When you’re sick or navigating a debilitating issue, the last thing that you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay for your critical medical treatment. Even if you have health insurance, you may find that the prescription drugs you need the most are out of reach due to high out-of-pocket costs — the deductibles, copays or coinsurance that are not reimbursed by insurance. Sadly, many people find themselves choosing between paying bills and buying essential prescription medications.
Nonprofit organizations like the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, an independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications, can help alleviate some of that pressure. Dan Klein, president and CEO of the PAN Foundation, offers the following tips for relieving some of the stress and financial burden for people struggling to afford their prescription medications.
1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Your healthcare team can help you find ways to manage your out-of-pocket costs. Skipping doses of medication or failing to fill prescriptions because they’re too expensive can make your treatment less effective. Doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare providers often have access to drug samples, coupons and information about organizations that can help you get the medication that you need at a price you can afford. While it can be hard to discuss your finances with your healthcare team, being clear about what you can afford can help them tailor your treatment plan effectively.
2. Ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs.
Generic drugs can be a great way to reduce your out-of-pocket prescription costs. Many name-brand drugs that are used to treat common conditions have a generic equivalent that is significantly cheaper, especially if the name-brand medication is an older drug. Generic drugs are safe and effective and are rigorously tested by the FDA to ensure that they are just as good as the brand-name versions.
photo credit: hrps.org
3. Start using FundFinder.
Sign up for FundFinder. This free web-based app developed by the PAN Foundation connects you with a charitable patient assistance foundation that can help pay the out-of-pocket costs for your prescription medications. Rather than having to monitor multiple charitable patient assistance foundations to see if they’re offering funding, the app checks for you and alerts you through email or text when the financial help that you need is available at PAN or another charitable foundation.
4. Shop around and use coupons.
If your medication is more than you can afford at your usual pharmacy, check with other pharmacies in your area to compare out-of-pocket costs. For those with commercial insurance, don’t forget to ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any coupons or money-saving offers available for your prescription.
5. Learn more about assistance from your state.
Many states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs or other health programs to help pay for the out-of-pocket costs of prescription medications. Contact your state’s department of health to find out about any assistance programs that are available and if you qualify. Your state’s health department can also guide you to other state and charitable resources that can help you access your medication.
6. Review your Medicare coverage options.
If you have health coverage through Medicare, make sure that your plan meets your health and financial needs. There may be other options that will help you better manage your out-of-pocket drug costs. Find out from an expert if your current plan includes the prescription drug coverage that you need and how to search for a new drug plan if it doesn’t. You may also be eligible for other Medicare programs — like a Low-Income Subsidy or Extra Help — that can lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Living with an illness is stressful enough without the added worries about how to afford the out-of-pocket costs for your medication. Learn more about patient assistance charities like PAN and the ways you can get help paying for your prescription medical treatments at panfoundation.org.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects in the United States. One of every 600 newborns is affected by cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip. The separation often includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which the two sides of the palate did not fuse, or join together, as the unborn baby was developing. Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur on one side (unilateral cleft lip and/or palate) or on both sides (bilateral cleft lip and/or palate). Because the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for the child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both cleft lip and cleft palate.
Cleft lip and cleft palate occur very early in pregnancy. The majority of clefts appear to be due to genetic or environmental factors, though there is no known cause in many cases. The risks of recurrence of a cleft condition are dependent upon many factors, including the number of affected persons in the family, the closeness of affected relatives, the race and sex of all affected persons, and the severity of the clefts.
A child born with a cleft or other craniofacial condition often requires specialized healthcare from infancy to young adulthood. ACPA supports an interdisciplinary team approach for all patients, with teams comprised of professionals from a variety of healthcare disciplines who work with the family on an individual treatment plan.
Cleft-craniofacial treatment teams are made up of specialists who coordinate to offer multiple types of health care, addressing cleft and craniofacial needs throughout a person’s life. ACPA encourages individuals and families to work with a cleft-craniofacial treatmentACPA Family Services team whenever possible.
Copy originally published by ACPA Family Services; reprinted with permission. | Images courtesy of CDC
A wheelchair is defined as a chair mounted on wheels that is used by persons who have impaired mobility, often caused by disability, illness or injury. There are many different types of wheelchairs, such as manual, electric, transport, sport, airplane, beach, ergonomic, bariatric, pediatric, reclining, reclining or tint, standing, etc.
Disability etiquette, per the Office of Disability Rights, notes that assistive devices, including wheelchairs, should be respected as personal property and, unless given permission by the user, not moved or touched. Many wheelchair users consider their assistive device as an extension of themselves. However, wheelchairs can look like basic medical equipment and, thus, not exude the users’ unique personality. That’s why many wheelchair users choose to accessorize and beautify their assistive device.
