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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

May 31, 2012 

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
 
  • RE AUTISM STUDY: "Thank you to all the families that have helped with my project of looking at functioning in families affected by autism. I am finished recruiting families but I just wanted to thank those who selflessly volunteered to help with this project. I hope that it will give a better understanding of the impact of autism and how families might be able to function better. Thank you, Yvonne McKenna, Reach counsellor."  
  • Reach Preschool registration for fall 2012 
    Reach Developmental Preschool South Delta #3 3800 72nd street Ladner.
    In-house registration for returning families will begin Monday, February 27th and is ongoing.
    Reach Developmental Preschool North Delta at 10921 82nd avenue North Delta.
    In-house registration for returning families will begin Monday, February 27th and is ongoing.
    For more information please call 604-946-6622 ext 308 or  Email here 
  • Parent Circle: Parent Support Circle is a free, monthly, confidential parent gathering with a focus on parenting children with ADHD or behaviour challenges. Led by trained facilitators. The last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
    at Reach, #3 3800 72nd street Ladner
    To register call Lisa at 604-946-6622 ext.342 or email here
    or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or email here 
  • 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! 

 

Find us on Facebook
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Donate online

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Help
Help a Parent? 
  • Hi ladies, this is my niece, would it be possible to have you mail this out to your list of families?? Thank you so much
    Abbe Gates
    Vancouver, B.C.
     
    Hi my name is Brittany Nott, I am the volunteer coordinator for the Blazin' Soccer Dogs and also Abbe Gates' 
    niece. I am 17 years old and just completing my grade 11 year at Eric Hamber Secondary School. This summer I would love to do some child care because working every Saturday at soccer, I am totally in love with all the kids there and I know this would be a great summer job. Seeing all these beautiful children every Saturday made me decide this is what I would so love to do as my summer employment. I have spent many hours at my aunts house with Sadie and Lucas and all their friends, and I am very confident I have the skills to look after kids with special needs. After volunteering now with this soccer team for 4 years, I have decided working with kids with special needs will for sure be something I will want to pursue in College. I will be available starting Sunday, July 1st.....I am looking to do child care and also any outdoor activity that you would like me to do . I am a avid reader, so if you want me to do any kind of school work with your child, I would also love that. I am very flexible, so whatever you want me to do with your child or children, would be my pleasure. I love the beach, going swimming, bowling, doing arts and crafts and dancing. I do not have my driver's license, but taking the bus with your child would be a fun adventure and also a good lifeskill for them to learn. If you need a personal reference, you can ask Barbara Laird or Sandra Smith from Soccer Dogs. You can contact me at brit.beezy1616@hotmail.com or call me at 778-835-5081. 
     
    I am Britt's aunt, Abbe Gates, and not just because she is my niece, that I am saying how amazing she is, but she is without a doubt the most trusting, caring and loving young lady and sooooo gets kids with special needs. Gary and I have left Britt with our kids so many times and honestly, she is the only one that I truly trust and feel very comfortable leaving  my kids in her care. You can call me anytime for further information, my number is 604-671-9009.
    Thanks Abbe Gates 

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AutismAutism            

  • DSM V Controversy

  •  RE AUTISM STUDY: "Thank you to all the families that have helped with my project of looking at functioning in families affected by autism. I am finished recruiting families but I just wanted to thank those who selflessly volunteered to help with this project. I hope that it will give a better understanding of the impact of autism and how families might be able to function better. Thank you, Yvonne McKenna, Reach counsellor."  
  • Autism Team: Changing Lives.  When 14 year old Jonathan Edwards, a desperately ill boy with autism from the UK, could get no help, the Autism Team stepped in. Watch and share this amazing trailer and help us to get this and many other similar stories into the public eye.Click here to see the video 
  •  Join the Friend 2 Friend team this Saturday, June 2 at Science World for Vancouver Walk Now for Autism Speaks Kick-Off & Awards Event.  This event will feature a special presentation from Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society's innovative "Can I Play Too?" program. Come and learn more about Friend 2 Friend, Autism Speaks Canada and their fifth annual Walk to be held in September 2012. Click here to learn more  
  • 5th Annual Vancouver  Walk Now for Autism Speaks Join Autism Speaks Canada as we walk to change the future for the Canadian and global autism communities!  Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need, raise money to support family services programs and initiatives and heighten awareness about autism and the issues facing the local and national autism communities.  Sunday September 30, 2012 Stanley Park!  Click here for more information 

