AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & DENTISTRY BY H. BARRY WALDMAN DDS, MPH, PHD, RICK RADER, MD; STEVEN P. PERLMAN DDS, MSCD, DHL (HON) AND MISHA GAREY, DDS A review of the three latest federal government reports on individuals with disabilities in the U.S. did not find a single reference to “acquired disabilities.” “The World Health Organization defines disability as loss of function at the level of the whole person, which may include inability to […]
Getting in shape, eating better and exercising regularly are all common goals we set for ourselves. These things help us lower stress, improve self-esteem, physical endurance and stamina, and improve our general well-being. Individuals with special needs often share in these same goals and can achieve their health and fitness goals with the help of an adaptive fitness and nutrition plan. Here are some tips to help family members with a disability meet their fitness […]
BY PEG GRAFWALLNER “Summer fun” is an oxymoron for many parents of special needs children. In truth, the summer can be an anxious time for parents and child. The routine of school has ended and parents are thrust into the role of travel guide, event planner, taxi cab driver, and concierge – roles for which most parents are ill-prepared. The summer is spent, for most of us, finding opportunities and activities for our children that […]
BY ANGELA SHAW ACCESSING CURRICULUM THROUGH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY One steadfast question for the IEP team is the appeal for direction toward assisting, supporting and guiding students with special needs in a manner that promotes efficient and meaningful inclusion. Today’s parents and general educators are aware of a continuum of low to high-tech assistive technology (AT) available to increase deeper engagement and learning for all learners, in order to reduce barriers and ensure access to curriculum. […]
BY SAM FLATMAN The joy that otherwise immobile children can get from simple physical stimulation should never be underestimated. If you are the parent or carer of a child with special needs, then you probably already know how difficult it can be to get them out and about. But the outdoors is an incredibly important environment for early childhood development. In fact, outdoor play is such an integral part of growing up that it is […]
