Author: trex

Menstrual Health Inequities in Psychiatric Inpatient Settings

Posted on | by trex

Written by Bailey Patterson

Inpatient stays at hospitals or other treatment facilities are a part of life for many people with psychiatric disabilities. While receiving inpatient services, maintaining a healthy body and mind is important. 

For those who menstruate, reproductive healthcare is essential, even at times when other health concerns might be at the forefront of the mind. Menstrual products, like pads and tampons, are a basic reproductive healthcare need. Many people receiving inpatient treatment don’t have access to quality menstrual products that protect their dignity and autonomy. 

tampons, pad, and panty liners in a toiletries bag

It is common for hospitals and treatment centers to have strict and specific guidelines for what patients can bring into treatment. Many patients are not permitted to bring their personal  menstrual products, even if they had the opportunity to pack them for their stay. This means patients rely on facilities  to provide necessary products. 

Some patients have reported a lack of supplies or needing additional supplies. On the Stigma Silenced [Stories Spoken] podcast, episode two guest, Taylor Price, spoke about her experience with this situation. She recalled, “This is very personal, but one thing I remember is that [I couldn’t] get feminine products because they were, for some reason, it was some bureaucratic system, but they were like, ‘We don’t have them in this location right now.’ [So I went] two days without feminine products [and] normal clothes. I was wearing a hospital gown and [felt] uncomfortable in my skin.”

Price is not alone in this experience. The National Survivor User Network conducted research into menstrual health in psychiatric inpatient settings and found a variety of factors that may have adverse  effects on patients in the United Kingdom. They found reports of facilities that did not keep sufficient  period products, but this was not the only concern they discovered. For example, they found reports of:

  • Lack of choice of menstrual product provided: Some patients are only afforded access to pads or adult diapers instead of their products of choice (like tampons) due to preferred products being deemed “unsafe.” Some patients who are in highly restricted environments  have reported being denied any products at all due to the “safety risk.”
  • Difficulty accessing products: When period products are available, many facilities require patients to report they are on their period and in need of products. This can be embarrassing for some people, especially in a situation where the only staff on duty are cisgender men. 
  • Inadequate menstrual education of staff: Some patients reported being given less than the needed amount of period products and receiving disbelief from staff when they communicate their need for more products. 
  • Lack of  privacy: In many inpatient facilities, patients are not permitted to close the doors to their bathrooms. Some patients may even have “one-on-one” supervision, meaning staff has to accompany them to the restroom. This can result in additional anxiety and embarrassment to people who are menstruating. 
  • Stigma against transgender patients: Transgender patients who menstruate have reported stigma and biased attitudes from staff members. 

The physical and mental health of psychiatric patients in inpatient settings should be prioritized in regards to menstruation. Adequate supplies, reducing stigma and promoting dignity should be supported. Patients strongly believe the state of menstrual wellbeing in inpatient psychiatric settings needs improvement. Patients have called for wider access to a variety of menstrual products on hand, more thoughtful systems for receiving needed products, increased privacy on wards to strengthen patients’ sense of dignity, and better menstrual health education for staff that includes anti-bias training.

Menstrual Health Access Resources: 

University of Kentucky’s Take a Tampon: /uky.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/takeatampon

Take a Tampon was started with the goal of providing free and accessible hygiene products to students at UK and in the Lexington community. This organization hosts donation drives, hosts events to raise awareness, and is responsible for the menstrual hygiene product baskets located around campus

Menstrual Freedom Coalition at University of Louisville: louisville.edu/womenscenter/resources/menstrual-freedom-coalition

The Menstrual Freedom Coalition (MFC) is a coalition of campus and community partners, who come together dedicated to challenging period stigma and dismantling barriers. MFC promotes menstrual equity through resource-sharing, educational workshops and community building to empower individuals who menstruate to live their lives to the fullest. Period.

KY Period Project: www.kyperiodproject.org

A menstrual equity program for women & girls in the Kentuckiana area.

The importance of online communities

Posted on | by trex

Written by Bailey Patterson

Online spaces are an important aspect of the disability community. Thanks to the internet, connection is more accessible and widespread than ever before. This has led to the creation of many online communities where people with disabilities can share their experiences and meet other people. This Disability Pride Month, we explored some ways online disability communities make an impact.

Friendship

The most obvious benefit of online communities is making friends. For some people with disabilities, in person interaction may come with barriers that online spaces may mitigate. Especially in disability-oriented spaces, additional accessibility features such as tone tags and role reactions facilitate easier communication between people who may struggle with social cues or have certain needs within interactions. 

