With the FAA being for students with “severe cognitive disabilities,” and the FCAT being for general education students, where is the assessment for the students who need something more appropriate to their ability level?

Is there no middle ground?

The School I work at does not give out class supply lists and gives teachers most of their supplies. However, Ms. Siegel is asking that you help her classroom out by donating some specific supplies catered to her student’s needs. Take some time and see if you have any of these things lying around your house, or if you see any great coupons/sales! Any and All help is appreciated, but please do not feel obligated! Thanks and Happy Teaching

Yesterday I posted this link to a letter written by 16 year old Matthew Walzer informing Nike about the need for an athletic shoe for people with Cerebral Palsy. The letter, which was only just posted on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, has already gained momentum! 

For every Retweet of this link on Twitter with #NikeLetter attached to it, Nice Kicks blogger, Matt HalfHill, will send a Postcard to the CEO of Nike, Mark Parker. 

Mashable.com has also posted this video supporting Matthew’s cause. 

Matthew Walzer, a teenager with Cerebral Palsy, writes a letter to Nike explaining the need for an athletic shoe catered to those who are unable to tie their laces on their own. 

Read the motivation behind the letter HERE.

Also, join the conversation on Twitter: #NikeLetter

Growing up with Williams: 

Teens and young adults describe living with Williams Syndrome.

(Source: candies-for-my-eyes)

Words cannot describe how happy this video made me. Here’s hoping that one day all children will be loved as much as this precious little boy!

Share this with everyone you know! -Ms. Siegel 

Ever wonder how people who are visually impaired hunt for Easter Eggs? Using sound of course! Unlike any eggs you will find at your local grocery store, these eggs, created by Montgomery County, Pennsylvania’s Dick Frank, have been modified with a sound mechanism that when turned on makes a beeping noise. Children with visual impairments can follow their ears to find the eggs, switch them off, and turn them in for a prize! These eggs are the hallmark for a new trend in inclusion of people with disabilities being able to participate in society. 

What do you do to include people with disabilities in your holiday traditions?

This time last year I put a blue light for Autism out on my back porch. Someone stole it, and it broke my heart because they had no idea what that light stood for and the significance it played in my life. They did not tear me down, I will be getting a new blue light for Autism Awareness this year!