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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

June 30, 2011

This 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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topQuick Links

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
  • 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, 2011 at 6:30pm Diefenbaker Park, Tsawwassen B.C.
    • TOY STORY Saturday, August 6 � 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Diefenbaker Park, Tsawwassen
    • HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Saturday, August 20 � 6:30pm, 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!
  • We're building a child development centre in the heart of the community  Click here  to find out how you can help.

Click here to see our WEBSITE! 


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Help
Help a Parent?
  • My name is Derek I am a single father of three wonderful young children, aged 9, 10 and 11; my youngest two have both been diagnosed with severe autism. Though a constant and challenging struggle, I have done my best to protect and nurture them, as I love them so much and have dedicated my life to their achievement of happiness. My youngest child is a bright and beautiful little spitfire named Ayn. She has and is blossoming so well here at home and has come so far to overcome her obvious disability, she does however continue to struggle and outburst when in other environments, particularly at school. Ayn is naive and unaware of the dangers that exist in the world at large, so when on Sunday she escaped the backyard we were very worried for her safety. With each passing moment the likelihood that something terrible had happened increased, as Ayn should stand out from other children easily and should have been quickly spotted. Fortunately Ayn was discovered two doors down playing in a neighbours backyard, the neighbour had taken an afternoon nap which provided Ayn with the ability to play undisturbed. The challenges I have faced in caring for my daughter have been encompassing and life altering, these challenges are very dynamic and new challenges arise as fast as the old one depart. Now with her discovery of the neighbours nearby trampoline and pool, she will undoubtedly seek to return there, vigilance will be required to face this new found challenge, but it is one which I must now face just as I have with each prior challenge and as i would have to with our future challenges as well. As it stands today I may never get that opportunity. This morning two workers from CPS arrived at my home to request that I "voluntarily" give Ayn over to them (she was at school at the time), if I refused they would simply coercively remove her. There should be no illusions here when someone approaches you and says "give me your child or i'm taking her" you should not pretend that any such choice would be done "voluntarily". They do not argue that she was abused, they do not argue that she was unnurtured, they simply say that as a single father I have an overwhelming amount of responsibilty and workload, and that Ayn's naivity renders her a danger to herself, and due to me having so much to deal with they should remove her in effect to lighten my workload. It is not argued that Ayn was thriving here, it was not argued that Ayn was failing to improve at home, but that her behaviour was self endangering. My little girl is autistic, I am aware that she does not understand the dangers that lurk, I love her and I protect her, when Ayn has a tantrum at school it is me they either call in to calm her or send her home to, when she is injured it is to me whom she turns because she "needs a bandage". The greatest successes this little girl has had were nurtured in the home, she loves it here, she loves her brothers and she loves her Dad, please help me get my little girl back.

    I would be forever in your debt,Derek  [email protected]

  • We are looking for someone to provide much needed respite care with a focus on social facillitation, based from our home and within our local neighbourhood and community.

    Applicant should be energetic, creative and truly enjoy working with and teaching kids and be able to plan (with the kids input) and lead a variety of fun Summer activities, and facillitate positive and appropriate social interactions between our 9 year old (who has a diagnosis of PDD-NOS as well as some other challenges) and his siblings (two boys, 7 and 3.5) and/or a friend from school. 

    Basically I would like the boys to have a sort of Summer Camp based from our home, and learn and practice appropriate positive social interactions that builds on friendships while they make some happy Summer memories (while myself and husband, on occasion, get a much needed break!).

    Experience with ASD essential, as well as basic first, a clean criminal record, and a strong personal belief in inclusion. Behavior intervention experience or training, as well as NVCI or MANDT training is an asset, but not required. Some help with personal care will be required.

    We are hoping to have someone who is available for the Summer, Monday through Friday for about 5 hours each day. I was thinking 10am to 3pm which is somewhat flexible, but our son has OT and SLP on Tuesdays starting at 2:15 we need to plan around also (we may be able to change the times/dates for the Summer though).

    We would prefer someone who would like to continue to work even beyond the Summer, ideally after school a couple times a week for about 2 hours each time if respite funding is approved to continue for us. 

    It is ideal if the person hired would like to stay working with us for a while since it is not easy for the kids to just have gotten used to someone new and build a relationship somewhat only to lose that after a relatively short time. It is especially difficult for my 9 year old who takes a while sometimes to warm up to you, and for you to get to know him. He has already felt the sting of losing support workers that he LOVED to spend time with and still talks about them and asks to see them....

    That said I encourage people who think they are a good fit for this position to apply even if they are not available for all the "shifts", or not available to continue after the Summer since we are open to hiring a couple different workers if we find we can't find only one with the time available that we require.

    Please contact me if you are interested and feel like you are a good fit, or if you would just like more info.....

