Feelin' Frosty

Regardless if you rely on a persimmon, the farmer’s almanac, wooly worms or the meteorologist there is one thing that is certain. This winter will be cold.  Mother Nature has snow, ice, sleet and freezing temperatures in store for the Midwest again this winter.  Whether you are a summer sweetheart or winter worshiper there are steps to take to prevent seasonal injuries. 

Winter brings activities that you cannot access any other time of year.  Whether building snowmen or sledding, winter can be a magical time of year.  We have created a list of things to watch out for when the temperatures drop. 

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.  Before going out into the piercing wintery air don’t forget the acronym COLD.  

Cover – Don’t forget to bundle up before heading outside!

Avoid overheating – Sweat and cold air can be a bad mixture and cause you to lose body heat more quickly.

Loose layers – Loose layers allow you to shed outer layers if you become hot and hold in body heat better.  Outer layers should be water resistant so avoid cotton if possible.

Dry clothing – If your clothing does get wet be sure to change as fast as possible.  Mittens and boots are perfect places for snow to hide so be sure to keep your hands and feet dry as well. 

Other safety precautions to help avoid Hypothermia include making sure you go indoors frequently to warm up.  If you must travel in inclement weather be sure to let someone know where you are going and pack blankets and warm clothing in the vehicle in case of car trouble. 

Frostbite occurs when body tissue literally freezes!  Your ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes are most likely to get frostbite.  Anyone can get frostbite if exposed to the cold for long periods of time or from extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time.   Frostbite and Hypothermia are known to occur together.  Follow the same prevention measures for frostbite as hypothermia.  If you suspect you or someone you know may have frostbite, do not use direct heat on the affected areas.  Obtain medical attention immediately.

Slips and falls are the number one cause of accidental injury, according to OSHA, especially in winter weather.  Use handrails when walking up and down stairs or ramps.  Resist the temptation to walk with your hands in your pockets; if you feel unbalanced your upper extremities could help you regain balance.  Carefully exit vehicles; you never know what the footing is like until you get out of your car. 

Ice Skating is a popular winter pastime for all ages.  Year after year ice rinks open their doors to hundreds of people at a time.  Even with rink guards on duty, falls and injuries are still common.  Injury prevention can be very easy with a few simple precautions.      

When trying on your skates make sure that they fit properly.  Poorly fitting skates can cause blisters and sores as well as an unbalanced base for skating. 

Always look ahead at where you are skating and skate in the same direction as traffic.

Young children and beginners should always wear a helmet to avoid concussion or traumatic brain injury. 

If you are skating on a frozen pond do not go on the ice without testing it first.  The ice must be at least 6 inches thick all of the way through to be safe to skate on according to the Department of Natural Resources. 

Never skate alone or at night.

In the case of an emergency a cell phone should be near by to call for help. 

               

Sledding has been a winter tradition for many years.  As the white powdery snow coats the hills and valleys the sled that has been stored away begins to call.  Sledding can be fun but it can also be dangerous and can cause injuries. 

Before heading outside this winter make sure that you choose a safe hill in advance. 

Make sure the hill is not too steep and is covered in snow and not ice. 

The hill should also be clear of hazards such as trees, ponds, rocks or fences. 

Do not sled on a hill that ends on a street or parking lot.

Never sled while being pulled behind a vehicle, ATV or tractor.  

Indoor Boredom Busters!

The temperatures are getting colder and winter is quickly approaching.  As a fresh coat of snow covers the ground, families can get a little stir crazy.  Plan ahead with a list of our top 10 favorite indoor activities for your child!  (Or if you want to spend a day in your jammies on the couch watching movies sometimes, that’s ok too.)

To see more fun ideas like what we have below follow RIKC on Pinterest @rikcpins

1.      Sensory Bags:  Sensory bags provide great sensory input for children that may need visual or tactile sensory reinforcers.  Sensory bags are awesome “fidget toys” and can also improve concentration and focus.

These fun filled bags can be filled with anything you want!  You can make Goblin Guts, Spooky Spiders, or anything you can imagine.  Our favorite Halloween sensory bag is Goblin Guts.  To create Goblin Guts you will need:

·         A zip-lock Bag

·         Cooked Pasta (We prefer spaghetti noodles)

·         Green food coloring

·        Plastic Eye Balls, Spiders and Snakes (whatever you think will make good goblin guts)

·         Clear hair gel

·         Super Glue

Instructions: Mix the pasta with a couple drops of green food coloring in a bowl.  Allow several minutes to dry.  However, don't wait too long.  You don't want the noodles to dry out.  Once dry mix the green pasta with all other ingredients in a zip-lock bag.  Then just secure the seal with superglue.

