Networking While Disabled

Successful adults with disabilities report that they were supported in youth by opportunities for inclusion, high expectations from adults, disability-related accommodations that de-emphasized their differences, promotion of autonomy, encouragement of friendships, and support from caring adults. On the other hand, their progress was inhibited by segregation, treatment that highlighted their differences, restricted opportunities for independence, social isolation, and social rejection.
Below, successful individuals with disabilities share examples of how they stay actively involved.

• I am in my school's band and on our youth leadership team. In the past, I was part of the speech team and student council. I think being a part of clubs has given me confidence and boosted my self-esteem. I enjoy music, and I think it is an awesome feeling to be able to go out and be a part of my school's band to cheer on the sports teams and to contribute to a music concert. (college student who is blind)
• I have been involved in the drama club at my school. (high school student who uses a wheelchair for mobility)
• I have been involved in internships. They give me experiences that are needed for jobs. I've also been part of a city hall committee. This will help me know how professional life is. (college student with mobility and health impairment)

No one achieves success alone. The comments below provide examples of how successful individuals with disabilities have found, accessed, and used resources to help them achieve success personally, socially, academically, and professionally.

• Most of the resources I use I either found through word of mouth (from parents, friends, and others I know), from newsletters, or from the Internet. Sometimes, I find out about something useful by accident, and at other times I ask around or look on the Internet for a specific resource. I often ask others whose opinion I respect for advice, especially when I am making a making a major decision. I subscribe to a few newsletters and magazines that provide information on topics that interest me and keep lists of useful websites on my home page. (Ph.D. candidate who is blind)
• I ask questions. (high school student with a brain injury)
• One of my resources is my best friend. When I take her along with me, I can tell that people who don't know me feel comfortable being around me. My friend and I think that there isn't a way that I can't be a part of what she is doing. Being with her is one of the ways I use a natural resource. (high school student with mobility, orthopedic, and speech impairments)

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Working Harder

Knowing and valuing yourself, setting goals, and planning help build important foundations, but action is required to make your dreams come true. To take control of your life it is necessary to choose and take appropriate action. Take charge. Move forward. Sometimes students with disabilities need to work harder to achieve the same level of success as their peers. As reported by one student who is blind:
I accepted the fact that I must work harder than other students to get the same grade.

But, learning to work hard has a positive side:

Sometimes I think that all of us with disabilities have an advantage over those who have things come easier to them. Whatever it is we want, we have to want it and then work for it. That necessary desire promotes drive to accomplish, succeed, or achieve. Others around us may be content to float, or do the minimum most of the time, but not us. For us, having what everybody else has is an accomplishment, and having tasted success we want to keep succeeding.

The willingness to take risks is critical to achieving success. As reported by one young person with a mobility impairment:

I keep going when people tell me I can't. I am not afraid to try things and I don't give up. My parents took me everywhere and I did everything like a normal kid. I have a good friend from kindergarten who is able bodied, and she knows me so well that we do all sorts of stuff that people might not think I could do, but we come up with a flexible plan and we do it.

Advice about risk taking from successful people with disabilities includes:

• Nothing worthwhile comes without risk. Without risk, success cannot be achieved.
• Never give up.
• Do not pity yourself for what cards you have been dealt. It happened... now move on.
• That moment of insecurity is worth the achievement in the end. It is important to keep that in mind throughout life.

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Technology and Disability

Being technologically competent has become an avenue to academic and career success. Computer technology is one of the most powerful tools available to individuals with disabilities. Technology, including computers, adaptive technology, and the Internet, can help maximize independence, productivity and participation. It can lead to high levels of success—personally, socially, academically, and professionally. As reported by successful individuals with disabilities:

• The computer helps me organize my thoughts. I can read and make improvements with ease. I can check all of my papers for spelling errors before I send them. I am a really BAD speller. (high school student with a learning disability)
• I use a combination of a palmtop note-taker computer and a desktop computer to write. Without them I'd be lost. (college student with mobility and health impairment)
• Without computers or the Net I would not be doing many things that I'm doing today. For instance, I am involved in a writing forum on the Net that lets writers talk about writing and share their pieces of literature with each other. Since I want to be a writer this has been very helpful. (high school student with Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder)
• One of my two or three best friends—maybe best next to my wife—and I met on the Internet, and we are not only friends but close working colleagues. (professor who is blind)
• Technology is not a nicety; it is a necessity. Get it, learn it, and use it. (college student who is blind)

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Developing Strategies While Disabled

Successful people use creative strategies to reach their goals. They look at options and make informed decisions. Successful planning requires that you know your rights and responsibilities and strengths and challenges; set goals; work toward those goals; and use tools and resources available to you. One key skill for success is self-advocacy. Being able to self-advocate requires that a young person become an expert on their disability, know what specific services and help they need, and be able to use strategies to obtain this help and support. One's life should not be defined by the assumptions of others. Insights by successful people with disabilities are shared below.

• There is a difference between being the recipient of an act (victimized) and allowing yourself to become overly affected by that act—i.e., to become a victim. (adult with mobility and orthopedic impairment
• We don't have to be victims of other people's assumptions. We are only victims if we choose not to take charge of a situation. If you are blind and someone grabs your arm and pushes you across the street and you don't say anything, but would like to, then you are letting the other person force the result of his assumptions on you. If you, on the other hand, either say, "thank you, but I'll be fine" or "let me take your arm," depending on what you would like to do, then you are taking charge and aren't a victim. (adult who is blind)
• I could never achieve anything without writing things down. Sometimes I use a calendar, sometimes a blank sheet of paper or my notebook, and sometimes the computer. But without putting my plans on paper, I am not able to get things done. I use a prioritization process. I write out everything that I need to do, including the small things like getting dressed, taking medications, and riding the bus. Then I mark the things that must get done today or tomorrow as opposed to later, and I prioritize in order of importance. The list I make is constantly changing but I get a lot of satisfaction crossing off accomplished steps. It also helps me to break down larger tasks into smaller ones. I make lists, plan how to do the things on the lists, then use the lists to motivate me to get things done. I never leave home without it! (adult with mobility and hearing impairments)
• The more often I express my needs and preferences, the easier it becomes, and the easier it becomes, the more comfortable I am, and that makes people more comfortable, and on and on and on... and somewhere in the midst of this is the need to be both polite and clear. (adult who is deaf)
• The way to preempt or erase assumptions is to tell people what you need rather than let them act out what they think you need. It is okay to say what you need help with. I think that is part of being independent. And just by being out and about and going about your normal business you also show people what you don't need help with. (adult who is blind)

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Play To Your Strengths

People with disabilities who consider themselves successful generally accept their disabilities as one aspect of who they are, do not define themselves by their disabilities, recognize that they are not responsible for their disabilities, and know that they are not inherently impaired. They recognize their responsibility for their own happiness and future. Below are insights from successful people with disabilities:

• My personal opinion about disabilities is that everyone is disabled. It just so happens that there is a certain group whose disabilities are more obvious than others. (high school student with mobility and visual impairments)
• My parents helped me learn to accept responsibility for myself by treating me the same as my siblings. They gave me the same punishments and chores, and they expected me to do well in school. (high school student with speech, hearing, mobility, and orthopedic impairments)
• Do not make people feel sorry for you or pity you. Get people to view you as an able person who is capable of anything within your reach if the doors of opportunity are open. (graduate student with a hearing impairment)
• Clearly disabilities can be obstacles. However, they ought to be focused on as obstacles which problem solving can surmount. Sometimes trade-offs do exist. I once wanted to go into biochemistry, but my lack of fine-motor skills and general distrust of lab partners made me realize that I wanted something I could do on my own—hence, history-philosophy. Perhaps I could have found adaptive technology to help me in biology and chemistry, but I had other loves as well, so I went for them. Admittedly, I rerouted, but for those who are determined to be biochemists and such, most obstacles can be overcome by abilities. (college student with mobility impairment)
• Focus on the ABILITY in disability more than the dis. If we can do that, then we are more apt to succeed. Also, know your limits. If you don't know what you can or can't do, how do you expect other people to know? Plan for success by using more of the cans than the can'ts. (college student with mobility impairment)

