Special Needs Archives - Page 2 of 10

Improving the Lives of Those with Disabilities

November 30, 2015 by Emilee Evans

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Next month we celebrate 5 years of my husband being cancer free. The chemotherapy he had to have, though, has resulted in multiple complications. One of the biggest challenges is his chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. He now has limited function in his hands and feet and mobility is definitely a concern.

Now a disabled Vet, we have connected with many soldiers and veterans with limited mobility. In fact, he had his surgeries and chemotherapy at the original Walter Reed, so we met many wounded warriors. Having access to equipment that allows for mobility is a must.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association understands how important this is, and they work to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. NMEDA and their members provide the best and most beneficial solutions for increased mobility. They’re the best source for mobility equipment and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Can you imagine how limiting it would be to no longer be able to drive? Can you imagine not even being able to get in a vehicle easily? For those with mobility challenges this is often their reality. It is challenging enough to adjust to living with a disability but to not have the freedom they’re used to having is even more challenging. Mobility equipment and wheelchair accessible vehicles help them to get back their independence.

Having this independence is a luxury we can definitely take for granted. Having resources available to help makes a big difference. It’s important to get connected with the right resources!

With the NMEDA QAP you are guaranteed a personal Accredited Dealer so you receive the expert attention you deserve no matter your mobility challenge. NMEDA mobility equipment dealers offer a variety of equipment including: wheelchair ramps, hand controls and steering aids, transfer seats and seating solutions, wheelchair securements and tie downs, scooter lifts and special acceleration and braking solutions for adaptive vehicles.

There are many benefits to working with a NMEDA QAP dealer. You will receive in-person evaluations, specialized training equipment, 24-hour local emergency roadside services and more.

We don’t know what lies ahead. My husband currently uses a cane to help him get around and should he eventually need a wheelchair, I would definitely want to know not only that he can still maintain independence but that he had good support and reliable safety. It makes me feel good to know that all those soldiers we met that touched our lives also have access to support and their independence.

Check out a NMEDA dealer near you today!

The Unintentional Flake – {Living with a Chronic Condition}

July 31, 2015 by Emilee Evans

For the past few months my health has not been on my side. I’ve had chronic migraines for months straight with just a little relief for a couple of weeks after giving in and going to Urgent Care and getting the Toradol shot. After a couple months of waiting, I finally got in to see some specialists – both Neurology for the chronic migraines and a Rheumatologist for my Fibromyalgia (and to rule out any auto-immune disorders). I’ve had X-rays, a brain MRI, blood work, etc. and have more tests to come.
The frustrating part? I still don’t have any clear answers and went from not taking medication to taking five different medications. All I know at this point is I do, indeed, have Fibromyalgia (FMS), which was never under question because I was diagnosed with FMS many years ago, and I get to add TMJD and IBS to my list of ABC’s.
In another post I mentioned I was tired of writing cliché phrases in regards to working with a chronic condition, but my personal life is no different. Living with a chronic condition can sometimes be extremely lonely and isolating. If people didn’t truly know me or don’t know of my chronic health issues, they would definitely label me as a flake.