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ADD

ADD/ADHD  

 


  • Welcome!  This is ADDitude's annual guide to camps & schools for children with learning differences.  The list below showcases ADHD- and LD-friendly schools and programs across the U.S. and in Canada. Click here to read more

 

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 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

   


  • On June 15th at the Century Plaza Hotel our gala will be starting....a night filled with so much laughter and not a care in the world....this is "A Night to Remember 2...Magical Memories" A Gala for 160 young adults (ages 16-35)all living with special needs. A night when they all come together without parents and just party like there is no tomorrow...that is what this night is all about....to see all the pretty dresses and all the handsome suits......to dine and dance with no one there guiding them......to be themselves and be accepted....that is what this is all about.....that is why we put on this gala....and that is why we are reaching out to you again and asking for your support. We again like last year, have a goal to give away as many iPads as we can...last year we were able to give 16 very lucky guests a brand new iPad....if I could bottle the explosion of joy that erupted once we unvieled the iPads, you would know why we have decided to do this gift again!! I could send out to all of you testimonials from all the parents, about what this night means to their son or daughter, but I know I don't have too, for you can only imagine a night filled with dancing, hugging and friends cheering on friends as their names were called up to collect their i Pads.....the amount of love that fills this ball room is something that you just cannot put down in words. For our gala, we are asking for donations towards this amazing gift, we are looking for someone to come on board and be our DJ for the night and we are also taking any gifts to be door prizes. Just like last year, the Down Syndrome Research Foundation will issue you a tax reciept for your donation. Speaking on behalf of Gary and myself, our  two kids, Sadie and Lucas attend this event, and to them it's an amazing party and a chance to get so dressed up and just blend in with all the others, but for Gary and myself, as we watch Lucas be the MC and Sadie dance with all of her friends,it is priceless to us.......this is their night to shine along with all the others there.......please come on board with all of us and make this another year of memories for our kids to have forever....thank you from the bottom of my heart.......Abbe Gates
    To make a donation please call Hina at the Down Syndrome Research Fondation...604-444-3773 

     

  • Secure Your Spot!  Announcing the   2013 Down Syndrome Cruise Conference,
    Mission Possible: Sailing to Solutions 
    February 25th - March 2nd , 2013
    to Labadee, Haiti and Falmouth, Jamaica!

    Bring your family for a one of a kind, life-changing experience. Learn proactive solutions with an emphasis on nutrition, bio-medical intervention and innovative therapies that address real issues and provide viable answers. This unique Cruise Ship environment offers you the extended opportunity to network with like-minded families. You can attend and discuss informative sessions, all while enjoying a fantastic vacation experience.
    • Click here for more information 
    • For those who are considering our 2013 Down Syndrome Cruise Conference, we have booked some group space as an additional 5 night RELAXATION cruise on the same ship "Liberty of the Seas" leaving Fort Lauderdale on March 2nd to Cozumel and Belize City.  If this is of interest it may be possible to book the same stateroom on the second cruise, which means not having to pack and unpack again, if you book both cruises early enough.  There are a few of us planning to do this second relaxation cruise.  The total deposit on the second cruise is $200 US (versus $200 per person on the DS Cruise Conference).  If you wish further details, including pricing, please let me know.  We also have group space for an 8 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on a sister ship "Independence of the Seas" also leaving on March 2nd or a 7 night Eastern Caribbean Celebrity Cruise (Celebrity Silhouette) leaving on March 3rd, from Fort Lauderdale.  Thought we should mention these additional cruises as some of the families who are considering the DS Cruise Conference may feel that 5 nights is too short for a cruise, while others may also be travelling from quite a distance and wish to make their trip worthwhile.  Adding the additional cruise will also give you time to assimilate all the information that will be learned on our DS Cruise Conference.  Look forward to hearing from families soon.  Even if you just want pricing, please do not hesitate to contact me at  My email here 
  • You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
    � To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
    professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
    � To provide support and information to families in Delta who
    have a child with Down Syndrome
    � To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
    � To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
    � To provide on-site child minding while you attend the
    discussion
    When: First Thursday of each month
    Where: Reach Developmental Preschool North Delta
    10921 - 82nd Avenue, Delta, BC
    Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
    Cost: No charge
    Light refreshments provided
    Please RSVP to Sarah Garnham at 604-946-6622 extension 321.
    or email here 