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Expectations

Below, successful young people and adults with disabilities share their views about how they set goals and maintain high expectations:

• A combination of people and events has helped me maintain high standards. This all started during the summer months when my mother and neighbor friend pushed me to improve my academic skills. At the time, it wasn't high standards that I was working for, but rather escaping embarrassment. For me, I wanted no one to know I had a disability and would have done most anything to hide it. Summer study sessions provided a stepping stone for future success in high school and college. Success builds upon itself. This was my start to expecting to do well in school.
• I'm just stubborn and I refuse to lower my expectations. (college student with a mobility and orthopedic impairment)
• My parents helped me maintain high expectations for myself. They taught me never to say "I can't" at anything I try. (high school student with cerebral palsy)
• My mobility teacher made me confident in my ability to learn, which has helped me maintain high expectations. (college student who is blind)
• My parents expected me to do as well as other students without disabilities, if not better. My parents actively sought help for my hearing impairment in the forms of speech therapists, audiologists, and teachers to make sure that I had an equal chance in public schools. Before choosing a new house, my parents did a lot of research on the local schools. (college student who is deaf)
• My brother and sister had one single expectation that determined my success: I was not treated differently in any way because I could not see. (computer scientist who is blind)
• I am still in the process of learning to stretch but I start by identifying what I can already do, what I am comfortable doing and feel good about. Then I say to myself (sometimes in writing) I can do more. I can do better, what is it BEYOND what I already can do that I want to be able to do? Then I write down goals or ideas and make efforts to stretch myself. (adult with hearing and mobility impairments)
• Very early on, I became the stubborn guy I am today. "Can't" wasn't in my vocabulary, which, of course, was helped by a set of parents who offered me opportunities to do most of the things everyone else did and encouraged me to set very high standards. By now, I do realize that everyone has a path in life that their unique set of talents and lack thereof gives them. I will never be mistaken for an athlete. However, knowing what talents I do have, I press myself to be the best historian, philosopher, and writer that I can be. (college student with a mobility impairment)
• I set personal, academic, and career goals by knowing where my limits are and working around them. If someone says I can't do something, and I haven't tried it before, that just makes me more determined to prove that someone wrong. If I fail, at least I tried. That's what counts. (college student with mobility impairments)
• One of the main reasons people do not set high expectations is fear of failure….; Start by having achievable goals that are not long-term. Develop week long, achievable goals that lead to success. Build on each success and make each goal a little higher. Think of it as a metaphorical high jump. You cannot set the bar too high in the beginning or you just set yourself up for failure. (adult with hearing and mobility impairments)

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Define Success for Yourself

People define success in many ways. Several successful people with disabilities use these words:

• Success is defined by who we are, what we believe in, and what we think it means to be successful. For some it is money; for others it could be relationships, family, jobs, religion, or education. I believe that success is reaching my own personal dreams. I'm not done with my dreams, but know that I have been successful so far because I've worked toward my goals regardless of my disability. (college student who is deaf)
• Success is possessing the capability for self-determination. Self determination is the ability to decide what I want to do with my life, and then to act on that decision. (high school student who is blind)
• A successful life is one where I can be actively engaged in creative activities that make a contribution to the lives of others. Success is a kind of by-product and NOT an end in itself! (professor who is blind)
• To me, having a successful life is being able to do things independently for myself, and not always have someone there to do things for me. It's achieving my goals on my own terms and at my own pace. (high school student with a mobility and orthopedic impairment)

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

disABLED

The content of this article is organized around the following advice for successful young people and adults with disabilities who want to succeed in a world built for able bodied people.  These are topics that I will cover for the next few weeks:

• Define success for yourself.
• Set personal, academic, and career goals.
• Keep your expectations high.
• Understand your abilities and disabilities.
• Play to your strengths.
• Develop strategies to meet your goals.
• Use technology as an empowering tool.
• Work hard. Persevere. Be flexible.
• Develop a support network. Look to family, friends, and teachers.

Perhaps young people with disabilities will find the experiences of others useful as they set their course toward successful, self-determined lives.

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Disabled But Self-Determined

We often hear about the problems young people with disabilities face—physical obstacles, social rejection, academic failure, and medical crises. Yet some people do overcome significant challenges and lead successful lives. What does success mean to them and how do they achieve it? What internal characteristics do these individuals possess and what external factors have been present in their lives? What advice do they have to help young people build personal strengths to overcome the challenges they no doubt will face?

Included in this article are insights from successful young people and adults with disabilities. These insights may help young people learn to lead self-determined lives. But, what is self-determination? There are many definitions to choose from. The following definition is concise and incorporates a number of common themes found in other definitions.

Self-determination is a combination of skills, knowledge, and beliefs that enable a person to engage in goal-directed, self-regulated, autonomous behavior. An understanding of one's strengths and limitations together with a belief in oneself as capable and effective are essential to self-determination. When acting on the basis of these skills and attitudes, individuals have greater ability to take control of their lives and assume the role of successful adults.

Gaining control over your life involves learning and then successfully applying a number of self-determination skills, such as goal-setting, understanding your abilities and disabilities, problem-solving, and self-advocacy. The personal process of learning, using, and self-evaluating these skills in a variety of settings is at the heart of self-determination.

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

People YOU Know With ADHD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of many childhood conditions, that tends to follow those suffering from it, through their adolescent years and even adulthood. People suffering from this disorder have an inability to focus or pay attention, they're hyperactive in nature and have trouble controlling their behavior. They tend to slip away from other children during their childhood days, often escaping elders from noticing that these kids suffer from ADHD. When I found out that Vincent Van Gogh suffered from ADHD, I wasn't surprised. He seemed eccentric, odd and different. Even Leonardo Da Vinci, was one of the famous people diagnosed with ADHD. There are three kinds of stages when it comes to ADHD, namely predominantly inattentive, combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive and lastly, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. There is no known cure for this disorder, except treatments to ease one from the symptoms. One can still lead a normal life, even finishing school and having good lives thereafter. A lot of research is going into ADHD treatment, with new methods taking shape as time lapses. Find out who comes under famous people with ADHD, and if you know someone who suffers from the same, it should be pretty clear that things worked out just fine, and that they aren't alone.

Symptoms of ADHD

Before we get into the list of famous people with ADHD, let's look into the symptoms first, and how to gage from a child's behavior if he/she suffers from it.
•If not doing something fun, they get easily bored with tasks within a few minutes.
•Difficulty submitting assignments and homework on time.
•Not able to follow instructions given.
•Not able to handle a task or learning something for the first time.
•Attention span is limited.
•Tends to lose his/her things like toys, stationary and so on.
•Difficulty sitting in one place.
•Easily distracted.
•Poor listening skills when spoken to.
•Not able to take in information easily like other kids.
•Confused constantly and repeatedly drifting off and daydreaming.
•Slow in actions.
•Showcasing impatience.
•Speaking out of turn, and openly fussy and inappropriate behavior wise.
•Constantly running about, and not able to sit still and complete an activity/listen to stories/eat dinner.
•Talking incessantly without any breaks.