See more at: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/10/halloween-sensory-bag-fun.html#sthash.Z8E4np6N.dpuf

2.     Sand Trays: You don’t have to get very fancy with this one to enhance sensory learning skills.  Sand trays are perfect for practicing shapes, letters, numbers, or designs and are so easy to make! To get started on your own sand tray you will need:

·         Sand (can be found at craft stores or pet shops in the fish aisle)

·         Shallow flat container for sand (make sure the tray is big enough to draw in)

·         Cards with numbers, letters, shapes, designs or whatever you want to practice on them. (Parents you can even make your own sand tray for your child to mimic your drawing)

Instructions: Once you have your container just fill it with sand and start practicing!  We like for our trays to have a dark or colored bottom to them so that it is easier to see what we have written in the sand. 

See more at: http://tothelesson.blogspot.com/2012/07/reflections-sand-tray.html

3.       Calming Bottles: Sometimes emotions run high and we can all be a little cranky.  Calming bottles are great for helping children during these times.  Just shake up the jar and hand it to your child as they watch the glitter and water settle so will they.  Here’s what you will need:

·         A clear container. ( We tall water bottles)

·         Clear Elmer’s Glue. (Make sure the glue is clear traditional white glue will make the mixture milky).

·         HOT water (this helps the glue mix with the water)

·         Ultra fine glitter (can be found at any craft or hobby store)

·        Super glue for plastic (this will seal the jar once you are finished to prevent leaks or anyone unscrewing the lid)

Instructions:  Fill your container with HOT water.  Next you will begin to add the glue, we recommend about ¼ of the bottle of glue.  The more glue in the water the longer it will take the glitter to settle. Step three, add the glitter and mix (we used a plastic knife so that it could be thrown away after).  We like to have more glitter but you and your child might like less.  Just add the amount you think is best.  Now you can add the lid and seal it.  We use super glue for plastic bottles. 

** You can add more glue if you think your mixture needs it but remember the more glue you add the longer it will take for the glitter to settle.  By following our instructions it will take about five minutes for the glitter to settle completely. 

See more at: http://onestopcounselingshop.com/2013/01/24/pinterest-find-time-out-bottle/

4.     Water Marbles: Water marbles are a great sensory tool and are just as fun to play with. You can purchase the marbles for about $2 in a variety of colors. When we play with water marbles we like to hide objects in them such as letters or coins to double as a learning experience. Water  marbles should be used under adult supervision to prevent swallowing.

See more at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42010208999764179/

5.       Treasure Playdough:  Is there anything more exciting than digging for treasure? This will keep the little ones busy for hours while focusing on fine motor skills.  And making the playdough is half of the fun! For a treasure chest of your own, here’s what you will need:

·         1 cup flour

·         ½ cup of salt

·         1 Tbsp Cream of Tartar

·         1Tbsp oil

·         1 cup water

·         Golden yellow food coloring

·         Approximately ¼ cup of gold glitter

·         A variety of gems, gold coins, colored beads, play jewelry, etc.  (Be creative with your “treasure”)

·         A small shovel

·         A small treasure chest  *optional*

Instructions:  Start by making your golden playdough “sand”.  Mix together the flour, salt and cream of tartar.  Next add the oil and water then stir until smooth.  Cook the mixture over medium to low heat until the dough looks dry but is still sticky.  Let the dough cool for 1 min then knead in the golden yellow food coloring and gold glitter.  Flatten out the playdough and place all of the “treasure” on top.  Fold the playdough over the gems and make sure they are well hidden and evenly distributed in the dough to make the dig even more exciting.  Place the “sand” in the chest and let the treasure search begin!

** This can also be done with dinosaurs to make a small archaeological dig site!  

See more at: http://onetimethrough.com/pirate-treasure-playdough-fine-motor-fun/

6.       Pom-Pom Target Practice:  This one is pretty simple but will still keep the kiddos entertained for hours.  The difficulty level can be increased or decreased depending on the age of the child. 

Here’s what you will need:

Painters tape or masking tape

Large and small pom-poms (can be found at a craft or hobby store)

Instructions:  Tape a target on the floor.  For younger children you can only put only two rings on the target and use larger pom-poms.  For older children increase the difficulty by adding more rings to the target and use smaller pom-poms.  If you are a competitive family you can create your own scoring system to make play a little more interesting.

