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REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.
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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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 Reach 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.
Please note: The first meeting of the Reach Parent Support Group (south Delta only) will be changed from Jan 23 to January 30.
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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
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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
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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.
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**Most families use the autism funding to cover the cost of the program
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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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Help a Parent?
- If you can, please take some time to sign this petition to add much needed HandyDART Bus Services to those who need it the most due to physical or cognitive disabilities. I am leading an effort to get 1000 signatures on this petition, Everyone & Anyone can sign.
My petition link is here
To learn more about the issues around the HandyDART Bus Service, you can click this link to hear my Report on Radio News 101 - CiTR 101.9FM: Here
Also, please share the petition around to your family and friends/Co-Workers or post it on your Facebook wall if you have an account. Much appreciate it!
Thank-you,Deepi
- Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey! If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to join us for a district-wide meeting. Our first meeting November 20 was a great success. A second meeting will be held on January 15, 2013 (Tuesday) at 7pm at Surrey School District Administration Centre, 14033 92nd Avenue, Surrey BC. The purposes of this group are:
- to make sure that every parent/caregiver of a special needs child is aware of the resources available to them
- to enhance communication in a positive way with the Surrey School District so we can work together to better assist our children
- to create a support network for parents/caregivers of special needs children
- Please share this information with as many people as you can and let's get the word out. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact Bill Jensen, cell 604-835-7771 or email here
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Autism - ASPIRES goes SNOWSHOEING up MOUNT SEYMOUR! In previous years, we've gone snowshoeing up Cypress Mountain, with Cypress employees working as our guides.
This year, for the first time, we're going up Mount Seymour, with the awesome Power to Be team working as our guides.
WHO:
- any ASPIRES youth with High Functioning Autism/Aspergers, who is able to participate independently, without an aid/assistance
- no previous snowshoeing experience necessary!
WHAT:
- 2 hours of snowshoeing on Mount Seymour trails
- snowshoes will be provided - remember to wear appropriate snow gear (toque, gloves, etc.) & comfortable snow boots
- please let me know if you'll be bringing your own snowshoes
- cost = $20/pp
- please pay me, SUE
WHEN:
- SAT, JAN 19
- 12:00 noon - meet just inside the cafeteria
- 12:30pm-2:30pm - snowshoeing on Seymour trails
- 2:30 - hot chocolate in the cafeteria (included in the $20 fee)
WHERE: - Mount Seymour, North Van
- we'll meet just inside the cafeteria
WHY: - because we love to have fun out in beautiful nature - * Please note that this event is NOT covered by the Autism Funding Unit. The Autism Funding Unit will NOT cover expenses for this activity.
* Families will pay individually for each child's snowshoeing activities. Payment will be made to SUE, the organizer.
You may already be familiar with Power to Be through a previous ASPIRES experience. Power to Be has been partnering with other recreational facilities in the community who are willing to offer discounted rates to BC's special children. Check out the Power To Be website here - Our Power to Be partner reminds us of this important safety note: "As the road up to Mt Seymour is a Mountain Road, all vehicles going up are required to have good winter tires or chains, so I want to make sure that participants coming have access to adequate transportation."
If you don't have tires/chains, perhaps you could carpool with someone who does have them? If you have tires/chains, & you're willing to give a lift, please let me know. If you need a ride, please let me know & I'll see if I can hook you up with another driver. Alternatively, there is a Mount Seymour Shuttle Bus that runs at least every, for $6 each way. Check out the hours of operation. A bus leaves Parkgate Mall at both 11:30am. (The bus takes approx 15 mins.)