National Wheelchair Beautification Month
July is National Wheelchair Beautification Month! This annual observance was established by author and illustrator Horace Knowles. He thought simple decorations could have a significant impact. So, using Velcro, Knowles attached a florist’s water tube to the top of his wheelchair to display colorful flowers. He also encouraged fellow wheelchair users to follow suit, explaining, “It brightens the day not only for the wheelchair occupant, but for everyone they pass.”
You can add personal flair to your wheelchair using with stickers, patterned duct tape, ribbons, fabric and other crafting materials. Plus, the retail market for wheelchair accessories has greatly expanded.
Here are 21 products to beautify your wheelchair:
1. Izzy Wheels
Izzy Keane, who was born with spina bifida, founded Izzy Wheels with her sister Ailbhe to help wheelchair users transform their medical devices into pieces of fashion and self-expression. Offering a wide range of stylish, vibrant wheel covers made in collaboration with artists, the motto of this Dublin-based company is “If you can’t stand up, stand out.” Retails for $155 [featured in this article’s header image]
2. Wheelchair Safety Belt
This thick, cushioned belt provides added safety, and may be especially ideal for people impacted by spasticity or seizures. The belt comes in blue, green and red but the Burberry-inspired plaid is a classy choice. Retails for 14.99
photo credit: Amazon
3. Wheelchair Quilt
Attention quilters: This downloadable quilt design features pockets for hand-warming and storage of personal items. Download the DIY instructions and choose your own pattern. Download for $12.99
photo credit: Annie’s Craft Store
4. Ultra-Grrrip Pushrim Covers
RehaDesign, a European company, has been creating wheelchair accessories for over a decade, including these pushrim covers. Available in every color of the rainbow and in three sizes, the covers are easy to apply and allow for more comfort to the touch compared to hard metal rims. Retails for $61
5. Fishing Pole Holder
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves fishing, this pole holder by Maddak is the “reel” deal! The movable attachment can be adjusted to fit various chair bars. And, if you’d like to honor Mr. Knowles, perhaps place an artificial flower in the holder when not reeling in the catch of the day. Retails for $56.95
photo credit: mobility-aid.com
6. Fleximug Hands-Free Drinking Mug
Suitable for individuals who can move their head freely to one side, and who have good lip control and suction, this hands-free insulated 20-ounce cup has a sleek stainless steel design. It is dishwasher safe and available with five different straw lengths. Retails for $64.95
photo credit: Fleximug
7. Trabasack Lap Tray Bag
Invented by a wheelchair user, Trabasack makes multi-functional accessories. Use this item as both a storage bag and a lap tray to work, play, eat, etc. Trabasack offers several bag styles. Retails for $30 and up
photo credit: Trabasack
8. Posey Comfy-Seat
These plush cushions provided added comfort, plus protection for sensitive skin. The cushions are machine-washable, have reinforced slits to allow use of a positioning belt and have a detail tie. Retails for $107.70
photo credit: Devine Medical
9. Total Chair Cushion
Total Chair Cushion by Ceilblue also makes decorative cushions, in six colors: brown, burgundy, butterfly patterned, geometric burgundy, navy and blue/green plaid. These pressure reducing cushions help reduce numbness, soreness and discomfort caused from long periods of sitting. Retails $22.99-$29.69
photo credit: Amazon
10. Tank Carrying Bag
This durable backpack-style bag by Vive can accommodate various tank sizes. The bag is water-resistant and includes six hose outlets. Available in three colors – purple, black and gray. Retails for $22.99
photo credit: Amazon
11. Wheelchair Umbrella
The wheelchair umbrella stand by Wanrane is ideal for rain or shine. Stay dry during an afternoon drizzle, or shielded from the sun on a bright day. It has an adjustable stem to custom fit height and positioning. Add your umbrella of choice. Retails for $25
12. Soft Pouch and Bottle Holder
This soft cup holder easily attaches with Velro to hold drink containers. But users call it the “everything pocket” because it can also hold keys, glasses or any small essential. This Think King wheelchair accessory offers a playful pop of color. Amazon sells two option, silver/black and gold/black, for $14.99; 1800Wheelchair.com sells a brown/orange holder for $22.50
photo credit: 1800Wheelchair
13. Pirate on Wheels Sticker
Arrrr you into pirates? This inexpensive decal sticker can easily adhere to the back of a wheelchair or scooter. Retails for $2.99
photo credit: Amazon
14. Sherpa Wheelchair Footrest Cover
If you’re a fan of super fuzzy things, the Sherpa wheelchair footrest covers are for you. So cozy! The company also makes matching armrests and foot/calf cushions. Retails for $16.99
photo credit: Easy Comforts
15. Armrest Hanging Cell Phone Holder
If you’re not fond of lugging around bulky or larger bags, this compact storage sack may be all you need. Available in a variety of fun fabric choices, WarriorAngelCreation on Etsy hand makes these bags with a hoop-and-loop fasten. Retails for $9.75 and up
photo credit: Etsy
16. Big Volcanic Jumbo Wheels
For something a bit flashy (literally), check out these multi-colored LED wheels that illuminate hues of red, blue and green. Retails for $29.50 per wheel
photo credit: Pimp My Chair
17. Easy Comforts Wheelchair Bag
