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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

November 22, 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
  • New Support Group for Reach Parents at Two Locations

    A recent Vancouver Sun article highlighted a disturbing trend in waitlists for mental health resources across the province (Click here to read article). Families in the province and here at Reach are waiting over a year for counselling services due to the need exceeding the resources.

    Almost four years ago Reach began a new program called Reach Counselling Services to address many issues that staff were seeing with parents and children in our programs relating to mental health issues including depression, anxiety, coping with loss, difficult family relationships and difficulty coping with life stressors. Currently this program is approximately one day a week with one counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, who reports,

                "In 2009 25 clients were seen in this program, but by 2011 39 clients were seen. Even with that number, there are many still on the waiting list which has resulted in fewer sessions per client and some new programs to address this wait."

                Starting in January 2013 there will be two parent/caregiver support groups for those who want to talk about anything related to parenting a child with special needs. The focus will be on coping skills, how to be an advocate without burning out, and surviving and thriving. New families to Reach and those who have been with us a long time are all invited.

                The North Delta group will be held on the second Tuesday of the month at our Play and Learn Centre at 11425 84th Avenue at 6:30 to 8:00pm. The South Delta group will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at our main Reach facility at #3 - 3800 72nd Street in Ladner at 6:30 to 8:00pm. All are welcome to attend either or both of the groups. These groups are also in addition to the ADHD Parent Support Group that meets at our South Delta office on the last Friday of the month.

                If you would like more information or would like to meet with Yvonne before the groups start, please call (604) 946-6622 Ext. 347.

     
     
  • NEW NAME for Kids Friendship Club - Social Smart Group - Learning Social Skills
    and Using them!  Social skills are one of the most important skills that children need to learn. More importantly, children need to have the opportunity to use the social skills they have learned. Social Smart Group is a program that provides a natural setting where children will be learning and practicing the social skills through playing, chatting, snacking, outing, and more.  Social Smart Group is a 1.5-hour program that runs once a week for 10 weeks. There will be 6 - 8  children in the group, programmed by one behaviour consultant and one group facilitator. Throughout the 10 weeks, our goal is to help strengthen your child's social skills by guiding, coaching, and supporting their social interaction with their peers.
    • Grade 2 - 4 boys and girls Time: Wednesday, 6pm - 7:30pm Dates: Jan 9 - March 13, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
    • Grade 5 - 7 boys and girls Time: Tuesday, 6pm - 7:30pm Dates: Jan 8 - March 12, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
    • Grade 8 - 12 boys and girls Time: Saturday, 10am - 1pm Dates: Jan 5 - March 9, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $950 per child for 10 weeks.  Social Smart Group is a program that provides a natural setting where teens will be learning and practicing the social skills through playing, chatting, snacking, outing, and more. Social Smart Group is a 3-hour program that runs once a week for 10 weeks. There will be 10 teenagers in the group, programmed by one behaviour consultant and one group facilitator. 
    • **Most families use the autism funding to cover the cost of the program
    • Registration - please contact Carol Ywan TEL: 604-946-6622, ext 343 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! 

 

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AutismAutism            

  •  DSMV Controversy
  • The Autism Project: Toronto police to receive autism awareness training.  In 2011 Molyneaux answered a dispatcher's call to a Toronto apartment where a 12-year-old boy was clutching two knives and threatening suicide. The boy had Asperger Syndrome.  The other officers on the scene were surprised when they saw Molyneaux approach the boy.

    "You model the behaviour you want them to display," says Molyneaux. "You bring a deliberate, forced calm. There's an almost exaggerated mellowness to your voice."  Click here to read more 

      
  • Reality TV Show Trailer for "The Autism Team".  In a world of Honey Boo Boo and the Real Housewives of Insert-City-Name-Here, we'd like to ask for your help to pitch a new program - a program about love - hope - healing and a future for the millions of families caught up in the autism epidemic.   Click here to see the video 
  • Inspecting The Trend Of Autistic-Spectrum Characters.  Since Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time became a worldwide best-seller in 2003, there has been a rising wave of novels like Colin Fischer, written from autistic characters' perspectives or closely focused on their worldviews. Some of the boom can be attributed to increasing public curiosity about autism: As autism diagnoses have risen, more funding and research have been devoted to its causes, and public awareness of autism-spectrum conditions like Asperger's syndrome has increased dramatically. The mysteries behind autism make it an evocative topic - and ambiguity leaves room for writers to romanticize, theorize or appropriate at will.  Click here to read more 

     

  • The Autism Project: Mothers with ASD ask why scientists are missing girls.  Autism is diverse, and mothers with ASD don't all share the same traits. Of the six interviewed for this story, some said they, too, could be perceived as "cold." Others said affection came easily. Dub� keeps a compulsive schedule, while another mom often forgets her appointments.

