KINewsYour family's source for
disability resourcesAugust, 2009 - Vol 1, Issue 4
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| IN THIS ISSUE |
| Family Supports |
| Community Supports |
| Disabilities |
| Health & Mental Health |
| Legal & Legislation |
| Assistive Technology |
| Life Skills |
| Housing |
| Education |
| Employment |
| Recreation & Leisure |
| Quality Assurance |
FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT.....
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"Dog With Fan," by Lydell Davis
The artwork images in this newsletter have been generously contributed by WVSA ARTs connection (WVSA), which is a unique non-profit organization providing multiple creative environments, opportunities, and experiences for children and adults through arts-infused educational and vocational programs.
Click directly on the images to purchase them at the WVSA Arts Online Store or click the link below.
Learn More about WVSA ARTS.
Purchase WVSA Artwork.
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Greetings,
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This month's KINews looks at education and learning, a most timely topic as stores are stocking up with notebooks, pencils, and backpacks, and schools are about to open for a new year. While formal learning takes place in schools, with teachers, books and tests, let's not forget all the informal opportunities to learn.
Children learn by playing; they experiment with the world around them, learning about each other and beginning to understand rules. At any age, we learn as we experience daily activities at home, at work and in our communities; as we watch TV and listen to the radio; as we read the news and talk to each other. We learn the skills of life as we interact with people around us.
And the Internet offers all types of learning too, including playing, entertainment, classes and opportunities to talk with each other, anywhere, anytime. The opportunities to learn are everywhere. We hope this issue of KINews teaches you something new too.
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FAMILY SUPPORTS
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National Respite Locator Service
Families may want to find someone to be with their son or daughter while they are out of the house. Respite care is a service that offers temporary care for a child or adult with disabilities or chronic or terminal illnesses. Learn more about respite care and how to find someone in your area. Visit the National Respite Locator website.
Ft. Hood Family Support 360 Center
Is your family in the military? The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) has funded 4 Military Family Support 360 Centers to help families who have a child with a disability. This one is in Texas. Check out their website, especially the video they have on Medicaid, which is under "helpful web links".
Visit FortHood360.org.
Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI)
Do you know about your state's parent training and information center, PTI? They go by different names in each state. If you have a child between the ages of 0 and 22 years you will want to find out about your state's PTI. This article explains what PTIs are and what they do. Find out all about them - you'll be glad you did.
Read NICHCY's publication that explains PTIs.
So You Want To Be An Advocate?
Would you like to be a more effective special education advocate? This article for Wrightslaw will help you prepare.
Read about advocacy on the Wrightslaw website.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORTS
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Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
Interested in inclusive congregations? Every subject related to religion and disability is listed here, with information on organizations and written materials for building community supports for inclusion in congregations of all denominations.
The PDF version of this publication is available free from the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Create an Aging and Disability Resource Center in Every State
Supporting President Obama's proclamation of the "Year of Community Living," HHS has announced a funding opportunity to make it easier for older people, younger adults, and their families to find out about and access health and long-term care choices and options through Aging and Disability Resource Center Programs (ADRCs). ADRCs will be 'one-stop shop' resources of information and offer one-on-one counseling. They aim to make it easier to access programs and services to help people remain in their own homes and communities.
Read the full press release on the HHS website.
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DISABILITIES
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Questions and Answers on Intellectual Disability and College
An individual with an intellectual disability going to college? Yes indeed, and it's happening now all over the country. Learn more about on-campus opportunities from Think College, the project with lots of information about post secondary options for individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
Visit ThinkCollege.net's FAQ page to learn more.
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)
SABE stands for Self Advocates Becoming Empowered. This is a self advocacy organization for people with disabilities. They have members in every state who represent themselves and the issues of importance to them.
Learn more about SABE and how to join on their website.
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HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
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What is Dual Diagnosis?
 "Sunflower," by Derek Hollman
All families have demands on their time and energy, and some times caretakers and individuals with disabilities additional demands that cause stress. Learn how to alleviate stress and improve your mental health.
Read this tutorial from the National Institutes of Health (Medline Plus) and relax...
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| LEGAL & LEGISLATION |
Laws Relating to Individuals with Disabilities
There are laws that affect individuals with disabilities and their families. It's important to know what they are and understand your rights in order to be effective advocate.
Take a look at KIN's Laws to Know page to learn the laws that apply to you and your family.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act
Frustrated that folks with disabilities can lose benefits when they have a savings account? The ABLE Act would change that. Find out about this proposed legislation.