Available in five chic patterns, this wheelchair bag has four outside pockets for convenience, in addition to an interior zip pocket. Easily attaches to the back of chair with two hook-and-loop straps. Retails for $19.99
photo credit: Easy Comforts
18. Under Seat Bag
HelenBudniatsky on Etsy makes several wheelchair bag styles, including hang options and under the seat. Aside from handy accessibility, the under seat option helps prevent unfortunate theft and pick-pocketing. Retails for $86.73 and up
photo credit: Helen Budniatsky via Etsy
19. Wheelchair Afghans and Bags
Do you crochet? If so, take a peek at this downloadable afghan and bag set. The crochet skill level is intermediate. Download for $3.95
photo credit epatternscentral
20. Matching Bag Set
Sometimes less is more… but sometimes more is more! Astrata Health Solutions makes a matching set with both a backpack storage bag and an armrest organizer. The armrest bag has six multi-pockets and, aside from ample storage space, the backpack includes a slim cooler pouch on the inside. The design of this set is a beautiful floral print on a white background. Retails for $32.95
photo credit: Amazon
21. Quilted Wheel Pouch
The blue-colored quilted fabric not only serves as a bright wheel cover, but it’s also functional. This machine-washable product includes two storage pouches, one of which has a zipper. Retails for $25.95
photo credit: Amazon
Keeping Your Wheelchair Beautiful
For the most part, wheelchair accessories can be either machine washed or hand washed. But what about the wheelchair itself? Check out cleaning tips from spinalpedia.com, wheelchairpride.com and caregiver-aid.com.
Have you ever beautified your wheelchair? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
AmeriDisability does not guarantee listed price; please check retailer.
Young children often are sidelined by illness or fatigue – the flu-like bug picked up from playmates at daycare, or the sore arm caused by a tumble on the playground. When symptoms like pain, stiffness or fevers occur at odd times, without obvious cause, could this mean juvenile arthritis (JA)? How can you tell the difference?
Traditionally, a child complaining of occasional achy joints was dismissed as having “growing pains,” a vague phenomenon believed to be the result of the natural growth process. Now, we know that symptoms of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue or illness may be early signals of a serious, inflammatory rheumatic disease that requires immediate medical treatment.
Several rheumatic diseases affect children, often those who are too young to speak about what’s bothering them. In such cases, it’s important not to assume these symptoms are temporary, and to get a proper diagnosis from your child’s pediatrician. Early drug treatment can prevent serious, permanent damage to your child’s joints and enable to him/her to live an active, full childhood despite juvenile arthritis.
Common Signs of Juvenile Arthritis
The most common type of juvenile arthritis is juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Children as young as two may be affected. Other rheumatic diseases affecting children include juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic arthritis, or Still’s disease. In these diseases, a child’s immune system malfunctions for some reason, attacking her body instead, especially her joints. Here are the common symptoms of juvenile arthritis, and why they are different from symptoms caused by other illnesses or injury.
Pain: Kids complain of pain in joints or muscles at times, particularly after a long day of strenuous activity. But a child with juvenile arthritis may complain of pain right after she wakes up in the morning or after a nap. Her knees, hands, feet, neck or jaw joints may be painful. Her pain may lessen as she starts moving for the day. Over-the-counter pain relief drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may not help. Unlike pain caused by an injury or other illnesses, JA-related pain may develop slowly, and in joints on both sides of the body (both knees or both feet), rather than one single joint.
Stiffness: A child with JA may have stiff joints, particularly in the morning. He may hold his arm or leg in the same position, or limp. A very young child may struggle to perform normal movements or activities he recently learned, like holding a spoon. JA-related stiffness may be worse right after he wakes up and improve as he starts moving.
Swelling: Swelling or redness on the skin around painful joints is a sign of inflammation. A child may complain that a joint feels hot, or it may even feel warm to the touch. A child’s swelling may persist for several days, or come and go, and may affect her knees, hands and feet. Unlike swelling that happens right after a fall or injury during play, this symptom is a strong sign that she has juvenile arthritis.
Fevers: While children commonly have fevers caused by ordinary infectious diseases like the flu, a child with JA may have frequent fevers accompanied by malaise or fatigue. These fevers don’t seem to happen along with the symptoms of respiratory or stomach infections. Fevers may come on suddenly, even at the same time of day, and then disappear after a short time.
Rashes: Many forms of juvenile arthritis cause rashes on the skin. Many kids develop rashes and causes can range from poison ivy to eczema or even an allergic reaction to a drug. But faint, pink rashes that develop over knuckles, across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or on the trunk, arms and legs, may signal a serious rheumatic disease. These rashes may not be itchy or oozing, and they may persist for days or weeks.
