Poking Fun at Disability Awareness

It's ok to make light of disabilities when you live with them. And why not? There are plenty of people who do and say stupider things about disabilities out of ignorance everyday. For grins and dose of irreverance, take a peak at some of the disaiblity awareness gift items created by individuals with disabilites and their families available at CafePress.com.

If you haven't been there before, CafePress.com is an e-commerce web site where you can upload your own artwork and it's printed on demand on t-shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, pins and more. Disability topics cover everythings from autism to epilepsy to rare syndromes. Search for the term "wheelchair" and you'll see some pretty racy slogans created by and for wheelchair users. MANY NOT FOR KIDS!

While you're there, check out my Say it with Symbols Gift Shop at CafePress. You'll find appreciation gifts for teachers and therapists as well as awareness-building t-shirts for children and families who communicate with picture symbols. Certainly less racy than some topics, but the message is equally as important.

www.CafePress.com/SayitwithSymbol

Adapted Gloves?

I came across these "adapted" gloves at a local shop and thought I would share. It's always a challenge to get gloves on my son; his fingers just don't want to separate and cooperate! And mittens are too baby-ish for a middle-schooler. Check out these fuzzy Wristies! - fleecy gloves without fingers! They come in lots of colors and lengths for kids and adults. I spoke with the owner Susan and she offered to give parents a discount off any order placed online at www.wristies.com if they would help our kids.

Use the code SPECIAL-KIDS to receive 10% off your entire order. Use the "APPLY" button to get the discount. This code is good through Dec .31 but she said the best selection is available early in the season. I think these are great and so easy to get on. And my kids think they are pretty cool too!

Check them out at http://www.wristies.com/

Helping Our Kids Understand Flu Prevention

Our kids with special needs can use extra support in learning flu prevention skills and good hygiene such as coughing into your sleeve and washing hands properly. The good folks at One Place for Special Needs have put together a comprehensive collection of nearly 40 online resources for parents and educators. You’ll find social stories, how-to videos, activities, a communication board for being sick, and visual supports for all ages on hand washing, sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose.

You’ll also find H1N1 resources for parents and teachers, Google flu tracker, lesson plans on germs and emergency planning for people with disabilities.

See:  Special Needs H1N1 Toolkit