See more at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42010208999764191/

7.       Indoor Snowmen: Sometimes the desire to build a snowman is outweighed by the desire to not get frost bite.  The good news is that you can make a snowman without any snow at all and all from the kitchen counter!  To get started you will need:

·         2 boxes of cornstarch

·         A can of foaming shaving cream

·         A box or plastic container

·         A sheet, tarp, trash bag, newspaper or anything you can use to cover the table for any spills

·         Odds and ends you may have to help play in the “snow” Ex: buttons, yarn, beans, hard candy, dry pasta, ribbon, bottle caps etc.

Instructions:  Empty the boxes of cornstarch into the containers and add the shaving cream to the corn starch (we use the whole can).  Let your little one mix the snow together until it makes a crumbly powder that will stick together when formed into a ball.  If it isn’t sticking you may need more shaving cream.  You are now ready to make your snow art! Your snow should last a few weeks if you want to save it for another “snow day” just put a lid on your container for storage!

See more at: http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2013/01/making-snowmen-inside.html

8.       Campground Living Room: Camping can be a lot  of fun but can also be hard to do for some families.  No worries!  Bring the campground to your living room.  Here we will show you how to set up your Campground Living Room.

·         Tent (If you already have the real thing great, if not a good old fashioned tent from bed sheets will be perfect). 

·         “Campfire”

·         Oven S’mores

·         Flashlights

·         Sleeping bags

·         Nature Crafts (perfect way to bring the outside inside for your special campout)

Setting up camp:  Decide where to set up the tent so that it is easily accessible for everyone and in a safe place.  Next it’s time to start the camp fire.  For logs we use old paper towel and toilet paper rolls or you can use brown construction paper formed into a tube shape.  For the center of your fire use red, yellow and orange construction paper cut into flame shapes. (For an extra touch we also like to put a battery operated candle in the center of the fire to give off a real glow while being safe!) Glue your logs and fire to a square piece of cardboard (pizza boxes work well). 

Don’t forget the s’mores!  Preheat your oven to 450 F and assemble the s’mores on a baking sheet (just bottom graham cracker and marshmallow for now) place the crackers about an inch apart from each other.  Let the s’mores bake for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and place the piece of chocolate on the marshmallow and top with graham cracker.  Let cool and enjoy!

Bring nature indoors!  You can create a nature loom or skip ahead to #10 on our list!  Nature looms are a classic camping activity.  Collect sticks for the frame of your loom, choose a size that best represents the size of loom you wish to make.  Lash the sticks together with yarn to create the base.  The base can be in any shape you would like! Pull the yarn tight in a criss cross motion to bind the sticks together at the base.  For the inside of the loom tie a piece of yarn at the corner of your base and begin wrapping it around the loom.  To decorate your loom use items from outside such as flowers, leaves, nuts, bark or pine cones. Just be creative! 

See more at:   http://www.craftiments.com/2013/06/NatureWeavingCraftandSolarOvenSmores.html

9.       “Stained Glass”: Creating your own “stained glass” masterpiece is great fun on rainy day, cold day or snowy day.  This can provide entertainment for hours or just as a quick activity depending on how big you want to make your piece.  Here’s what you will need:

Press and Seal Wrap

Masking Tape

Colored Tissue Paper

Instructions:  Cut the desired size of press and seal wrap for the “glass” and use the masking tape to tape to a wall or window (this just holds the wrap up so it’s easier to add the tissue paper). Next cut the tissue paper into different sizes and shapes.  Once you have cut your tissue paper press them onto the press and seal to create a colorful pattern! 

See more at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42010208999764206/

10.   Birdseed Wreath: We love every part about making a bird seed wreath, from the sensory feeling of the bird seed, to creating a food source for the birds we share a yard with.  Once the wreath is hung outside your children will be anxiously waiting to see the first bird stop by for lunch. To get started you will need:

4 cups of bird seed

¾ cup of all purpose flour

½ cup of water

3T corn syrup

1 package of plain gelatin

Cooking spray

Bundt pan or other mold with a hole in the center

Ribbon

Instructions: In a large bowl put ½ cup warm water and gelatin mix together and let the gelatin dissolve.  Whisk in the corn syrup and flour to create a paste.  Add in 4 cups of bird seed and stir well.  Spray the Bundt pan with cooking spray then scoop in the seed mixture as evenly as possible.  Compact the seed in the pan with a spoon or spatula. Leave the seed in the pan for 24 hours to harden and dry.  After 24 hours turn the wreath over onto a plate or paper towel and then allow continuing to dry for 24 – 48 hours.  Now you are ready to hang your wreath from a tree limb with your ribbon (Just make sure to tie the knot tight). 

