Check out this video. Toyota has created a way to drive a motorized wheelchair using only brain waves. The wheelchair user wears a cap that sends brain scan signals to a computer which then steers the chair. Would love to see this tested on children. This would change lives! More info...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Moderately Preterm Babies, EI Services and School Age Function
Pediatrics reports in the current issue that children who were born at 32-36 weeks gestational age are at greater risk for special education services than full term children at 8 years of age. Of the 377 children studied who were moderately preterm (with no NICU care or congenital malformations), the special education rate was 7.2% compared to the general Dutch population of 2.8%. The 32-33 week gestational age group were at a significant risk for grade retention when compared to the 34-36 week gestational age group. The preterm children also exhibited more behavioural issues, ADHD characteristics and decreased attention. The researchers concluded that this group of children need to be monitored at a young age.
The June 2009 issue of Pediatrics reported on a study that indicated that preterm children (34-37 weeks gestational age) are two times more likely to be eligible for early intervention programs compared to full term children. Although, many physicians are not recommending services due to unacceptable screening tools. The researchers recommend that physicians lower their threshold for administering an acceptable screening tool such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
Reference:
van Baar, Anneloes L., Vermaas, John, Knots, Edwin, de Kleine, Martin J. K., Soons, Paul Functioning at School Age of Moderately Preterm Children Born at 32 to 36 Weeks' Gestational Age Pediatrics 2009 124: 251-257
Marks, Kevin, Hix-Small, Hollie, Clark, Kathy, Newman, Judy Lowering Developmental Screening Thresholds and Raising Quality Improvement for Preterm Children Pediatrics 2009 123: 1516-1523
The June 2009 issue of Pediatrics reported on a study that indicated that preterm children (34-37 weeks gestational age) are two times more likely to be eligible for early intervention programs compared to full term children. Although, many physicians are not recommending services due to unacceptable screening tools. The researchers recommend that physicians lower their threshold for administering an acceptable screening tool such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
Reference:
van Baar, Anneloes L., Vermaas, John, Knots, Edwin, de Kleine, Martin J. K., Soons, Paul Functioning at School Age of Moderately Preterm Children Born at 32 to 36 Weeks' Gestational Age Pediatrics 2009 124: 251-257
Marks, Kevin, Hix-Small, Hollie, Clark, Kathy, Newman, Judy Lowering Developmental Screening Thresholds and Raising Quality Improvement for Preterm Children Pediatrics 2009 123: 1516-1523
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Video Activity Idea from New Book - Sidewalk Chalk Fun and Games
Your Therapy Source has just published a new book - Sidewalk Chalk Fun and Games. Here is a video of one of the activity ideas in the book. Get outdoors and enjoy this fun activity to encourage physical activity, gross motor skills and muscle strengtening in the hands. To order Sidewalk Chalk Fun and Games for only $4.99 visit www.YourTherapySource.com.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Inspiration
Summer is officially upon us. For some therapists, this means time off or reduced caseloads. If you are looking for some summer work (which I doubt you are but figured I would offer) how about plan a new, unique program to start up during the next school year. Maybe you have a special talent that you could teach to children. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby that you would like to share with others. Use the summer to plan the program so that it is ready to go in the Fall.
If you need some inspiration for specialized programs, here are some ideas to start for children of all abilities:
1. Digital arts program using assistive technology.
2. After school creativity club (explore arts, movement and music)
3. Physical activity club for preschoolers.
4. Bicycle riding club - plan group trips to parks, create lists of appropriate trails and more.
5. Movement and dance club - try ballet, hip hop, jazz, square dancing and more.
6. Outdoor club for children - explore parks, take hikes, plant gardens...
7. Drama club and produce a play or movie.
8. Healthy living club - encourage good nutrition and physical activity.
9. Video Game Work Outs - facilitate physical activity through the use of video games such as the Wii and Dance, Dance Revolution
10. Cooking Club - learn healthy recipes and a necessary life skill.
Now if you do have a great idea, how about applying for a grant. Grant money is available for almost anything imaginable if you look hard enough. Grants have different application deadlines each year and many have already past for this year. Perhaps some of your summer downtime could include preparing to submit a grant application for that special program you have always dreamed of running.
Grant writing takes a lot of preparation, time and energy. It can be an arduous task but with a great end result. Before you apply for a grant, make sure your program meets the requirements for the grant money. Most grants have specific guidelines for you to read prior to submitting your application. You will need to be very specific regarding: the goals of your program, how much money you need, how you will carry out the program and how you measure if it is effective. Keep in mind, most grants require that you submit the grant on behalf of a non profit organization.
