December 19, 2006
Cerebral Palsy and Special Needs: Free New and Used Equipment Classifieds
Are you looking for either new or used equipment for your special needs child? Do you have equipment your child has outgrown and another family could use? Post in our free classifieds to buy, sell or trade new and used special needs equipment.
Special Needs Equipment Classifieds
December 1, 2006
Tools for Special Needs Living: Personalized Communication Cards and Interactive Booklets
To help with the frustration that comes with not being understood you can use communication cards. These cards have pictures to use that help children and adults living with cerebral palsy better express themselves.
They have also been helpful with anyone with brain injury or autism; the cards let them communicate with family, friends and care givers.
Some families choose to make their own , use a simple board and their own photos (photos taken of items in the home) food, clothing, places, toys etc. Personalized photos make a big difference. These cards feature the person using them, and the things, people, places that are important to them.
Their wants and needs, and thoughts are directed through photographs that feature THEM. When they look at their booklets or cards they are looking at a part of their lives, giving them the connection that is often times missing with other communication aides.
Kay from of www.chattykatcommunication.com makes personalized cards and booklets for many families and writes
“I have found with non-verbal individuals that typical picture exchange is about wants and needs…bypassing any communication about themselves. With personalized and interactive communication aides they can be included in ways they are usually not included in. They can do more than hand over a card to request something…they can communicate that they like something. Let me give you a more direct example.
I recently worked with a gal at a group home, age 24 and with cerebral palsy. I’ll call her ‘Lisa’. Lisa could not communicate except for in high pitch squeals. She could not communicate well with sign language. She often stared off, but I could tell she was waiting for me to guess what she wanted. Misunderstanding her often led to her frustration and consequently a great outburst. One day, while cleaning out her closet I came upon a small photo book, and in it were photos of her in a variety of activities: sitting on her bed, in front of the van that took her to her day care facility, her eating, her near the bath tub. I handed her the booklet that had been tossed on the shelf in her closet and she came alive! She carried the booklet everywhere, and she smiled and delighted in it! If she had a want, a need, a wish…I could more easily give her what she wanted. Her outbursts decreased tremendously. It was through her and my 5 yr old autistic son that I seen a more personalized and interactive way to communicate.”
Kay makes the cards and booklets from your supplied photos. Send her pictures by email and she will make personalized booklets for you family. Her booklets range in price from around $15 – $35.00.
You can view sample pages of the booklets here http://www.chattykatcommunication.com/catalogue.html.
November 23, 2006
Special Needs Tricycle- Amtryke Tricycle for Special Needs Kids
These are definitely pricey, however I know moms that have bought them for their kids and swear by them. They are “trikes” that have been developed especially for special needs kids and kids with cerebral palsy, and are suitable for ages 2-13.
The bikes can be made to almost any specifications. There are all kinds of modifications that can be made depending on need or abilities.
There are three different models and the aim of each bike is to build self esteem and sense of freedom of mobility while also increasing strength.
http://www.adaptivemall.com/amspecneedtr.html
November 21, 2006
Make or Convert a Toy for Special Needs Kids- Make Your Own Adaptive Toys
Here an engineer and programmer, Brad Whaley, offers advice on how to adapt commercial toys for adaptive use – he states on his site that any toy that uses a battery can be converted to using a switch for special needs use.
Adaptive switches can be activated to set off the toy. On Brad’s web site, Science Shareware, he gives instructions on adapting a battery operated Bob the Builder Toy and pedal for electric train.
You do need a working knowledge of electronics- I have limited knowledge and found the instructions easy to follow. If you get stuck or need help he invites people to email him with questions.
November 16, 2006
Buying a Special Needs Stroller
Some insurance plans will cover a special needs stroller. The advantage to a stroller over a wheel chair is that its easily transported, good for travel and airplanes and you can just fold it up and put it in the trunk when out and about. A special needs stroller can carry more weight then regular stroller (most up to 200 lbs) and will typically have features like longer leg room straps for feet and a 5 point harness.
Maclaren Major Elite is one of the most popular brands – but very expensive.
Baby Jogger also makes a whole slew of special needs strollers.
Most people find they will use a stroller until around the age of 4 and will typically buy a wheelchair to use as well when their child starts going to school. A wheelchair lift is used in school buses and wheelchair required for lift.
November 15, 2006
Special Needs Car Seats: Finding a Comfortable Car Seat for Your Child with Cerebral Palsy
One of the chief complaints parents have about their children’s car seats is comfort. The hard shell can often hurt their children who are sometimes twisted into the seat. Another issue is the constant washing required. Manufacturers seem to make their car seats almost impossible to keep clean.
Be on the look out, particularly with children under two who may not be able to express why they are in pain or why their leg hurts.
Some car seats have large raised bumps that can be felt through the padding.
Check yourself before buying one, run your hand under the fabric and see if there are any protrusions that could bother your child.
You can get multi-position seating car seats for children that have been adapted for special needs.
One company, The Special Tomato Multi-Positioning Car Seat , offers a wide range of sizes, their adaptive car seats start at sizing for children 20lbs+. Most parents have rated the Tomato brand as being their favorite.
The seats allow for customized adjustments, cushions are made to be soft yet strong and waterproof. You can also get lateral head supports.
They are expensive, however most insurance companies will cover for them if your child is unable to use a standard car seat.
The Recaro car is used by many families with special needs kids. At around $350.00 It is more affordable than the Tomato brand .
Another favorite, the Recaro, is not an adaptive car seat but it is well made and very comfortable. Many parents are happy with this model.
Other sites that carry adaptive car seats:
http://www.snugseat.com/
http://www.americandiscountmed.com/202_pediatric.php?order=description&type=asc
For more information on types of car seats available and suitable for special needs babies and children, here is a useful chart that will help you decide which car seat is best,
http://www.aap.org/family/specialcarseatschart.doc
