Parenting

Family shows solidarity with their 4-month-old who needs a helmet

Gary and Shayna Gutierrez, parents of two from San Antonio, Texas, found out last week that their 4-month-old son, Jonas, has brachycephaly. The common diagnosis develops when an infant’s soft skull becomes flattened in one … READ MORE

Siblings of disabled people know them best. Let’s use their insight

A disabled person’s care is hugely improved if their family and providers collaborate effectively. My charity’s guides help. Almost six years ago, a government report stressed how crucial family involvement is in the support of … READ MORE

Almost half of babies have flat spot on head, but prevention is simple

Parents can take a few simple steps to prevent their baby’s head from becoming misshapen. 3D scanning for plagiocephaly helmet therapy with Orthomerica SmartSoc app. OAPL By Sheryl Ubelacker, The Canadian Press, Global News … READ MORE

Hudson gets a helmet using 3D technology

Hudson Churchill was born one month premature. Because of his particularly tender skull, he began to develop a large flat spot on the back of his head called plagiocephaly. His mom, Adele, tried to round out the flatness with a … READ MORE

How do you assess pain in children who can’t express themselves?

New research identifies priorities in identifying pain in non-verbal children with medical complexity. Pain is a frequent problem for children with complex medical conditions — but many of them are unable to communicate their pain … READ MORE

Children with disabilities endure long waits for life-changing medical equipment

Bev Baker-Ajene waited so long to get an adult-sized wheelchair for her teenage daughter, Savitri, that she eventually forgot she’d ordered it. Bev Baker-Ajene ran into red tape trying to acquire an appropriate wheelchair and shower … READ MORE

Young people with chronic health conditions get help transferring to adult care

Provincial project team hopes to enrol 600 people aged 16 to 21 in trial program over next two years. University of Calgary researcher Susan Samuel is leading the Transition Navigator Trial to improve the transition of young people … READ MORE

Alberta’s Transition Navigator Trial, TNT

A randomized controlled trial evaluating a patient navigator service to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care. University of Calgary researcher Susan Samuel is leading the Transition Navigator Trial to improve the … READ MORE

Custom home built for family of disabled nine-year-old daughter

After almost a full year of construction and six years of planning, Clare’s House is built and nine-year-old Clare Jackson will be better equipped to live with cerebral palsy, scoliosis and her other severe medical challenges. Clare … READ MORE

Low wages are driving a shortage of care providers – elders and the disabled now face a crisis in California

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 14 percent of Americans have developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. The rates of such disabilities are on a steady rise, and some members of … READ MORE

Prevalence of idiopathic toe-walking in children from birth to 10 years of age

Investigators found 79% of children who had ever been toe-walkers spontaneously developed typical gait by 10 years of age and did so without intervention or contractures of the ankle dorsiflexion. There are a number of reasons some … READ MORE

Calgary mom of terminally ill boy urges empathy in neighbourhood parking spat

‘I’ve had people come to my door and tell me that I needed to move the vehicle or they were going to hit it.’ Melissa Huitema and her sons, from left, Cade, 5, Kean, 3, and Kai, 7, are seen in this undated handout … READ MORE

Camping with cerebral palsy is fun and challenging

Camping isn’t on the top 10 list of activities for people with disabilities. Growing up, I went to a summer camp for children with disabilities, but I stayed in cabins with bathrooms. Five years ago, my husband asked me to go … READ MORE

Federal home visiting program can be improved to better meet needs of families

Compared with other countries, the United States often falls short on many maternal and child health outcomes. A federal program known as Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) is designed to give pregnant women … READ MORE

Edmonton day camp for children with disabilities, chronic illness receives funding boost

‘I’ve always wanted to learn gymnastics and become an athlete.’ A free day camp for children living with a chronic illness or disability. Apply Now! Children with disabilities and chronic illnesses and their friends … READ MORE

Father helps son with cerebral palsy walk with custom 3D printed orthosis

Around the world, over 17 million people have limited control of their bodies due to cerebral palsy (CP). A diagnosis of CP can be terrifying for new parents, as they wonder whether their child will ever sit, stand, walk, feed … READ MORE

‘I can’t continue to do this forever’: Families with children aging out of care seek answers

CBC Radio’s Crisis of Care panel brought together concerned families and a group of experts. Matthew Canto with his parents Rose and Tony. Rose spoke about her fears for Matthew’s future as she struggles to find … READ MORE

UAlberta expert dispels 5 persistent myths about helmet use

Perceptions aren’t true, but the risk of traumatic brain injury is real, says injury prevention researcher. Wearing a protective helmet is a smart idea at any age—and sets an example for kids that could keep them safer for the … READ MORE

It’s limitless: Paralyzed toddler moves from homemade wheelchair to treadmill

‘She’s going to take on the world and it’s awesome’ Evelyn Moore is hooked up to her dad Brad Moore as they take part in a walking exercise at the ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre in Edmonton. The Canadian Press … READ MORE

‘I am absolutely furious,’ says mother trying to renew disability tax credit

CRA complaints include lost documents, rejection of previously approved applicants. More Canadians are speaking out about difficulty dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency as they apply for the disability tax credit. Canadians are … READ MORE

Children with special needs can be an asset to society – our café proves it

On Down’s Syndrome Day, the public and businesses should challenge their perception of what children with additional needs are capable of. The 3 Café and Kitchen in Bath. Beata Cosgrove, The Guardian Lucy Beattie, The Guardian 20 … READ MORE

AISH recipients slam changes, saying more is needed

Critics say auditor general report recommendations not fully considered. Calgary AISH recipient Mary Salvami says she feels the benefits should be indexed to the cost of living. Radio-Canada David Bell, CBC News Calgary March 20, 2018 … READ MORE

Disabled Albertans with trust funds can qualify for AISH under new bill

Alberta last Canadian province to stop penalizing Albertans for having trusts set up for their care. Community and Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir introduced Bill 5 in the Alberta legislature on Monday afternoon. CBC Michelle … READ MORE

What it’s like to have a sister with special-needs, AKA Boo-Bear

Meet the next generation of caregivers. Ellery and Clare are sisters to Gilly, who has special needs. Gilly has high-needs autism meaning that she will never work or live independently. She requires constant 24-hour care and … READ MORE

‘The community needs to step up’ says caregiver advocate

Yona Lunsky studies the mental health needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. She works at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Dr. Brian Goldman, White Coat, Black … READ MORE

Cake, balloons, goodbye: What happens when your special needs child ages out of the system

A day with Gilly, a teen with autism and developmental delay on the cusp of aging out of the system – and her parents who are expected to pick up the slack. Gilly is a full-time student at a Toronto school for kids with special … READ MORE

Many parents of children with disabilities don’t make care plans

Fewer than half of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities make long-term plans about who will take over their child’s care if the parent or other relative providing care dies or becomes incapacitated, a … READ MORE

In chronic disease care, family helpers are key, but feel left out

Physicians and policymakers should consider those family and friends who aren’t quite caregivers — but are definitely health supporters — in chronic disease care, a new study finds. Kara Gavin, Michigan Health Lab January 12, … READ MORE

Direct Funding means freedom for many people with disabilities. Is it accessible enough?

When Lisa Crigger advertises for staff on Kijiji, she’s mainly looking for people who can follow direction. Crigger has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair; she needs assistance with bathing, housekeeping, and child care. Briana … READ MORE

Parents shouldn’t over worry about early issues with children’s knees and feet

Most early anomalies in a child’s gait will work themselves out, says Dr. Peter Nieman. Childhood development can be a time of both excitement and stress. On the one hand, it is exciting for parents to document their baby’s … READ MORE

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