The White House Domestic Policy Council and Office of Public Engagement are requesting suggestions for topics and speakers for the monthly, live-captioned conference call on disability issues. According to the website, “Over the past several months, these calls have featured discussions on accessibility, employment, education, technology, emergency preparedness, transportation, healthcare and the budget, just to […]
A recent study looked at upper limb deformities, upper limb function and its relation to gross motor function. The researchers analyzed data from 234 children with spastic cerebral palsy. The results indicated the following: 70.5% had a limitation in forearm supination 62.8% had problems with wrist and finger extension in at least one limb Thumb-in-palm […]
Check out our latest freebie – Reward Punch Cards for Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy. You can download these business cards to encourage children to achieve their goals in therapy whether it be functional or behavioral. After 10 holes are punched, the child earns a reward. Download the punch cards here.
A recent study indicated that students who drew or doodled while learning had improved memory recall over students who did not. The researchers reported that students applied more effort when they drew pictures to indicate they understood text that they previously read. This appears to be especially helpful during science class to motivate and engage […]
Found this excellent resource on ideas to adapt books for children with disabilities from the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program. There are tips on simple low tech suggestions and more high tech suggestions. Worth a look if you interact with any individuals with disabilities. Read The A-Z of Adapting Books for Children with Disabilities.
Heard on Twitter about this informative article from @VisionAware. The article offers tips and techniques on how to keep your handwriting skills and signing your name if you are losing or lost your vision. They offer excellent pictures on how to make raised line paper. Many of the tips may be helpful for children who […]
Here is an awesome, free resource from Crayola entitled “Creative Art Experiences for Children with Special Needs”. This booklet is great for ideas and tips. It would make a wonderful resource for any art teacher or elementary school teacher who works in an inclusive environment. If parents are looking for ideas for at home they […]
Clorox is offering a $50,000 grant for a school that will make a difference and give students opportunities through exploring, creating and playing. Nominate your school and get the most votes and you can win $50,000 for your program. There are three categories: 1. Play – encourage children to get out and play with playgrounds […]
A literature review was performed on motor stereotypies defined as “diverse range of movements, behaviours, and/or vocalizations that are repetitive, lack clear function, and sometimes appear to have a negative impact upon an individual’s life”. Motor stereotypies commonly occur in children with autism. The review indicated that the purpose of motor stereotypies remained unknown but […]
What child does not like Build A Bear? Well, now therapists might like Build A Bear even more than the children. They are offering grant money for: “direct support for children in the areas of health and wellness such as childhood disease research foundations, child safety organizations, and organizations that serve children with special needs” […]