Here are tips from Holland Bloorview's child-life specialists:

1. Preparation is key. Use the senses to explain every step. For example: ‘The nurse is going to use a cold, wet white square to clean your arm. It has a strong smell.’ 
2. Give realistic choices: 'Do you want a poke in your left arm or right arm?' Choose a comfort position.
3. Give your child a job: 'Your job is to hold your arm still.'
4. Make sure your child wears a short-sleeve shirt or a zip up pull-over they can easily get their arm out of.
5. Create a plan with your child: 'Do you want to look at the poke or look away?' 'Do you want a count-down to the poke?' Share with the person giving the vaccine.
6. Bring a distraction or comfort item. Perhaps a new toy or video on a tablet, or a comfort blanket or stuffed animal.

An intimate portrait of parenting and disability in 'Holding Moses' The New Yorker

All-terrain wheelchairs arrive at U.S. Parks: 'This is life-changing' The Washington Post

This mom sits outside her child's school all day. She wants more help for students with disabilities CBC

Paralympian Helene Raynsford was asked to sign 'do not resuscitate' form The Guardian

Film can help us look disability in the eye The New York Times

Mother calls out police in Mascouche, Que. for using stun gun on non-verbal son with autism CBC

See Holland Bloorview's Events listing and click on the month for more details.

DECEMBER 6

PARENT SUPPORT NETWORK: TEA & CHAT WITH FAMILY LEADERS ABOUT BEHAVIOUR PRINCIPLES

7-8:30 p.m. On Zoom

Call Stephanie at 416-425-6220, ext. 6146.

DECEMBER 13

PAPERWORK PARTY FUNDING APPLICATIONS Q & A

5:30-7 p.m. On Zoom

Visit family events and click on the tab 'Paperwork Parties' to watch the video before attending.

E-mail Melissa at mngo@hollandbloorview.ca

A mother who couldn't find pants her daughter could wear with leg casts has created befree zip-on pants for kids and adults. You can buy them here in the U.S., and here in Canada. Great over devices and handy for people with limited mobility.

'Its 18 chapters blur the lines between memoir, political essay, rant and eulogy, all of them united by the conviction that every body, mind, race and gender matter.'

Ms. Magazine