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FASD

FASD

 

  • Roadmaps to Understand FASD.  Have you ever caught yourself wishing there was a roadmap or guide to help you work and live more effectively with individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? Announcing the Asante Centre's "Roadmaps to Understanding FASD" Education Series! Join us in examining a variety of topics relevant to prenatal alcohol exposure and resulting neurodevelopmental impacts.  While there are no magic tricks, we can work together to navigate the often mysterious and confusing world of FASD! Join us for individual sessions or for the entire series!  To register please contact the Asante Centre at 604-467-7101; payments are accepted using cheque, Visa or MasterCard. Topics and locations are always emerging, so bookmark the
    Centre's webpage HERE to catch all the upcoming events!  
  • New Parenting Curriculum Supports Native Families with FAS. The Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC) has released a new parenting curriculum focused on supporting American Indian families where fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is suspected. Gifts from the Sacred Circle: A Native Traditional Parenting Curriculum for Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is now available through Hazelden Publishing. Click here to learn more 
  • It Takes a Village- our maternal child health book is about Lara, a young mom-to-be that is visited by Danis, a stranger. Danis teaches Lara the importance of eating healthy foods, avoiding alcohol, breastfeeding, keeping dad involved and bonding with your baby.  Click here to learn 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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MedicalMedical 

 

   

  • The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events for the first half of the year 2012.   Starting in January, we will be providing youth, families, educators and health professionals with opportunities to learn about topics from bullying, internet addiction, autism, cannabis use, and self-harm to developing self advocacy skills and involving dads in mental health care. These events are free of charge and open to everyone in British Columbia. To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website HERE .  
    28 JUNE Psychiatric Conditions and Metabolic Syndrome
    Time Thursdays, 12-1pm (PST)
    Registration PHONE 604-875-2084 or 1-800-665-1822
    EMAIL HERE
    WEB HERE
    14 JUNE Laughter in Challenging Times
    Time 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8pm (PST)
    Registration PHONE 604-873-3400
    EMAIL HERE
    WEB HERE  
  • Mind Matters e-newsletter provides new resources and programs offered by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division and is committed to the mental health of British Columbians.    Click here for the current edition     

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Education

Education    

  • New schools and additions for growing Surrey district.  Our government is investing more than $44 million for two new elementary schools and two secondary school additions in Surrey, creating 1,660 additional student spaces for B.C.'s fastest-growing school district.The Province and the Surrey school district (SD 36) signed project agreements to build new elementary schools in the Clayton and the South Newton areas, and classroom additions for Fraser Heights Secondary and �cole Panorama Ridge Secondary. Each of the four projects also includes new space to house Neighbourhood Learning Centres      Click here to read more and see a video     

 

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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 
    • NEW

      New Funding for Transitioning Youth

      May 24, 2012

      This document is designed to help families better understand the new offer of support for all families with transitioning youth.

      CLBC is now offering funded supports to all families with transitioning youth who are eligible for CLBC services due to a developmental disability. The type of support is Respite at a minimum level of $2,800 per year which will be provided through Direct Individualized Funding. The youth and their family may prefer an equivalent amount of money for another service. The funding is available to all families with youth who are turning 19 this year, as well as to those who turned 19 in the previous two years if they are receiving no or limited CLBC-funded services.  Click here to learn more

        

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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events for the first half of the year 2012.   Starting in January, we will be providing youth, families, educators and health professionals with opportunities to learn about topics from bullying, internet addiction, autism, cannabis use, and self-harm to developing self advocacy skills and involving dads in mental health care. These events are free of charge and open to everyone in British Columbia. To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website HERE  
  • STEP AHEAD: Is Your Child Having Trouble Making and Keeping Friends? Friendships are important in helping children develop emotionally and socially.  In interacting with friends, children learn important social skills, such as how to communicate, cooperate, and solve problems.

