Fraser Blog

Children with disabilities have a right to an education. In fact, the right to free education for disabled children is protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For children with disabilities who attend public school, that often means an individualized education plan (IEP). 

When your child is struggling, you want to help them, fast. Maybe you’re concerned your child has autism or a developmental delay, and you want to get them evaluated as soon as possible. But you may be unsure of what kind of evaluation to get.  

Occupational therapy likely calls to mind an adult receiving therapy for hand or back issues, which is affecting their ability to work. However, Fraser Occupational Therapists provide therapy to toddlers through teenagers. So, how could occupational therapy possibly help a young child?

A person’s first job after graduation signals the passage into adulthood. Some might imagine their picture on a badge and their own company laptop. Whatever the dream is, anyone’s first ‘adult’ job is truly a milestone experience. But many disabled people might not get that experience or if they do, it can look quite different. I graduated with honors from Hamline in May 2022 with two degrees in writing, ready to start my adult career, but couldn’t find work due to having cerebral palsy, which causes a speech impediment that prevents me from answering phones.

The Fraser Gala, presented by Meristem | Cresset, is at a new location, the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, on Fri., Nov. 3, 2023. This year, gala guests have a theme they can really sink their teeth into, the childhood game Candy Land. The sweetest part is all the delicious ensemble possibilities! Read on for ideas to really add the cherry on top of your look.

Backpack. Crayons. Markers. Glue sticks. New shoes. After you’ve crossed all the items off your back-to-school shopping list, you might think your child is prepared for kindergarten. But what about your child’s gross motor skills checklist?

At parent-teacher conferences, you may expect to hear about the chaos your child is causing at school. At home, it seems like they’re either hitting their sister, chasing the dog or having a meltdown because you asked them to do their homework. But when you meet with their teacher, they say your child is thoughtful and attentive and plays nicely with their classmates. So what gives? Why is your child well-behaved at school and a tiny terror at home? Here’s what you need to know about why kids behave differently at home and school.

It’s that time of year again: the Minnesota State Fair! For many Minnesotans, that means tasting the new fair foods, visiting the baby animals, checking out the art exhibits, playing carnival games and rocking out to their favorite bands. But for people with sensory processing differences, the fair can be an overwhelming experience. Here are 8 sensory tools that people can easily take with them when they attend events like the Minnesota State Fair.

August 26 is celebrated as Women’s Equality Day in the U.S. While it commemorates the day women gained the right to vote in 1920, it also focuses on women’s continued fight for equality, including women of all races, religions, sexualities and abilities. Though August 26, 1920, didn’t grant all women the right to vote, it was an important day and is worthy of celebration. While we recognize our progress, we must continue pushing toward equality for all women. In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, read along to learn more about two female pioneers for equality, Louise Whitbeck Fraser and Diane S. Cross. 

In Minnesota, 1 in 34 8-year-old children are now diagnosed with autism. While it’s a spectrum and every individual is different, autism often affects how people communicate and interact with others. If you think your child has autism, talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. Here is how you can advocate for your child if you’re concerned they might have autism.