MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'disabled'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:25 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911487&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fscuba-diving-with-a-disability%2F2011.06.07 Outdoor recreation is intended for everyone, and can be enormously beneficial for persons with disabilities. I am in awe of disabled skiers, climbers, divers, and others who have learned to coordinate their bodies and take great enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment from their wilderness activities. It behooves everyone in the healthcare profession to be aware of certain special medical concerns for persons who are disabled physically or emotionally. Additionally, family members and friends are often well aware of what they can do to help in providing a joint effort to support the disabled. At the 2010 Wilderness Medical Society annual meeting in Snowmass, Colorado, JenFu Cheng, MD (a pediatric rehabilitation specialist from NJ), gave a wonderful presentation on the medical aspects of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911487 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4911487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742383&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpimped-out-wheelchairs%2F2011.04.22 Humor site Cracked.com is profiling stories of five souped-up wheelchair projects. If you already have four wheels and a frame, might as well install a flame thrower on it. Or how about a motorcycle with a wheelchair docking system? Link: The 5 Most Incredible Stories of Pimped Out Wheelchairs… *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742383 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:00:07 +0100 4742383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631569&cid=t_115045_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fdisabled-parking-about-to-take-a-hit-in-seattle%2F In a move parking officials in Seattle see as a way to “free up hundreds of [parking] spaces,” our city council is looking to limit free parking for people with legitimate disabling issues… in the neighborhoods around hospitals! According to flyers posted around the proposed “test” area, the city wants to impose a 4-hour limit on people who need extra time to get around because, “[Disabled parking] placards represent golden tickets to free parking, especially in downtown Seattle where monthly parking is so expensive.” Mr Mayor, City Council of Seattle: I am offended! So my disability – the medical condition that slows everything from my thinking to my ability to move around my city – is a Golden Ticket in your eyes?!?!?! Are You Kidding Me? Don’t get me wrong. I... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631569 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:29:22 +0100 4631569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077461&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspiewebnet%2F%7E3%2F0yVHSgSpTR4%2F Interesting news here locally that a group of SCUBA diver instructors and some volunteers are helping disabled people learn how to SCUBA dive.  SCUBA diving for those who don’t know involves wearing an air tank so you can spend long periods underwater.  SCUBA after all does stand for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. According to [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077461 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:30:34 +0100 4077461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022913&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fquality-of-life-and-the-importance-of-shay-days%2F2010.10.01 As a medical professional who often treats children with chronic diseases, my patients turn to me not only for treatment advice but often for advice on how to improve their quality of life. I often have difficulty addressing the latter as there is a paucity of research on quality of life outcomes as compared to biomedical outcomes. However, preliminary data from DR Walker et al. (1) have shown that comprehensive disease management improves quality of life and thereby reduces medical costs for some common chronic illnesses. Recently, a patient shared a story with me that was written by an anonymous author which demonstrates the powerful effect of seemingly small efforts on the quality of life of a disabled child. (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022913 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:00:25 +0100 4022913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924943&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F01%2Fthe-r-word-sticks-stones-and-rosas-law%2F “What you call people is how you treat them. What you call my sister is how you will treat her. If you believe she’s ‘retarded’ it invites taunting, stigma. It invites bullying and it also invites the slammed doors of being treated with respect and dignity.” –14-year-old Nick Marcellino, Rosa’s brother, in testimony to the Maryland General Assembly Say what you will about New Jersey. Yeah, we are called the Soprano state, and, yeah, everyone in Jersey is rumored to have an attitude. You got a problem with that? But I couldn’t be more proud of its recent legislation. The U.S. Senate passed the bill known as Rosa’s Law in August 2010, and in September it goes before the House. Terms such as “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” will... