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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

June 13, 2011

This weekly information exchange, sponsored by Reach, is by parents for parents.  It's content is  guided by Reach's mission to provide choices for families,  be family centered, facilitate inclusion, and  exist as a quality resource.  The information is meant to meet the needs of a multitude of families' interests.  We caution readers that Reach does not investigate all claims, and that claims  made  are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Reach. Readers are encouraged to undertake further investigation on their own of items noted. 

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Reach News 

Help a Parent?

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome

FASD

Medical

Education

Technology

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

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ReachReach News

Information Letter!

  • Check out our new information Exchange format.  You can now just click on your favorite links or scroll to read the entire exchange.  Please feel free to share any feedback to The Parent Network  
  • Reach is the charity of choice for the summer 2011 Tsawwassen Outdoor Movie Nights Events. That means that all money raised through fundraising efforts at these events will go towards Reach's Building for Children Together campaign to build a new child development centre in Ladner. Come for a night of fun for the whole family and support a great cause! Bring your blankets, pillows & chairs & some extra cash for goodies to purchase, (there will also be a 50/50 draw for a chance to win some cash). Hope to see you all there!

    • JURASSIC PARK  Saturday, July 23 � 6:30pm - 11:30pm, Diefenbaker Park, Tsawwassen
    • TOY STORY Saturday, August 6 � 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Diefenbaker Park, Tsawwassen
    • HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Saturday, August 20 � 6:30pm - 11:30pm, Tsawwassen Town Centre mall, 56th street Tsawwassen
    • ET  Saturday, September 3 � 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Diefenbaker park, Tsawwassen
    • We are looking for volunteers to help us out at these fun events selling popcorn, snacks and drinks to the crowd, selling 50/50 tickets, helping at the children's crafts table or to help clean up after the movie. Volunteers get their very own green Reach t-shirt & some other goodies. If you would like to help please contact Cathy at 604-946-6622 ext. 337 or email Cathy for details. Thanks!

