Category Archives: Developmental Disabilities

Understanding Medicaid Waiver Services

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Home and Community-Based services Waiver allows people with long-term such as disabilities to receive services in a home or community setting. The goal of the waiver program is to enable States to tailor services to meet the needs of a particular group. Standard services can include case management, home health aide, adult day habilitation and respite care. The Federal and State Governments jointly fund and administers the program. At the Federal level, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the program. Each State administer its Medicaid program in accordance with CMS approved State plan. Each State is allowed a great amount of flexibility in designing and operation it its Medicaid program as long as it complies with the Federal requirements.

 

Activity Ideas for Developmental Disabled Adults

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Board games.
Source: E-How

When it comes to activities, disabled adults have distinctive needs. Unlike average adults, disabled people may require the help of respite workers to do certain activities. However, the needs of disabled adults are not always comparable to those of disabled children because many disabled adults are sexually mature and socially competent. Many activities meet the needs of developmentally disabled adults. Click here to read the rest of the story

October is National Disability Employment Month

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National Disability Employment Awareness is recognized each October to highlight the workforce contributions of people with disabilities.

So much as been accomplished over the years, but still, we have a long way to go. In almost all states, the number of people working with disabilities is half of those without disabilities. This year, I wanted to reflect on how much has been achieved over the years.

A History of Disability Employment Awareness

1920- The Smith-Fess Act: Signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson, establishes the Vocational Rehabilitation program for Americans with Disabilities.

1935- Social Security Act of 1935- establishes an income system for those unable to work by providing benefits.

1936- Randolph-Sheppard Act: Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, the Randolph-Sheppard Act mandates a priority to people who are blind to operate vending facilities on federal property.

1938- Wagner-O’Day Act:The Wagner-O’Day Act is passed, requiring all federal agencies to purchase specified products made by people who are blind. In 1971, the Javits-Wagner O’Day Act expands the program to include services as well as supplies and incorporate people with other significant disabilities. In 2006, the program is renamed AbilityOne.

1945- Declaration of National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week:The return of service members with disabilities from World War II sparks public interest in the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace. On August 11, 1945, President Harry S. Truman approves a Congressional resolution declaring the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.’ In 1962, the word “physically” is removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.

1954- Vocational Rehabilitation Gains Momentum:Congress passes the Vocational Rehabilitation Amendments of 1954, increasing the scope of the VR system. Targeting people who could proceed or return to work with assistance, VR helps thousands of people obtain employment. Mary Switzer, Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at the time, uses this authority to fund more than 100 university-based rehabilitation programs. The Act also initiates funding for research, eventually leading to the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

1956- Creation of Social Security Disability Insurance: Congress passes the Social Security Amendments of 1956, which create a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program for workers with disabilities aged 50 to 64. Additional amendments two years later extend SSDI benefits to the dependents of workers with disabilities.

1973- The Rehabilitation Act:The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 marks a major step forward in legislation impacting the employment of people with disabilities, extending and revising state Vocational Rehabilitation services and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability by federally funded and assisted programs, federal employers and federal contractors.

1977- Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act: After major demonstrations in 10 U.S. cities on April 5, including a 150-person sit-in in San Francisco led by Judith Heumann and Kitty Cone lasting 28 days, U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano signs regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These regulations extend civil rights to people with disabilities, covering any program or activity, including employment services, receiving federal financial assistance

1986- Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act of 1986:The Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act enhances work incentives for people with disabilities under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program by making permanent section 1619 of the Social Security Act, which provides for special SSI payments and Medicaid coverage while eligible individuals make attempts to work.

1990- Americans with Disabilities Act: President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. Modeled on the Civil Rights Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA stems from collective efforts by advocates in the preceding decades and is the most comprehensive disability rights legislation in history. Its employment provisions prohibit discrimination in job application procedures, hiring, advancement and termination and provide for equal access to workers’ compensation; job training; and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
1992- Rehabilitation Act Amendments: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act emphasize employment as the primary goal of vocational rehabilitation (VR). Specifically, they mandate presumptive employability, meaning applicants should be presumed to be employable unless proven otherwise, and state that eligible individuals must be provided choice and increased control in determining VR goals and objectives, determining services, service providers and methods of service provision.

10 Speech Therapy Blogs You Should Be Reading

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Speech therapy is a key component in the life of a child with a disability. When it comes to speech therapy, there are so many blogs that provide an abundance of resources for other speech therapist, teachers and parents. Finding the right ones however can be a challenge.

