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.
Come in to Ladner and Tsawwassen McDonald's restaurants on Wednesday May 8th from 9 am to 7 pm and purchase a Coffee, Happy Meal or Big Mac and $1 will go to Reach Child and Youth Development Society. This is the seventh year that the Ladner and Tsawwassen McDonald's have donated McHappy Day proceeds to Reach, having raised a total of approximately $35,000 towards Reach programs and services. Reach volunteers will be at both locations greeting customers and offering information about Reach. There will be lots of fun things like face painting, balloon animals, music and entertainment. Reach's rentable wheelchair bikes will also be on display in both locations. Come in & support!
Rockin' for Reach a resounding success The Delta OptimistApril 19, 2013. The second annual Rockin' for Reach benefit concert and dance at Kinvillage Community Centre raised $8,736 for Reach Child and Youth Development Society, a local non-profit helping children with special needs. Click here to read more
Reach and the Delta Early Child Development Committee
are offering a Positive Parenting Workshop specifically for Delta families with children ages 0 - 12.
Positive Parenting: The Basics and Beyond! A full day interactive approach to creating a positive, supportive atmosphere for all of your family interactions.You will learn:Positive strategies for dealing with difficult behaviour, how to defuse power struggles, offer appropriate choices, be consistent, provide consequences, model appropriate
behaviour and much more! Facilitated by Camille Netherton and Pam Collins
$20 workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only.
Reach Presentation: Executive Functioning and Children. Executive functions are the way in which the brain processes appropriate actions, plans, and filters through information. These are the thinking skills involved in self-monitoring, sustaining attention, memory, planning, and inhibition. Many children have difficulties in this area. In this workshop we will discuss what executive functions are, as well as practical ways parents can help children to develop these types of skills.
Facilitated by: Kelly McGregor, POPARD Behaviour Consultant, BCBA
Date: Thursday May 9, 2013
Time:7 - 8:30pm
Location:Reach Child and Youth Development
Society #3 - 3800 72nd Street in Ladner
(Near the Boundary Bay Airport)
Register by emailhere or call 604-946-6622 ext 359
Participant Information:
$20 workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only.
New Support Group for Reach Parents at Two Locations
Thanks to everyone who has come to the new parent support groups at Reach. This is a place where parents of children can come to talk and share ideas, stories and solutions. Whether you are new to diagnosis, treatment, advocacy and adjustment to your child's additional needs or you are an experienced parent who can give new parents a helping hand or you are struggling at any point in your journey, come and share with us.
Here are the dates and times (you can come to both):
North Delta
Every second Tuesday of the month
6:30 - 8:00
11425 84th Avenue (Play & Learn Centre)
South Delta
Every fourth Wednesday of the month
6:30 - 8:00
#3 - 3800 72nd Street (Reach main site near Boundary Bay Airport)
Call if you want more information (604) 946-6622 Ext 347 See you there!!
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.
JOIN ME IN APRIL AND MAY TO CELEBRATE YOU! 9:30-10:00 Drop in for Coffee and social time 10:00-11:00 Let's Put the "I" back in You! 11:00-11:30 Q and A April is World Autism Awareness Month. What if we were to "flip the switch" on our thinking and celebrate the gifts that have been brought into our lives as a result of our children? What if those celebrations lifted us up and we began to feel grateful and abundant every day? What if these feelings began to ripple out into our family, work and social environments? April 30-North Delta Rec Centre: 11415 84th Avenue Delta, BC (Upper Multi-Purpose Room) May 1 & 2-Delta Community Living Society: 3800-72nd St. (near the Boundary Bay Airport) To register please visit: HERE For more info:email here or call 604-928-5433
Reaching out to address autism in B.C. The Province is helping increase knowledge and improve service capacity throughout B.C. through the Autism Outreach Program. The program focuses on improving access to services in rural and remote communities and enhancing training for B.C. service providers. Click here to read more
Video: Carly Fleischmann, non-verbal but communicating via computer BY Carly Fleischmann. My name is Carly Fleischmann and as long as I can remember I've been diagnosed with autism. I am not able to talk out of my mouth, however I have found another way to communicate by spelling on my computer. (and yes that is me typing on the computer by myself. Click here to read more and see an incredible video!
It takes a community to assist those with autism by Jeremy Sicile-Kira. I am 21 and I have autism. Recently, the state Senate passed a resolution making April Autism Awareness Month in California. The reason the resolution passed is because there are a lot more children diagnosed now than ever before (one in 110, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Autism is a label that is shared by people who have different abilities and challenges. Click here to read more
Autism's top model by Cris Italia. She'll tell you it was no problem at all and whether she believes it or not, Heather Kuzmich's diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome at the age of 12 contributed to what was a surprisingly large fan base, during the 2008 season of America's Next Top Model. She was the oddball, the loner, the contestant that from day one of the competition was different from everyone else. Click here to read more
Zoos, Aquariums To Go Autism Friendly. "A day at the zoo or aquarium is a wonderful outing for any family, but for individuals with autism and their families, it can be a challenge," said Lisa Goring, vice president of family services at Autism Speaks which partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for the event. "Zoos Go Blue is a great opportunity for our families to enjoy a fun day designed with their needs in mind." Click here to read more
If You Were Cured Tomorrow\\ Posted on
Callum says "Cheese!" for the camera when busted "redecorating" his bedroom.