    I look forward to hearing from you,  Allie Foster email Allie here 

  • A single dad has two sons -- a 17-year-old and a 21-year-old, the elder of whom has Asperger's and Tourette's syndromes. They live a comfortable life in Toronto, where the dad is a professor of theology. But Canada's immigration officials have decided that the older son can't become a Canadian citizen because his medical conditions would be too costly to treat.
    What should the dad do? Leave his job and move his family from the home where they've lived for years? Or stay with his younger son and watch his older son deported because of illnesses he can't control?
    This is the impossible dilemma that Toronto professor Tom Reynolds is facing, because Canada doesn't want to deal with Tom's son, Chris.
    Sign the petition to tell Immigration Canada to allow Chris to stay in Toronto.  Click here to sign the petition 

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AutismAutism

  • Making (and keeping) friends: A model for social skills instruction by Dr. Scott BelliniIndeed, many parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) echo this sentiment concerning their child's social functioning. They know that their child has many wonderful qualities to offer others, but the nature of their disability, or more precisely, their poor social skills, often preclude them from establishing meaningful social relationships. This frustration is amplified when parents know that their children want desperately to have friends, but fail miserably when trying to make friends.Click here for the full article!
  • Video:  Tony and his Mentor Kyle. This is a video about Tony and his mentor, Kyle. Tony has Asperger's syndrome and when his mother asked for a mentor Volunteers in Service stepped in to help find one. Volunteers In Service seeks to be the recognized West Michigan leader in equipping churches for relational ministry. Click here to watch the video 
  • THE COMMON SENSE: Humans have five senses -most have the common sense.   I received a call from an adoptive parent this week.  "Nick's nineteen years old," said the frustrated father. "And he doesn't have an ounce of sense!"  It seems that Nick had been out with friends when a sixteen-year-old girl said, "Nick, why don't you come over to my house sometime and we'll hang out?" Nick is an imposing young man with jet-black hair, a winning grin, and an innocent demeanor that leads him to taking people at their word.  So it was that at three in the morning that same night, Nick got up, got dressed and went to her house. Entering through an unlocked back door, he climbed the stairs to her bedroom and shook her awake. When she awoke, there was Nick, 6 feet tall, looming over her in the dark. She began to scream. Her parents rushed in, threw on the lights, and found Nick standing unconcerned in their daughter's bedroom. They called the police. After hours of questioning, the police were ready to throw the book at Nick, because every time they asked, "What the hell do you think you were doing?" Nick calmly responded, "But she invited me over." Click here to read more

     

  • Sunday September 25, 2011 at the Nat Bailey Stadium Walk Now for Autism Speaks are fun-filled, family friendly events that bring together members from across the autism stakeholder community. Families, friends, teachers, service providers, corporate teams, researchers - all walking together to raise money to fund vital research, support family services programs, and raising awareness about autism and the issues facing local, provincial and national communities.Click here for more information 
  • 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.
    The details are below -
    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). 
    Check out our NEW WEBSITE!   Full of great information Check out RAPS on Facebook here 
  • 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

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ADD

ADD/ADHD    

  • ADHD Women:  Femaile Leaders with Adult ADD/ADHD: These seven ADHD women don't let their ADHD diagnosis, ADHD symptoms, or the world, hold them back. Women  (and men) with adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), take comfort in these leading ADD/ADHD ladies' stories.Click here to read more


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Down

Down Syndrome   

  • Making Dreams Happen Video The Down Syndrome Research Foundation is proud to present our brand new promotional video aimed at raising awareness for our organization as well as providing information on our various programs for individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages.Click here to watch the video 

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FASD

FASD   

  • FASD IN HISTORY: Circa 1000 BC: In the Old Testament book of Judges, an angel spoke to Samson's mother and said "Now therefore beware, I pray you, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing."  Circa 300 BC: Aristotle is quoted: "Foolish, drunken or hare-brained women most often bring forth children like unto themselves, morose and languid."  1726: The College of Physicians in England calls that country's scourge of cheap gin "a cause of weak, feeble and distempered children."Click here to read more. 
  • The FACE of FASD This Video was created by PA Outreach Program and the Warrior Spirit Walking presentation drama team to address the issue of young girls drinking while pregnant. it was felt that sharing a visual expression of the dangerous and lifelong effects of FASD both on children and parents would be helpful to draw attention to the realities of alcohol and pregnancy.Click here to see the video  
  • THE COMMON SENSE: Humans have five senses -most have the common sense.   I received a call from an adoptive parent this week.  "Nick's nineteen years old," said the frustrated father. "And he doesn't have an ounce of sense!"  It seems that Nick had been out with friends when a sixteen-year-old girl said, "Nick, why don't you come over to my house sometime and we'll hang out?" Nick is an imposing young man with jet-black hair, a winning grin, and an innocent demeanor that leads him to taking people at their word.  So it was that at three in the morning that same night, Nick got up, got dressed and went to her house. Entering through an unlocked back door, he climbed the stairs to her bedroom and shook her awake. When she awoke, there was Nick, 6 feet tall, looming over her in the dark. She began to scream. Her parents rushed in, threw on the lights, and found Nick standing unconcerned in their daughter's bedroom. They called the police. After hours of questioning, the police were ready to throw the book at Nick, because every time they asked, "What the hell do you think you were doing?" Nick calmly responded, "But she invited me over." Click here to read more 
  • 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.