See more at: http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-bird-seed-wreath/

Perfect Fall Pumpkin Patches

Fall is upon us, Kansas City.  The leaves have begun to change, sweaters have been unpacked, football season is here, and pumpkins are everywhere.  As a child, visiting the pumpkin patch in the fall is a highly anticipated event.  There is a lot of pressure for a pumpkin to make the cut.  It must be a brilliant hue of orange with a long stem and perfectly symmetrical.  After all, this would be the pumpkin that would adorn the front porch for all to see.  There is a certain magic in finding the “cream of the crop” when it comes to pumpkins.  Once your find is cleaned, cored, and carved it is ready to become the centerpiece of any fall display.  There is a sense of joy and accomplishment as the eyes and crooked smile of your creation glow at each passerby.  

Choosing the right pumpkin patch can be just as difficult for parents as choosing the right pumpkin for the child. "Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere" (Charlie Brown).  Sometimes for individuals with disabilities finding the "most sincere patch" takes a little bit more planning.  We have composed a list of our favorite Kansas City, accessible pumpkin patches this year. 

Johnson Farms:  This family owned farm has everything from fantastic food to hayrides.  The 60 acre pumpkin patch has paved paths, accessible restrooms and will assist each person on the hay ride to make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience. 

17701 S State Rte D

Belton, MO

816.331.1067

http://www.johnsonfarms.net/

Louisberg Cider Mill: Reviews rave “you don’t have to wait for the pumpkin patch or corn maze to make this a fun trip”.  Take a look around the accessible store and pick out cider, jelly, spices, or fruit butter.  The patch spans over 10 acres so you can pick your own from the vine.  The paths are very wide but are not paved so some individuals in wheelchairs may need a helping push.  The staff at Louisberg Cider Mill assured us that they host folks of all abilities every year.  Before you pick out your pumpkin don’t forget to stop by Teepee Villiage, Straw Fort and the petting zoo.  

14730 Hwy 68

Louisberg, KS 66053

913.837.5202

http://www.louisburgcidermill.com/

Weston Red Barn Farm: In the spirit of preserving the American dream of farming visitors are offered the opportunity to experience a real working farmstead.  Soak In some old fashioned farm fun on the hayride, at a bonfire, or while picking pumpkins and apples.  If you call ahead the kind folks out at red barn farm will gladly meet you with a ramp for assistance in getting on and off of the hay ride.  The paths in the orchard and pumpkin patch are dirt but are well maintained and extra wide.

16300 Wilkerson Rd.

Weston, MO 64098

816.386.5437

http://www.westonredbarnfarm.com/

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead honors the legacy of Officer Deanna Rose to bring the charm of a farm to children living in the city.  This 12 acre Farmstead has nearly 200 animals and birds, vegetable and flower gardens, fishing and pony rides.  The farmstead has many brick and paved paths leading you to each activity.

13800 Switzer Rd

Overland Park, KS 66221

913.897.2360

http://www.opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/deanna-rose-childrens-farmstead/

Since the passing of Robin Williams, depression awareness has been on the rise.  Depression is something many of us have heard of and some have even experienced.   Depression, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, unimportant, and often is unable to live in a normal way.   According to a study conducted by Johnathan Silver, MD “20-60% of people with a serious injury experience depression soon after the injury or even years later”.

Depression can result from the chemical changes within the brain or as a symptom of post-traumatic stress.  This can be detrimental to the rehabilitation process following an injury.  Depression, if allowed, can diminish energy and confidence levels of individuals who are adjusting to their new life after a serious injury.  But don’t worry, there are ways to combat depression.  Helpful tips for battling depression are to set a daily schedule, stay involved in activities you participated in previously or engage in new activities to highlight new abilities.  A strong relationship with family and friends is important to mental and physical health as well.

Treatment is usually very successful when symptoms are caught early.  Common signs of depression after an injury are feelings of guilt or loss, loss of concentration, decreased energy, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, diminished desire to participate in social or recreational activities, and thoughts of suicide (Depression, 2014). 

Severe injury, illness, and disability can affect us in a variety of ways – emotionally, cognitively, and socially.  Friends and family members can be directly affected by their loved one’s depression.  Neuropsychology Services at RIKC serves individuals of all ages in helping with the adjustment to disability.  Counseling is available in an individual or group setting for patients and family members.  