    Some children, however, have difficulty forming friendships.

    The solution is simple: Teach your children specific social skills they need to connect with their peers.As a parent, you are the best person to help your child solve friendship problems by expanding their peer network and working together to promote successful get-togethers.

    Join us for a FREE info night on "The Art of Friendship and the Science Behind It."

    Presenter: Anna Matchneva, M.Ed, BCBA, PEERS-Certified Instructor

    • June 8, 2012 6:00-7:30 pm  
    • 207-5589 Byrne Rd. Burnaby, BC
      (604) 433-1148
    • Email here to reserve the spot:  (Subject: Parent Night)

       
  • Families Promoting Employment First.  Employment holds an important part in everyone's Life.  Join the Family Support Institute in a workshop that can help you to develop some ideas and strategies around employment for your son or daughter! We can help you begin to think differently about employment and what it means for your loved ones.

    • What roles do families play?
    • What could a family's role be?
    • How can families play an active role in preparing, planning and

      pursuing employment?

    • How can families use ideas and tools to profile, promote and

      support their sons and daughters towards employment?

      One day workshop:

    DATE: June 9th, 2012 TIME: 9:30am - 4:00pm Location: GardenParkTowers

    #101-2825 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford RSVP By: June 4th, 2012

    Contact: Valerie Irving (604-540-8374 ext. 521) or email here

     

  • ACT presents: Michelle Garcia Winner & Carol Gray Together at the Vancouver Convention Centre In this very special event, Michelle Garcia Winner, speech language pathologist and founder of Social Thinking�, joins forces with Carol Gray, the teacher who 20 years ago transformed attitudes to working with children with ASD and associated disorders by conceptualizing Social Stories™. Both Michelle and Carol are very popular with ACT audiences. They share a tough, passionate and practical attitude about the necessity for communities to change the ways we support those with social differences and the powerful role families and teachers can play in setting up children for success in adulthood. You will laugh as you learn from these two master teachers who are rarely available to speak together. This is a unique occasion to be inspired by two women who have impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and adults with ASD.Thursday, August 16th & Friday, August 17th  Click here for more information\ call the ACT office at 604-205-5467 or toll-free at 1-866-939-5188
  • Sibshop Training - Building Community Support for Siblings of Children with Special Needs  Presented by: Don Meyer, Director, Sibling Support Project, Seattle.  Sibshops are pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between. They reflect a belief that our communities need to acknowledge the difficulties faced by brothers and sisters and provide them with the opportunity to connect with each other - in the same way that many parents of children with special needs have benefited from sharing their experiences. Click here for more information
    September 14 & 15, 2012 - Vancouver
     
  • Save the Date! Family Focus Conference
    The popular and much-anticipated 2012 Family Focus Conference will be held in Langley, B.C. on October 19-21, 2012. Family Focus Society organizes conferences by and for families who support a child or adult with a developmental disability. The society's mission is to "enhance family strengths and resources through direct family involvement that preserves the dignity of all families within their community."  Learn more about Family Focus and the upcoming conference HERE 
  • Vancouver Occupational Therapy For Kids, Ltd.  Presents DIR/Floortime Approach
    Greenspan & Weider's Comprehensive Model of Treatment for children  
    with challenges in relating and communicating, including Autism  
    Spectrum Disorder. Understanding the Model, The Science behind the  
    Model and the relationship of the child's individual differences in  
    relating and communication (the "I" of D) with Rosemary White, OTR/L- DIR Faculty
    Director of Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Services,  
    Seattle, WA and Pacific Northwest Pediatric and Therapy, Portland, OR
    November 18-19, 2012
    Norman Rothstein Theatre
    950 W 41 Ave, Vancouver, BC
    More details to follow!  