Go to the NACDD website. Then click Able Act.
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| ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY |
Assistive Technology for Students with DisabilitiesYou might be surprised at the many ways assistive technology can help students with disabilities. Family Village, a "global community of disability-related resources," has great list of articles and websites on this topic. See the Family Village page "Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities".ABLEDATAHow can you find out about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment? ABLEDATA doesn't sell anything but has information on thousands of products. The website even lets you review products and there is a classified section for used equipment. It's definitely worth a look.Visit AbleData.com. |
LIFE SKILLS
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Daily Living Skills
The National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth is a youth-led information, training, and resource center. Here young people with developmental disabilities learn the skills to become leaders in the disability community.
Visit the NCLD Youth website.
Center for Self-Determination
Self-determination is for everyone. The principles of self-determination are: Freedom, Authority, Support, Responsibility and Confirmation.
Visit the Center for Self-Determination website.
Preventing Violence, Abuse and Neglect
Wondering what you can do to help prevent violence, abuse or neglect of your family member with a disability? In this article from Disability Scoop, Nancy Fitzsimons discusses this and recommends educating your family member so they will know what to do.
Read the article on the Disability Scoop website.
"Cars," by Jamal Williams
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| HOUSING |
Educate Yourself About Housing Laws and Options for Individuals with Disabilities
Free or low-cost housing counselors? Do I rent or buy? What are the laws that apply to housing and individuals with disabilities? How can I find help in my state?
Find answers to these and other questions on the HUD website.
Questions and Answers About Home Modifications
How can you find out about issues relating to home modifications for a person with a disability? This page on the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence has commonly asked questions and answers to help educate you on the process.
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| EDUCATION |
The 10 Basic Steps in Special Education
New to the world of special education? For those of you just beginning, or anyone wanting a refresher about special education services, check out the 10 Basis Steps.
Read them on the KIN website.
Parent Involvement in School
Research shows that when schools and families work together children tend to succeed not just in school, but also throughout life. Family involvement can help children do well with learning and behavior.
Learn more about this research from the OSEP TA Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
Introducing Alex - He's a Child, Not a Label
This mother wanted the IEP team at the new school see her son as a person, not a label, so she made a wonderful 3 minute video to introduce him at the beginning of the IEP meeting. It worked even better than she expected.
Find out what she did on the Wrightslaw website.
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| EMPLOYMENT |
Navigating the Road to Work: Transition Supports
Transitions go better with planning. Find resources for helping youth transition to adult life, employment and independence.
Visit the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability website for more info.
Life After High School Transition Tool Kit
Preparing for life as an adult--that is scary even for some adults! Another resource for transition? And one that is 69 pages? Yes-this is a very good tool kit from PACER for youth with disabilities and their parents. All young adults need guidance from their families about adult life and career choices. Students with disabilities just might need a little more. (and you don't have to read it all at once)
Get the toolkit from Pacer.org.
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RECREATION & LEISURE
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Therapeutic Recreation Education and Treatment IdeasTherapy can be fun, especially when it's tied in with recreation. Check out activities and ideas that work. Visit the Therapeutic Recreation Directory website. Helping Your Child Learn ScienceWould you like to have fun with your child while also helping him or her learn about science? This page from the US Department of Education's website will provide you with information and ideas to help your child learn about the world around him or her. There are activities for home and for in the community. Read the booklet in English or Spanish on Ed.gov.
 "Lakeside View," Lisa Cruz Summer's not quite over yet! You've still got time to have some adventures or start planning for next summer. In a good-humored comprehensive guide, Disaboom reveals a seemingly endless number of ways to stay active and adventurous during the summer. Try adaptive cycling, waterskiing, or even extreme sports like rock climbing! Read the full guide from Disaboom.com. |
| QUALITY ASSURANCE |
Choosing a High Quality Medical Rehabilitation Program: A National Rehabilitation Hospital Guide for People with Disabilities
Recovering from an illness, surgery or an accident is difficult enough; you want to find professionals and facilities that will offer the best possible care. So how to you find such a place?
Read the field guide on the National Rehabilitation Information Center website.
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HOW DID WE DO?
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Too much information? Not enough? Have something you'd like us to announce here? Your input will help us improve. Please feel free to contact us at familysupport@aed.org or call 877-535-7575.
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Sincerely, The KIN Team   | |
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