From the Ground Up: Optimal Flooring Choices for Homes With Wheelchair Use

Parents of children who use wheelchairs or other mobility-assisting devices should be aware that appropriate flooring choices can make a home more accessible. Many appreciate flooring materials that are known to be durable and easy to clean when living with children with special needs. Some of the choices available may be perfectly suitable in children’s rooms, living rooms and family rooms. There are many different types of flooring but some, like thick carpet, are a […]

A More Accessible Home for a More Inclusive Family

by: Caitlin Hoff Someone who was born with a disability or grew up from a young age with an impairment can tell you that for them, it is their “normal.” They have grown up instinctively adapting to an able-bodied world. What we don’t often talk about is a parent’s initial adjustment to their child’s disabilities. Overtime, these parents become expert caretakers and passionate advocates for their child and other children with disabilities, but it’s not […]

Dyspraxia – Movement Difficulties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

By Steven R. Wertz What is Motor Control and Why Does It Matter? Throughout the day, each of us performs numerous sequences of movements with little effort or thought, such as showering, brushing our teeth, dressing, driving, typing, etc. The list of these actions is vast, considering that most behavior involves muscle movement, including looking, talking, swallowing and even breathing. Some of the most complex motor movements take years of practice, such as the twists […]

The 10 Best Cities for Accessible Living

by Angie Bersin     Metro DC, Salt Lake City, and Tampa are leading the way in accessibility for housing, public transit, attractions and healthcare With Global Accessibility Awareness Day last month, we took a look at the most accessible cities throughout the country. The Social Security Administration estimates that one in five Americans is living with a disability, which can pose a specific set of challenges during everyday life. Although legislation exists that requires accessibility in public […]

Let’s Get Moving! Providing movement within a wheelchair seating system

by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS  One disadvantage of wheelchair seating is that it doesn’t move. As a result, the child doesn’t move – unless they move out of an optimal position. Lack of movement leaves the child in a static sitting position for extended periods of time. This can lead to range of motion losses, increased pressure, agitation, fatigue, and discomfort. Movement, on the other hand, can decrease agitation, increase alertness, provide sensory […]