    But for a group of women who have never met, they share remarkable similarities.  All were diagnosed late in life. Most overcame destructive childhood misdiagnoses, and only stumbled onto the correct diagnosis after raising a child who also had autism. Marriage had been a battle. All were diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a high-functioning type of autism, and are highly educated. Click here to read more and see a video 

      
  • Kelly Preston Opens Up About Her Late Son, Jett Travolta.  Jett Travolta - who died in 2009 after suffering a seizure and hitting his head in a bathtub at the family's vacation home at the Old Bahama Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island - suffered from autism, which Preston attributes to a series of contributing factors. "[Jett] was autistic. He had seizures and when he was very young, he had Kawasaki Syndrome," she says on the Nov. 21 episode of The Doctors (check local listings). "I strongly believe as a mother, as does my husband, that there are certain contributing factors that lead to autism and some of it is very much the chemicals in our environment and in our food," she adds. Click here to read more 
  • Orem boy with autism inspires others with touchdown run.   Justin Haacke, 9, loves football, playing for his Mountain View youth football team in Orem. "I like it a lot," Justin said. But Justin is different than the rest of his teammates: he has Autism Spectrum Disorder. "Justin is the sweetest boy," said his mother Crystal Haacke. Justin and his family have battled the challenges that come with Autism. Communication and social interaction can be very difficult for him, but the game of football has helped with that. Click here to read more and see a video!
     
  • Latest research on socials skills interventions by Michelle Garcia Winner.  While I have continued to review research since delving into what I ended up naming Social Thinking� in 1995, the last time I did a comprehensive research review, as it related to my ILAUGH model of Social Cognition, was in the year 2000. Ten years later it is exciting to see the trends in research as they are very much validating the clinical theories put forward in my early books. Click here to read more  
     
  • Quebec autism research lacking: expert. 'Applied Behaviour Analysis' is common program.  Quebec needs much better research into treatments for autism, a researcher at the University of Montreal says.  The main treatment in the province is known as Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), which is designed to reinforce behaviour through repetition.

    "Promoting ABA-based interventions has really discouraged good research overall," said Michelle Dawson, who has autism herself. "There's only poor quality research at the ABA." Click here to read more 

     
  • Treasure what you have.  Saturday was the Pumpkin Festival. As my brother and I wandered around looking at the colorful, wildly shaped pumpkins and gourds, I realized that Halloween is the harbinger for the upcoming holiday season. While other families carve pumpkins and scheme over costume ideas and how to keep the sugar intake to a minimum- my brother will be needlepointing his heart out. Click here to read more
  •  Greetings from the SFU Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab! Are you ready
    for this fall's SFU Science Sociables?  This is a FREE and fun event for teens and young adults! One part of the event involves the youth and parents participating in research, however, the majority of the event is devoted to interactive game activities (e.g. Wii
    tournament, board games, etc). Drinks and light refreshments will be provided for parents, teens, and young adults. This event is funded by a research grant. Event dates are:
    Saturday November 24th at 3pm
    Event volunteers are composed of qualified SFU faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, and community professionals. Spots are limited to 8 participants per group so sign up today! For detailed information and to register, please visit our website here 

  • Richmond Autism Interagency Committee welcomes you to attend our first-ever Autism Resource Fair. Morning presentations will feature brief, informative talks from local pediatrician Dr. Behrmann, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Richmond mom and autism activist Pam Collins, and Myles McKie, a young adult with autism. The afternoon will provide you with a hassle-free, no pressure opportunity to meet and mingle with a wide variety of professionals and groups providing service in the Richmond area. A
    fantastic opportunity to learn about autism and the services available in your community, and meet other families supporting a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • November 24, 2012
    • Neighbourhood Learning Centre
      6800 Azure Road, Richmond BC
      9:30am - 2:30pm please arrive early - registration opens at 9am  
    • Child care is unfortunately not available,
      Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided
      • For more information and to register, contact Llaesa Brownridge  here  or call 604-279-7014
    • Co-sponsors Richmond School District, Richmond Society for Community Living, Ministry for Children and Family Development, and Vancouver Coastal Health.
  • Richmond ASBC Parents Group Meeting "The Art of Friendship and the Science Behind It" by Anna Matchneva, M.Ed., BCBA, PEERS-Certified instructor  
    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: teach your children specific social skills they need to connect with their peers. As 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.  
    Date: Monday, Nov 26, 2012 
    Time: 7-9pm Location: Tyee room at Steveston Community Centre - 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond  
    Coffee/Tea and snacks provided. Donations are greatly appreciated.
    Please RSVP here so we can prepare for chairs, handouts & refreshments.  
    Paul & Camelia (co-facilitators for ASBC Richmond Group) 

