Disability | NCHPAD Blog - Endless CapABILITIES

Parenting a Child With Diabetes: What You Need to Know

At first, the signs were nearly imperceptible. Your kid began drinking a lot more water and needed more potty breaks than ever before. Maybe she was constantly tired or experienced inexplicable signs of nausea. In any case, it was clear you needed to take her to a pediatrician.

The diagnosis? Type 1 diabetes mellitus. A disease that impairs your child’s body from producing insulin and introduces a world of new routines, concerns, and fears. It can feel like your child’s life is ending before it even really began.

If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, know that you and your child will work through this. While type 1 diabetes can lead to severe mental and financial burdens, there are ways you both can overcome.

Posted by Devin Morrissey Jul 31, 2017 Posted in Disability 17 Comments

‘Horton Hears A Who’ — Hearing The Voices Of Athletes With Disabilities

Tagged with: athletes awareness disability inclusion sport wheelchair

We Are Here

These are the words the beloved Dr. Seuss’ character, Horton the Elephant, hears one day. While faint, Horton can hear the infinitesimally small mantra although others cannot. He soon discovers an entire microscopic group of beings living on a mere speck that is actually the tiny planet of Whoville. Since no one else seems to hear them, Horton takes it upon himself to protect them until he is able to help the planet’s residents prove their existence. In the end, he is successful and finally the rest of the world hears their chorus for recognition.

Posted by Eli Wolff Jul 19, 2017 Posted in Disability 1 Comment

Building an Accessible World For Our Children

Tagged with: accessible athletes awareness children disability inclusion Physical Activity sport

The world has come a long way in acknowledging that not everyone has the same physical and mental abilities or needs and that public services should be accessible to all. One day, there may be a generation of adults who grew up never seeing the world where people were excluded. But that can only happen if we teach our kids inclusivity, and more importantly, provide them with the tools to be included and include others in all aspects of life. Below are some ways we can make a more accessible world for all of our children.

Posted by Jeriann Ireland Jul 17, 2017 Posted in Disability 6 Comments

Guidelines for Exercising with a Pacemaker

Tagged with: exercise heart health pacemaker

If you’ve just started life with a pacemaker, it might feel like everything has changed. The idea of getting back to normal routines, including exercising, can feel daunting or even impossible. However, it’s absolutely possible in most cases to adjust and get back to a good routine—pacemaker patients are often able to resume most exercises eventually, depending on the condition of their heart. Exercise is a great way to build strength, lower cholesterol, and reduce risk for heart disease, so it’s something you should prioritize as soon as you can. If you’re not sure where to start on getting back in shape, here are some guidelines to help you get moving.

Posted by Sarah Daren Jul 13, 2017 Posted in Disability 4 Comments

Weight Management, Exercises and Diet for People who use Wheelchairs

Tagged with: awareness disability exercise fitness goals Nutrition Physical Activity wheelchair

You don’t need to feel that your disability will keep you stuck with excess weight because even as a person with a disability there are many ways you can remain active and manage. The key to activity and weight loss lies in a healthy diet and exercises which concentrate on the abilities that you have rather than focusing on your limitations.

Posted by Zyana Morris Jul 11, 2017 Posted in Disability 5 Comments

5 Necessary Assistive Technologies for K-12 Computer Labs

Tagged with: disability education inclusion

There are more computers in public schools than ever before — approximately one for every 5.3 students — but students with disabilities are often unable to benefit from this technological access. Inadequate funding and training has led a lack of assistive technologies in classrooms and computer labs. They have become places where students with certain conditions are unable to make any meaningful progress. This inevitably leads to the further stigmatization and isolation of such students.

Posted by Devin Morrissey Jul 07, 2017 Posted in Disability 8 Comments

Assistive Technology to Improve Education for Students with Autism

Tagged with: assistive technology Autism education

Every individual has potential. This month, we have cause to celebrate that. June 18 is Autistic Pride Day, a celebration of the diversity of everyone on the autism spectrum.

In the US, One in 68 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Regardless, educators rarely receive specialized training in order to best meet the needs of students with ASD. Given how ubiquitous the disorder is, it is clear that measures must be taken to ensure equal access to education.

Fortunately, there are several types of assistive technologies that can improve the quality of education for these learners. By implementing the following devices in K-12 education, we can help ensure that students with autism can develop the social and language skills needed to succeed in life:

Posted by Devin Morrissey Jun 12, 2017 Posted in Disability 6 Comments

Discussing Sports Accessibility During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Tagged with: accessibility athletes awareness coach disability family kids Physical Activity sport

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and it’s a great time to shed some light on some of the shortcomings of the sports community, both in who is welcomed and how participants are treated. Below are some ways to highlight pertinent accessibility issues in your local sports and fitness community.

Posted by Jeriann Ireland May 10, 2017 Posted in Disability 1 Comment

#ShowYourMettle on the Road With These Driving Aids

Tagged with: accessibility amputee assistive technology driving aids

Today, thousands of Americans are wearing and displaying their prosthetics in a show of pride and solidarity. The Amputee Coalition is encouraging amputees to demonstrate their pride online with the hashtag #ShowYourMettle. To show your “mettle” — the ability to resiliently cope in the face of adversity — you should show your “metal”.

Posted by Devin Morrissey May 08, 2017 Posted in Disability, Uncategorized 2 Comments

Home Design Choices that Improve Accessibility

Tagged with: accessible inclusion wheelchair

Homes and apartments are a lot more accessible for people with disabilities than they used to be. There are standard door sizes that are wide enough to roll wheelchairs through. Handrails have regulated heights to be able to protect people of varying heights and mobility. Smoke detectors now have lights as well as sounds, to be used by the hearing impaired.

Posted by Jeriann Ireland Apr 13, 2017 Posted in Disability 3 Comments