Famous People Who Have ADHD

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso, a Spanish painter, who was a child prodigy in art and drawing, born on 25th October, 1881 in Malaga, Spain. He redefined the term Modern Art with his paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics for about 75 years. He's an acclaimed artist, that is well respected in the 20th century, more than any other artist who has influenced such a time.

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali, with more than 1500 paintings done in his time, with other works done like drawings, book illustrations, prints and more. He was born on 11th May, 1904 in Figueres, Catalonia, and was known for his eccentricity and attracted a lot of attention with his way of dressing and hairdo.

Ansel Adams

He was known for his visionary photos of landscapes, that were mostly inspired from trips during his boyhood, to Yosemite National Park. He was born on 20th February, 1902. He was interested in black and white film, and was a commercial photographer for 30 years.

Alexander Graham Bell

Famously known for inventing the telephone; he was born on March 3rd 1847 and is also known to be an engineer and scientist. Alexander Graham Bell was known for his later revolutionary work in aeronautics, optical telecommunications, and hydropolis.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison was an American scientist and inventor, born on 11th February, 1931. He invented the motion picture camera, phonograph and of course the electric bulb. He's invented many innovations related to telecommunications and mass communication as well.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is known for his famous kite and key experiment to determine how lightening is charged with electricity. He was born on January 17th, 1709 in Boston; he is also known for inventions like swim fins, bifocals and the glass harmonica, which is a musical instrument.

Jason Kidd

He's a professional basketball player, born on March 23rd, 1973 and plays for the Dallas Mavericks.

Magic Johnson

Earvin Johnson - Magic Johnson born on 14th August, 1959, is a now a retired professional basketball player, who was a part of the NBA, for the LA Lakers (as point guard). He now is the owner of numerous business enterprises.

Nolan Ryan

He's now a former Major League Baseball player, born on January 31st, 1947. He co-owns the Texas Rangers; and was even inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame, in the year 1999.

Babe Ruth

Born on February 6th, 1895, he was a major league baseball player, nicknamed "the Bambino" and even "the Sultan of Swat". In 1998, he was listed as number one on the list of 'Baseball's 100 Greatest Players'.

Pete Rose

Born on April 14th, 1941, he was a major league baseball player and manager. He's won three battling titles, two gold gloves, made it to rookie of the year and won the most valuable player award.

More Famous People With ADHD

Great Businessmen/Scholars/Writers/Poets/Actors/Actresses

Albert Einstein
Jim Carrey
Stephen Hawking
Dustin Hoffman
Galileo
Anthony Hopkins
Nostradamus
Robin Williams
Sir Isaac Newton
Sylvester Stallone
Leo Tolstoy
Steven Spielberg
Emily Dickinson
Susan Hampshire
George Bernard Shaw
Lindsay Wagner
Robert Frost
Ann Bancroft
Bill Gates
Cher
Napoleon Bonaparte
Bill Cosby
Mozart
Will Smith
Beethoven
Whoopi Goldberg
Wright Brothers
Henry Ford
Christopher Columbus
Kirk Douglas
Walt Disney
Steve Mcqueen
Malcolm Forbes
Suzanne Somers

Now that you're aware of famous people with ADHD, I hope that it comforts you to know that these people did well for themselves, despite their shortcomings. Give those you know with this disorder, support and assure them that there are people out there who've made it through. There are some powerful people who fight disabilities! Trust me; I know!

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

ADHD Testing

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is basically a neurological disorder which is commonly seen to affect children. Children suffering from this disorder are hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive. They are fidgety and tend to get distracted easily. Since this condition affects children, parents and teachers must have an understanding about ADHD symptoms in children. Awareness about the symptoms of ADHD must be created so that this condition can be diagnosed early. In absence of medical intervention, the symptoms might persist through teenage and adulthood. Wondering how this condition is diagnosed? Is there a specific ADHD test for children? What are the diagnosis guidelines used in ADHD test for children? Let's find out about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.

Causes and Symptoms of ADHD

Before I tell you more about ADHD test for children, let me give you some information about the causes and symptoms of ADHD. It is believed that ADHD might be caused due to structural abnormality in the brain. Behavioral modification or changes that are seen in children suffering from ADHD could be caused due to the malfunctioning of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Causes of ADHD also include traumatic brain injury or an exposure to environmental toxins such as lead or polychlorinated biphenyl. Exposure to toxins during pregnancy could also increase the risk. Women who take drugs or smoke during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children with ADHD. It might be attributed to faulty genes as well. If this condition runs in the family, there is a greater likelihood of children getting affected by this disorder.

Now that you know what causes ADHD, let me tell you about ADHD symptoms. Children suffering from ADHD generally display signs of inattentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsiveness in various ways. They have a very short attention span and get easily distracted. Since they are unable to focus on anything for a long time, they switch from one activity to another frequently and leave most of their tasks unfinished. They generally avoid the tasks that require sustained mental effort. Hyperactivity in such children is manifested through fidgeting. Children with ADHD are quite impulsive. This attribute of theirs might be seen in the classroom, when they blurt out answers even before the teacher completes the sentence. While playing games, such children might have problems while waiting for their turn. They might distract the other students or often get into fights.

Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD

How is ADHD diagnosed? Do doctors diagnose this condition by using a particular ADHD test for children? I am sure that those of you who are looking for information on ADHD testing might have come across certain checklists, questionnaires or screening tests for ADHD on Internet. Though you could take a free AHDH test for children on Internet, you must not completely rely on them. The best way this condition can be diagnosed is through a medical examination. Instead of answering a series of questions given in a free ADHD test for children online, you must seek the help of a psychotherapist. Though parents can take the free ADHD test for children to get some idea, the diagnosis might be subjective. The tolerance levels of people is different, therefore only a qualified psychotherapist can judge the situation correctly. A psychotherapist will observe the child's behavior and try to find out if specific ADHS symptoms are exhibited by the child or not. Generally doctors use diagnosis guidelines as per DSM-IV. DSM-IV is a psychiatric diagnostic manual that is referred for framing questionnaires or symptoms checklist used in ADHD test for children. Only when the child is diagnosed with this condition, doctors will look for the suitable ADHD treatment options. They might recommend the use of ADHD medication. Parents will also be asked to learn behavior modification techniques for ADHD so as to correct the child's behavior. A long term treatment plan that combines cognitive behavioral therapy, prescription drugs and ADHD diet can surely help in managing the symptoms of this condition. If you can manage the ADHD without prescription drugs, I would completely suggest it!

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

What Is Sluggish Cognitive Tempo?

The sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) disorder is associated with ADHD. It however, exhibits different symptoms. Here, we try and understand all about this disorder.

The sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) disorder is a type that falls under the category of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI). It is a developmental disorder that may affect individuals at a younger age. It has been found that the cause for this condition is primarily hereditary in nature. The sluggish cognitive tempo disorder has been referred to as a mood disorder as well as a kind of an executive function disorder. However, research has shown that SCT emerges from problems with the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and problems with retrieving memory. Further, lack of production of dopamine and norepinephrine may also be responsible for this condition. Though not formally recognized by medical manuals, SCT is a condition that affects a lot of people who are diagnosed with ADHD. Here, we will talk about the symptoms of SCT, and the treatment methods that are adopted to treat it.

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo: Symptoms

Surprisingly, the symptoms of those suffering from sluggish cognitive tempo are different from ADHD symptoms. The symptoms of SCT may be obvious in the early stages of life, for instance, when a child is ready to enter preschool. These symptoms have been explained here.

•Lack of Focus: Children with SCT are likely to have issues with academics, due to their inability to focus for long periods on verbal information. They are likely to face trouble retrieving verbal information from their memory, though they may be better off with visual or spatial information.

