The Special Kids’ Rodeo was new to me several years ago after we moved to a small town that had equestrian roots. That was very exciting for me because I grew up riding horses and always wanted to get back to it. I just love being around horses. I was searching for horseback riding lessons…
Category: Special Needs Kids
4 Strategies For Learning Beyond The Classroom
Parents know that kids are always primed for picking up new skills. Taking advantage of your child’s innate ability to explore and learn can help them hone their academic abilities. Whether your child is struggling or needs new ways to stay busy, these strategies can help. Use Technology to Expand Horizons Most children are familiar…
A Look Back: Top Ten Reflection and Gratitude Blogs
It’s that time of year when everyone is rushing through the season. We survived Thanksgiving and now the crazed Christmas rush is well underway. It’s also the last month of the year and the last days of the decade. 2020 will be the start to new beginnings and the passing of old experiences. How will…
Designed with Heart: Inclusive Playgrounds
We spent all day at a playground when I was a kid. Running, climbing and jumping was what we did. I never gave the tanbark, metal equipment or two-step entrance a second thought. Looking back, I can remember the kids who never played with us because they couldn’t access the playground. It wasn’t until my…
Why We Love Special Olympics
It wasn’t so long ago I found a Special Olympics Arizona notice in my daughter’s backpack. I was so grateful her school offered participation in the events. Special Olympics is a wonderful organization that supports children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports. The organization also improves the health of others through collaborations with health…
Homemade Trampoline Therapy Activities
It took over five years to get our daughter’s conditions diagnosed. We moved to a new state in between all of the doctor appointments and it was a very long journey. Her first neurologist couldn’t figure out her conditions. He looked at me that last day I saw him and said, “She is a little…
Kids, Bikes and Adaptive Play
Riding a bike is like a right of passage for a young child. It’s the moment when the training wheels come off and they take off with that little wobble. I saw a father help his girl take that first ride in a field behind our house the other day. She was smiling and beaming…
A Mom’s Journey into Inclusive Play, Advocacy and Partnership
Advocacy has many meanings. When I think of that word, I imagine protests in the streets to build awareness or a fight to right a wrong with a certain issue. It’s a way we rise up to support people who are underserved. It’s how we support a cause to achieve a common goal for the…
Planning a Petting Zoo Birthday Party for Special Needs Kids
Birthday party invitations are few and far between when you have child with disabilities. My daughter who is part of the SPED program at school has been invited to two birthday parties in the last 8 years. My son who is able-bodied and has a group of buddies he hangs with will get invited to…
Hippotherapy for Kids with Disabilities
I love horses. I do. I rode for years with a friend when I was growing up. She was a natural trainer when we were kids and has a successful training business today. When my husband and I relocated to Arizona, I remember telling him one of my goals was to get back in the…
Stephanie Lema 