Like many people, the author has spent the better part of his life fashioning a list of places he wanted to go and things he wanted to do. Because he is a typical American male, his "Bucket List" is mostly populated by sporting venues he wants to visit and sporting events he wants to witness. Sharing his "Bucket List" with his son would be a gift…

In February of 2000, "Exceptional Parent" introduced readers to the Crowley family. The author profiled John, Aileen, and their three children: Megan, Patrick, and John Jr. They told "Exceptional Parent" that in 1998 both Megan and Patrick were diagnosed with Pompe disease, a progressive, multisystemic, debilitating, and often fatal muscular…

In this article, the author reflects on the positive outlook of parents and children with OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta or simply, brittle bones), who attended the 15th Biennial National OI Conference. The author believes that the attendees positive attitudes comes from the positive influences they have had from the beginning. One example of an…

A disabled woman recounts her early experiences in regular elementary and high school, her encounters with helpful and unhelpful orthopedists, her satisfaction with college, and her current position as an attorney. (CL)

A disabled young adult recounts difficulties and successes in living on his own. (CL)

A blind adult discusses the need to allow blind children to experience the world through touch. Allowing and encouraging touching can promote self-acceptance as well as learning. (CL)

Visual impairment and blindness are issues facing the veteran and non-veteran populations in a variety of ways. Currently, the number of veterans in the U.S. diagnosed with low vision is estimated to be more than one million. The number of veterans diagnosed with legal blindness is estimated to be more than 160,000. Over 45,000 veterans diagnosed…

Based on a case illustration told from the teacher's perspective, the article discusses some of the problems posed by the entrance of the mainstreamed disabled child into the regular classroom, focusing on teachers and students learning to cope with their own feelings about the handicapped. (DLS)

The article notes the difficulties in social interaction with disabled infants and considers ways in which adults need to adjust, relax, and have fun with the child. (CL)

Guidelines are offered to parents who move and change school districts for their disabled children. She notes the importance of knowing legal rights, keeping current records, and being persistent in securing optimum services. (CL)

The article discusses the role of plastic surgery for persons with Down Syndrome, as considered in a recent conference. The functions of team plastic surgery, importance of intensive speech therapy, and the question of ultimate therapeutic value are among questions considered. (CL)

The author discusses the effects his disabilities have had on his life and explores some of the ways in which life is different for disabled persons. (PHR)

The author, a mother of Lauren, a three-year-old girl diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, describes her anxieties and worries in sending her daughter to preschool. She worried that Lauren's GFCF diet might not be followed and that she might regress with the overwhelming options and stimulation that school offered. The author describes her…

A mother, whose physically handicapped 7-year-old daughter has prosthetic feet, describes how her child adjusted well first to a summer day camp and then to a week long camping program run by the Girl Scouts. (GW)

The author discusses the need for parents to teach their disabled children social skills and to aid the child's adjustment by encouraging appropriate clothing and manners. (CL)