Site of the Day

September 2008

The Alliance put out a survey to parents of children with celiac disease to find out how many were having their children's need for gluten-free diet respected by schools. The answer: Not many. You can see the statistics here, and review information on getting a 504 plan to obligate the school to comply.

It's National Food Safety Education Month, and this year's theme is "Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction." Though the materials here are intended for restaurant management and staff, some could well be adapted to teaching kids about allergies -- and, maybe, cafeteria workers.

The blog Unringing the Bell is coordinating efforts again this year for a writing marathon to support Down Syndrome Awareness Month. "The goal is to blog everyday for the month of October. 31 days to raise awareness of Down syndrome (a.k.a. Trisomy 21). Get it? 31 for 21!" Bloggers can add their blog link to the list and download a button to advertise their participation.

Tonight, September 25, 2008, Cold Stone Creamery stores throughout the U.S. will be holding "The World's Largest Ice Cream Social" to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. Stop by a participating store from 5-8 p.m. to receive a free sample of one of two flavors created by wish recipients, then leave a donation for the cause. If you miss tonight's event, the stores will still be taking donations through the end of September.

Can childcare providers refuse to accept a child who has seizures? Do school cafeterias have to abide by a GFCF diet? Can children with epilepsy be excluded from extracurricular activities? This advocate's manual answers those questions and more, and gives you the information you'll need to fight for your child.

Your Saturday super-sized listing of amusements, including a family activity, a site for the kids, a shopping site, a site offering humor or inspiration about parenting children with special needs, and a site that's just silly or fun.

Paul Newman, who died on Friday, is memorialized on the site of the camp he founded for children with serious illnesses. If you'd like to remember the actor by donating to his "living legacy," you can make a donation in his name, and the camp will "make sure that Mr. Newman's family is aware of your thoughtfulness and caring."

Raising Special Kids is written by the father of four girls with special needs, who says "I created this site in the hope that I can help even one person not have to go through the years of struggle that I did. This is the site I WISH I'd had when we first knew there was something very special about our daughter. If you are raising special kids, then this is the place to start. No, there is no magic, but through knowledge, experience, dedication, love and support, you can do this."