By Kalman Samuels

I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, a true child of the sixties and enjoyed a rich childhood with a great education and warm, somewhat traditional family. After graduating high school with basketball and academic scholarships, I went on to study philosophy at the University of British Columbia. After my first year, I embarked on a trip that would alter the course of my life…

by Rick Rader, MD Editor-in-chief

In a short year HELEN, The Journal of Human Exceptionality has become one of the most respected and recommended magazines in the disability community. We have readers from every segment of the neurodivergent landscape. Our niche is that we are nicheless. We cover the waterfront and have top content from clinicians, parents, teachers, self advocates, therapists, academics, direct support professionals, policy makers, researchers and students…

By Carl Tyler MD, MSc, Lin Miao Peters MPH, Developmental Disabilities Practice-Based Research Network

The Covid pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in the care of adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (IDD). As the immediate crisis has passed, and the use of telemedicine has largely returned to the status of an option for health care rather than a necessity, patients, caregivers, and physicians are more carefully considering when and how telemedicine is best employed in the health care of adults with IDD. Recently, one group of stakeholders took a deeper look…

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

By Lauren Clarke, BS, MHA

My passion for working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) started in high school. I wanted to get more involved in my community, something I hadn’t previously had a lot of time to do as a competitive swimmer. I found an open position as a volunteer swim coach for my local Special Olympics team and quickly fell in love with the organization. I missed coaching so much in college that I started a Special Olympics team at my undergraduate institution that was entirely organized and coached by students. I made some of my closest friends and most treasured memories through that team…

By Nora J. Baladerian, Ph.D.

One of the worst fears parents and other caregivers experience is the mistreatment and sexual abuse of their family members with disabilities. This topic doesn’t get the attention it should. And that’s why we need more awareness of the risks and preventative measures to help parents better protect their children.