November 20, 2006
Computers and Computer Hardware for Special Needs Kids
Surfing the internet or playing video game opens up a whole world for children who normally have trouble communicating or being understood.
Kids who struggle to turn the page of a book can learn to use a keyboard or mouse with widely available adaptive hardware. These tools not only open a world of discovery and communication but empower kids in the process. Playing an online video game or talking over the Internet can do wonders for children’s self esteem.
There are several types of hardware tools that will enhance computer use for children with physical disabilities.
One Handed Keyboards:
Keys will typically be curved for ease of use when only using one hand to type. They are available for both right and left-handed use. The keys are arranged to minimize movement and maximum comfort.
Touch-Free Switch:
Uses a video camera and movement to activate computer mouse. You can “train” the camera to recognize different movements and it turn operates a computer mouse.
Touch Screen Monitors
Monitors that respond to touch. Touch the screen for an action to take place. The aim is to have the child feel “successful” while using the computer and not frustrated.
Some brands include:
Touch Window
Discover:Switch USB is assistive technology that enables people with disabilities to control their computer by simply clicking a switch. Now people with severe motor impairments can perform all keyboard and mouse functions by clicking on the large surface of this switch or by plugging in alternative switches into the switch ports of this device.
A popular brand is BigKeys PLUS, which can be found here: http://atestore.enablemart.com/productDetail.aspx?pid=182&dept=24&store=10
There are many types of “switches” that look like Giant buttons and will take over tasks of mouse or control keys. There are relatively inexpensive and very popular.
Some example of switches can be found here:
http://enablingdevices.com/home.aspx
Companies that Sell Adaptive Toys and Games for Special Needs Kids
Finding affordable adaptive toys can be difficult, the companies below carry a wide range of toys and competitive pricing on the special needs toys.
The Dragonfly Toy Company Special Needs Store
A great selection of books, hardware, toys for special needs kids and adults.
Enabling Devices has a huge catalogue of adaptive toys, you can order a catalogue of toys to be mailed to you or download from their website. They also have many traditional toys that have been adapted.
FlagHouse is a global supplier of physical education equipment and products, equipment and programs to both physical education and recreation professionals, as well as professionals who deal with children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
Lots of electronic toys, switches and adaptive toys.
November 19, 2006
Cloth Diapers for Older Children and Children with Special Needs
Many kids with special needs and cerebral palsy need to use a diaper at night. Disposable diapers can lead to leaks and constant sheet changing, not to mention frequent rashes.
Cloth diapers might be a solution for some families. Cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be, no more pins and plastic pants. Hi-tech PVC and micro fleece offer comfortable leak proof alternative. Breathable covers offer more comfort than disposables. And washing cloth diapers isn’t nearly the hassle most people think. They are are much more comfortable than plastic or paper disposable diapers.
Information from Homeschool and Parenting Resource Site-LifeLearning.org
I used cloth diapers for years and can recommend a few brands, also many WAHM ( work at home moms) will make you custom sizes.
An excellent site for info on cloth diapers, types and styles, on Mothering.com site.
Hemp diapers are more expensive but will last longer and are more absorbent than cotton.
It may seem a bit daunting but really isn’t that hard or time consuming.
Washing Cloth Diapers
This is by far the most popular method. Put wet/soiled diapers in a DRY diaper pail or similar. You can buy wet sacs that are waterproof bags that hang on hook in bathroom or laundry room. Wash the diapers every 2-3 days. Simply put in washing machine. I fill washing machine and let them soak a while, if there is an extra rinse cycle then use it. The most important thing is to make sure you do not use too much SOAP and that there is no SOAP left on diapers, that can irritate the skin. Use straight vinegar in the rinse cycle. You can do this by either putting vinegar in the fabric softener slot. The vinegar reduces PH and will also keep them soft and smelling fresh.
Dry the diapers on clothsline or in the dryer. Do NOT use fabric softener or dryer sheets. This will reduce absorbency of the diapers. If you are using a diaper cover let these air dry to protect elastic bindings from the heat of the dryer.
Cloth diapers are much more comfortable than “paper” disposable ones and there is less chance of rashes and yeast infection. They are a viable alternative to disposables.
If you know of a WAHM (work at home mom) or a brand you love then please post in comments section. If you have a solution or idea for everyday living with cerebral palsy our readers would like to hear from you.
