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Don't forget to ...
SAVE THE DATE!
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This is a TERRIFIC opportunity for any parent or professional and it will be within "road trip" distance. Mark your calendar and start thinking about it now!
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| If you missed our special news bulliten regarding Idaho Dept of Education's Technology Task force, read it HERE. |
IESDB is offering sign classes for parents throughout the school year in each region of the State. Times and locations vary. If you are interested in attending a class, contact: Paula Mason, IESDB Director of Outreach at 208-731-8940.
Starting Soon ...
Region 2 classes
Nov 14, 21, 28; Dec 5 & 12
Contact: Emily Donaldson
208-661-9120
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IPUL is Pulling For You!
Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL) has a new website with many activities on their calendar this month.
IPUL is a non-profit organization committed to assisting families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Check out their website for wonderful workshop opportunities. |
Disability Advocacy Day
Medicaid Matters in Idaho is a grassroots coalition responsible for coordinating statewide advocacy to protect Medicaid services for persons with disabilities.
They are holding a series of workshops around the State on Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:30pm beginning Nov 12th.
Morning sessions cover basic information about how Medicaid works and the Medicaid Matters campaign; afternoon sessions focus on the legislative processes and advocacy.
Visit their website for more information and to find out when the workshop will be in your area.
Workshops are free but seating may be limited. Be sure to register online or contact Richelle Tierney, 800-850-7511.
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The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the United States Dept of Education is coming to Idaho in Dec to examine the delivery of special education services in our State.
Before then, IPUL is surveying parents to gather feedback about the special ed services their children are receiving.
If you have a child, 3-21 years old, that has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (Part B) or a child under the age of three who receives Infant Toddler Early Intervention Services and has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) (Part C), please visit the IPUL website to access the survey, or contact them by phone (1-800-242-IPUL).
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
November 18 is the last day to participate in the survey.
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NOVEMBER 14th - MON
North Idaho
Families In Support of Hearing (F.I.S.H)
6:30pm - 8:00pm
University Hearing and Speech Clinic - WSU Riverpoint Campus
Health Science Bldg
310 N. Riverpoint
Spokane WA
509-8637097
NOVEMBER 15th - TUES
Boise
Parent Education Series
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Elks Hearing & Balance Center
510 N 2nd Street
Boise ID
Stories for Me
A hands-on workshop to make a personalized experience for teaching language.
RSVP: 208-489-4999
DECEMBER 5th - MON
Boise
H&V Family Night
5:00pm - 7:00pm
729 W Diamond St
Boise ID
208-869-9363
DECEMBER 18th - SUN Boise 4:00pm Morrison Center 2201 Cesar Chavez Lane Boise ID More details TBA |
| Bookmark our website calendar to stay up-to-date on all upcoming events. |
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Wavelengths ))) ))) ))) ))) )))
IDAHO HANDS & VOICES Nov, 2011 |
Idaho H&V Hosts the First Annual Golf Scramble
by Laura Bainbridge
Margaret Mead, an American cultural anthropologist, once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Recently, Idaho's Chapter of Hands & Voices may have adjusted that statement to read, "Never doubt that a small group of committed parents, a devoted grandmother, and 52 golf enthusiasts can change Idaho Hands & Voices. Indeed it has."
When loving grandmother Jo Mysinger offered to help raise money for Idaho H&V in support of her four year old grandson Oliver, who has progressive hearing loss, she piqued the interest of Board Members. Jo, a passionate golfer, suggested H&V host a golf scramble as a fundraiser. Tara Pichette, mother of Oliver and Idaho H&V Treasurer, had the skills required to put together a golf scramble as she has organized similar events for her company over the years. But assemble a fundraiser before the weather turns cold and the ground freezes? That gave Idaho H&V Board Members and participants a little over two months to prepare!
However, never doubt the power of commitment. Jo set to work securing a date for the event (which, of course, did not conflict with the game schedule of the popular Boise State football team), and the ball was rolling! Board members began petitioning family members, friends, and local organizations for financial support. Jo spread the word to her golf buddies to ask for their participation. Raffle items were gathered for an exciting drawing at the end of the scramble.
Within two months time, the group had secured sponsorships for all 18 holes as well as several larger donations to make t-shirts for the players. Thirteen teams committed to playing golf on a beautiful October morning for a fabulous cause. And behind the scenes, friends of Idaho H&V made donations via our website to raise an outstanding profit of $4,500!
 For several years Idaho H&V has had a yearly budget of three figures, not four, so this single fund-raiser is going to greatly expand our options for supporting Idaho families. The scramble was also a success in introducing our community to Hands & Voices. We were able to discuss our Mission on a popular local radio station in promotion of the event. And the 52 golfers who participated in the scramble were enlightened about the support our organization provides to families around the State. They saw the power of Hands & Voices in action as the kids drew winning tickets for our raffle. Beyond that, it was a day of fun and celebration of what our children have accomplished in their lives. Golfers enjoyed a day of sunshine playing on a great course while the kids cruised around on golf carts to cheer on the players and pose for pictures. Players enjoyed lunch, the winning team received prizes, and many others won an array of raffle items. The 22 donated raffle prizes included everything from a pasta and wine basket to a free one-day rental of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Two tickets to see Miranda Lambert were among the top cherished raffle prizes as well. Our first official fundraiser in several years has turned out to be such a success that we already have plans for another scramble next year. After all, our small group of committed parents, grandparents, board members, golfers, and families would not have it any other way. To see a complete photo album of the event, visit us on Facebook. 