If you were cured tomorrow, life would be easier for you. You could eat without ritual, go anywhere without fear, and would understand everything being said - even when it isn't being said. Click here to read more
$100s worth of Free and Reduced apps for Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, with April 2 declared Worldwide Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations.To celebrate, oodles of developers kindly set their apps to free or reduced their price for a limited time during the month.
Below I have added a list of the apps and the date/s they will be reduced or set to free (where available). Keep checking back because more apps will be listed during the month. Click here to learn more
ICDL FREE WEBINARS! April: In Celebration of Autism Acceptance Month Tuesday April 30th, 4pm EDT Perceived Aggression During Early Adolescence: What is Behind the Behavior and How to Prevent or Safely Respect Meltdowns Presenters:Cecilia Breinbauer, MD, MPH, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Savannah Nicole Logsdon-Breakstone, Autistic Self-Advocate, blogger, author of I Was One of the Scary Kids Click here for more information
USA: Local Family Using Breakthrough Autism Treatment. (DAPHNE, Ala.) - Autism is known as the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States, and, so far, it has no means of detection or cure; only a vast array of therapies and studies. However there is a treatment that is making a big difference for one Daphne child, and hundreds of others in the area. The relatively new therapy called Integrated Listening uses the power of music, and is used at Kids Kount in Daphne. Click here to read more
Autism Risk May Be Apparent At Birth, Study Finds. New research suggests it may be possible to identify children at risk for autism from day one. By looking at the placenta, researchers say they've found key markers that could be used to spot at-risk babies the day they are born. The development could be significant, potentially allowing for early intervention within the first year of life. click here to read more
App Could Transform How Autism Is Diagnosed.
With too few autism specialists, it can take months or even years for a child to be diagnosed. But a new app that's being developed with federal grant money may change that.
The idea is that pediatricians without experience diagnosing autism will be able to recommend the smartphone software to families with a child they suspect of having the developmental disorder. Then, parents would take a series of videos of their child and submit the footage to autism experts who could remotely assess - and potentially diagnose - the child. Ultimately, results would then be relayed back to the child's doctor to communicate to the family. Click here to read more
Children with autism more preoccupied with video games; does treatment option lie there, too? "Many parents and clinicians have noticed that children with ASD are fascinated with technology, and the results of our recent studies certainly support this idea," said Micah Mazurek, an assistant professor of health psychology and a clinical child psychologist at the University of Missouri, in a statement announcing the study. "We found that children with ASD spent much more time playing video games than typically developing children and they are much more likely to develop problematic or addictive patterns of video game play." Click here to read more
CBC: Study reveals how service dogs help children with autism.Research finds assistance dogs signfiicantly reduce stress levels. Pairing a dog with a child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could help families deal with their day-to-day struggles, according to a study by Quebec researchers....The research is the first to to take into account the physiological impact of service dogs on children with ASD. Click here to read more
The Son-Rise Program vs. Floortime/DIR and RDI: As with The Son-Rise Program, Floortime/DIR and RDI understand the importance of social connection and relationship development for children with autism. And, as with The Son-Rise Program, Floortime/DIR and RDI focus on these areas (as opposed to ABA, which focuses primarily on behavior change). For that, we have a great deal of respect for these two programs. However, although the overall goals are the same, the way that the Floortime/DIR and RDI methodologies endeavor to achieve these goals is very different from The Son-Rise Program. These differences in approach make all the difference for both parents and their children. Click here to read more
The proposed DSM-5 changes with regard to ASD by Michelle Garcia Winner. In a nutshell, effective with the release of DSM-5 in May 2013 we will change the way we describe autism-related disabilities to the singular "Autism Spectrum Disorder." Clients will no longer be diagnosed as having "autism" versus "PDD-NOS" or "Asperger Syndrome" as all of these different classifications will officially go away. However, individuals with ASD will be referred to as having one of three severity levels (see chart at end). Click here to read more
Changes To Autism Diagnosis: Benefits And Challenges Ahead. "Highlighting the dimensional nature of autism, and improving the organization of symptom descriptions, are excellent features of the new manual," said Dr. Meng-Chuan Lai, lead author of the commentary. He added that this unitary diagnostic label, together with an individualized assessment of needs for support--an important new feature--will be potentially beneficial in securing required levels of support for individuals with a diagnosis of ASD. Click here to read more
Guideline Changes Set Asperger's Community on Edge. Psychiatric manual will fold it into autism spectrum disorders, leaving many unsure about getting needed services.