Teen Finally Finds a Voice After 18 Years
This story struck me as a bit sad, a young woman, 18 years old and living with cerebral palsy gets a communication assist device, a touchscreen-device programmed with recorded words and sentences. She uses it for the first time at 18 years old, and asks for something to eat.
Full article can be read here: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4668727
Of course it is wonderful that she is finally able to express herself and be able to express such basic human desires as hunger, but it struck me as sad that she spent the first 18 years of her life frustrated and unable to communicate.
The wonder of the digital age never cease to amaze me. Even twenty years ago this kind of assisted communication would not be possible. Read more inspirational stories about cerebral palsy.
November 18, 2006
Girl Scouts Work to Help Those with Disabilities “Belong”
I came across this neat site, a blog that offers stories of “belonging being nurtured.” The goal of the blog is to foster a sense of belonging to people who feel isolated by disabilities. The blog, The Belonging Initiative, looks for submissions and stories about people who have done something to encourage inclusivity of people with disabilities.
For example, a series of stories about girl scouts. One story that struck me was the one about 5 Girl Scouts who got together, they all live with cerebral palsy, and met with a physical therapist and invented some adaptive tools. What did they work on? An adaptive tool to put on mascara, another came up with tools to use one hand to apply nail polish and another girl came up with a key assist, so she could use a key on her own.
For more stories visit:
http://www.plan.ca/belong/2006/11/in-girl-scouts-abilities-vary-and.html
Do you have story about helping some one feel like they “belong?” Please post in the comments section and share with our readers. Read more inspirational stories about cerebral palsy.
November 16, 2006
Teaching Children with Hemiplegia to Tie Shoelaces
This site has tons of great resources on living with hemiplegia. Here is post by a mom of a child with cerebral palsy who explains in great detail and in an easy to understand how to teach your child who is afflicted with hemiplegia how to tie their own shoelaces.
http://www.chasa.org/tyingshoes.htm
Do you have a site or idea that has helped you or your child overcome a challenge in day to day living? Please feel free to share your idea with others by posting in comments section.
Adaptive Clothing for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy sometimes have special challenges when it comes to finding clothing that is comfortable and easy to wear. Finding clothes that “work” can be a challenge. Helping a special needs child pick out clothing can be made easier by keeping some ideas in mind. The two most important factors are how easily they can be put on and comfort.
Many companies offer “adaptive clothing” or special needs clothing. Adaptive clothing is clothing that takes into account special needs such as sitting in a wheel chair and special openings and closures. Jeans will have a lower rise in front and higher in the back. Clothes may have a bib front or back closures and offer special features like a wider mitten for clenched hands.
You can also buy clothing “off the rack” and look for some of the features below.
Choose clothing’s that will go over the head easily, avoid turtlenecks! T-shirts and sweatshirts with a large neck opening are ideal, the stretch makes it easier to put on.
Clothing with Velcro is popular, but many kids find it scratchy and frankly it doesn’t hold up in the wash that well. Because there are more chances of food spills more frequent washing are usually necessary and Velcro closures don’t service constant washings.
Snaps work well, but be careful of snaps containing nickel, this metal is a known allergen and can cause skin irritation. Snaps that are attached to its own piece of fabric are better then snaps attached directly to fabric, they tend to tear out and won’t last as long.
Avoid clothes that are bulky or bunch up. Take away the worry of clothes that get caught or bunch up during transfers by buying clothes that fit and don’t add a lot of bulk.
Look for clothes that absorbent. Cotton is your best bet. Look for clothes that can absorb accidental spills and leaks. Cut out tags and labels that might irritate skin.
Here are some sites that sell adaptive clothing for children:
http://www.makoa.org/clothing.htm
http://www.wheelchairjeans.com/
November 15, 2006
Accommodations for Medical Travel: Ronald McDonald House
Families with children afflicted with cerebral palsy travel far and travel often. It is expensive, and often lonely, to stay in a sterile hotel environment. Ronald McDonald Houses offer a “home away from home” for families traveling or who need somewhere to stay while their children receive medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The houses offer both short term and long term accommodations. The houses are made to accommodate families who need the support and comfort of a “home-like” atmosphere.
The residences are temporary and stays last anywhere from a day to a year. Costs range anywhere from 5-20.00/day donation but no one is turned away because of inability to pay.
There are 245 Ronald McDonald Houses in 26 Countries:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.
To make arrangements to stay at a Ronald McDonald House, their contact information can be found here:
Ronald McDonald House
