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Listeners with a Disability - Supporting those with Disabilities (2024-2025)
by AffyAvo
Last post
Tuesday
...See more We had one of these before, but many of the listeners are no longer using 7cups. So here's an updated one. Are you a listener with a disability willing to support others with a disability? Please share here! Also note what your disability is or give as much detail as you're comfortable wtih so that members can find someone with similar issues.
MistyMagic profile picture
Braille! - January is World Braille Month!
by MistyMagic
Last post
Sunday
...See more January is World Braille month Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 and this year we celebrate his 206th birthday!   Born in Coupvray, France, Louis became blind at the age of 3 while playing with tools in his father’s shop.  When he was 10, he was sent to the school for the blind in Paris, but there were very few books available at that time for people who were blind.  Inspired by a system of tactile writing created by French army captain Charles Barbier, Louis Braille spent two years trying to simplify and perfect the code.  When he was 15, the new code was ready, and was easier to learn and quicker to read. It took many years before the Braille code was adopted widely.  The first book in braille was published in 1827 and in 1878, the World Congress for the Blind voted to make Braille the system of reading and writing for people worldwide who are blind.  There ensued a War of the Dots and it was not until 1932 that Standard English Braille was established for all English-speaking countries. Braille is a tactile writing system used by individuals who are visually impaired or blind. The system enables users to read and write through touch, empowering them to access information independently. Structure of Braille Braille is based on a matrix of six raised dots arranged in a rectangular block called a "cell," with two columns and three rows. Each cell represents a character, letter, number, or punctuation mark. The dots are numbered 1 through 6: 1  4 2  5 3  6 By raising specific combinations of these dots, different characters can be formed. For example: * The letter "A" is represented by a single raised dot in position 1. * The letter "B" uses dots 1 and 2. * Numbers, capital letters, and special characters are indicated by specific prefixes. Types of Braille * Grade 1 Braille: A basic system where each Braille cell corresponds to a single letter, number, or punctuation mark. It is typically used by beginners. * Grade 2 Braille: Includes contractions and abbreviations for common words or letter groups, making reading and writing faster and more efficient. * Grade 3 Braille: An advanced system used for shorthand, often in personal notes or informal writing. Applications of Braille Braille is used in various formats and devices to enhance accessibility: * Books and Documents: Printed Braille materials are essential for education and leisure. * Labels and Signage: Many elevators, ATMs, and public spaces include Braille signage to  * provide information. * Digital Braille Devices: Refreshable Braille displays and notetakers allow users to access digital content, including emails, websites, and e-books, through tactile feedback. Importance of Braille Braille is vital for literacy and independence among people who are blind. While audio technology is increasingly available (such as screen readers), Braille remains indispensable for developing spelling, grammar, and tactile literacy skills. It ensures access to a wide range of fields, from education to employment. Challenges and Advancements Challenges include the high cost of producing Braille materials and devices, as well as limited availability in some regions. However, advances in technology, such as affordable refreshable Braille displays, are helping to bridge this gap. Braille's impact extends beyond language; it is a tool of empowerment, inclusion, and equality, ensuring that individuals who are blind can fully participate in society. Read more about the story of Louis Braille [http://www.pathstoliteracy.org/story-louis-braille]. Learn the song for celebrating Louis Braille’s birthday! [https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/celebration-ideas-happy-birthday-louis-braille/] Play the Louis Braille Timeline Game [https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/louis-braille-timeline-game/]. Written as part of the Disability Support Community Articles. More can be found here  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/ArticlesResourcesAlphabeticList_233701/] If you have a condition or 'Awareness Campaign' that you feel we should recognise please message either myself @MistyMagic [https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic] (teens and adults) or @AffyAvo  [https://www.7cups.com/@AffyAvo](adults)
MistyMagic profile picture
Saying Goodnight to 2024! and Good Morning to 2025!
by MistyMagic
Last post
Sunday
