Limb Difference
Most of the time, children with upper limb differences learn how to do new things from people who have ten fingers and two hands, not from other people with limb differences. Every time your child tries a new activity, they have to figure out how to adapt their body. It’s easy to focus so much on accomplishing a task that adults may not realize that children may strain themselves. Let’s learn how to empower children to tune into their bodies by becoming body sleuths!
Read More
We in the limb difference community are blessed to see so many social media posts about all of the everyday and amazing feats that children and adults are doing. These posts can help both the limb different and limb typical communities challenge ableist attitudes. But there’s more to the story. Championing our beautiful children means more than celebrating their strengths and successes. Let’s dive into what sometimes doesn’t get talked about: the frustrations and difficulties that children and adults with limb differences experience.
Read More
Limb different toys are fabulous for all children for so many reasons! There now are so many incredible options available at the click of a button
Read More
We delve into potential areas of distress related to physical issues that may underlie your child’s sadness about their upper limb difference
Read More
We delve into potential areas of social-emotional distress that may underlie your child’s sadness about their upper limb difference
Read More
In this blog, we apply Jancee Dunn’s genius empathetic parenting strategy of asking your child when they’re sad about their limb difference: “Do you want to be hugged, heard, or helped?” (NYTimes column 4/23)
Read More
A highlight of Lucky Fin Project Weekend 2024 was talking to almost 100 parents about the prevalence of overuse syndrome in upper limb different (ULD) adults and demonstrating strategies to parents to lessen the risk for our beautiful children as they grow. But whatever I contributed to the weekend, I received so much more back as I connected with families and met beautiful, creative, and energetic little ones!
Read More
I was thrilled to participate in the 3rd annual Upper Limb Difference Day as a panelist. The event, a collaboration between Beautifully Made Community and the Orthopedic Department at Boston Childrens Hospital, took place at Lookout Farm in Natick, Massachusetts on a gorgeous afternoon! Speaking as a panelist about technology adaptations and overuse syndrome awareness…
Read More
Hands to Love Hand Camp 2024 offered me the opportunity to feel belongingness and connection while merging my personal experiences as an adult with an upper limb difference with my professional experiences as an occupational therapist. I am so grateful for this yearly gathering that celebrates upper limb differences in a warm and supportive environment!
Read More
On a recent retreat, I openly shared my experiences growing up with a visible physical difference and how it affected my sense of belonging. This openness about my hand allowed me to preempt questions, express my desire to be seen both as having – but not defined by – my disability, and ultimately feel more relaxed and connected. The positive responses from others showed how being vulnerable can foster trust and confidence.
Read More