pandemic – mamasmunchkin

Tips for Recharging Your Energy as a Parent with a Disability

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Being a parent with a disability can sometimes require more energy than you know you have. It’s possible to sometimes find time and pace yourself in the jobs that need to get done during the day to keep your household running. Finding time to recharge may seem like a difficult thing or maybe even a bit selfish.

The coronavirus pandemic has also caused extra stress in our lives as a society. More than ever, it is important, not only to spend time with our kids but also to recharge our batteries. Finding the balance to both is one of the keys to success.

When I first became a parent, I felt like this was something I shouldn’t do. I felt like my son needed my attention all the time and if I couldn’t be there for him day and night, I was doing something wrong. After some reflection on those ideas, I realized it’s not an all or none situation. When I thought about it some more, carving out time for myself, separate from my family responsibilities is one of the best things for me to do for my family and for myself.

You may have to work to schedule the time in so that you can make this happen but, it is totally possible. It is important to note that the ideas listed below can also be used by parents without a disability. These are five ways to make time for yourself to recharge your batteries:

Exercise. Even as a person with a disability, it’s important to get active. There are a lot of options available to help you do that. Adaptive sports or adaptive self defense classes exist so that people with disabilities can participate in many different pastimes that can be lots of fun. There are now also many opportunities to have virtual fitness and yoga classes that can fit your schedule.

Reading or Audiobooks. Reading has proven benefits such as lowering your blood pressure. Reading can help you learn something new or relax by catching up on the latest best-selling paperback. It also gives you the opportunity to be transported to places you may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit.

Sleeping. Getting some extra sleep is always a good thing. Sleep can help reduce stress, regulate blood sugar, and keeps your heart healthy. During the earlier years a lot of new parents can experience a lack of sleep because their baby is adjusting to a sleep schedule. It might also be a good idea to take naps while your little one is napping too.

Watching television/Streaming services. There are so many options available today to watch your favorite television show. Whether it is binge watching your favorite episodes of Gilmore Girls or The Mandalorian, there is something available for everyone in a commercial free format.

Focus on Yourself. Get back to basics and unplug when possible. This might be things like learning a new hobby or skill. Maybe it means taking a bubble bath or a long shower. Maybe it’s time to tap into the many workshops, classes or other peer support groups you can find online.

Like with most of my lists, don’t limit yourself to these options. Find things to do that are important to you and communicate with loved ones to help with babysitting duties if necessary. Most of the activities listed here can be done during nap time or if a babysitter just isn’t an option for you.

The pandemic has changed the ways in which we interact with each other. Some of the ways we have available to us now give us the opportunity to interact and access resources like never before. It’s a good time to look around and inventory what interests you. More than likely there are resources available for you to tap into that can meet your needs.

Once you come back to your family and your daily routine you will be able to be rested and more able to be present to handle whatever life sends your way.

Students with Disabilities and Gaps in their Education During the Pandemic

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

During the coronavirus pandemic, the way education is delivered to students in the United States has drastically changed. Students with disabilities are more affected than most by this change.

Students with disabilities are caught in a situation they didn’t choose. How they get their education has been altered so drastically, portions of their daily routine have become nonexistent. Related services that were part of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) have been slashed to a minimum or eliminated. Few services can be delivered effectively by virtual means or by the student’s parents. Parents are left at home attempting to deliver services they are not trained to provide, potentially causing their student unintentional harm. For example, if parents try to assist in physical therapy sessions, they could hurt themselves or their children because they aren’t trained in the correct techniques. There have even been instances where it seemed to the parent that the student’s impairment was totally disregarded. This left the time used for the therapy session like some sort of preliminary fact-finding mission, instead of building on progress previously made during the last session.

School officials try their best to modify plans and deliver needed services. Because the pandemic happened so quickly, they are poorly prepared to do so. Even now, more than a year into this model of learning, educators are on a continual learning curve they just can’t get ahead of, while students are left behind. It makes you wonder how this set of students going to school during such an unusual time will compensate for the gaps being left in their education in years to come.

Although students are missing their friends and the socialization aspect traditional school offers, some parents of kids with disabilities find themselves in another dilemma. The student with a disability might be at a higher risk of contracting the virus. As a result, parents feel they have no other choice but to keep students in the virtual model of learning. Parents must take extra precautions not to come into contact with the virus. There might be other risks involved with exposure to the virus. If a student contracts the virus, they could have other health complications as well. The million-dollar question becomes how do we get all our students back to school so they can receive their education and services properly, while staying safe from the virus at the same time?

In implementing any reopening plan, many factors need to be considered. First, the health of the students and how to catch them up on the material that is being missed. Students need instruction and guidance about things like social distancing, proper handwashing and most difficult of all, consistently wearing a face mask. Some individuals with a disability can’t wear a face mask for medical reasons. If that is the case for a student, an alternative plan needs to be implemented. Lastly, the health and well-being of the educators must be considered as well.

Currently educators are at the front of the line when it comes to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, other workers such as speech, physical and occupational therapists need to be added to that list. These workers need to be considered essential and should be prioritized. One of the goals in returning us to pre-pandemic education is to fully open schools. That can’t be done unless these support personnel whose aim is to provide related services to students with disabilities get vaccinated too. They ensure students stay focused on their education while making sure their therapeutic needs are met regularly.

These are merely a starting point of suggested guidelines to help students with disabilities get safely back to learning in the classroom. The positive steps we take to rid ourselves of the virus will give kids the opportunity to move forward and make the progress they need to confidently succeed as young adults, well-prepared for different kinds of adversity.

Varying Communication Options Necessary Now More than Ever Due to the Pandemic

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

During any sort of emergency, it’s important for people with various speech and hearing limitations to have the ability to communicate and receive information effectively.

