There is currently limited research related to mental health supports for individuals who use AAC, particularly about the actual lived experiences of AAC users who receive mental health services. There may be alterations to mental health services for individuals who use AAC. The aim of this study was to gain the perspectives of AAC users on…

The paper aims to explore ways in which mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) attempt to voice their concerns about current discourses and power imbalances enshrined in special education policy and provision. Mothers' narratives are important in making transparent the multiple forms of 'disablism' experienced by them in their attempts to…

After having the son with cerebral palsy and auditory neuropathy, the authors had to learn how to advocate for her son. After 12 years of ups and downs, uncertainties, hard work, determination, and tears, her son James graduated from high school with a regular diploma. In this article, she describes of the struggles she and her son had to go…

Adolescents with disabilities in developing countries frequently have limited access to sporting opportunities and comparatively little is known of their lived experiences and preferences. We set out to understand what a group of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) living in South Africa perceive to be important components of programmes developed…

The Internet is a major source of health-related information for parents of sick children despite concerns surrounding quality. For neurodevelopmental disorders, the websites of advocacy groups are a largely unexamined source of information. We evaluated treatment information posted on nine highly-trafficked advocacy websites for autism, cerebral…

Forty-five parents of children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and sickle cell disease participated in 8 focus groups. Parents discussed how they, the child with the disability, and the siblings addressed community perceptions about the child's disability. Themes evolving from the interviews included (a) support and lack of support,…

In this study we investigated experiences of parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to identify areas in which health care providers and educators could improve practice. A second objective was to create educational material for parents of young children newly diagnosed with CP. A purposive sample of nine parents, who previously participated…

The purpose of the study was to understand a mother's perspective about raising children with disabilities. This was a unique case study because the mother was a highly educated advocate in the special education profession and the process was very educational for the researcher. A detailed description of the methodology is provided to encourage…

Essentially, the goal of the P-16 educational process is to teach students to become self-determined adults. Unfortunately, educational systems sometimes fail in addressing these factors and in educating students with various disabilities in the area of self-determination. In this article, the authors present the major findings that emerged from…

The Indian Institute for Cerebral Palsy (IICP) has been providing education and other services in Kolkata, Eastern India, for children and young adults with cerebral palsy and related disabilities for over 30 years. IICP started by providing education for just two children, and was highly dependent on western expertise. Described is the history of…