50 logobelieving

 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

September 29, 2013

 

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. 

 _________________________________________________

topQuick Links

Reach News 

Help a Parent?

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

FASD

Medical and Mental Health 

 Sensory   

Technology

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

 _________________________________________________



Reach
Reach News 
  • Monday, October 7th marks the date for the grand opening of FINDS thrift store
    Reach's new children's thrift store, run by volunteers, to help raise funds to support Reach programs. The store will be open at Reach's Main Ladner Centre at
    #3 - 3800 72nd Street, Delta beginning Mondays, October 7th  - 9:00am to 11:30am
    FINDS volunteers are asking families and friends to please begin to set aside children's items to donate including:
    ·   Children's clothing and shoes
    ·   Children's bedding
    ·   Books, toys and DVDs
    ·   Children's games, including functioning electronic games
    ·   Maternity wear
    Donations will be accepted starting in September on Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Reach Ladner location. Due to lack of space, FINDS thrift store will not be accepting furniture at this time. Proceeds from FINDS thrift store will go towards Reach programs  
  • Still have some spots available for our 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 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. Who: Grade 5 - 7 boys and girls Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: Sept.24th-Nov.26th, 2013 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks **Most families use the autism funding to cover the cost of the program- TEL: 604-946-6622, ext 315 or Email here 
  • Save the date for Reach`s 54th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
    Saturday October 19th, 2013
    10:00 am - 2:00 pm at The Surrey Nature Centre 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey
    Join us in the morning for a presentation on the importance of social and emotional health across the age span with Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, Applied Developmental Psychologist and Associate Professor at UBC. Stay for lunch & help vote in our new leadership. Children are invited to come for a morning & afternoon of fun and nature-inspired activities during child minding (lunch provided.) Our AGM is FREE to all families who attend Reach programs and to our membership. Registration is required. More details to come.
    To book your spot early call 604-946-6622 ext.0 or email here 
  • REACH PARENT SUPPORT GROUP   NEW
    This group is for you if you are a parent or guardian of a child with additional needs who would like to talk with other parents about your struggles, concerns, successes and strategies. We meet to talk about certain topics and local resources, but mostly we are meeting to support each other in our journey with our children.
    Led by clinical counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, this monthly drop-in group might just be what you need.
    Where: Reach Play and Learn Centre, 11425 84th Ave, Delta
    When: The 2nd Tuesday of the month - 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Fall Schedule
    October 8 - Finding Time for You
    November 12 - Setting Positive Limits
    December 10 - Celebrating Achievements
    Call (604) 946-6622 Ext 347 for more information. If you come or call, Yvonne will email you monthly to remind you of the upcoming event and other resources.  
  • Parent Circle: Parent Support Circle is a free, monthly, confidential parent gathering with a focus on parenting children with ADHD or behaviour challenges. Led by trained facilitators. The last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.at Reach, #3 3800 72nd street Ladner
    To register call Lisa at 604-946-6622 ext.342 or email here
    or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or email here 
  • We're building a child development centre in the heart of the community.   Click here  to find out how you can help.

Click here to see our WEBSITE! 

 

Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Donate online

back to menu

 _________________________________________________

Help
Help a Parent?
  •       

  

back to menu

 _________________________________________________



Autism

Autism
  • Heathrow Airport recreates identical departure day for severely autistic traveller. 

    For one young traveller, Heathrow offers an absolutely identical experience every time he passes through the airport, from the same check-in staff to the same seat on exactly the same plane. Aaran Stewart, 21, suffers from severe autism and obsessive compulsive disorder, so when he is travelling from London to Boston Higashi High School in the US at the start of each term, he needs everything to be identical so that he doesn't panic. Click here to read more 

     

