Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Cara – The real issues for grieving people with intellectual disabilities

Cara provides some context for the real issue of grief in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and those supporting them, including that we consider that there’s not a lot of education or information out there about how best to support someone with an intellectual disability who is grieving.

Maureen – “Milestones and anniversaries”

Maureen talks about loss and what happens over time.

Jean – Coping

Jean shares how coping can be complicated

Claudia – Taking your art home after art therapy

Claudia talks about why sometimes not to take your art home after therapy

Grief and Disability: Carrie’s Story

It has become clear to me over time that we have much work to do to ensure the delivery of disability-sensitive grief literacy and grief support. In March of 2022 my proposal for four 1-hour sessions was approved, we provided the program for 20 participants. My heart was full in each session.

My heart remains full of hope that conversations, education, and expertise about disability sensitive end of life care and grief support will gain momentum as more and more people join in on this vital conversation.

Jacqueline – Advice to Younger Self

Jacqueline talks about seeking help and being kind to yourself

Christian – “Remembering together in a meaningful way”

Christian discusses the power of memories.

Cara – My story with intellectual disabilities and grief

Cara talks about how she came to see how people with intellectual disabilities need to be supported in grief

Jessica M – Grief is unique for each person

Jessica discusses our uniquenesses during grief, giving yourself permission to grieve and that there are many ways of self care during grief.

Jenn – Your art completely belongs to you

Jenn explains the wonderful thing about art is that piece belongs completely to you and you have the power to do whatever you wish with it . She makes some suggestions as to what you may want to do.

Corrie – Pandemic of grief

Corrie discusses how much grief there is

Jacqueline – Where to store art works

Jacqueline explains how art can be like journal entries that you would keep private