Weight loss: Healthy, active children may be finicky about eating, refusing to eat because they say they’re not hungry or because they don’t like the food offered. Other children may overeat and gain weight. But if a child seems fatigued, lacks an appetite and is losing rather than gaining weight, it’s a sign that her problem could be juvenile arthritis.
Eye problems: Eye infections like conjunctivitis (pinkeye) are relatively common in children, as they easily pass bacterial infections to each other during play or at school. But persistent eye redness, pain or blurred vision may be a sign of something more serious. Some forms of juvenile arthritis cause serious eye-related complications such as iritis, or inflammation of the iris and uveitis, inflammation of the eye’s middle layer.
photo credit: CDC
Juvenile arthritis includes many different diseases, but one common thread between them is that they can have serious, even life-threatening impacts on a young child. Diagnosis by a physician can determine the cause of the symptoms, rule out injuries or other diseases, and suggest treatments that will ease symptoms and allow your child to return to school and resume playing with friends and enjoying childhood.
Originally published by the Arthritis Foundation; reprinted with permission. | Image credit: UCLA
How can you plan ahead for the needs of your adult children with disabilities? While this might be a burning question for aging or ill parents and caregivers of these adults, it should really be a priority for all parents raising and caring for children with disabilities. Regardless of the health or age of the parent or child, Special Needs Planning expert Phillip Clark says it’s never too late or too early to plan for your child’s future.
Clark, co-founder and President of ENABLE Special Needs Planning, deals with this question all the time: When is the best time to start planning for the future of a child with disabilities?
“Start a searly as possible,” says Clark, who runs ENABLE with his wife Chelsea Clark, PhD, co-founder and Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. “Nobody is given tomorrow, even for younger parents. Don’t wait until there’s a crisis or until you’re older,” he warns.
Clark’s personal family experience with his younger sister, Sarah, motivated him to launch ENABLE four years ago. He watched his parents navigate Sarah’s life, with doctors and other professionals repeatedly warned of the limited expectations for her life, now and in the future. “She may never learn to read… ride a bike… be in a mainstream classroom… live independently,” they’d tell the family. The negative predictions shattered the dream his parents held for Sarah’s future—but only for a little while. Instead, they believed Sarah could live an impactful, purposeful life, and took every step they could to make it happen. [With sweet irony, Sarah now works in preschool and second grade classrooms tutoring students in reading, among other duties.]
Phillip Clark is a special needs planning expert.
Clark feels the traditional special needs industry often fails families. He’s watched them being guided through a cookie-cutter process to planning for the future. This process focuses more on what would happen to the child when parents are no longer here to support their child but didn’t do anything to help them feel secure in their ability to plan for and create a great life for their child today.
Enter ENABLE, which focuses on a comprehensive planning approach that helps parents design a focused plan with their child’s interests, passions and dreams at the heart of it all.
“While we still have to address that ‘what if,’ as that’s a reality every family faces, comprehensive planning looks at so much more,” explains Clark, adding, “We look at the vision for what a great life is for each child and how to accomplish that.” He talks about the people, organizations and services families need to surround themselves with to create a team approach to their child’s future. In doing so, this comprehensive approach ensures their son or daughter can thrive—both today and down the road.
5 Keys Elements to Comprehensive Special Needs Planning
Clark talks about the five key elements of comprehensive special needs planning. And it all starts with a deep dive into the short-term and long-term vision for the child, which lays the foundation for everything else.
1. Vision: This helps families understand their why for planning. What does a great life for their child look like in two to three years,10 years and beyond? “Parents need a mindset of abundance,” says Clark. “They need to look at the hopes, dreams and natural abilities of the child, and then figure out how to plan around that.” This vision will serve as the backbone of every decision. Include children in this process if and when it’s appropriate, as they should have a say in the plan for their future. He notes that this vision will change over time so, every year, they should adjust the vision plan.
Phillip and Sarah
2. Life: Caring for a child with disabilities often means dealing with a lot of issues that affect daily routines. This part of the planning process helps families document every piece of information about their child that likely only the parents/caregivers know. For example, what supplements does the child take? Why? Who is the child’s doctor? When and where does the child go for therapy? Does the child have any allergies? What are his likes/dislikes? “This gives parents the peace of mind knowing that if they were away temporarily or had to make a permanent transition, a caregiver would be able to step in and use this guidebook to care for them,” explains Clark. Parents who work with ENABLE use its online planning tool, which walks customers through a guided questionnaire to document the details of their child’s life. Rather than getting overwhelmed with the process, the parents often work on it in spurts, perhaps taking three to four hours over several days. By the time they’re finished, they’ve created a 60-80-page customized guidebook specific to their child’s needs.
3. Resource: The team approach kicks in at this point, where the planning process identifies who and what the child and family will need. What services, individuals and organizations do they need to surround their child with to help this vision of a great life become reality? Clark advises thinking outside the box in this area—beyond just typical services such as speech, occupational and physical therapy—as their child’s abilities continue to develop and grow. “Think creatively, such as pairing them with the right job coaches,” says Clark. Part of this process involves making sure government benefits are in place so the child continues to get the support and services they need. “A lot of this is so confusing, with various forms and wait lists and requirements,” Clark points out. “Our team helps take the confusion off their plate. We work with families across the country, and so we dive into their state’s programs.”
