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Love Through Disabilities

June 21, 2011 Learning Disabilities
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Every woman has been blessed by the creator the honor of continuing the human race by giving the reward of being able to bear a child. Giving birth with your own flesh and blood must be the most gratifying reward for every woman. To be able to see your own offspring welcome the world gives you the emotion of doing everything just to give what the baby needs to feel that the baby is most welcomed to the real world. Initial reactions of over protectiveness can sometimes rule you because of too much love and care for your child. There is nothing more wonderful than being able to hear your child recognize you as the parent and to watch your child grow from being a baby to a fully matured person that follows the values and morals you taught when they were still young and looking for guidance and protection from the vindictive world.

However, sometimes because of certain reasons a mother can give birth to child with a disability or chronic infirmity. There are inborn disabilities or infirmities that are caused by genetics or negligence on the mother’s part when the baby is still on the development stage inside the tummy. Child disabilities are sometimes a result of genetic issues like getting an abnormal count of genes when they were still on the embryonic stage.

One cause could also be blamed on mothers who commits things or acts that is prohibited for pregnant women like taking drugs, cigarette smoking and alcohol intakes for example. Nevertheless it does not matter anymore what caused for a child to have disabilities. It is still an obligation for parents to give the entire child’s need like any other normal children. Giving birth to a child with disabilities requires parents to give their extra effort for it is necessary not only because of morale reasons but also for the reason that child with disabilities tend to be more clingy and needy.

This situation is hard not only for parents but also with the other siblings especially if a child with disability is not the only child in the family. It is not only the parent that needs to adjust but as well as the other siblings. This would require a large portion of a family to adjust with attention, time, effort and financial issues. Psychological support is also a crucial part especially for siblings to show her/his brother/sister the same care and love they give to their other normal siblings.

It is important for all members of the family to show the disable child that he/she is still part of the family amidst the disabilities. Never show any acts of negligence because medical studies show that child with disabilities can distinguish positive and negative reactions from other family members. If ever the other siblings acts rude towards the disabled child this might affect the over all modification and progress of the child’s self-esteem. Hence, this is really a big challenge for parents to be able to adjust to the situation and make the normal children understand the situation while being able to balance the needs for their siblings without being biased for both sides.

Telecommuting Jobs With Disabilities

June 21, 2011 Learning Disabilities
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Even with the price of gasoline dropping recently, employers and employees are increasingly interested in the benefits of telecommuting. This a great opportunity for those of us who are tired of the nine to five schedule and hate the exhausting commutes back and forth to work.

Why does the new American workforce dig telecommuting so much? Employees love telecommuting because it creates flexibility to balance work and personal life, saves money, protects the environment, and reduces commuting time.

Bosses dig telecommuting because it can help them to expand their office hours, reduce absenteeism, expand their labor pool and workforce without having to buy new buildings, and reduce their need for other additional supplies and space.

However, if you’re one of the millions of Americans that is searching for reasonable accommodations due to a disability, telecommuting probably has more meaning to you than just saving time and money. It also has an air of freedom and dignity – you’ll be able to start a new career, with part or full-time hours, as well as benefits. Telecommuting jobs can provide a person with reasonable accommodations and the skills to have a lifelong career working from home, off of much more than an SSDI or SSI check, with potential for full benefits.

There are many different types of work from home opportunities available via new technology. Some common work at home positions may include:

• Customer Service/Call Center
• Sales and Marketing
• Virtual Assistant / Administrative Assistant
• Online Teaching /Tutoring

Of course, as with any position, it is expected that you will have the skills necessary to complete the job’s tasks successfully, so you may need some formal job training before performing a job search and applying, otherwise, you may be sorely disappointed.

Before applying for any telecommuting job online, keep the following questions in mind:

• Do you have an up to date computer that can handle software required to work from home?
• Do you have a reliable, high-speed internet connection?
• Do you have a phone line that can be dedicated exclusively to your work?
• Do you have a quiet and organized space in your home to designate as your home office?
• Do you have the organizational and computer skills required to work from your home?
• Are you a self-starter?
• Are you able to stay on task and not get easily distracted?

If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, then you may need to spend a little more time in preparation, and you may want to get some assistance from some of the following resources:

Your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Office
Your local VR office can help you secure a job that is in line with your abilities and skills and can help identify job skills training programs.

National Telecommuting Institute (NTI)
One program your VR counselor should look into is the National Telecommuting Institute (NTI). They work with vocational rehabilitation agencies to enable individuals with disabilities to train for and work online. For more information, visit NTI online at http://www.nticentral.org.

Your Local Center for Independent Living (CIL)
CIL offers a range of services to people with disabilities. Most CILs offer employment counseling can refer you to employment programs in your area.

Children With Disabilities

June 21, 2011 Learning Disabilities
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I worked for The Department of Services for People with Disabilities for ten years. I was a caseworker for people who were low functioning. There are many types of disabilities, mental as well as physical limitations. This can be a challenge for the parent or guardian when traveling at any time and during the holiday rush it can be an even bigger challenge.

With preparation and organization those with disabilities can travel just as well as anyone else. Here are some ideas and tips to make your holiday traveling easier and less stressful.

Pack everything the child will need or want in a carry on bag that can be used in the airport and will clear security. It might be a favorite toy, simple electronic gadgets, and favorite foods. If they are old enough to understand explain what to expect when arriving at the airport starting at the ticket counter, proceeding through security and then the wait before boarding the plane.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the following tips for easy and safe travel with the minimum of hassle:Parents or guardians of children with disabilities should…

• Inform the Security Officer if the child has any special needs or medical devices.

• Inform the Security Officer if you think the child may become upset during the screening process as a result of their disability.

• Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any cofusion or outburst for the child.

• Ask the Security Officer for assistance during the process by helping you put your and the child’s carry-on items on the X-ray belt.

• Know that at no time during the screening process will you be separated from your child.

• Know that if a private screening is required, you should escort and remain with your child during the private screening process.

• Tell the Security Officer what are your child’s abilities are. For example: can the child stand slightly away from equipment to be hand wanded, walk through the metal detector, or needs to be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian.

• Know that all no time should the Security Officer remove your child from his/her mobility aid (wheelchair or scooter). You are responsible for removing your child from his/her equipment at your discretion to accomplish screening.

• Know that if your child is unable to walk or stand, the Security Officer will conduct a pat-down search of your child while he/she remains in their mobility aid, as well as a visual and physical inspection of their equipment.

I have observed pat-down’s being done on several occasions on people who are in wheelchairs. The officer in each instance has been very polite and considerate of the feelings of the person in the wheel chair. This is something that could be practiced at home. Role play with the child as to what will happen with the pat down at the airport so they will know what to expect.

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