How much do you know about your child’s right to use assistive technology (AT) in school? The U.S. Department of Education has recently issued new guidelines, published this January as Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services. Here…
The first issue of Parenting Special Needs Magazine for 2024 is here! The article written by the BridgingApps team in this issue shares some of the top rated apps for 2023 as well as new ones you might want to…
It’s the second week of the 2024 and thousands of people have made New Year’s resolutions; marked their calendars with the proper steps for getting started; plunged in with enthusiasm—then lapsed back into business-as-usual. The phenomenon is so common, January…
The term “birth defect” is falling out of favor, as people rightly resent implications of being “defective.” This writer personally prefers “congenital disabilities”; the World Health Organization speaks of “congenital anomalies”; but for the present, “birth defects” remains the official…
With all the meltdown triggers in the world, the common element is stress: stress of unfamiliar situations, stress of physical discomfort, stress of unreasonable demands, stress of overload. Even minor stresses, when they pile up for too long, can trigger…
If you hate the sensory overload of mall shopping, there’s no need to force yourself. Digital shopping has been a convenient alternative for years—all the more so now that most stores have their own apps. Using an App for Shopping…
December 2, the 48th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is officially recognized as Special Education Day. Take time this week to congratulate a special-education student, teacher, or advocate. While “special education” usually means disability accommodations, everyone…
The road to “self-management” (full personal independence) has a long learning curve. If you’re disabled, the curve is even steeper—not only because of the disability itself, but because society still tends to focus on “can’t-dos.” People may have told you,…
Not only is Veterans Day on November 11: November as a whole is an official month for military families. Started in 1996, Military Family Month recognizes the “home front personnel” who fight their own daily battles: It’s important to thank…
Disorders such as Down syndrome or autism needn’t mean a lifetime of dependence. Many people with such disabilities can be employed and self-supporting—and there have never been more options available. Higher education, for instance, is no longer reserved for academic…