4. Financial: Parents still need to have that uncomfortable conversation of planning for “what if we’re gone tomorrow.” But when parents start the vision planning process with a focus on what a great life the child can have today, the financial planning becomes so much bigger. Now it becomes, “what are we doing today and how are we being efficient with the opportunities” that will continue to allow that child to live a life of purpose and impact. “We have a team of Certified Financial Planners that come alongside families to look at their entire financial picture to ensure this is efficient,” says Clark. He finds, for example, that many parents say they can’t ever retire because they’re putting all their focus on their child and his/her future stability. But for a family to be successful, everything needs to work efficiently, including the parents needing to be successful and having improved cash flow so they can provide that security to their child ─ today and tomorrow.
5. Legal: This last element really ties the whole process together, ensuring the entire plan continues to happen regardless of what happens in the parents’ lives. This includes a guardianship conversation and a special needs trust to protect assets for the child while still allowing the child to get the government benefits he/she is entitled to. “It’s so important to work with an attorney who knows the specifics of what special needs planning is from a legal standpoint,” notes Clark, whose team helps families prepare for that legal meeting. ENABLE taps into its network of attorneys throughout the country and introduces families to lawyers in their state to collaborate with. “Part of ENABLE’s legal plan involves sitting in on the first one or two meetings to ensure everything is implemented and drafted as we discussed as a team—including the parents,” assures Clark.
Navigating support systems for individuals with disabilities can be overwhelming, frustrating and confusing—especially since programs vary per state. While parents can tackle this “future planning” themselves to createt heir own plan (see free resource, below), many of them find it helpful to work with the ENABLE team. “Some families do that, while others don’t have the time or motivation and need some guidance and accountability to get through process,” notes Clark. “That’s where we step in. We take the heavy lifting off their plate and help align strategies.” It typically takes about 12 weeks to complete the entire planning process with ENABLE, with families generally working one to two hours a week on the plan. Clark says that breaking it down really benefits families, who often feel overwhelmed and don’t even know where to begin.
Florida mom Erin, for example, decided to work with ENABLE to help plan for her 17-year-old son Trevor’s future. “Meeting with ENABLE inspired us to help Trevor tap into his passion and potential, as he is officially now an employee at our local IMAX theater,” she says. “I honestly don’t know if I have ever felt this proud of him throughout the whole process of applying, interviewing, communicating with the managers and showing up for his first day of work yesterday, walking in with confidence and excitement. His confidence has skyrocketed!”
ENABLE is based out of Indianapolis, IN, with a secondary office in Tampa, FL, but serves families across the country through its interactive, online planning portal. For a free copy of ENABLE’s eBook titled “The Ultimate Guide to Special Needs Planning,” visit ENABLE online to request a downloadable copy. This 80-page guide walks you step-by-step through the five elements described above in more detail and includes helpful checklists and resources, too.
Author’s Bio: Lisa Beach is a freelance journalist and copywriter. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Eating Well, USA Today GoEscape Florida & Caribbean, Parents, and dozens more. Check out her writer’s website at www.LisaBeachWrites.com.
What do children learn through play? Play helps children grow and learn — how they move, how their muscles work, their tactile senses, vision and hearing… all develop as they play. And physical learning contributes to cognitive development, as children hone their motor skills and spatial perception.
Swiss child psychologist Jean Piaget famously wrote, “Play is the work of childhood.” Children also learn from interactions with each other, as seen on playgrounds every day.
Playgrounds have evolved over the decades, becoming safer and more varied in design. But children with special needs were somewhat left out of traditional playground design. A movement began to ensure children of all abilities would be able to use playgrounds.
However, initial attempts often fell short. Accessibility, as defined by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), simply meant being able to get to a playground. Children with physical disabilities, like those needing mobility devices, were unable to experience playgrounds using sand or wood chips for safety surfacing, while the needs of children with sensory processing disorders were often overlooked completely.
One in seven U.S. children live with a disability — about 6.5 million school-aged children — and 6.4 million have cognitive disabilities. According to a recent study by the CDC, one in 45 children has autism.
What do children with varying abilities need in a playground to help them play, learn and grow? The experts advising the playground designers at Landscape Structures Inc. re-imagine playgrounds to be not just inclusive, but inspiring and fun for kids of all abilities.
Physical Environment
Inclusive playgrounds for children with disabilities need to be designed not just for accessibility, but inclusivity.
Unitary surfacing with one type of material, amenable to wheelchairs and other mobility devices, eliminates mobility barriers.
Borders or fencing can help define and contain the activity area, providing a sense of comfort to children and their caregivers.
Seating should be strategically located around the play area (preferably in shaded spaces) and must be usable for children and adults of differing abilities.
