The Exceptional Parent back issues from September 2008:
Planning ahead can save the life of a child with epilepsy: a primer article on the necessity for a seizure emergency plan and for added awareness and education about the administration of emergency antiepileptic medication within the school environment.(EDUCATION)(Cover story)
Sep 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What the Epilepsy Statistics Show Three million Americans have epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures unprovoked by any known cause. Those at risk for epilepsy include individuals with mental ...
Pittsburgh children enjoy a year of progress with speech technology.
Sep 01, 2008; ... The presence of autism in a child redefines the challenges that all children face when learning to talk. Difficulties with communication (verbal or nonverbal) and the abstractions of language are common, and often lifelong, traits in those with the condition. When autism leaves a child ...
Linguistic theory and research based language intervention.(Clinical report)
Sep 01, 2008; ... Children all over the world learning thousands of different languages do so in a very similar manner. Surprisingly, first words emerge, word combinations occur, and syntax is mastered at about the same very young age regardless of language or culture. The uniformity and rapidity of first ...
Learning alternatives and strategies for students who are struggling.(EDUCATION)(Cover story)
Sep 01, 2008; ... When I was little, my grandmother came to visit. She had been a teacher, so my mom wanted me to read to her. Grandma was sure that she could fix my problem. She would smile and teach me a word, but five minutes later--BAM!--the word was gone from my head. Now Grandma looked worried, and I ...
Rediscovering the bookworm.(ClassMate Reader)
Sep 01, 2008; ... When I was a child, I read for fun. It was difficult and sometimes laborious because of my learning disability, but I did it. Around eighth grade, reading became more of a chore--something I had to do instead of something I did for fun. From that time on I would read one or two books a ...
Mother-daughter duo change the world of technology.(TecAccess' Debra and Sara Ruh; managing developmental disabilities)
Sep 01, 2008; ... Using a head pointer to skillfully navigate the keys on her computer, Rosemary Musachio types with confidence. Musachio, who has cerebral palsy and cannot speak or use her hands, finishes her sentence, which reads simply: "TecAccess gave me my respect back; they gave me my life back." ...
Public school or private school? One family's journey.(EDUCATION)
Sep 01, 2008; ... Public or private? We asked ourselves this question each time our daughter Anna was due to change schools: from preschool to elementary school, from elementary school to middle school, and from middle school to high school. Anna has serious learning differences, but she's ...
The TechMatrix: finding technology tools.
Sep 01, 2008 ... The TechMatrix is an invaluable tool to help you make decisions about the best technology for your students. Educators and parents can make choices based on trusted reviews and research. Use this dynamic, searchable database to support your work with exceptional children. Search ...
Everyone reads at Bookshare.org!
Sep 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Kim Brown found that her young son needed special education instruction at school, she took the skills she learned in the software industry and began researching technology tools for the classroom. Brown even adapted business software such as ...
Be prepared: tips for transitioning into early childhood education.(TRANSITIONING)
Sep 01, 2008; ... The first days of school can be scary for parents, too. As your child reaches an age where she is ready to begin school, the very thought can overwhelm any parent. As a parent of a child with a disability there are added considerations. Nonetheless, transitions through the early years of ...
Father and son team create the UbiDuo.(sComm)(Interview)
Sep 01, 2008; ... There is a new and exciting product available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The UbiDuo[TM] is a portable, wireless, battery powered, stand-alone communication device that facilitates simultaneous, face-to-face communication by means of two displays and two keyboards. It was ...
Transition to middle school for the child with special developmental needs.
Sep 01, 2008; ... The word "transition" often sends fear through the hearts of families who have children with special needs. One of the first thoughts that ran through my mind when my daughter was transitioning to middle school was: "The kids are so much older! Will my daughter fit in?" That question, and ...
Getting ready for high school.(TRANSITIONING)
Sep 01, 2008; ... When he was three, I wondered if he'd ever talk or eat anything other than bread sticks. He did. At six, I was unsure if he'd attend a regular school or play a sport like tee-ball with his typical peers. Although at times it was a struggle, he did. At 10, I questioned whether he'd ever be ...
Finding America's most disability-friendly colleges.(EDUCATION)
Sep 01, 2008; ... In the United States today, if a student with a serious physical disability wants to go away to college and live on campus, only four colleges provide the necessary services for that student to do so. Before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, there were twice as many choices. ...
2008 models of excellence in education.(EDUCATION)
Sep 01, 2008 ... Each year, in our Annual Education Issue, EP recognizes some of the many wonderful teachers working with children who have disabilities and special healthcare needs in schools across the country. These valued educational professionals strive to make a difference in the lives of the ...
Right on target: the target community and educational services program gives graduate students crash course in the realities of working with individuals with disabilities.(EDUCATION)
Sep 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Courtney Tyler knew she was making headway when one day she turned on the radio and a client in her Alternative Living Unit (ALU) yelled out, "Bob Dylan! Bob Dylan!" "That was a breakthrough because my favorite musical artist is Bob Dylan," ...
Even keeled: a practical approach to living with someone with bipolar II disorder.
Sep 01, 2008; ... Principles are usually simple enough to understand, though applying them can be challenging. They are fundamental, thus universally applicable. Psychological principles are supremely attractive in that they provide a solid foundation from which to increase understanding of human behavior. ...
Issues to consider as your child with special needs transitions to adulthood.
Sep 01, 2008; ... All parents go through a rite of passage when their children turn 18, a time when, in most states, children are recognized as adults. These 18year-old adults can now enter into contracts, live where they want, and make their own medical and educational decisions, including quitting school, ...