- by email here
- or by phone @ 604 722 9277
Please include the following info:
- name & phone number of the person who is doing the registration (in case I need to contact you)
- please let me know if you'll be bringing your own snowshoes
- name of each youth going snowshoeing
- name of each adult going snowshoeing
- which bus you're planning to take, if you're taking the Seymour Shuttle Bus
- Autism device hidden in designer vest. A Vancouver entrepreneur's start-up company is hoping to put "the squeeze" on autism. Lisa Fraser, a recent graduate from Vancouver's Emily Carr University, has designed a special medical vest that helps children cope with the disorder and made the device - the SnugVest - look just like a sleeveless jacket with a hoodie. Click here to read more
- David Shapiro Sharif: 'My Name Is David' Video Criticized As Glossing Over Difficulties Of Autism (VIDEO). Ever since Adam Lanza, the gunman in last week's tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, was identified as having Asperger's syndrome, the community has been on the defensive. Last Friday, autism advocacy organization Autism Speaks released a video called "My Name is David" on YouTube. The video features an animated boy delivering the actual words and voice of the author of the speech, David Shapiro Sharif, a 14-year-old with autism. Click here to read more and see the video
- Eating Away Autism? The Gaps Diet. The Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet (GAPS) was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, who also founded The Cambridge Nutrition Clinic. Dr. Campbell-McBride believes nutrition plays a critical role in helping children and adults overcome their disabilities. GAPS is supposed to help heal digestive disorders and subsequent issues such as certain learning and behavioral disorders (i.e. autism, depression, ect.). The nutritional program for GAPS is made up of 3 basic parts: Click here to read more
- Fragile X Protein Linked to Nearly 100 Genes Involved in Autism. DURHAM, N.C. - Doctors have known for many years that patients with fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, are often also diagnosed with autism. But little has been known about how the two diagnoses are related. Now a collaborative research effort at Duke University Medical Center and Rockefeller University has pinpointed the precise genetic footprint that links the two. The findings, published online in the journal Nature on Dec. 12, 2012, point the way toward new genetic testing that could more precisely diagnose and categorize the spectrum of autism-related disorders. Click here to read more
- Are you interested in a group based program for your child? GABA is a group program for children ages 3 to 6 years old. We are an inclusive program and accept children with or without an Autism diagnosis. We offer intensive contemporary ABA intervention and
focus on teaching receptive and expressive language, motor skills, self-help skills, community skills, and school readiness skills, among others. Our program is directed by a Ph.D level board certified behavior analyst and supported by well trained professionals including a masters level supervisor and an early childhood educator. We currently have openings in our morning session (9am-12pm) and afternoon session (1-4pm). Please contact us if you have any questions or are interested in our program! Group ABA Children's Centre 604-876-4222 8874 Hudson Street Vancouver BC CLick here for our website
- Bridges Youth Development and Education Sessions!
- Friday Night Hangout is an exciting new group that offers youth a safe and supportive environment to socialize with friends on a Friday night. Group members will have the opportunity to play video games, board games, air hockey, fooseball and other fun activities. There will also be arts & crafts, a great movie and great food! Participating in social activities with friends presents youth with the opporunity to practice and apply a variety of skills in a practical context. Some of these skills include: learning to compromise, building friendships, problem solving, turn taking, and more. Most importantly, your youth will learn that being social is fun!
- Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $45/night $270 full session (6 nights)
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm Unit 401 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
Dates: Winter 2013 Fridays, January 11, 25, February 8, 22, March 8, 22
- Life Skills Unlimited was created to assist youth and teens in developing attitudes and skills necessary to help them prepare for their future. It is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. Our goal is to provide a variety of activities, discussions, and educational experiences that teach our group members skills and nurture independence. We believe that building on strengths helps to instil positive self esteem and teaches youth the confidence required to take charge of their own lives. Together we strive to build the philosophy that they have the ability to contribute to society and have a positive impact on the world around them.
Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $60/night $600 full session
(10 weeks) Thursday, January 10,17, 24, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14
Unit 401-14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC - Teen Eatz. Why Cook? teaches teamwork by working and sharing with others in the kitchen builds organizational skills builds confidence, responsibility and self esteem encourages creativity builds sensory skills through tasting, hearing, touching, smelling and seeing different foods builds a foundation for healthy habits and nutrition skills that will be carried on through adulthood fosters independence and life skill development teaches vocational skills
- Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $35/hr = $70/night $700 full session
(10 weeks)Monday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Unit 401- 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
- The Community HUB was created to assist teens in developing and practicing social skills and life skills in their own community. Through participating in fun, age-appropriate social/recreational activities, your teen will have the opportunity to build long lasting friendships, increase their confidence and develop independence.
