In order to integrate a specialized academic focus to learners with dyslexia and other reading differences, it is essential to understand and integrate the six strategies noted in this article to increase support, understanding, and communication that is essential to a collaborative team of educational caregivers. BY ANGELA SHAW The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) suggests that as many as 15% to 20% of the general population could have some degree of dyslexia (2017). Dyslexia, a […]
Remember, it takes a village to raise a child and in our case, it wasn’t only a village, it was an entire Best Buddies community! BY PEG GRAFWALLNER On Thursday, September 15, 2016, I had the privilege of speaking at the Best Buddies breakfast at the Pfister Hotel. This presentation gave the audience the opportunity to learn more about this important organization and also learn more about my daughter, Ani, and her capabilities and successes. […]
SIBLING TIES BY PAIGE TALHELM The kindness you receive from strangers is such a rare thing when you’re part of a family touched by special needs. So when you get it, you want to embrace it as much as you can. The stares in the cereal aisle. The whispers from the customer behind you in line. The snickers from the table next to you. All of these are things we all want to avoid experiencing. […]
BY KAREN KABAKI-SISTO, M.S. CCC-SLP Playing games at home is a great way to have hours of fun on the weekends or when your family has some downtime. Games, like real life, pose unique challenges like making decisions, taking different points-of-view, using language, and achieving an objective. Children with special needs experience difficulty with some games’ rules or physical actions, leading to frustration and unwillingness to engage. Maximize your child’s enjoyment and connections with all […]
BY GAIL AND HARRY KOUJAIAN The Niemann Pick Type C (NPC) community is very fortunate and in an envious position. For being a rare disease, there are now several clinical trials in the pipeline with more on the way. Hayley’s childhood was mostly typical. She was a happy kid that participated in Karate, cheerleading, sports and met all her early milestones. Things however changed around 1st grade. She was clumsy and started to have issues […]
