BY JENNIFER WOODWORTH, PSY.D. Often, inclusion is a word used in education when a child with special needs is included in a typical classroom, with or without an aide. What about outside of school? How does inclusion work when coaches or other group leaders are not informed, do not understand the challenges that your child faces, or how to handle them? It is possible and beneficial to include children of all abilities in recreational activities […]
BY PEG GRAFWALLNER Ani has friends through Special Olympics; but, we always have to remind her to make conversation and be part of the group, since she is content to watch the activities around her. friendships have always been difficult for Ani. She would much rather be with adults than people her own age. I think it’s because adults have always shown more patience when speaking with her. At times, Ani can be difficult to […]
AAIDD and NADSP Issue a Joint Position Statement Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have long sought lives where they can be fully contributing and valued members of their communities. Federal regulations including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and more recently the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule and the US Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) have set forth standards […]
BY KAREN KABAKI-SISTO, M.S. CCC-SLP Your child ought to be a highly active participant in your family getaway – and more confident and excited than ever to share their experiences with others. Summer vacations, an important part of childhood, create lasting memories. You can help your child with special needs enjoy all of the awe and wonderment of those special family getaways with the following suggestions! BEFORE THE VACATION TIME CONCEPTS Mark the date of […]
BY IDA KEIPER AND JESEMINE JONES; ILLUSTRATIONS BY BREE RUBIN When you travel and explore the world with your children, you have the opportunity to share their experiences and enthusiasm. On the other hand, children also benefit from traveling. For travel is full of teachable moments and, for children with special needs, the experiences are no different. Travel provides opportunities for them to practice and improve social and communication skill and promotes cognitive growth. Families […]