THURSDAY, April 18 (HealthDay News) -- People with Asperger's syndrome -- mild autism with normal or sometimes superior verbal ability and intelligence -- are at a crossroads: Their diagnosis is about to disappear. In 1994, Asperger's was recognized as its own disorder in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-4). For some people, realizing that they fit into the Asperger's diagnosis was a "eureka" moment of sorts. Click here to read more
Eye contact. Why is it so hard for people with ASD to make eye contact? Because this society has made it compulsory that each of us must look at another person's eyes in order to make them feel like they are being listened to...And to make me not appear shifty, sly or any other useless cliché which society has attached to those who don't make eye contact; I must look in someone's eyes. This is uncomfortable because I want to hear what they have to say, and I can listen and absorb better if I don't have to look at their faces or eyes.Click here to read more
Scientists hopeful Suramin can reverse symptoms of autism. A DRUG that may reverse autism symptoms is to be tested on children with the condition, scientists say. Preliminary results show the drug corrects autism-like symptoms in mice. The drug, Suramin, has been used to treat African sleeping sickness since 1916. Click here to read more
JetBlue Offers 'Wings For Autism' For Kids, Families.
Traveling is often tough for kids, but for children with autism spectrum disorders, it can be a completely disorienting. JetBlue is working with airports and local autism awareness groups on its "Wings for Autism" program, which aims to provide a relaxed environment for families with special needs children to get comfortable with sights and sounds of our airports and planes. Click here to read more
The Metro Vancouver Asperger Adult/Teen Support Group.The purpose of this group is to help Aspies form social networks by connecting on line and meeting up on a regular basis. Aspies can support each other by sharing ideas and personal experiences about living with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). While anyone can join this group, this forum is intended for adults or families with teens who cope with AS every day.Click here to learn more!
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
Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Sticky! Melting down from overload or scrambling for stimulation: many kids with attention deficit also suffer from sensory processing disorder. Try these tips to ease your child's SPD symptoms. When I was a little girl, long before I knew I had ADHD, I was considered a difficult child. I was anxious and upset a lot of the time, but for no good reason, according to the adults around me. Certain triggers set off my anguish and panic. Getting my hair washed and dried; taking children's aspirin, which, to me, tasted like sewer water; walking on grass or sand without shoes; going to the dentist. Click here to read more
Is It Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or ADD/ADHD? Understand the difference between sensory processing problems and attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) in children. I remember the day I knew our daughter had a problem. We were rushing to an appointment, hustling along a crowded sidewalk on a humid summer day. I was cautioning Elisabeth about something, dragging her behind me the way you sometimes do with an almost-4-year-old. The traffic was loud and smelled of exhaust, a kid on a bike was blowing a whistle, and the storefronts were bursting with bright vegetables and flowers. Suddenly, my daughter stopped in her tracks and screamed -- a long, loud scream of agony and frustration....Click here to read more
ADD Sleep Remedies for Kids: 18 Parent-Tested Solutions. Better sleep leads to better control of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) symptoms in children. You whisper, "Sleep well, honey," as you shut off the light. You close the bedroom door, and head off to your easy chair. And your child sleeps soundly through the night, waking up refreshed the next morning. For many of us with children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADD), this scenario is a dream that hasn't come true -- yet. Click here to read more
Keeping Kids Safe. Expert tips to help parents avoid some common risks to their ADHD children. Little children fall and scrape their knees or bump their heads. Big kids drive too fast, and get into accidents-or experiment with drugs or alcohol. They... well, it doesn't pay to spend too much time pondering all the risks youngsters face. Suffice it to say that childhood and adolescence can be risky-especially if your child has ADHD. The risk increases in summertime, when kids spend more time outdoors-beyond their parents' supervision. Click here to read more
Helping ADHD Children Adapt to Change. It's hard enough for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) to get organized and stick to schedules. Can ADD/ADHD kids also learn to adapt to change? Try these tips to help your ADD/ADHD child learn to adjust when routines change. Click here to read more
Edward Hallowell on Daring to Forgive Your Attention Deficit Spouse. Having an ADD partner isn't easy, but forgiving - and planning to prevent problems - is a step in the right direction. Expert Ned Hallowell offers relationship advice. Click here to read more
Brain-Training Tools for More Attention, Less Deficit. These ADHD therapies offer fun and games with a serious purpose: increasing your child's focus. Ben is a 12-year-old with ADHD, who used to have trouble in school. His grades were below average, and he was easily distracted, unable to remember much of the material taught in class. Ben struggled with homework assignments and studying for tests. He felt defeated, and was frustrated by his parents' attempts to get him to study harder. He put in the extra effort, but nothing seemed to help. Click here to read more
Neurofeedback for Autism and ADHD. Neurofeedback can be an effective alternative to medications in the treatment of symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Neurofeedback has been found to be effective in changing brain function and creating substantial improvements in clinical symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults who have numerous different biologic brain conditions. These disorders include such things as epilepsy, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities (Hammond, 2005). Many children with ASD suffer from related symptoms and these often obstruct learning for children and further impact their success in school and other activities. Neurofeedback training can produce significant and lasting results.Click here for more informationOr call Doug West, 604-771-1344
A Night to remember III: Life is but a Dream June 7, 2013 6:30-11:30pm $15 per ticket Venue: Century Plaza Hotel & Spa (1015 Burrard St., Vancouver BC) Attire: Dress to Impress! Full Dinner will be Served! ages 15-35 years old Tickets will NOT be sold at the door in order to reserve your place at the Night to Remember III Gala: Tickets are available only by calling the DSRF (604-444-3773) and ask for hina If payment is by cheque(s), please make payable to: down Syndrome Research Foundation (1409 Sperling ave, Burnaby BC) Special Room Rates are available at the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa for people wanting to stay overnight
BMO Vancouver Marathon. On May 5, 2013, over 15,000 people are expected to push themselves to the limit as they compete in the BMO Vancouver Marathon. As they do, many of them will be making a huge impact in the lives of young people with Down syndrome.