•Sluggish Demeanor: While those with ADHD are hyperactive and distracted, those with SCT are more sluggish (as the name suggests) and slow. They take longer to understand and process information, and are in what appears to be a dream-like state.

•Lack of Motivation: Individuals with SCT seem to be lacking the motivation to perform basic tasks and activities, which is why they are found continually seeking those kinds of activities that will arouse them mentally. This behavior pattern is likely to be erratic, and they may also show highs and lows in their thought process and their daily activities. More often than not, however, those with SCT are passive individuals who lack the drive to perform different tasks, and may also suffer from mood swings.

•Social Withdrawal and Depression: Those with SCT are also more prone to the development of depression, and social dysfunction due to their introvert nature. They are socially withdrawn individuals who are perceived as aloof and disinterested by those around them.

•Low Comprehension Abilities: Individuals suffering from SCT are also likely to have trouble with calculations, difficulty understanding abstract concepts and abstract reasoning, and with reading. Due to their behavior patterns, they are known to be disorganized and prone to losing their things easily.

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo: Treatment

While this condition is known to be a life-long disorder, there are some methods by which psychiatrists have been able to improve, if not completely treat, their responses to stimuli. This they do by administering medication that help enhance the production of norephinephrine and dopamine, thereby sustaining the belief that the sluggish cognitive tempo disorder may be the result of a lack of these. Apart from prescribing medication, psychiatrists also attempt to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, that are known to reduce the intensity of the condition. Finally, some experts believe that this is a condition that children will eventually outgrow. However, this is simply a belief that is not backed by any scientific proof. ADHD treatment and ADHD medications is something worth knowing as well.

Now, some psychologists and psychiatrists believe that the sluggish cognitive tempo disorder is simply an excuse that has been given by people to cover up laziness. However, there are individuals who indicate these symptoms and suffer from this condition because of actual developmental disabilities. This condition can be diagnosed and treated only by a qualified psychiatrist. Further, such symptoms should not be ignored, and should be reported to a professional immediately to arrest the progress of this condition by administering appropriate treatment. This will help improve the overall quality of life of the affected individual.

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Hyperactive Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a kind of neurological disorder which leads to behavioral problems in children. Hyperactivity in children and fidgeting, are the main symptoms of ADHD. Affected brain structure is one of the main causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD in children. Early diagnosis of ADHD helps calm down the hyperactive children. Early diagnosis and correct ADHD treatment help prevent the situation from worsening. Otherwise hyperactivity in young age and adulthood is quite difficult to control. Parents can understand from a child's behavior whether he suffers from ADHD or not. Let us take a look at causes of ADHD first.

Hyperactive Children Causes

Hyperactive children are not necessarily victims of ADHD. In fact, all children act like children with ADHD at times, especially when they are in a state of uncontrolled excitement. Anxiety, excessive emotions or nervousness make them behave like ADHD children. Sometimes, parents are responsible for hyperactivity in children. The difference between normal children and hyperactive children (with ADHD) is that symptoms of ADHD or hyperactivity are noticed for a longer period of time and not for a short while, in those children who are suffering from a neurological disorder. In case of children with ADHD, symptoms are seen in various different situations. So, what causes ADHD?

Some biological changes may cause ADHD. Genetic factors such as parents having hypertension or psychiatric disturbance, a close relative having ADHD (family history), a change in brain structure, etc. can cause ADHD in children. Neurotransmitters or chemicals in brain like dopamine are held responsible for hyperactivity in children. Improper development of brain or smaller brain is seen in children with ADHD. Excessive consumption of alcohol, drugs; excessive smoking during pregnancy can affect the development of the brain of the fetus and can thus result in having a child with ADHD. If a woman gets exposed to any kind of chemical poison (for example, polychlorinated biphenyls used in pesticide industry) during pregnancy, then she might give birth to a child with affected brain function.

Children are sometimes exposed to environmental poisons, for example, lead poisoning can affect the function of the brain significantly. Excessive exposure to fluorescent lights, food poisoning, traumatic brain injury can lead to ADHD symptoms in children. You might be surprised to know that artificial food colors and eating too much of sugar can shoot up the hyperactive behavior in children. A diet that does not contain sufficient nutrients, watching television for a longer period, lack of love and security may result in hyperactivity. Some parents punish their children severely for tiny reasons. Such children are likely to show ADHD symptoms. Here is a list of ADHD symptoms in children.

Hyperactive Children Symptoms
•Fidgeting, squirming
•Lack of attentiveness or limited attention span
•Non-stop talking
•Cannot sit still in one place, moving constantly.
•Cannot follow the given instructions, cannot concentrate
•Get bored with any given game within a few minutes
•Cannot study properly, cannot complete class-work and home-work
•Cannot handle or finish any given task properly
•Cannot play quietly
•Get distracted easily
•Does not listen to stories
•Always fighting with other children
•Cannot eat properly
•Act without thinking
•Cannot pay attentions to details
•Insensitive or fail to react like normal children; when they are complimented or punished

Here are some tips which might help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in hyperactive children.

How to Treat ADHD

Parents who find their child's behavior abnormal, should consult a doctor immediately. If parents notice some of the above mentioned symptoms in their children, then they should take a ADHD test for children. Only a psychotherapist can evaluate the condition of the child perfectly. Untreated ADHD can result in severe complications, later in adulthood. ADHD medications prescribed by doctors help reduce the symptoms. Teachers should also cooperate parents. They should be aware of special needs of hyperactive children. Parents and teachers should spend maximum time with these children. Parents and teachers need to follow behavior modification techniques for ADHD.

Psychotherapist may recommend herbal remedies for ADHD because side effects of these remedies are negligible. Doctors may suggest dietary alterations. Hyperactive children diet is so designed that it helps improve the function of the brain. ADHD diet for children is a balanced diet which provides essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, etc. Avoiding food allergens is absolutely essential. Parents, with the help of doctors, can teach the child how to relax. Let the child learn meditation, yoga, deep breathing techniques; for that, parents should have patience. Though it is difficult to cure ADHD, it is possible to lower the symptoms of ADHD.

I hope the above information whets your appetite regarding ADHD and hyperactive children. Love, affection, a little bit of extra attention, prompt medication and healthy diet help calm down restless children.

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Disabled Dating

With a little pre-planning and some inquiry, you can have a superb disabled dating experience. The date will be just as delightful as able bodied dating when you follow a few tips for successful dating. In most cases the one and only difference between able bodied dated and disabled dating is that there are some tweaks to the environment that has to be made to make the experience fun and comfortable.

Lumping dating suggestions for the disabled into one article would be a dis-service to the disabled community. There are many different types of disabilities that have different needs when dating. However there are 2 broad dating tips that will fit any dating experience.

Most people who are just starting disabled dating make the mistake of planning for accommodation and activities without asking the person they're going to date about what they want or think. When going to a restaurant , a disabled person knows which restaurants in the neighborhood are less than satisfactory for the disabled.

Even though restaurants have ramps, they won't be the sort of restaurant that's hospitable to the disabled. A disabled person will know if they get stuck in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen when they eat there. If the guide dog gets stepped on by waiters as you are placed away from the regular guests, it is not the best eatery for incapacities.

Having a fun disabled dating experience truly has just one secret to success. Be open minded and find out what your date like to do and can do with their incapacity. Most people who are disabled have worked out a method to do the things they love to do. It might not be the way an able bodied person does it, but it is fun and a great activity.