Friendship is a source of happiness and comfort and has a positive impact on mental health. For this reason, online friendships can improve the lives of those who find connection in this way.

Crowdsourced Solutions

People with disabilities may face unique challenges across a variety of spaces. In online disability communities, people are able to share problems with accessibility, health, or daily life they may be experiencing and get a variety of perspectives from others who have had a similar experience. 

This sharing of expertise is especially important for people with disabilities who are in new life situations, such as attending college or joining the workforce. Hearing from other people with lived experience can make a major difference when it comes to facing a challenge, and can help make someone feel less alone in their journey. 

Cross Disability Solidarity

Cross Disability Solidarity occurs when people from different disability groups come together to support one another. For example, Deaf people can find solidarity in people who use mobility aids or neurodivergent people with people with chronic illnesses. Cross Disability Solidarity is important because it increases awareness of needs between different disability groups and allows for better advocacy overall as one disability community. 

With the sheer scale and reach that online communities are able to achieve, Cross Disability Solidarity can be successfully facilitated and used as a jumping off point for movements bettering the lives of people with disabilities everywhere. 

Organizing

Online communities can be a starting point for real life organization or be spaces for advocacy efforts. For example, organizations such as Neuromancers use entirely online spaces to organize and facilitate peer support groups for people with highly stigmatized mental health experiences such as psychosis or Cluster B personality disorder diagnoses. Being online can make offerings like that more accessible for people who cannot access the outside world and are most safe and comfortable within their homes. 

Mutual Aid

Online spaces are able to host large numbers of people, and therefore crowdfunding is possible. In some online disability communities, it’s common to see people raising funds and helping others for things like accessibility aids or medical expenses. The ability to rely on an online community for needs like this can ensure people get the help they need and want who may otherwise not have access to that support in their own in-person community. 

Online spaces are a vital aspect of the disability community, offering opportunities for connection, support, and empowerment. The internet has made it possible for people with disabilities to share their experiences, meet others, and build communities that transcend geographical barriers. How are you connecting this Disability Pride Month?

How to celebrate Disability Pride

Posted on | by trex

Written by Bailey Patterson

Every July marks Disability Pride Month, a time for people with disabilities to celebrate their identities and connect with their communities. 

College and university students are becoming evolved versions of themselves while furthering their education. Students with disabilities may face barriers to connection and celebration they would like to participate in. With this in mind, here are ways college students with disabilities can celebrate Disability Pride:

Find your Disability Community

Many colleges have clubs or organizations where students with disabilities can meet each other and find friends with similar experiences. At the University of Kentucky, this organization is the Disabled and Ill Student Coalition, where students with all types of disabilities and allies can create community, learn, and advocate. 

Other students may be at colleges or universities that don’t already have these types of organizations. These students may use resources such as their ADA Compliance Center, disability resource center, or local organizations in their cities or towns to meet other students with disabilities and begin meeting friends.

Get Connected Online

There are many online resources for students with disabilities to get connected. Beyond social media, many disability organizations have online servers for their communities. There is a national server for college students with disabilities called the National Disabled Student Coalition, where you can connect with students with disabilities all across America.

Get Creative

Art is a great way to express pride. Reflecting on your experiences and feelings as a person with a disability can be a starting point in the creative process. Create a poem, take a photo, make visual art, write a song, piece together a collage, perform a monologue or anything that feels authentic to your expression of disability pride. 

If you want to share your creativity with the community, share your post to instagram using the hashtag #CreateDisabilityPrideHDI and you might be featured on HDI’s social media!

Advocate

Channel your Disability Pride into advocating for a cause! In this year, the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is still so much more to be done in terms of Disability Justice Advocacy. Connect with local or online groups and contribute to ways in which they are furthering the human rights of people with disabilities both locally and worldwide. Uplift the voices of other people with disabilities when they speak about disability rights causes. Use your own voice to highlight the ways your experiences inform a need for change.

Learn

Learning disability history and theory can be an empowering way to get in touch with your disability pride. There are many websites, content creators, books, and films that contain educational content about disability history and theory. 

Ask your university or local library what disability-related books are in their catalog. Search your favorite online database for articles and journals such as Disability Studies Quarterly. One way you can learn with HDI is by signing up to view a free documentary about disability rights activist, Arthur Campbell, If I Can’t Do It It Ain’t Worth Doing. For more information about the screening, click here. 

