The SPAN Youth Hub

Finding a creative outlet can help youth express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Creativity can take many forms, including drawing, writing, music, photography, cooking, dancing, crafting, or making videos. There is no single right way to be creative, just following what comes to mind works best.

Adaptive sports are typical sports and games modified or specifically designed for individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. They utilize specialized equipment—like sports wheelchairs, handcycles, and sit-skis—or altered rules to allow full, safe participation.

The ACCESS Lab at Washington University in St. Louis is conducting a study called the EMBody study to test a brief digital program for teens who have concerns with their body image and their eating. The ACCESS Lab wants to hear from you or your teen! If eligible, you or your teen will be asked to complete 3 online surveys and will gain access to the digital program. You or your teen may be compensated up to $45 for your time. You or your teen may be eligible to participate if you/they: Are 13-19 years old Are a U.S. resident and speak English To read more about getting involved, and to take a 5-minute eligibility screen go to  https://washu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PX2BXw3bYrT1rM?Source=SPAN  or contact study coordinator: Nathalie Gullo (E)  accesslab@wustl.edu  or 314-626-0245

Artificial intelligence (AI) has often been looked at as entirely negative, being seen as a potential threat to art, writing, and music. However, there are many helpful uses for people with disabilities. Programs like ChatGPT can make everyday tasks easier by offering features like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, live captions, language translation, image descriptions for people with limited vision, and voice assistants that help with reminders, directions, and answering questions.

Everyone faces challenges and setbacks in life. For young adults, this might mean having trouble in school, not making a team, or dealing with personal problems. These situations can be frustrating and disappointing. But even though setbacks can be difficult, they do teach important lessons. They help us learn how to solve problems, stay patient, and find new ways to reach our goals. 

As many of us sit glued to our TVs watching the World Cup, a new article from Rutgers shares an interesting guide for people with disabilities, who want to enjoy the tournament to the fullest. Leveling the Field: Accessible World Cup Experiences for All New Jersey Fans This article, “Leveling the Field: Accessible World Cup Experiences for All New Jersey Fans,” was published on the website of the The Community Living Education Project (CLEP), a program affiliated with Rutgers University that provides information and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This article is a great guide that highlights accessible seating, transportation, sensory-friendly spaces, and inclusive fan events, showing how major sporting events can still be enjoyed by everyone. In addition, helpful tips for planning ahead and finding accommodations are included. For any fútbol fans from the Garden State, this is the guide for you! You can read the full article ...