Group members will be given their own budgets, navigate menus and activity options, interact with community members & servers, practice making joint decisions with group members and more! The Community Hub is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $90/evening = $180/session
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, January 18, 2012 - Dinner and Laser Tag
Friday, February 15, 2012 - Empire Movie Extravaganza
- 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/ADHD - ADHD Sleep Problems: Causes and Tips to Rest Better Tonight! Sleep disorders often disrupt attention deficit treatment in children and adults. Expert ADHD sleep advice for catching zzz's quicker, staying asleep better, and waking up healthier. For many adults and children with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), the thought of falling asleep easily, staying asleep through the night, and then waking up easily -- and refreshed -- seems but a dream. Click here to read more
- Creature Comforts: How Pets Help You Feel Better. Unconditional love from a furry friend can do wonders for an ADHDer's self-esteem and peace of mind. My daughter gets so much from our pets. She gives them love, and they return it, without judgment! Our pets are always there for her, which is not the case with siblings and friends. -Sheilah, Washington. Click here to read more
- Fish Oil for Kids These fish oil and omega-3 products have been taste-tested -- and approved -- by ADDitude's panel of ADHD children. Like many other parents, I want my daughter, Natalie, to consume more omega-3 fatty acids; several studies suggest that they improve focus and concentration in kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). When it comes to taste -- especially the taste of fish oil, a common source of omega-3s -- children can be choosy. So ADDitude asked three kids -- Natalie (age 10, ADHD), Harry (10, ADHD), and Katie (7, ADD) -- to try several popular omega-3 products. Click here to read more
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Down Syndrome
- DSRF has new programs! The registration deadline for these two new programs is next week (Wednesday January the 9th) please call Pat Hanbury or Hina Mahmood at 604-444-3773.
There is also space in this session of cooking which starts this Monday January the 7th (details below).
ˇ The Drama Program is designed to strengthen auditory memory, clarity and volume of expression, flexible thinking and confidence in front of an audience. This fun and motivating program will include memory games, pairing of actions with words to improve retention, voice and projection activities, improvisational games and the study and production of a play.
The program is taught by an experienced instructor and the class size is limited to 8 participants. The program runs for 14 weeks on Fridays for two hours from 3:30-5:30 and is for participants age 16 and up.
The start date is Friday January 18th and the end date is Friday April 26th. There is no session during the spring break week of Friday March 22nd.
The fee for the program is $350 and can be paid in full or by monthly payments of $87.50.
ˇ The Communication and Community Navigation program is a 16 week twice weekly program that focuses on strengthening communication skills to support conversations with co-workers and community members and emphasizes the typical behavior that accompanies these relationships. Students will examine and role play expected behavior associated with strangers, co-workers, acquaintances and close friends or family and discern typical displays of affection and conversation topics.
Community navigation is another area of focus developed through the use of transportation planning tools, smart phone applications, community signs and mall maps. Learning to solve problems related to unexpected events that range from transportation breakdown or errors in route planning to uncomfortable social encounters are also emphasized.
This program is taught by an experienced instructor and a registered speech and language therapist also works with the group once a week. Class size is limited to 6 students who are able to read for information, navigate the web and take public transportation independently.
The program meets for 16 weeks on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00-12:00. Start date is Monday January 14th and end date is Monday May 13th; with a one week spring break the week of May 18th and no session on Family Day which is February 11th for a total of 32 sessions. The fee is $ 700 and is payable in full, or by the month at $140 per month.
Registration is by interview for this course and an assessment to complete before the start of the program.
ˇ The Cooking Program provides a safe instructional environment to learn the basics of meal preparation. Participants will learn to produce a variety of dinner options using the "whole plate" method of nutritional control.
The program aims to increase self-confidence when cooking independently with instructional methods that include video, incremental steps in a cue card format, and direct experience through repetition. All participants receive recipes, videos and cue cards at the end of the course.
Increasing social communication among cooking class peers is supported by the small class size and facilitated by an experienced instructor twice a week starting January7th to February 18th.
Each class is capped at 6 students -- 16 years and up.
This 6 week program meets Monday & Wednesday
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:30
Fees: $420 for the 6 week program
- You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
ˇ To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
ˇ To provide support and information to families in Delta who
have a child with Down Syndrome
ˇ To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
ˇ To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
ˇ 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 -
Educating Austin: supporting kids with fetal alcohol syndrome. School can be a problem for children like Austin Layte. He was in Grade 3 last year, but spent most of May and June, not in class but in the principal's office - visits that mystified a boy who always seem to have a storm brewing inside. His mother, Kathy Moreland Layte, had worked with the school to come up with a solution for his difficult behaviour. She says everyone tried to work around his emotional triggers, and the result was an individual education plan that was mostly behavioural. For example, rather than having a locker or cubbyhole - he could lash out, if someone bumped into him - he was allowed to keep his things in a separate room. 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 - 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 2013. 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 .
JANUARY 31 Anger Management
FEBRURARY 13 Grief & Loss
MARCH 21 Cross Cultural - Infant Mental Health
APRIL 11 Gender Identity
MAY 23 Role of Recreation in Recovery
JUNE 20 Parental Mental Illness
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 - B.C. Education Report RSS Feed The future of special education in B.C. schools.
