SkyNewswire.com

Historic Announcement Rejecting the Exclusion of Sign Language in Deaf Education

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:30:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- On July 19, 2010, the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED) made important history by rejecting their resolutions from 1880 that banned the use of Sign Language in education for Deaf children and promoted the exclusive use of speech and residual hearing called Oralism. ICED also apologized for the detrimental effects that Oralism has had on the Deaf population for 130 years. The infamous resolutions from ICED Milan 1880 have been described by many scholars and historians as an attempt at linguistic and cultural genocide as as well as a systematic effort to institutionalize audism, the belief that to hear and speak is superior to being Deaf.

The Congress organizers in conjunction with the British Columbia Deaf Community released at the opening ceremony, their âA New Era: Deaf Participation and Collaborationâ which:
Rejected all ICED Milan 1880 Congress resolutions passed that denied the inclusion of Sign Language in educational programs for Deaf students
acknowledged and sincerely regretted the detrimental effects of the ICED Milan Congress,
and called upon all Nations to ensure that educational programs for the Deaf accept and respect all languages.

Dynamic FM Technology âSignificantly Improvesâ Speech Recognition in Noise for Hearing Instrument Users

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- Phonakâs adaptive Dynamic FM systems improve the speech in noise performance of hearing instrument users by up to 50 percentage points more than traditional fixed FM systems, according to the findings of a new study by Dr. Linda Thibodeau of the University of Dallas and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders. Thibodeauâs study, entitled Benefits of Adaptive FM Systems on Speech Recognition in Noise for Listeners Who Use Hearing Aids(1), was published in the June 2010 edition of the American Journal of Audiology. It is the first study to compare Phonakâs âAdaptive FM Advantageâ (AFMA) processing technology, the key technological component of Phonakâs Dynamic FM platform, to fixed advantage FM systems for hearing instrument wearers.

âAFMA processing resulted in significant improvements at the higher noise levels for the majority of the participants â¦ â explains Linda Thibodeau. âThe participants were enthusiastic about the new processing both in clinical and real-world settings â¦ On the basis of these findings, it is likely that the AFMA processing would provide significant benefits over fixed FM advantage processing in environments where the noise exceeds 57 dB SPL â¦ .â Thibodeau tested five adults and five students with moderate-to-severe hearing loss. Participants completed objective and subjective speech recognition in noise measures in competing noise levels ranging from 54- to 80 dBA, using two specific types of FM processing technology: Phonakâs AFMA and fixed FM advantage.

Doctor/Patient Relationships and The Struggle With 'Disability'

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- Patients seek doctors who can provide treatment and cures to allow them to return to their daily routines. Physicians practice medicine hoping to successfully diagnose and treat people with illnesses. These symbiotic goals usually allow for a cooperative doctor/patient relationship. Contrary to those goals, however, the Social Security Act requires patients and their doctors to prove that they are not doing well, are unable to function at any type of sustained work activity, and that they will remain that limited for at least a year. For disabled patients, the need for this financial assistance thrusts legal and insurance issues into their lives, and into the examination rooms of their physicians. This twists the doctor/patient relationship to conform to bureaucratic demands, often with unpleasant consequences.

The goal of this discussion is to review the underlying requirements of the Social Security Act's disability programs and how they impact on the interaction between physician and patient. Suggestions for both patients and doctors will be included.

CFS Finally Recognized As 'Medical Impairment' Under Guidelines

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- One of the battles often fought by persons with CFS trying to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefitswas resolved with the adoption of Social Security Ruling 99-2p. In this binding Ruling the Social Security Administration set out guidelines for adjudicators and judges to follow for claims based upon Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This Ruling removes at least one of the barriers faced by Claimants.

What Was the Issue?
The Social Security Act allows for SSDI or SSI benefits to be paid to persons unable to work by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments)...." (emphasis added) The Act and Regulations define the phrase "medically determinable" as a condition that can be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms and laboratory findings. It cannot be based only on the Claimant's description of symptoms. In claims based upon CFS there are obviously a lack of medical signs, symptoms and laboratory findings. Therefore many claims were denied on the failure to prove the existence of a "medically determinable impairment."

