Developmental Disability Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

Facts
  • In 2010, 5.2 percent of school-aged children were reported to have a disability
  • 15.2 million Adults (6.3 percent experience some kind of cognitive disability.
  • According to the CDC, one in six or about 15 percent of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities.

 

The Term “developmental disability” means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:
  1. Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairment.
  2. Is manifested before the individual attains age 22
  3. Is likely to continue indefinitely.
  4. Results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:
          1. Self-care
          2. Receptive and expressive language
          3. Learning
          4. Mobility
          5. Self Direction
          6. Capacity for independent living
          7. Economic self-sufficiency
          8. Reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or genetic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
Infants and children- An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive who has substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clause 4.

CDC- Learn the Signs. Act early

History of the developmental Disabilities Act

Test how much you know about developmental disabilities.

Click on the link below an print out the word search.

developmental disability game pic

disability test

 

 

Edwards Syndrome Resources

Edwards Syndrome also known as Trisomy 18 is a rare disorder caused by an extra copy of the 18th chromosome. Edward syndrome occurs in 1 in 6000 births and will affect female more than males. It is also the second most common trisomy after Down Syndrome

Symptoms
  • Clenched hands
  • Crossed legs
  • Low birth weights
  • Developmental delays
  • Microcephaly (small head)

Resources

Medical

emedicinehealth.com

Medscape Reference

WebMD

Genetics Home Reference

Wikipedia

Foundations

Trisomy 18 Foundation

Lucina Foundation

Family Blogs

Loving Life with Full Trisomy 18

Kayli is Loving Life Trisomy Style!!

Our Trisomy 18 Journey

Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, formally known as sensory integration dysfunction) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty in receiving information from the senses.

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • oversensitive

  • Common sounds may be overwhelming

  • Uncoordinated

  • Hard to engage in conversation or play

 Below are a list of resources on the topic:

Medical

WebMed
Sensory Processing Disorder.com
Wikipedia

Organizations

Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation

Books

out of synchThe out-of-synch-child

 

raising sensoryRaising a Sensory Smart Child

 

January is Bath Safety Month

january-is-bath-safety-month

Happy Holidays

The Special Needs Blog wishes you and yours a happy holiday!

happy holidays

Family Resources

Special Education- A Crash Course

Basic Special Education Rights

Disability Resource Links

Financial Resources

OSEP Resources for Families

The Families and Advocates Partnerships for Education

Planning for a Special Needs Child-** New

Understanding Dyslexia and How to Help Children Who Have It

 

The Importance of Self-Esteem for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues

 

Parenting Tips for ADHD: Do’s and Don’ts

 

How to Create an Autism-Friendly Environment for Kids

How to Discuss Puberty with Your Child Who Has Special Needs

 

Creating the Optimal Environment for a Kid with ADHD

ADHD and Addiction – What is the Risk?

Teaching the Person with Autism How to Drive

Updated September 15, 2017

Assistive Technology Laws

Assistive Technology Laws

American with Disabilities Act

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Assistive Technology Act of 1998

 

Special Education Blogs

Reality 101- Council for Exceptional Children

About.com

Special Education Strategies and More

Life in Special Education

Friendship Circle Blog

 

Adapted Switches Blogs

No Limits to Learning

Glenda’s Assistive Technology Information

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs

Spectronics Blog

excitim-special needs blog

Love That Max- Special Needs Blog

Cold Weather Precautions Resources

Mayo Clinic- safety tips for exercising outdoors

Winter preparedness tips for persons with disabilities

Winter storm safety checklist

Wind Chill Chart

Tips for Winter Weather Preparedness for People with Disabilities