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Medical

Medical

  • TED TALKS! Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's Stroke of Insight. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained brain scientist who suffered a stroke in 1996, at the age of 37, in the left hemisphere of her brain. She spoke of her experience at TED and wrote a memoir about the experience titled "My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey".Click here to see a fascinating video about the brain.
  • Stress and Youth Part 1: Recently I had the opportunity to view "Race to Nowhere: The Dark Side of America's Achievement Culture," a riveting documentary that is receiving much-deserved publicity throughout the United States. Concerned school and community groups have arranged to show this movie as a catalyst for parents, educators, childcare professionals, and community members to engage in a dialogue about the epidemic of unrealistic expectations, pressures, and stresses that are confronting today's youth. I watched the movie with hundreds of others at the Charles River School in Dover, Massachusetts and then served as the moderator for the lively discussion that followed. Click here to read more 

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Education

Education

  • Personalized Learning in the BC Education System. The Ministry of Education has  released a new interactive discussion guide on personalized learning.   The guide is intended to provide information andgive an overview of personalized learning and an opportunity to submit yourfeedback and questions to the Ministry of Education.      Click here to see the interactive guide   
    •    Instructions for using the interactive guide: 
    • Click the link to open the guide
    •  Viewing and navigating the document
      •   Use the navigation pane at the bottom of the page (grey bar)    
      •  "view full screen" command is on the right corner     
      •   Advance to next page is in the middle  
      •  and the zoom and home buttons are on the far left
      •   you may also click and drag on the corners of the pages to turn them.              
    • Feedback may be typed into the appropriate text boxes, click on the "submit" button for each completed response when done.  
    •  A PDF version is also available (but will not allow for feedback) Click here for the PDF  

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Technology

Technology


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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 Family Support Institute (FSI) have worked together to create a new safeguards resource, "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 have a developmental disability. Click here to view an online version of "The Power of Knowing Each Other". To request a printed copy, please e-mail [email protected].

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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training   

  •  BCACL is happy to announce The Ripple Effect 7: a retreat for families supporting a child with special needs, coming October 14 - 16 2011. This fall's retreat will be held at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort in the West Kootenays.
    The Ripple Effect is a chance for families to join facilitators from the BC Association for Community Living and other families from across B.C. for a FREE thought-provoking and educational retreat, exploring the power of advocacy and community development. Families who attend will learn about the history of the community living movement, learn concepts of community development, individual advocacy, and systems change, and learn practical steps to help advocate for their children.
    For full details and to register, Click here! 
  • 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...)   

  • Fifth National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal

    Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Social Justice - Moving Forward

    April 18 - 21, 2012

    The Hyatt Regency  Vancouver, British Columbia Click here for more information 

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Seasonal

Seasonal

    • Owies, Burns, Bites, Bumps, and Burns - Click here for Natural remedies
  • From a Parent:
    • Recreation:
      Check special needs sections of websites, if it's not listed, call & ask about disability discounts, free care giver admission, and exit passes if lineups are an issue for your child.
      FREE!
      To celebrate Burnaby Village Museum 40th anniversary complimentary gate admission for the 2011 season starting in May
      Sailing lessons are free up to 19 years old at the Disabled Sailing Association  Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm at Jericho Beach contact Andrea at 604-222-3003 
      Discounted rates: Watermania
      Caregivers come in free to movies: with an Access 2 pass $20 for a 5 year membership Click here for more information see list here National Geographic IMAX Theatre, Pacific Cin�math�que, Cineplex Odeon Cinemas, AMC Theaters, Cinema City Cinemas, Coliseum Cinemas, Colossus Cinemas, Empire Theatres, Famous Players Cinemas, Galaxy Cinemas, Landmark Cinemas, Les Cin�mas Fortune, Magic Lantern Cinemas, Rainbow Cinemas, Scotiabank Theatre Cinemas, SilverCity Cinemas, TIFF Bell Lightbox 
      Caregivers free for memberships or daily rates (just ask) at:
      Science World, Planetarium, Aquarium, Watermania, Vancouver Zoo, Vancouver Art Gallery, etc.
      Exit passes for kids who can't do lines are at the customer service desks at: Playland, Disneyland.
      Canucks for Autismhas skating, swimming, soccer, camping for a $25 per family annual membership 
      Travel:
      Caregiver is free on Canadian flights (call each airline to see what forms they have), bus lines like Greyhound, and VIA rail trains:  