Depression.  (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.brainline.org/landing_pages/categories/depression.html

Despite challenges, these two clients found success

There are two stories in this post, each about a client in the TBI Works Program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City. These two people beat all odds and are now successfully working!

Kyle Dudley 

Kyle Dudley, 34, was out celebrating his 2003 college graduation. Once he and his friends decided to call it a night, their designated driver began taking them home. Suddenly, their car was t-boned by a drunk driver. The impact caused Dudley’s head to forcefully hit the inside of the car. This resulted in Dudley being in a coma for six weeks and having paralysis in his left arm.

After an extensive stay in the hospital, Dudley went to in-patient rehab where he stayed for one month.

Dudley then worked to recover in therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC). The therapists helped him as he began to walk again, chew and swallow whole foods, and talk at the same level as he had prior to the accident.  He then studied music at a vocational rehabilitation school before coming to the TBI Works Program in the Employment Services Department at RIKC in Feb. 2013.

 Music was Dudley’s passion and focus of study before the accident; he still wanted to follow this path. His next step was to find a job in the music field with the TBI Works staff’s help.

After a few months of filling out job applications and  participating in mock interviews, TBI Works Program Coordinator Wendell Wallace noticed Rhino Staging and Event Productions, Inc. was hiring, so he showed Employer Development Specialist Jennifer Grant who helped Dudley pursue this opening. Within a week of giving the company his application, Dudley was hired! He began work in June and is thrilled to be working with what he loves.

“Finding the job was the goal of the entire process,” Dudley said. “The help and effort everyone put into helping me at RIKC was equally important.”  

Arnell Walker

Arnell Walker, 41, spent each day taking care of her five children, working and running errands. On December 2006, though, something happened that would drastically change her routine and life.

While at a family function in Kansas City, Walker was the victim of a drive-by shooting. She was in a coma for two weeks and remained hospitalized three months, during which time Walker experienced two strokes that further impacted her body. Of the many challenges she faced, including learning to walk again, Walker was left with a speech impediment, an inability to read and a lengthy gap of unemployment due to her extensive recovery period.

Walker received extensive rehab services and diligently worked on her own to regain abilities to walk, communicate, cook and take care of her two youngest children.

In 2012, the Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation referred Walker to the TBI Works Program of RIKC's Employment Services Department. The TBI Works staff soon realized what an extraordinary person Walker is. She has a contagious smile and a strong faith. She exercises a strong work ethic and is quick to learn new skills.

"She's just amazingly positive and has this great attitude," said Jennifer Grant, Employer Development Specialist at RIKC.

It's little wonder that when Walker was introduced to representatives of the Human Resources Department at The Intercontinental Hotel KC, a second interview was immediately offered. She was hired the following day, even though the position she applied for was not currently open. Walker enjoys working with great coworkers in a luxurious atmosphere, and her employers appreciate her positive attitude and hard work, making this a win-win for both employee and employer.

Walker's success story is a shining example of the team effort of the TBI Works Program in RIKC's Employment Services Department. Her strength plus the expertise of the program can both be contributed to her success!

Child Beats All Odds

Her face sports a great big grin. She looks around the room through her bright pink sunglasses that she wears no matter where she is. She holds a tiny yellow car and tells everyone she sees about it. She is a 3 ½-year-old girl named Sephora Kalantari, and, if you had seen her a year ago, she would not have been able to do any of these things.

Sephora was born with two heart defects— pulmonary atresia and a hypo plastic right heart. One doctor told Sephora’s mom Debbie Kalantari, 22, that this is a unique case for two reasons: most cases of a hypo plastic heart deal with the left, not the right side; and, the doctor said, this was the only known case in the world with the two heart defects together. Sephora needed heart surgery but she was not healthy enough for the surgery until she was 2.

In March 2012, Sephora had open-heart surgery. The following day, she suffered a heart attack and a stroke. She had to be on a breathing machine for about five days after the surgery to sustain life, according to Debbie. A CT scan showed brain damage affecting the left side of her body caused by the stroke. After 51 days in the hospital, Sephora returned home at last with her mom and younger brother Zayden.

Once they were home, Sephora cried incessantly. The only times she would smile or laugh were whenever her brother spoke, which is why Debbie credits Zayden as a big part of Sephora’s recovery. Another big part of Sephora’s recovery is the staff at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC). Sephora’s transition to RIKC was difficult. She did not like being held and struggled to complete tasks without crying. Now, Sephora lights up when Speech-Language Pathologist Robin Miller-Gioia picks her up and hugs her. She has become a hard worker, attempting any task asked of her.

