7 Myths about People with Special Needs
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7 Myths about People with Special Needs

One of the biggest things I can recall growing up hearing about are stories told about people with disabilities and special needs. Someone always had something to say (or repeated from an older sibling/family member) and it was almost always negative or derogatory. When you get older you start to understand just how wrong that was and how the world is a lot less simple than “this is black” and “this is white.” So here are some common myths that tend to come up in conversations surround people with special needs:

4 Powerful Special Needs Characters

4 Powerful Special Needs Characters

Mainstream media influences us in ways we aren’t even conscious of at times; The characters portrayed in television shows, movies and even book characters can help shape not only our minds as individuals but also as social beings. Including characters with special needs in these storylines is something that plays a key role in helping people to understand all the different kinds of people that exist in this world. There have been some powerful and influential characters that have helped familiarize the public with people who have special needs over the years and it’s time to give a few of them some extra attention:

Special Needs Representation on Television
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Special Needs Representation on Television

A few weeks ago, an intern here at The Achievement Center of Texas put out a blog discussing special needs representation in film. The discussed the portrayal of those with special needs in the medium, as well as the ethical dilemma of an able-bodied actor playing a disabled character. After its release, we got to thinking about representation in in other forms of entertainment; so here we’ll be talking about television.

The 10 Best TED Talks about Special Needs
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The 10 Best TED Talks about Special Needs

TED (or technology, entertainment and design) Talks have featured presentations from phenomenal speakers with the brightest minds in many fields including science, philosophy, entertainment, business, philanthropy, art and religion. The nonprofit organization serves as a platform for intellectual individuals to speak freely about their passions, inspiring their audiences. Amongst a plethora of other inspirational speeches, TEDTalks regarding special needs are exceptionally moving as they reveal the gifts hidden behind disabilities, challenging conceptions of normalcy. Here are 10 of the best TedTalks about special needs:

10 Best Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs
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10 Best Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Parenting is hard but parenting a kid with special needs can prove to be even harder. However, no matter how hard (or even easy!) it gets, it’s important to remember that it is ALWAYS OKAY for you to ask for help. Problems rise, things happen and sometimes the answers just don’t come as quickly as we need them to. Parenting woes can conquer the best of us, so here’s a list of books to help you on your journey raising your child with special needs.

Ableism: How to End the Prejudice that No One Talks About
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Ableism: How to End the Prejudice that No One Talks About

12.6 percent of people in the United States are living with disabilities as of 2015, according to the American Communications survey. That’s over one in eight people. Despite this vast number within the population, individuals with disabilities still face discrimination. However, perhaps not in ways you may be thinking of. Many, if not most, people with disabilities are victims of ableism.

Loving Your Child with Special Needs through Their Tantrums

Loving Your Child with Special Needs through Their Tantrums

Individuals with special needs can sometimes be susceptible to behavioral outbursts. Facing a string of tantrums can grow tedious for parents of special needs children like you. Regardless of the tantrum’s cause, it’s important to keep a cool head and learn how to calm your child down under difficult circumstances.

7 Famous People with Special Needs

7 Famous People with Special Needs

Stevie Wonder by World’s Direction (Edited in Canva) Several prominent people of American and international history have been known for their mass achievements despite adversity. You’ve probably heard these names before. Maybe you knew they had a disability. Maybe you had no idea. But the one thing they all had in common is their success…

The Lion King DIY Projects: Creating ACT’s Summer Show Set

The Lion King DIY Projects: Creating ACT’s Summer Show Set

Lion by Edge Earth (edited in Canva) NNAAAAAAA ISAMMMBINAAAAA BABAHITI BABA Every year, our students at Achievement Center of Texas put on a Summer Show to showcase their talents and achievements. This year’s show is a musical production of The Lion King, and it’s coming up on Friday, August 18th, between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Our…