Art, disabilities, mental health, and a world of difference


Happy first month of the year! How is it almost February?!

It's been a minute and I have a lot to share, but I'll keep it short and sweet. Here are some of the most important highlights and events happening soon. I hope you find this information valuable and can join me at one of these events.

Art Hour with Dustin Jacobus: An Art Innovation Experiment to Promote Inclusivity:

This Monday, I'll host a brand-new experiment with an incredible Belgian artist!

Have you ever had the chance to ask questions or give feedback to an artist willing to listen and apply that feedback?

How can art be more inclusive and embrace people with disabilities, neurodiversity, and different abilities?

How can art help us build a more diverse and inclusive society?

These are the questions we will be answering together. Come join us!

You can register for the Art Hour with Dustin here

Today I met with Dustin, and he told me he might be able to re-do some of his existing art or create new art pieces based on the feedback he gets from us.

Pretty exciting, huh?!

Helping Gifted Children Thrive in the Age of Uncertainty:

On February 4th, I'll be presenting at the Gift-a-Palooza 2023, Gifted & Thriving's 2nd Annual Virtual Summit on Giftedness & Neurodiversity.

I go on Saturday, February 4, 2023, Session 2 (B): 11:30 am - 12:45 pm EST

I'll be sharing tangible strategies to help families raise resilient gifted children despite everything happening in their world and the uncertain fast-moving world around them.

You can register for the virtual summit here.

A World of Difference: Understanding and Supporting Twice Exceptional Kids

Last November, I was invited to participate on another panel of experts for the show A World of Difference, now on PBS. This episode was focused on Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children. You can watch the recordings below:

PBS link to the entire episode.

YouTube link to the extended "Ask the Experts" segment only.

Ecopsychepedia: Disabilities and Climate Mental Health

Last December, I wrote an article contributing to the groundbreaking project Ecopsychepedia, a trusted source for current research and thinking on how psychological factors drive climate instability and what we can do about it.

As an advocate for disabilities and neurodiversity, I was asked to write on how climate instability affects the mental health and well-being of people with disabilities. I loved writing about how the climate movement can be more inclusive of people like us.

You can read the article here.

This is a growing area of research in its early stages, so I'm happy to hear your thoughts, feedback, or suggestions.

Art Contest: People Building a Brighter Future

Does your child like drawing, painting, or creating through various mediums? Do you like creating? If so, I'd love to see your entry in this Art Contest!

You can learn more about Solarpunk here. I would love to see many entries from twice-exceptional (2e), gifted, and neurodiverse families.

Take a minute to read through the amazing prize pool. I hope you or your child can join us!

Do you want to participate but feel “underqualified” to submit an entry?

Well, you are in luck! Solarpunk Surf Club is hosting the perfect class for you to work on your submission!

Check out their Solarpunk, Art, and Social Ecological Aesthetics Course starting on February 1st through April. You'll have until the end of April to submit your entry.

You are not required to take the class to enter the contest, but I highly encourage you join them!

Here is a recent entry created with Canva by Sandra Ponce de Leon.

Title: In HARMONY, our Future in ABUNDANCE

Another entry submitted by Jane Noel, Age 61.

Title: Pomme d'Amour de équité

AI generated entry by Juan Huertas Olea. Title: Selfie from the Future

If you have already submitted an entry, thank you!! You are welcome to submit more. The more, the merrier!

Hope to see your entry or see you at one of these events.

All The Best,

Day Sanchez-2e Minds: Building Skills, Nurturing Talents

Through her company, 2e Minds, Day has played a pivotal role in supporting the holistic development of neurodivergent, gifted, Twice-Exceptional (2e), and highly creative individuals. With a deep understanding of the unique learning and processing styles of neurodivergent individuals, Day combines her strong scientific background with her intuitive gifts to guide people in identifying the roadblocks and habitual patterns preventing them from developing their natural strengths, gifts, and abilities. Drawing from her own experiences growing up with ADHD and multiple learning differences, Day blends clinical expertise with a deep sensitivity to the emotional and intellectual needs of both children and adults. She creates impactful programs, experiences, and resources for individuals and groups, and facilitates workshops for parents, schools, and organizations on how to help children, youth, and adults thrive amidst rapid societal changes. She brings over a decade of experience supporting people in building emotional intelligence and psychological resilience in times of crisis and transition. Her facilitation utilizes expertise in trauma-informed practices, nervous system care, somatic intelligence, neuroscience, and the psychology of optimal experience. Whether working 1:1 or in group settings, Day is known for her compassionate approach, which has earned her a reputation as a trusted guide for creatives, visionaries, future builders, and change-makers, bringing a calm, nurturing presence that encourages others to tap into their inner brilliance and unlock their greatest expression. With a heart dedicated to fostering human and ecological flourishing, Day's mission is to inspire collective creativity and intelligence, guiding others to reclaim their superpowers, embrace their limitless possibilities, and remember who they were created to be. Join the 2e Minds community below!

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