As an official charity of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, runners are invited to participate on behalf of the Down Syndrome Research Foundation, raising funds to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential as contributing members of the community. This initiative is part of the Marathon's RUN4HOPE. DSRF's runners will enjoy an exciting RUN4HOPE running package, including:
FREE race registration
FREE training clinic with the Running Room
RUN4HOPE tech training shirt
RUN4HOPE express line package pick-up
RUN4HOPE express line gear check
RUN4HOPE express line gear pick up at the finish line
Artists and Entertainers Coming Together in Support of Individuals with Down Syndrome. Lemonaid is an upscale, entertaining event to raise funds to empower children with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.When: May 23, 2013 - 7:00 pm (doors open 6:30) Where: River Rock Show Theatre, Richmond, BC Tickets: $85 (ages 19+) - available soon from Ticketmaster Event Highlights:
special appearance by Lauren Potter, of the television show Glee
musical performances by vocalist Stephen Scaccia, pianist Austin Nash Park and others
live and silent auctions of signed original artwork by well-known celebrities and artists
The RUN UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME is on Sunday,June 3, 2013 at SFU. I have just done what I agreed to do....and set up our team , called TEAM GRANVILLE ISLAND...named after a group of us who have breakfast at 8 am every Sunday morning at Granville Island. BUT, we are NOT EXCLUSIVE...we welcome anyone to join the team and walk with us ( or join us for breakie )...or if you can't walk and want to donate to our team...we would so appreciate that also. So, if you would like to join TEAM GRANVILLE island, or donate to our team, go to the DSRF website HERE, go to Run up for Down Syndrome and register under TEAM GRANVILLE ISLAND......( ps you get a t shirt with that name on it and it saves you $10) Or you can start your own team, think you only need 10 to sign up for a team. Any questions...please ask away.....We have fast walkers, medium fast and then me...the slowest one in the race!!! I would love to have company walking....
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
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.
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 . 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
I Will Not Let An Exam Result Decide My Fate - Suli Breaks,Vanity Fair,2009 "I Will Not Let An Exam Result Decide My Fate" picks up on the education topic but takes a different stance and angle from "Why I Hate School But Love Education". This poem talks about how we have been made to think about how education and getting university degrees can give us opportunities to have a better chance in making our dream careers a reality. It also touches on how as individuals we are judged and tested by how well we perform on exams, but not all people perform well in exams so why are they made out to feel like they're dumb? The inconsistencies of the education system are really peeled open to reveal a deep problem that needs to be addressed and how society's needs have changed to make this even more apparent. When it boils down to it, why are we misled into thinking that education is the only way forward for successful means in our work and career lives? We need to open our minds and educate ourselves that exam results aren't the barometer of success and that we can't let them decide our fate. We are in charge of our own destinies! Please WATCH this amazing video now!
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 on May 21st and June 18th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm for Surrey Kids Voice! The meeting will be held at: Surrey School District Administration, District Education Centre Room 2020, 14033 92nd Ave. Surrey. For more info, please call Cheryl Jensen, cell 604-690-5649 or email her here
Nominations for the 2013 Inclusive Education Awards are now open! Download your nomination form here. The deadline for nominations is May 22, 2013.
About the awards: To highlight National Inclusive Education Month and to bring attention to the many positive examples of inclusive classrooms and schools across the country, the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) has created a national certificate of recognition to be bestowed upon recipients who have made positive contributions to inclusive education in their province or territory.
