Their Voice: Participants in early intervention programs increasing, funds are not
Tel Morris began walking at the age of 14 months, just two months after his twin brother Renn. What makes this story worth telling is that when their mother Lacey was 28 weeks pregnant, she was informed that Tel’s brain did not form properly.
Their Voice: The playground problem: How Orem and its community are becoming more inclusive
I frequently hear people in my generation remark about the differences with children now and the variety of ways that they entertain themselves. They refer to the “good old days” when children had to use their imagination in play rather than turn on a device. However, one thing that all recent generations of children have […]
Their Voice: Early intervention makes all the difference
August 31 was a beautiful day for a picnic, specifically the picnic at the Salem Pond Park organized by the staff of Kids Who Count. Kids Who Count is an early intervention program in Salem that provides services to infants and toddlers living in the Nebo School District. “It was the first picnic we have […]
Their Voice: Undetectable disabilities exist in our county
My friend has a disability. Often we think disabilities are only those that we can see such as a person in a wheelchair or someone with a developmental disability with distinct characteristics like Down’s syndrome or Cerebral palsy. However, there are many other types of disabilities that are undetectable. According to the Americans with Disabilities […]
Their Voice: Tutoring program helps students become ‘Best Buddies’
It’s the middle of August, which means the school year is about to begin. Many children are anxious to take the next step in their educational career and reestablish friendships, while others look ahead with some fear and apprehension. When asked what they hope to achieve in the upcoming school year, some of the youth […]
Their Voice: The Americans With Disabilities Act has brought progress in its 25 years
UTAH COUNTY – Things have changed in the last quarter century — throughout the United States and in Utah County — as the Americans With Disabilities Act has affected the nation’s laws and attitudes. In 1990, U.S. senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) used sign language to present a speech from the Senate floor. Harkin sponsored the […]
Their Voice: Run to Walk 5K helps people with disabilities
I have a group of friends who try to get in at least one 5K a month between March and November. Through this group I was introduced to Run to Walk, a race scheduled for this Saturday. “It is my favorite 5K in Utah County,” my friend Diane informed me, “because it supports people with […]
Reed’s story: What’s the potential of the developmentally disabled?
Karen Hahne will probably never forget the advice she was given by a caseworker when she adopted her son Reed more 30 years ago. “Love him, but don’t expect much.” Most likely the advice was given with good intentions, but little information to go on regarding the potential of a child with Down syndrome. Luckily […]
Their Voice: Walking into adulthood
With spring break behind us, the next milestone for most high school seniors is graduation. Many upcoming graduates throughout the valley have probably secured the next step in their journey. They may have already been accepted into a college or university or know where they are going to be employed. For the approximate 10 to […]
Their Voice: Help from Capitol Hill
The 2015 Utah Legislative session is barely behind us. As usual, our local news reporters were there daily to update us on many of the most visible issues being debated and discussed. And, as usual, the session ended with many satisfied people and probably as many who felt that their cause may have been overlooked […]
