Kara Ayers

Thanks to all who were able to join or watch the recorded webcast on Building Self-esteem in Children/Teens with OI. Ustream worked out exceptionally well as a way for people to pop in, see some of my resources, and even ask questions during the seminar.

If you weren’t able to watch live or would like to share the show with others, the full recording is available here.

As promised, here’s a review of the resources I discussed during the webcast:

Toys

Wheelchair and "Feel Better kit" by the American Girl

Build-a-Bear also offers a wheelchair and there are a number of dolls with disabilities available through specialty catalogues. Here’s an excellent link round up from the blog Thingamababy.

Books

A Very Special Critter by Gina and Mercer Mayer

Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis

The Handstand by Barry Rudner

It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

Preteen/teen Resources

National Youth Leadership Network

Beads of Courage and Hero Beads

Related articles that I’ve published:

The Birds and the Bees: Providing Comprehensive Sexual Education for Children with Special Needs

The Gift of Solidarity: Teaching Children About their Disability Culture

Future Topics for Webcasts

Thanks again to all who were able to attend and/or view the webcast. I enjoyed the dialogue and will host another webcast next month. Tonight’s viewers shared some excellent topic ideas for future shows. A webcast on issues surrounding having an aide in high school, parenting strategies to develop the establishment of an independent identity under the constraints of almost constant adult supervision, preschool concerns, and sibling issues were just some of the potential topics suggested. If any of these topics interest you or you have additional ideas, please add them to the comments on this post.

Image via Wikipedia

In the coming months, I will start the data collection phase of my research on children and teenagers with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. For more than a year, however, I’ve compiled an extensive literature review to summarize what we know about the mental health of children with chronic illnesses and physical disabilities. The research presents lessons on resiliency and the depth of the mind-body connection.

I’ll be presenting a brief review of my research with a focus on how parents can enhance the self-esteem of their children and teens with Osteogenesis Imperfecta during a live webcast on Tuesday, October 27 at 7pm EST. The webcast is FREE to join and viewers will be able to ask questions live via a chat box. I’ll answer questions throughout the broadcast. If you can’t make the live webcast, the show will be recorded and available to watch anytime at your convenience.

Although the intended audience for this webcast will be parents of children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, parents of children with other disabilities are also encouraged to attend. Many of the issues related to self-esteem development are not isolated to specific diagnoses and everyone can benefit from a diversified discussion during and after the show.

How do you join?

Go to the show’s Ustream link on Tuesday, October 27 at 7pm. Ustream is usually a very user-friendly site, but I encourage viewers to click the link before and make yourself familiar with the interface. If you have any questions or run into trouble, let me know and we’ll figure it out before the show.

Spread the word!

I presented this information in-person at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital last month and the seminar was made exceptionally meaningful by the questions and suggestions shared by attendees. The same will be true for the webcast. The more perspectives that join us, the more we’ll learn together. Tell your friends, family members, and associates by using the Share & Enjoy and Tweet This option on this post.You’re also welcome to use the logo below to spread the word. Last, feel free to leave questions you’d like me to address during the webcast in the comments section of this blog.