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AutismAutism

  • Local Parent Writes Letter to AGE OF AUTISM:  Autism is What He Has, Not Who He Is by Lisa Dea.  I'm sitting in my sixth lecture of the day at A1, it's 5:45, I'm tired and a bit cranky, looking for that last little gem of information that's going to make all the difference for my child, and then there it is, flashed up on the screen....that word.  I hear it in the halls, snatches of conversation here and there, vendors tossing it around like candy, brilliant doctors using it carelessly, it makes my skin crawl...that word. Click here to read more 
  • From Richmond Autism Parent Support (RAPS) We wanted to remind you that June 30th is our last meeting before we break for the summer.  (Our meetings will start up again on Sept. 29th). This month we are delighted to inform you that Pam Collins will be our special guest speaker!  She will be discussing "Emotional Regulation".   As usual, we will also have a chance to share information and resources, talk about advocating for our children, etc.
    June 30th (Thursday)
    #210 - 3671 Chatham Street
    7:30 to 9:00 pm
    The room is above the Chatham Speech and Language clinic. Just go up the stairs and enter the door on your left (210).
    We hope to see you all there :)
    Karen Perry  RAPS
    Check out our NEW WEBSITE!  
  • Here is one of the most Positive Autism Awareness Videos to date: (Autism Hangout) had the good fortune of attending a business conference sponsored by the Autism Society of MN (AuSM) recently. Temple spoke, but to Autism Hangout the most inspiring talks were by representatives of Best Buy, 3M and Cargill. All three companies are now looking for and hiring people on the spectrum for their unique strengths and values. Based on their success stories, clearly it's paying off.  Hopefully, this "good news" will be heard by the HR departments of any business needing reliable, honest, intelligent, skilled employees.  Click here to see the video 
  • Video: Helen Wood is a member of The Autism Education Trust Youth Council in the UK. She is on the autism spectrum and uses communication aids. This is a film she and her team of support have made to show what she likes and dislikes at school and the challenges and successes that she faces on a day to day occurrence .  Click here to see the video 
  • April 2011 Video: Autism advocate, animal behaviorist and teacher. Colorado State University Animal Sciences Professor Temple Grandin talks about her life, autism and the impact of her work. In the interview, Grandin discusses with one of her doctoral students, Ruth Woiwode, her teaching goals, some of her significant innovations and helping kids with autism. Grandin -- who thinks in pictures -- describes her life experiences to demonstrate that people with different abilities contribute to the world.Click here to see the video 
  • CNN report: Scientists warn of chemical-autism links: Autism and environmental health experts called for greater scrutiny of chemicals found in the environment, which could potentially lead to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, in a conference call Tuesday.  "We live, breathe and start our families in the presence of toxic chemical mixtures and constant low-level toxic exposures, in stark contrast to the way chemicals are tested for safety," said Donna Ferullo, Director of Program Research at The Autism Society.  "Lead, mercury, and other neurotoxic chemicals have a profound effect on the developing brain at levels that were once thought to be safe," she said.Click here to read more 
  • Son-Rise Program voted as best Autism Treatment: The Son-Rise Program� of the Autism TreatmentCenter of America™  was recognized with multiple nominations and wins from the Autism community last Saturday evening at the Autism One/Generation Rescue National Conference whose 2011 program featured a joint keynote address by Jenny McCarthy and Byron Katie. The voting included input from over 4,000 Autism professionals and parents from the USA and abroad.  The Son-Rise Program took the top honor in the BEST THERAPY category that included other treatment programs such as ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and RDI (Relationship Development Intervention).Click here to read more   
  • Call for Submissions & Nominations:  Children, Teens and Adults   on the Autistic Spectrum.  2nd Annual 2011 International Naturally Autistic People Awards and Convention Sept 23 - 25, 2011  Vancouver, B.C. Canada.  Our International Awards and Convention celebrates the accomplishments, talents and abilities of autistic people throughout the world. We welcome members of autistic communities everywhere to participate in this event. The general public is invited to experience firsthand the real life potential of autistic people in our communities.  Our awards and convention also feature successful autistic adults conducting workshops in their area of expertise. For more information please visit Naturally Autistic
  • Therapies to improve Biochemical Functions hold promise as treatments for Autism. Two promising new treatments to aid people with autism have shown effectiveness in pilot studies conducted by an Arizona State University professor and private researchers.  Several studies indicate that children with autism often have abnormalities in critical biochemical functions that help maintain health - specifically methylation, glutathione, and mitochondrial functions.  Click here to read more 

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ADD

ADD/ADHD  

  • Impulse Control: Helping ADHD Students Masnage Their Behaviors.  ADHD children often get in trouble for acting on their impulses. Find techniques for home and school that will help children with attention deficit disorder learn to rein in bad behaviors.Click here for strategies for at school and at home  
  • New Resource On Your Own: A College Readiness Guide for Teens with ADHD/LD by Patricia Quinn and Theresa Laurie Maitland.  Using a readiness survey and handy worksheets, On Your Own will help you get ready for your first years away from home. Inside, you'll find easy-to-use advice and strategies that will allow you to map out a plan and cultivate the skills you'll need to succeed in college.  On Your Own is loaded with tips and resources to further assist you in creating a personalized plan and center on developing three crucial skill areas:  
    • Self-determination skills (advocacy, management, communication)
    • Daily living skills (self-care, organization, life balance)
    • Academic skills (self-knowledge, study habits, time management)

With this guide, you'll learn just what you need to do to succeed in college.Now is the perfect time to get ready! Click here to learn more 


