NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY

May 6, 2026April 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On May 7 we are charged with breaking down obstacles on National Barrier Awareness Day. We are responsible for dissolving stigmas that keep people with disabilities from advancing in education. It’s an opportunity to tear down walls and build ramps that will help provide access.

Evelots Mobility Half Step-Indoor-Outdoor-Sturdy-Lightweight-NonSlip-Large Size

by Evelots

Where there are misunderstandings, there is potential for the development of new technology that may bridge the gap. Policies that are antiquated and are preventing those with disabilities from accessing their full potential can be re-assessed. If there was ever a time to speak up about questionable treatment of a human being, National Barrier Awareness Day encourages us to do so now.

Prairie View Industries TH1232 Threshold Ramp, 12 x 32 Inch

by Prairie View Industries

“Today some 36 million Americans suffer from some form of handicap. Eighty percent of Americans will experience some disability in their lifetime. That makes it necessary for all of us to understand and appreciate both the barriers they must surmount and the contributions that they can make to our society.

Many disabled people face financial, cultural, and physical barriers because of a lack of public understanding of their needs. We must become more aware of the barriers that prevent or inhibit so many of our fellow Americans from participating fully in the life of our society, and how much more they could contribute if those obstacles were removed….”

Visible and invisible barriers are equally difficult to overcome. With advocacy, education and awareness these obstacles can be lifted, empowering people with disabilities to live more independent fulfilled lives.

There is a long way to go in giving access to everyone. I suffered an anyuerism stroke and spinal cord cyst about 7 years ago. This has limited where I can go and what I can do. The limitations are financial as well as physical. There are lots of innovative products out there but, losing my job and becoming disabled has prevented me from regular insurance options.

The only alternative is Medicare and most of the products are not covered. I had to buy my own lift to help me in and out of bed and into my wheelchair. There are great products out there that would go a long way toward regaining my walking ability.

Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift, 350 lb. Weight Capacity, GHS350

by Invacare

Things we take for granted, myself included until it’s no longer possible. Public spaces like stores, restaurants, malls, boardwalks, beaches and even getting in and out of vehicles is a major challenge. Most of us have to make further sacrifices to venture there. I thought the worst part of being disabled was what you have already lost. That was wrong the worst is how much more you might have to sacrifice to participate in a full, active, independent life.

Before a stroke on the beautiful beaches of tge Florida, Alabama Gulf Coast. — The beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast.

I am pleased to see the addition of beach mats. As I live just a few miles from some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, they are no longer as inaccessible as the moon…

HISTORY

Proclamation 5472, signed by United States President Ronald Reagan, was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 8, 1986, declaring May 7 of 1986 as National Barrier Awareness Day. Since that day, many people across the country have continued to observe National Barrier Awareness Day each year on May 7.

Beach mats for wheelchair access. Photo by dreamtimes.com — Mats like these allow wheelchair access to the shores.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Break the barriers and work toward eliminating all of the cultural, employment, legal, and physical obstacles that confront individuals with disabilities! Share your support using #BarrierAwarenessDay.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

March 31, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

April recognizes all those who give there time and energy during National Volunteer Month. In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. In many parts of the country, it is the cornerstone of summer vacation or woven into after school programs. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties and the largest cities would not function without volunteers. In some families, the baton of volunteerism is handed down generation after generation.

Rural fire and ambulance departments remain staffed due to the efforts of volunteers. The underprivileged receive much needed medical care thanks to volunteers. Long overdue repairs and upgrades are made to a senior women’s home thanks to an organization’s annual call for donations and skilled workers. A woman answers a call on a suicide hotline because she cared enough to give up a few hours to train and listen to someone desperate and alone. A team sets up tables at a soup kitchen every week. Another group delivers meals to men and women who can no longer cook for themselves. Boys and girls sell ice cream sandwiches during a fair to raise money for a homeless shelter.

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. They pick a cause and make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the difference a drop in the bucket. Other times it creates a tidal wave of change. From the anonymous volunteers who donate their resources to those whose efforts are part of larger national organizations like 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, or American Red Cross or a local grassroots group, their missions provide valuable support to communities in times of need.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH HISTORY

President George H.W. Bush launch the 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991 and established April as National Volunteer Month.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVolunteerMonth

Thank a volunteer.
Volunteer! Many volunteers will tell you it is a rewarding experience.
You don’t have to have a ton of time.
Do you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization? Offer your services or ask how you can be of help.
Use #NationalVolunteerMonth to share on social media.

National Volunteer Month volunteer appreciation gifts T-Shirt#NationalVolunteerMonth — National Volunteer Month volunteer appreciation gifts T-Shirt

Volunteer log book: Volunteering journal, notebook & record book, Volunteer gift#NationalVolunteerMonth — National Volunteer Month volunteer appreciation gifts T-Shirt

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH

September 30, 2025August 28, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Physical Therapy Month in October recognizes the importance of physical therapy in healthcare. Physical therapy is a medical service provided by trained physical therapists who help patients improve movement, strength and manage pain after an illness or injury.

Nearly every part of the body can benefit from physical therapy, especially if you’ve suffered an injury or illness. Physical therapists assess a patient’s pain levels and abilities and develop a plan of treatment they can track. They may provide exercises to be performed at home and document the progress and any further needs. Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:

Reduction or elimination of pain
Improved strength and flexibility
Maintaining independence
Overall improved quality of life

The observance promotes the importance of physical therapy and the role it plays in improving physical activity and quality of life. Inadequate physical activity results in an added $117 billion in health care costs in the United States. It also leads to reduced quality of life for millions of Americans. Physical therapists encourage movement to help people manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injuries and reduce the risk of future injury and chronic disease.

I am personally undergoing another round of Physical Therapy after health issues sidelined me about 2 years ago. Special shout out to Dave and Ivy! You guys are beyond awesome. My goal is to regain the ability to stand.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY HISTORY

APTA and participating components began to celebrate Physical Therapy Week in the early 1980s. The week was initially observed in conjunction with APTA’s annual conference in June and was later moved to October. The week evolved, and the first National Physical Therapy Month was celebrated in October 1992.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPTMonth

During National Physical Therapy Month, give a physical therapist you know a shout-out. Other ways to participate include:

Learning about the roles of physical therapy.
Share your experiences as a physical therapist.
Learn about careers in physical therapy.
Find out if physical therapy is right for you.

Use #PhysicalTherapyMonth or #ChoosePT to spread the word on social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

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NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY

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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH HISTORY

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVolunteerMonth

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NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY HISTORY

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPTMonth

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