Helping Your Child Transition into a New School Year

by Oran Tkatchov As our children put the past school year behind them during summer break, there might be many changes on the horizon that can be a source of anxiety for them.  A new teacher? New building? New classmates? New routines? These changes can be overwhelming for all kids, but especially for those who need additional guidance in establishing routines and developing new relationships.  Below are five suggestions that can help to minimize the […]

Health Disparities for Adults with IDD Make Inclusive Health a Worthy Goal

By Janet Shouse Did you know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities die an average of 16 years earlier than typical Americans? And unlike other Americans, women with IDD die earlier than men with IDD. This is not information any of us really want to hear. So why is this happening? We know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a higher rate of co-occurring physical disorders, such as epilepsy, chronic constipation, obesity, […]

Meeting the Challenge of Teaching SPED Students to Type

By Jan Smith A tech integrator shares the games that she uses to prepare special education students for life after school. In the world today, typing is a necessary skill. Most jobs require some degree of computer work, and knowing how to type quickly and efficiently may be an advantage over someone who “finger pecks” at the keyboard. High school graduates need to know how to type, use email, use reference tools on the internet, […]

Special Education: Increasing Job Opportunities for Students through Engagement in Career Technical Education

By: Dr. Christine Powell INTRODUCTION: The job market is changing and students receiving special education services, as well as special education stakeholders, need to be a part of the new educational movement. Many public school districts across the nation are realigning education curriculums in support of college and career readiness objectives for public school graduates, which include many students with Individual Education Plans (IEP). There are good reasons for linking academics with career pathways, but […]

Neurodiversity In The Workplace

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON BY ANGELA NELSON, MS, BCBA The question that pops into nearly all parents’ minds at some point – what will my child’s future look like – yields a wide array of aspirations… and even more questions. Some, clear as day, while others, foggy. And what if you have a child with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD)? What will his or her future hold? The good news is, today, it’s […]