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924943 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:55:39 +0100 3924943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3891670&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftoo-old-to-be-practicing-medicine%2F2010.08.22 With apologies to the Beatles: “When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now, Will you see need me, will you still feed me, When I’m ninety four?” From the New York Post: Former NYPD chief cardiologist Dr. Irving Kroop retired in 1986 — when he was 70 — with a $64,364 disability pension awarded because of a bad heart, according to sources and city records. All the while, he’s maintained a private practice in Brooklyn and moonlighted at NYCERS, the New York City Employees Retirement System, which paid him $14,479 last year to help determine whether other city workers should get disability pensions. “Hats off to the man — he’s 94 years old but disabled? And still going strong?” said an incredulous Carol Kellerman, head of t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3891670 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3891670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3813096&cid=t_115045_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fjustifying-our-ms-disabilities%2F None of us want to live with multiple sclerosis (although, it is better than the current alternative). We’d much prefer to go to sleep at night and not wonder what this disease could take from us in the night. We would rather have all the capacities we once did. I would have liked to keep going down my old path, even though I admit that there have been some positives to be mined from this experience. Why, then, does it seem that are we constantly feeling like we have to justify what we can or cannot do? Whether it’s simply having to explain why we’re using a disabled parking spot when we “look so good;” pleading with the boss for an air conditioner in the office; or the monster-pile of paperwork for disability insurance – making it known how our disease affects us takes up valu... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3813096 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:23:29 +0100 3813096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808667&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-doctors-feelings-about-caring-for-abnormal-kids%2F2010.08.01 I’ve been practicing for sixteen years now, doing both internal medicine and pediatrics. One of the joys of that is watching kids under my care grow up and not having to give up their care just because they get older. The spectrum is wide, with some kids growing up in “normal” families with “normal lives,” others in “abnormal” families, and yet others with inherently “abnormal” lives due to illness or disability. But the kids aren’t the only thing that has changed over the past sixteen years. Their doctor has changed as well. My comfort zones have widened, not getting rattled by “abnormal” as I once did. I used to feel uncomfortable with the mentally and emotionally disabled, now I am not. I used to feel sorry for parents with “abnormal” children. I used to feel... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808667 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:00:16 +0100 3808667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621656&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fn1lhmjwqs2I%2F By Michael F. CannonThe Obama administration sold — well, it pitched ObamaCare to the public with this promise: “It’s time we put the health of American families back in the hands of consumers – not the insurance industry.” The Veterans Health Administration shows how incompetent the federal government is when it comes to making medicine a patient-centered enterprise.  After decades of mistreating veterans, the VHA achieved some successes in the past decade or so, such as adopting electronic medical records and improving on some measures of quality.  Yet serious deficiencies remain.  Today’s Los Angeles Times reports that the VA’s disability system is a nightmare for soldiers and sailors disabled in combat: John Lamie survived six roadside bombings... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621656 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:15:59 +0100 3621656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133555&cid=t_115045_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F31%2Fdisabled-childrens-access-to-childcare-pilot-activity%2F This report has been published to share information and learning to date and to make early information about Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare (DCATCH) pilot activity available to a wider audience. It summarises learning from DCATCH pilot areas for the information of local authorities and children’s trusts as they prepare new childcare sufficiency assessments for 2011 and develop strategies to expand the range, quality, and affordability of childcare available to families with disabled children. Publisher: DCSF Size of Publication: 36p. Published: 30/12/2009 Posted in Children, Disabilities, Grey Literature, Quality Tagged: Aiming High for Disabled Children, Childcare, Children, Disability, Equity, Financial Management, Grey Literature, Health Economics (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133555 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:49:36 +0100 3133555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820510&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Ffears-disabled-parenting%2F So I have a lot of really huge fears right now.As many people know Katelyn is currently in an adult foster care, but before she was placed there we decided we wanted to raise our child on the way together.  I really starting to have a lot of fears about whats going on. First off I [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820510 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:44:26 +0100 2820510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804093&cid=t_115045_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fseptember-21-is-world-alzheimers-day%2F Every year on September 21, Alzheimer’s Disease associations across the globe recognize World Alzheimer’s Day.  