Dear Melissa,
I recently learned that the UN sponsors an International Day for of People with Disabilities. What are your thoughts?
The big day was just a few days ago on December 3, 2015. But, I would like to think that we live the spirit of the day throughout the entire year, or at least that we inspire others through our actions. Since 1992, the United Nations has set aside December 3rd as an opportunity for nations around the world to be aware of individuals in their society who have disabilities, and the various barriers which prevent these individuals from fully participating in their communities. These barriers can include barriers of the physical environment, language barriers, and barriers related to attitudes. Each year, International Day of People with Disabilities has a theme.
International Day for People with Disabilities
This year, the United Nations has announced the theme as Inclusion Matters: Access and Empowerment for People of all Abilities. Did you know that Children’s Therapy TEAM therapists are skilled in working with children who have many different types of disabilities? Some disabilities are more commonly seen, such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, prematurity, and autism; however, we also see children with a wide variety of other disabilities and diagnoses, such as other genetic disorders, torticollis, spina bifida, arthrogryposis, traumatic brain injury, and many more.
Often, a child is referred for a general developmental delay, and it is only after we begin working with the child, that the symptoms of a specific diagnosis unfold. I always say, “Call the child ‘green’ for all I care, but what are his difficulties, and how can I help?” A child is not simply a diagnosis. Every child with any particular diagnosis is a unique individual. It is up to the therapists to work in conjunction with the family and the child to identify and overcome barriers in order to help the child meet his or her fullest potential!
Our TEAMworks non-profit reaches children all over globe. Additionally, here are some examples of how Children’s Therapy TEAM supports individuals with disabilities locally.
Heroes for Kids
Heroes for Kids is an invention of of Dimitri Clark, an innovative teen with cerebral palsy. Through his own experience, he realized children with special needs are often deprived of experiencing the great outdoors with their family & friends, secondary to an inability to acquire the necessary adaptive equipment. This insight motivated the research, development and initiative to create a program benefiting his peers so they might expand their experiences and abilities. One example of this is the dozens of adaptive bicycles provided free of charge to children with various disabilities through the generous support from the Heroes for Kids organization.
TEAM Talent
TEAM Talent was created in 2008 by occupational therapist, Whitney Garrison. Her dream was to provide a fun and creative after school outlet for children with special needs. The participation in weekly, one hour sessions provides our actors and artists opportunities for social skill development, creative direction, and life skills enrichment. Each semester ends with an art gallery to display the artistic talents of the children, or a Christmas play to display the children’s acting abilities. While the therapists oversee activities, the children are in charge of the script, direction, and overall production of both the art gallery and the play. This kind of responsibility and accomplishment provides a boost in confidence for our children that is rewarding for both the children and their families. The art gallery and the Christmas play are held in some of the most beautiful venues Northwest Arkansas has to offer. These are evenings of celebration for the children and their families – celebration of hard work and artistic talents brought to life throughout the semester.
Miracle League of Northwest Arkansas
Several of our TEAM therapists participate in The Miracle League of Northwest Arkansas, a baseball program created for children with special needs. The baseball fields are adapted for wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices used to assist in walking. The fields and dugouts are barrier free and completely flat. Children ages 4 years and older, with a broad spectrum of any diagnosis are welcome to enjoy the great American sport of baseball. Each child is paired with a buddy for the level of assistance they need to bat and round the bases. This is a great community opportunity for our kids!
As you can see, the therapists here at TEAM honor the theme of International Day of People with Disabilities everyday!
Resources:
International Day of People with Disability
TEAMworks
Children’s Therapy TEAM