KINewsYour family's source for
disability resourcesJuly, 2009 - Vol 1, Issue 3
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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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"Oh Bug Off," by April Johnson
The artwork images in this newsletter has 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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It's summer time, summer time, summer time, summer time .... a time for being outdoors. Schools are closed, many people take time off work, and there is a lot going on. We think about summer and fun, we think about swimming, gardening, concerts in the park, long bike rides and summer camp as summer things to do. It is fun and it is also good for you!
"Regular physical activity is widely recognized as protective against the overall burden of disease. Evaluations by government departments in Australia and the United States (US) found that people who participate in sports clubs and organized recreational activity enjoy better mental health, are more alert, and more resilient against the stresses of modern living." (Who wrote this?)
The July KINews focuses on recreation, wellness and health. There are so many forms of recreation that we can't cover them all here, but let's continue the conversation in our Family Forum. Tell us what you do for fun, for your well being, and let's learn more about all the possibilities.
Visit the recreation part of our online forum.
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FAMILY SUPPORTS
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About.com: Special Needs Children--Fun Things to Do with Your Kids Today
Want to have some great fun with your kids today? Check out this site to find great family activities (5 pages of them!) Ideas include flannel board stories (remember those from when you were little?), how to make Metamucil Flubber (yummy!), kitchen science, popcorn pictures, make a sun clock, 2-page plays to put on, candy Bingo and more.
Read the article on About.com.
Simplifying the Sibling Relationship
All siblings have disagreements. How does your child without a disability feel about having a sibling with a disability? Michelle Diament of Disability Scoop recently discussed sibling relationships with Don Meyer, Director of the Sibling Support Network. Now, Meyer responds to questions from readers. You'll find answers to questions about how to promote positive sibling interactions and what to do when resentment becomes part of the sibling relationship.
Read the Q&A on the Disability Scoop website.
Military Family Support 360 Projects
Military families: this info is for you. The Administration on Developmental Disabilities has funded the Military 360 Projects to focus on the whole person and the family. These are great resources for military families. They "plan and implement one-stop centers to enhance the capabilities of families in assisting their children with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum potential".
Learn more from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities' website.
Parent Training Modules: Promoting Social and Emotional Skills in Young Children
Do you want to learn some ways to enhance your child's self confidence? Learn why toddlers sometimes say "no" when they really mean "yes." What causes emotional meltdowns? How can you find out what is on their minds? These training modules, while written for a trainer, offer practical insights for parents too.
Find the Modules at the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning website (CSEFEL).
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COMMUNITY SUPPORTS
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Cindy Mann Named as New Director on Medicaid and State Operations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the appointment of Cindy Mann to this new position within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). She comes to CMS from Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute.
Read the Press Release about Cindy Mann.
Collaboration to Help Families of Older Americans and Veterans with Disabilities
Can community-based long-term care supports improve the health and well-being of older Americans and Veterans with disabilities? This is the focus of a new collaboration between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs who are working together to help the families care for their loved ones in the community. Check with your Dept of Aging to see if they are applying for one of 20 grant awards, or contact the Veteran's Health Administration.
Read the full Press Release about the grant from HHS.
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DISABILITIES
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Promoting Health and Wellness
Would you like to know some of the ways to keep your family healthy? The new National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Disability and Health Team whose "focus is promoting the health [and wellness] of people who are living with disabilities." From the website you can read publications, stay up-to-date with national current disability news and events, and connect to national organizations working to create healthier lifestyles for people with disabilities.
Visit the home page for the Disability and Health Team.
Disability History Timeline
Do you know the rich history of people with disabilities? If you have a disability, this is your history, but you may not know about it. Learn about the history from the National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth. It's inspiring! Read the many and diverse stories of those who have helped shape this history.
Read the timeline on the NCLD-Youth website.
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HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
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"Repose," by Richard Washington
Leading Health Indicators and Disability
What are the Top Ten health issues in our country? This web page has data that provides an important look at the health status of Americans with disabilities as it relates to the Health People 2010, an initiative under which the U.S. health plan is updated every 10 years.
Read the Leading Health Indicators Data from Healthy People 2010.
Read the Healthy People 2010 Objectives for People with Disabilities.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Individuals with Disabilities
Physical activity is important for everyone. It is even more important for individuals with a disability, because people with disabilities often lead less active lifestyles. Find out how you can increase your level of physical activity.
Visit The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) website.
Removing Barriers to Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities
"A Guide for Accommodating All Members, Including People with Disabilities and Older Adults". This guide is written for health club and fitness facility owners and managers, and has some information that may be useful for families and individuals with disabilities as well. Of special interest is page 5, which itemizes suggestions for making a center a welcoming facility.
Read the guide from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health in collaboration with The Center for Universal Design.
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| LEGAL & LEGISLATION |
Adaptive PE is a Mandated Service
Adaptive Physical Education is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Is your child receiving Adaptive PE? Find out what Adaptive PE is, and how your child will benefit from it.
Go to the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) website.
Scroll to Section (b)(2) to see Adaptive PE in IDEA.