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Tech Talk
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 The lastest issue of The Communicator had an article discussing some of the latest and greatest technology applications for ipods/ipads that can be beneficial to deaf and hard of hearing students. Check out a list of those apps HERE.
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Behavior Management for Children with Hearing Loss By Andrea Amestoy
I was fortunate enough to attend the 3rd Tuesday of the month parent education series presented by The Elks Hearing and Balance Center this past October. This particular session covered behavior management in children with hearing loss and was presented by a wonderful social worker. Leticia Cross, MSW, LCSW* . As a parent, there can never be too many tools in your tool chest when it comes to raising children.
Numerous nuggets of wisdom were taught throughout the hour long class. One of the take-home pieces that I am going to implement is the "grab bag". First fill a bag with dollar store items. Look at the specific behavior you are trying to modify or eradicate in your child i.e. hitting, potty talk, etc. At bedtime if your child has met that daily goal and has not had potty talk, they get to pick a surprise from the grab bag. Brag about the grab bag and make a big deal out of your child earning this treat and what they grabbed. "No looking!" The sheer joy of surprise and getting recognized for a job well done will encourage better behavior in the days to come.
Look for upcoming parent education seminars at the Elks Hearing and Balance Center on a wide variety of topics. They are offered the 3rd Tuesday of every month and vary being held between the Boise or Meridian offices. See the events calendar for each month's topic. Next up for November, 15th ... "Stories for Me! " A hands-on workshop to make a personalized experience for teaching language. Don't miss it!
* Leticia Cross, MSW, LCSW is a licensed master's level clinical social worker with 26 years of experience working with children, adults and families. She specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and behavioral disorders through a cognitive-behavioral approach. Leticia is the coordinator and facilitator of the Nurturing Parenting Program at St. Luke's Elks Children's Rehab Services in Meridian. Call 208-706-5549 for more info.
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Book Review
By Lorna Irwin
The stories of two children unfold in parallel, though separated by fifty years. In 1927, Rose is searching for her mother; in 1977, Ben is searching for the father he never knew. Rose's story is told in pictures; her situation emerges as you study the details in the pictures and read books, articles and written notes along with her. Gradually you realize that Rose is deaf, and communicates by writing to those around her. Ben's story is told in words. He has recently lost his mother, the only parent he's ever known. Deaf in one ear, he suddenly loses the hearing in his other during a thunderstorm.
Both children run away to New York City in their quest; both find their way to the Museum of Natural History, for their stories are intertwined in ways hinted at in the earlier sections of the book, and which become clear at the end, as their stories merge. Neither finds exactly what they set out to find in the beginning, but both find a new place to belong.
Brian Selznick is an illustrator/author who began to experiment with telling a story with both words and pictures with The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which won the Caldecott medal and is coming out as a movie this fall. Wonderstruck, with its two narratives, is a different way of using pictures. The near-absence of words in Rose's story allows you to experience the world as she does, visually.
All those illustrations add up to a hefty tome (more than 600 pages.) However, it is a children's book--or is it? As you read and re-read it, layers of complexity emerge, making it one of those children's books that can be thoroughly enjoyed by an adult reader. For today's children who are deaf or hard of hearing, it's a glimpse into history. For the child who loves museums, drawing, or building things, there's even more.
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 ((( The Book Nook ))) A new feature for Wavelengths
Send us short descriptions of good kids' books for signing, read-aloud, acting out, etc. Which books do your kids like?
This issue's selections are from Andrea Amestoy, mother of three children, two with hearing loss.
City Dog, Country Frog
by Mo Willems and Jon J Muth
This soul stirring book is a stunning tribute to the endurance of friendship between two unlikely animals and the inevitable facet of change. An exquisite book for children and adults alike that is sure to elicit a tear or two and serves as an ideal starting point for a conversation on loss and change. May we all have remember-ing games in our lives and know that "those were the days, but so are these."
Spoon
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
If the green-eyed monster of jealousy has ever visited your young ones (or yourself), this is a perfect book to read. Spoon is jealous of all the other utensils until he realizes what makes him unique. A book that explores valuing and being thankful for the attributes we each possess.
Drummer Hoff
by Barbara Emberly
Bright bold woodcut pictures and rhythmic cadence make this book a standout favorite. This book juxtaposes the concepts of war and peace that adults and an intuitive child will pick up on.
It's Snowing
by Olivier Dunrea
With sublime pictures and text that engages all the senses, this book will enthrall every youngster with the enticement of that first snowfall. This book is a curl up by the hearth with a warm mug of cocoa and blanket type of read. Perfect as the days of winter culminate towards the winter solstice.
Slop Goes the Soup: A Noisy Warthog Word Book
by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Got onomatopoeia? You will after reading this delightful book! Slither, slop and crash with these nutty warthogs as you build your child's vocabulary with words that imitate the sounds related with the objects and actions they refer to. A great book for acting out with not-so-hot pretend soup. Be inspired and challenged to work with your child to come up with your own list of onomatopoetic words.
Lickety-Split
by Robert Heidbreder
This book elevates the merriment of a child's imagination as a young boy describes his adventures to a young girl in this amusing book. Great to read or sign with lots of expression!
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The next issue of Wavelengths will appear sometime in mid-January. Please send in stories, book reviews, helpful hints, whatever you have to share. To contact Lorna Irwin (editor) for any reason: niwri2@msn.com or 208-324-7544.
We are ALWAYS looking for contributions to our series "Fun Stuff to Do with Your Kids." |
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