Sometimes I have to cancel appointments, can’t make it to an event or get together, or just plain don’t show up. The last one is the one I despise the most. I have always been the person who at least says I can no longer make it. This scenario usually happens, though, when something isn’t quite right whether it be I have a major headache or, lately, it’s been I’m not adjusting to all these medications very well, and I end up taking an unintentional nap. My husband doesn’t like to wake me when this happens (or sometimes he just completely forgets) and so, I end up missing whatever was planned.
Events at my house are no different! Although it’s definitely a lot easier to have people come here rather than us go there, it’s not uncommon for me to not be prepared for guests. I will be scrambling last minute to make sure I’m properly dressed (a.k.a. not in pajamas) and likely shoving toys, clothes, and whatever else into closets because I don’t have enough time to actually put them away. It’s madness! In fact, I had to do all that for the House Party we had tonight for the premier of Disney’s Descendants. I was a mess!
I think what makes things even more challenging is that my husband also has a physical disability and our kids have special needs. It makes it that much harder to “keep it all together” so I am not a complete disaster every time I leave the house or that I totally flake and don’t even leave the house.
All I can do is say “I’m sorry,” and I truly do mean it. I wish I wasn’t in too much pain, or have a major headache, or can’t fight my overwhelming fatigue. I wish whatever it was that caused me to flake didn’t exist. Instead, though, all I can ask is that people who don’t have a chronic condition try to understand it’s not intentional and it’s definitely not personal. Whatever it is I missed, I’m sure it was a whole lot better than than whatever caused me to miss it!
Sometimes I just push through it. Sometimes I can’t. I never know what “type of day” it’s going to be. The important thing is communication. Sometimes friends and family understand, and sometimes they don’t, but it’s important to be open and honest. Maybe you’re like me and don’t want to make a big deal of your medical concerns, but if you keep it all in there is no way people can understand! You don’t have to let your condition define you, but you also can’t ignore it. Sometimes the brave thing to do is talk about it.
Do you have a chronic condition? How do you explain to your friends and family what it is and why you may sometimes seem like a flake?

SimplyFun's Autism Initiative

April 18, 2015 by Emilee Evans

Having a child on the Autism spectrum, I love to hear about different things companies offer to those on the Autism Spectrum. I have enjoyed working with SimplyFun, and when they shared their Autism Initiative with me, I was definitely excited to learn more about it and share it!
Disclosure: I am sharing information about the SimplyFun Autism Initiative simply because I appreciate what they are doing. This particular post is not a sponsored post. Please refer to my disclosures within individual posts for information on the disclosure for that post.
Learn more about SimplyFun’s Autism Initiative in the Press release below, and stay tuned! SimplyFun graciously offered to let us review a some games that are recommended to build on common strengths found with children on the Autism spectrum.