Another key to a great date is to get a vehicle that is big enough to deal with the chair, dog, or equipment. If you've got a tiny car, get a enormous enough vehicle to comfortable accommodate a chair or other appliances that is happening the date. There is nothing worse than waiting for a chair to be put together after you get to the theatre. Save time and trouble by just getting the proper size vehicle for the date.

A large tip for a great date is to not make assumptions about the disability. Many of my disabled friends have some unique activities. I have friends that love the outdoors, and deaf friends that love dance clubs. If you make assumptions about the incapacity you won't have a great time and it's going to be restraining.

Talking to people who have got a disability about their experiences with dating will help you to be prepared for the experience. These folks will tell you what works and does not work and ways to make the date fun and notable. By talking to your date and other disabled people about the activities that you've planned, you will be able to make a notable experience for both yourself and your date.

Dating can be difficult, but even harder for the disabled. Dating for disabled shouldn't be difficult, and you can discover all you need today!

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The Crossbreed Chair

The Crossbreed folding wheel is an exciting design project that has potential benefits for wheelchair users. It is currently being developed further in association with InnovationRCA, an innovation incubator affiliated with the Royal College of Art, London.

According to designer Duncan Fitzsimons, the Crossbreed folding wheel, originally designed for the cycle market, could revolutionise the everyday use of wheelchairs, enabling users to handle, transport and store their chairs in a vastly more efficient way.

Like all great inventions, the Crossbreed began with a challenge. Watching a fellow student trying to stash his road bike out of rain, Duncan first had the idea that led him all the way to the finals of the Saatchi & Saatchi World Changing Ideas competition. The bike fitted the small space available – the wheels didn't … no matter how the student struggled that bike wasn't going to fit … and that's when Duncan remembered his lecturer's challenge and realised that if the wheels could somehow fold, then storage would just be less of an issue."

A tutor and keen cyclist at the Royal College of Art, Mark Sanders, had planted the seed of an idea in one of his classes when he said "the best improvement that could be done in the world of folding bikes would be to try and fold the wheel". Duncan then started to think of a way this could be achieved without compromising the wheel's functionality.

Having first produced a prototype for his graduate show and received lots of media attention, Duncan was encouraged by the organisers of the Saatchi & Saatchi Awards to enter their competition. With the interest such additional exposure gave him, it wasn't long before some wheelchair users approached him asking if he could produce a collapsible wheel for them.
Originally conceived of as a new approach to the design of folding bikes, the Crossbreed wheel has immediate applications in the area of mobility. When faced with the problem of limited storage space and difficulties with transport, cyclists can choose to use a folding bicycle. Wheelchair users face similar problems. With smaller wheels they too could fold their chair into a more manageable package.

Duncan took the wheelchair users' request on board. Working at the Royal College of Art he had access to an incredible resource: the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Sustainable Design, or HHC as it's known, is based at the College. The HHC was able to put Duncan in contact with user focus groups. "There are many occasions when a wheelchair is not in use, and at these times it becomes a large and bulky item; hard to move around, difficult to store and a pain to use with other forms of transport. Cars, taxis trains, planes – these all presented their own problems to wheelchair users," he noted.

"A wheelchair really needs large wheels. It's the key to being independent. If these wheels can fold up then wheelchair users can benefit from all the advantages of being able to fold their chair up into a much smaller package, whilst keeping the essential larger wheels and keeping the push-rim."

A wheelchair fitted with folding wheels can be much more easily stored and handled, both at home and when getting in and out of cars and taxis. A folding wheel could even allow a whole new type of wheelchair to be designed: one that can fold up into a small package similar to a golf bag in shape and size. This wheelchair could be as high performance as any other, yet fold up small enough to fit into an overhead locker on an airplane, wheels and all.

Duncan is currently developing a wheelchair-specific version of Crossbreed with an integrated push-rim and easy to use locking lever at InnovationRCA. He hopes that with support from the wheelchair industry, we should see it changing the way we use wheelchairs.

First models of this wheel will be made from carbon fibre composite, to meet the weight and stiffness requirements of the most demanding wheelchair users and Duncan hopes that these can be supplied at a cost which is as close as possible to non-folding high performance wheels. Further down the line he plans for a range of models to be made available for different budgets and performance needs.

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New Drug for Treating Muscular Dystrophy

A breakthrough revelation has been made by a collaborative study which has paved way for people reeling under the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The initial symptoms of the disease are seen in boys between the age of 1 and 3 eventually leading them to spend their life till thirties on wheelchair from the age of 12.

Moreover, the drug, SMT C1100, is targeted at quelling the need of a protein called utrophin instead of pricking the problem of dystrophin that’s found in muscle fibers. Apparently, doctors have been recommending steroids and growth hormones in order to manage the dithering health condition.

Apparently, the team of researchers from Oxford University and the University of Bari in Italy has asserted that a single pill instead of any complicated therapy can prove to be beneficial for people under the effect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Responding to the news, Professor Dame Kay Davies of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University, who led the research, claimed, “We’ve shown that the drug can dramatically reduce muscle weakness in mice. These results give us everything we need to go forward into initial clinical trials in humans”.

Meanwhile, experts from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the Medical Research Council have reportedly welcomed the effort made by the team.

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Gene Therapy

Scientists have succeeded in using gene therapy to restore some muscle function in patients with a certain type of muscular dystrophy.

This is the first time such a feat has been performed in humans, state the authors, who are presenting their findings at the annual meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy in Washington, D.C.

"This study provides additional information regarding the feasibility of gene therapy for the treatment of muscular dystrophy," said Dr. Valerie Cwik, executive vice president and research and medical director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which helped fund the research. "Specifically, it provides proof of principle, in people, for sustained gene expression [for at least six months] following treatment."

"This study has shown that a normal gene packed into a virus and injected directly into a muscle can actually produce the protein that is either defective or missing in this particular form of muscular dystrophy," added Dr. Rabi Tawil, a professor of neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. "Similar studies have been done in animal models, and this is the first to show a similar result in humans."

If replicated, the findings could provide hope for people with this and other forms of muscular dystrophy.

"Reversing or significantly blunting the severity of this weakness and wasting will give these patients major improvement in their quality of life, enhance their independence, and increase the likelihood that they can obtain employment," said Dr. Richard Moxley, director of the Neuromuscular Disease Center, also at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

The patients in this study had limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), which is characterized by muscle weakness around the hips and shoulders. The condition results from an inherited deficiency of alpha-sarcoglycan, a muscle protein.

"There is no effective therapy to prevent the progressive weakness and loss of muscle that occurs in LGMD type 2D," Moxley explained. "The disease typically begins between 2 and 15 years of age, and many patients become wheelchair-bound by their teens. They have marked weakness of their shoulder and thigh muscles, and have difficulty performing many of the activities of daily life."

"Treatments are needed urgently," stated Cwik.

A previous study of the same gene transfer procedure had been successful in three patients with levels of the protein staying elevated for at least three months after treatment.

Here, a prominent group of muscular dystrophy researchers from the Center for Gene Therapy at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, injected three LGMD patients with a healthy gene, which succeeded in increasing both gene expression and muscle fiber levels. The effect persisted for six months, the longest yet.

Next, the researchers hope to inject the gene directly into a leg artery to see if those muscles will take up and use the protein.

But several obstacles remain.

"For gene therapy to be clinically beneficial -- meaning an improvement in strength -- multiple muscle groups will need to be treated simultaneously," Cwik said. "To do this will require regional [to an entire limb] or systemic delivery [to the entire body, such as intravenously]."

"This technique delivers the gene directly into the muscle through a needle. It is not practical to do this on large muscles, let alone several muscles, as it would require hundreds of injections," Tawil added. "To make this treatment viable, a system has to be devised where the virus-plus-normal gene can be injected into the circulation and have it deposited into all the muscles. The other obstacle is making sure that injecting the virus containing the normal gene does not induce the immune system to attack the virus."