Several readers emailed me last week to advise that the B.C. Education Ministry is planning changes to special education. I began making inquiries before starting holidays Wednesday but didn't gather enough information to write a story. Since I won't be back at work until Jan. 7, I thought I should post what I have learned. Some of the reader emails suggested the ministry intends to drop special education categories, but the ministry says that's not true. In response to my inquiry, ministry spokesman Matt Silver replied: Click here to read more
- THANK A SPECIAL TEACHER: Dear Superintendent of Schools. Every mother who has ever taken her child to school for the very first time is a little nervous. I know that you are a mother as well, so I am sure you remember this feeling. I remember it with my older child. I guess it is a rite of passage for every parent. But handing over to a stranger a child who cannot speak to defend himself, cannot ask for what he needs, and cannot communicate what has happened in his day is an experience that cannot adequately be understood -unless you have done it yourself. It is a whole new level of trust and fear. Click here to read more
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Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey! If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to join us for a district-wide meeting. Our first meeting November 20 was a great success. A second meeting will be held on January 15, 2013 (Tuesday) at 7pm at Surrey School District Administration Centre, 14033 92nd Avenue, Surrey BC. The purposes of this group are:
- to make sure that every parent/caregiver of a special needs child is aware of the resources available to them
- to enhance communication in a positive way with the Surrey School District so we can work together to better assist our children
- to create a support network for parents/caregivers of special needs children
Please share this information with as many people as you can and let's get the word out. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact Bill Jensen, cell 604-835-7771 or email here
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Ministry Information
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Workshops and Training - Pinwheel Education Series January-June 2013 Topics Lineup
- JANUARY 31 Anger Management
FEBRURARY 13 Grief & Loss
MARCH 21 Cross Cultural - Infant Mental Health
APRIL 11 Gender Identity
MAY 23 Role of Recreation in Recovery
JUNE 20 Parental Mental Illness
Time: Thursdays, from 12-1pm
Cost: Free, open to everyone!
To join the teleconference:
Telephone: DIAL 1.877.291.3022, enter CODE 4611577#, press *6 to mute after
you are connected
Questions? Contact us:
PHONE 604.875.2084 TOLL-FREE 1.800.665.1822 or email here
- 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 26, 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
- Getting Ready for the Real World How Schools & Families Can Prepare Adolescents with Autism for the Social Challenges of Adulthood. Children with ASD grow up, and as the numbers of adolescents and adults with ASD expand, we need to consider how to prepare them for the challenges of adult life. This presentation will provide an overview of the components of effective, behavioral analytic intervention with older learners. Specific topics include community transition, employment, behavior support, healthy sexuality, and quality of life.Friday, March 8th - Vancouver Presented by: Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.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.
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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
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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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The 2013 BC Summer Institute July 15 - 19, 2013 is led by the Family Support Institute in beautiful Vancouver. This event is designed to provide a robust learning environment that will facilitate strategic approaches to inclusion and belonging for all students in BC's elementary and secondary schools. Participants will include administrators, classroom teachers, resource teachers, other members of the School Based Team, paraprofessionals, therapists and parents. This institute is designed to give participants the foundation they have been looking for to complement good practice and give access to the resources necessary to properly facilitate belonging and inclusion for all students. Schools are encouraged to register as a team, ensuring that a variety of positions within it are represented. Individuals from across B.C. will be coming together to work with people who have been doing this work for decades and who have experienced success in all aspects of Inclusive Learning. (Attendees will have the option of enrolling in the Institute as a UBC undergraduate course for three credits.) Participants will leave with a common language around values, a shared understanding about how to facilitate strategies learned and an improved skill set to better put those strategies and values into action within their schools. Click here for more information
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Seasonal -
ADHD Resolutions: One Step at a Time Pick one little habit you want to practice for the month of January. Baby Steps is the way to succeed! On January 1, 1999 I awakened like everybody else, with the same New Year's resolution I had had my entire life: Get organized. For 25 years, I had bought self-help books and motivational tapes, only to be overwhelmed after a few weeks. I tried very hard to follow their directions, but, in the end, I'd get discouraged. I just accepted the fact that I was born messy. I would always be living in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) Click here to read more
