The Traps and Gaps of Special Needs Parenting

by Colleen Berlingieri Recently, my husband had surgery for prostate cancer. Not to worry. All is well and the procedure was a success. However, the process was grueling. It was a long s-l-o-w recovery filled with pain, exhaustion and pills – and that was just me – he had a hard time too! During the long weeks of his recovery we watched a lot of TV. One afternoon a commercial for a cancer drug came on. […]

How I Stay Calm in the Midst of Turmoil While Raising a Child with a Disability:

by LisaMarie Bernardo We all know that siblings can fight, argue and irritate each other. It can make for a very chaotic household environment. I find this even more challenging especially because my son struggles with a disability. I have tried for years to get my kids to get along but have yet to succeed. However, I have now realized that I can do something within myself to change my reaction to all of the bickering […]

Need for Health Behavior Models for Your Child with Disabilities

BY H. BARRY WALDMAN DDS, MPH, PHD AND STEVEN P. PERLMAN DDS, MSCD, DHL (HON) The facts are that these health behavior prospects are genuine possibilities as youngsters with disabilities reach their adult years. Repeated surveys do substantiate these consequences. “Obesity, binge drinking and smoking – you’ve got to be kidding. My child is only 6, 10, or 12 years old. How could you think of that? He/she has enough difficulties with disabilities to even […]

It Takes A Whole Village

The Nigerian proverb “It takes a whole village to raise a child” says it all, especially for those of us raising children with special needs. BY EOLANE Back in the 1980s, our village took a chance and reached out. My son learned to believe; although still physically challenged, he now is capable of living independently and has become a talented artist and owner of an international art corporation. He is 30 years old now, my […]

Donald, Chuck E. and the Benjamins

ANCORA IMPARO BY RICK RADER, MD ■ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The jury found that Chuck E. Cheese violated the employment provisions of the ADA by discriminating against Donald when they fired him due to his disability; and they let Chuck E. Cheese know they meant business. Some things are worth remembering, especially when it involves wanting to hit someone over the head with a two-by-four. Such was a lawsuit (in 1999) involving an individual in a disability […]