...See more Saying Goodbye to 2024 and Hello to 2025! Disability Support Community Yearly Review! Over the past year I have had the privilege to hold the roles of Community Mentor Leader (leading the forums), and Group Support Mentor, (leading the rooms) of the Disability Community. We have grown from strength to strength. We have covered many topics and had many discussions, promoted many Awareness Days, as well as interviewed many different people about their disability or illness. Team - We are a small Team and I would like to recognise @AffyAvo as our Community Mentor who has been a pleasure to work with. Also @compassionateMoon4024 joined us as a Room Supporter.  We are always actively seeking more people to join our Team, member or listener, so please ask us if you are interested or for more information please read more about us here:- Join Our Team! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/JoinTheDisabilitySupportCommunityTeam_325009/] Interviews - We are looking for more people to be interviewed about their disability or condition and how it affects their life so that others may learn more. Feel free to pm myself https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic [https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic]  or https://www.7cups.com/@AffyAvo [https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic] or fill in our form here https://forms.gle/Hcgt979FuFLnL4gy7 [https://forms.gle/Hcgt979FuFLnL4gy7]  The interviews are anonymous for listeners and can be anonymous for members too if you do not wish to be recognised. It is a fun experience so please join in. Here is a list of some of the content we have posted so far to help support those with disabilities and to raise awareness and understanding of many conditions:- Living with Multiple Sclerosis [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/InterviewDiariesGrabaCuppaandLearnaboutMultipleSclerosis_325500/] Living with Cerebral Palsy [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/InterviewDiariesLivingwithCerebralPalsy_326155/] Living with Meniere's Disease [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/LivingWithMenieresDisease_327897/] Living with CFS/ME [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/InterviewLivingwithCFS_328938/] Severe ME [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/PhysicalDisabilities_261/SevereMEAwarenessDay_334207/] Living with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewDiariesLivingwithRA_333251/?post=3610799] Being a wheelchair user [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewDiariesBeingaWheelchairuser_336321/?post=3653342] Living with hED and POTS [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewLivingwithhEDSandPOTS_336838/?post=3659993] HAE Raising Awareness [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/HAEAwarenessDay2024_327339/] Boom Or Bust [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/BoomorBustAllaboutpacing_327034/] - Breaking through pain! Learning About Self-Advocacy [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/SelfAdvocacy_332639/] Meditation and Self-care [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/MeditationandSelfCare_337264/] Cataract Awareness [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/CataractAwareness_334738/?post=3633552] - Learn more Finding Serenity within Disability [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/FindingSerenityusingCourageandWisdom_334315/] Sign Languages [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AllAboutSignLanguages_337087/] 2024 Paralympics! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/ParalympicsParis2024_335558/?post=3643787] World Mental Health Day [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/WorldMentalHealthDay_338207/?post=3679866] and Disabilities Learning Disabilities [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/The7typesoflearningdisabilities_338754/] Digital Awareness [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/DigitalAccessibilityAwarenessDay_329154/?post=3556386] for Disability Inclusive Trick or Treating [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/InclusiveTrickorTreating_339078/] Tips About Waiting For Surgery [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/WaitingForSurgeryTipsandinformation_339526/] CRPS -Complex Regional Pain Syndrome [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/CRPSWhatisComplexRegionalPainSyndrome_339787/] Epilepsy - Let’s talk [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/WhatisEpilepsy_340034/] Asthma - Learn more [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/WorldAsthmaDay_328693/] Disability and Mental Health [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/MentalHealthandDisabilities_328550/?post=3546967] Are there topics or Awareness Days that you would like us to cover? Let us know on this form! https://forms.gle/Hcgt979FuFLnL4gy7 [https://forms.gle/Hcgt979FuFLnL4gy7]  2024 has been a long year for many of us so what are you looking forward to in 2025?