Children's Association for Maximum Potential.(ORGANIZATIONAL SPOTLIGHT)
Sep 01, 2008; ... In 1979, a group of Air Force doctors recognized how important the experience of camping could be for their patients with special needs. Soon to follow, the Children's Association for Maximum Potential, affectionately called CAMP by those involved, was born. CAMP is a non-profit ...
Report of a case of double vision.(conference on pediatric neurotransmitter disease)(Conference news)(Editorial)
Sep 01, 2008; ... Last week in Washington, I saw double. It was more like a split screen really. While it was dramatic and stopped me in my tracks, it didn't cause me to rush to my ophthalmologist. But sure enough, last week in Washington, I saw double. I was in Washington to attend the Pediatric ...
The current trend for spending in healthcare: children and adults with disabilities are increasing in number but only some adults vote.(Statistical data)
Sep 01, 2008; ... The wheel that squeaks gets the oil In politics, the saying is slightly different, "those who vote get the attention!" In the 2004 Presidential election, almost 42 percent of young adults (18-20 years) and 69 percent of seniors (65 years and older) voted. In the 2006 ...
Assistive technology and dolphin therapy: a wonderful combination: in this 12-part series, EP explores the benefits of aquatics therapy and recreation for people with special needs.(AQUATICS THERAPY AND RECREATION PART 7)(Clinical report)
Sep 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I want pudding please." These are words that might be taken for granted, but what makes this so special is that Madison is telling her mom what she wants to eat for the very first time. It is therapist Gretchen Thomasson, BS, SpEd from Island Dolphin Care ...
An overview of bowel incontinence: what can go wrong?(Incontinence Education Series--Part 1)(Clinical report)
Sep 01, 2008; ... This article is Part 1 of a multi-part series that presents the most timely educational information, innovative approaches, product and technology solutions as well coping and stigma-fighting tools available on the subject of incontinence. Bowel incontinence, also called fecal ...
Part 4: ADHD: misconceptions and the four rules of treatment.(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)(Clinical report)
Sep 01, 2008; ... The Biggest Misconception about ADHD Contrary to popular opinion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not just about hyperactive people who have short attention spans. If that were the case, all we would have to do is tap ADHD kids on their shoulders every 10 ...
Tell me a Story[TM]: using literacy activities with young children.
Sep 01, 2008; ... This past year, the Military Child Education Coalition[TM] (MCEC[TM]), in partnership with ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, presented thirteen tell me a story for young children[TM] (tmas[TM]) events at military installations across the United States. tmas ...
Choosing effective treatments for children with autism.
Sep 01, 2008; ... As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continues to skyrocket in both civilian and military families, so do the number of treatment options. Through the media and the Internet, parents of children with an ASD learn about many different types of procedures ...
Substance abuse: a crisis of hope.
Sep 01, 2008; ... EP continues its exploration of the effects of combat on servicemembers who have returned home and are attempting to cope with traumatic experiences while reintegrating into the daily life of family, community, and work. This series focuses on traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress ...
Coming home different: when your parent returns home changed from combat.
Sep 01, 2008; ... EDITOR'S NOTE TO PARENTS: THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN FOR TEENS OF A PARENT OR PARENTS WHO HAVE RETURNED HOME FROM U.S. MILITARY DEPLOYMENT WITH SERVICE-ACQUIRED COGNITIVE OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. WE RECOMMEND SHARING THIS ARTICLE WITH THESE CHILDREN AND ALLOWING THEM TO READ ABOUT SOME ...
Preparing for your child's special education: information of interest to people with disabilities and other special needs and their families.
Sep 01, 2008; ... Welcome to a new school year. Parents of children with learning disabilities or other special needs face a range of challenges as they attempt to ensure their children get the education they deserve. It can be daunting. Whether you're a parent who has already entered this world or you have ...
Special savings accounts deposit a more secure future for people with disabilities.
Sep 01, 2008; ... It would be a first for families of people with disabilities-a tax-free way for them to save a substantial amount of money without losing their much-needed government benefits and access to care. Congress presently is considering three savings account bills. All of them are advantageous to ...
Students with significant cognitive disabilities and standards-based curriculum: why now? Why not?(This month's focus: Standards-based Curriculum)
Sep 01, 2008; ... Many parents of students with significant cognitive disabilities find themselves wondering about the shift in the approach to providing specialized education for their children. What has prompted these changes and why is it meaningful for students? This article reviews the evolution of ...
Negotiating the Special Education Maze, 4th Edition.(FURTHER READING)(Book review)
Sep 01, 2008; ... Negotiating the Special Education Maze, 4th Edition By Winifred Anderson, Stephen Chitwood, Deidre Hayden, and Cherie Takemoto [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Somebooks just shouldn't be tampered with--unless, of course, the reader gets even more of a good thing in ...
Clarity Junior.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
Sep 01, 2008 ... The Clarity Junior handheld video magnifier has a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen with magnification from 3x to 9x and fits into a purse or backpack. Magnified images can be displayed in color, black and white, inverse, or color select mode. The unit also provides video output to use ...
Express One.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
Sep 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Express One is a single-message communicator with an extra-large, touch-sensitive area and a pocket to accommodate photos. It can be wall mounted as a talking sign or used as a tabletop communicator. Touching the picture or the play button on the durable, ...
Kitty Kaddy.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
Sep 01, 2008 ... The Kitty Kaddy is a pet feeder designed to assist people with physical disabilities in caring for their cats. This feeder consists of a two-compartment plastic feeding bowl holder with a long detachable handle. Each compartment ...
Alphasmart Neo.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
Sep 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Alphasmart Neo is a word processor with a full keyboard and LCD screen. Other features include instant on/off, one button file access, and autosave. The unit comes loaded with AlphaWord Plus word processor software, which includes a spell-checker and ...