The June 2024 edition of the Ability Central monthly e-newsletter, Access:Ability.
June Holidays, Observances, and More
Raise Awareness, Celebrate Pride, and Look to the Future This June
June is jam-packed with observances, celebrations, and opportunities to find community. No matter where you find yourself this month, we hope you find time to honor your loved ones and create new connections.
In June, we acknowledge:
- Autistic Pride Day (June 18th)
- Juneteenth (June 19th)
- World Sickle Cell Day (June 19th)
- Lou Gehrig’s Birthday (June 19th)
- The Longest Day – Alzheimer’s Awareness (June 20th)
- Global ALS/MND Awareness Day
(June 21st) - Helen Keller Day (June 27th)
The multifaceted nature of June celebrations and awareness reminds us how deeply connected our communities can be.
With that in mind, we see summer as an opportunity to find ways to support each other, whether through volunteering our time, raising awareness about conditions, or fundraising for critical research.
Looking to get involved this summer? Take a look at Ability Central’s Service Locator tool to find a nonprofit near you.
Alzheimer’s, Brain Awareness, and Dementia Awareness
Learn about brain health for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Brain Health Awareness Month!
Two of the lesser-known June observances are Dementia Awareness Month and Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 55 million people around the world live with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. These degenerative diseases impact memory, thinking, language and speech, and even personalities.
It can be extremely painful for families to watch their loved ones go through changes caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia. While researchers work to identify a cure, organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association encourage us to use June to commit to our brain health. You can do this by challenging your mind every day, controlling your blood pressure, wearing helmets or protection against head injuries, and getting enough sleep.
Educate yourself further about diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia with these resources:
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Signs and Symptoms
- Alzheimer’s disease: Where to find the help you need
- Aphasia and Dysphasia: Why Do People Stop Using and Understanding Language?
- Dementia: 5 Quick Facts You Should Know
2025 Grant Cycle – Coming Soon!
Details for Ability Central’s 2025 grant cycle will be released in early July 2024. Stay tuned for more updates!
Resource Roundup
Cataracts Awareness Month
Cataracts are problems with the eye’s lens that cause symptoms like blurry vision, poor night vision, faded colors, or halos around lights. You might recognize cataracts for their unique gray or white, filmy appearance.
Often associated with old age, cataracts are not fatal, but they can cause permanent vision loss. Luckily, cataracts can be removed or treated when caught early enough. That’s why it’s so important to get regular eye exams, not just to check your vision itself but to screen for diseases like glaucoma or conditions like cataracts. Learn more in the resources below!
Do I Have Cataracts? Cloudy Vision, Faded Colors, and Other Symptoms
Ability Central shares the early symptoms of each type of cataract and when to seek a diagnosis.
The 7 Most Important Things to Know About Cataracts
This article addresses what a cataract is, what causes cataracts, and information about other diseases that mimic cataracts.