1lifetime2care4: Sports for Special Needs Children.

Sports for Special Needs Children.

New Rule Says That Schools Must Provide Sports for Disabled Students.

(picture from ABC News website)

I found on the 'ABC News' website that the Education Department decided that schools need to provide the opportunity for disabled students to play school sports. They can join teams/leagues, if needed special accommodations can be made as long as it does not fundamentally alter the sport or give the student an advantage. If this cannot be done, then a 'parallel program' comparable to a tradition program has to be created.

"Sports can provide invaluable lessons in discipline, selflessness, passion and courage, and this guidance will help schools ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to benefit from the life lessons they can learn on the playing field or on the court," Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement announcing the new guidance Friday.

So basically it means that schools cannot exclude disabled students IF they can keep up with their counterparts. This is not to change those sports or even guarantee a spot on the team for a disabled student. There may be some minor changes allowed, such as a visual cue for a deaf runner.

The way the Education Department looks at it is that this new directive tells schools that it is a student's right to have access to intramural, interscholastic, and intercollegiate sports. Some states, Minnesota and Maryland, already have similar programs. One of our local high schools has a sports team that includes disabled students and according to one of the non-disabled students who plays - 'it is a lot of fun and the kids are really good'.

I came across a few links for other sports for disabled that maybe people haven't thought of (please take the time to review each - I did SOME clicking around to take a quick look): Outdoor Sports and Leisure ; Adapted Sports for People with Disabilities; Sports and Recreational Activities for Children with Physical Disabilities. Call around to your local sports clubs. Sometimes these kids are looking for an outlet to feel 'normal' and 'the same as everyone else'.

Special Olympics: Working Our Way to the Summer Games. Now They Are Done!

Just a note to say that the games were wonderful again this year even though they were held indoors due to heavy rain and ran behind schedule. Both the athletes and coaches handled the readjustment of game schedule well. The games were fun to watch and the athletes did their very best at all events. As all the coaches went home tired from being coach, mom/dad, personal assistant or social secretary, they left with smiles on their faces and high-fiving everyone. Their dedication to the athletes showed through the tiredness and confusion with the changes as they never left their side and got them to all the events on-time with last minute encouraging words. Thanks again to all!!! You guys are the best!!

Go back a month ---

As the practices come to an end and the pre-game is over, excitement and enthusiasm rises as we get closer to the Summer Games at URI for both the athletes and coaches. Will has been talking about it for about a month now, reminding me when he goes on the bus and sleeps over.

Everyone leaves on a Friday heading to the university for a day of games, settling into the dorms, seeing their friends from other cities and towns, meet the out-of-state group that joins them and get ready for the opening ceremonies later that evening. Sometimes taking it easy so they can enjoy the after-ceremony pizza party and dance. (they have such a good time) When it is nice, the ceremonies are held outside complete with the groups parading in, speeches, the motorcycle run preceding the torch (last year the total motorcycle count was around 1200 - the kids LOVE it when they come in), then the torch which has been literally on the road from the capital city all day (runners from local law enforcement bring it down) lights the flame for the start of it all. There have been about 1500 athletes meeting for the games.

The next day is full of games and fun, especially fun when the day is nice - the Special Olympic Village is outside, where each team, and their family, has a spot to sit and rest and eat. One tent holds free massages, arts and crafts, and sometimes child ID groups that will give families special forms, fingerprints or videos, one time there were teeth imprints of ALL children in the family. There usually is another tent where eye and teeth exams are done for free for athletes. Of course there are food stands; a great big 'Thank You' to the Knights of Columbus - they sell burgers and/or hot dogs, drinks, etc and all proceeds go to Special Olympics. The best part is watching the kids get their medals.

I want to say "thank you" to all our local coaches for the great work they do. Their commitment to our group is wonderful - most have been with the group for years, which says a lot about them. They have a sleepless night at the Summer Games, too worried about the kids being Ok, making sure they are safe, and being right there if someone has an issue (especially with the first-timers). They can be commended for their loyalty to the kids and their families, to make sure everyone stays involved and feel important to the group.

Anyone looking for a great charity to donate to? This would be the one!!!