     

     
  • Click here for the ABA Support Network's Calendar of courses and events   
  • Fraser Valley Autism Society (FVAS) Click here for website!  
    •  The Fraser Valley Autism Society has resumed its free monthly meetings
      for the season. Meetings will alternate between Chilliwack and Abbotsford on a monthly basis.  For more information please visit Our website here or email HERE
      Karen Davis,President, Fraser Valley Autism Society


       

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ADD

ADD/ADHD 

  •  What Ever Happened to Rise and Shine? If your family is living with attention deficit disorder, then chances are your school-day mornings require more than a little hand-to-hand combat. Read our strategies for getting everyone up, fed, and out the door with less conflict.  As any parent of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) knows, the leisurely morning is gone forever. From now on, we are perpetually trying to beat the clock, sometimes while beating our heads against the wall, getting our kids to wake up (or in the case of early risers, making sure they are safe), fed, dressed, washed, and ready to go.  Click here to read more 
  • Solutions to Your ADHD Holiday Problems.  How to streamline and organize your holiday activities to maximize fun and minimize stress. Have you ever seen a kid in a candy store -- or been one yourself? That's what the holiday season is like for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). With so many things to do, sights to see, festivities to attend, it's tempting to try to do everything. As one of my clients put it, "I've never met an idea I didn't like." Of course, you can't do everything, and trying to do so will turn what should be a joyous season into a three-month whirlwind of stress and anxiety. Click here to read more
  • ADD Women and Girls: Late Diagnosis, Little Treatmen.  Too often, ADD women and girls go undiagnosed and untreated. Learn how to recognize symptoms and get help.  Twenty-year-old Andrea Burns fits the profile of ADD women perfectly. She wasn't officially diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) until her freshman year at Indiana University in Bloomington, even though she showed obvious signs of ADHD in middle school.Click here to read more  


 

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 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

  • VIDEO: JUST LIKE YOU -- DOWN SYNDROME - explores the life, hopes, challenges and dreams of three kids living with Down syndrome. Elyssa, Rachel and Sam share personal stories to help viewers better understand their condition and why they wish to be treated just like you. Each of our stars has their own talents, characteristics, strengths and challenges. Down syndrome is just one part of who they are and this film identifies how to handle and accommodate differences while celebrating the many similarities our friends with Down syndrome have with their peers.
    Just Like You-Down Syndrome
    Just Like You-Down Syndrome
     
  • On February 25, 2013 we sail  5 nights on board Royal Caribbean's "Liberty of the Seas"  from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    You, too, can participate in this one of a kind conference and have an amazing chance to meet other families to share this experience.  The Conference is open to families, educators and professionals.  What an opportunity to hear from our fantastic line up of speakers who offer solutions for  individuals with Down syndrome.  We will hear from Clinical Pharmacist Kent MacLeod, Dr. Norman Schwartz, Dr. Teresa Cody, Dr. Gregory De Silva, Kristen Morrison, Laurette Janak, Geralyn Spiesz, Lori Burgess, Brea Maday, Shannon Desilets, Linda Kane and Cyndi Ringoen.
    If you would like to join us, please do not delay in booking your stateroom(s).  Once this sailing is booked,  we  cannot add anymore to our Group.  Only bookings made through myself, Rosalie, or Fred Dehaas with Expedia CruiseShipCenters will ensure you have access to the Conference and speakers. 
    We have been adding families and getting calls within the last few weeks from those who have just found out about this Cruise.  Everyone is excited !  Please be sure and pass along this information to anyone who you think may be interested.
    Conference co-coordinator Andi Durkin will be joining us with her husband and son, Jett who is age 3 and has Down syndrome.  My family and I will also be there including our daughter, Whitney who is age 7 and has Down syndrome.   Fred & Cora Dehaas, grandparents of a child with Down syndrome, will be with us too and helping ensure everyone has a wonderful vacation.  We are looking forward to this unique Cruise Conference.
    My contact information can be found at this link, or email me directly Here!  or visit the website Here  
    • Rosalie Newell-Wagner, Director
      the BC Down Syndrome Community Society
  • 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