Other Resources:

Disabled and Ill Student Coalition Instagram

NDSC Discord

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute

If I Can’t Do It It Ain’t Worth Doing Documentary Screening RSVP

Top 11 Accessible Outdoor Spaces in Kentucky

Posted on | by trex

Written by Eliott Hamilton

Anyone can benefit from being outdoors—exposure to nature is linked to improved mental and physical health. This can include urban green spaces, hiking on a trail, or getting some sun.

One of the most popular ways to spend time in the great outdoors is hiking, which is an excellent way to combine beautiful views with exercise and fresh air. Kentucky is full of a wide variety of trails, ranging from national park forests to urban walking trails. 

Many hiking options have fully or partially accessible areas, as well as information about the types of terrain along the trail. With a bit of planning ahead, you can experience the outdoors on mobility-aid-friendly hikes throughout the Bluegrass.

The Importance of Grade

A trail’s slope is important to consider when looking for an accessible path. If the grade of the slope is too high, it can become unsafe or impossible for wheelchair users to navigate. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) suggests that ramps be built with a 1:12 ratio. This means that a ramp should be 12 inches long for every 1 inch of height, leading to a maximum slope of about 5 degrees.

Many wheelchair users can comfortably manage an incline with a grade of 5 degrees or less, but this can vary depending on the trail surface, length of an incline, frequency of rest points, and individual accessibility needs.

Accessible Trails

Mammoth Cave

Click here for general information about accessible tours at Mammoth Cave by the National Parks service.

Click here for a review of the Mammoth Cave trails by Wheelchair Traveling.

1. Accessible Guided Tour

  • Trail Type: Guided round trip
  • Length: 0.5 miles
  • Elevation Gained: -267 feet by elevator
  • Estimated Grade: 2-5 degree slope leading to elevator; slope less than 2 degrees on trail
  • Parking:
    • A paved path connects the parking lot to the visitor center
    • 1 van accessible spot
    • Use personal transportation from the visitor center to the elevator building (a paved lot with no marked spots)
  • Trail Surface: Smooth & Paved
  • Trail Width: 36 inches

Mammoth Cave is the largest known cave system in the world. This accessible cave tour can accommodate 15-20 people, but a full group may require more elevator trips.

The cost of this tour is $27 for adults, $21 for youth, and $13.50 for anyone with a Senior pass or Access Pass. The tour may be canceled with little notice because the facility only has one elevator. Reservations are required. View ticketing information here.

2. Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk

All Trails Information about Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk

  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Length: 0.4 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 13 ft
  • Estimated Grade: 2-5 degrees maximum at the trailhead, which levels off as you continue. 
  • Parking: Paved without designated spots
  • Trail Surface: wooden boardwalk 
  • Trail Width: 36 inches

This trail leads around a pond with plenty of wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities for early-morning visitors. There are multiple 5×5 foot viewing platforms located around the pond and benches along the way to rest. 

3. Heritage Trail Loop

  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Length: 0.6 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 42 feet
  • Estimated Grade: Level with some areas of 2-5 degrees of slope throughout
  • Parking: Accessible parking nearby at the Mammoth Cave Hotel or Visitor Center
  • Trail Surface: Combination of pavement and boardwalk
  • Trail width: 36 inches

This scenic trail takes visitors to Sunset Point, passing a small cemetery off the side of the trail along the way. There are multiple benches along the trail for resting and the boardwalk sections of the trail have handrails available. This trail is best viewed at sunset and features views of the Green River. 

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

4. Forest Giants Trail 

Forest Giants Trail All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: Out & Back
  • Length: 2.1 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 111 ft
  • Estimated Grade: Mostly gentle with 2-5 degrees of slope in areas. 
  • Parking: Paved parking lot at the trailhead with two designated spots
  • Trail Surface: A mix of wooden boardwalk with railings, paved asphalt, gravel, and natural surface (dirt) sections
  • Trail Width: 4 feet

This trail takes visitors to see the 3 forest giant statues built by Thomas Dambo located in the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. It offers great photo opportunities and features rest stops with benches along the way. Due to the trail surface, some people using a mobility aid may need off-road wheels and/or power assistive devices. 

5. Sun & Shade Loop 

Sun & Shade Loop All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Length: 1.1 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 55 feet
  • Estimated Grade: Mostly gentle with 2-5 degrees of slope in areas.
  • Parking: There are two designated spots in a paved parking lot near the north end of the trail
  • Trail Surface: A mix of gravel, wood mulch, or a natural surface (dirt, grass, leaves).
  • Trail Width: 6 feet

Also located in the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, the Sun & Shade Loop trail offers a calm route through grassy meadows and forested areas. Featuring a couple of small bridges over a stream, multiple landscaping features, and a small graveyard sitting off the northernmost section. Visitors using mobility aids may require all-terrain tires and/or power assistive devices.