This year’s theme for World Alzheimer’s Day is ‘Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner’. Across the globe scientists are aiming to establish a link between oral health and Alzheimers.  For example, the British Dental Health Foundation received a grant to study [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804093 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:27:44 +0100 2804093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790385&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fpeople-with-disabilities-be-parents-can%2F I’m getting really sick of people shoving adoption on Kate and I because of are disabilities.  I’ve heard all sorts of lame excuses on why Kate and I as disabled people can not be parents, and frankly they are starting to anger me.I’m aware Katelyn and I are going to need support from those around [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790385 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:24:11 +0100 2790385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2703856&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F15%2Fjustice-in-texas-mistreating-developmentally-disabled-nets-jail-time%2F Texas is not a state you want to live in if you have a developmental or mental disability. As we noted in June, Texas punished 268 abusive employees who take care of this vulnerable population in state-run care facilities (such as hospitals and schools). Previously, over 1,100 employees were fired or disciplined for mistreating the people under their care. Over one thousand employees! That’s just an amazing number. But I guess justice finally catches up to those who think nothing of mistreating or abusing those in their care. At least that’s what Jesse Salazar discovered this week. You may remember him as one of the 11 people the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services fired in April for encouraging fights among mentally and developmentally disabled residents at one o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2703856 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:44:19 +0100 2703856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702402&cid=t_115045_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2Fpediatric-dental-residents-and-faculty%2F The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has updated the following policies and guidelines: Vending Machines in School Use of Dental Bleaching for Child and Adolescent Patients Infection Control Infant Oral Health Care Periodicity of Examination,Preventive Dental Services, Anticipatory Guidance, and Oral Treatment for Children Fluoride Therapy Use of Local Anesthesia for Pediatric Dental Patients Use of Nitrous Oxide for Pediatric Dental [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702402 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:06:15 +0100 2702402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660874&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fdisabled-parenting-kids%2F As of late I have been praying about my ability to be a father, and Kate’s ability to be a mother.   I’ve been thinking about if we are capable of even being parents.Kate has FAS and a lower IQ then normal, and I have Aspergers.  After really talking it over with a lot of friends, [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660874 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:41:43 +0100 2660874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2528055&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fhabitual-liar-disability%2F If there is one thing I hate more then anything is a liar, and more then anything I hate a habitual liar.  I’m having to deal with one right now.If you would like to read more about what I’m having to deal about personally you may read it on my personal blog. I don’t get what [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2528055 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:04:57 +0100 2528055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473569&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F13%2Ftexas-punishes-268-abusive-employees%2F In April, we noted how 11 Texas employees were let go for their behavior in supervising mentally and developmentally disabled people in a state school. Well, the other shoe has dropped, and it’s a doozy: Nearly 270 employees were fired or suspended for abusing or neglecting residents of large, state-run institutions for the mentally disabled in Texas during the last fiscal year, according to records obtained by The Associated Press. The revelations Friday come a day after Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation aimed at improving security and oversight at the 13 institutions, known as state schools. They are home to about 4,600 residents and more than 12,000 full-time employees. Documents obtained by the AP through an open records request show that 11 of the 268 firings or suspensions we... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473569 Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:00:58 +0100 2473569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441183&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FBsnDc2QO91o%2F The AP reports on a plan unfolding in Arizona to help keep foster children and kids with disabilities in schools of their choice: Republican-backed legislation to create new tax credits to help hundreds of foster children and disabled children attend private schools is advancing in the Legislature. On a special session’s second day, Senate and House committees on Tuesday endorsed the bill creating new corporate and insurance premium tax credits for donations for private school tuition grants. Priority would go initially to foster and disabled children who received vouchers that have been ruled unconstitutional by the Arizona Supreme Court. The Arizona Supreme Court has specifically and emphatically