It's now recommended that all children who use ADHD medications schedule an ECG and cardiovascular check up; stirring alarm among parents whose children are more at risk for a cardiac event if they have an undiagnosed heart problem and use stimulant medications like ritalin, adderall, or concerta.

Every child deserves accessible playgrounds and naturally integrated play areas in their classrooms or schools. Families of children with disabilities may find that local playgrounds and school play areas can be made accessible with a bit of community effort and reasonable cost, with benefit to all.

Children with physical disabilities should have accessible playgrounds in their communities and schools. We find great designs in accessible playgrounds and play areas in communities of all sizes, and we can also learn from the shortcomings we find in our own neighborhoods and local schools

One year after hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, disability advocacy organizations for children, families and individuals are more aware, still working to help those affected and to prepare all communities

Book Review: Spirit, Courage, and Resolve - A Special Olympic Athlete´s Road to Gold, by Tom Lambke, and I Just Am, by Bryan Lambke

When a newborn is diagnosed with Down syndrome, parents may be told about the challenges the baby and family may encounter months or years later, when they deserve more than anyone just to bask in the glow of their baby´s first days and weeks.

World Down Syndrome Day 2009 will be celebrated along with the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the genetic cause of Down syndrome. In 1949, Dr. Jerome Lejeune observed and reported the chromosomal anomaly in people with the syndrome having 47 chromosomes due to a third copy of chromosome 21.

Families new to evaluations and other steps in the IEP process have many questions that ´veteran´ parents might help answer. Sometimes veteran parents collect so much experience that they experience a level of silliness equalled only by the stern tone of warnings issued by school district attorneys.

Ben Stiller´s movie, Tropic Thunder, offers a humiliating portrayal of a developmentally disabled character, hate language, and a ´movie within a movie´ that increases risks for individuals with intellectual disabilities who attend movies, work at theaters, or enjoy participation in community life.