- Believe in Yourself and New Year's Resolutions Will Follow. Start slowly, start today to generate the motivation for changes this new year! It's easy enough to make a New Year's resolution - following through for the rest of the year is the challenge for most adults with attention deficit disorder (ADHD). My best advice: Don't impose a time frame on change. Waiting until January 1st is just an acceptable form of procrastination, which most of us are already too good at. Likewise, don't be discouraged if January's nearly over. There are 11 more months in a year, and it's never too late to start. Click here to read more
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Other - QUOTE of the day: (People) may be said to resemble not the bricks of which a house is build, but the pieces of a picture puzzle, each differing in shape, but matching the rest, and thus bringing out the picture. - Felix Adler
- BC Services Card ID in B.C. is getting an upgrade. The new BC Services Card will provide secure access to provincial government services. Starting February 15, 2013, new cards will be issued with the goal of eventually replacing all existing CareCards.The new card, which would replace the current Care Card, will offer more security benefits than a current driver's licence, including a photograph of the beneficiary, anti-forgery features, high-level identity proofing - as well as a security chip. People can choose to have the new card, or to have their driver's licence indicate they are enrolled in the Medical Services Plan. Click here for more information
- Music is Wonderful Dance is Magic. We are happy to announce that we are organizing a dance class for children, youth and adults with special needs and their siblings. Classes
taught by a Behaviour Consultant and an experienced music teacher. Classes Start on January 12, 2013. Every Saturday from 11:00am - 12pm FEE: $40 for 8 sessions. For more information call HELEN PREMIA : 778-565-1291 or email here 6878 142nd Street Surrey, BC - 'I Am Adam Lanza's Mother': A Mom's Perspective On The Mental Illness Conversation In America. Friday's horrific national tragedy -- the murder of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut -- has ignited a new discussion on violence in America. In kitchens and coffee shops across the country, we tearfully debate the many faces of violence in America: gun culture, media violence, lack of mental health services, overt and covert wars abroad, religion, politics and the way we raise our children. Liza Long, a writer based in Boise, says it's easy to talk about guns. But it's time to talk about mental illness. Click here to read more
- Youth KIT now available on website! Can Child Centre for Childhood Disability Research
Building on the popularity of the KIT: Keeping it Together™an organizational tool for parents caring for children with disabilities, the Youth KIT is now available for youth with disabilities. The Youth KIT will help youth give, get, and organize their own information, in a way that promotes self-management as they begin the transition from adolescence into adulthood. This Youth KIT is now available on the CanChild website, thanks to generous funding from Hamilton District Society for Disabled Children, Pollock Foundation, and Easter Seals Ontario. Youth KIT worksheets and training videos are also included. Click here to learn more about this amazing resource!
- From Friend2Friend: Thank you! Thank you to the parents and professionals who attended our Information Evenings this year at the Friend 2 Friend Play Centre. The next information evening will be held on Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 7-8pm. This information evening is designed for parents of children who have or are 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 get acquainted with our Master Guides. This is a free information evening and attendees must register in advance. Childcare is not available. Please register by e-mailing your full name to our office Here.
- New Step Consultation Services new programs!
Description: -In small group settings, each participant will be given the opportunity to
interact with other children/teenagers of a similar age through a variety of
activities and games. -This class is especially suitable for children/teenagers with special needs (i.e., autism and other developmental disabilities) or typical
children/teenagers who are having difficulties forming friendships.-A summary will be given to parents after each session.Group A: 6 or under (2 spaces left for Tuesday afternoon session)-Description: Students will be put together in groups of 2 with one
instructorper group. For every 10-15min, each student will be switch to another group/instructor. And then, every 10-15min, each group of students will beswitching to a new activity.
Group B: 7-9 years old (3 spaces left)
Group C: 10-13 years old (2 spaces left)
Group D: 14 and above-Description:* Social Skills Topic: discussing, role-playing, practicing specific skills(i.e. using our eyes to talk, staring a conversation, how to join a
conversation, etc.)* DVD drill: A clip of a scene from social skills video clips or other
age-appropriate TV show clips will be shown to the group that is related to a specific topic.
* Games: board games, card games, or social skills game such as social skills Hangman or Sociopoloy (A social skills game that I designed with other previous social skills students).
* Relationship Development Intervention (RDIŽ)-based activities.
* Outings (for ages 12 year old or above)
Dates: -Jan-Mar. 2012
Location: -Unit 238-11590 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC (located beside the Cambie Public
Library)
Time-Each class is 1.5 hours (Weekly or twice a week)
Price:-$60 per class
Registration: Contact Joanna Chau: here or Tahnee Lam here or (604) 787-6221
- A 14 week social skills intervention, PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills), a program that teaches middle and high school students (grades 7-12) with high functioning autism or Aspergers Syndrome, to make and keep friends. PEERS is taught in weekly, small-group settings, using techniques including didactic instruction, modeling, coaching, behavioural rehearsal, performance feedback and weekly homework assignments supported by parents/caregivers.
