges by investing in women's #education, #mentoring, creating part time or job share #opportunities in #leadership roles and professional development that focuses on building talent. I’m so proud of Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and the incredible clinicians highlighted across today who bring their unique perspectives, talented skillsets and empathy to patient care. #Recognise, #Celebrate #WomeninHealthcare #Leadership #Mentorship #Opportunities #GlobalHealth #WomenatSALHN

In their new Forefront article, Theresa H. Cruz, Joseph Bonner, Linda Bambrick, Christopher Donohue, Rosalind King, Tracy King, Sahana Kukke, Kathy Mann Koepke, Maria Nurminskaya, Adam Politis, and Cheri Wiggs from The National Institutes of Health discuss issues with the NIH's existing approach to disability and research, highlight the positive steps forward the NIH is taking to address these issues, and emphasize the need for the NIH to combat ableism in all aspects of the biomedical and behavioral research ecosystem to truly advance equity for people with disabilities. "The medical model of disability, in which a person’s impairment is viewed as a pathology and any loss of function is attributed to the individual’s condition has long been part of the NIH’s philosophy. It is instantiated in the NIH mission statement: to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability (emphasis added, current mission as of June 2023). Although many people with conditions and disability do seek a treatment, cure, or remedy, it is vitally important to acknowledge that some people with disabilities do not want their disability reduced because it is a core part of their identity. Therefore, the NIH should acknowledge an alternative view of disability—the social model of disability—and its implications for biomedical and behavioral research." Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3QkX5mm

📢 Happy to share my article “Disruptions in care among disabled people and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Ontario, Canada”published in the International Journal of Care and Caring.  Drawing on key informant interviews (n = 8) and results from an anonymous online survey (n = 36), this article provides evidence of how people with disabilities and older adults in Ontario, Canada, experienced disruptions in different types of care in their multiple caring relationships. The results describe why they were not able to access the care that they needed during a period when activities began to resume and how their caring relationships had been disrupted. The impact of disruption on people with disabilities, older adults and others in their care relationships was exacerbated by barriers rooted in ableism, ageism and other forms of exclusion.  Many thanks to the research participants and organizations and colleagues who distributed info about the survey. This article draws on research supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. https://lnkd.in/g8ewnq-G

Hello everyone! Welcome to another week on #ExploringGeneticsWithAndrea. 😄 Last week, we officially began the series with a breakdown of major terms like syndromes, impairments, and disorders. We looked at how each term differs from 'disability' and what disability is. This week, we're going further by exploring the causes of disabilities, which are three-fold. 🤷♀️ 📌 Physical Causes: From unexpected accidents to diseases and even age, the human body is susceptible to different changes that can lead to disabilities. Physical factors are the main causes of amputations and ambulatory disabilities. Have you ever wondered how conditions like Multiple Sclerosis emerge? Most times, the casues are physical. 📌 Genetic Causes: Some disabilities occur even before th child is born. Take Down syndrome, for example. This syndrome occurs because of a mutation of Chromosome 21. Also, prenatal exposure to elements, like alcohol and drugs, can severely hinder fetal growth and result in conditions llike Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. ✨ Trivia: Did you know that mothers over 40 are more likely to have children with Down syndrome? 📌 Environmental Causes: Infections, toxins in our surroundings, and even socio-economic challenges, like poverty and malnutrition, play crucial roles in causing disabilities. ✨ How healthy a child at birth and infancy lies largely on how healthy the mother is during pregnancy. Wrapping it up, It is important to know that environmental causes are linked with physical and genetic causes. None of them work in isolation. What are your thoughts on this? Let's discuss them in the comment section. ⬇ If you will like to read more on these causes, click on the link below #GeneticDisabilities #genetics #geneticdisorders #learningdisabilities #pwd #intellectualdisabilities #disability #disabilityadvocate #disabilityawareness

Please join the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center on January 16, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET for the webinar, Strengthening the Dementia Capable Workforce: Dementia Training for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Providers. A description of the webinar and registration information follows. As the population of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages, so does the incidence of dementia. Communities need to be prepared to serve and support this population. Education is one of the foundational components to ensure person-centered care is provided and systems can meet the unique needs of persons living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and dementia. This webinar will explore educational programs utilized when training providers of aging and intellectual and developmental disability services, and how Ohio began to build systems to support individuals, families, and providers within local communities. Lessons learned, impact findings from educational sessions, accessible and replicable resources, and information on the overall system changes will be shared. Additional information about this webinar and the registration form can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dyw2F83R #Dementia #Alzheimers #NADRC #webinar #intellectualdisability #developmentaldisabilities #workforce

📢 Exciting Webinar Alert! 📚 Join #NADRC, #ACL, and #RTIInternational on Jan 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM for the webinar: "Strengthening the Dementia Capable Workforce." 🌟 Learn how to provide person-centered care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities facing dementia challenges. 💙 Register via the link below :-)

🌍 Celebrating World Cerebral Palsy Day: Embracing Awareness, Empathy, and Innovation 🤝 Today, on #WorldCerebralPalsyDay, we unite to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and celebrate the remarkable individuals who inspire us with their resilience. 🧡 👥 Public Figures Leading the Way: People like Chris Burke, Maysoon Zayid, and Aidan Gallagher have not only broken barriers but have used their platforms to amplify the voices of those with cerebral palsy. Their unwavering determination reminds us that no dream is out of reach. 💡 Technology's Impact: The intersection of technology and innovation has opened doors for groundbreaking research into cerebral palsy. From assistive devices to AI-driven therapies, technology is empowering individuals with CP to achieve greater independence and quality of life. 🏢 Inclusivity at Work: Let's recognize that inclusivity isn't just a buzzword—it's a responsibility. In our workplaces, we have the opportunity to create environments where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. Embracing diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and empathy. 🌐 Global Collaboration: On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to global collaboration. Together, we can accelerate research, develop innovative solutions, and ensure that no one is left behind. 💚 Support and Empathy: Show your support by learning more about cerebral palsy, advocating for disability rights, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Extend empathy and kindness, for it's often the small gestures that make a world of difference. 🌟 Embrace Awareness, Champion Inclusivity: Let's take this moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of individuals with cerebral palsy. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine. 🌟 For more information visit the official website: https://worldcpday.org/ #CerebralPalsyAwareness #InclusionMatters #TechForGood #DiversityandInclusion #WorldCPDay #DEI