upheld education tax credits, so this effort should succeed if passed and signed. The ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441183 Wed, 27 May 2009 12:46:17 +0100 2441183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399037&cid=t_115045_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-best-advice-i-can-offer-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F I know. Here she goes again; but you are curious, aren’t you? We’ve been chatting about the many ways we can make it through all of this misery and altered existence for quite awhile now. How could I possibly pick one or two pieces of advice that I think are the best? I guess it sort of sneaked up behind me today and kicked me in my, well, kicked me in my “motivation.” Sure, we have to live with pain everyday. Yes, it’s true we can no longer go to work or if we do, it’s miserable. We talk about doctors, we tackle exercise, we chat about diets and we often share questions about medications. All of that is good, important and helpful but it’s not the key to a locked up life. If I had duct tape on my mouth, which is what it would take to shut me up, and could utter only one piec... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399037 Thu, 07 May 2009 21:54:12 +0100 2399037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390182&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2FD9EUScmBOmQ%2F So the Obama administration seems to be really pushing to have a government run health care insurance system - basically where everyone gets their health insurance from the government.  As someone with a disability, and who is just about married to someone who has one in my humble opinion this sucks.  And here’s why….. Obviously Society [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390182 Wed, 06 May 2009 15:11:22 +0100 2390182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376544&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2F0Z16LfIfvEQ%2F So I’m engaged and soon to be married to a lovely women who has a disability as well.  She has had a few open heart surgeries to correct a defect in her heart.  She has grown up her entire life being told from her mother that she would die if she got pregnant due to [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376544 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:10:05 +0100 2376544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349172&cid=t_115045_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fit-takes-true-grit-to-live-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F You don’t have to be John Wayne, although I would guess he exhibited a great deal of courage and grit when he battled cancer.  I believe we all have the ability to display true grit, courage and unbelievable valor. When you’re faced with a life that has changed, morphed or seemingly left you behind, you find out a great deal about yourself. I guess our grandparents would say, “Well, it shows what you’re made of.” Let’s see, what am I made of besides bad cartilage, a questionable rhythm in my heart, a bad sitter, crumbling ankles and skin that breaks out in the mildest display of sunshine. Surely I’m more than that. Aren’t I? I think most of us go through a state of shock, denial and anger. It depends entirely on us and the internal courage we can muster as to how long this... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349172 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:10:46 +0100 2349172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313538&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fwine-hope-and-autism%2F What most people who have a mental or developmental disorder want is something that’s hard to dole out — hope. We just want to know that it’s going to be okay, someday, and that we have a chance of finding “normal.” That’s why it touched my heart to read about a bunch of winemakers in Japan (not typically known for its wine). But these winemakers were different — the staff is made up of more than 100 developmentally disabled and autistic individuals. Not only do they work at the winery, they live there too, and there’s a school there as well. This comprehensive, 360 degree approach is hope-giving. It provides people who society otherwise does not give a chance a place to feel special and like they belong. And belong they do: Hiromitsu Watan... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313538 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:14:19 +0100 2313538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2321745&cid=t_115045_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fabuse-is-never-justified-or-deserved%2F This week I’d like to talk with you about a subject that brings me no pleasure, because it’s not uplifting or positive but is a reality in today’s world. That topic is abuse as it relates to the elderly and the disabled. For many of us who live with limitations, it’s difficult to imagine life being any tougher or more difficult than it already is. For others, it is a nightmare everyday and not just because they have chronic illness, disability or chronic pain. It’s difficult because someone is causing them additional pain. We all know life is not a fictional romance novel but for some it’s an all too realistic horror film. Perhaps, we could just share a word first about abuse, in general. It’s usually men who are abusing women and children but there are incidents of male abus... