All shapes and sizes

When one thinks of a service dog, the picture of a German Shepherd or Labrador guiding a person with a visual impairment generally comes to mind. This, however, is not always the case. According to an article in the Indy Star, the news site for Indianapolis, service dogs can be quite small and that smaller size may be more beneficial to some people with disabilities.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201011040368

iPad and people with disabilities

According to an article published last week in the New York Times, Apple's iPad has some users doing things they've never done before. The software and apps that are available for the iPad, combined with its sensitive touch screen and ease of use, have been quite a boon for some people with disabilities. It has made reading books possible for a young boy with a severe physical disability, and it has helped a woman with cerebral palsy communicate better with her friends.

To read the entire story, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/nyregion/31owen.html?_r=4&scp=2&sq=ipad&st=cse

Grocery allowance loss for Hoosiers with disabilities

According to an article in the Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University's local news site, the state has dropped the grocery allowance for people with disabilities who get the Residential Living Allowance from the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). FSSA pointed out that people who receive this allowance could also receive federal benefits. FSSA chose instead to use the money in areas that federal benefits don't cover.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=78227

Mr. Positive

Carl Bentson is Mr. Positive. In fact, his favorite word is, "Yeah." This kind gentleman is famous in his neighborhood for his positive attitude and his amazing bike. Explore Carl's world as he goes about his daily life giving and receiving support from his neighbors and friends.

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this video. Or try worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Transition planning

Need to plan transitions at both the individual and community level? Wanting to support students pursuing higher education? Pick up Essentials of transition planning by Paul Wehman. This guide to the basics of transition planning is a great tool for anyone who supports young people with disabilities moving out of high school. The book includes checklists, worksheets, and forms which can help professionals write and implement effective transition IEPs. This book is also the debut volume in The Brookes Transition to Adulthood Series.

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title from the library.