6. Buttermilk & Emmert Falls 

Buttermilk & Emmert Falls All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: out-and-back
  • Length: 3.2 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 206 feet
  • Estimated Grade: Mostly gentle with a slope of 5 degrees or lower in most areas. There are steeper sections at the 0.9 and 1.5-1.6 mile areas when going east. 
  • Parking: Paved and gravel parking lot near the trailhead with no designated spots
  • Trail Surface: Cement asphalt
  • Trail Width: 6 feet

Created by turning 2.5 miles of county road into a nature trail, Buttermilk & Emmert Falls features unique flora, creek views, waterfalls, and an ancient Osage Orange tree. The path has many rest points with picnic tables and benches, and bridges on this trail are lined with grip strips.

The trail out to Buttermilk Falls (the first 0.6 miles) is wheelchair accessible. Visitors using mobility aids may need assistance if attempting to continue past this point in the trail. 

7. Natural Arch Scenic Overlook

Natural Arch All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: out-and-back
  • Length: 0.2 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 26 feet
  • Estimated Grade: Mostly 5 degrees or less
  • Parking: Paved parking lot at the trailhead with two designated spots and access isles
  • Trail Surface: Paved asphalt
  • Trail Width: Average of 6 feet

Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this short trail takes visitors to an overlook providing a panoramic view of a 100-foot long, naturally formed, sandstone arch. While the grade of this trail is mostly gentle at 5 degrees or less, there is a steeper section around the 0.1-mile mark going north. Visitors using mobility aids with wheels may need assistance navigating this area. There is an accessible vault toilet. 

The Lexington Area

8. Wellington Park Path 

Wellington Park Path All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Length: 1.3 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 45 ft
  • Estimated Grade: 3 degrees or less
  • Parking: Paved lot with two designated spots at the trailhead
  • Trail Surface: paved asphalt 
  • Trail Width: 8 ft

This sunny path loops around the open green space and forested areas of Wellington Park. Other features of the park include a dark park and a meditation labyrinth. 

9. Beaumont Walking Trail 

Beaumont Walking Trail All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: out-and-back
  • Length: 3.3 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 91 ft
  • Estimated Grade: Mostly 5 degrees or less
  • Parking: 8 designated spots in a paved lot at the north end of the trail
  • Trail Surface: paved asphalt
  • Trail Width: 6 ft 

This trail winds through the Beaumont residential area and is a great spot for viewing wildlife in the city. The trail is highly shaded and features rest points along the path with benches. While mostly flat, this trail does have some sections with a moderately steep grade (about 5 – 8 degrees) at the 1.1 and 3.3-mile points. Visitors using mobility aids may need assistance traversing these sections of the path. Additionally, the path does cross over Beaumont Centre Lane at the 1.0-mile point. 

10. Brighton East Rail Trail 

Brighton East Rail Trail All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: out-and-back
  • Length: 3.3 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 78 ft
  • Estimated Grade: gentle – 3 degrees or less
  • Parking: There is one accessible spot in the paved parking lot off Pleasant Ridge Drive, which is located at the midway point on the trail.
  • Trail Surface: Paved asphalt
  • Trail Width: 6 ft

This trail runs through lightly wooded residential areas of Lexington. The original 1-mile section of this trail connects Bryant Rd and Pleasant Ridge Park, but it was expanded in 2013 and now continues East to Walnut Grove Lane. Another recent expansion extends the trail west, connecting with the Liberty Park Train via a walking bridge over Liberty Rd. While the new trail development is paved, we are unable to find the information on the area’s grade or width. People using mobility aids may need assistance if the newer section of the trail has any steep grade.

11. McConnell Springs Trail 

McConnell Springs Trail All Trails Information

  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Length: 0.6 miles
  • Elevation Gained: 19 ft
  • Estimated Grade: 3 degrees
  • Parking: Two designated spaces in the parking lot off Rebmann Lane at the north end of the trail
  • Trail Surface: Paved with partial railings
  • Trail Width: 4 ft with some wider areas throughout 

McConnell Springs Trail winds through a natural landscape with dense tree coverage in areas and features of Kentucky history such as sections of stone fencing throughout. This trail is a historic site popular among bird watchers and has benches along the trail to rest and take in the scenery. Only service animals are allowed on this trail. 