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Down

Down Syndrome  

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FASD

FASD  

  • Langley - FASD adoptive and foster parents. Monthly support group meetings for those with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Info: Jamie, 604-530-5917.
  • "Nineteen year old Morgan Fawcett is an accomplished Tlingit flute player with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With three albums released, a public speaking career, and a non-profit called One Heart Creations, it seems hard to believe Morgan has any disability. However, he names September 9th, 1991, as his first day of sobriety-the day a judge ordered his mother into alcohol treatment. "That is right," he says, "My mother drank during her pregnancy, and this is why I raise awareness for FASD."
  • New Research into fetal alcohol spectrum disorder offers hope: Regular exercise can help repair brain damage caused by drinking - including in children exposed to alcohol before they were born.  "If you exercise, even in adulthood ... that tends to lead to the production of more new cells in the brain and you tend to have an increase in cognitive capacity," said Brian Christie, senior scholar and associate professor in the division of medical sciences at the University of Victoria.Click here to read more 
  • An Aspiring Triumph over FASD.  Sargent, 34, was born to a mother who drank throughout her pregnancy. He was pronounced dead three times before doctors said he would live, but in a vegetative state. When he was 5 months old, his mother left him in his crib in a soiled diaper and headed to California. "If you want your grandson," she told her mother in a phone call, "come and get him."  Click here to read this wonderful story! 
  • Re-Wiring the brains of children with FASD. Angeline Lau's 10-year-old son can lose his temper at the smallest annoyance: his sister picking up his new toy, another student singing and humming in line at school.  His brain was damaged by the alcohol his birth mother drank when he was in the womb. But a 12-week program at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children has helped him learn to better understand and regulate his emotions.Click here to read more 
  • University professor adapting popular video games to treat FASDChris Bertram spends his days playing around with video games, all in the name of science.  The University of the Fraser Valley professor is working with computer scientists and other research institutions across the country, including the University of B.C. and the University of Victoria, in adapting popular video games they believe have benefits for treating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, also known as FASD.Click here to read more  
  • Unfair Burden: the invisible, pervasive condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. A child climbs a tree and tumbles four metres to the ground. For a typical kid, the impact upon hitting the ground would be enough to teach them not to attempt the climb again. But for a child with adaptive functioning issues, one of the hallmarks of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, learning from mistakes is easier said than done.  "If you project that over a lifetime, the inability to remember and apply - although you can get along in day-to-day life, people have an expectation of you which is difficult to meet," says David Gerry, manager of FASD services at Beacon Community Services.Click here to read more 
  • David Boulding is a former criminal court lawyer who travels around the world to speak about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)... how this disorder affects families and society... and how we can begin to address it. This series of short videos is from a Fetal Alcohol presentation given to the Queensland government in 2008.  Click here to see his videos - nine are from his presentation and then check out the two most recent. Fetal Alcohol and the Law parts I and II.

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Medical

Medical

  • TED TALKS! Daniel Kraft: Medicine's Future?  There's an app for that! At TEDxMaastricht, Daniel Kraft offers a fast-paced look at the next few years of innovations in medicine, powered by new tools, tests and apps that bring diagnostic information right to the patient's bedside.Click here to see the video
  • Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness. Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - 7:30pm They are presenting 10 1/2: A gritty slice of documentary-style social realism, Daniel Grou's harrowing feature tells the story of Tommy (Robert Naylor), who at age 10 � is already considered a hopeless case by Quebec's youth protection system. When his latest foster mother admits defeat, Tommy is sent to a juvenile detention facility, where care worker Gilles (Claude Legault) detects a glimmer of hope in this boy who can only express himself with violence. But Tommy resists affection as much as authority, and Gilles is pushed to the limit.  For more information, full reviews, trailers and ticketing information,.Click here

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Education

Education

  • How Good is my kid's School? David Chudnovsky feels for the parents who wonder, "How good is my kid's school?"  "We in education often answer, 'The Fraser Institute sucks, and standardized testing doesn't tell you much about how the school's doing.' And that's true, we're right about both of those things, but we haven't answered [their] question," says Chudnovsky, a public education advocate and former New Democratic Party MLA. Click here to read more

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Technology

Technology

  • TED TALKS! Daniel Kraft: Medicine's Future?  There's an app for that! At TEDxMaastricht, Daniel Kraft offers a fast-paced look at the next few years of innovations in medicine, powered by new tools, tests and apps that bring diagnostic information right to the patient's bedside.Click here to see the video

