Family holiday planning with special needs
Mom blogger Lisa Lightner borrows the acronym SWEEPS to give families with special needs a smoother holiday season.
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Is it a developmental delay?
If you're worried that your toddler is not developing normally, observe, track and communicate rather than 'wait and see,' say experts.
Why is 'people first' language important?
End dehumanizing definition of people by their disabilities, proclaims mom blogger Lisa Lightner. Children have so much more to offer than their special needs.
Toy drives meet widespread need
Toys for Tots, Salvation Army drives, the Ronald McDonald Houses and many local drives help bring kids holiday happiness.
IEP vs. 504: What’s the difference?
If your child has a disability and the school recommends a 504 Plan, be aware that the protections are weaker than an IEP's.
Grandparents special role: support
The number one “special need” of any child is unconditional love, and a grandparent of a child with special needs has the unique ability to furnish it.
Does your child with special needs have an elevator pitch?
Having 2 or 3 sentences that describe their best assets can avoid kids from being defined by their disabilities, says mom blogger Lisa Lightner.
Help teens gain medical self-reliance
As kids with special needs grow older, assuming responsibility for medical decisions and health care requires careful preparation.
Education Shifts at Ages 3 & 5
The Federal IDEA law mandates that kids transition from early intervention into a school jurisdiction or intermediate unit after third 3rd birthday.
Invited to the carnival…but can’t ride any of the rides.
With no provisions for special needs, kindergarten registration becomes a cruel experience for mom blogger Lisa Lightner.
Camps Teach Special Skills
If you have a child with special needs seeking to develop skills such as bike or horseback riding, arts, drama or sports, look into summer camps.
Using Animals as a Part of Your Child’s Programming
Blogger Lisa Lightner describes animal therapy options and her own experience as owner of a therapy dog.
Take the Scare Out of Dental Care
Visiting the dentist can be frightening to kids with special needs and their parents, but it doesn't have to be.
Therapeutic Photography
Blogger Lisa Lightner describes the therapeutic effects of a photo project involving her son, who has special needs.
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
For a child who lacks social skills, a behavior contract needs to be clear and thorough.
Are You a Disability Tourist?
Blogger Lisa Lightner urges greater understanding between parents of typical kids and kids with special needs.
Respite: You Deserve a Break Today
Caregivers of children with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses or the elderly need time away. Here's how to find it.
5 Special Needs Vacation Ideas
When planning a vacation with a child who has special needs, begin months ahead and be prepared for false starts. These ideas can help.
For Divorced and Separated Parents, A Plan Can Foster Cooperation
Ironically, parents are called upon to work more efficiently together when they are separated or divorced than they were when they were married.
Beyond a Will and Trust, Leave Your Child a Special Needs Care Plan
By assembling this information, parents can give future care providers the knowledge and insight that they may need.
It's camp fair time!
Delaware Valley parents can find a camp fair on almost every weekend from January through March, including the MetroKids Super Camp Fair, Sun., Jan. 27, 2013 in Conshohocken, PA.
2010 Special Needs Law Update
In a quiet year for special needs legislation, bullying became a national focus and two major laws marked anniversaries.
Choosing Toys for Special Needs
Here's how to choose gifts that promote lifelong motor, language, cognitive and social skills.
Is Private School the Answer?
For kids with special needs, receiving independent school tuition hinges on wheher the home district can provide an apppropriate education.