It’s exciting to see a new innovation that helps someone. Sometimes an invention comes along and I think to myself, “Wow, why didn’t someone think of that sooner?” I remember arriving at our city park one day and seeing a swing for kids in wheelchairs. It was thrilling to see the joy on a child’s face when they got to try it out. I was recently introduced to another one of those …
special needs
Coming Soon to a Phone Near You
A new wave of accessibility tools Google and Apple have plans to make phones more accessible to people with disabilities. Tools for the vision impaired. Features for those with hearing loss or impairment. Learn more from this article in The Washington Post. …
Here’s How You Can Help My Son
He needs more than 'awareness' about autism. This article appeared in The Washington Post on April 7, 2022. Jackie Spinner is an associate professor at Columbia College Chicago and a former staff writer for The Post. At dinner last week, I told my 10-year-old son that his school would celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. My son was excited, mostly because he loves a party, …
The Orange Effect Foundation Welcomes New Board Member
CLEVELAND - April 12, 2022 - PRLog -- The Orange Effect Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Gore to the board of directors for a three-year term, which began on March 11, 2022. "The mission of the Orange Effect Foundation resonates with me," Gore said. "As the sister of a woman with special needs, I am especially aware of the challenges families …
So Many Wonderful Things in the World
I don’t know about you, but I find it really easy to succumb to negative news, to go down the “rabbit hole” of fear, sadness, or anger at things going on in society. You can read all kinds of posts about the negative effects of social media on mental health. It’s not a mystery. To top that off I live in an area that has had below freezing temperatures for a few weeks straight, so finding things to …
Back To School Tips For Special Needs Kids 2021
What will school look like this year? After last year, many parents are wondering what school will look like for our kids this year. I think there will be few virtual options, as many schools have shut their virtual options down. It looks like we will be returning to school in person. It also looks like we are returning to in-person school without masks. Vaccine Info There are some …
Ensuring a Path To Success For Everyone
In 1975, two 20-somethings, Brian Daw and Anne McEvoy started Cornucopia, Inc., a non-profit in Cleveland, Ohio. Cornucopia was created to help people with disabilities develop skills and confidence leading to sustainable employment. Over their tenure opening and running The Bin in Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood, they helped hundreds and hundreds of young adults live, work and thrive in their …
Normalizing Diversity and Winning the Internet
Make sure you have a few hours before you read this post. Have you heard of Chris Ulmer? He was featured in this blog post from The Tilt. He is extraordinary because although no publishers were interested in his book idea, he found a way to grow his content empire. Chris started as a special education teacher. In a video from 2015, he is seen giving compliments to his students and it went …
Finding the Strengths in Special Needs
A friend shared a great article from the Washington Post with me today. It was one of those articles that as a mom, had me tearing up a bit. Additionally as a person who is on social media (at least reading, not necessarily posting) I was so surprised not to hear about this sooner. A young man, with the help of his Dad, created a profile on LinkedIn and after several drafts, posted a …
Holiday Shopping Ideas for Every Kid on Your List
These 8 key categories will teach you how to spot the best toys for language learning and getting cognitive wheels turning! Go Old School The classics are classic for a reason! Baby’s first Christmas? Check out these Uncle Goose classic blocks. Second time around, upgrade to these awesome Hape blocks. Maybe you’re kiddo is a bit older and ready for Legos. My favorite …
Is Your Website Accessible to Children with Special Needs?
Roughly 34.2 million people in the United States have a functional limitation; this number encompasses children as well. It’s easy to take for granted the little things we can easily do everyday, like accessing the internet. Online access has become a staple in children’s education, and for those who have more difficulty, it can not only hinder their learning, but also make them feel alienated …
Catching Waves For Well-Being
Surf therapy programs often focus on children with autism or anxiety, or groups like veterans or cancer survivors. Evidence indicates that surfing has a positive effect on mindfulness in addition to its physical benefits. Learn more about surf therapy and a California-based surf therapy nonprofit that focuses on children with neurological disabilities in this recent New York Times article. …