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The following blogs provide tons of information, resources and tips on speech language topics. Here are 10 speech therapy blogs worth checking out (in no particular order).

Beautiful Speech Life– Creates and develops therapy materials for fellow SLP’s and teachers. This website provides freebies, language materials and quick therapy tips.

Nicole Allison Speech Peeps– This website offers speech language resources on a variety of topics and an evidence-based intervention series.

PediaStaff– A resourceful blog providing informative news information and article blogs from speech language websites.

Simply Speech– A site with freebies and great blog ideas and activities

Speech 2 U- Provides resources, freebies and therapy topics on communication, social language, social language, organization, plus more!

Speechy Musing– Provides speech therapy resources on a variety of topics. Age range includes, birth to 3, elementary school and middle school on the subject of articulation, language and AAC; The site also includes a blog for fellow speech therapist.

Sublime Speech– Provides therapy to children with severe and profound disabilities. Website includes information on apps, articulation, language, materials and social skills

Teach Speech 365. Includes freebies, giveaways and therapy topics.

The Dabbling Speechie– A website for speech and language pathologist and parents offering a variety of resources on articulation, language and social skills.

The Speech Room News– Specializing in pediatric speech and language therapy, Jenna’s site provides resources for speech language pathologists and educators. The website includes free resources, and treatment topics on articulation, social language, preschool and more.

 

26 Great Resources on Special Needs Clothing

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Children and adults with disabilities with sensory issues, autism, ADHD, down syndrome and cerebral palsy often find challenges in finding clothing that meets the need of feeling good and appropriate.

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Challenges may also include difficulties in handling buttons and closures. Here are 25 resources that focus on shoes, outerwear, and adaptive clothing.

Adaptive Clothing

Adaptations By Adrian- Adaptive clothing including side zippers, wide band elastic waist for custom-made capes, wheelchair, pants, shorts adult protectors and cape protecting scarf.

CAPR-Style– Located in the U.K, adaptive clothing for adults and children including feeding tube covers.

Designed By Dignity– Adaptive clothing fashion clothes for men and women.

Down Design Dream– Adapting Clothing for children and adults with special needs

Easy Access Clothing– Adaptive clothing for adults and children.

Professional Fit Clothing– Adaptive clothing for adults and children including adults bibs, clothing protectors and nightware.

Rackety’s- Based in the U.K, products include adaptive clothing for children and adults such as vests, outdoor clothing, and nightwear.

Something Sew Special– Handmade adaptive clothing for children with special needs including bibs, ponchos, bodysuits and bandanas.

Special Kids Company– where every child should be seen and not hidden!  International provider of bodysuits for older children with special needs including PEG/tube fed children aged 2-14 years old.  Available on all Amazon platforms (.com/.ca/.co.uk/.fr/.de/.es/.it)

Specially For You Inc.– Custom clothing for children with physical disabilities. Products include night wear, dresses, tops, one piece outfits and hooded poncho’s.

Tender Ivy– Onesie garment designed for protecting vulnerable areas.

Wonsie– Based in Australia, products include special needs onesie bodysuits for older children and adults.

Sensory Clothing

Children and adults with sensory processing issues may find it difficult wearing certain types of clothing. The following stores sell items that are for sensitive skin, medically fragile and pressure points.

Cool Vest– products includes children’s cooling vest.

Independent You– Adaptive outerwear, sportswear and sleepwear.

Kozie Clothes– Adaptive medical and sensory clothing for medically fragile and special needs babies and children.

No Netz– Anti-chafe swimwear for boys and men.

SmartKnit Kids– Seamless products for children with sensory issues. Products include, socks, undies, tees and bralettes.

World’s Softest– Socks for sensitive skin

Shoes for AFO’s

The following are stores that sell shoes that fit over orthotics.

Ablegaitor- Orthopedic shoes for children. Can be used without AFO’s.

Hatchbacks– Children’s orthopedic shoes for use with orthotics.

Healthy Feet Store– An online orthopedic shoe and footcare store including AFO’s accommodations.

Keeping Pace– Children’s orthopedic footwear designed for AFO’s.

Shoby Shoes– Custom-made orthopedic shoes and support boots for special needs children

Soft Star Shoes– Will customize shoes to work wit AFO’s and DAFO’s.

Coats for Wheelchairs

Coats for individuals who use wheelchairs  made need special clothing. The following online stores, specialize in adaptive outerwear for children and adults.

Koolway Sports– Based in Ontario, Canada, Koolway Sports items include blankets, hoods, and capes.

Silvert’s– Adaptive clothing for men and women including footwear and wheelchair clothing.

