Many people with significant intellectual or physical disabilities cannot utilize a standard toilet, instead requiring equipment such as a hoist and height-adjustable changing table to use the bathroom in safety and comfort. In the United Kingdom, adult changing tables are gaining wide support thanks to the advocacy of disability campaigners and the Changing Places Consortium.
This is an incredible resource for families in Vermont. Ambucs creates adaptive bicycles for people with disabilities. Their goal is to “create mobility and independence for people with disabilities.” They have worked to get over 250 kids with disabilities on bikes throughout Vermont. Their annual statewide fitting event is typically held the Saturday before Mother’s Day in central Vermont.
Ams Vans sells wheelchair vans with used and new conversions. They also will convert vans so they are wheelchair accessible. The company is based in Georgia. However, they offer front door delivery on their vans. One mother said she purchased a van from Ams Vans and was very satisfied with the van and the service.
A dentist that was recommended by a family who has a child with special needs. Apparently Ana is very good at giving concrete steps for children on what will be happening when they get their teeth cleaned as well as what each step will feel like.
Angel Flight Northeast is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients whose financial resources would not otherwise enable them to receive treatment or diagnosis, or who may live in rural areas without access to commercial airlines.
The ARCH program serves children who have an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or an emotional or behavioral challenge. They help provide and access supports for the child and their families. Support can include family support, respite, and care coordination. They also specialize in youth transitioning into adulthood.
This center is held at the CDCI (Center of Disability and Community Inclusion). It offers adaptive devices or software programs that helps people with all types of disabilities in order to assist them in being more independent at school, home, or in their community. They have many devices that are available for people to try out.
The AT Tryout Center allows individuals to come and try adaptive device or software program to help people with any type of disability. The mission is “to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations.”
Autism Bridges multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care, by incorporating Applied Behavior Analysis, speech and occupational therapy, and diagnostic evaluations to empower children and their families throughout all stages of development and growth.
The Autism Spectrum Program is an intensive and evidence-based service supporting children aged 2-22 through the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in developing communication, social, adaptive behavior, daily living, and functional learning skills. This Howard Center program partners with many school districts throughout Chittenden County. In coordination with home, school, and family support services, ASP offers intensive instructional and behavioral support year-round which is individualized to meet the needs of each child and their family. ASP is led by a team of highly skilled Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with extensive experience working with youth with autism.
Referrals are made through school district special education departments.
Bart Adaptive Sports Center provides people with disabilities and their families the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sports in southern Vermont. They offer instruction in skiing, snowboarding, cycling, kayaking and golf as well as a summer camp environment at Lake Shaftesbury State Park.
This is a great product that was recommended my a mother whose child struggles with handwriting and grip strength. The child’s classroom teacher purchased some for other children to access who were struggling with handwriting as well. Click here to purchase.
Offering a special needs friendly designation to the hospitality industry to help ALL families & individuals feel welcome when traveling.
The Beats By Dre Solo headphones are wonderful for children who are bothered by noise. The headphones come in many fun colors and are very comfortable wear. They also offer amazing sound when listening to music. The “solo” headphones are perfect for reducing noise in most places for children. Although they retail for approximately $200, you can find discounted and/or refurbished pairs at https://www.groupon.com.
Bella’s Bumbo was designed to help toddlers who have mobility issues get around. This creative toddler wheelchair allows toddlers the option of some independence! For more information click here.
The mission of Ben’s Blankets is to create and give weighted blankets to disabled children who otherwise would not be able to have one. Ben’s Blankets is a nonprofit and we make free or at-cost blankets created by an unpaid volunteer workforce. The blankets are handmade by a small team of seamstresses across the country. We make sure to use with the highest quality materials available, such as polypropylene plastic beads to weight the blankets and high quality quilting cotton.
If you are looking for a great deal and excellent customer service, contact Noah at Bicycle Express. He is very creative at adapting bikes for children with special needs and offers great prices!
Billy Footwear uses a Flip Top technique so individuals can step into the shoe with no obstruction and zip the shoe back up. Depending on the width of your AFO, you child might be able to wear these shoes. The shoes come in a couple of styles and lots of colors. They also sell their shoes at amazon.com, zappos.com, nordstrom.com, and select Nordstrom Stores.
Amazing staff! Always very accomodating and friendly.