A Lifetime Of Good Health

In recent years, Health Promotion has been spreading outside the screening “tent” and to the field of play and community with Special Olympics Athletes serving as health leaders. BY PEYTON PURCELL, MPH Like any athlete, Special Olympics athletes who are fit, at a healthy weight, have strong bone density and normal blood pressure are better able to compete in their sport, contribute at work and enjoy activities in their daily lives. But people with intellectual […]

Beyond Guardianship: Toward Alternatives That Promote Greater Self-Determination for People with Disabilities

Baltimore, MD – The National Council on Disability (NCD) – an independent federal advisory body – today will release and discuss the findings and recommendations of a seminal national report that thoroughly examines guardianship – the process through which an adult can be found legally incapable of making decisions for him or herself and another adult appointed to make decisions on behalf of that individual – in view of the estimated 1.3 million Americans subject […]

Interpreting for Deaf Students: Facts and Fantasies

Students who benefit from the services of an interpreter also have to be developmentally, cognitively, and socially accustomed to navigating the educational experience. BY J. FREEMAN KING, ED.D. Parents, school districts, teachers, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists involved in education of deaf children are often ill advised regarding the effectiveness of interpreters in public school mainstreamed classes. Even though interpreting services are often recommended in the deaf student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), what is overlooked is […]

The Kaufman Music Center’s Summer Musical Theater Workshop

At Kaufman Music Center’s five-week Summer Musical Theater Workshop, kids participate in all aspects of producing a show, which culminates in a full-scale production in Merkin Concert Hall. Professional theater directors, writers and composers work with groups of kids age 5-15 on seven brand new, original musicals inspired by a theme. The children, who represent a diverse and enthusiastic group of NYC’s youngest theater fans, will star in the musicals in three performances at Kaufman […]

Endrew F. Supreme Court Case: Strengthening The Voices Of Families At IEP Meetings

Many parents have had an experience similar to the one faced by Endrew F.’s parents, in which their child’s IEP goals don’t vary each year and there is lack of progress. BY DIANA AUTIN, MARIA DOCHERTY AND LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A. The recent Supreme Court case, Endrew F. vs. Douglas County School District, has implications for parents participating in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) development for their child. The decision clarifies the rights of children with […]