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2321745 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:01:49 +0100 2321745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306954&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fshades-of-sarah-palin-earliest-humans.html Fossil evidence has been found that the earliest humans cared for--rather than abandoned or killed--their disabled young. From the story:The discovery of the oldest known infant born with a skull deformity hints that, contrary to popular belief, early humans might not have immediately abandoned or killed their abnormal offspring, a new study says. Many mammals are known to reject newborns with severe deformities. Scientists had therefore assumed that ancient humans behaved likewise...But this child would likely have required "special need care" to have lived as long as it did, she said. Deliberately killing unwanted offspring "is not an uncommon practice among mammals, including great apes," our closest genetic relatives, Gracia noted...But the new discovery shows that the fossil youngster... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306954 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:08:00 +0100 2306954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2311065&cid=t_115045_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2FCflZIpzIhg8%2F Honda Research Institute Japan, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and Shimadzu Corporation have collaboratively developed the world’s first Brain Machine Interface (BMI) technology that uses electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) along with newly developed information extraction technology to enable control of a robot by human thought alone. A person, wearing a special helmet which measures the brain’s electrical activity (EEG) and changes in cerebral blood flow (NIRS), thinks of a particular movement. The collected data from the sensors is then transferred over to a central unit which enables statistical processing of the complex information from these two types of sensors. As a result, Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot ma... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2311065 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:51:47 +0100 2311065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2266827&cid=t_115045_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F1J7y2TwMprQ%2F I can’t imagine a decision more heart wrenching. Your child is born severely disabled and dependent on life support. The time, effort, and emotions involved in making the decision to shut off the life support machines must take more strength than I can every imagine. What happens though, if parents make such a decision and the hospital goes against your wishes, keeps the baby on life support, and the baby lives - and still lives - but with a severe handicap that will ensure that the baby will never live a so-called normal life. Parents Marie-Ève Laurendeau and Stéphane Mantha had to make that very decision and the Montreal Children’s Hospital did just that: ignored their wishes. It actually pains me to write something negative about the MCH. It’s a great hospital and I&... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2266827 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:08:32 +0100 2266827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240587&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhy-cant-society-be-unequivocal-in.html Relativism is the bane of our times, although it is still selectively applied. We tell teenagers to try not to have sexual intercourse, but if you do--which we know you will--then please use a condom. Yet, we still know how to be unequivocal in some areas: We tell kids, "Don't smoke,!", not, "Don't, smoke--but if you do, only use filter-tipped cigarettes," because we know that if we did that it would only result in a lot of tobacco smoke being inhaled.It seems to me that well meaning people are being seduced into an equivalent stance on suicide, and it would just result in more suicides. Case in point is the column by Atlanta Journal Constitution pundit Jay Bookman, who in supposedly opposing the Forced Exit Network defendants, has fallen for their basic premise that bad health or disabili... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240587 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:19:00 +0100 2240587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2125227&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fnew-haleigh-poutre-in-texas.html SHS's good friend, attorney Jerri Ward, is gearing up to fight a case in Texas that is eerily reminiscent of the Haleigh Poutre case. An attorney ad litem for a terribly abused baby named David Coronado Jr., wanted to stop all treatment because the baby is expected to remain profoundly cognitively disabled. From the story:The fate of a brain-damaged 6-month-old Dallas boy is uncertain after his court-appointed attorney on Tuesday withdrew a motion to let doctors take the baby off life support...The baby's attorney ad litem, Holly Schreier, told a juvenile district court judge that doctors at Children's Medical Center Dallas had assessed a change in the baby's condition. She did not say what the change was, and she did not return a call for comment.A doctor reported in December that he expe... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2125227 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:41:00 +0100 2125227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116550&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2FOkRc9OoX684%2F I ran into an new piece on a man who is disabled to a wheelchair who goes around to businesses and and documents violations of the American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA) and then sues them - making over $100,000 USD a year! Embedded video from CNN Video According to CNN.com Tom Mundy has been doing this as [...] This is an excerpt from an article on AspieWeb.net, A blog writen by an Autistic Blogger. (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116550 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:57:11 +0100 2116550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065849&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2F1B1vYjzhg5A%2F I just wrote a letter which is being sent to President-Elect Obama regarding autism advocacy and Autism Speaks, Inc.  