Looking for a gift for a child or teen with special needs?  We are here to help! When shopping for someone with challenges, it is not just about finding something they will like — it is also about finding a gift they can use and enjoy on their own.  It is important to remember that not all items are made for all types of needs, every child is different in their ability level. Mainstream toys and electronic devices are not always compatible with the sensory and motor issues present in some children with special needs.  Some companies make alternatives that often mimic or improve on mainstream items.  They are designed with special needs children and teens in mind but are adapted with switches or larger buttons where needed and provide sensory experiences that are well-suited for those with sensory sensitivities.

To help guide your search, the team at Enabling Devices, a company dedicated to creating products to help people with disabilities participate fully in the world, suggests that you ask the following questions:

1. Is the item right for the child’s abilities?
2. Will the child be able to activate the toy by themselves?
3. Does it appeal to their interests?
4. Is It Physical?
5. Do you need a special switch adaptor to activate?
6. Does the toy encourage interaction with others?
7. Is it safe for their developmental age?
8. Is it fragile?

Resources and Websites Websites such as  https://funandfunction.com/  and  https://www.fatbraintoys.com/ do some of the legwork by arranging products by age and diagnosis.  From ADHD to Visual Impairment, they cater to those with cognitive, behavioral, and physical challenges.  eSpecial Needs, https://www.especialneeds.com/, carries a variety of unique special needs toys, including blocks, cognitive play, educational, magnetic activities, fine and gross motor, and pretend play. Ability Path provides a holiday toy guide created by a team of pediatric therapists (https://abilitypath.org/resources/holiday-gift-guide/).  Items are listed in alphabetical order with a description of the developmental benefits associated with each toy. Enabling Devices has a digital catalog filled with toys, games, and electronics specially designed to meet a wide range of special needs. The family-owned company adapts or manufactures all products in the U.S. and provides individualized assistance to guide your selection (https://enablingdevices.com/digital_catalog/). Different Roads to Learning, https://difflearn.com/, founded by the mother of a child with Autism, carries toys and products especially selected to support the autism community. If you are searching for a non-toy/game/electronic idea, consider photos and personalized items.  Photo books and digital frames promote imagination and creativity. They are a unique gift and a great way for children to learn names, faces, counting, emotions and more.  Personalized items with pictures or words are always popular. Whether you choose their name, a favorite phrase, their photo or a photo of their pet, the personalization possibilities are virtually endless. Last, when in doubt, just ask!  If you are not sure what kind of gift they might appreciate, ask them or their parents. Afterall, the greatest gift you can give any family is to let them know that you care for their child.                       

“Inclusion drives innovation” is the theme for this October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates the public about the value of a workforce inclusive of their contributions, skills and talents. This year marks the nation’s 75th observance of NDEAM as well as the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The roots of this month date back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October to be “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” focusing attention on the return of WWII soldiers with disabilities. Much has changed since then, but the fact that individuals with disabilities want to work and are a vital part of the American workforce remains the central message. People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt,” said Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary, Jennifer Sheehy. In the current environment where the pandemic has challenged every aspect of our society and economy, “now more than ever, flexibility is important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.” In 2019, before the pandemic began to affect the U.S. economy, just 33 percent of people with disabilities ages 16 to 64 were employed, compared with 77 percent of people without disabilities. Since March, approximately 1 million US workers with disabilities have lost their jobs. Workers with disabilities represent only about 3 percent of the labor force, but they have experienced disproportionate labor market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Bureau of Labor Statistic reported that since March, 1 in 5 workers with disabilities have been dismissed from employment compared to 1 in 7 in the general population. Both the widespread shut down of businesses and the mass shift to “work from home” have directly and negatively impacted employees and job seekers with disabilities, as well as the delivery systems for disability employment services. Many people with disabilities work in businesses identified as essential during the pandemic, such as grocery stores, retail fulfillment centers and healthcare facilities. However, underlying health conditions may put them at greater risk in these public-facing roles. In addition, these essential workers often rely on supports from job coaches and employment specialists to navigate elements of their job responsibilities.  Supported workers need assistance to understand universal precautions, to adjust to changing work responsibilities, manage anxiety and ensure communications are understood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many of this critical in-person support was put on hold. Similarly, when the economy shut down earlier this year, many facility-based day rehabilitation programs and pre-vocational programs were forced to shut down. Community-based service providers needed to quickly pivot to provide supports remotely, utilizing various forms of readily available technology, often without complete assurance that remote service delivery would be reimbursed. Despite a relatively quick response from state and federal authorities to enhance flexibility and adjust funding requirements, community-based disability service providers across the country had to shut down programs and furlough staff. It is unclear how many of these programs will reopen. Because of social distancing requirements, some programs are not able to serve enough people right now to be financially feasible and programs that have attempted to reopen have seen low utilization. National Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us that people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to achieve personal satisfaction, economic security, and independence through employment.   Employment advocates across the country are working to overcome challenges amid the pandemic to keep their clients engaged in training and employed. They are balancing the availability of jobs with the safety of their clients to maintain supported employment and other employment services in local communities so that people with disabilities can have the supports they need to remain successful and safe on their jobs.