Welcome to the Disability Support Community!

This is an inclusive community where people can seek and provide support and post about topics related to learning disabilities, chronic pain, chronic illnesses and conditions, physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. You are welcome to join in even if you don't used disabled as a label for yourself.

There are a number of ways to get involved and be supported. We have a pop up teen chatroom and a 24/7 adult chatroom.

There are guides for Chronic Pain and T2 Diabetes
There are Q&A sections for Disabilities and Chronic Pain

Members may connect with a listener who has disabilities, chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, adhd or autism listed as a topic and there are listeners with disabilities supporting people with disabilities

We encourage people to post new threads and respond to others in the forums! Some good ways to get started are to introduce yourself and to join our tag list to be notified of weekly check ins and events. We also have an Interview Series: if you would be open to sharing more about yourself and want to be interviewed.

Looking to be even more activity in the Disability Community? Join as a leader!

*Note we are inclusive of all disabilities but ADHD and Autism each of their own communities which may be of interest to some of you.

Community Guidelines

🌟 Please be respectful of everybody's thoughts and opinions.

🌟 Don't think you are alone, so please share

🌟 Please be patient if you feel like your concern hasn't been addressed yet; we are working hard to add more leaders and supporters.

🌟 If you have any concerns, reach out to a leader or make a post.

🌟 For Listeners only - please remember that you are here to give support, if you are seeking support then please switch to your Member account.

🌟 Most of all - don't forget to be awesome! You are loved and accepted here, no matter what!

Guidelines For Using AI 


We all want the Disability Support Community to be a safe place where people are able to be their authentic selves and receive support. We understand that AI tools can be helpful in reducing barriers, allowing people to better express themselves, and allowing those with some disabilities to be able to read, write, and post, but excessive, or complete use of AI can feel robotic and reduce supportive person-to-person interactions. It can also lead to false impressions of the poster. We want to try and avoid this and help our Community to be as inclusive and as welcoming as possible to all users.


What is AI?

AI is short for ‘artificial intelligence’ which is software, a program or algorithm that works to sort, order, and combine data to give a response or answer to a question or input. Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer, software, or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason. As yet no AI’s match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks.

Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include: 

  • ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments posed to it. 

  • Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another. 

  • Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users based on their previous viewing history. 

  • Tesla: Uses computer vision to power self-driving features on their cars.



If using AI tools please adhere to the following:


  • Include some of your own personal expression. This could come from a detailed, personal prompt to the AI tool or include some of your own words with a post.

  • Cite which AI tool(s) you used, which applies both to AI-generated and AI-edited text as well as images too. For instance, if you use Dragon to voice type then say so and if the text is AI-edited include that fact too.

  • Avoid posting misinformation. AI sometimes creates personalized anecdotes, facts, or references. If you are sharing an experience, don’t post an AI-fabricated one. If posting information check that it is correct and aligns with trustworthy sources.

  • Cite the source of your information. It can be important to know and understand the source of information posted, AI-generated content may draw information from their database so try and use factual sites that can be checked and that aren’t misleading.

  • Don’t make threads in excess. AI can make it fairly quick to create a lot of content. We want to give everyone’s posts a chance to be seen. Please don’t post a large amount of threads in a short period of time, this is called ‘flooding’ and can prevent other posts from being seen.

  • If you do feel like there’s a lot you want to state on one topic, consider making multiple posts within the same single thread. Or create your own ‘Disability Diary’ thread and post there, this will increase your visibility, and those who reply will be notified when you add another post.

  • Follow the guidelines. You are responsible for what is posted from your account, even if AI was used in the creation of the post, so please double-check what you write and post!


For more information please read this post by @Heather225 - 7 Cups Community Director.


Do’s ✅  and  ❌ Don’t List:


Do - Humanize your post with your own expression and words

Do - Cite the AI tool(s) you use

Do - Make ONE thread and post to it if there are several posts you want to make

Do- Read things over and ensure the guidelines are being followed

Don’t post something that is entirely AI-generated with little input from yourself

Don’t post misinformation

Don’t flood the forums with AI threads, or multiple threads


If in doubt please ask @MistyMagic  (Adults and Teens) or @AffyAvo (Adults) or consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here







Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader
Group Support Mentor / Teen Star