USA.gov
Do you have a question about any federal issues? USA.gov might be just what you need. It answers common questions about government programs and issues. We used the search engine to find government programs and resources related to the word 'disability'. Here's what we found.
See the search results for disability issues.
The Disability Law Handbook
Would you like to find one handy resource guide for disability laws? The Southwest DBTAC has just what you are looking for. This handbook gives a broad overview of rights and responsibilities under federal disability laws. It also answers frequently asked questions and will soon be available in Spanish too.
Find the link to the handbook on the DBTAC Southwest ADA Center website.
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| ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY |
Resources for Adapted Recreational Equipment and Assistive TechnologyDo you need help finding the right adaptive equipment and assistive technology? Find lots of resourcesto help individuals with disabilities participate in the sports, hobbies and recreation programs of their choice. Take a look at USATechGuide.org.Assistive Technology to Meet K-12 Students NeedsJust how does IDEA define Assistive Technology? Find out from the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. You'll also find AT ideas for specific disabilities including vision, communication, hearing, and learning and studying. Visit NCREL.org's page on AT and Student Needs. |
LIFE SKILLS
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Discover Leisure Education
This online resource was designed to help parents to understand and appreciate the value and importance of leisure in the life of their child. It is a resource to use to help children to develop leisure-related skills in home, school, and community settings.
Visit the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability website to learn more.
How to Teach Life Skills
Have you ever wanted to have guidance for teaching life and survival skills to your child? This link from the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, while developed for teachers, will work well at home, too.
Visit the Research to Practice Lesson Plan Starter Library.
 "I LOVE ME!" by Labrinth Thornton |
| HOUSING |
"Still Waiting...The Unfulfilled Promise of Olmstead: A Call to Action"
It's been 10 years since the Supreme court ruled in favor of community-based living in the Olmstead Act, through which many, perhaps most people living in institutional settings could live in the community at a lower cost. However, implementation of the law has been slow. In this publication, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law issues a "call to action to inform advocates, policymakers and the public about the vital role the Supreme Court's landmark decision plays in enabling people with mental illnesses to benefit from community life".
Read the Call to Action.
Where to Live As We Age
Some older people are finding a pleasant alternative to nursing homes. They are called Green House Homes. They offer meals and support--even nursing care if needed. Find out why many folks think Green Homes are a better match for them.
To learn more read this article from Parade Magazine.
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| EDUCATION |
Therapeutic Recreation
You have probably heard of Therapeutic Recreation, but have you wondered if it would benefit your child with a disability? This article on the Council for Exceptional Children's website tells about ways it can help a child in school, as well as explaining qualifications for recreational therapists.
Read the article from www.cec.sped.org.
The National Center for Learning Disability State Report Cards
Have you ever wondered how well your state stacks up nationally for special education success? Find out how your state is doing in this report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Click on your state and you will find information on the special education enrollment, performance on key indicators, funding provided to your state in support on special education, and more.
Read the Special Education Scorecards.
VSArts
Art participation enhances the quality of life for the young and old. What's more, it's fun. Learn more about the VSArts program and find an affiliate near you.
Visits VSArts.org.
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| EMPLOYMENT |
Transition Camp
Have you heard of a transition camp? Alaska has one. It helps students with disabilities prepare for the transition from school to work. Perhaps the model could be carried out in your state!
Learn more about Alaska Transition Camp.
Kathleen Martinez Confirmed as Office Of Disability Employment (ODEP) Policy Assistant Secretary
ODEP has a new Assistant Secretary. Kathy Martinez, who has been blind since birth, was confirmed on June 25th. She has said "one of the biggest battles that disabled...face is low expectations. If you expect someone to do well, very often, they will."
Find out more from the JFActivist Blog.
Promising Practices at the State Level
Is it possible to improve employment outcomes at the systems level? This website thinks it is. It aims to "spread the word and spark the imagination as integrated employment opportunities are expanding for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities."
Visit the Promising Practices by State Agencies website.
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RECREATION & LEISURE
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"Orange Hills and Sail," by Christopher Bailin
Easter Seals Camping and RecreationFind just the camp for you. Easter Seals recreation programs take many forms, from sports and fitness activities, to after school play, to Saturday-night social gatherings and community outings. There are overnight and day camps in almost every state and they are for children and/or adults of all types and levels of ability. Find a program in your area.Camp Fire USACamp Fire provides all-inclusive, coeducational programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. Programs include youth leadership, self-reliance, after school groups, camping and environmental education and child care training. Programs and activities "are open to every person in the communities they serve, welcoming children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity." See what's available in your state.Boundless PlaygroundsInclusive playgrounds are important for children with disabilities. All children deserve the chance to play. Boundless Playgrounds, Inc. teams up with with local communities to build inclusive playgrounds so that children all abilities can learn and play together. Find out more about inclusive playgrounds and how to advocate for one near you. Visit BoundlessPlaygrounds.org. |
| QUALITY ASSURANCE |
Standards of Knowledge for Adaptive Physical Educators (APE)
This link will take you to the 15 Standards of Specialized Knowledge an APE professional must have as a practicing educator.
Learn more from the Adapted Physical Education National Standards project.
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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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