Ability Specialists Blog

Special Olympics Bowling

// November 19th, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Bowling is one of the most popular activities of Ability Specialists and on Saturday, TJ and Rick supported some participants at the Special Olympics Bowling tournament.

It looks like we aren’t the only one’s who love bowling-take a look at this article:

Top Bowler Credits Asperger’s For Success
Cassandra Leuthold is one of the best college bowlers in the country and she says having Asperger’s syndrome is one of the reasons why. The University of Nebraska senior is a three time All American and was named this year’s women’s MVP in college bowling. “I had a rough childhood,” Leuthold says referring to her struggle with Asperger’s, but bowling, which she started at age 4, was always a bright spot. “It’s a very critical thing that you must have that skill to block out the outside world to hone in on the tasks that you’re doing. With having Asperger’s, that benefits me.”  http://blogs.abcnews.com/campuschatter/2009/11/my-entry.html

Disability Websites Need Upgrades

// November 19th, 2009 // News That Affects You

Nearly 20 percent of Americans need sites such as Recovery.gov and Disability.gov to improve accessibility features
When a redesigned Recovery.gov Web site was unveiled last month to track the distribution of stimulus dollars, it was touted as another example of the Obama administration’s push for greater transparency. But the technology and design of the site left one segment of the population less than satisfied.
Advocates for people with disabilities found a number of accessibility flaws on the site that jumbled the spending data or otherwise put it beyond the reach of people using screen readers and other assistive devices. Read more: http://fcw.com/Articles/2009/11/16/POL-accessibility.aspx

Health Care Reform And People With Disabilities

// November 19th, 2009 // News That Affects You

Health care reform legislation passed Saturday by the House of Representatives is the “high water mark” for people with disabilities, advocates say, but the measure still has a long way to go as all eyes turn to the Senate, which must consider the legislation next.
The House bill, which comes after months of negotiation and heated debate, requires health insurers to offer more comprehensive coverage and to provide insurance to a wider swath of the population including those with pre-existing conditions. The measure would also create new long-term care options and expand Medicaid.
“The fact that the package has paid such attention to people with disabilities is very significant,” says Marty Ford, chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. Read the full article:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/11/09/health-care-reform/6077/

Ability Specialists’ New Web Site!

// November 11th, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

“Fly” by and take a look at Ability Specialists new look and fabulous new web site! Tell us what you think…

Help Take a Bite Out of Hunger

// November 11th, 2009 // Support Your Community

Ability Specialists’ Day Program has volunteered at Project Angel Heart for the past six years. Let’s help support Project Angel Heart by purchasing our holiday pies from their “Take a Bite Out Of Hunger” fundraiser!

Pies are $25 each.
$20 of each pie purchased is tax deductible!

For every pie purchased, Project Angel Heart will deliver 5 meals to a client battling illness.

How To Order: Complete the order form provided by the Team Manager at your pick up/drop off location. Payment is due at the time of order. You can pay by cash or check (make checks payable to PROJECT ANGEL HEART). Or you can pay by credit by calling the Ability Specialists office with your credit card information.

All pie orders are due by Friday November 13, 2009

Denver’s PHAMALy pops a wheelie in comic revue!

// November 11th, 2009 // Feature Articles

Already in their 20th year, Denver’s handicapped theater company known as PHAMALy, will be performing a collaboration of comedy sketches about living with disabilities – written and performed by people who do.

“Nothing is off limits,” says Edith Weiss, director and playwright. “Vox Phamalia: Re-Dux is edgy, inspiring, brutally honest and kick-(butt) funny.”

For the rest of this story go to                                          http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13714416

Study Subjects Needed

// November 11th, 2009 // Workshops and Seminars

A team of medical doctors and psychologists at the University of Colorado Denver and The Children’s Hospital is investigating the affects of memantine on individuals with Down syndrome who are between the ages 18 and32. Memantine is an FDA-approved medication used in treatment of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This will determine if this medication can improve memory and learning skills in young adults with Down syndrome. If interested in learning more about how you can be involved in this study, please contact Dr. Alberto Costa at (303) 724-6007 or e-mail Alberto.Costa@ucdenver.edu

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!

// November 11th, 2009 // Uncategorized

For some of you, it is not too soon to start thinking about gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. Because our clients are in the never-ending world of continual learning (as we all are), think about a gift that is fun as well as educational.

Mile High Down Syndrome Association (http://www.mhdsa.org/) suggests several things on their website. They also mention that Toys R Us publishes a Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids. You can find it at www.ToysRUs.com/DifferentlyAbled/. Divided by age, gender, and learning categories.

Arc of Denver Inc.

// November 11th, 2009 // Feature Articles, Support Your Community

Join us at our Speakeasy Gala on November 14th to celebrate our new brand as we move forward working for and with children and adults with disabilities! Tickets on sale now.

Check our new website at http://www.advocacydenver.org/ for our new and updated web site and information on the new brand: ADVOCACYDENVER.

State Championship Bowling

// November 11th, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Saturday November 14, 2009

Brunswick Zone Green Mountain
945 S. Kipling Parkway
Lakewood, CO 80226

(303) 980-0300