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Muscular Dystrophy by Race

White Americans with muscular dystrophy live longer than blacks with the disease, but the reason why remains unclear, says a new study.

Death at an early age from respiratory or heart failure is common among people with muscular dystrophy, a group of inherited diseases that weaken muscles.

In this study, researchers looked at 18,315 muscular dystrophy patients who died between 1986 and 2005, a period marked by advances in the care of people with muscular dystrophy.

During that time, the average age at death increased by 1.09 years annually for white men, compared to 0.25 years for black men. Among men who had no muscular dystrophy-related weakening of the heart (cardiomyopathy), the average age at death increased by 1.3 years annually for white men, compared to 0.3 years for black men.

The study also found that white women with muscular dystrophy live an average of 12 years longer than black women with the disease.

The findings appear in the Sept. 14 issue of the journal Neurology.
"More research is needed to determine the causes of this difference between whites and African-Americans with muscular dystrophy so it can be addressed," study author Aileen Kenneson, who conducted the research while at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a journal news release.

"Possible contributing factors could be differences in the types of muscular dystrophy, environmental or genetic factors, other health conditions such as high blood pressure, individual social and economic factors or access to and use of treatment options," she said.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Nicte Mejia of Massachusetts General Hospital offered another opinion. "Inequities in the health care delivery system and the multiple ways in which race constrains access to care seem the most likely explanation for this racial disparity," Mejia wrote. "Decades of research show that African-American patients have worse access to health care and inferior outcomes than white patients. This study reminds us that we must work to minimize social barriers and provide excellent care to all patients."

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What Is Muscular Dystrophy?

The muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. The disorders differ in terms of the distribution and extent of muscle weakness (some forms of MD also affect cardiac muscle), age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance.

Duchenne MD is the most common form of MD and primarily affects boys. It is caused by the absence of dystrophin, a protein involved in maintaining the integrity of muscle. Onset is between 3 and 5 years and the disorder progresses rapidly. Most boys are unable to walk by age 12, and later need a respirator to breathe. Girls in these families have a 50 percent chance of inheriting and passing the defective gene to their children. Boys with Becker MD (very similar to but less severe than Duchenne MD) have faulty or not enough dystrophin.

Facioscapulohumeral MD usually begins in the teenage years. It causes progressive weakness in muscles of the face, arms, legs, and around the shoulders and chest. It progresses slowly and can vary in symptoms from mild to disabling.

Myotonic MD is the disorder's most common adult form and is typified by prolonged muscle spasms, cataracts, cardiac abnormalities, and endocrine disturbances. Individuals with myotonic MD have long, thin faces, drooping eyelids, and a swan-like neck.

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific treatment to stop or reverse any form of MD. Treatment may include physical therapy, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, orthopedic appliances used for support, and corrective orthopedic surgery. Drug therapy includes corticosteroids to slow muscle degeneration, anticonvulsants to control seizures and some muscle activity, immunosuppressants to delay some damage to dying muscle cells, and antibiotics to fight respiratory infections. Some individuals may benefit from occupational therapy and assistive technology. Some patients may need assisted ventilation to treat respiratory muscle weakness and a pacemaker for cardiac abnormalities.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for people with MD varies according to the type and progression of the disorder. Some cases may be mild and progress very slowly over a normal lifespan, while others produce severe muscle weakness, functional disability, and loss of the ability to walk. Some children with MD die in infancy while others live into adulthood with only moderate disability.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports a broad program of research studies on MD. The goals of these studies are to understand MD and to develop techniques to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately cure the disorder.

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Wheelchairs And Women

Women in wheelchairs often find that their physical condition can severely limit their choices in clothing in addition to their mobility. Clothing is manufactured which is designed to be comfortable and easy to use for people with mobility problems, but there has been a tendency to design with a "one size fits all" approach, making clothing which cater to any kind of disability without taking style into account. Women in wheelchairs now get around because someone many years ago thought of a great way to provide mobility to those injured or sick. Women in wheelchairs might have been injured in an accident, or they might have a disease such as diabetes that has restricted their physical movement.

Electric wheelchairs have much more comfortable seating areas and have armrests that have a control knob or joystick for controlling the unit's direction and speed. The electric wheel chairs have heavy battery packs that power the powerful electric motor and need to be recharged, usually overnight. Electric wheelchairs are not "green" alternatives to something else. They are wheelchairs with large power supplies that allow disabled people to propel themselves - at a fairly fast clip at top speed (up to 10 mph/ a 6 minute mile, which I'll warrant most of you funny guys couldn't do for any significant distance if at all) - rather than being wheeled manually by someone else. Electric wheelchair is using rubber tracks and high torque electric motors , and manufacturer guarantees that it will take you just about anywhere. Even the urban street and stairs, with a incline accent of up to 45-degrees!!

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Is Your Campus Accessible?

Follow these tips to make your campus accessible for persons with...

VISUAL disABILITIES

• make sure buildings, door numbers & office numbers are in Braille and in
  large print so that individuals can find their way
• put the school newspaper online
• labeled pop and snack machines
• provide at least one large print and Braille magazine in your waiting rooms
• signage should be large and easy to read
• avoid poor quality photo copy
• avoid posting information on bulletin boards only; use additional means of notification

HEARING disABILITIES

• make TDD systems available
• closed-captioned movies shown on campus
• closed-captioned campus information and recruitment videos

MOBILITY disABILITIES

• provide automatic door openers at a level that can be reached
• bathroom stalls should be large enough for maneuvering
• sinks should be at the proper height for individuals in wheelchairs
• counter height should be appropriate for wheelchair users
• avoid security doors (e.g. card swipes) that require the use of two hands
• avoid exterior doors or curb cuts with raised lips
• keep curb cuts free of water, ice, and snow

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Gout Hurts!

What is Gout?

Gout is a condition often mentioned in literature and historical records. Described as a painful inflammation of the limbs, especially the big toe, Gout develops as a result of the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Some people are more prone to it based on family history. Chances are that many of their ancestors suffered from it, as well. But other people get it due to their own physiology and lifestyle choices. A form of arthritis, a gout attack can be crippling and keep a person out of commission for one or more days while nursing their painful joints.

How Is Gout Diagnosed?

Even doctor can find gout difficult to diagnose. This is usually the case because the symptoms of gout may be indistinct and often mimic other conditions. Although at some time during the course of gout, most people with gout will have hyperuricemia, but it may not be present during an acute gout attack. Besides, having hyperuricemia does not confirm one to have gout. In actual fact, most people with hyperuricemia do not develop the gout.

To confirm a diagnosis of gout, doctors will first have to test the synovial fluid found in the joint by using a needle to draw a sample of the fluid from a person's inflamed joint. Under the microscope, the doctor will look for monosodium urate crystals in the fluid sample by placing it on a slide. If the person is diagnosed with gout, the doctor will almost always see crystals in the fluid sample obtained from the inflamed joint. How their absences are does not completely rule out the diagnosis of gout. Doctors may also find it useful to examine joint or tophi deposits to diagnose gout.

Signs and Symptoms of Gout:

Attack of arthritis in only one joint, usually the toe, ankle, or knee

Arthritis that develops in 1 day

Hyperuricemia

More than one attack of acute arthritis

Painful joint that is swollen, red, and warm

Presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid

How Is Gout Treated?

