Honoring Every Ability: Celebrating Disability Awareness Day

On July 14th, we recognize Disability Awareness Day, a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and the diverse strengths of people with disabilities. It’s not just a day—it’s a reminder that embracing differences strengthens our communities, schools, workplaces, and hearts.

Why It Matters According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the United States lives with a disability. These disabilities may be visible or invisible, and they impact individuals across every age, background, and walk of life. Disability Awareness Day is about breaking down barriers, both physical and social, and shifting perceptions from limitations to possibilities.

Celebrating Abilities, Not Just Accommodations This day encourages us to go beyond compliance and foster true belonging. Let’s recognize the unique talents, perspectives, and resilience that individuals with disabilities bring to the world. Whether it’s through art, innovation, advocacy, or everyday determination, the disability community continues to inspire change.

What Can We Do?

• Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about different disabilities and share that knowledge.
• Amplify Voices: Support content created by people with disabilities—books, blogs, performances, and social media accounts.
• Create Inclusive Spaces: Look around. Are our classrooms, offices, and events accessible? Inclusion starts with awareness and action.
• Celebrate Difference: Host an activity, reading circle, or awareness event. Even small acts—like wearing a symbolic color or sharing a post—spark conversations that matter.

A Future That Sees Everyone As we observe Disability Awareness Day, let’s commit to building a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Not for just a day, but every day.

Shining a Light on UV Safety: Protecting Our Special Stars This Summer

As summer approaches and the days grow longer, so do our children’s opportunities to play, explore, and soak up the sun. July is UV Safety Month—a timely reminder that while sunlight is essential for well-being, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can pose serious health risks, especially to children. For families of children with special needs, sun safety can require even more intentional planning and care.

Understanding the Risks Children are more sensitive to UV damage because their skin is thinner and more delicate than adults’. And for some children with special needs—such as those with sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, or medical conditions—staying sun safe can come with unique hurdles. Some medications may also increase sun sensitivity, making UV protection even more critical.

Tips for Safer Sunshine Adventures Here are a few tips to help make outdoor time safe and enjoyable for all:

• Dress smart: Opt for lightweight, UV-protective clothing. Long sleeves, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses can make a big difference.
• Time it right: Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense.
• Sunscreen strategies: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ at least 15 minutes before going out. For children who dislike certain textures, try using spray or mineral-based options.
• Shade solutions: Bring umbrellas, tents, or pop-up canopies to create comfortable play spaces in the shade.
• Visual reminders: Consider visual aids or timers to help children understand when it’s time to reapply sunscreen or take a break indoors.

Empowerment Through Preparation Teaching sun safety can also be empowering. Use social stories, role-play, or visual schedules to help children learn why sun protection matters. When children understand the “why,” they’re more likely to cooperate—and even take pride—in their own safety.

This UV Safety Month, let’s make sunshine something to smile about, not worry over. With a few thoughtful adjustments, every child can enjoy the season safely and comfortably—because every child deserves to shine.

What’s happening?

Bio Ability New Location and Classes

We have officially moved into Bio Gymnastics full-time starting July 1.  We have access to space for earlier class times.  As students progress, we can integrate into a Bio Gymnastics classes where appropriate. We are looking forward to the opportunities this opens up for our students. We will be implementing skills checklists to assure students are working on and learning new skills.  In the future we will have a Bio Ability HUGS Program.  This is a program designed for special needs participants in gymnastics, providing opportunities for inclusion in sports. We are excited about this future endeavor.

Summer Camps

We are offering integrated summer camps at Bio Gymnastics. There are morning sessions 9-1 and afternoon sessions 12-4.  Full day camp is 9-4. Please call or message the Bio Ability number with days and times you are interested so I can be sure there is Bio Ability staff available. Then we can schedule.  Please do not schedule through Bio Gymnastics as all of our scheduling and billing are separate. The Bio Ability number is 470-560-3981.  You can call, leave voicemails and text on this number. We do not have regular office hours at this time so if no one answers, please leave a message or text.

Exercise of the Month: Safe Summer Exercises

Summer’s a great time to get moving, and there are plenty of fun, safe ways for kids with special needs to stay active while enjoying the sunshine. Here are some inclusive and engaging ideas:

🌞 Outdoor Activities

• Nature walks on accessible trails – Great for sensory exploration and gentle movement. Look for wheelchair-friendly paths and bring along items to touch, smell, and observe.
• Splash pad fun – Many communities offer accessible splash pads that are safer than pools and perfect for cooling off.
• Adaptive sports – Try wheelchair basketball, boccia (a seated bowling-style game), or inclusive soccer. These build coordination and confidence.
• Therapeutic horseback riding – This can improve balance, core strength, and emotional well-being.

🎨 Creative Movement

• Music and movement classes – Dancing or moving to music helps with coordination and is just plain joyful. Use easy-to-hold instruments for added fun.
• Interactive storytelling with movement – Act out parts of a story or use sign language to bring books to life.

🧘‍♂️ Calming and Sensory-Friendly Options

• Family yoga or stretching sessions – These can be adapted for all abilities and help with relaxation and body awareness.
• Sensory garden time – Let kids explore textures, sounds, and scents in a safe, natural space.

🧩 At-Home Ideas

• Obstacle courses – Set up a simple course using pillows, cones, or pool noodles. Tailor it to your child’s mobility and interests.
• Water balloon toss or sponge relay – Low-impact and full of giggles, these are great for hot days.

The key is to focus on fun, flexibility, and safety. Let your child lead the way based on their comfort and energy levels.

Star-Spangled Parfaits

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 4 teaspoons reduced-fat raspberry walnut vinaigrette
• 3/4 cup fat-free vanilla or strawberry Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh mint
• Unsweetened shredded coconut, optional

Directions

1. Place strawberries and blueberries in separate bowls. Drizzle each with 2 teaspoons vinaigrette; toss to coat. In a small bowl, mix yogurt and mint.
2. Spoon strawberries into 4 parfait glasses. Layer each with yogurt mixture and blueberries. If desired, top with coconut.

Nutrition Facts

1 parfait (calculated without coconut): 172 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.