      Click here for West Jet
      Click here for Air Canada 
      Click here for GreyHound
      Click here for Easter Seals Travel Card
      Click here for Via Rail
      Click here for BC Ferries
      Click here for Can Am automobile programs

      Detailed lists below: 

      - Splashdown Park Waterslides has a disability discount rate and allows a caregiver in free Phone: (604) 943-2251  P.O. Box 1266 Delta, B.C. Canada V4M 3T3 
      - Planetarium allows a caregiver in free HR MacMillan Space Centre 1100 Chestnut Street Vancouver, (604) 738-7827 ext 221
      PNE allows an attendant in free and provides exit passes at info desk  Pacific National Exhibition 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC  604-253-2311 
      - Grouse Mountain Chairliftallows a caregiver free if you ask  Administration: Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd. 6400 Nancy Greene Way North Vancouver, BC Switchboard: 604.984.0661 
      - Burnaby Heritage Village allows a caregiver free if you ask Burnaby Village Museum 6501 Deer Lake Avenue Burnaby BC  General Inquiries: 604.297.4565  
      Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park attractions allows a caregiver free with child membership if you ask  A disability discount is available for daily admissions: � 50% off general admissions rate or � Attendant gets in for free
      Stanley Park Train and Second Beach Pool allows a caregiver free if you ask  Phone: Tel: 3-1-1 (Vancouver), 604-873-7000  - 2099 Beach Avenue, Vancouver, BC
      - Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours allows a caregiver free if you ask  Phone:(604) 681-5115, 735   
  • UBC is holding a daycamp called

    "Camp Connect"  for kids between 6 to 11 with learning differences (w/c includes kids with Autism). They usually host a bunch of daycamps at the Aquatic Centre but it's their first year to offer this type of camp.

    It runs for five days from 9am to 4pm, with camps throughout the summer. Click here for more information or call  604-822-4501/604-822-4522

     
  • KIDSMATTER; 1 Week social skills programs for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities in Abbotsford  and Langleyfor July and August 2011. This year we are  offering morning (9:00-12 pm) or afternoon (12:30-3:30) sessions so you can choose either or both!   Click here for more information 
  • False Creek Racing Canoe Club (based out of Granville Island) is
    pleased to offer Vancouver's first adaptive paddling program this
    summer. PaddleALL is an adaptive paddling program geared towards
    breaking down the barriers individuals with disabilities face in
    getting involved with the exciting sport of flatwater canoe/kayak.
    PaddleALL is offered both competitively and recreationally to people
    of all ages, abilities, and walks of life.
    Participants will paddle in False Creek (out of Granville Island) in a
    fun, safe environment. Going by the motto of "Every Boat, EVERYBODY,"
    dedicated staff will work with participants in small groups, building
    physical fitness, confidence, self-esteem.
    We are currently promoting for this summer's program registration, and
    were wondering if this program would be a suitable fit for the members
    of your organization.  Click here to learn more  
  • 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 

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Other

Other

  • Before June is up we wanted to let you know that it is Child Safety Month, so check out the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation website to learn more about car seat and booster seats, which ones are right for your child and how to use them correctly.  There is also a list of child car seat safety checks locations to take your car and car seat..."and remember; ages 0 - 9, use it every time." Click here for more information 
  • Kid Companions Chewelry, is a pendant that functions as a chewable and wearable sensory tool for kids and people with special needs. It is a discreet and age-appropriate alternative to traditional oral motor and fidget toys. As a parent or caregiver, looking for accessories for a growing special needs child can be a challenge. Youth affected by Sensory Processing Disorder -SPD, Autism Spectrum Disorder -ASD, Attention Deficit Distorder ADD/ADHD, etc., can still benefit from developmental tools. The Kid Companion was designed by a mom for her child. They are bpa, phthalate, lead and latex free accessories made for children to teens. Unique tactile features help your child be him/herself, anytime, anywhere.Click here for more information 
  • Just released by BC's Legal Services Society:  a revised edition of Parents' Rights, Kids' Rights: A Parent's Guide to Child Protection Law in BC.  This seventh edition of the child protection guide contains new sections and expanded information on:
    current approaches used in making child protection decisions (presumption in favour policy and collaborative decision-making methods) what can happen if the director of Children and Family Development has concerns about a child's safety or is planning to remove a child from the family home a new chapter on the child protection process for Aboriginal children and families, with a two-page flow chart and page number references to explanations of steps in the booklet an updated and expanded list of resources (services, websites, publications) Copies of Parents' Rights, Kids' Rights are available for free through Crown Publication Website 
  • Family Support Institute Bulletin #153 - it's filled with awesome information!
    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! 
  • 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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Reach | [email protected] | delta, BC |