New Version Of Autism Dating Show Coming To Netflix

 Netflix will air a new iteration of its documentary series following people with autism in the dating world, this time focused on a group of individuals on the spectrum in the U.S. Read More >

Pandemic Leaves Families Of Children In Special Ed Feeling Left Behind

 With a wildly spreading delta variant, many families of vulnerable children with disabilities feel forgotten by state and school leaders and disregarded by those who reject mask wearing. Read More >

Friendship House Pairs Young Professionals, Adults With Special Needs

 The young professionals who are roommates with adults with special needs are not their caregivers but rather are friends who encourage them to develop skills to be able to live independently. Read More >

People With Intellectual Disabilities Begin To Venture Out During Pandemic

Service providers are starting to offer adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to return to community-based activities, but many families are reluctant. Read More >

Ban On Group Home Visits Hurting Residents, Critics Say

Months into the pandemic, some are pushing back against one-size-fits-all bans on family visits for group home residents with developmental disabilities. Read More >

Netflix To Debut Autism Dating Show

A new documentary series is taking an intimate look at the experiences of people with autism in the dating world. Read More >

For Many With Autism, Challenges Of Social Distancing Aren't New

Although the pandemic can be stressful for people on the spectrum, many are practiced in dealing with social isolation, disrupted routines and other challenges that are now affecting everyone. Read More;

For Those With Special Needs, Social Distancing Presents Hurdles

The practice of social distancing can be hard for many with disabilities to understand and it conflicts with decades-long efforts to fully include this population in their communities. Read More >

Cruise Line Going 'Sensory Inclusive'

A major cruise operator is training its staff, offering up tools and taking other steps to welcome people with disabilities in a move they say is an industry first. Read More;

Opinion: How tech supports girls with autism

Technology can be used to support female students with autism who tend to seek a better understanding of societal norms online, writes Carol Allen. In this commentary, Allen discusses the ways that girls with autism differ from boys and makes suggestions for better use of technology to meet those needs.

District Administration magazine online

Nightclub For Adults With Disabilities Fosters Love, Friendship And Inclusion

At what might be the only club of its kind in the country, hundreds of people with developmental disabilities come to dance, make friends and be like anyone else out for the night. Read More;

Robots help support students with autism

Some students with autism are learning to develop social, emotional and communication skills with the help of robots, including Milo from RoboKind. Improved eye contact, turn-taking and sharing are some of the gains seen among such students, though more research is needed to determine if these improvements will continue into the long term, says Brian Scassellati, a Yale University professor.

The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/20),  Becker's Hospital Review

Program For Variously-Abled Adults Working To End Social Isolation

Through sessions twice a month, a hangout for those with developmental disabilities — including many with limited communication — is promoting social interaction alongside crafts and games. Read More;

Google Glass May Help Improve Social Skills In Kids With ASD

Researchers say they have more evidence that an at-home intervention using Google Glass boosts socialization and learning in kids with autism. Read More >

Peer-mentor program expands to woodworking class

A Colorado high school's woodworking class pairs experienced students in general education with their peers in special education to create projects from bird houses to jewelry boxes. The class is part of the district's Unified program that uses peer mentors to enhance social inclusion and learning opportunities for students with special needs.  KCNC-TV (Denver)

Proms Expected To Draw Over 100,000 With Special Needs

More than 650 churches around the globe are set to welcome teens and adults with disabilities for a series of special proms all planned on a single night this month. Read More >

Boy Scouts Alter Approach For Kids With Special Needs

Kids with special needs are learning everything from life skills to archery as part of a Boy Scouts program that's helping pave the way for them to take part in a typical pack. Read More;

Virtual World Provides Haven For Those With Special Needs

People with disabilities often struggle with social interaction, but researchers say the virtual world of Second Life can offer a safe space to socialize and forge meaningful relationships. Read More >

Larger Trial Of Experimental Autism Drug Planned

More extensive testing is in the works to further evaluate a century-old medicine that showed noticeable improvement in social interaction and function when used in those with autism. Read More >

Over 90,000 Expected At Proms For Those With Special Needs

Teens and adults with disabilities from around the globe are expected to attend hundreds of proms planned just for them on a single night ahead of Valentine's Day. Read More >