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SeasonalSeasonal    

 

  • IS YOUR SUNSCREEN SAFE?  Check out the rating list from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) HERE 
  • Healing our Children / Healing Ourselves. A one-week program on beautiful Shuswap Lake July 1-7, 2012 Sorrento Centre Retreat and Conference Centre, Sorrento, BC 

    Come with your family and prepare to be nourished!

    Instructor and Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Kate Hutchinson, works nationally and internationally with families with special needs children, helping them to optimize the health and development of their children, and themselves, using nutrition.  If you've ever wondered if food could make a significant difference, this is the program for you.  This course is for anyone who desires to positively impact the health (physical, mental, and emotional), of a child or a family member through food, drink and other natural therapies. Using wisdom from the past, rather than the latest trends, this course will surprise you, inspire you, and give you faith that positive change is possible and within your grasp. Participants will gain the information they need to make informed choices around food for children with special needs. Kate will reveal how foods can challenge or support mood, brain function, digestion, the nervous system, the immune system, and physical development.

    Over the five days, we will create an individualized plan for your child so that you can implement dietary change immediately upon returning home. Common conditions that often accompany our special needs children's diagnosis, such as asthma, allergies, eczema, food intolerance, picky eating, sensory issues, constipation, diarrhea/loose stools, and other digestive issues will all be addressed. contact Whole Family Nutrition (604) 708-8205 Click here for our website

        
  • Click here for ACT's summer camp listing 
  • Pivot Point: SOCIAL SUCCESS GROUPS: Let's Talk!  Surrey and Richmond locations 

    10:00am - 12:00pm (Tues - Fri)

    Beginning July 3rd, 2012 to July 13th, 2012

    The ability to share our thoughts, beliefs, and ideas with others is an essential skill required to establish and maintain many different relationships. Many children with ASD have difficulty planning, initiating and sustaining conversations.
    • SOCIAL SUCCESS GROUPS are dynamic group teaching programs that are held weekly at our clinic. In each 2-hour group session, participants spend time learning specific skills related to Conversation Skills, followed by the opportunity to practice and generalize these skills in a fun activity with some coaching.
    • Suitable for school-aged children and teens with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, or those needing extra support to be more successful in the social world.
    • Students will be grouped based on age and maturity (9-12 yrs) and (13-16yrs).
    • Costs are $660 for (8 sessions) at our Child Care Worker rates and are eligible under BC's Autism Funding. Behavioural assessment is required prior to initial entry.
    For information and registration

    In South Fraser, Email here  or call 604.531.4544

    In Richmond, Email hereor call 604.531.4544

      
  • KIDSMATTER:  Langley and Abbotsford! Summer camps will be running in Abbottsford and Langley for 2012.  Children with learning disabilities, sensory processing disorders, Asperger's Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurological disorders, and emotional disabilities often need additional training in social skills.  Our summer camps are Social Skills groups for children age 6 to 15.  The one week camps provide families the flexibility to benefit from the Socials Skills programs and get away for family time. The summer camps provide the best of both worlds!  Click here for more information 
  • Eureka Outdoor Camp!  Eureka Outdoor Camp provides a safe, caring residential camp experience for children with neurological deficits. Our program supports the development of social skills, self awareness and independence. Most of all, we are about having fun and making new friends. Our high staff to camper ratio gives many opportunities to support the development of positive social skills and friendship building and provide a program based on challenge by choice rather than a rigid schedule.

    YMCA CAMP ELPHINESTONE:
    Camp 1) July 1 - July 6, 2012 for ages 11 - 14 years
    Camp 2) July 8 - July 13, 2012 for ages 11 - 14 years 
    Camp 3) July 15 - July 20, 2012 for ages 8- 10 years
    Camp 4) July 22 - July 27, 2012 for ages 8 - 10 years
    Camp 5) July 29 - August 3, 2012 for ages 11 - 14 years
    Camp 6) August 5 - August 10, 2012 for ages 14 - 18 years
    YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located on BC's Sunshine Coast near Gibsons, which is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Surrounded by temperate rainforest and the rocky shoreline of Howe Sound, YMCA Camp Elphinstone's 144 acres offer campers the chance to experience the beauty of our natural environment.
    YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers sailing, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery, high and low ropes, and so much more.

