Access Special Education Services

01/14/2024

Presume Competence: The assumption that your students are capable of learning!

The least dangerous assumption is to presume competence and to provide opportunities consistent with high expectations because to assume incompetence and not provide such opportunities could be harmful if your
assumption were proved wrong.

ID: Image is of a purple page with a torn corner, revealing the Communication For Education logo. There is a definition of the words "Presume Competence" with dictionary view of the words. Definition is written in the caption.

09/25/2022

I always share this in my evaluation reports!

Does pencil grasp REALLY matter?! Well...

Traditionally, the dynamic tripod was considered the only "correct" grasp, but research shows that there are FOUR pencil grasps that are considered equally functional and efficient.

I've been working on a project for quite a while that has me digging into all the research about pencil grasp.

And here's the TRUTH:
Pencil grasp doesn't matter IF the child is:
✍️ Using one of the four mature functional grasps
✍️ Able to write legibly for appropriate periods of time
✍️ Able to write legibly at an efficient pace
✍️ Able to write legibly without pain or discomfort

Pencil grasp does matter IF the child is:
✍️ If it's currently impacting the child's ability to participate in graphomotor activities.
✍️ If it's likely going to impact the child's ability to participate in graphomotor activities when they are older/the workload increases.

Stay tuned: I'll be sharing more information about the research and my upcoming project soon!

09/19/2022

💛 credit: letstalk.mentalhealth

09/13/2022

07/21/2022

Let’s talk about AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).

We all use multi-modal forms of communication.

And all forms of communication are valid.

Pediatric speech-language pathologists need to write therapy goals for UNRESTRICTED ACCESS to multi-modal communication.

Visual communication supports are as valuable as mouth words (speech).

AAC should never be considered a last resort. EVERYONE uses multi-modal communication EVERY day.

Let’s normalize use of AAC.

Good talk. 🙌🏼

12/08/2021

So important! Reach out to Cindy at Bloom and Grow Therapy Services today!

Strengths-based social interest groups are forming now at Bloom and Grow Therapy. We will plan times and match the groups as interest is received.

08/24/2020

The patchwork of all-virtual or hybrid learning plans offered by schools and districts is inadequate to meet their needs and could bring negative long-term consequences, parents and advocates say.

04/02/2020

Wow! Just watched the Netflix Documentary Crip Camp.

In memory of Judy Heumann, “the mother” of the Disability Rights Movement (1947-2023)

12/06/2019

Accidents happen, but we should all take this as a learning experience. This local mom fought a long battle with the School District of Philadelphia for not following her daughter’s IEP, which could have ended in tragedy.

A frightening incident involving a student in Northeast Philadelphia is leading to a major change in School District of Philadelphia policy.