July is Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July top mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. The 2024 Theme is “We Want a Life Like Yours”. This theme comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied. With this in mind, it is important to understand the many types of disabilities. There are several types of disabilities, each affecting each individual differently. Let’s explore some of them:

Vision Disabilities can cause an inability to see objects, perceive light or color, judge distances, or access information in visual media. Examples include total blindness, low vision, and color blindness. Causes may include genetic disorders, degenerative diseases, or physical damage to the eyes or brain.

Mobility Disabilities affect the use of hands, feet, arms, or legs. Symptoms include tremors, muscle slowness, loss of fine motor control, or paralysis. Conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or stroke can cause mobility impairments.

Auditory Disabilities include a partial or total inability to perceive sounds and access audio-based information. Symptoms include total deafness or varying degrees of hearing loss. Causes may involve inner ear nerve malformation, neurological disorders, or brain trauma.

Neurological Disabilities impact sensory perceptions, mental processes, or motor functions. Symptoms include paralysis, tremors, memory loss, and cognitive malfunctions. Genetic disorders, degenerative diseases, or seizure disorders can lead to neurological impairments.

Cognitive Disabilities result in memory loss, reduced attention span, underdeveloped maturity, and limited problem-solving skills. Forgetfulness, emotional changes, and intellectual underdevelopment are common symptoms. Developmental or learning disabilities can cause cognitive impairments.

Medical Disabilities restrict endurance, attention, mobility, and cause pain or fatigue. Shortness of breath, low endurance, sudden weakness, or pain are typical symptoms. Musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, immune system disorders, or digestive tract problems can lead to medical impairments.

Remember that disabilities vary widely, and two people with the same type of disability may experience it differently. Some disabilities are invisible and cannot be seen. Understanding disabilities and their diverse needs helps create proper accommodations and promote inclusivity in society. At Bio Ability, there is something for everyone. Come see what we have to offer you!

July is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month

Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome according to Cleveland Clinic, is a rare, neurodevelopmental, genetic condition. Williams syndrome is caused by the spontaneous deletion of 26-28 genes on chromosome #7 at the time of conception. The deletion can occur in either the egg or the sperm. There are fewer than 20,000 cases a year in the United States. A family history may increase the likelihood. It occurs equally in males and females and in all cultures worldwide.

Williams syndrome is characterized by many symptoms including unique physical features, delayed development, cognitive challenges, and cardiovascular abnormalities. It may cause poor growth in childhood, and most adults with the condition are shorter than average. Williams syndrome can also cause endocrine concerns like having too much calcium in your blood and urine, an underactive thyroid and early puberty. According to the William Syndrome Association, the medical profile of individuals with Williams syndrome is highly variable. One of the more serious symptoms of Williams syndrome is cardiovascular disease. The narrowing of various blood vessels near the heart is common during fetal development, which can lead to increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and ultimately cardiac failure.

Nearly every individual with Williams syndrome will benefit from therapeutic intervention to help overcome developmental delays, joint problems, fine motor issues and other characteristics common to Williams syndrome. Your physician can help you determine the need for therapy or provide a referral to have your child evaluated by a therapeutic service provider. It is important to start therapies as soon as possible to gain the most benefit.

The benefits of exercise for people with Williams Syndrome are not limited to physical and cognitive health. Exercise has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing. A study by Dykens and Cassidy (1995) found that regular exercise can help to reduce anxiety and depression in children with Williams Syndrome. Bio Ability staff can work closely with your physical and occupational therapists to plan exercises in class or one on one that will support therapy goals. Contact us for more information.

o minimize seizure triggers and ensure safety.

What’s happening?

Summer Camps

We are offering weekly themed summer camps throughout July. Camps are Monday through Friday from 8Am to 1 PM except for an abbreviated camp the week of July 4^th. Camp will include games, gymnastics, crafts, music and more. Sign up online or contact us for more information.

