Capable Kids
School Trips For Special Needs
School trips can provide a wonderful opportunity to make learning fun by taking kids outside their regular environments. They give a more interactive, hands-on experience that children may find more engaging and stimulating than their usual lessons. This 'broadening of the horizons' aspect can be especially valuable for children with special needs, but there may be extra issues that you need to [..}
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Lock In or Let Loose?
One of my colleagues was in a tizzy because she, as the school-based physical therapist, had been in contact with a clinic physical therapist regarding a shared 12-month-old with a newly diagnosed connective tissue disorder with resulting ligamentous laxity. The child has hyperextended knees, pronated feet, and frequently abducted hips. One therapist was recommending decreased standing and weight [..}
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How to Act or React Toward a Bully
Bullying has been around since the beginning of time, but that does not make it right or even acceptable. Unfortunately there is never a child or even an adult who is a victim who is ever prepared for the verbal, physical, psychological, or cyber abuse that bullying delivers and delivers harshly. Victims with disabilities are even less prepared, but there is hope. People from all walks, or rolls, [..}
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Easter Activity – Artsy Eggs
Every Easter I get together with my family and it always seems like by the afternoon the kids are bored. I wanted to share with you this fun Easter activity that I call "Artsy Eggs"! It works well for kids toddler to grade-school aged and is adaptable for kids with special needs too. Hope that your kids enjoy it! What you will need: -Acrylic Paint -Shaving Cream -Table Top [..}
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Early Childhood Intervention
I’m just weeks away from starting a new job in Early Intervention. As I have been sharing the exciting news with family, friends, and other members of educational teams, some have been surprised to learn about this service offered by our school district. I figure if these lovely people don’t know much about it, then there are probably a whole lot of other people in the world who don’t know [..}
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You Too Can Dance!
Do you use a wheelchair and think dancing is off-limits because you can‘t walk? Wheelchair-users of all levels have been getting in on the fun on the dance floor and you can too. All it takes is getting rid of shyness, a great smile and of course, practice. There are loads of awesome dances and moves that work great if you use a wheelchair. From ballroom dancing to hip-hop, you can wheelchair [..}
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My Four-Letter Word
It happens every once in a while. Just your ordinary therapy session in progress when one word elicits an over-the-top theatrical wide-eyed gasp, disbelieving, as the hand comes up to the mouth just before the words escape. “WHAT?! What did you just say?! I’m sorry, but we don’t use that kind of language here.” And what triggers this response? A dirty, filthy, four-letter word. [..}
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Lifting Spirits – Article on Mobile and Dynamic Standing for Kids
It's no secret that kids love to play and move about, and kids with mobility challenges are no exception! A child's desire to play and interact with family or friends should be considered when prescribing a standing program. Mobile and dynamic standers can open up a world of possibilities for kids, not only physically but emotionally and socially as well. Physical therapist, Karen Good, [..}
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Awkward: Growing Up & Away From A Parent PCA
For high school students with Special Education services, team meetings should address plans for post-secondary education, employment, and living options, as well as the type of support required for success in these areas. During Tina’s meeting, there was something about her non-verbals that made me think she was excited about the prospect of all the things we were discussing, with the exception [..}
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Dealing With Nosey People
When you use a wheelchair, people like to stare. They also like to ask what’s wrong. People are nosey and hey, it can hurt our feelings. When a stranger asks why you can‘t walk, how do you feel...inside? Mad, embarrassed or annoyed? What do you say? My mom told me growing up to be nice to everyone, so when people ask what's wrong with me, I'll tell them my legs don’t work because I hurt my [..}
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