Weighted Vest

Weighed vest can be used for children and adults with autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and a sensory processing disorder.

e-Special Needs– provides a selection of weighted vests and clothing

Fun and Function– Includes items such as explorers vest, fleece hoodies and compression vests.

Zika Virus and Microcephaly

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Media coverage surrounding the Zika virus outbreak and its link to microcephaly in newborns continue as the number of cases continue to grow including a recent article on the discovery of infected mosquitos found in the state of Florida.

What exactly are the facts?

Zika virus disease is a virus which is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that were first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. The rates of human infections were reported across Africa and Asia from the 1960’s to the 1980’s. It wasn’t until 2015 however when Brazil reported a direct association between the Zika virus and microcephaly. Since then, the number of people infected has grown in alarming rates including the number of children born with microcephaly.

Transmission

Typically, the Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These types of mosquitos are generally found in tropical environments. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual activity and can be detected in body fluids including blood, urine, amniotic fluids, semen, saliva and spinal cord fluids.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may include a slight fever which may appear a few days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Other signs may include conjunctivitis, and muscle and joint pain. The symptoms typically last between 2-7 days. There is currently no cure for the virus.

What is the relationship between the Zika virus and Microcephaly?

The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) confirmed the Zika virus infection during pregnancy does cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects.

What is Microcephaly?

Microcephaly is defined as a medical condition where the brain does not grow properly resulting in a smaller than normal size head.

microcephaly-comparison

Diagnosis

Often, microcephaly can be diagnosed during pregnancy using an ultrasound test. This is generally done late in the 2nd trimester or early in the third trimester. After a baby is born, a health practitioner will measure the distance around the baby’s head and compare the measurements to the general population standards. Severe microcephaly occurs when the baby’s brain has not developed during pregnancy.

Incidence

Microcephaly is considered rare. In the United States, microcephaly occurs from 2 babies per 10,000 live births to 12 per 10,000 live births. An estimated 25,000 births per year. However, the rates in Brazil have jumped from 0.04 percent to 1.9 percent within the last year.

Causes

Besides the Zika virus, microcephaly may be caused by:

  • German measles
  • Chicken pox
  • Exposure to drugs or alcohol in the womb
  • Chromosomal  abnormalities
  • Decreased oxygen to the fetal brain
  • Severe malnutrition
  • Gene deletion i.e. DiGeorge syndrome

Associated Conditions

Children born with microcephaly may not show any signs or symptoms initially, but may develop the following later:

  • cerebral palsy
  • seizures
  • intellectual disabilities
  • learning disabilities
  • hearing impairments
  • visual impairments

Treatment

There is currently no treatment for microcephaly. Early intervention is vital for the growth and development of the child.

Resources

CDC- Build a Prevention Kit-Provides information on reducing the risk of Zika by creating a prevention kit.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – This site provides information on Zika travel notices and countries with the endemic including guidelines for traveler’s visiting family and friends in the affected area.

Live Coverage– complete coverage of the outbreak

U.S. Department of State– Maintains an updated status notice on the virus.

The following medical sites provide additional information on microcephaly including causes, symptoms, test and diagnosis:

Organizations

Cortical Foundation– Dedicated to providing services to educate, advocate, support and improve awareness of cortical malformations

Foundation for Children with Microcephaly– A website created to help and inform parents and families of children who have been diagnosed with microcephaly

Selected News Articles

The following are selected articles on the Zika Virus and Microcephaly:

A mothers battle: Surviving microcephaly in Brazil.

Microcephaly: “It’s not the end of the world.”

Protecting pregnant women in the U.S. from Zika is a top priority, Official says.

Sesame Street’s Elmo and Raya warn kids about Zika

Scientists determine how Zika virus causes brain defects and microcephaly

Zika Revealed: Here’s what a brain-cell killing virus looks like

 

 

West’s Syndrome

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What is West’s Syndrome?

The average onset generally begins at an average age of 6 months. Symptoms may include a pattern of an infant bending forward with a stiffening of the body, including the arms and the legs. Each episode generally last for a few seconds. These episodes typically occurs I clusters that can last up to 20 minutes.

Causes
  • Trauma
  • Brain malfunctions
  • Infections
  • Down syndrome
  • Tuberous sclerosis complex
Statistics and Facts

West syndrome occurs 1 in every 2,000 to 6,000 live births, which peak between the ages of 4 and 7 months old. 90 percent of incidences occur before the age of 1 year. West syndrome accounts for approximately 30 percent of incidences involving infants. Boys are more likely to be affected than girls.