 

  • VANCOUVER SUN: Maternal drinking casts lifelong shadow for children growing up with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.  "All of a sudden she was gone. "Boom - no reaction. Her arms and legs started shaking. I called the nurse in. Within the next 10 minutes they were doing a spinal tap without any anesthetic, nothing.' Lydia Neufeld's 13-year-old foster daughter had slipped away like this seven or eight times before, but this was the first time her doctors had seen it. They had no explanation. Click here to read more 

       
  • Announcing the 5th Annual FASD Fall Conference: Seeking Mental Health.  The FASD Collaboration Roundtables committee is pleased to announce the advanced notice for the 5th Annual FASD Fall Conference!  This year's conference titled "Seeking Mental Health" will examine a range of topics related to FASD and concurrent mental health concerns throughout the lifespan.  The event will be held at Douglas College, New Westminster Campus on Saturday, November 24, 2012.  The conference is highly accessible to both professionals and families, offering free child minding and affordable conference fees.   Click here for more details 
  • 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 .  
    DECEMBER 6 Helping your Child/Youth Sleep Better
    Time Thursdays, 12-1pm (PST)
    Registration PHONE 604-875-2084 or 1-800-665-1822
    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

 

  • You are invited to the Great Schools Teach-In:  How Should We Assess Our Schools?
    Saturday, December 1
    10 am to 12:30 pm-coffee from 9:30
    Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus (Surrey Central Sky Train)
    250 - 13450 - 102nd Avenue
    The Great Schools Project is a collaboration among individuals who want to strengthen and protect public education in British Columbia. For almost four years, educators, parents, researchers, and leaders, both inside and outside the education system, have met to discuss how to improve the way we evaluate and assess our schools.
    We feel the current system is both too narrow (focused on only a portion of the important work schools do) and too punitive (with substantial negative impact on individual students and educators).
    After extensive discussions of the current system of Foundation Skills Assessment (FSAs) and their use to rank schools, the GSP working group has developed ideas about alternatives that would better serve both students and public schools.
    The Great Schools Teach-In provides an opportunity for us to present some of these ideas and for you to debate them and provide your input.
    Program:
    1.  Alfie Kohn, outstanding critic of standardized testing and proponent of richer ways of understanding how well our children and their schools are doing (by videocast).
    2.  Speakers from the Great Schools Project
    3.  Discussion and debate.
    Please RSVP to: Email here
    For more information see our website here:
     
  • When do you take bullying seriously?  Daniel was tense all afternoon, last Tuesday. At first, I thought it was because he had struggled with his morning routine that morning, leaving the house without a shower or lunch. However, that evening as he stood in the kitchen making the next day's lunch, he burst out in angry tears.  Click here to read more 
  • B.C. launches online tool for kids to report bullying.  The B.C. government has unveiled an online tool designed to let children anonymously report bullying to school administrators.
    The province has been working on its Erase Bullying strategy since June, and among its goals was to create a website for parents and students that included a reporting tool. Click here to read more  
     

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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
    •  CLBC Newsletter - The Citizen

      November 7th, 2012

      • In the new edition of The Citizen, you can read stories about Community Living Month, the include Me! and Start with Hi Initiatives, inclusive employment and much more!  Click here to read more 

         

  • Ministry of Housing & Social Development: Responsible for education and support payments, work programs, bus passes and health and dental benefits for persons with disabilities.
    •  Community Engagement Workshops:

      October - November 2012

      From Oct. 30 to Nov. 27, the Ministry of Social Development is hosting community engagement workshops in 14 communities throughout the province to get feedback on the proposed integrated service delivery model.

      Developing a more integrated service delivery system is an important part of the work that needs to be done to deliver on government's commitment to improve services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

      Everyone's experiences and input counts so whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, service provider, health practitioner, educator or local government staff - your participation matters. Your feedback is important to ensure government is heading in the right direction with this proposed model.