If you do apply for a grant but get turned down, do not give up. Perhaps your program idea could be carried out by a group of volunteers. Parents and teachers may be more than willing to volunteer their time. High school and college students frequently need volunteer hours to for honor society membership, religious sacraments and college admissions. You may be able to get a local business to sponsor the activity with a donation in exchange for some advertising on t-shirts. Don't forget to check on insurance coverage for where you meet or ask parents to sign a waiver.
Have some more ideas to offer? Please leave your comments below.
If you need some inspiration for specialized programs, here are some ideas to start for children of all abilities:
1. Digital arts program using assistive technology.
2. After school creativity club (explore arts, movement and music)
3. Physical activity club for preschoolers.
4. Bicycle riding club - plan group trips to parks, create lists of appropriate trails and more.
5. Movement and dance club - try ballet, hip hop, jazz, square dancing and more.
6. Outdoor club for children - explore parks, take hikes, plant gardens...
7. Drama club and produce a play or movie.
8. Healthy living club - encourage good nutrition and physical activity.
9. Video Game Work Outs - facilitate physical activity through the use of video games such as the Wii and Dance, Dance Revolution
10. Cooking Club - learn healthy recipes and a necessary life skill.
Now if you do have a great idea, how about applying for a grant. Grant money is available for almost anything imaginable if you look hard enough. Grants have different application deadlines each year and many have already past for this year. Perhaps some of your summer downtime could include preparing to submit a grant application for that special program you have always dreamed of running.
Grant writing takes a lot of preparation, time and energy. It can be an arduous task but with a great end result. Before you apply for a grant, make sure your program meets the requirements for the grant money. Most grants have specific guidelines for you to read prior to submitting your application. You will need to be very specific regarding: the goals of your program, how much money you need, how you will carry out the program and how you measure if it is effective. Keep in mind, most grants require that you submit the grant on behalf of a non profit organization.
If you do apply for a grant but get turned down, do not give up. Perhaps your program idea could be carried out by a group of volunteers. Parents and teachers may be more than willing to volunteer their time. High school and college students frequently need volunteer hours to for honor society membership, religious sacraments and college admissions. You may be able to get a local business to sponsor the activity with a donation in exchange for some advertising on t-shirts. Don't forget to check on insurance coverage for where you meet or ask parents to sign a waiver.
Have some more ideas to offer? Please leave your comments below.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Website for Life Skills
This website, www.gcflearnfree.org/everydaylife/, offers interactive lessons for daily life skills such as cooking, banking, shopping, schedules and more. The lessons allow learners to practice life skills to be successful in everyday life. This is definitely worth a look for any occupational therapist especially those that work with older children and young adults. Best part...all free!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
OT Blogs from Africa
OT Ghana 2009 is a a collection of blogs from an OT professor and several OT students who traveled to Ghana. They blog about the people they meet, the culture and of course OT. There are several student blogs on it as well. These are listed on the right side of the page. It is very impressive that they all took the time to share their knowledge. Sounds liked they all gained more from giving. Way to go! Thanks to @AOTAInc on Twitter for letting us know about this blog.
Monday, June 22, 2009
5 Unique Physical Activity Programs for Children with Disabilities
After writing many previous blog posts on the importance of physical activity in all children, I wanted to list some specialized programs for children with disabilities that encourage physical activity. These activities are not available everywhere but it does offer some suggestions of what you could be proactive in starting in your community.
Hippotherapy - this is obvious to most therapists but wanted to mention it anyway. The American Hippotherapy Association supports the use of equine movement to support therapy goals.
Adaptive Skiing - there are some well established adapted ski programs in all areas. Here is a website, Adaptive Ski and Sports Programs, that lists most of the facilities that offer adaptive skiing.
Sailing - The Heart of Sailing Foundation introduces sailing skills to children with disabilities.
Bicycle Riding - Lose the Training Wheels is a bike riding instructional program for children with disabilities.
Surfing - Surfers Healing is a free surfing camp for children with autism.
Do you know of more unique opportunities for encouraging physical activity in children with disabilities? Please add to the list in the comments section.
Hippotherapy - this is obvious to most therapists but wanted to mention it anyway. The American Hippotherapy Association supports the use of equine movement to support therapy goals.
Adaptive Skiing - there are some well established adapted ski programs in all areas. Here is a website, Adaptive Ski and Sports Programs, that lists most of the facilities that offer adaptive skiing.
Sailing - The Heart of Sailing Foundation introduces sailing skills to children with disabilities.
Bicycle Riding - Lose the Training Wheels is a bike riding instructional program for children with disabilities.
Surfing - Surfers Healing is a free surfing camp for children with autism.
Do you know of more unique opportunities for encouraging physical activity in children with disabilities? Please add to the list in the comments section.
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