Ideas for Funding the Assistive Technology Your Child Needs

I have recently started writing the Assistive Technology (AT) column for the Federation's Newsline newsletter. As a parent of a child who uses lots of AT, I have become a defacto parent expert on the subject!  Here's a repost from my most recent article on funding AT.

Assistive technology is a broad term that includes a wide range of devices that make it easier for individuals with disabilities to perform certain tasks. Examples include wheelchairs, orthotics, communication devices, computers, software, adapted utensils, dressing aides, large print materials, and even Velcro. In general, AT that is medically necessary is called Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Some AT is very expensive and many families will require financial assistance to purchase it. Here are eight ideas for funding the AT your child needs to succeed in school, community, and family life.

Read the full article online: FCSN's Winter Newsletter.

Stray Thoughts About Motivators

Cute photo right - cute kid, cute cat. What's the big deal? Well, it actually is a big deal to us. Our son has cerebral palsy which impacts his motor coordination and makes it harder for him to move independently. He does crawl but he was not able to get onto a seat without assistance until Ozzy, our rescue kitty, found a comfy perch on the cushions. Ozzy, it turns out, has been is a huge motivator for Graham. Graham crawls around from room to room chasing the cat and figured out how to get himself onto the couch - by himself- to pet the cat. Clearly this is a skill he had been practicing in PT at school but he put that skill into practice to get to something he really wanted - a fuzzy kitty. Proof once again that good motivators are so key to getting our kids to learn and act. My husband and I are still surprized when we find Graham sitting on the couch with a book.  Now if only we could get Ozzy more motivated to return the enthusiasm....