SEATTLE– (April 18, 2015) SimplyFun, LLC., is a developer of award winning educational board games that allow children to build their core thinking, academic and life skills through game play. SimplyFun is supporting autism awareness through initiatives designed to holistically support children with autism by both addressing their unique challenges and building on their strengths and interests. This extra focus on the child’s strengths and interests is unique to SimplyFun. It comes from their commitment to finding ways for all children to reach their potential, experience pride in accomplishment, and connect with family and friends.
To further their commitment to supporting children with autism, SimplyFun is introducing another approach to game analysis. Children with autism have many strengths that may be overlooked due to the typical focus on concerns. For this reason, SimplyFun is presenting how certain games in their catalog can capitalize on things children with autism may do well, while providing an important venue through which parents and children can connect.
“It has been such a learning experience to work with our Play Advisory Council experts, Dr. Toni Linder and Matt Brown to define an approach that we believe can help give parents of children with autism hope for their child’s future while creating a point of connection with their child through game play,” says SimplyFun President and CEO, Patty Pearcy.
“Board, card, and action games can serve a valuable role in the life of the child with autism” explains SimplyFun Play Advisory Council member and independent game evaluator, Toni Linder. “Through these types of games, children with autism learn to take turns, pay attention to others’ needs, communicate with and interact with others in a positive and motivating way. Games provide a structured form of play that give children with autism a framework for engagement with others, a set of rules to follow to give them a sense of security, and a goal to work toward. Games can also allow children with autism the means for expressing and sharing their strengths with others in a way that is nurturing and fun,” says Linder who goes on to say that “Many children with autism have strong visual or verbal memories, spatial reasoning abilities, interests in and skills with numbers or letters, and strengths in many other skill areas. Children love to do things they enjoy and are good at, so we want to help match games to strengths.”
Play Advisor Council member Matt Brown enthusiastically adds, “Last year, I helped develop guidelines for parents, teachers and other care-givers to find games that help remediate areas of need for children with autism. That was valuable, yet only addressed one half of the child. Children with autism also have great strengths and interests. That is why I am more excited than ever to be collaborating on a new set of guidelines that will help adults find games that build on those strengths and interests. I believe that everyone needs to experience competency and be valued for what makes them unique, since we are all our own snowflake. And, children with autism deserve to be celebrated and encouraged to pursue their passions and grow their skills.”
About SimplyFun
SimplyFun produces award-winning games designed for educating kids and connecting families. Developed with a focus on making learning fun, SimplyFun games help kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, develop communication, math and science skills, express creativity, collaborate with others and enhance their critical thinking. Founded in 2004, SimplyFun provides its Direct Sales Playologist consultants the ability to change lives with its educational games while earning unlimited income through direct sales opportunities in person and online. In addition, SimplyFun’s new Gameraising program gives schools the ability to earn much needed funds while raising the leaning and raising the fun. http://www.simplyfun.com.
About Toni Linder
Toni Linder, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus, Child, Family, and School Psychology Program, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, University Park, Denver, CO 20208.
Dr. Toni Linder is a leader in the field of early childhood development and early childhood special education. She works with children of diverse backgrounds and ability levels, including children who are gifted and talented, have disabilities, come from backgrounds of poverty, and those from multicultural backgrounds.
She is particularly known for her work on authentic assessment for young children and is the author of Transdisciplinary Play-based Assessment and Transdisciplinary Play-based Intervention (1990, 1993, 2008). In addition, she developed Read, Play, and Learn (1999), an inclusive, literature and play-based curriculum for preschool and kindergarten children to enhance their learning and development.
Dr. Linder consults nationally and internationally on assessment, intervention, early childhood education, program and curriculum development, family involvement issues, and the importance of play to children’s development. She has a particular interest in the importance of play for children with autism. Dr. Linder has conducted research on a variety of issues, including observation of play skills, transdisciplinary influences on development, parent-child interaction, curriculum outcomes, math and literacy learning, and using technology for professional development in rural areas.
About Matt Brown
For over 20 years Matt has been leading high-performing teams to develop vibrant business cultures, invent and launch high-impact branded platforms, and turn around underperforming brands and businesses. Matt consults with Fortune 500 and early stage companies. He has been an SVP at Scholastic, President of Klutz, Vice-President of LeapFrog, Chief Gaming Officer at Conteneo and Chief Stategist at Speck Design. He also co-founded a couple of companies including big BOING, and integrated strategy, innovation and development company that partnered with Kraft, Disney, Coca Cola, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, Learning Curve and others to invent, design and launch major domestic and international brands.
He clerked for Judge Oliver Seth in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which means he used to be an attorney, but don’t hold that against him. He speaks at conferences, lectures at universities and writes for magazines. Matt is an advisor for PBS Kids, GoAnimate, Vital Smarts and Eyefluence. Matt lives in Berkeley, CA with his wife, daughter and 3 dogs. Matt and his daughter are trying to visit all 50 state capitals. Boise is next!
SOURCE SimplyFun, LLC
Related links: SimplyFun Approach to Autism Needs

Light It Up Blue 2015 – What Autism Awareness Means to Me

April 2, 2015 by Emilee Evans

It’s that time of year again to Light It Up Blue, and today is the day! April is Autism Awareness month. World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd. Many people put up blue lights or wear blue – all to join Autism Speaks to shine a light on Autism by raising awareness. It begins April 2nd and lasts all month long. Many are doing this in support of friends and family and many of us are living it every day and appreciate the extra awareness this brings!
But what is Autism Awareness? Last year I shared Brayden’s story – our son who is on the Autism Spectrum. I included how we discovered he is on the Autism Spectrum, what his diagnosis (PDD-NOS or high functioning Autism) really means, and our journey to diagnosis. If you don’t yet know our son’s story, I would love for you to read and share his story as well!
Why? Because it matters. Autism Awareness matters, and many of us are on this journey. In fact, 1 in 88 people are on the Autism Spectrum, but everybody’s journey is different. By sharing our personal journey I hope to reach others and raise more awareness. Brayden will be turning 9 this month, and I’m so proud of how hard he works to overcome his challenges.