    Fees: Camps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: $800.00 each (Transport Fee: $75)  

    YMCA CAMP DEKA:
    Camp 7) August 12 - August 24, 2012 for ages 14 - 18 years

    Hidden in the Interlakes district of the famous Cariboo Plateau, YMCA Camp Deka's 95 acres provide campers with hundreds of lakes to paddle and trails to explore. Located on the north arm of Deka Lake, YMCA Camp Deka offers warm lake waters and abundant forests with ample room for campers to learn independence and interdependence through community living. Fun-filled days of physical activity in the outdoors promote healthy habits and environmental stewardship to last a lifetime.
    Since 1990, campers have enjoyed Deka's vast wilderness of breathtaking vistas, beaver dams, eagle nests, fish runs and deer paths. Activities include swimming, archery, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, and rock climbing.

    Fees:  

    Camp 7: $1600.00 (Transport Fee: $125)

    Click here to register 

     

  • Art & Music Camps! Come and join our "Expressive Arts Therapy" summer program designed for youth & adults with disabilities with an arts & music therapy approach. Here, participants with an interest in arts & music can find a place where they will feel a strong sense of belonging and build life skills. Participants will be empowered to develop skills in the following areas: problem solving, decision making, leadership skills, social skills, self expression & leisure building. Siblings are welcome to participate and sign up as well. Aides are encouraged to come with participants if required. Instructor: Music Therapist Joney Poon & Art Therapist Andrea Hrysko (Art4Life)
  • Cool Communicators Camps 2012: Easter Seals and SET-BC!  The BC Easter Seals Camping Program and Special Education Technology - British Columbia (SET- BC) are pleased to announce integrated camps for communication device users again this summer. Camps will be offered at Shawnigan (Vancouver Island), Squamish (West Coast) and Winfield (Okanagan). These overnight camp programs will be held Saturday June 30th through Friday July 6th.   *Early registration is strongly recommended. Limited space is available, particularly for those requiring Personal Support Workers.

    The program: Cool Communicators' Camps have a unique focus on using augmentative communication and technology skills in a recreational camp atmosphere. Campers will have a chance to connect with old and new friends, learn and practise communication strategies using speech generating devices, and enjoy activities from arts and crafts to outdoor pursuits and games.

    The staff: Camp staff will provide a full program of recreational activities, as well as 24-hour care and supervision for the campers. SET-BC will coordinate a Speech Language Pathologist Support Team to target communication strategies and support the campers' communication in all camp events.

    Who should attend Cool Communicators?  This camp is designed for campers who:

    • have augmentative communication needs and use voice output communication aids
    • have an interest in using their communication technology to interact with peers
    • have significant communication challenges but who do not yet have technology

    Registration information for parents

    Registration opens April 2nd, 2012 . Please see the BC Easter Seals Camps Website HERE for details and forms.    

             
  • Surrey's SUMMER FUN:  For youth with disabilities (12-18 yrs)  Staff support ratio 1: 2/3

    FOR MORE INFO - 604 502 6321. Exciting daily outings and activities may include:

    •  Water slides
    •  Beach/picnic day
    •  Lower Mainland attractions,
    •  Swimming and more!

      Maximum 2 weeks per person

      5 day session $131.25 4 day session $105.00 Registration begins April 23! 

      Register by:

      Phone 604-501-5100  or ON-line here  In Person Visit any Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture facility

       
  • Surrey's SUMMER DAY CAMP SUPPORT For children with disabilities 6-12yrs

    One to One Staff Support is available for children with disabilities to participate in Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture summer day camps. REGISTRATION BEGINS APRIL 23!

    Register early! Limited space available.