Pathways and ramps must be extra-wide and accessible, for more than one child in a wheelchair to pass each other comfortably.
On-deck transfer ability delivers equitable access and encourages interactive play among kids and adults of all abilities.
Stimulating Activities
Inclusive playgrounds provide activities to engage children on many levels, in terms of physical, cognitive, sensory and social development.
Play areas reinforcing cognitive concepts with games, mazes, maps, tracing panels and more can be included in playground structures.
Imaginary play, like using pretend houses, fire trucks or stores, allows children to experiment with rules and roles.
Physical play structures invite children of differing abilities to take risks and challenge themselves, creating a sense of mastery and achievement. Thoughtfully designed areas are inclusive for all children. While not all children will be able to use all equipment, children can challenge themselves in ways that they can control and manage.
Cardiovascular activity: free space for children to move and increase their heart rates.
Balance and coordination: balance beams, rope bridges and more.
Vestibular sense: using input from the inner ear, this sense is responsible for equilibrium and movement, experienced while rotating, swinging and rocking.
Proprioception: this internal sense uses input from muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure and movement to help develop muscle sense and coordination, affecting large motor skills and small motor activities such as handwriting. Climbing, hanging and overhead activities help children develop this sense, and can be experienced by children using their upper bodies to access equipment.
Tactile, visual and auditory stimulation: children benefit from calming sensory activities using manipulative media like sand or water, visual stimulation like artwork, plus musical elements to help kids tune in to their auditory sense.
Quiet Spaces
For children who need quiet time and limited social interaction, it is essential to include smaller, cozier spaces where children can experience calm.
Social Activities
Ideal playgrounds are designed for children to interact, with no child feeling excluded, and incorporate a variety of gathering spots within the playground structure — some that can accommodate several children, plus smaller, quiet spaces for just a few. These social spaces benefit everyone, including families and caregivers.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 to mandate civil rights for persons of all abilities. Prior to the signing, people with disabilities getting and performing equal employment just wasn’t the priority it is today. Buildings and public transportation weren’t accessible; and, workplace accommodations and assistive technologies weren’t valued or even considered. Thankfully, as a result of the ADA, almost all these things are common place; and federal resources ─ such as the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), the Job Assistance Network (JAN) and the PEAT initiative ─ aim to make all aspects of employment accessible, from the application process to retirement.
One of the most practical improvements stemming from the ADA legislation, however, is the motivation to create office equipment and environments that enable employees with disabilities to perform their jobs to the fullest. Wise employers and human resource directors are better understanding the benefit of granting all employees the proper tools for success!
Accessible Workstations and Mounts
1. Get-Up Table
This portable, height adjustable table comes with everything a worker needs to sit and stand, from handlebars to arm rests for support and a hand control that lowers and raises the table as desired. An attachable sling is also available to function as a lifting system. Other accessories include back, knee and heel supports to accommodate a variety of needs for every user. $6,212.50 | Ropox.com
2. Vision Table
This table is made with wheelchair and visually-impaired users in mind. It has a unique tilting tabletop that can be moved up to 71 degrees—a wonderful solution for reading accommodations and other activities for school, work and enjoyment throughout the day. There are two versions: one that tilts with a hand control and another with the touch of a button that includes a safety stop. $1,785-$2,551.50 manual version; $3,188.50-$4,158 electric version | Ropox.com
Vision Table
3. Programmable Standing Desk
Unlike the previous two, this height adjustable table is especially for tech-minded employees. Along with its whiteboard surface, its height can be adjusted using an app on your phone. It comes in many colors and sizes, with sleek accessories available for displaying multiple monitors, holding computers and a power supply. $799 | ZeroGravityTables.com
4. Ergotron WorkFit-S Single LD Sit-Stand Workstation
Instead of being a complete tabletop, this product can be attached to a table and enables your keyboard and monitor to move up and down simultaneously as you adjust the height with a gentle push or pull of the hand. Ideal for those who prefer to alternate sitting and standing throughout the work day. $685 | BoundlessAT.com
Ergotron WorkFit-S Single LD Sit-Stand Workstation
5. Desk Mount Stand
Rather than keeping a monitor above your desk, this stand is for 17” laptops of many known brands. Along with the expected vertically moving arm, it also has additional dual-folding arms that move from side to side and tilts the laptop forward. $100 | BoundlessAT.com
6. Laptop Desk
This laptop stand is similar to the one described above, except for the fact that it can be attached to a couch, bed and exercise equipment as well. The site also has stands for tablets, projectors and vehicles, so it’s definitely worth alook. $149 | AirDesks.com
AirDesks
Other Workspace Accessories
7. Sihoo Ergonomics Office Chair
This office chair is not only stylish but follows the natural curve of the spine to prevent back problems that occur from sitting in standard chairs. It allows the user to adjust the headrest, lumbar pillow to ease stress on the lower back and even tilts back for some relaxation during a long stint of work. New $209 / Used $175 | Amazon