Work After Disability

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- A frequent question from former clients who have been awarded either a period of disability and disability insurance benefits, or SSI benefits, is what work they can perform after the award and still maintain their eligibility for assistance. This article will review the basic social security rules concerning earnings after a finding of disability. We will examine the following areas:

1. Returning to work on SSDI:
a). Trial Work Period;
b). Extended Period of Eligibility;
c). Extended Medicare Coverage.
2. SSI and Work Efforts;
3. Impairment Related Work Expenses; and
4. Ticket to Work Program.

Ten Tips On How to Be a Friend to An Autistic Person

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- People with autism may have a difficult time making friends or being one, for the fact that most of them have limited social skills, which makes it hard for them to relate to others or be a friend. In addition, many have not been taught social and communication skills or how to relate to them. Because of these difficulties that autistic people may experience, the question is, how can you be a friend to them?

* I believe it is imperative that you must be a friend to yourself first. This is accomplished by understanding yourself and nurturing yourself as you grow.

Community Workforce Solutions Expands Kroger Training Program

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com) --- Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. (CWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, announced today that their Kroger training program has been expanded to Durham. In addition to the Raleigh location where the program was launched in September 2007, the training will be offered at the Kroger store located at 1802 North Point Drive in Durham.

"Kroger is proud to have partnered with Community Workforce Solutions over the last three years in Raleigh. We believe that people with disabilities, in the right job, can be productive associates in our business," said Kroger District Manager Tim Smothers. "They train in our stores for sometimes up to twelve weeks. Once they complete the training and depending on job availability, they can go to work for us. It is a joy to see this program work for these individuals and give them some independence." The program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment gain skills in grocery operations and prepare them for competitive employment. Trainees learn stocking, bagging, customer service and other skills. Since its inception, 24 individuals have completed training and have been hired at area Kroger stores. The retention rate for individuals hired is well over 70%. Referrals for the program will come primarily from the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Is Braille facing extinction?

Sun, 09 May 2010 22:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Schools are shirking Braille for more tech-savvy tools to assist blind students, such as text-to-speech software and audio-enabled ebook readers. But will the loss of Braille detrimentally affect the blind? In the mid-20th century, the use of Braille was enormously popular: "schools for the blind" helped children learn Braille, the raised dots appeared in restaurants and elevators and hospitals, and a new culture of respect for this handicap became the norm. Times have changed. According to an article in Canadian magazine Macleans, "overstretched school budgets and the ever-evolving portable audio book" are killing Braille.

The article cites a sobering fact: In the 1950s around half of all blind children learned Braille, according to the U.S. National Federation of the Blind. Today, that number has dropped to 10 percent (Canadian numbers are comparable). NFB director Mark Riccobono is quoted as saying: "If only 10 per cent of sighted children were being taught [to read] that would be considered a crisis.â Braille has fallen off the radar in schools due to tight budgets. "New technology is cheaper than hiring a Braille teacher," the article states. Audio books reading text are useful for many children, and text-to-speech software enable Web surfers to "hear" what is being presented on many sites.

Gadgets such as the iPad could also allow users to listen to ebooks or articles, depending on the app downloaded.
But ignoring Braille could have serious consequences. A study found that blind students whoâd been taught Braille early in their childhood scored about the same as sighted students on a standardized test measuring reading comprehension -- 61 versus 62 percent. For those with zero Braille training, that score fell to an average of 38 percent. The study's author wrote: "Low-vision kids need to be taught Braille. Early Braille education is crucial to literacy, and literacy is crucial to employment." The same researcher came to another conclusion relating to Braille: 77 percent of non-Braille users were unemployed. But for those who knew Braille, unemployment figures hovered around 56 percent. Among those whose Braille knowledge was âextensive,â most were working.

Berlin protest urges equality for disabled people

Thu, 06 May 2010 22:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Berlin - Today, a protest urging equality for disabled people in schools took place in front of the Brandenburg Tor, in Berlin. Experts are working on a plan of action that urges for more inclusion of disabled people. Thanks to a ratification by the Federal Government, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been adopted in Germany.

The Convention is an international human rights instrument intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Parties to the Convention are required to promote, protect, and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities and ensure they enjoy full equality under the law.
Currently, Berlin experts are working under the direction of the educational administration for a plan of action that urges more inclusion of disabled people.