Other Know Names
  • Generalized Flexion Epilepsy
  • Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy
  • Infantile Myoclonic Encephalopathy
  • Jackknife Convulsions
  • Massive Myoclonia
  • Infantile Spasms
  • Salaam Spasms
History

Initially discovered in the 1840’s by Dr. William James West when he noticed his own son, James E. West showed the characteristics of “bobbings” that caused a complete heaving of the head towards his knees and then immediately relaxing to the upright position. Dr. West originally coined the phenomena as “Salaam Tics”.

Diagnosis and Testing
  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • A physical and neurological exam
  • Computer Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Blood Test
  • Urine Test
  • Wood Lamp (for the purpose determining if tuberous sclerosis is a possible diagnosis)
Treatment
  • Steroid therapy by injection into a muscle or prednisone by mouth
  • A seizure medication called Sabril
  • Ketogenic diet

 

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

Intellectual Disability

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What is an Intellectual Disability?

DSM-V defines intellectual disability as a disorder with onset during the developmental period that includes both intellectual functioning including abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, problem solving.  Adaptive functioning including limitations in activities of daily living, communication, social participation, and independent living across multiple environments such as home, school, work and community. Deficits are on the onset during the developmental period.

According the American Association on Intellectual Disabilities (AAIDD), Intellectual Functioning refers to general mental capacity such as, learning, reasoning and problem-solving.

Types

Although historically, the levels of severity was based on I.Q. scores, this has changed to adaptive functioning which determines the levels of support required.

Mild
  • Social Domain- There may be difficulties in regulating emotions and behaviors in an age-appropriate manner. There tends to be a limited understanding of calculated risk, and social judgment.
  • Practical Domain- May need assistance in independent living skills such as grocery shopping, transportation, banking and food preparation.
Moderate
  • Social Domain: Capacity for relationships is evident in ties to family and friends and may have successful friendships across life and sometimes relationships in adulthood.
  • Practical Domain: Can care for personal needs involving eating, dressing and hygiene and as an adult participate in all household task.
Severe
  • Social Doman: Spoken language is limited. Speech may be ingle words or phrases. The individual understands simple speech.
  • Practical Domain: Requires support for all activities of daily living, including meals, dressing and bathing. The person will require supervision at all times. Unable to make responsible decisions regarding self-care.
Profound
  • Social Domain: Has limited understanding of symbolic communication in speech and gestures. The person expresses his or her own desires and emotions through non-verbal communication.
  • Practical Domain: The child or adult is dependent on other people for basic needs including self-care and independent living including health and safety.
Global Developmental Delay

Children under the age of 5 are given this diagnosis when an individual fails to meet expected developmental milestones in several areas of intellectual functioning. This includes children who may be too young to participate in standardized testing.

Causes

Causes can include:

  • Complications during childbirth
  • Problems after birth
  • Chromosomal (Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome)
  • Metabolic
  • Nutritional
  • Genetic
  • Poverty and cultural factors

Prevalence

  • Approximately 1% of the world population
  • Prevalence for severe intellectual disability is 6 per 100
  • In the United States, Intellectual disability comprises of 3 percent of the general population
  • Nationally, 34% of people with intellectual disability are employed
  • Males are more likely than females to be diagnoses with both mild and severe

 

Happy Holidays!

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS2015

Special Needs Resource Blog will take a break during the holidays and will return Monday, January 4, 2016 with new information, tools and resources to post including more downloadable free tools and templates Monday thru Thursday. I am excited and look forward to sharing more resources with you in the new year.
Thanks to all of you for following my blog this year. Wishing you and your families joy and peace all through the holidays and throughout the new year. May the spirit of the holidays be with you throughout the new year.  🙂   🙂

 

5 Resources to Support Parents of Children with Autism

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I received these great resource articles for families with child with autism from Angela Tollerson, a blogger from familyhealthnet. Her site provides resources on family health and wellness. Please share these links with others who may benefit and don’t forget to stop by and visit Angela’s blog at: forfamilyhealth.net

  1. Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders
    http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/anxiety-and-autism-spectrum-disorders
  2. The Moment I Got My Son with Autism’s Need for Routine
    https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/09/16/moment-i-got-my-son-autisms-need-routine
  3. The Well Travel Guide for Parents of Autism Spectrum Children
    https://travelblog.expedia.ca/autism-travel-guide/
  4. Nutrition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/autism/nutrition-for-your-child-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd
  5. 10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
    http://www.education.com/magazine/article/10-activities-children-autism/