@oldladyplays
A friend and I (we're both disabled by chronic illness) were able to visit the Crystal Springs Rhododendren Gardens last week. It's rare when we're both well enough to do something together.

No photos, but it was lovely! So many flowering trees/plants!

https://csrgpdx.org/

My husband and I have an annual pass but for certain groups (eg, folks on SNAP EBT) the garden has "pay what you wish" admission:

https://csrgpdx.org/community-access-program

#DisabledJoy #PDX #Portland #Gardens

1. https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Women-with-Disabilities-and-Special-Needs-Guideline.pdf
2. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/7/e016757
3. https://rcm.org.uk/blog/2025/06/improving-maternity-care-and-support-for-pregnant-women-with-disabilities/
4. https://birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-long-term-health-conditions-and-maternity-care/
5. https://criplife.co.uk/pregnancy-and-disability-ensuring-inclusive-maternity-care-for-prospective-disabled-mothers/
6. https://www.ableize.com/health-and-fitness/pregnancy-and-parenthood/

I guess obstretics is My New Thing.

#maternity #pregnancy #ObGyn #Obstetrics #pregnant #nativity #disabled #DisabledJoy #DisabledFedi #disability #MedMastodon #med #meds #medicine #medical

https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Women-with-Disabilities-and-Special-Needs-Guideline.pdf "Appendix 1: MOTHERS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES GUIDANCE TOOL
V
Value family – Involve individuals who best know the woman with learning disabilities as they can provide additional information that may be helpful to the decision-making process.
A
Avoid making assumptions – Do not assume that because someone has a diagnosis of a learning disability that they cannot be good enough parents
L
Look for support – Professionals should not work in isolation and should involve learning disability services for further support and guidance.
U
Understand emotions – Take into consideration that many mothers with learning disabilities have their own anxieties and worries about motherhood and fear of judgment. Do not assume they are being difficult.
E
Establish reasonable adjustments – Professionals should put reasonable adjustments into place to ensure women with learning disabilities can comprehend and understand information to give informed consent. I.E. easy read, pictorials, large font, visual and hearing aids.

M
Mental Capacity – Do not assume capacity. In liaison with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, professionals should consider completing a Mental Capacity Assessment (MCA) to establish whether the women can give informed consent. Professionals should also consider best interest, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and involving an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA).
E
Efficient discharge – Professionals should consider possible support that can be put into place to ensure a person-centered discharge is consolidated. Consider, access to health and additional services, transport, financial support and accommodation.

THINK... VALUE ME"

#maternity #pregnancy #ObGyn #Obstetrics #pregnant #nativity #disabled #DisabledJoy #DisabledFedi #disability #MedMastodon #med #meds #medicine #medical

Omfg. Read section 3.4 "Learning Disabilities support" on page 5. Literally everyone will be helped by these suggestions, not just diagnosed disabled people.
https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Women-with-Disabilities-and-Special-Needs-Guideline.pdf
"3.4 Learning Disabilities support
Although 7% of people with learning disabilities become parents ( Best Beginnings) the Equality Act 2010 obligates responsibility to service providers to ensure that reasonable adjustments are put into place to ensure the holistic needs of people with learning disabilities are met to the highest standards.
Remember to think VALUE ME! (Appendix 1)

1. Early intervention strategies should be considered. Ensure that the community midwife is involved and if they are under 20 consider discussion with the specialist teenage pregnancy midwife for additional support.
2. Professionals should ensure that adequate time is provided for consultations, appointments and formal discussions. Taking time to allow the woman to understand the information in
order to make an informed decision.
3. Professionals should ensure that reasonable adjustments are put into place to aid with understanding. Including: easy read, pictorials, large font, visual and hearing aids.
4. Abilities led practice rather than inabilities led practice. Professionals should avoid making assumptions based on a diagnosis of a learning disability as often mothers will have their own anxieties, fears and worries regarding motherhood.
5. Avoid assuming that mothers are being difficult. Consider other possible reasons such as the environment, loud noises, bright lights (especially if they have a dual diagnosis of learning disability and ASD), sensory needs, stress and anxiety. Provide a side room if possible."

#maternity #pregnancy #ObGyn #Obstetrics #pregnant #nativity #disabled #DisabledJoy #DisabledFedi #disability #MedMastodon #med #meds #medicine #medical

Also released today for #SevereMEAwarenessDay , Kara Jane's posthumous album "In Limbo". Here's an article written by her friend:

https://thesicktimes.org/2025/08/08/posthumous-album-of-singer-kara-jane-released-on-severe-me-awareness-day/

#SevereME #MECFS #DisabledArt #DisabledJoy