| Special Needs Parenting |
We Are Teachers...Whether You Like It Or Not!
If you are a child or an adult with a disability or you are a parent of a child/adult with a disability, you are a teacher. Now, we do not get paid to be teachers. It is a title that we naturally absorbed when we were either born with our disability or acquired it at some stage of our lives. For those parents out there, you assumed this title from the moment you learned that your loved one had a disability. Without us assuming the title of "teacher," the world will not be educated when it comes to people with disabilities and awareness will not spread as to what is possible in this world for us. We teach by actions, like everyone in this world has the opportunity to do, and we teach through our words ... but in a different way.
More Teaching Advice
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Wheelchair Safety
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Get Out! Planning For Emergencies and Evacuations
Everyone is full of excitement as the children head back for another promising school year. But just as soon as they get in the building, the educational team is considering how to get them out in the event of an emergency. There are many variables to take into consideration, including:
- The child's level of independence with mobility - The child's ability to follow directions - The layout of the building and ground - The child's schedule if he moves to different areas or levels of the building throughout the day - The availability of staff if needed for assistance - The proximity of emergency rescue services
The very best emergency evacuation plans will probably never be put to the test by a real emergency, but they are no less important to the students they protect. |
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Customer Story
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 Standing Small, Growing Tall
Anthony's story began several years ago when he was just three years old and starting preschool with Cerebral Palsy. His school physical therapist, Laura Krueger, started using a stander with him right from the get go. Anthony has maintained excellent range of motion through all of his years of growth. Now he is in high school and is very independent with his mobility, and because of his range of motion he is able to use his stander, walker and wheelchair all functionally with all the activities that he does at home and in school every day. Watch Anthony's Video |
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Clinician Resources
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Who's Responsible?
A while back I spoke with a nurse case manager about her client's need for a stander. After a lengthy discussion about the individual's medical justification; she informed me that standers turned into coat racks, and thus this payer program should not cover them. Shortly after, I was on the phone with a young man who had acquired a SCI four years ago from a motor vehicle accident. While I was talking with him about the process of acquiring a stander, he seemed to be having a hard time listening to what I was saying. He finally told me he was very frustrated with everything and everyone that day. As manufacturers, clinicians, case managers, suppliers, and payers, we shouldn't assume what we see or find with one client is how each of our clients will act or behave. We must treat each person as a person, on an individual basis, as we would want to be treated. Consumers need to know that actions or non actions can affect both themselves and others in negative ways. It's important to follow through with all treatments and technologies prescribed. Throughout our day, let's not forget our obligation to treat others as we would want to be treated.Read More |