When Sephora started at RIKC, there was concern she was blind in both eyes. After a short amount of time, Sephora started identifying objects, and they discovered that she has vision in one eye. She learned to sit up on her own, and began to speak and reach for objects. After a course of intensive therapy, the team felt Sephora was making such fantastic gains that she was ready to transition to development preschool with follow-ups at RIKC to be sure she continues making gains.

Less than a month ago, Sephora had her second open-heart surgery. This time, the surgery went well, and Debbie said she is doing great! Sephora returned to RIKC to continue her recovery process. Debbie is proud of the person Sephora has become with the help of her RIKC team.

“I am so thankful for the people [at RIKC] who do what they do,” Debbie said. “Not everyone can do this work. The [staff at RIKC] is so patient and loving, and have overflowing optimism.” 

Sephora and her brother Zayden play on the slide,
which is something she couldn't do a year ago.

Declaration of Independence: Bethany Serna

Bethany Serna, 2 ½, picked up the sunglasses, and began putting them on and taking them off. She took the Bacon Fest pig keychain and started pulling the measuring tape out with ease. Seeing her today, you would never guess that more than a year ago this toddler could barely move her arms or hands.

On April 5, 2012, Bethany’s parents, Rodney and Veronica, rushed her to the hospital in the middle of the night—something was terribly wrong. She had signs of meningitis, but when the doctors did a spinal tap, they saw that it was something else. She had a dangerously high red blood cell count and protein in her blood. So, she was sent to another hospital where, that night, after suspecting she had a tumor, she was rushed into surgery that lasted seven hours! The actual problem was an aneurysm caused by arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the abnormal tangling of arteries and veins. To help prevent further damage, the doctors had to put a clip on her spinal cord.

Despite surgery, Bethany experienced changes that would have life changing effects for her and her family. Bethany now had tetraplegia, the paralysis of the arms, legs and trunk of the body, so she could barely move. To help her regain certain skills, Bethany began speech, physical and occupational therapies at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC).

“When she came in, she couldn’t even lift her head up,” her father Rodney said. “She was starting over from the newborn stage for the most part.”

After doing therapy for more than a year— three times each week for up to five hours each time— through hard work, and the help of her family and RIKC staff, Bethany can now move her arms all around and crawl.

“Just to see her roll over again is so rewarding,” Rodney said. “She’s still weak in the trunk but is getting there and working on strength. This and other little things people take for granted are rewarding to see her do.”

When her AVM first appeared she didn’t talk much or eat well on her own, which the speech therapist and Bethany’s mom Veronica think are behavioral, indirect effects of her AVM.

“She is still a picky eater, but she has come a long way,” Veronica said. “She talks like crazy. She’s a little parrot.”

In about a month, Bethany will undergo one more surgery to remove the clip that is attached to her spinal cord.

Next year, Bethany will start preschool. She still has therapy at RIKC three times a week, but she has made such progress that her appointments are hours shorter.

About a year ago, Bethany couldn’t move her fingers. Now, as she and her parents leave the office, she waves goodbye with her index finger with a big smile on her face.     

 

Meet Bill - A Life Preview



Bill and his wife

In November of 1982, Bill was injured in a hunting accident on the opening day of deer hunting season. He became sick and fell out a deer blind, breaking his back. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bill's accident.

"I just enjoy life and I owe a large part of this to the Rehabilitation Institute of KC for getting me back up and running (rolling)," explained Bill, who went through our medical rehabilitation programs. "They put me back together and got me on my way so I could get back in the world and be an asset to the community."
 
When Bill was discharged from the hospital, he was in a full body cast for six months. Bill's positive outlook on life kept him going: "I had my arms, so that was a blessing. You do the best you can with what you have."

This same active lifestyle led him to his current job as the I.T. Director at H.U.D. for Region VII in Kansas City Kansas. While playing wheelchair basketball with some friends, Bill was asked if he was interested in a part time job. That part-time job grew into a full-time career. "I found something I was good at -- working on computers, tearing them apart and putting them back together, working with my hands," he explained.

In addition to his career, Bill continues to hunt to this day. He is a part of a handicap hunting club and has even modified his boat and ATV to make them accessible. 

Bill does not let his injury hold him back, explaining that he lives on a farm, and commutes 140 miles to work each day.

"There's not really much I don't do, other than walk," explained Bill. "I just go about it a different way."