    REGISTER BY:

    Phone 604-501-5100  or On-line here   In Person Visit any Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture facility. For more information or if you require support to register, contact Outreach & Support Services 604-598-5864 | 604-502-6321  

        

  • EASTER SEALS FAMILY CAMP.   We are now only 10 day away from Family Camp! It will be held again at Camp Squamish from March 16th to 18th. We still have a few spots left so if you or anyone you know is interested in a great family weekend please check out our website and fill out an application HERE.  Family Camp is a great way for families to connect with other families, for our campers  to connect with each other and for the whole family to see a small piece of what we do in the summers. We will be doing tie-dye, swimming, climbing wall, big swing, giant jenga and many more super fun activities. The weekend will run from around 4:00pm on Friday until about 11:00am on Sunday. 
    This is the last reminder for Family Camp. It's going to be a blast! If you have any questions at all or any thoughts feel free to EMAIL HERE or call us at 1.800.818.4484.  
  • VANCOUVER ZOO: ACCESS DAY - June 18th.  It's back - our annual fun-filled popular day for people with disabilities and at a discounted rate!!The Zoo is pleased to host and provide a great deal of $5 per person for admission - as always special needs assistants will receive free admission. To ride the train is $2 per person (including special needs assistants).This event is always extremely popular, so please book now to avoid disappointment! Click here to download the registration form.   Additional information on this fun day is found by Clicking here.   Groups of 5 people or more is preferred, although is not required.  If you would still like to speak to someone live, please do not hesitate to contact our Education Department at 604.856.6825 ext 28  
  • A reminder to those who are involved with the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) that registration for summer camp has started! Click here for more information  
  •  Easter Seals Summer 2012 Camps:  The schedule for this summer is NOW available!  Registration starts April 1st.  Please visit The Website here for all the information.
  • The Fraser Valley Autism Society (FVAS) is pleased to offer to families with an ASD child potential subsidy or full payment of camp fees for attendance at a camp (week or day camp) this Summer 2012.  If you are interested please contact Karen Davis  Email here  or phone 604-490-3827  for more information.  

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Other

Other          

  • B.C. launches grandparents' support line.  Two years after picking up her grandsons, Dahl's daughter, who had long struggled with drug addiction, committed suicide.

    That was 10 years ago when she said there were few supports for grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren. In Dahl's case, the three grandchildren she raised had to cope with fetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD, as well as loss and grief issues.

    "As grandparents it's a whole new journey because you're parenting the second time around." The provincial government announced a new help line Tuesday in Burnaby for grandparents in such situations who don't know where to turn.Click here to read more

      
  • 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games to be held in Langley! We are pleased to announce that the 2013 Special Olympics BC Summer Games will be held in the Township of Langley from July 11 to 14, 2013, with the support of the Township and the Langley School District. The Games will feature more than 1,100 Special Olympics athletes from the eight SOBC regions and the Yukon competing in 11 summer sports: 5- and 10-pin bowling, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer and softball. Athletes will show their love of sport and their inspiring sportsmanship as they compete for the opportunity to advance to the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, which will be held in Vancouver.  Click here to read more   
  • Langley Parent Support! The FiT Network Society A Social Educational Network created to get Families in Touch. Monthly FiT meets, seasonal family fun events and casual coffee nights provide opportunities for families who have children with special needs to "Get FiT*" - *Families in Touch. Click here for their website and current events
  •  DCLS and DFAN present: In Transition: Delta Parents of Youth with Developmental Disabilities
    • Do you have a child with a developmental disability in Grade 10 or above?
    • Do you wonder what will happen when High School is over?    

    Come and meet other parents, share ideas and experiences and

    Begin to plan for your son's or daughter's future. 

    We meet Saturday morning, 9.30 - 12.30, most months either in Ladner or North Delta:

    North Delta location: Delta Community Living Society, Scott Road Connections, #105-7953 Scott Rd.(behind the Greek Village Restaurant), North Delta, BC, V4C 6P6

    Ladner location: Delta Community Living Society, #1 -3800-72nd Street, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2

    • To find out more information about these events, please contact Si Stainton, Delta Community Living Society, Family Services LiaisonEmail here  , 604-952-6490 or visit our website Here

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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 | danl@reachdevelopment.org | delta, BC |