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Ministry

Ministry Information  

  • Community Living British Columbia:Responsible for delivering services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities
    • Community Living BC and The Family Support Institute invite you to join us in celebrating the release of our new resource book:  The Power of Knowing Each Other: Stories about Informal Safeguards told by BC Families.  This book contains 12 stories plus a forward and concluding story about the creative and unique connections families have built and nurtured with their family members who live with a developmental disability. These relationships offer many things, all of which contribute to people living good and safe lives in welcoming communities.  This resource is meant to inspire and stimulate people's thinking on informal safeguards. The stories bring to the reader, wonderful ideas and ways to build supportive networks. These personal stories, told by families, demonstrate the incredible strength and love family members have for each other and how families have built informal safeguards in community, with their loved ones.
      June 17, 2010
      Drop in between 2:30 to 4:30 pm - Brief Program at 3:00 pm
      New West Quay Hotel
      900 Quayside Drive
      New Westminster, BC V3M 6G1
      Refreshments will be served - All attendees will receive a free copy of the book

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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training  

  • BCACL is happy to be hosting Dave Hingsburger on Thursday June 16, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

    Dave will be presenting "Communication: Who's Listening?":

    Effective communication with people with disabilities begins with an evaluation of attitude, power and prejudice. This session will have the participants examine the role that power plays in their interactions with those with disabilities and will give each an opportunity to practice new ways of understanding, listening and relating to people with intellectual disabilities. Click here for more information  

  • NeuroDevNet Second Annual Brain Development Conference

June 19 - 21, 2011.Vancouver, BC Hyatt Regency 655 Burrard Street

Make sure to book these dates in your calendar now. Detailed program and registration information will be made available closer to the event.

Visit the Brain Development Conference page for updates.

  • Save the date! Speaking of Kids 2011, Friday Oct 21

Speaking of Kids annual conference will take place in Vancouver on Friday October 21, 2011.

This one-day event will feature a celebrity guest speaker plus other engaging and knowledgeable speakers.

Tickets will go on sale starting in March, 2011; and ticket prices have been kept at the minimal fee of $55! Out of town conference attendees will also be offered lowered hotel rates.

LDAV conference committee members are fast at work obtaining 'goodie-bag' items and a raffle draw prize. This year's event will be the best one yet!

Stay tuned as we'll be announcing our celebrity speaker in February.

(info and pictures from past conferences...)   

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Seasonal

Seasonal

  • Hi All, this years access day at the greater vancouver zoo is June 21.

     Special rates for people with disabilities is:  $5.00 which includes admission for attendant, $2.00 for train ride including attendant,  $5.00 parking all day

    Call the zoo 604-856-6825 x28 to book a spot.  Trains are now only available after 2:30