Communication is important to get ideas and information across to people. Most people don’t give the simple act of communicating a second thought. People with hearing and other communication disabilities must have the information conveyed to them in a way they can understand while being able to communicate their needs as well. Effective communication is extremely important in these instances.

Simply put, effective communication means whatever is written or spoken must be as clear and understandable to people with disabilities as it is for people who do not have a disability. For people with hearing disabilities, utilizing the services of an Oral interpreter or an American Sign Language interpreter are excellent examples that help facilitate effective communication.

Oral interpreters use silent lip movements to repeat spoken words. American Sign Language is visual in nature. Sign language is not a universal language. Just like there are many different languages spoken around the world, each country has its own sign language. It’s also important to know that American Sign Language (ASL) is not the same as English. For example, it may not be effective communication to use note taking with an individual who is deaf in place of American Sign Language. The best way to avoid any guesswork or miscommunication is to ask the person what type of communication works best for them. It’s important to remember that the individual is the expert on their disability. They know what is best for their particular situation.

An ongoing theme I stress in many of my writings is the availability and use of assistive technology. Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. Assistive technology takes many forms. Most recently, there has been an increase in the use of 911 to text messaging. This not only helps someone who can’t speak due to a dangerous situation, but also someone unable to communicate due to a speech disability or other impairment that hinders communication.

AAC devices can also be another option for communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help people with communication disorders express themselves. These devices can range from a simple picture board to a computer program that synthesizes speech from text.

In a news story recently broadcasted, the work of sign language interpreters was highlighted. It showed how they bridge the gap of communication to help deliver important information. The impact their work makes on people’s lives, quite often behind the scenes, is crucial to allow access for all.

It was good to see the sign language interpreter out in front because it showed that not only were government officials doing their due diligence to ensure everyone has access to needed information, but was a visible acknowledgement of an ongoing effort for increased inclusion in the community. During a time of so much political divide and uncertainty in our country, it felt like a way our community was somehow being unified. The fact that the local news station invested the time and effort in putting the story together also demonstrated a shift toward further inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

The availability of accurate information is always important for everyone. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have other communication disabilities are a population that must receive communication and be able to express ideas in alternate formats accessible to them. Sign language interpreters and other varying modes of communication are an integral part of that equation. They provide a gateway that wouldn’t otherwise be available but continues to be extremely needed.

Back to School Survival Guide

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Parents getting ready to send little ones off to school experience mixed emotions. As a parent with a disability, the experience isn’t any different.

During the time of a pandemic, it can seem even more nerve-wracking. Safety concerns are now more common. We need to take precautions for our children and family like never before. While keeping this in mind, don’t lose sight of the adventure school can be for our students. This is an exciting time in both you and your child’s lives. The learning and growth of our children that happens each year molds them into the adults of the future. Making preparations before the first day of school is sure to help create wonderful memories. Here are some ideas to help you get through the first few weeks of a new school year.

As parents, we are our children’s first teachers. When our kids go to school, their teachers add a layer to that learning. Although going back to school looks different now because of the pandemic, it’s important to encourage your child to do their best and enjoy the experience.

“Meet the Teacher” is typically the first thing that happens before the school year starts. This is a critical time to speak with your child’s teacher so you know their expectations of your student. It’s a good idea to work with them to form a collaboration. During this meeting, teachers can be reassured you are there to help your child while also being a source of support to them. The collaboration you form can greatly benefit your child throughout the school year.

A valuable strategy you can use to get your child ready for school is implementing a routine at home. Routines can be of great assistance to our children for many reasons. They provide a sense of security and certainty to how they are expected to behave. Routines also provide a schedule that lets students know the amount of time they have to complete specific tasks. Routines are also helpful for students so they can anticipate what comes next in their day at home and school.

Don’t be afraid to be an involved parent in your child’s education. When people see you have a disability, it opens up avenues of communication. It allows people to ask questions they may otherwise be afraid to ask. As a result, your interaction with them can even dispel stereotypes they might have about people with disabilities.

Keeping up with your child’s assignments and adding to their learning experience can enhance your student’s education. Working with your child’s teacher to find out what’s going on in the classroom can be helpful in many ways. Being informed about classroom goals gives you an opportunity to implement certain activities at home. Games and television shows can be chosen that are geared toward ideas being taught in school. This gives your child a chance to practice what they’re learning at school on weekends. These activities can provide reinforcement of important concepts. As a result, kids can be better prepared for the materials being covered in the classroom.

This year some parents have decided to use the distance learning option offered by certain school districts because it is the best choice for their family. Setting up a separate space for learning at home is a great idea. It helps kids stay focused on their schoolwork. Having a morning and after school routine is another good way to put your child in learning mode. This gives kids an opportunity to prepare themselves for interacting with their teacher virtually. They can also have set activities to help them wind down at the end of the day.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, technology is being used more frequently and is more acceptable than ever before. The truth is, it has always been there to lend parents with a disability a helping hand. Technology can become your best friend to make communicating with your child’s teacher easier. Things like Skype, email or even the phone can help you schedule conferences or quick chats to stay in the loop of what’s going on with your child’s progress in the classroom.

Having open communication with your child’s teacher using these techniques will help increase your child’s educational success. If your child happens to encounter issues at school that need to be addressed, knowing all expectations beforehand makes it easier not only to troubleshoot problems, but increases the chances of promptly remedying the issue.

These are straightforward ideas available to anyone. However, when you are faced with certain situations, you may not be sure where to begin. Hopefully, you will use this as a survival guide or the beginnings of a road map that can help you come up with something similar that works best for you and your family.