      For more information about a workshop near you, please visit here  

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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • Technology for Your Toolbox: Boardmaker and iPad
    November 23, 2012 - Vancouver, BC
    8:00 - 9:00 AM Registration
    9:00 - 3:30 PM Presentation
    Presented by: Brenda Fossett, Ph.D., BCBA-D, University of Alberta
  • Announcing the 5th Annual FASD Fall Conference: Seeking Mental Health.  The FASD Collaboration Roundtables committee is pleased to announce the advanced notice for the 5th Annual FASD Fall Conference!  This year's conference titled "Seeking Mental Health" will examine a range of topics related to FASD and concurrent mental health concerns throughout the lifespan.  The event will be held at Douglas College, New Westminster Campus on Saturday, November 24, 2012.  The conference is highly accessible to both professionals and families, offering free child minding and affordable conference fees.  Click here for more details 
  • Weiss Clinic for ADHD Care A FREE seminar Child and Adolescent ADHD: An Expert-led Workshop  November 25

    Program overview (starting at 1:00-5:00PM)
    1:00 "What is ADHD? How is it treated?" Dr. Margaret Weiss MD, PhD (Child and adult psychiatry, Weiss Clinic for ADHD Care)
    2:00 "ADHD and other Problems" Dr. Susan Siklos PhD (Pediatric neuropsychologist, Weiss Clinic for ADHD Care)
    3:00 "Help for Parents at Home" Dr. Glen Davies PhD (Psychologist and Director, Able Development Clinic)  Click here for more information 

      
  • Please join us for this exciting opportunity to spend two full days in dialogue with leaders
    building inclusive communities locally and globally.
    Creating Community
    November 26, 2012
    Vancouver Public Library, Downtown Vancouver
    9:00am - 4:30pm
    How to Engage Community: Starting New Conversations With Neighbours
    November 27, 2012
    Holiday Inn & Suites, Downtown Vancouver
    9:00am - 4:30pm   Click here for more information 
  • Child Care Options is pleased to be partnering with the City of Surrey to bring you the following workshop:
    Potential - The Starting Point: Fostering Relationships and Learning among children, teachers, parents & community.
    Earl Marriott Secondary School
    Cost: $10.00
    Registration is through the City of Surrey.
    For more details and registration information please visit here 
  • TEEN TRANSITION PARENT BOOT CAMPS:  lead by Parents for parents.  As such, professionals are respectfully discouraged from attending, so that we may create an environment where parents can freely explore and share about their family's journey. This is a 3 hour introduction to transition planning for PARENTS ONLY. The presenter is Virginia Renaud- parent and professional. Abbotsford, BC:  Nov 28, 2012 Wednesday Evening 6:00 to 9:00 Click here for more information
  • Preventing Challenging Behaviors: Prevent-Teach-Reinforce
    • Nov 30 & Dec 1, 2012 (Friday & Saturday) - Vancouver
    • 8:00 - 9:00 AM Registration (day one only)9:00 - 3:30 PM 
    • Presented by:Glen Dunlap, Ph.D., BCBA-D, University of South Florida & University of Nevada 
    • Challenging behaviours are widely acknowledged as the greatest impediment to educational and social opportunities for children with autism or other developmental disabilities. 
      This two-day workshop will focus on the prevention of problem behaviors. You can register for day 1 only, or days 1 and 2.  
      Day 1 will introduce the Prevent - Teach - Reinforce (PTR) Model which has been demonstrated to be effective in school settings across special needs.  
      Day 2 is a master class to address the learning priorities of professionals and para-professionals who already have specialized knowledge of working with young people with challenging behaviors using a PBS/ABA approach either as a behavior specialist in the school system or as a behavior consultant working with families and in the community.
  • Smart START for Boys - Vancouver, December 1  
    BOYS are much more vulnerable than girls early in life:   
    they mature more slowly, get sick more often,  
    and are less likely to have mastered the language, self-control,  
    and fine motor skills necessary for a successful start in school.   
    HOW can parents support their active and exuberantly affectionate young son so he can settle himself to focus, and soon learn   
    how to read, and eventually write?   
    Saturday December 1 (9am - 1pm) 
    Unity Reception Hall, 5840 Oak Street 
    Register early as space is limited! Click here for more information 
        