I am publishing this letter in the open as I feel its important for others with Autism and those that really care to become involved as well. Mr President Elect, I am writing to you regarding a condition [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065849 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:52:08 +0100 2065849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053821&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2F4Y1QBKxECMI%2F There has been quite a lengthy discussion on Aspies For Freedom lately on people in the organization believing that Minority Status would be legally beneficial to those on the Autism Spectrum, and to be very blunt - I wholeheartedly disagree.Gareth, the founder and owner of Aspies For Freedom seems to think that disability rights != [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053821 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:41:54 +0100 2053821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005919&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FIlrs31XXXc4%2F Housing for disabled adults in New Jersey. The current economic crisis, and its effect on the housing market. This post is about both of those topics. Don’t stop reading—this is an upbeat post, despite the subject matter. Certainly one wishes that the question of housing for disabled adults weren’t the sort of topic that is accompanied by words like “worries” and “depressing.” But it very much is, right now. In New Jersey, where we live, the waiting list of developmentally disabled adults wishing to move into government-supported community housing has over 8000 people on it. Last week’s report that 28-year-old Tara O’Leary died of starvation after being removed from a group home run by New Jersey’s Department of Developmental Dis... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005919 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:30:36 +0100 2005919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1917984&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5129 We blogged earlier about this inconsiderate driver. Chet recently tagged me in a facebook note about an incident involving another such inconsiderate Malaysian whom YK refers to as a Mentally Challenged Parker. Go there to see what one looks like. a Does the average Malaysian really care about the disabled? (II) (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1917984 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1917984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812826&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F398365507%2Ffor-my-son.html It's time for the world to see youSo look around and tell me what you want to beThere are endless possibilitiesThrough your eyes I can seeAnd let me break the bonds and set you freeIt is time for the world to watch and seeWhat you can be. (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812826 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:18:57 +0100 1812826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779249&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4394 Take this picture I spotted in the USJ forums and also blogged here It not only suggests that the driver couldn’t care two hoots about using up disabled parking but, also his or her parking skills suggests a kopi-o driver’s license. OK maybe I am too harsh. Perhaps the driver might actually be disabled - Socially Disabled. When I have visited condo show rooms in the past, one of the first questions I ask is “are your units disabled friendly?”. Inevitably the salesperson will not know. Our local councils should also be taken to task. They will do things like build pavements and public amenities without a thought for our wheelchair bound brethren. Peter Tan asks, Can Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah Effect Change for Disabled People?. I don’t think she can do much. ... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779249 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1779249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779248&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4399 While we are on the disabled theme this morning, I spotted this cool gadget, the Vibering “Vibering” is an ingenious way to help the deaf, by fashionably housing a sound detection and identification system to be worn as a pair of rings and a wristwatch. The rings are to be worn on both hands and are the ears that not only listen for sounds emanating from behind, they also determine distance, position and vibrate according to source. The wristwatch aspect, identifies the sound wave and present this info to the wearer in an easy to read display. The watch is programmed to listen for certain key phrases from humans like “Excuse Me..”, your name being called and any number of car noises including the most important one, a car’s horn. This device concept could no... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779248 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1779248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1760496&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fcompany-seeks-out-autistic-employees%2F Symmetry Electronics in Hawthorne, CA is actively seeking out individuals on the Autism Spectrum for employment according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Symmetry has partnered with Focus on All Child Therapies (FACT)  to bring awareness and education to there existing employees on the Autism Spectrum. FACT then helps match potential autistic candidates with [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1760496 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:22:52 +0100 1760496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1634793&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F07%2Fjesse-ramirez-working-out-instead-of.html I have heard from the Jesse Ramirez family--and the news is good. Readers of SHS may recall that Ramirez was badly injured in an auto accident and quickly pronounced in a PVS. His wife wanted his feeding tube pulled, but this was resisted by his family. Litigation ensued, and--he woke up. Later, when I was in Phoenix speaking, he and his family came to meet me. It was a real thrill to shake Jesse's hand.This is the latest news from Jesse's sister, which I share in an abridged and slightly edited form with SHSers with her kind permission: Just a brief update since it's been just over a year when we experienced our hasty ordeal in the fight for Jesse's life. Since you last spoke and saw Jesse, he has made such a miraculous recovery! He walks semi without the gait walk, but is now running and... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1634793 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:21:00 +0100 1634793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1389293&cid=t_115045_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fphysicist-steven-hawking-on-living-with.html At the website for world famous physicist Steven Hawking, disabled with ALS, author of "A Brief History of Time," "Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays," and more recently "The Universe in a Nutshell," you can read Steven's advice regarding living with disability. On his 21st birthday he was diagnosed with ALS, and told he had an incurable disease. At his website, under "My Experience with ALS" the world famous physicist gives advice for people living with disability.He describes his first reaction, "How could something like that happen to me?" He believed he might not live long enough to finish his Phd. However, the rest of the story is history.He kept going anyway.He fell in love, married, had children, and became the world famous physicist that he is today, despite his disabi... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1389293 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:41:00 +0100 1389293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385835&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fsat-fly-away.html Because I am a closet genius I've have planned everything down to the last detail, to include all possible unexpecteds. After two weeks of walking to or from school, I am confident that walking to breakfast will be a breeze. Because it will be a breeze, I have added some optional extras. The radio flyer carries a stack of overdue library books, a sack of dry cleaning and a pair of shoes to be re-heeled. Each one of these errands will be attempted. Whilst it is highly unlikely that we will manage to go into three different establishments on foot and complete each transaction, we shall try. It's all about compromise. Initially I baulked at suggesting a compromise to a three year old but old parents must move with the times. Whilst I'm now in league with the school and the therapists when it ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385835 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:22:00 +0100 1385835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344719&cid=t_115045_158_f&fid=36160&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeinstitute.com%2Fcaregivingminutes%2F%3Fp%3D52 www.popeinstitute.com When speaking to families about my being an elder care specialist and aging in place consultant, they always marvel at the availability of such a resource and thank me for my commitment to advocating for seniors and their families. Families I work with are always grateful to know that I am there to help them find solutions and manage the challenges that come with caring for a sick, disabled, or elderly loved one. I wish I could tell you that Pope Institute is the only elder care company around. I wish I could tell you I work with millions of families each year (imagine the improvements in quality of care if that were the case). I wish I could tell you that your family is the exception and you will never need an impartial elder care specialist to help you mana... CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344719 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:08:32 +0100 1344719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1319329&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F21%2Fmassachusetts-settles-lawsuit-over-warehoused-disabled%2F Should you warehouse people who suffer from mental retardation or the developmentally disabled just because you can? Well, no, of course you shouldn’t. But Massachusetts, that supposed bastion of liberalism, was doing exactly that with its citizens most in need of its help and protection — throwing these special needs individuals into ill-equipped nursing homes, an inappropriate treatment facility for most of these people. The Boston Globe has the story today, State settles lawsuit over placement of disabled, but the effort is going to take 4 years to complete: More than 600 mentally retarded or developmentally disabled individuals will leave nursing homes in the next four years, to live more independently in an apartment, family home, or group setting, state officials annou... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1319329 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:30:30 +0100 1319329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1195810&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F02%2Fi-am-asked-about-lauren-richardson-case.html James asks:Wesley, What's your take on the Lauren Richardson case in Delaware? Can you get involved to protect the life of this young woman?Lauren Richardson, for those who may not know, is a young woman diagnosed to be persistently unconscious whose parents are fighting in court over who should be named her guardian. How the court decides that question is literally a matter of life and death. Her mother wants to pull her feeding tube, her father does not. Here's the tragic story.James. I have received several inquiries such as yours. It is a reasonable question that breaks my heart and deserves a bluntly honest answer: I am at a loss to know what I can do. I haven't been called to help and it is not my way to interpose myself into these gut wrenching situations. A blog entry isn't going t... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1195810 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:50:00 +0100 1195810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1182718&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F01%2Fsupprting-murderer-of-disabled-girl.html The most robust opponents of assisted suicide--and the most effective in my view--are disability rights advocates. They understand well that legalizing assisted suicide is a gun aimed at their hearts. An opinion column by one Ian Mulgrew of the Vancouver Sun underscores the threat. He urges that the child murderer Robert Latimer be freed. Latimer killed his daughter Traci, because she had cerebral palsy. From the column:Born with a severe form of cerebral palsy, his daughter Tracy was a 12-year-old who weighed barely 40 pounds, had no mobility, suffered unrelenting pain and endured five to six epileptic seizures a day. She had little more than a newborn's consciousness. Doctors at the time of her death were preparing to install a permanent feeding tube in her stomach and to remove her thig... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1182718 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:19:00 +0100 1182718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1130977&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F01%2F04%2Fmeds-proven-ineffective-for-aggression-in-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities%2F Despite their widespread use amongst doctors who treat adults with developmental disabilities and mental retardation, a new study has found that a specific type of psychiatric medication — antipsychotics — to be ineffective in helping reduce these individuals’ aggressive behavior. Antipsychotics are generally not FDA-approved for the treatment of aggressive behavior, this has simply been an off-label and common practice by many physicians for years. The researchers followed 86 non-psychotic people with an intellectual disability (what we in the U.S. would term either a developmental disability or mental retardation) and aggressive or challenging behaviors. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups — an older antipsychotic (Haldol), a newer at... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1130977 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:43:56 +0100 1130977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1091374&cid=t_115045_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fdeath-casts-shadow-in-classroom.html (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1091374 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:12:00 +0100 1091374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019360&cid=t_115045_129_f&fid=34885&url=http%3A%2F%2Fterriblepalsy.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F12%2Fjust-a-minute-is-60-seconds-too-long%2F Enough said. (Source: Terrible Palsy) Terrible Palsy blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019360 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:30:43 +0100 1019360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=568462&cid=t_115045_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fearly-days-6.html I beetle about late at night and then check the computer for some 'down' time. I come across a "posting"that transports me back in time, back to the good old days when I had them all securely strapped into the double push chair. [translation = buggy]Yes, the day that I could no long pry their huge bodies into that contraption was the last day that I ever visited the post office with them. The whole exercise was just much to dangerous. [translation = to my own sanity]There's something about queuing [translation = lining?] that drives them all too distraction. I would go armed with no end of entertainments, snacks and other bribes to attempt 'containment' during the oh so long minutes within the confines of that den of torture.Why bother? I hear you cry. Well we foreigners are discriminated ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=568462 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:13:00 +0100 568462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=471354&cid=t_115045_109_f&fid=34749&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdobeyone.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F02%2Fmentally-disabled-why-those-watching.html There is a new disturbing realization emerging from our mental health care facilities regarding the safety of our mentally ill and disabled. They are among society's most vulnerable individuals and many of the people entrusted to watch over them are not doing their jobs. Many of the mentally disabled have been subjected to extreme cases of neglect as well as to unimaginable acts of abuse at the hands of their own caregivers. Sadly, many of these victims can not fend for themselves nor can they seek out the proper help needed because of their severely limited mental capabilities. Unfortunately, many of these victims have no choice but to suffer in silence. This is all very shocking news but what is even more alarming is that this problem is much more rampant than had originally been thought... Psych Scholar blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=471354 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:40:00 +0100 471354