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27527193

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/time-spent-in-nature-can-boost-physical-and-mental-well-being

Mobility Aids & Employment: Five Practical Strategies to Find a Job

Posted on | by trex

Written by Eliott Hamilton

Kentucky is an employment first state. That means competitive integrated employment should be considered the first and primary option for people with disabilities of working age who want to work. In the video below, people with disabilities and employers share what Employment First means to them.

Despite policies and protections like this and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), finding suitable employment can still feel like navigating a maze. Job seeking can be daunting for anyone, but for people using mobility aids, there are unique considerations and challenges to address. With strategic planning and a proactive approach, finding fulfilling employment is possible. Here are five practical strategies to navigate the job market while using a mobility aid.

1 – Embrace Your Strengths

Navigating life with a disability demands resourcefulness and adaptability – qualities that are highly valued in the professional world. With the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, employers are increasingly valuing soft skills. Many highly sought-after skills, like problem-solving and time management, are frequently utilized in everyday life by people who use mobility aids. Highlighting these experiences enables you to seek opportunities that align with your distinct skill set, paving the way for a career that is both sustainable and fulfilling.

  • Tip: You can highlight skills gained from having a disability on a job application without disclosing your disability. By including these skills on your resume, you not only capture the attention of employers but also create an opportunity to expand on them during an interview. This approach allows you to demonstrate your qualifications while maintaining control over how you choose to discuss your experiences.

2 – Focus on What Works for You

When deciding which jobs to pursue, it’s essential to thoroughly review the job responsibilities to ensure they align with your skills, strengths, and career objectives. Reflect on what tasks and environments best suit your abilities and accommodate your mobility aid comfortably. 

Consider if a commute is feasible for you, and if so, how often. Remote or hybrid work can be a great option for mobility aid users as it eliminates the challenges associated with commuting and allows you to conserve the energy that would be used to navigate physical barriers in public spaces. Ultimately, by prioritizing roles that align with your needs, you can build a career path that aligns with your abilities and aspirations. 

3 – Researching Prospective Employers

Before applying to a company, research its commitment to workplace accessibility and inclusivity. Beyond the physical accessibility features in the workplace, benefits offered and company policies significantly impact the sustainability of a job. Visit the company’s website to review policies related to workplace accommodations, flexibility in work arrangements, disability leave (e.g., FMLA), and health insurance benefits before deciding if you would like to pursue the opportunity. 

Company culture can be a make-or-break factor for many people when job searching. Seek out employers who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accommodation of people with disabilities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in an interview to ensure it’s a good fit. A supportive work culture is critical to preserving your well-being and can improve your overall experience and job satisfaction.

  • Tip: look for indicators such as participation in disability-focused initiatives or events, which can signal a supportive and inclusive work culture. 

4 – Understand Your Rights

Understanding your rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant legislation is crucial for advocating for yourself during a job search and throughout your career. The ADA drastically changed the job market 34 years ago and remains as important to this day. When searching for a new job, refresh yourself on the details of the ADA to ensure you are ready to advocate for necessary accommodations and access to employment opportunities. 

5 – Advocating for Yourself

Throughout your job search, effective communication and preparation are key to advocating for your needs. Clearly communicate your accommodation requirements during the interview process and seek clarification on any concerns regarding accessibility. Be proactive in discussing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements, emphasizing the ways your disability prepares you to be an incredible team member. 

Navigating the job market with a mobility aid requires careful consideration, research, and advocacy. By leveraging your strengths, understanding your rights, and exploring accessible work environments, you can overcome barriers and find fulfilling employment opportunities. 

For additional support, consider reaching out to local resources, such as vocational rehabilitation services or disability advocacy organizations. These organizations often offer expertise in job placement, accommodations, and legal rights, ensuring you have the necessary tools to succeed on your career path.

While the journey may involve challenges, with determination and informed decision-making, you can achieve your career goals and thrive in a fulfilling and meaningful career. 

Additional Resources:

Human Development Institute Employment

Other Sphere [Work] Blog Posts

Disability Friendly LV

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Kentucky Vocational Rehabilitation Resources

Cardon, P., Fleischmann, C., Logemann, M., Heidewald, J., Aritz, J., & Swartz, S. (2024). Competencies Needed by Business Professionals in the AI Age: Character and Communication Lead the Way. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 87(2), 223-246. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906231208166