Disability activists have called for a boycott of the 2008 summer blockbuster movie and DVD due to demeaning language, storylines and repulsive catch phrases coined for the satire that are expected to further pollute common language. I now believe everyone in my community should see Tropic Thunder.

The terrible events at Virginia Tech and news coverage that includes reminders of previous school violence episodes will cause deep anxiety and traumatic stress for children and their families throughout the country.

It is a mistake to believe that arming teachers and staff in schools will reduce school violence, increase safety, or protect the school community even in cases where the campus endures an armed attack.

Parents of children with insulin dependent diabetes along with national advocacy and research organizations protest elimination of a provision allowing trained non-licensed school staff in California to administer insulin when a school nurse is not available, creating unsafe condtions for students.

Mothers of young, non-verbal students seek to reduce the risk of their children being left at the wrong stop; or overlooked and forgotten by transportation and school personnel when asleep. Children may endure hours in extreme temperatures, or find their way off the bus and wander unsupervised.

Preparing for the first school bus rides of the new school year can relieve anxiety and build anticipation in students with special needs

The announcement of Sarah Palin as John McCain´s running mate in the 2008 Presidential election brought her infant son with Down syndrome into the spotlight in the USA and around the world.

Children with developmental disabilities or physical challenges are slightly more at risk for wandering off, being unaware of danger, and difficulty avoiding accidents. Mainstream children also have low awareness of danger and physical inability to protect themselves due to developmental stages.

Parenting Children With Health Issues: Essential Tools, Tips, and Tactics for Raising Kids With Chronic Illness, Medical Conditions, and Special Healthcare Needs by Foster W. Cline and Lisa Greene

Response to Intervention, known as RTI, is included in IDEA 2004. RTI allows earlier access to accommodations and support for children who struggle in school, including intense intervention, and frequent progress reporting to modify instruction or goals, for more effective teaching of all children.