  • TRANSITION COORDINATOR & PATH TRAININGS: ($250) *Please read the flyer carefully, as this event is an intensive training designed for PROFESSIONALS wanting to become Transition Coordinators.The role of "Transition Coordinator" is both challenging and rewarding as it can be one of the most important roles in helping a team, and a Teen to succeed. Transition Coordinators play the part of team leader, case manager, planner, organizer, and guide to building and supporting a great Transition Team for each teen. Transition Coordinators often commit to 1, 2, or even 3 years of giving monthly support to a Teen's Team.PATH is a creative planning tool which inspires collaboration and unites all participants in a visioning and planning process. A "PATH Facilitator" is a person specifically trained to support families through this process in a way that will generate clarity,
    conviction, and direction for the journey ahead. Being a PATH Facilitator requires a commitment of approximately 5 hours per teen, at a minimum.
    This workshop offers COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING to people wishing to become "Transition Coordinators", "PATH Facilitators" or both, by integrating PATH into our Teen Transition Planning system. All participants will learn how to use this powerful
    combination of tools for use in supporting teens and their families through this challenging stage of life. ~ Abbotsford, BC:  Dec 11, 12, 13, 2012 (Tues, Wed, Thur) 8:30 to 3:30  Click here for more information 
  • Leaving High School....What's Next?  For Parents.  How do you prepare for this big change in your son's or daughter's life? This workshop is designed to help families understand how to prepare for their son's or daughter's transition from high school into a full life in the community. Drawing on the experiences of many parents and professionals, we will discuss roles and responsibilities, the planning process, planning tools and available resources and services.  DCLS Resource Centre Saturday January 2013 9:00 am - 3:00pm Facilitated by Wendi Mackintosh from the Family Support Institute.  For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call her at 604-952-6490
  • 16th Annual Children the Heart of the Matter Conference
    February 1 & 2, 2013
    Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey
    We're excited to announce that our conference brochure is now available and registration is open. To view the list of workshops and keynote speakers please download the conference brochure. Registration is available through our website HERE 
  • Mentorying Boys: BOYS CAN WRITE: Unity Church, 5840 Oak Street, Vancouver   February 2, 2013 (9am - 1pm)  2 for 1 pricing until December 15   Outstanding Value! 
    This NEW workshop is for parents AND teachers. Some of the agenda topics addressed:
    * Why do different boys need different strategies?
    * How to address the link between moving and writing?
    * How to respond to boys who write about violence?
    * How to write less so boys will write more?
    * How do we make writing more relevant for boys?
    * How can we ignite boys' enthusiasm to WRITE? Click here to register or for more information 
  • Introduction to the Assessment of Functional Living Skills - The AFLSTM.  Friday, February 8th - Vancouver
    8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Presented by: James W. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D
    Individuals of all ages need to learn many critical functional living skills in order to successfully participate in a wide range of home, school and community-based activities. This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools to analyze and track a learner's functional living skills and develop an individualized intervention program to help a learner become less dependent upon assistance from others.
    The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (The AFLSTM) reviews over 900 skills in 32 functional areas, such as; traveling in the community, making purchases, seeking assistance as required, preparing meals, helping with household chores, and participating in social and leisure.  Click here for more information  
  • Families Promoting Employment First:  For Parents and Professionals

    This is designed to support families to develop a vision for employment with their sons or daughters, and to stimulate thinking about how families and their supporters could build an employment focus into planning for and with their sons' or daughters' future.

    The first workshop (1/2 day) will focus on preparing, planning and pursuing employment. 

    The second workshop (1/2 day) will encourage an employment thinking perspective and approach and will provide families with examples and ideas to support them to profile, promote and support their sons and daughters towards employment. Saturday February 23, 2013 9:00am - 3:30pm at the DCLS Resource Centre.Facilitated by Rachelle Czerwindki of the Family Support Institute.  For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call 604-952-6490 

       
  • Friend2Friend: Facilitator's Workshop: Register Now!
    March 1 & 2, 2013 9am-4pm
    The Friend 2 Friend Facilitator's Workshop is a two-day workshop designed to support those who wish to implement the Friend 2 Friend Autism Demystification Packaged Programs entitled Can I Play Too? Autism Demystification Puppet Packaged Program and Demystifying Autism: The Friend 2 Friend Simulation Game Program in inclusive community settings to children ages 3 through 18. Click here for more information 
  • Mentoring Boys:How to talk so boys will listen and listen so boys will talk...   Vancouver, March 9, 2013 
    Barry MacDonald's most popular parenting workshop will provide  you with practical wisdom to strengthen your parenting and mentor your son into a man of courage and compassion.  
    "This workshop changed our family life. I had no idea how frequently I was frustrating my son by expecting him to listen and attend to me in ways that were counterproductive. My son now smiles at me when I suggest that we should go for a walk to talk about a charged issue."
    Rebecca Williams, Calgary  Click here for more information or to register