  • Improve Your English While Having Fun at Summer Camp! DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is pleased to offer Summer Camps for youth aged 12-18 years old. Participants will have an opportunity to develop their English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment. There will be exciting field trips to places like Stanley Park, Science World, Recreation Centres and much more.... All English levels are welcome and sessions are led by certified ESL instructors. When? Sessions run from Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 12:00 ESL Lessons 12:00 - 4:00 Field Trips &/or Outdoor Activities Camps start on July 4th, 18th and August 1st Where? 8855 156 St. Surrey (Fleetwood) Please register at Career Services Department #200 - 7380 137 St. Surrey Cost $300.00 for 2 Weeks (Includes the cost of field trips)
  • Do you want to learn about unique cultures and religions?
    DIVERSEcity is pleased to offer Summer Camps for children and youth grades 1 and up and seniors aged 55+.  Come learn about different  religions and cultures of the world, many of which are  represented in your very own  communities by your friends and neighbours!   Participants will learn what it means to Honour Diverse Beliefs and how to embrace Cultural Learning. There will be field trips to visit temples, churches and other local sites  that are significant to different  cultures and religions.
    When:  Sessions run from Mon-Fri  9:00-12:00 pm In-Class Lessons  12:00-4:00 pm Field Trips
    Camps start July 4th, 18th and August 1st.
    Where:  8855 - 156 St. Surrey (Fleetwood)
    Please register at  Career Services Department  #200 - 7380 137 St. Surrey
    Cost:  $300.00 for 2 Weeks  (Includes costs/fees for field trips )For more information or to register, please call  604-597-3448 or click here! 
    • CHILDREN & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CAMPS  Groups are free of Charge!  Once again DIVERSEcity will be holding its Children & Youth Empowerment Camps through our Children Who Witness Abuse (CWWA) program. The focus will be on identifying & expressing feelings, enhancing self esteem, understanding & identifying abuse, conflict resolution, coping skills and LOTS OF FUN ACTIVITIES.  There is no cost to participants and snacks/lunch are provided.  Space is limited so REGISTER TODAY- Call 604-597-0205 ext. 1202 or email here 
  • BC Easter Seals Camps provides free overnight camping experiences for children and teens with physical and/or mental disabilities residing in British Columbia. All children with disabilities living in British Columbia are eligible to attend one week at Easter Seals Camps: Camp Winfield, Camp Shawnigan, or Camp Squamish.Click here for more information  
  • Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Offering Camp Subsidies
    The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC is offering a Special Needs Summer Camp Subsidy to assist children, teens and adults with Cerebral Palsy, across BC, in attending a summer camp. The deadline for applications is June 14, 2011. Camp Subsidy Committee will review applications and recipients will be notified by July 18, 2011. Download the application here.  
  •  BC Fraser Valley Autism Society is offering a summer camp for children with ASD. Check it out:HERE 
  •  The BC Cerebralpalsy Society is excited to be able to offer a Special Needs Summer Camp Subsidy to assist children, teens and adults with Cerebral Palsy, across BC, in attending a summer camp.  Money is available to help pay the camp fee and/or transportation charges.  Applications  must be received, at our office, no later than June 13, 2011. Camp Subsidy Committee will review applications and recipients will be notified by July 18, 2011.  For more information contact Feri at (604) 408-9484 or toll free at 1-800-663-0004.  

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Other

Other

  • NOTICE OF SOBC DELTA (Special Olympics)
    ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
    Our 2011 Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 14th, at 6pm at the Benediction Lutheran Church in Tsawwassen (corner of 56th Street and 6th Avenue).
    Pizza and beverages will be provided free of charge for athletes & volunteers. There is a $5 charge for everyone else.  This will also be the time to register for the 2011-2012 programs. New medical forms are required each year so please download a new form below, complete it, and bring it to the AGM. Program details are posted below. Please RSVP to Tracey 
  • Family Support Institute Bulletin #153
    Check out this month's FSI bulletin full of resources, updates and events for families supporting a child, youth or adult with a developmental disability. Read Bulletin here.
    *The Family Support Institute is a provincial organization whose purpose is "to strengthen and support families faced with the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member who has a disability." Visit their website for more information: Click Here! 
  • Community Living BC and The Family Support Institute invite you to join us in celebrating the release of our new resource book: 

    The Power of Knowing Each Other: Stories about Informal Safeguards told by BC Families

    .  This book contains 12 stories plus a forward and concluding story about the creative and unique connections families have built and nurtured with their family members who live with a developmental disability. These relationships offer many things, all of which contribute to people living good and safe lives in welcoming communities.  This resource is meant to inspire and stimulate people's thinking on informal safeguards. The stories bring to the reader, wonderful ideas and ways to build supportive networks. These personal stories, told by families, demonstrate the incredible strength and love family members have for each other and how families have built informal safeguards in community, with their loved ones.

    June 17, 2010

    Drop in between 2:30 to 4:30 pm - Brief Program at 3:00 pm

    New West Quay Hotel

    900 Quayside Drive

    New Westminster, BC V3M 6G1

    Refreshments will be served - All attendees will receive a free copy of the book

  • Steps Forward - BC Initiative for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education: now accepting applications for Simon Fraser University for Sept 2011.  STEPS Forward supports adults with developmental disabilities to go to their local college or university regardless of their level of ability or designation label.

    For more information please see the WEBSITE 

    or contact Jessica Humphrey at email

    or t: 250.884.1298.

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SubmissionSubmissions or Questions?

To submit for our newsletter or have a question for Pam to research please contact her at

Parent Network 

or 604-946-6622 ext 359.  

You can sign up at the Reach Child and Youth Development Society website to receive this newsletter directly.

 

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