Category Archives: Health and Safety Alerts

Abuse Awareness

Today, people with developmental disabilities have more opportunities to be involved in their communities, experiencing new situations and interacting with a wider range of people. Unfortunately, with increased opportunities also comes increased risks. Some people may be more vulnerable to predatory behaviors, like assault or sexual abuse.

Direct support professionals are often trusted supports for the people they provide services to and often are the first to recognize signs that abuse has occurred.

Recognize the signs of abuse. 

Preventing Falls

Having a developmental disability might put a person at greater risk for falling if they have a vision impairment, muscle weakness, gait and balance difficulties, use multiple medications, or have a sedentary lifestyle.

Get the facts to prevent falls

Staying Safe during Winter Weather

Providers of people with disabilities need to follow winter safety precautions to ensure people can manage seasonal challenges, such as travel and dangerous temperatures. Read more

Preventing Flu and Pneumonia

Seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral illness that causes fever, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, and headaches. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness.

Ohioans with developmental disabilities may be at high risk for the flu due to chronic lung conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Risk of aspiration may be increased due to difficulty swallowing, gastro esophageal reflux disease, seizure disorder, tube feeding, cerebral palsy, and suppressed or absent cough or sneeze reflex. Read More

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