Category Archives: information

Autism Awareness Month

The importance of recognizing Autism throughout the month of April is to help better educate and raise awareness to the public. Autism is a complex mental condition and developmental disability, characterized by difficulties in the way a person communicates and interacts with other people. Autism can be present from birth or form during early childhood, typically within the first three years. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability with no single known cause.

People with autism are also known as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) both terms are often used interchangeably. People with ASD have a set of symptoms unique to themselves; no two people are the same. ASD affects people in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe. Although some symptoms are similar, such as challenges with social interaction, there are differences in when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms.

If you are looking for a way to get involved, donate for just want to learn more information about Autism you can visit the websites of some great organizations such as Autism Speaks, Autism Society and the National Autism Association.

Accessible Easter Egg Hunts

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Create Your Own Egg Hunt
If your town doesn’t have an accessible Easter egg hunt you can always make one yourself! You can hide eggs in your own home or backyard. Consider having the eggs out in the open to make them easy to find. If you have several children in your home, select one color for each child. This ensures that everyone will get the same amount of eggs.

For Children in Wheelchairs
You can hide mini eggs and trinkets in a big Easter basket full of Easter basket grass/confetti that is at table level. This is also a fun activity for kids working on sensory issues. For children with vision impairments, you could look into purchasing beeping or talking Easter eggs.

Work on Skills While Having Fun
Older children may enjoy an Easter egg treasure hunt. Write clues on how to find deeply hidden Easter eggs. This is a good exercise for children learning to follow step-by-step instructions or working on vocabulary skills. Children can follow a series of clues such as: Look near the toaster in the kitchen; or you can put together a riddle by writing: I’m hiding behind a small appliance that makes things toasty.

Glow In The Dark Easter Egg Hunt
You can make the eggs glow by using glow-stick bracelets and LED finger lights. If you are hosting a fully inclusive egg hunt, a great idea would be to use beeping or talking Easter eggs as well. You might place a sound egg and a glow egg in the same spot so children could use either hearing or sight to find them, or both senses if applicable.

Easter Baskets
Are you looking for a healthier alternative to put in your child’s Easter basket this year? Here are a few ideas!

Egg-Shaped Chalk
Craft Kit
Spring Coloring Book and Crayons
Stickers
Puzzles
Bouncy Ball
Nail Polish
Small Rubber Animals
Cars
Legos
Play dough
Kite

World Autism Awareness Day: Light It Up Blue

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Every April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with a global autism awareness campaign called Light It Up Blue. It’s easy (and fun!) to be a part of it — you can do anything from wearing blue to lighting your whole office or school up blue.

Add your name to say you’ll be a part of it, and we’ll be in touch with resources and ideas to get your friends involved. Thanks for helping shine a light on autism.

What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.

Parkinson’s Awareness

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Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time.

As many as one million individuals in the US live with Parkinson’s disease. While approximately four percent of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before the age of 50, incidence increases with age.

Its major symptoms vary from person to person, but can include tremor, slowness of movements, limb stiffness, and difficulties with gait and balance. The cause of the disease is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage the symptoms.

BraunAbility MXV™: Wheelchair Accessible SUV

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BraunAbility MXV™

The BraunAbility MXV™ features a never-before-seen door operation, an innovative in-floor ramp and removable seating. This innovative wheelchair accessible SUV represents a brand new era in mobility and we want you to be a part of it. Availability of this vehicle begins Summer 2015.

BraunAbility MXV™ Features

Fold flat 3rd row seats for extra cargo space
Integrated Ford keyfob
Nerf bar
Sliding shifter for increased space
In-floor and lighted ramp
Innovative seat design allowing more interior space
Removable driver and passenger seats

Sporty Looks and Feel

EPA Estimated 17city / 24 hwy / 20 combined
6-Speed Automatic
Wheelbase 112.6″
Maximum Towing Capacity (estimated) – 5000 lbs.
Power Glide Door Integrated w/Factory Key Fob
28″ In-Floor Ramp Width
54 1/4″ Door Entry Height
LED Ramp Lighting System
Cantilever Seat Bases For Easy Removal

Interior View
The interior of the MXV allows for both front seats to be removed, and the middle seating is removed for wheelchair access. The 3rd row seats remain and allow for 4 passengers in the vehicle.