Today, most of Berlin's institutions and schools lack the necessary infrastructure to welcome disabled people. "It's easy to say that my son can go to the same school of yours," screams Angela, a 44-year-old woman from the Brandenburg who has come to the protest with her son Klaus who lives in a wheelchair. "But how can it be possible, if there are no elevators in the school?"

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Spotlights Remarkable Educational Success of Students With Print Disabilities

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&DÂ®), the nationâs largest provider of educational audio textbooks, today honored six outstanding students with print disabilities at its 50th annual National Achievement Awards celebration.

In addition to receiving cash prizes of $6,000, the award winners and their families will meet with Members of Congress at a Congressional reception held on Capitol Hill in their honor.

Since 1959, RFB&D has honored exceptional students through the privately endowed Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards (SAA) for college seniors who are blind or visually impaired. The Marion Huber Learning Through ListeningÂ® Awards (LTLÂ®) were instituted in 1991 for high school seniors with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Students are recognized for their extraordinary leadership, scholarship, enterprise and service to others. Hundreds of students apply each year and are selected by volunteer committees of educators and professionals.

Mobilityworks Acquires Accubuilt Mobility Commercial Vans

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:20:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- MobilityWorks, the leading manufacturer of commercial wheelchair vans andambulettes has acquired Accubuilt Mobility, the nationâs second largest manufacturer, from parent company Accubuilt, Inc. (Lima, OH). The addition of Accubuilt Mobility will expand MobilityWorksâ production of new Ford E-Series raised roof mobility vans, cutaway shuttle buses and other custom ordered vehicles.

âThis transaction enables MobilityWorks to rapidly expand our presence in a growing market,â said Taylor Clark, MobilityWorks Principal and executive in charge of the companyâs commercial business segment.

Primary School's Access on a High Thanks to movemanSKG Wheelchair Lift

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Ottery St. Mary Primary School in Devon takes the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) very seriously. It has modified its premises to improve wheelchair access by installing two movemanSKG platform lifts, despite not having any disabled children currently attending.

Head Teacher Doug Rylance explains; âAlthough there are no wheelchair users enrolled at Ottery St Mary Primary School at the moment, this could change at any time. We offer the same high standards of education to all students. movemanSKGâs lifts mean children with mobility problems will be able to move freely and independently around the building.â

Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel Announces Company Debut and 'Cool Clothes for Toes'

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:40:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel (RDAA), a new designer of fashionable solutions for special needs, announced today its marketplace debut and the launch of Cool Clothes for Toes, the first creatively styled sock line for children and teens who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).

We are excited to be formally announcing our company right before the World Congress on Disabilities, said Susan Kleiman, president, Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel. Based on our initial introduction and the response we are seeing from the marketplace, we are optimistic about the future of our business and the rollout of our first product line, Cool Clothes for Toes, Kleiman said.

Is A Loved One Home by Themselves? Then they need a Medical Alert Button!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- At 2 Brothers Gift Store we now offer a New Medical Alert Butoon System that keeps your loved one in touch with you ..all with the push of a button and they can talk with you.

It give you and them peace of mind....it lets you stay in touch......

Freedom Alert - Medical Alert Phone ** NEW **
With 2 Way Water Resistant Speakerphone Pendant

New Research Gives Hope to Children with Common Reading-Related Vision Disorder

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:10:00 -0200

(SkyNewswire.com)--- Ann Arbor, MI -- On Monday, the National Institute of Health released a study showing that there is a more effective treatment for children who have a common reading-related vision disorder. Convergence insufficiency (CI) is an eye condition which leads to some or all of the following: loss of concentration, slow reading, eye strain, headaches, blurred or double vision and ultimately impacts learning.

CI, a common childhood eye muscle coordination problem, is often missed in many routine vision screenings because these screenings test distance vision, not the visual skills required for reading. For this reason many children can be misdiagnosed with learning disabilities when, in fact, they have a treatable eye condition.

The NIH study was a collaborative study with both optometrists and ophthalmologists involved in 9 sites throughout the United States. The study included 221 children ages 9 to 17 and compared different forms of treatment, including the most commonly prescribed "pencil push-ups" in addition to a placebo therapy activity. After 12 weeks of treatment, nearly 75 percent of the children that were given office-based Vision Therapy along with at-home reinforcement exercises achieved normal vision or had significantly fewer symptoms of CI. While there have been hundreds of optometric studies over the years, this is the first scientific study to look at these treatment protocols.