Zones of Regulation is a framework for thinking as well as a curriculum geared toward helping students gain skills in consciously regulating their behaviors, including the management of their emotions and level of alertness. This, in turn, leads to increased self-control and problem solving abilities.Leah Kuypers is the author of the book, The Zones of Regulation (2011, Social Thinking Publishing). The Zones of Regulation was featured as a promising practice in Attention Magazine and is being implemented school wide in districts across the United States and Canada.The Zones assists students in conceptualizing how they are feeling by creating a system to categorize their emotions and levels of alertness into one of four zones. Using a cognitive behavior approach, the App's learning activities are designed to help students recognize when they are in different zones, with each of the four zones represented by a different color.The Zones is designed to be used with elementary students, secondary students, and adults. Click here to read more about this amazing app!
NEW: Yecco
Yecco is a new user-led private social network connecting carers, families, friends and professionals which allows a user to create a personalised network around a isolated, disabled or elderly person. You will be able to create a private network for families and organizations. Families and friends can ultimately use Yecco to improve support to a member of their family, someone with long-term health care needs, a distant grandparent or a younger person or child. click here to learn more
$100s worth of Free and Reduced apps for Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, with April 2 declared Worldwide Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations.To celebrate, oodles of developers kindly set their apps to free or reduced their price for a limited time during the month. Below I have added a list of the apps and the date/s they will be reduced or set to free (where available). Keep checking back because more apps will be listed during the month. Click here to learn more
New funding option supports transitions to adulthood. VICTORIA - To support greater flexibility and choice, families with children aged 12 to 18 will be able to choose to receive their autism funding through either invoice payment or direct payment. The direct payment option will be available as of Sept. 1, 2013, to families with children in the 12- to 18-year-old range who are eligible for, or are receiving, autism funding. This option can give families greater ability to purchase eligible services - such as those focusing on community-based inclusion and recreational skills - to meet the needs of older children and youth and promote successful transitions to adulthood. Click here to read more
Responsible for education and support payments, work programs, bus passes and health and dental benefits for persons with disabilitie.
Youth transition to disability assistance simplified VICTORIA - The Ministry of Social Development is simplifying the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation process for youth with developmental disabilities who are eligible for disability assistance and Community Living BC (CLBC) supports. Effective early July, youth with developmental disabilities who are eligible for disability assistance, along with their family, will be able to use an existing psychologist assessment by a registered psychologist or certified school psychologist, instead of filling out the PWD form to apply for designation.Click here to read more
A web seminar series presented by SilverXord Publications
From the convenience of your own home or office you can participate in an innovative educational resource without the expense and time involved in travel planning. Presented as a three-part series, "Demystifying Autism", is designed to guide parents, educators and professional care providers toward a greater understanding and awareness of those who have an autism spectrum experience.About the PresenterPresenter of this innovative webinar series is William Stillman, Editor-in-Chief of SilverXord, and award-winning author of 10 autism and special needs parenting books, including The Autism Answer Book, Autism And the God Connection and The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome. An adult with Asperger's Syndrome, Stillman has worked to serve people with different ways of being since 1987.Starts April 29, 2013. Click here for more information
Pinwheel Education Series
January-June 2013 Topics Lineup
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
Home Options. Explore different options for living in your own home in adulthood: Buying a place for your child, Co-ownership withother families, Renovating a suite into an existing family home, Joint tenancy with a room-mate. Sponsored by Delta Community Living Society and Richmond Society for Community Living! DCLS and RSCL!
Saturday April 27, 2013 9:00am - 3:30pm Cost $10 per person RSCL Transitions Day Program 110 - 8120 Granville Street, Richmond BC To Register, please email Kerstin Grossman here: detailing names, number of people attending, allergies, diet info: vegetarian, vegan, GF/CF or other
EduTalks Presents: The April Forum on Children with Special Needs Sunday, April 28, 2013. Nutrition and the Special Needs Child (9:00 am) Kate Hutchinson (RHN, CGP), director of Whole Family Nutrition, will discuss the dramatic impact individualized nutrition can have on those with behavioural diagnoses. The gut and the brain are intimately connected - this talk will reveal how situations that are originating in the digestive tract can contribute to neurological conditions. She will share her clinical experience in providing nutrition guidance for behavioural concerns including children and adults with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorders, OCD, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and Depression. Bringing Out the Best in Children and Teens with Special Needs (11:00 am) Suzanne Ferera, registered Occupational Therapist and Family Counsellor, will discuss how parenting children and teens with special needs can be rewarding, challenging, and often overwhelming. She will present the strategy known as The Calmer, Easier, Happier approach which offers specific strategies that parents and teachers will be able to use right away to improve behavior, confidence, self-reliance and learning. Panel Discussion - Advocating for Your Special Needs Child (12:00 pm) Featuring: Anya Smith, parent of Max, an elementary student with autism Sheila MacTavish, parent of Sam, a high school student with autism Cecilia Klassen, parent of Mari, a post-secondary hearing impaired student. Workshops will be held at the University Women's Club at Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave (at 16th and Granville) Vancouver, BC. Parking available on The Crescent and side streets Cost: $55 8:45 am - Registration, coffee and muffins More information, online payment and registration available here Seating is limited, register early to reserve your seat!