8. Flash Furniture Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Do you find yourself too short for most office chairs? I know I sure do! I’m 4’11” and this one has done the trick for my needs. Its seat and kneepad are tilted to make your back curve forward into its proper position, with handlebars to adjust yourself on the seat. The backrest isn’t adjustable, but it works for my petite height and my knees no longer ache from the kneepads as they did initially. $109 | Amazon
Flash Furniture Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
9. Penclic Mouse
This “pen mouse” replaces all the hand-sliding and flat clicks of a traditional mouse with three-to-five buttons that perform common clicking functions and a sensor that moves the cursor across the screen as you tilt the pen—all without using a tablet! Each model comes with a different set of buttons and scroll wheel positions for those who are right-handed, left-handed and ambidextrous. Bluetooth, USB and wireless options are available depending on which you choose. $65-$90 | BoundlessAT.com
10. Arc Touch Mouse
This mouse rests your hand into a natural curved position, can be used up to 30 feet away from a computer and the magnetic strip built into it allows seamless page scrolling with the swipe of a finger. Turning it off is as simple as flattening the device. Its battery lasts an impressive six months per charge, and its magnetic transceiver can snap under the mouse once you’re ready to take it with you on your travels. $90 | BoundlessAT.com
Arc Touch Mouse
11. Suction Cup Mount
This basic suction cup mount holds your cell phone for you and keeps it secure on flat surfaces to grant hands-free use. Other models are also available for Kindles and tablets. $45-$211 | BoundlessAT.com
12. One Hand Keyboards
There are many types (see options in link) of keyboards for one-handed users, whether you have a disability or work at a job where you need to keep one hand off the keyboard to perform clerical and design work. Prices vary. | BoundlessAT.com
One Hand Keyboard
13. Phones for Those with Disabilities
This source has many accessible phones (including smartphones) for those with hearing loss, low-vision or hand limitations. Prices vary. | FocusOnDisability.org.uk
14. Merlin Elite CCTV
Are regular screens too hard to read without magnification? The Merlin Elite not only provides up to 70 times magnification of the screen, but 28 viewing modes to find the perfect balance of contrast and brightness for every user. It even reads text aloud with Nuance® software. $3,495 | BoundlessAT.com
15. BIGtrack Trackball Switch Adapted 2.0
For foot users or those with limited motor control, this eye-popping mouse lets a user control the cursor more easily with its 3” trackball and two mouse-clicking buttons behind it. It also includes two plugs for switches and a connection port for a second mouse (regular or trackball version). Watch the inspiring video below to see how it empowered a user with ALS. $85 | InfoGrip.com
16. Pocketalker®2.0 Personal Amplifier This slim device lets the hearing-impaired increase sound up to 63 dB with a plug-in microphone that picks up sounds in the direction users position it. The headphones can also balance sounds between both ears, and the device itself runs for 105 hours on two AAA batteries. $189 | BoundlessAT.com
Which devices have you used? Tell us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Editor’s note: AmeriDisability does not guarantee the prices listed in this article; please check retailers.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. As an adult, you may be familiar with the flu vaccine, but what about the shingles vaccine?
Imagine if the slightest breeze or the touch of a bed sheet caused excruciating pain on your head, shoulder or side. What if you also had a fever, chills or an upset stomach? Ouch! That’s what shingles, a painful, blistering rash, can be like for some people.
Nearly 1-out-of-every-3 people in the United States will develop the disease in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risk for people over 50 is especially high, and it goes up with increasing age.
The good news is there is a way to reduce your risk of shingles. The CDC now recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older receive Shingrix, a vaccine approved by the FDA in 2017.
Cause and Complications of Shingles
Shingles isn’t contagious in the way we think of the cold or flu. Instead, shingles erupts from the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus (VZV). After a chickenpox infection ends, this virus becomes dormant or inactive within the body. Anyone who has had chickenpox can later get shingles if the virus reactivates. Scientists are unclear why this happens.
A bout of shingles typically occurs in a single stripe on one side of the body, often the torso and (less often) the face region, and generally lasts from two to four weeks. Around 10 to 13 percent of people who develop shingles continue to suffer for many years from the debilitating nerve pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), according to the CDC.
Other potential shingles complications include vision loss, hearing problems and even, in rare cases, blindness or death, the CDC said. The only way to reduce your risk of developing shingles and its aftereffects is to get vaccinated.
What’s Different Now?
The CDC describes Shingrix as the preferred shingles vaccine. Its protection has been shown to last longer than the older shingles vaccine. It also can be administered as early as age 50. The other shingles vaccine, an older version called Zostavax, may still be administered to healthy people 60 and older.
Shingrix is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles, and effectiveness stays above 85 percent for at least the first four years after you receive the vaccine, according to the CDC.
More about the Vaccine
* There is a high demand for Shingrix, so check with your pharmacy or doctor’s office to see if they have a supply. You may be placed on a waiting list.
* Shingrix comes in two doses, spaced two to six months apart.