     
  • Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz™ with Autism (ASD).  Finally, an advanced pediatric massage therapy training program for healthcare professionals who wish to provide touch therapy for children with Autism (ASD). The Liddle Kidz™ Foundation course is an intense, fun and effective way to advance your pediatric massage therapy skills and embrace children who have been diagnosed with one of many developmental disorders that includes autism, Asperger's Syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pervasive development disorder (PDD), and nonverbal learning disorder (NLD).  Founded by master teacher and philanthropist Tina Allen, the Liddle Kidz™ Foundation offers a new, comprehensive, research based training course and teaches students what they really need to know to become an advanced professional in the area of pediatric massage therapy.  Any experienced healthcare professional will tell you that there is a world of difference between learning how to massage a child from a book or DVD, and knowing how to provide the best care to meet a child and families needs, however, there are few opportunities to learn the skills they really need from a working healthcare professional who has provided infant and pediatric massage education throughout the world.   
  • Transition Planning and CLBC: Tuesday April 9, 2013 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the DCLS Resource Centre. Facilitated by CLBC For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call 604-952-6490    
  • Transition Planning and CLBC:  Tuesday April 16, 2013 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the DCLS Scott Road Connections.  Facilitated by CLBC For more information please contact Si Stainton here or call 604-952-6490  
     

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SeasonalSeasonal    

  • Holiday meal suggestions.  Holidays are supposed to be Norman Rockwell picture-perfect moments: The extended family gathered 'round the heavily laden table with an enormous turkey, everyone happy and thankful. The only mischief involves children peeking through their fingers during the prayers. Okay, now back to reality! Frankly, how often is it really like that for any family, much less AS families like ours? Before we bask in cruel disappointment, with a little planning you can swing the odds in your favor to have a happy family holiday after all. Click here for some great tips from Kristi Sakai! 
       
  • Solutions to Your ADHD Holiday Problems.  How to streamline and organize your holiday activities to maximize fun and minimize stress. Have you ever seen a kid in a candy store -- or been one yourself? That's what the holiday season is like for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). With so many things to do, sights to see, festivities to attend, it's tempting to try to do everything. As one of my clients put it, "I've never met an idea I didn't like." Of course, you can't do everything, and trying to do so will turn what should be a joyous season into a three-month whirlwind of stress and anxiety. Click here to read more 
  • Looking for a Holiday Family Photo - Check out Tara's website :here - She has beyond reasonable rates - She is the Purple Butterfly Photographer! 
     
  • Christmas Programs at Deltassist are Gearing Up!             
    Please mark these important dates on your calendar:            
    �       Christmas program registration opens - November 5th 
    �       Toy Depot dates - December 11th, 12th and 13th 
    �       Christmas Hamper deliver date - Saturday December 22nd 
    �       Deadline to register for the Toy Depot - December 7th 
    �       Deadline to register for a Hamper - December 14th 
    You can download all our Christmas forms or get more information about all the Christmas programs and activities here 
  •  Vancouver Special Children's Christmas Party. 
    The party is FREE and will be held at 11 am on December 8th, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre for three fun-filled hours. The party includes a continuous stage show featuring celebrities and performing artists, rides, activities, wandering entertainers, face painting and free prizes. The children will also be provided with a healthy lunch and will be met by Santa in his toy room, filled with thousands of excellent quality toys, where they will each receive three gifts to take home with them.  
    The Party is being hosted by Virgin 95.3 and Special Events Management Canada, who are modeling the event on parties that have been held successfully in Australia and New Zealand for over 25 years.To provide you with an idea of what you and your special needs child(ren) will experience on the day, please visit our website here. The goal of the event is to provide more than 1600 special needs children with a day they will never forget! 
    The deadline for requests for invitations is OCTOBER 30, 2012. The invitations will be mailed to you closer to the date of the party. Please note that it is unlikely that late requests for invitations can be filled. If you have any questions, please contact me by email here, or call 604-358-5265 or 306-220-9988.
  • Holiday Open House

    • Wednesday, December 12, 2012 * 1 - 3 pm
    • Hosted by Community Living BC Surrey Delta
    • 604-501-8307
    • 15132 62A Ave.
    • Surrey, BC

    Parking is available at Sullivan Hall 1 block to the east.