I think we have made amazing strides in Autism Awareness, but I also think there is still a long way to go. I think one of the biggest challenges is understanding exactly how large the Autism spectrum is. As I mentioned in last year’s post, our son being high functioning on the Autism spectrum is both a blessing and a challenge. People who are high functioning on the spectrum are often misunderstood. Actually, I’m certain everyone on the Autism Spectrum is misunderstood, but those that are high functioning are often misdiagnosed or thought by others to just be “weird. Yes, many people have referred to Brayden as “weird” and it’s frustrating because they don’t understand he is on the Autisum Spectrum. To people who don’t see him every day or know him well besides “weird” we often hear things like “Oh, he’s just a boy.”
Just a boy? Boys are rambunctious for sure. We have two of them. Most boys like to ride bikes. Brayden can’t because his gross motor skills are weak and even with training wheels he tips the bike. Most boys like to play in the dirt. Brayden won’t because he doesn’t like to get dirty. In fact, getting dirty can cause a meltdown.
With time and therapy, Brayden has worked through his challenges and come a long way. It doesn’t change the fundamental fact, though, that he will always be a little different. And you know what? Different is OK. It’s who he is. Yes, there are things that are scary and we need to work on frequently – like hugging, kissing, and saying “I love you” to strangers is NOT OK. In the wrong situation, it could be dangerous. It brings a whole new meaning to not understanding “stranger danger.”

It’s the responses, though, that makes me aware that others aren’t aware. Responses to those inappropriate social gestures which expand beyond inappropriate affection to just saying whatever is on his mind and wanting to do everything his way – no matter what everybody else is doing. And yes, being rambunctious. It’s the dirty looks, the shocking looks, or the inappropriate comments (like saying someone is “weird!”). Even the reassuring comments like “oh, he’s just affectionate” aren’t helpful.
It makes me realize people don’t understand at all. I often have to explain he’s on the Autism Spectrum, but does it matter? Would they still react that way regardless? It’s an insensitivity people have to other people that are different. Would it be easier if he looked like he had a disability? Maybe, but sometimes even then I’m not sure.
To me, Autism Awareness is understand the Autism Spectrum – all of it from those that are non-verbal to those that may appear to just have a few quirks. They all have their own set of challenges. It’s about acknowledging the full spectrum and accepting it. Sometimes I think family members have the hardest time to accept someone is on the Autism Spectrum, but trying to make it into something it’s not – something that isn’t debilitating and totally innocent doesn’t help them progress to the level they could with the right kind of understanding, acceptance, and therapies they need.
It’s time to accept that there are 1 in 88 people that are on the Autism Spectrum, so when you interact with somebody that can’t look you in the eye, doesn’t seem to have a filter, interrupts what you’re saying, shies away from you, doesn’t speak back, hugs you when they just met you, screams at you when they just met you, or whatever that difference may be, accept that that’s who they are and don’t respond with shock, disgust, or even words of advice. Smile at them, smile at their parents if it’s their child, and know that a friendly response probably just made their whole day better. Even better? Teach your children to do the same!
Together we can make a difference!

Light It Up Blue

So will you be participating in Light It Up Blue this month? Check out World Autism Awareness Day on Facebook as well! Do you want to help? Visit my Light it Up Blue page to learn more and make a donation to Autism Speaks. Check out some of the amazing pictures and buzz shared across the web for those that are participating in Light It Up Blue!

Cedar Point is Participating in Light It Up Blue

Since moving to Ohio I have had the privilege of becoming a Cedar Point Blogger, and I was thrilled to discover they are participating in Light It Up Blue tonight! Check out their live feed! Here is just one of the rides (photo courtesy of Cedar Point):

Thank-you for participating in Light It Up Blue and helping to encourage Autism Awareness!

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