Most people diagnosed with gout should be able to control their symptoms and live a normal live with the help of proper treatment. Gout can be treated with one or a combination of therapies. These gout treatments aims to relieve the pain associated with acute gout attacks, prevent future gout attacks, and avoid the formation of new tophi in the joints or in serious cases kidney stones in the kidney.

A common treatment for an acute attack of gout usually includes high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) and injections of corticosteroid drugs into the affected joint. NSAID's helps to diminish the inflammation caused by deposits of uric acid crystals at the joints. The NSAID's most commonly prescribed by doctor for gout are indomethacin and naproxen. These drugs can be taken orally every day. Patients on the prescription usually will begin to improve within a few hours of the treatment, and subsequently the gout attacks will go away completely within a few days.

In certain cases, the doctor may consider using colchicines when NSAID's fails to control the gout symptoms. Colchicines is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack of gout. Colchicine can be administered orally every hour until the gout symptoms subside, or they can inject by the doctor directly into a vein. The side effect of colchicines is that it might cause diarrhea when taken orally.

For some patients, the doctor may prescribe either NSAID's or oral colchicine in small daily doses to prevent future attacks of gout. In some cases, the doctor may have to prescribe allopurinol (Zyloprim) and probenecid (Benemid), medicine used to treat hyperuricemia, if gout attacks continues and tophi develop even after the prescription of NSAID's or colchicines.

What Can People With Gout Do To Stay Healthy?

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is very important. Avoid foods that are high in purines and drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Fluids can help to remove the excessive uric acid from the body.

Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight. Try to lose weight if you happen to be overweight.

To help prevent future gout attacks, take the medicines prescribed by your doctor Follow the instructions carefully with regards to how much medicine to take and when to take it. Acute gout is best treated when symptoms first occur.

Update your doctor with your medical history and provide information on all the medicines and vitamins you are currently taking. The doctor should be able to tell you if any of the medicine will increase your risk of hyperuricemia.

If you or someone you know suffers from this disease, you may be involved in home care to manage discomfort and help the person to get through the difficult attack.

Tips for Gout Pain:

Keep the foot elevated. It's hard to stay immobile for any length of time, let alone keep a foot aloft for several hours. Arrange a comfortable spot in the living room or family room where the person can remain part of family life and enjoy entertainments like the television, newspaper, and even guest visits. You might want to set up a second area in the bedroom where the person can rest in private or take a nap.

Make the support materials comfortable and firm. When propping the foot, use a solid pillow or folded blanket for support, taking care that they will not sag and gradually lower the foot. Place these in such a way that they are not likely to fall or tilt. Use clean and soft, rather than scratchy, fabric to keep the skin comfortable.

Avoid trigger foods. The doctor will provide a list of these, which include popular low-fat foods like turkey, so you will want to find suitable substitutes, especially if the person likes to keep turkey on hand for frequent meals. Go over the list with the gout sufferer and beside each forbidden food, come up with two or three replacements. Then shop for these and keep them on hand, since you never know when the next attack will occur, and they can come on suddenly.

Eat wholesome foods that reduce inflammation. The doctor should also be able to provide this list, which includes surprisingly tasty choices like cherries. Ask about flax seed oil as a supplement in addition to foods like salmon, with omega 3 oil, and tea, both of which have been shown to reduce or limit inflammation in the body.

Lose weight slowly: People suffering from gout are usually overweight with their body weight about 10 to 15 percent overweight. More your girth, higher your uric acid level. The higher incidence of the uric acid leads to frequent and intense gout attacks. But take care that you should lose weight slowly as crash diet leads to increase in uric acid levels.

Control blood pressure: Gout patients who also suffer from hypertension need to be extra careful. This is because the blood pressure medications raise the levels of uric acid. Hence it is advisable to control the blood pressure naturally by lowering the intake of the sodium, exercising regularly, reducing the excess weight and eliminating stress.

Skip liver: Certain foods contain purine that raise uric acid levels. Though it is found in most foods, it is advisable to skip certain foods like red meat especially organ meats, liver, certain types of fish and some green leafy vegetables like spinach.

Stop the drink: If you are suffering from gout, avoid alcohol. This is because alcohol stimulates the production of uric acid. Beer is the main culprit as it has higher purine content than the other wines or spirits.

Go heavy on water: Drinking lots of water will help kidneys flush out the excess uric acid. Dehydration is also known to trigger the gout attack. You can increase the urinary output by drinking at least five glasses of water a day.

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How To Pick A Shower Chair

You may know shower chairs are made for your safety whilet you are taking a bath. With this, you might assume all special chairs are safe to use. But not all chairs are made the same. Before you buy one then you should also make sure you have reviewed some tips on how to pick the safest chair for your needs.

1 – Identify your needs for one

A shower chair can be used for a number of reasons. For one, it can be of great help to the elderly who can no longer stand on their own while taking a bath. It can also be useful for obese individuals who find standing difficult. Identifying your need for one can be the first step towards picking the safest model.

2 – Look at reviews for a variety of brands

There are many great names manufacturing shower chairs today. Each brand may have received accolades from numerous award-giving bodies. At times, you may also read reviews about these brands. Once you have gone over these reviews, you can then identify the safest chair for your showering needs.

Make sure that you are reading a credible testimonial though. How will this be possible? Aside from browsing through the manufacturer's site, you may always expand your choices. Go to review sites specifically made for shower chairs or for medical supplies or bariatric products. These communities offer reviews from people who have actually used these special pieces of bathroom equipment.

3 – Consider its design

You have a wide array of options for shower seat designs. When looking into this aspect of your purchase, it's important to balance aesthetics with functionality. Oftentimes, you will be delighted buying a product that you are attracted to without actually looking into how it has been made. The safest shower seats are those that contain a combination of good design and practical functionality.

4 – Consider the weight capacity

It is also wise to look into the weight capacity of the shower chair. This will tell you whether it will be suitable for the weight of the person who will make use of it. Add to that, you must also consider the convenience or comfort it can offer.

5 – Is it easy to clean?

Furthermore, you should also consider the ease of cleaning for these items. Being able to easily clean this chair would translate to the user's safety later on.

You can also consider accessories that come with the package as long as they add to your safety while you are in the shower. Not to forget, you should also take note of the price-quality aspect of the product. Considering all five tips mentioned above will help you arrive at the safest shower chair.

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Wheelchair Accessible Minivans

Consumers needing wheelchair accessible vans can now choose a sporty, compact minivan instead of the regular full-sized van. These vans can be equipped with ramps or lifts and can comfortably handle several seating arrangements. While less interior room than a full-sized van, there is still sufficient room to meet the needs of the handicapped person.

There are at least three choices for ramp access into the minivan for a wheelchair or scooter: side entry lowered floor models, rear entry lowered floor models, and front entry lowered floor models. In the side entry models the wheelchair user enters at the second row and may be accommodated in the front or second row of seating. For rear entry models the passengers enter on the ramp in the rear and remain in the second or third row of seating. Front entry models allow a wheelchair to enter on the front seat side, positioning the wheelchair for the handicapped person to drive.

Accessible vans provide the handicapped person with freedom, independence, and convenience. No more does the wheelchair dependent person have to rely on help to get in and out of a vehicle, and in the case of those choosing to drive; he or she no longer has to rely on friends and family to take them where they need to go. It's a snap to run errands, go to the doctor, see a movie, visit a friend, or take a vacation. With accessible vans equipped with handicapped operating tools, such as hand controls or adjusted hand and pedal controls, there are no limitations to where a handicapped person can travel.

Ramps can be manually operated or automatically powered. Some ramps can be stored in a compartment inside the minivan, while others fold inside the vehicle. Ramps are generally easy to use and often less expensive. They require little maintenance. However, a lift may be easier to use for the handicapped person alone.

