Latest news with #intellectualdisabilities
CTV News
4 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
N.S. group aims to build better futures for people with intellectual disabilities
Better Futures is a non-profit that empowers members to participate in their community at large. A Lower Sackville, N.S., group is helping people with intellectual disabilities form a tight-knit community and learn important skills. 'Building Futures is a day program where we support people with intellectual disabilities by helping them finding ways to contribute to society,' said program manager Lara Abramson. 'We do that through a number of different programs.' The group was officially incorporated as Anchor Industries Society in 1991 before changing to Better Futures Employment Society in 2012. It offers social enterprise programs for people with intellectual disabilities, including meals and catering, a print shop, assembly and a monthly market. 'We sell products that are made by our participants,' Abramson said. Abramson noted the programs are important for participants as they allow them to make vital connections. 'Building Futures is important to the people we support because they find a built-in community,' she said. 'We're here to help them recognize their potential and all the things they can do.' Building Futures Building Futures helps people living with intellectual disabilities. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- The Guardian
Bodies of two men in dilapidated Sydney house could have been undiscovered by roommate for weeks
The decomposing bodies of two men found inside a dilapidated terrace on a busy inner Sydney street could have gone undiscovered by their roommate for several weeks, police have said. On Thursday afternoon, Eleanor Barker, 63, made a welfare concern call to police about one of her tenants. She has owned and lived at the Cleveland Street property in Surry Hills since the 1980s, and rented it out to the two men for at least a decade. Officers arrived at the property about 2pm on Thursday and located the body of a man inside the house, police said. A crime scene was established, and a short time later, a second body was found in a separate room. Both men, aged in their 70s and 80s, were believed to have died in the house at different times within the past month, NSW police said, but how and when wasn't known. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email NSW police hoped autopsy results would progress the investigation. Detectives have spoken to Barker. Guardian Australia is not suggesting that she was involved in the men's deaths. Guardian Australia understands police don't suspect any foul play and are unlikely to lay charges. Police tape was wrapped over the fence on Friday afternoon. Behind it, faded tinsel drooped over the front door. Clutter filled the yard: an upturned bicycle, a walker, a succulent sprawling out of an upturned watering can. The residents of the terrace, who had intellectual disabilities but lived independently, were well known in the neighbourhood. Neighbours often saw Barker, 63, riding her motorised scooter up and down the street and drinking beers at the nearby Crown hotel. The two men spent less time out of the house but were known to sit on the porch and drink longneck Victoria Bitters in the sun. While neighbours on both sides of the property had seen Barker in recent days, they hadn't seen either of the men for at least three weeks. Neighbours said the house had been slowly descending into disrepair in recent years. One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, has lived on the street for about six years and got to know Barker via her 'firing her buggy down the street every morning'. He was out on the street yesterday afternoon when the police arrived. 'I was just out doing my hard rubbish and suddenly there's four ambulances, 10 cop cars, forensics all overnight, it was pretty full on,' he said. He estimated it had been three weeks since he had seen the men, but he said he saw Barker most days. 'The older guy would hang out on the front step and drink beers,' he said. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Neighbours, who had been inside the house, said the rooms were filled with clothes, piles of furniture, rats and mould. Across the road, neighbours, whose windows back on to the property, said they had never seen the tenants in the garden. They thought the house was abandoned. Mitchell Morri lives a few doors down and often used to come across the elderly men on the street or on their porch. 'It's quite a sad situation due to the living arrangements there, and the fact it seems that they've passed away in the house,' he said. 'They were both really nice. I've only met [Barker] once, but it seemed like everyone knew her. She was quite friendly.' Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said one of the men was non-verbal, but he often communicated with the other male and Barker. 'I saw him three weeks ago, walking down the street,' he said. 'He was quite slow – he didn't look well. 'The house has been deteriorating badly lately, and we've had a few issues in the past six months – rats were climbing into our attic from their house, which is falling apart.' 'I woke up in the middle of the night last night because you could hear police inside next door. It was actually really horrible; it gave me anxiety. 'It's such an awful way to die. All alone.'