Be the Change A Day of Personal & Professional Development. When: May 3, 2013 Time: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Where: Langley Events Centre 7888 200 Street Langley, BC. 9:30 - 10:15 Supporting People with Challenging Behaviour: the role of person-centered thinking skills and practices Michael Smull 10:30 - 11:15 Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Dr. V. Mark Durand 11:30 - 12:15 Motivating Marginalized Students for Success Dr. Victor Rios 12:15 - 1:00 Break (Opportunities Fair in concourse) 1:00 - 1:45 Me to We: How One Person Can Make a World of Difference Craig Kielburger The school/school district that raises the most money for Free the Children will have the opportunity to present their cheque to Craig in-person and on stage. 2:00 - 2:45 What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? The Buried Life 3:00 - 4:00 Book signing with Craig Kielburger, The Buried Life, Dr. Victor Rios & Dr. V. Mark Durand Click here for more information!
Fifth Annual Neufeld Parent Conference. We are delighted to once again have the opportunity to bring Dr. Neufeld's approach to the people who are our children's best bet - their parents. Our Neufeld Institute Faculty will be coming to Vancouver from all over the world to provide an interesting smorgasbord of seminars. Dr. Neufeld will be giving the opening and closing address on the important topic of children's feelings. Long dismissed as a nuisance variable, emotion is now considered the pivotal factor in healthy development including that of the brain. So what are the implications for parenting? Dr. Neufeld will outline five stages in emotional development that parents can and should help support. He will also be talking about how to teach children the language of the heart.In addition to Dr. Neufeld's keynote address, conference participants will be able to select two other seminars to attend. For further information and to register, please click here where you can also download the conference program. Saturday, May 4, 2013 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Sir Winston Churchill Secondary, Vancouver, BC
Reach Presentation: Executive Functioning and Children. Executive functions are the way in which the brain processes appropriate actions, plans, and filters through information. These are the thinking skills involved in self-monitoring, sustaining attention, memory, planning, and inhibition. Many children have difficulties in this area. In this workshop we will discuss what executive functions are, as well as practical ways parents can help children to develop these types of skills.
Facilitated by: Kelly McGregor, POPARD Behaviour Consultant, BCBA
Date: Thursday May 9, 2013
Time:7 - 8:30pm
Location:Reach Child and Youth Development
Society #3 - 3800 72nd Street in Ladner
(Near the Boundary Bay Airport)
Register by emailhere or call 604-946-6622 ext 359
Participant Information:
$20 workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only.
Heart-Mind 2013: Helping Children Thrive at the Dalai Lama Centre with Goldie Hawn!
Thursday, May 9, 2013 - Saturday, , 2013. University of British Columbia, Vancouver,
Heart-Mind 2013 brings together some of the leading minds in child development and contemplative practice - from scientific researchers to practitioners - to address the Dalai Lama's question, "How can we educate the hearts of children?"
Register Now Early bird pricing through March 15th.
The theme of this year's conference is Mindfulness and its role in helping children thrive physically, socially and emotionally. It is for all those who care for and about children - parents, educators, mental health workers, healthcare professionals, out-of-school-care providers, yoga instructors, recreation leaders, academics, thought leaders and many others.
The conference provides a wonderful opportunity to network with like-minded people who are committed to integrating mindfulness into the lives of children.
Please join us as we explore the growing body of knowledge from evidence-based practice and scientific research that indicates how mindfulness helps children thrive.
Scientific studies show that practicing mindfulness enhances students' concentration and attention, as well as their ability to make decisions and control impulses. Mindfulness helps children get ready to learn, and it can lead to physical and mental well-being.
We can cultivate mindfulness in children - and the adults in their lives - so we can all be mindful wherever we are.
Featured presenters include: SHAWN ACHOR, author of international best-seller, The Happiness Advantage ADELE DIAMOND, PhD, UBC Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience GOLDIE HAWN, Founder and Chair of The Hawn Foundation, the organization that developed MindUp™ LINDA LANTIERI, Director of the Inner Resilience Program, founding board of CASEL, expert in SEL ROB ROESER, PhD, Professor of Human Development and Psychology at Mind and Life Institute, Portland State University CLIFFORD SARON, PhD, Associate Research Scientist at UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain KIMBERLY SCHONERT-REICHL, PhD, Applied Developmental Psychologist and UBC Professor PAUL TOUGH, Author of best-selling How Children Succeed and writer for The New York Times Magazine ROY HENRY VICKERS, celebrated Canadian artist and First Nations leader
AnxietyBC is excited to present its first ever Clinician workshops.Two one-day workshops presented by two world renowned psychologists. The focus of these workshops is: Advances in CBT Treatments for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders. Dr. RON RAPEE will present: Transdiagnostic Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders: A focus on Adolescent Social Anxiety Disorder on May 10. Dr. ANNE MARIE ALBANO will present: The Intersection of Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Separation Disorder in Young Children: Comorbidities in the Context of the Family on May 11. For more information and tickets click Here.
NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE to May 11, 2013 POPARD CPI Parent Workshop.
9:30 - noon. Sharing strategies from the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention program for parents and caregivers. After the workshop, participants will take away an Action Plan filled with strategies they can use immediately.
the workbook
The Sharing Strategies from the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program includes a workbook for participants to fill in information about the person in their care as they go through various program concepts.
the presentation
The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with the following:
An understanding of the philosophy of Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security , which is the cornerstone of the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program.
An overview of some of the concepts and strategies taught in the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention program that could aid in the continuity of a person's support and care.
Administration fee of $40 includes the Sharing Strategies Workbook and light refreshments.
Classes will take place at the POPARD Training Facility 4746 57th St. in Delta, BC.
For those considering Public Transit, the Ladner Exchange is nearby.
for online registration and detailed course descriptions, Click here
Teaching Social Thinking Through Stories & Play for Preschool and Early Elementary School. What looks like pure fun to us has important social consequences for the developing mind. The ability to participate in collaborative pretend play depends upon having a flexible brain, competent language ability, self-regulation, and solid social-emotional development as well the executive function skills to multi-task the use of all of the above! The new common core standards highlight the importance of "listening and collaboration" in the classroom, which are hallmarks of developmental learning in preschool and during the early elementary years. Presented by:Kari Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP & Ryan Hendrix, MS, CC-SLP Saturday, May 11, 2013 - VancouverClick here to register
Reach and the Delta Early Child Development Committee are offering a Positive Parenting Workshop specifically for Delta families with children ages 0 - 12.
Positive Parenting: The Basics and Beyond! A full day interactive approach to creating a positive, supportive atmosphere for all of your family interactions.You will learn:Positive strategies for dealing with difficult behaviour, how to defuse power struggles, offer appropriate choices, be consistent, provide consequences, model appropriate
behaviour and much more! Facilitated by Camille Netherton and Pam Collins
604-946-6223 $20 workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only.
INCLUSION BC (BCACL) 2013 Conference in Vancouver
Registration is now open for the Inclusion BC 2013 Conference, WE are Community: defining inclusion. Key note speakers include Paula Kluth, Shane Koyczan, and Heather Gordon-Young
Thursday, May 23, 2013 (All day) - Saturday, May 25, 2013 (All day)
Vancouver, B.C.
The next BCACL AGM and Conference will be held in downtown Vancouver at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre from May 23-25, with a special pre-conference day on May 22.
We are proud to be co-hosting this conference with Spectrum Society for Community Living, posAbilities and the BC Centre for Ability. Click here for more information
The 2nd Annual Canadian ASD Vocational Conference: What Will It Take? Advancing Vocational Opportunities for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders will be held at Canada Olympic Park Conference Centre Calgary, Alberta on June 6 and 7th, 2013. Click here for more information
Register LIVE NOW 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
Save the date! July 24-28, 2013 - Brain Development & Learning Conference in Vancouver with world renowned speakers. Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver, BC. A conference dedicated to making a difference. Be prepared to be inspired, empowered, perhaps even transformed. An interdisciplinary conference devoted to improving children's lives by highlighting innovative programs and by making the newest research and insights from neuroscience, child development, psychology, & medicine understandable & applicable to those who work directly with children. Click here for our website or here for our brochure
Integrated Play Groups® Conference Sep 27 & 28, 2013 Vancouver, BC, Canada. Fostering Peer Play and Friendships for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum Blending the Integrated Play Groups® and Friend 2 Friend Models Presented by Dr. Pamela Wolfberg and Heather McCracken
This specialized two-day seminar brings together the Integrated Play Groups® (IPG) and Friend 2 Friend (F2F) models to address the social, communication, play and friendship needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Drawing on evidence-based practices, these complementary models enhance socialization, communication, emotional regulation, peer play and imagination in children and adolescents while building meaningful relationships with typical peers in inclusive school, community and therapeutic settings. Click here for moe information
Autism Canada Annual "Changing the Course of Autism" Conference It's official! Autism Canada's annual conference will be held this year on October 24th and 25th in Victoria, British Colmbia at the Mary Winspear Centre (Sidney, BC). We will be partnering with the Victoria Society for Children with Autism. Stay tuned for more details!