Lifts mount to a trailer hitch or inside the vehicle and can be used to store the wheelchair during travel or as a place to lock the wheelchair for use during travel. They can be installed in the trunk, rear of a vehicle, side opening of a minivan, or at the driver's side allowing for driving the minivan.

Minivans are generally easier to maneuver than full-sized vans and certainly make for a sportier look as far as accessible vans go.


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Disabilities Are Common

People can suffer from a number of disabilities. It is mainly divided into two categories. One is physical disability and other is mental disability. There are some people who are not able to walk properly. Some find it difficult to move any part of their body. Some suffer from problems related to eyes or ears. They are not able to see or hear. If any of your body part is not working properly or you are finding it difficult to move that part easily, you are definitely suffering from a disability. Not only this, if any part of one's body is missing because of some accident, then also one comes under the category of a disabled person. All these kind of problems come under physical disability.

Another is mental disability. Such disabilities are found in a person from birth. In rare cases, one can also acquire a mental disability because of a major accident. For example, if a person falls from a high building, etc.

There are a number of individuals who are not able to understand clearly. Those persons who find it difficult to take up certain information from other people without taking help are also considered mentally disable. If one is unable to talk properly then also he is considered to have disabilities.

One of the major disabilities that are found in adults these days is learning disability. A person suffering from such a problem finds it difficult to read and learn as fast as compared to others who are not suffering from learning disabilities. Such a person is not able to focus on a particular topic and has an extremely low concentration level. Thus, he is unable to read or write.

According to a recent research, there are many adults found suffering from such a learning disability. Most of the parents take it as their child's carelessness. They began to abuse and beat them. But this is not a way to deal with such individuals. They need a proper attention and care.

Educate yourself as soon as possible concerning people with disabilities. Chances are someone who has one will become a major part of your life one day.

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4 Considerations

The purchase of a handicapped van to facilitate the mobility of a handicapped loved one can change the life of the entire family. Even so, it is a big decision that should be made with care. The better the choice that is made, the greater freedom for the loved one and family involved. Making a poor choice can be very costly and uncomfortable for the travelers.

As with the purchase of any vehicle, or any high dollar purchase, consumers should research and investigate the options available for their desired purchase. Preparation is the key to avoiding costly repairs, modifications, and maintenance. So, before you purchase a handicapped van, evaluate the following considerations to save time and money.

Type of Vehicle

Before you get started, you should choose what type of vehicle you need: minivan, full-sized van, SUV, or car. Generally, for optimal mobility the most suitable one for those confined to wheelchairs is the handicap van; whether a minivan or full-sized van. Full-sized vans have a larger interior, allowing access with a ramp or wheelchair lift. Minivans are more compact and sportier and generally easier to maneuver. Access can also be with a ramp or mobility lift.

Required Features

Whenever in the market for any vehicle, knowing the features desired are a must before purchasing. Features to consider include: how the handicapped person will enter the van, whether the handicapped person will remain in the wheelchair while traveling, whether hand controls are required, the size of the wheelchair, and then whether you need cruise control, air conditioning, power locks and windows, security, radio, etc.

Cost and Financing

Evaluating the budget and determining the amount that can be afforded must be done prior to shopping for a handicapped van. Used vehicles are always an option, and dealers often have sales, specials, and incentives. In addition, like all other vehicle purchases, financing options should be evaluated. Dealers often have financing programs, but there are independent companies and government programs that can also provide financing for the purchase of a handicap van. Interest rates, length of the term, and monthly payments should all be considered.

Finding the Right Seller

Where you buy your handicapped van can make a difference in the long-term ownership of it. Sellers or dealers with several styles and options, reputation for good customer service, availability of local servicing, warranty program, and a strong record of customer satisfaction are preferred.

Once you've evaluated all these considerations, it is time to start your new life in your chosen handicapped van.

Financing for the Purchase of Wheelchair Accessible Vans

Transportation for a handicapped person can be burdensome in a conventional vehicle. However, wheelchair accessible vans, while truly life changing for the handicapped person, are often very costly and difficult for many people to afford and purchase. The process for getting a mobility van can be long, even without added financial concerns. But, there are options for financing for wheelchair accessible vans.

Dealer Financing

As with any vehicle purchase, the dealer or company represented generally have a financing program that will meet most consumers' needs. Depending on the credit of the one seeking financing, the payments may be more than the family is able to afford due to the high interest rate which will be charged. However, this is an option if none of the other options below are available.

Private Financing

Companies designed to help the handicapped or disabled person are available in most areas, including loans specifically for van modification or wheelchair accessible vans. The Internet is a good place to start searching. Financing is generally more reasonable with these companies and loans are provided with longer terms for repayment in order to lessen monthly payments.

Government Assistance

State agencies may have loan programs or grant programs for the disabled person that will aid in the purchase of a mobility vehicle or modification of one for that purpose. Generally financing plans are flexible and interest rates lower than other financing. Grants do not have to be repaid as they are gifts and not loans. A quick search of the Internet should provide some options. Qualification for these programs will be strict and so will not be available to everyone.

Fundraising

While maybe not the top choice, friends, family and co-workers will not hesitate to host a fundraiser in order to help purchase a wheelchair accessible van. In addition, local charities may offer help for these purchases based on each individual's circumstances. Churches are often willing to help in this way.

Another option is to use a combination of the above financing solutions to allow purchase of the wheelchair accessible van. Even if it is not possible to get donations or grants to cover the entire purchase price, these amounts can reduce the amount required to be financed, reducing monthly payments. Wheelchair accessible vans can be a life changing purchase for handicapped persons and their families and every effort to make this leap should be explored.


"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"

Possibilities for Handicap Vans

With improvements in technology, handicap vans are easier to use than ever. Today's disabled drivers and passengers do not have to be limited by their disabilities with the many transportation options available. It's no longer burdensome to do simple errands, work outside the home, take a trip to the doctor, or even take a vacation. With a well-equipped vehicle for the disabled, possibilities for travel are limitless.

There are several devices that will equip vehicles for use by disabled or handicapped persons. Each device should be properly installed by a qualified installer or dealer. Proper maintenance for all devices should also be done in order to ensure the devices continue to work properly and efficiently.

The first piece of equipment necessary is to aid in loading and unloading the disabled persons. A lift will act in one of several ways: place the wheelchair into the vehicle for storage during travel, carry it behind the vehicle during travel, or place the wheelchair and its occupant, locked onto the platform, inside the vehicle for travel. Ramps are often in vans equipped with a feature that lowers the vehicle closer to the ground for making the ramp more accessible.

Handicap vans may also be equipped with wheelchair tie-downs in order to hold the wheelchair, not on a platform, in place during travel. Tie downs can be either manual or electronic systems. Tie downs can be used in the drivers' side of the vehicle allowing handicapped persons to remain in their wheelchair while driving.

Another device for handicap vans includes transfer seats that swivel making the transfer from a wheelchair to the seat for the vehicle easier. The height and distance from the steering wheel can be adjusted to make driving or riding comfortable.

Disabled, wheelchair bound persons require special hand controls in order to operate a vehicle. They are the most important part of mobility vehicles for persons wanting total freedom of mobility and independence. Hand controls come with several options and are improved upon often with improved technology. It's important to have hand controls specially designed for the intended driver and training should be extensive. Ease of use and comfort are important aspects of hand controls.

Don't let the many possibilities for handicap vans deter you from purchasing the van that will best meet your needs. Choosing the right equipment for your handicapped van prior to purchasing is important in order not to waste time or money.

"Don't allow your disABILITY to shut you out of life; your request for Access has been Granted"