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Mind Speak, Inc. Meets People at the Intersection of Mental Health and Intellectual Disability
Mind Speak, Inc. addresses gaps in mental health care by bringing therapy to clients' chosen locations. The organization values cultural awareness, flexible scheduling, and individualized support, while also training professionals and advocating for policy changes to improve life for people with intellectual disabilities. Ossining, New York, United States, July 3, 2025 -- Mind Speak, Inc., a New York-based mental health provider, launched a program delivering in-person psychotherapy for individuals with both intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions across New York City and Westchester County. Clinicians meet clients in homes, schools, and community spaces, improving access for underserved populations. Nina Ythier, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CEO with over 28 years of experience, founded the company in 2017 to address the shortage of accessible care for individuals dually diagnosed. 'Our team travels to the patient, whether that is a coffee shop, the gym, or their home,' said Ythier. 'We want to make mental health care available to those who might otherwise go without it.' Clinics often limit care to offices, making sessions intimidating or physically inaccessible. By providing onsite services, Mind Speak eliminates the need for extra staff or transportation, reducing barriers like travel, scheduling, and discomfort in clinical settings. 'When we meet clients where they are, we see their real challenges and strengths,' said Ythier. 'That helps us provide better support.' The company also offers creative therapies like art and yoga, available in English and Spanish. The practice has delivered over 6,200 hours of therapy for all ages. It also offers group, family, and couples counseling, working with interdisciplinary teams and community partners. Nonprofits, schools, clinics, insurers, and agencies refer clients to Mind Speak. Mind Speak is committed to advocacy and education. It trains mental health and human service professionals on best practices for working with clients with intellectual disabilities. It is pursuing approval to offer Continuing Education Units in New York State. Staff advocate for clients' rights, pushing for better legislation and awareness. Ythier, a certified Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapist and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, emphasizes a strength-based, person-centered model. 'We use the strengths of the person to overcome areas where they are struggling,' Ythier said. Mind Speak develops and refines services based on feedback. Forbes, Fortune, and City & State Magazine recognized Mind Speak, which continues to grow, welcome those in need, and stay committed to inclusive, accessible mental health systems. For more information, visit About Mind Speak, Inc. Mind Speak, Inc. delivers in-person psychotherapy for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions in New York City and Westchester. Its clinicians meet clients in the community, removing barriers and providing culturally sensitive, individualized care, advocacy, and professional training for lasting positive outcomes. Contact Info: Name: Nina Ythier Email: Send Email Organization: Mind Speak, Inc. Website: Release ID: 89163734 If there are any problems, discrepancies, or queries related to the content presented in this press release, we kindly ask that you notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or support you with press release takedowns. Ensuring accurate and trustworthy information is our unwavering commitment.
CNA
16-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Be Kind SG's Sherry Soon overcomes her challenges to help others with theirs
CNA938 Rewind Play Sherry Soon is the founder of Be Kind SG, a charity that supports individuals with intellectual and learning challenges. When she was 19, Sherry was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that causes intense pain in her legs and feet. But she didn't let that stop her from embarking on a journey to help others. She shares how she's managed to rally supporters to her cause and the most valuable lessons she's gained from the experience.
Malay Mail
12-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Brother's rescue attempt fails as man swept away by current in Sungai Kuantan
KUANTAN, June 12 — A man with intellectual disabilities is feared to have drowned while bathing in Sungai Kuantan near Kampung Tanah Putih, here yesterday. Kuantan district police chief ACP Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said in the 3 pm incident, Syed Alwi Syd Mohd Ali Hanafiah, 30, had gone to the river with his younger brother to fish. 'Afterwards, the man is believed to have entered the river to bathe and was suddenly swept away by the current before going under. His brother attempted to rescue him but failed,' he said in a statement last night. He said the search and rescue (SAR) operation began at 7 pm, involving multiple agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force. The SAR operation has been suspended for the night and will resume at 8 am today. — Bernama
