Parenting

Care for chronically ill children may suffer when parents and doctors are at odds

Holly remembers the day doctors diagnosed her son with cerebral palsy and told her he would need life-long care. “It changes everything,” she shared in an interview with Katherine Rafferty, a lecturer in psychology and … READ MORE

‘It doesn’t seem fair’: Unwed parents in Alberta don’t share financial burden once disabled child turns 18

‘Unless you’ve been married, you fall through the cracks,’ says Calgary woman challenging provincial law. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who just turned 18 but still requires constant care due to her … READ MORE

We all want to look good: Calgary company adapts clothes for those with disabilities

Strategically placed zippers make clothes easy to get on and get off. A former Olympian hopes her family’s new online clothing store will give people with disabilities more independence. Super-Fly Adaptive Apparel. Fun & … READ MORE

What it means when kids walk on their toes

When toddlers are learning to walk, many spend some time walking up on their tip toes, which is known as toe walking. Commonly this is to get into things they aren’t meant to, but as they perfect their walking, they walk more with … READ MORE

New kind of house call comes to The Woodlands

Sarah Rhea was out of town on a weekend business trip when her husband called, worried that their 4-year-old son’s fever, sore throat and cough were worse than the day before. Diagnosing ear infections with a new smartphone … READ MORE

Calgary doctor connects disabled children with accessible activities

Let’s make it easy for these kids. Dr. Sarah MacEachern is on a campaign to get kids with disabilities more physically active — and help parents make that happen. MacEachern, a first-year University of Calgary pediatric … READ MORE

The wheels of freedom: My first motorized wheelchair

What were you doing when you were seven years old? Most seven-year-olds are playful and energetic, and enjoy running freely. But cerebral palsy changes a normal perspective into something extraordinary. When I was seven, a brand new … READ MORE

State-of-the-art special needs school opens its doors in Calgary

After three long years of lobbying and construction, a unique school welcomed its students in for the first time this week [January 2017] in Calgary’s northwest. Students at Christine Meikle used to learn in an aging, cramped … READ MORE

My cool, adaptive bike — from Germany, of course

Frank Dippel likes to ride a bike, and when he drives, it’s far and fast. With his daughter Rabea, the two cycle in the Chiemgau or go by bike to Städtetour. Rabea, two years with her Pino. Frank Dippel Translated from Mein … READ MORE

Positive results for pediatric patient with idiopathic toe walking

A multidisciplinary approach offered benefits for a pediatric patient who had idiopathic toe walking with severe contractures, according to Nicole M. Harris, PT, PCS, BOCO, of The Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colo. Harris … READ MORE

Walking barefoot on gravel improves gait for children with idiopathic toe walking

Walking barefoot on a gravel surface significantly improved gait in children with idiopathic toe walking, according to research presented here at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association National Assembly. Researcher Mark … READ MORE

Calgary Herald’s ‘Life with Emily’ documentary a finalist for international media award

The Calgary Herald has been named a finalist in a prestigious international media awards competition for a 2016 project called Without Limits: Kids With Special Needs. Our Special Children. Taking a break from lunch, 7 year old Emily … READ MORE

Calgary mom raising funds to bring music therapy to public high school

A Calgary mom is raising money so teenagers can benefit from a program that’s changed her daughter’s life. Christina Ryan dances with her daughter Emily Pitchers in 2016. Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald Photo Annalise Klingbeil, … READ MORE

Life With Music – Fundraiser by Christina Ryan

Emily Pitchers, 16, plucks the strings on a guitar with JB Music therapist Catherine Mitchell during a weekly session at the teenager’s family home. Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald. In celebration of National Music Therapy Month, we … READ MORE

Issues for parents caring 24/7 for children with complex care needs

A new research report has been published by the charity WellChild which explores parents’ experiences of managing care for children with complex care needs throughout the 24-hour day. Calgary photojournalist Christina Ryan and her … READ MORE

Who will care for the caregivers?

I should have put his socks back on. The thought kept nagging me as I finished my clinic notes, replaying the afternoon in my head. My final patient of the day — a man with dementia — was a late addition to the schedule, after his … READ MORE

3D printed camera rig enables photographer to create

James has a life-threatening condition, but he’s desperate to leave his mark on the world. An amazing new device could help him create a very personal legacy. James Dunn, from Whiston, and his newly-adapted camera, with, left to … READ MORE

It’s pretty beautiful: Wheelchair whiz kid learning to walk

‘It’s been really neat to watch because we never thought we would see it.’ Evelyn Moore, an Edmonton toddler who suffered paralysis after a tumour developed on her spine, is now standing on her own two feet with the … READ MORE

Caring for special-needs children at home brings high cost

Study finds that home care is beneficial for the children, but it comes at great cost to family members or guardians. U.S. families provide nearly $36 billion [USD] annually in uncompensated medical care at home to children who have … READ MORE

A day in the life of four wheelers

Alex Ghenis, Paula Larson, Ian Jaquiss and Ellen Stohl are four very different people with disabilities — with one similarity in common: Each agreed to share a day of their lives, taking us on a tour of what do they do, where they … READ MORE

Aging caregivers of children with disabilities pushed to the breaking point

Carlo is in a wheelchair thanks to a condition called myositis. Now that he’s nearing 50 and “almost non-mobile,” he receives home care and lives with his parents who help take care of him. But that’s becoming more difficult: … READ MORE

When the barriers aren’t just physical

Entering the playground, I heard a boy call my son’s name. We turned and saw one of his classmates running toward us. “We’re playing soccer! Wanna be on my team?” Illustration by Giselle Potter By Sandra Joy Stein, The New … READ MORE

How technology helps special-needs students excel

Educators in California, Montana and Washington explain how technology makes it easier to engage students with physical and learning disabilities. Wendy Burkhardt, seen here with student Kevin O’Brien, says the convergence of … READ MORE

Motorvation: What’s new in accessible vehicles?

Owning a vehicle, even if you are unable to drive personally, can make a big difference in quality of life. Driving allows flexibility for attending school, work or social functions without advance reservations or worrying about bus … READ MORE

Calgary Transit glitch leaves special needs children stranded for hours

Systems upgrades at Calgary Transit Access led to service delays that have some users upset, including parents of special-needs children who were stranded at their summer camp Monday when their scheduled pickups were more than two … READ MORE

Neuropsych — our experience

When our doctors first started talking about visiting a Neuropsych, they were having conversations with each other, while we were in the room. “Do you think a neuropsych would help?” … “Yes, but not yet…” or “Has he … READ MORE

The horse is the therapist

With hippotherapy, the horse provides the therapy. Three-year-old Jack Foster sat on his mother’s lap as she wrapped a towel carefully around his neck. “Jack has cerebral palsy and low muscle tone,” said his mother, Emily … READ MORE

Canada spends over $400 million on medicine that harms seniors

Canada spends more than $400 million annually on drugs prescribed to seniors even though the medicines should be avoided for older patients, according to new UBC research. PEI doctor warns about dangers of over-medication. Dr. Roland … READ MORE

Parent’s intuition leads to earlier intervention

In a bid to give parents a way to track their child’s health, Cognoa offers an assessment tool to conduct a child development screening at home. Marie Thibault, Associate editor, MD+DI May 11, 2016 Parents of young children … READ MORE

For parents of autistic children, more social support means better health

Concordia University research shows community care protects them against stress-induced immune problems. Une aide accrue réduit les troubles immunitaires liés au stress, indique une recherche de l’Université Concordia. Lisez … READ MORE

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