Summer Kickoff Party Update

We had a wonderful turnout and lots of fun. We enjoyed spending time with some of our Bio Ability Family and enjoyed meeting lots of new families and friends. We look forward to working with everyone. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all. A huge THANK YOU to our friends at Three Basketeers who had a booth. Please follow and support them. We enjoyed seeing you and all you have to offer.

Open Gym

Since everyone loved the format of the party, we have added monthly open gym’s.  These are designed for families and friends to all be able to play together. It is parent assisted but with staff guidance and support. The cost is $35 per family.  We can accommodate 10 families unless we have prior notice to add more staff.  Our next Open Gym is July 12 from 530-730PM. Sign up now as spots are limited.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Monthly Class Schedule

It is always best to find current class availability online as classes are filling up and new ones added as needed. You can also sign up for one on one appointments. See the class and one on one schedule and register at BIO Ability Classes.

Neuro Intensive Support Program

The Bio Ability Neuro Support Program is in partnership with Aura FNC and Dr. Diana Tyler. Dr. Tyler provides Neuro Intensives and Mini-Intensives which include an evaluation, several visits with her, a home program, and a post evaluation.  Bio Ability’s Neuro Support Program is designed to support participants in these programs with their exercise programs designed specifically for their neurological needs. It includes a fitness assessment, individualized exercise program based on recommendations from Dr. Tyler and findings in the assessment, ongoing support with exercises, exercise progressions, and more.  The Neuro Support Program appointment times depend upon the Neuro Intensive completed with Dr. Tyler.  We also have a maintenance program for continued support with exercise and neuro and fitness goals.

Appointments will be one on one so please contact us to get scheduled.  For more information you may email dawn.koch@bio-ability.com.

Exercise of the Month:  Posture Exercises

Having good posture is about more than looks. It helps you to develop strength, flexibility, and balance in your body. Proper posture can also reduce stress on your muscles and ligaments, which can reduce your risk of injury. Here are just a few examples of posture exercises:

Plank

1. Come onto all fours and straighten your legs, lift your heels, and raise your hips.
2. Straighten your back and engage your abdominal, arm, and leg muscles.
3. Lengthen the back of your neck, soften your throat, and look down at the floor.
4. Make sure to keep your chest open and your shoulders back.
5. Hold this position for up to 1 minute at a time.

Bridge

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet about hip-distance apart.
2. Keep your feet about a foot away from your hips.
3. Rest your arms alongside your body with your palms facing down.
4. Exhale as you lift your hips toward the sky, straightening your spine.
5. Hold this position for up to 1 minute at a time.

Chest Opener

1. 1. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart.
   2. Bring your arms behind you and interlace your fingers with your palms pressing together. Grasp a towel if your hands don’t reach each other.
   3. Keep your head, neck, and spine in one line as you gaze straight ahead.
   4. Inhale as you lift your chest toward the ceiling and bring your hands toward the floor.
   5. Breathe deeply as you hold this pose for 5 breaths.
   6. Release and relax for a few breaths.
   7. Repeat at least 10 times.

Recipe of the Month: Whipped Frozen Lemonade (eatingwell.com)

Ingredients

• Lemon Simple Syrup
  • ½cup granulated sugar
  • ½cup water
  • Zest of 1 lemon

  Lemonade

  • ½cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
  • 1cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 ½cups ice cubes

Directions

1. 1. To prepare simple syrup: Bring sugar and water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stir in lemon zest and remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 1 hour, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve; discard the zest. (You’ll have extra syrup; refrigerate for up to 1 week.)
   2. To prepare whipped lemonade: Add 1/2 cup simple syrup, lemon juice, coconut milk and ice to a blender. Blend until the ice is crushed and the mixture is slushy. Divide between 4 8-ounce glasses and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information 

Serving Size: 4 servings

Calories: 167; Total fat: 12g; Saturated Fat 11 g; Carbohydrates: 16g; Fiber 1g; Protein: 1g