QUOTE of the day: The more help a person has in his garden, the less it belongs to him. William H. Davies
Richmond Supported Child Development Program and The Ministry for Child and Family Development Invite you to a CHILDCARE? CHILDCARE? Discussion! APRIL 30, 2013 6:30 pm Richmond City Hall Room M.2.004 Please RSVP here or 604-279-7040, press 0 Child care will be provided at the Caring Place building across the street. Please inform us of your child's age and support needs. Discussion on child care in Richmond for children with extra support needs
GLOBAL PARA-TAEKWONDO DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Dear Para Sports & Taekwondo Leaders, Coaches & Supporters, I am happy to share that during the past several months, there has been positive growth and awereness of Para-Taekwondo on a global scale. From grassroots level coaches to international federations, there is a positive buzz about the development of Para-Taekwondo. Global Para Taekwondo Consultancy has been in the forefront of propagating Para-Taekwondo Programs and Projects for the betterment of our global family. Sincerely Michael Sirota GPTC CLick here to read more
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 on May 21st and June 18th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm for Surrey Kids Voice! The meeting will be held at: Surrey School District Administration, District Education Centre Room 2020, 14033 92nd Ave. Surrey. For more info, please call Cheryl Jensen, cell 604-690-5649 or email herhere
Ready, Willing and Able, Volume 2 People with Intellectual Disabilities Creating an Inclusive Labour Force - As part of the national Ready, Willing and Able (RW&A) Initiative, CACL is pleased to announce the release of Volume 2 of its employment booklet. RW&A is designed to increase labour force participation of people with intellectual disabilities, and thereby advance economic productivity and social inclusion in Canada. Click here to read more
Learning Disabilities Association of BC Notice of the Annual General Meeting with The Honourable UJJAL DOSANJH Former Member of Parliament and BC Premier "STRATEGIC ADVOCACY" Following the business of the AGM, Mr. Dosanjh will share his experiences and perspectives on effective advocating and lobbying. Guests are invited to an interactive working lunch to explore opportunities to reach out and affect change in light of the recent Moore Case ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada. Saturday, April 27th | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Olympic Oval - Room 1055 - 6111 River Road, Richmond, BC Please RSVP here by April 23rd
You are invited to participate in the nursing research study: Examining Unmet Health & Needs among Families of Children with Rare Diseases. The purpose is to examine the unmet health and service needs among families of children with rare diseases who do not meet the criteria to access government-funded programs and services. Findings from the study will be used to generate recommendations for healthcare providers who are working with these families.
Parents of a child (aged 1 to 18) diagnosed with a rare disease (lifetime prevalence < 1 in 2000)
Ability to participate in English
Participants will be interviewed for up to 1.5 hours. Each participant will receive a $20 gift card in recognition of their time.
Interviews will take place at a time and location that is convenient for the study participant.
Contact Information: To express interest to participate in this study, please contact Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch at 604-822-7496 or email here
Principal Investigator: Jennifer Baumbusch, Assistant Professor, UBC School of Nursing,This study is funded by The Rare Disease Foundation
As you are well aware, May 14, 2013 is Election Day in the province of British Columbia. On behalf of First Call, we have prepared an election toolkit to support individuals and community groups in their advocacy for legislation, policy and practice that benefit children and youth and their families in the lead up to the May 2013 provincial election. Thanks to all of our partner organisations who contributed the facts, ideas and recommendations in the kit. Click here for more information
Putting disability issues on the election agenda May 14, 2013 is election day in B.C. and we want to give you the tools you need to put issues important to people with developmental disabilities on the election agenda. We have created resources to help you get the word out. Click here to learn more
People with Disabilities Mobilizing for BC Election
New laws, restoring cuts to community living on their agenda. Cathy Grant, born with cerebral palsy and confined to a motorized wheel chair, is determined to make her mark on B.C.'s fast nearing provincial election. The 54-year-old Vancouver resident told The Tyee she is pouring her efforts into fighting cuts to community living programs and supporting a pair of proposed new legal reforms. Many other B.C. citizens who, like Grant, live with disabilities, and their family members and advocates are mobilizing to affect the outcome of the May vote and make a better deal for British Columbians living with disabilities. Click here to read more
DIVERSITY HEALTH FAIR: Saturday May 11 | 11am-4pm Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre 15458 107 Ave, Surrey (Located by the Gateway Sky-train Station) FREE Health Screening & Testing, Family Play Zone, Multicultural Entertainment, Over 40 Health Resource Booths, Sample Exercise Classes, Giveaways & MORE! Click here for more information
With thanks to the Burnaby Association for Community Living: Brothers and Sisters: The Family Support Institute (FSI), in partnership with Community Living B.C. (CLBC), is compiling stories for a book project. Brothers and sisters often share a unique bond, especially in families where a loved one has a developmental disability. Do you have a story to share? See THE FLYER or contact FSI at 604-540-8374, toll free at 1-800-441-5403 or email Maria Glaze here.
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 Liaison, Email here , 604-952-6490 or visit our website Here
Family Connections Magazine: For more than twenty years, Family Connections Magazine has been keeping family service providers all across BC up to date on the latest research, the most promising practices, and the key issues facing Canadian families.