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4 Signs of Caregiving Stress Overload

ElderCarelink email posts 4 signs that should not be overlooked by you, the caregiver, or a close family member or friend. They report that even though the immediate caregiver may not be helping in direct care, the mind is never far from the needs of the older person, thinking about meals, falling, medications. Take the opinion of a family member or friend if they are telling you that you are stressed. Four signs: you skip your own physicals; you isolate yourself from others; you eat and/or drink too much for good health; you are short tempered with the elder, your spouse or your children. If any or all of these sound familiar, take a break no matter how short in order to recharge. For more information on caregiver stress see ElderCarelink

A Caregiver's Poem

I was looking through a 'Caregiver's Blog: Senior Care Support' and came across a poem that was shared by a writer, Dana, from the blog. The poem was written by Becky Netherland and Dana's grandmother shared it with her. I thought it was great and there is not much to say about it - just read!!! Enjoy!!

Grandma’s Pearls of Wisdom:

(picture from Caregivers Blog)

I’ve traveled paths you’ve yet to walk

Learned lessons old and new

And now this wisdom of my life

I’m blessed to share with you

Let kindness spread like sunshine

Embrace those who are sad

Respect their dignity, give them joy

And leave them feeling glad

Forgive those who might hurt you

And though you have your pride

Listen closely to their viewpoint

Try to see the other side

Walk softly when you’re angry

Try not to take offense

Invoke your sense of humor

Laughter’s power is immense!

Express what you are feeling

Your beliefs you should uphold

Don’t shy away from what is right

Be courageous and be bold

Keep hope right in your pocket

It will guide you day by day

Take it out when it is needed

When it’s near, you’ll find a way

Remember friends and family

Of which you are a precious part

Love deeply and love truly

Give freely from your heart

The world is far from perfect

There’s conflict and there’s strife

But you still can make a difference

By how you live your life

And so I’m very blessed to know

The wonders you will do

Because you are my granddaughter

And I believe in you.

SBA and Veterans

We usually address vets in the blog when it comes to medical or caregiver issues, but I found an article in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal (RISBA) that informed us of how the Small Business Administration (SBA) is helping vets get loans to start or grow a business. Veterans Advantage covers a variety of programs including helping them to get ahead with the great skills they have. According to the RISBJ, the SBA can help with business counseling, training, capital & business development opportunities through government contracts. You can also access more information here at the SBA or call your local SBA.

Caregiver Products

There is a panel started by 'Caring.com' that will allow people to sign up and test products and review them and possibly have your remarks published. According to the site, you then get to keep the item. Please check out the recruitment questionaire.

One review that I found was for Presto Computerless E-mail. This device will allow people to send emails, photos, and other attachments to those who might not be tech savvy WITHOUT them needing a computer or internet access. You can check out the reviews both pro and con.

Caregiver 'Pick-Me-Ups'

Caring.com offers 8 ways for a caregiver, and older parent, to try and put aside the winter doldrums and look toward spring (and try to have a happier attitude).

1 - Sniff a hyacinth. Get one with tight green blossoms so it lasts longer. This type of flower using bring memories of spring celebrations.

2 - Eat a few chocolate eggs. Eat in moderation but those tasty eggs only come this time of year for Easter.

3 - Install a bird feeder. Easy to make (you might be able to do it with your older parent and/or children) and watch your visitors from the comfort of home.

4 - Cut a branch and put it in a vase. Who doesn't like to look at dogwood, forsythia, pussywillows, tulip magnolia?

5 - Plan your summer break. Start thinking of who can take over for you, for a day, weekend, etc. Give them notice.

6 - Get rain ready. A lot of times mom or dad may lose umbrellas or rain hats. Get several to keep around a house or car. Check on the tissues, combs, reading glasses, etc.

7 - Watch 'Singing in the Rain'. Great music and dancing. The older folks will love it, and probably remember the words to the songs.

8 - Celebrate the end of winters hassles. Just know there will be less fighting over the thermostat, which coat to wear, locating the boots, and watching out for ice.

You May Be Able to Get Paid As A Caregiver.

Something I did not know: From 'Caring.com' check this out.

If you're one of more than 70 million people who provide unpaid caregiving for a family member or friend -- either in that person's home or in your own -- you know that the time and energy burden can be enormous. In fact, you may have cut back or given up your paying job. Your smaller (or now nonexistent) paycheck may be pinching you hard. If so, it might be possible for you to get a small but regular payment for your caregiving work.

Here's how: If the parent, spouse, or other person you're caring for is eligible for Medicaid, its Cash and Counseling program, available in some states, can provide direct payments that could go to you. A few other states have similar programs for low-income seniors, even if the person receiving care doesn't quite qualify for Medicaid. Also, if the person you're caring for has long-term care insurance that includes in-home care coverage, in some cases those benefits can be used to pay you. If the person you're caring for will be paying you from any source, it may be a good idea -- for both of you -- to draft a short written contract setting out the terms of your work and payment.

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