Parent participation is a vital component of the PEERS model. There is a weekly parent group, run by a PEERS certified facilitator, in which caregivers learn to be effective social coaches for their child. This group runs at the same time as the teen session. Additionally, parents will help their child complete weekly assignments (eg. phoning a friend, hosting a get-together, etc.).
Program Topics Include:
How to use appropriate conversation skills
How to find common interests by trading information
How to appropriately use humour
How to enter and exit conversations between peers
How to handle rejection, teasing and bullying
How to be a good host during get-togethers
How to make phone calls to friends
How to choose appropriate friends
How to be a good sport
How to handle arguments and disagreements
How to change a bad reputation
For more information, or to request an intake package, please contact Lauren Smith, M.Ed., one of our PEERS certified facilitators: here
- Bridges Youth Development and Education Sessions!
- Friday Night Hangout is an exciting new group that offers youth a safe and supportive environment to socialize with friends on a Friday night. Group members will have the opportunity to play video games, board games, air hockey, fooseball and other fun activities. There will also be arts & crafts, a great movie and great food!
Participating in social activities with friends presents youth with the opporunity to practice and apply a variety of skills in a practical context. Some of these skills include: learning to compromise, building friendships, problem solving, turn taking, and more.Most importantly, your youth will learn that being social is fun! - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $45/night
$270 full session (6 nights)
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm Unit 401 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
Dates: Winter 2013 Fridays, January 11, 25, February 8, 22, March 8, 22
- Life Skills Unlimited was created to assist youth and teens in developing attitudes and skills necessary to help them prepare for their future. It is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Disorder, High Functioning Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. Our goal is to provide a variety of activities, discussions, and educational experiences that teach our group members skills and nurture independence. We believe that building on strengths helps to instil positive self esteem and teaches youth the confidence required to take charge of their own lives. Together we strive to build the philosophy that they have the ability to contribute to society and have a positive impact on the world around them.
Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $60/night $600 full session
(10 weeks) Thursday, January 10,17, 24, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14
Unit 401-14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC - Teen Eatz. Why Cook? teaches teamwork by working and sharing with others in the kitchen builds organizational skills builds confidence, responsibility and self esteem
encourages creativity builds sensory skills through tasting, hearing, touching, smelling and seeing different foods builds a foundation for healthy habits and nutrition skills that will be carried on through adulthood fosters independence and life skill development teaches vocational skills - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $35/hr = $70/night $700 full session
(10 weeks)Monday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Unit 401- 14640 - 64 Avenue Surrey, BC
- The Community HUB was created to assist teens in developing and practicing social skills and life skills in their own community. Through participating in fun, age-appropriate social/recreational activities, your teen will have the opportunity to build long lasting friendships, increase their confidence and develop independence.
Group members will be given their own budgets, navigate menus and activity options, interact with community members & servers, practice making joint decisions with group members and more! The Community Hub is designed for youth and teens with: Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, PDD NOS, Anxiety, or other social/behavioural needs. - Ages: 12 - 18
Cost: $30/hr = $90/evening = $180/session
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, January 18, 2012 - Dinner and Laser Tag
Friday, February 15, 2012 - Empire Movie Extravaganza
- 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
- CALLING FOR ARTWORK! WE are Community: Defining Inclusion
May 22-25, 2013, Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, Vancouver, BC
The 2013 BCACL Conference Planning Committee is seeking submissions of visual artwork and photography from self advocate artists and artists with developmental disabilities. The theme of this year's conference is "WE are Community: Defining Inclusion". Together, united, we are able to build and grow as a movement. The artwork will be used on the cover of the 2013 Conference Program and on other promotional materials. The art must be created by a self advocate or a person with a developmental disability who is willing to give us permission to use the image of their artwork in these materials.
To submit a piece of art, send an email here that includes the artist's name and contact information and a scanned image or photo of the art here by January 11, 2013.
You could also mail a photo with the artist's name and contact information to Charlotte Kates c/o BCACL, 227 6th Street New Westminster, BC V3L 3A5. - 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
- 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
- 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
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- 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 Liaison, Email here , 604-952-6490 or visit our website Here
- Barry McDonald's BOYSMARTS Current Newsletter
DRIVE
- How can we respond when a boy uses minimal effort and barely coasts through school?
How can we support a boy's internal motivation to achieve?
How can we engage boys more fully so that they can discover their own inner drive?
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Submissions 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 |
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