* If you’ve already had shingles or received the Zostavax vaccination previously, you should still consider getting vaccinated to help prevent another bout of shingles and its complications, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
* Check with your health insurance provider or Medicare about whether the cost of this new vaccine is covered under your plan. Whether it’s helping to schedule routine care appointments or checkups, companies like UnitedHealthcare can help you navigate the health care system to get the care you need as soon as you need it.
Summertime is hot! Everyone loves a cool treat during this warm season… even animals. Frozen dog treats are always a hit with furry friends. You can use items you already have in the kitchen to whip up some homemade, budget-friendly goodies for your working or service dog.
You don’t need to be a culinary whiz to impress your pooch. Frozen dog treats are far more simple to make than most people would imagine. Commercial varieties often cost $3 or more per treat, which makes them unaffordable for many teams. But all you need are a few simple ingredients and an ice cube tray, and you’ll be on your way to a happy, refreshed dog.
Silicone ice cube trays or baking molds work really well for frozen dog treats. They’re easy to find, inexpensive and simple to clean. Amazon, for example, sells a paw print mold for just $5.29 and a double pack of paw print and bone mold for $11.99.
Ingredients for Frozen Dog Treats
Frozen dog treats use a simple premise. Take a base that will freeze solid enough to handle with ease and then add accents like fruit, cheese, shredded meats, nuts, kibble, peanut butter, etc. — the pup-pleasing possibilities are endless! Use ingredients your working or service dog will like and add tidbits with some health benefits. Some ideas for the base include plain yogurt, pumpkin, wet dog food, applesauce, avocado and Parmesan cheese mixed into water to form a paste. You need something dog-friendly with high moisture content that’s soft when not frozen.
You can also blend bases. Yogurt mixes really well with pumpkin, peanut butter or both. Applesauce is great with pumpkin or mashed bananas and peanut butter. Don’t be afraid to get creative… your dog will love trying new treats! Texture will vary depending on your ingredients and how you mix them. If you blend everything in a blender, they’ll be much smoother than if you mix them with a spoon or swirl them. Just like their human partners, different dogs like different things, so go ahead and experiment.
Photo credit: Amazon
Accent ideas for frozen dog treats are endless. Berries, bananas, shredded carrot or sweet potato, chunks of meat or cheese, kibble, green beans and so on. The list is limited only by safety and things your dog likes. Any ingredients you add should be low-sodium, chemical or additive free, and free of artificial sweeteners of all kinds. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions and other unsafe foods.
Frozen Dog Treats Instructions
Once you’ve selected your ingredients, grab a mixing bowl and a spoon. Mix or blend your bases. Spoon enough of the mixture into the mold to cover the bottom of each section. Next, add your accent foods to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute them throughout the remaining mixture. Use your spoon to fill each mold section to the top, making sure to smooth the treats across and scrape excess mixture away from the edges.
Finally, consider any additional add-ins. Does your dog take a daily pill? Put the pill in the center of the treat. How about powdered joint supplements, like Nature Farmacy’s PhytoFlex? Stir a day’s worth or half a day’s worth into each section with a toothpick. As long as your add-in isn’t bitter, your dog probably won’t even notice it’s there.
Freeze your treats until solid, which is about 4 hours for most bases. Pop them out of the mold once they’re ready, and label a baggie with “DOGS” and any medicinal ingredients in the mix. Even if there isn’t medicine in the treats, label the baggie with “DOGS” to avoid confusion. Place all the treats in the baggie and store in the freezer. Share one or two a day with your pet, depending on size.
Originally published by Anything Pawsable; reprinted with permission. Feature photo credit: Anything Pawsable.
To celebrate World Emoji Day (7/17/19), Apple is previewing a selection of new emoji coming this fall, revealing the newest designs that bring even more diversity to the keyboard, alongside fun and exciting additions to popular categories of food, animals, activities and smiley faces.
Following Apple’s proposal to the Unicode Consortium last year to introduce more disability-themed emoji, a new guide dog, an ear with a hearing aid, wheelchairs, a prosthetic arm and a prosthetic leg will be available in the emoji keyboard. According to a company press release, “celebrating diversity in all its many forms is integral to Apple’s values and these new options help fill a significant gap in the emoji keyboard.”
In a major update to the Holding Hands emoji typically used to represent couples and relationships, users will now be able to select any combination of skin tone, in addition to gender, to personalize the people holding hands, opening up more than 75 possible combinations.
Many additional emoji categories are getting exciting updates with a new smiley face for yawning, a one-piece swimsuit, new food items including a waffle, falafel, butter and garlic, and new animals like the sloth, flamingo, orangutan and skunk.
Fifty-nine new emoji designs will be available this fall with a free software update for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. Thousands of emoji are currently available, including emotive smiley faces, gender-neutral characters, more professions, various clothing options, food types, animals, mythical creatures and more. New emoji are created based on the approved characters in Unicode 12.0.
