Back in 1999, the author (at the time) of popular Slate column “Dear Prudence” found herself in hot water after answering an etiquette question dealing with accessible bathroom stalls. She had told a letter writer that it was fine for non-disabled people to make a habit of using these stalls simply because of personal preference, […]
Standing Wheelchairs: Why Won’t Insurance Agencies Cover Them?
Too much time spent sitting can put people at risk for a wide array of health conditions (1, 2). For many, the solution is simple: sit less, and stand and move around more. Of course, it is more complicated for people who use wheelchairs: even those who use manual wheelchairs and do substantial aerobic exercise […]
What Is Aqua Therapy?
Aqua therapy, also known as “aquatic physical therapy” and “hydrotherapy,” is an evidence-based practice aimed at helping patients with a wide variety of conditions. As with other forms of physical therapy, aqua therapy involves the oversight of a licensed practitioner and the adherence to an individualized plan of care. Many patients do other types of […]
Haircut Tips for Children with Sensory Processing Issues
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing issues may react negatively to personal hygiene and grooming routines because they become overwhelmed by certain types of touch, smell, etc. Although kids with sensory challenges are often upset by day-to-day tasks such as brushing teeth, many parents report that one of the most distressing activities […]
Disability Terminology: Etiquette and Choosing the Right Words
When speaking to or about someone with a disability, it’s important to make note of which terms are offensive, outdated, and inappropriate. Throughout this page, we’ll unpack why certain terms are used and take a deeper look inside the debate on disability terminology. Different Schools of Thought Person-first language Many institutions, including The American Psychological […]