It’s been a really, really, really long spring, hasn’t it? And who among us can’t use a break right about now; especially from our homes?  Not only have we been stuck inside, but also stuck working from home and educating our children at home. That’s a lot of time in one place and cabin fever is taking its toll. But just in the nick of time, summer is here. Desperately needed warm weather, sunshine, and fresh air will be around for the next few months allowing us a happy escape from the confines of our four walls. And outside activity has the added bonus of being a safe place to enjoy. With kids out of school (and possibly no camp or organized activities), there will likely be a lot of outdoor activity ahead. For many people it also means a great time for vacation. But what will that look like this year? While some Americans may be reluctant to vacation due to economic uncertainty, fears of virus transmission in crowds and closed spaces, (including planes, trains, and hotel rooms), others are desperate to break out and feel some semblance of normalcy. And though this summer’s vacation may not be what they had hoped for or planned, it will be a change from the monotony of these past few months. So what can you do while adhering to the boundaries of COVID and still have fun? Though many doors are closed right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a summer trip with your family. It’s just a moment for creativity, for considering alternatives, and maybe thinking slightly outside the box. Regional travel by vehicle is projected to be this summer’s primary source of vacationing for most Americans. With gas prices down and social distancing up, families will likely stick to traveling to areas within driving distance from home. And what appears to be emerging as this summer’s most popular draw is camping. RV sales and rentals are way up. The trend is expected to continue as people with the means look to social distancing options that allow them to travel, sleep, and eat in the same place. Tents are a less expensive way to have a similar experience. Camping lends itself to quieter and less crowded daily activities including, fishing, hiking, swimming, and S’mores. Or you could rent a place. Whether you live near the beach or a lake, mountains or desert, rental homes are considered a generally safe option. Some parks and beaches may be more limited as states try to maintain social distancing, but if you work within the guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of a new environment. Go for walks, bike rides, out on a kayak, or canoe. And there’s always the option of a “staycation.” Plan day trips from home. You can likely do any of the above activities just outside your door or a quick car ride away. It’s summer. Take this lemon year we’ve been handed and make some lemonade. (Just don’t have a stand).

With Memorial Day behind us, and summer unofficially here, spending more time outdoors and in the sun is likely for most of us. And right now, because indoor socializing has become risky, the safest way to see family and friends will be outside. And let’s face it, fresh air, blue skies and social gatherings, even from a distance, will be the mental boost we could all use. More time in the sun isn’t. A surge in sun exposure isn’t. While we all need some sunshine, it’s one of the best sources of vitamin D, early morning or late afternoons are the safest times to absorb it. The glow of sun-kissed skin may seem like a sign of good health, but sunspots and wrinkles are not the only unwelcome side effects of the sun. The most common cancer in the United States (fortunately also one of the most preventable) is skin cancer, and all it takes is 15 minutes of exposure for unprotected skin to be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. There are three different types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the most dangerous and deadly, melanoma. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 and more than 2 people die every hour of skin cancer in the U.S. Basal cell and squamous cell are the most common forms and make up 95% of all skin cancers; both directly due to a lifetime of sun exposure, but are highly curable when caught early and treated properly. Melanoma is a different story. Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer and will typically spread to other parts of the body, becoming difficult to control if left untreated. When discovered in its earliest stages, melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate; if it has metastasized to other organs, the prognosis becomes grim. Skin type, having many or unusual moles, and family history are all factors in developing melanoma, but UV exposure causes the most cases. A history of blistering sunburns and ultraviolet light exposure from the sun or from tanning beds are directly attributable to melanoma. Staying indoors during the suns strongest hours is the most effective way to protect your skin. The use of high SPF sunscreens, shade, and covering your skin is essential for the hours you do spend outside. Protecting your skin and regularly checking your skin are paramount to your overall health. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, typically a new mole or spot, or a change to an existing mole. Self-examinations should include the ABCDE rule that tells you signs to watch out for: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolution. All changes should be followed up with your doctor, and seeing a dermatologist every year should be a part of your routine exams. While it’s a great time for the great outdoors, do it wisely: avoid the sun. For more information visit: aad.org  

Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, TN, is one of the top 50 most frequented theme parks in the world. The theme park bears name of country music’s Dolly Parton, and is visited annually by over two million guests. Recently, the major theme park and resort has introduced a calming room for children with Autism. Dollywood is the first theme park in the world to introduce this type of space. The calming room is designed with low lighting, comfortable seating, and items meant to soothe children who may experience sensory overload, like weighted blankets and tents. Children with autism and their parents can retreat and take a break from the crowds, loud noises, rides, and bright lights of the theme park. For many children with autism, the sensory inputs and atmosphere of a theme park can quickly become overwhelming. A calming room allows children and their families a chance to relax, extend their stay, and have an overall better experience in the park.  Dollywood has been getting outstanding feedback since they’ve implemented their calming room. Parents of children with autism know the difference a quiet, relaxing place can make in the level of enjoyment for their child. Because of the praise Dollywood is receiving in regard to their calming room, other theme parks are likely to follow this trend and become more accommodating to families of people with differing abilities. We hope to see this trend in calming rooms move beyond theme parks and into other public places.