Benefits of living with a child who has a disability

I was asked "what are the benefits of living with a child who has a disability". I did an information search and this is what I found:

· broadened horizons

· increased family members’ awareness of their inner strength

· enhanced family cohesion

· encouraged connections to community group or religious institutions

· pleasure/satisfaction in providing care for child

· child is a source of joy/happiness

· sense of accomplishment in having done one’s best for the child

· shared love with the child

· child provides a challenge or opportunity to learn and develop

· strengthened family and/or marriage

· giving new or increased sense of purpose in life

· development of new skills, abilities, or new career opportunities

· becoming a better person (more compassionate, less selfish, more tolerant)

· increased personal strength or confidence

· expanded social and community networks

· increase spirituality

· changed perspective on life (e.g. clarified what is important in life, more aware of the future)

· making the most of each day and living life at a slower pace

Important registration dates for sport/recreation

Track 3 Ski http://www.londontrack3.ca/

George Bray Hockey Program - Sep 17th (9am-noon), Sep 21st (6:30-9pm) and 24th (9am-noon) at Glen Carin Arena murrayhoward@execulink.com

London Blizzard Sledge Hockey - September 21 (5:00 - 6:00 at Western Fair Sports Centre/Arena) bernat.s@sympatico.ca

London Wheelchair Basketball - Paul pbowes4189@rogers.com or Tony ant@stonetown.com

Making Waves Swim Program - online http://www.makingwaveslondon.org/

Boccia - London Cannonballs www.londoncannonballs.ca/

Intro to ParaSwim - introtoparaswim@gmail.com

If you have any questions, please email one of the therapeutic recreationists at tr@tvcc.on.ca

Young People Talking to Health Care Providers

I came across an 18-minute video on  "The Institute for Child Health Policy" website. It teaches teens how to communicate effectively with health care providers. Have a look:  http://www.ichp.ufl.edu/videos/twyd

What is a Resource Centre?

E.B.White, children’s author of Charlotte’s Web, once wrote a letter to a librarian. These are his words but I have replaced the word “library” with “resource centre”. I hope you agree.

“A resource centre is many things. It’s a place to go to get in out of the rain. It’s a place to go if you want to sit and think. But particularly it is a place where books live, and where you can get in touch with other people, and other thoughts, through books. A resource centre is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided for there in a book, you may have your questions answered. Books are good company in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.”

Special Needs Apps 4 Kids Review System

I must admit I have iPad envy.
What fun! - I could be lying on some exotic beach with a screen in my face.

Some parents not only have iPads and/or iPods for themselves but for their children too. If you are one of these lucky parents, you may want to check out the website SNApps4Kids.com. It is a community of parents, therapists, doctors and teachers who share information on how we are using these devices with children who have special needs.

20 apps for kids are reviewed at:
http://www.snapps4kids.com/applicationreview/snapps-reviewed-app/
The reviews focus on skills, not age or developmental level.

As for me, I remain in front of my monitor that is attached to a computer the size of a suitcase.

Stem Cells and Cerebral Palsy

Our nurse, Dorothy Harris, gives two thumbs up to the article "Stem Cell Treatments for Cerebral Palsy, factsheet for patients and families". It is written by Crystal Ruff, Jared Wilcox and Michael Fehlings.
You can find a copy of the factsheet as well as a more in-depth newsletter at:

http://www.childhooddisability.ca/cdc_en/newsletter.php

Dr.Thomas W.Phelan's 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Newsletter

The April issue of this newsletter has the following articles:

• What To Do About Lying - A primary rule for parents when dealing with living is don't badger or corner children! Imagine you give a child the third degree about whether or not he has homework...
• Kids Won't Pick Up? Try This! - This idea was described to me by a woman many years ago. She told me that picking up around her house had never been a problem. This resourceful mother...

You can read the full text articles (along with previous issues) at http://www.parentmagic.com/newsletter-view.cfm