    Please RSVP by December 1, 2012

     
  • DCLS Christmas Party:  at the Kinsman Building 5:30pm - 10:00 pm December 13, 2012  For more information please contact Si Stainton Here or call her at 604-952-6490 
     

 

 

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Other

Other                

  • Research Supports Importance of Attachment to Child Health & Adjustment.  Lately, the word 'attachment' has been floating around with what seems like increasing frequency, especially in the family service sector. The general consensus is that the development of secure attachment between parent(s) or caregiver(s) and children is important. Other current research helps us to conclude that because it's important, it's also conducive to a child's development to work towards building secure attachment. So, in that case, what is attachment, and more specifically, what is secure attachment?   Click here to read more. 
  • Attachment with your baby.  Bonding is the intense attachment that develops between parents and their baby. It makes parents want to shower their baby with love and affection and to protect and nourish their little one. Bonding gets parents up in the middle of the night to feed their hungry baby and makes them attentive to the baby's wide range of cries.  Click here to read more  
  • Special Olympics BC is a sport organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our mission 'is to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to enrich their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences'.Two new programs we are adding to Vancouver are called Active Start and FUNdamentals.Active Start is a program for children aged 2-6. The goal of this program is to teach basic motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, balancing etc. while having fun and interacting with peers. FUNdamentals is similar to Active Start but is for youth aged 7-11. During this program, we focus on basic sport skills like throwing (over and under hand), dribbling, kicking, batting, catching etc. They are both extremely fun programs and we are excited to bring this to the Vancouver local.Our new program is starting April 15th and will be taking place each Sunday at the Hastings Community Centre. It will run from 1-2pm and will be 12 weeks long.There is a fee of $15 for the entire program and this includes a t-shirt for each athlete. Click here for more information 
  • Planning for the Future Part 1. Today I'm bringing to you the first in a series of posts about estate planning and long term savings for your special needs child.

    We all worry about our kids and wonder what will happen to them as adults. CLBC is a complete mess at the moment and offers very little to a disabled child transitioning to adulthood. There exists a bare bones disability benefit known as the "Persons with Disabilities" or PWD benefit, but at about $900 per month this doesn't make for an existence with any luxuries. Click here to read more and see parts 2 and 3 

      
  • Click here for the current DELTA ASSIST EVENTS!  
  • FROM BACI: HandyCard news: HandyCARDS expiring on December 31st 2012 will not be renewed.  When the COMPASS CARD is introduced in 2013 a new access card will be required for people with disabilities. Everyone should continue to use their expired HandyCARDS until Compass Cards are introduced. For more information please contact:
    Linda McGowan, Consumer Advocacy Manager, MVT Canadian Bus Inc.
    Email here or call 778.772.4432
  • FSI Resource Guide - full of resources, programs and services related to disability issues.Welcome to our brand new resource guide! This guide is designed to provide easier access to current resources, programs and services related to disability issues. We welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions. Let us know how it worked for you. Click here to see this new guide! 
  •  FSI Wellness Booklet - "When Do I Have Time...? for Wellness" - information on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. PLEASE CHECK THIS  OUT - it is a brilliant resource for caregivers!  Click here for FSI's WELLNESS GUIDE  
  • BCACL; "Values, Vision and Action" retreat for families in January, 2013 Do you dream of a good life for your family member with an intellectual disability? Do you struggle to achieve this dream? You are not alone. Many families are searching for ways to make their dreams a reality. Join us for a weekend of connecting, learning and sharing with others. Join BCACL, with the Canadian Association for Community Living, for a three-day retreat in Loon Lake.  Email Jeremy Vis at BCACL for an application form: Here 
  • Friend2Friend Information Evening:November 28th, 2012 7-8pm  Friend 2 Friend will be hosting a free information evening on Wednesday, November 28th from  7-8pm at our new play centre located at 2941 Kingsway, Vancouver. This session is designed for parents of children who have or going to participate in the F2F Programs at school or at our Play Centre, as well as educators and professionals. Join us to visit our new state-of-the-art play centre,  learn about our programs, and models, meet other parents and meet our Master Guides.  This is a free information evening and attendees must register in advance. Please register by e-mailing your full name to our office to here. You will receive an e-mail confirmation from us when your registration is confirmed.  Click here for more information  Click here for Friend2Friends Fall Newsletter
  • 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
  • Barry McDonald's BOYSMARTS Current Newsletter -
    To help boys develop their full potential we need to respect and affirm the ways they can shine. What do boys need to develop their love for literacy? How can we engage them to write because they want to? This month's article features the voices of a family that I interviewed at the new Boys Can Write! workshop.

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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 |