  • Women with Asperger's Syndrome at peace with being different. Even as a child, Iris Gray knew she was different. Her parents always told her she was bright, but she still felt out of place. She had few friends and was chronically clumsy. Other children would delight in loud noises, such as jets flying overhead. But Gray would run into the house, hands clamped over her ears, crying "too loud." One night she even overheard her parents discussing whether to get her psychiatric help. So it was a big relief to find out eight years ago, with a clinical diagnosis, that she has Asperger's syndrome. It refers to a disorder on the autism spectrum characterized by problems with social interactions, difficulty with non-verbal signals or obsessive, repetitive behaviours. CLick here to read more
  • As soon as he held him, he fell in love: Autistic boy's life is transformed by his new best friend... a pet lizard named SPIKE! Callum Lake, 10, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago.  Callum Lake has Asperger syndrome, a form of autism which affects the way he communicates with, and relates to, others. The condition means the 10-year-old struggles to read people's emotions and to understand social situations, making it difficult for him to make friends at school. Click here to read more   
    •  
  • UBC graduate student, Miriam Elfert is looking for fathers living in the Metro Vancouver area who are interested in joining a free fathers' group as part of a UBC research project. 'Shop Talk' has been developed for fathers of children with autism to meet and discuss their experiences of parenting. Small groups will talk about different topics every week, including coping and stress management, and how having a child with autism has affected relationships with friends and family members. Fathers will have the opportunity to learn new strategies and skills for parenting a child with autism and how to become a more effective parent and partner/spouse. The first Shop Talk group begins in September and a second one begins in October, but there are still spaces available, so if you are interested in more information please contact Miriam as soon as possible. For more information, please see the flyer here. You can contact Miriam Elfert by phone at (604) 677-7911 or email here.
  • Welcome one and all to Coach Family Services! COACH is an acronym for Creating Opportunities for Adults and Children. We are an organization designed to meet the needs of children, youth, and adults with disabilities in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. Our mission at Coach Family Services is to provide individuals and their families with the tools and support they need to be independent and successful. We provide services based on the needs of the individual and place an emphasis on teaching and training families so they do not require long-term services and outside support. Coach Family Services is about supporting and celebrating neuro-diversity.  We offer a variety of programs including Behaviour Consultation, after school groups, adapted arts programs, transition planning and so much more.  Please visit our website here or email us here.
    • Adventurers! Activity club for kids and teens in Greater Vancouver.Adventurers! is a club for kids and teens who enjoy exploring what Greater Vancouver has to offer. We
      meet once per month for four hours at predetermined locations and then we're off to explore! Cost for the program is $60/month or $600/year (program runs September-June) Support persons are welcome, free of charge and if
      you sign a friend up, you receive 10% off, sign up two ore more friends and receive 20% off your program enrollment. First Meeting Date: September 28, 2013
      Time: 10:00 AM
    • Coach Family Services registration for September programs, including our after school program in Richmond, opens this week! Apply directly or through your social worker.      
  • Actress Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis. She starred beside Tom Hanks and dated John F. Kennedy Jr. and now a one-time A-lister says she was diagnosed with autism as a youngster and doctors recommended she be institutionalized. Daryl Hannah, 52, who starred in the 1980s blockbusters "Splash" and "Wall Street" tells People Magazine that she suffered from "debilitating shyness" as a result of her autism diagnosis. Click here to read more 
  • How do we help moms at the breaking point? Imagine being Alex Spourdalakis: 14 years old with autism, non-verbal and unable to communicate any way other than a few grunts and perhaps "mama" every now and then. Imagine being in excruciating pain and not being able to point to the pain, tell anyone about it or have any way of indicating that you needed help. Then imagine being tied up in four-point restraints for hours so you can't even double over like anyone naturally would with Alex's diagnosis of bowel disease. Click here to read more  
  • REGISTRATION NOW OPEN - 2013 INTERNATIONAL NATURALLY AUTISTIC PEOPLE  AWARDS CONVENTION & FESTIVAL. October 1- 6, 2013
  •  SAVE THE DATE - 2nd Annual Richmond Autism Resource Fair.  Featuring presentations, youth advocates, parent panel and resource booths!   November 23, 2013 McMath Secondary School, 4251 Garry Street Richmond.  9:00am - 2:30pm.  For more information contact Llaesa Brownridge at 604-279-7014 or email here  
  • 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


       

  back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

ADD

ADD/ADHD

  • ADHD and Me . A 12-year-old muses about balancing ADHD with her special abilities. 

    I'm 12 years old and for as long as I can remember, I've had opposite sides to myself. I'm told that I'm "gifted" - very smart and creative. But I also have to work really, really hard at things that seem much easier for other kids, like memorizing and paying attention. Here's an example: In math, science, and art, I'm quicker at figuring things out than other kids. Like when my teacher tells us a new way to subtract fractions, it seems obvious to me and not to other kids. But when I'm trying to listen to someone talking or lecturing, my mind starts to wander. Click here to read more

  • The ADHD Food Fix Studies show that a high-protein, low-sugar, no-additive diet, combined with ADHD-friendly supplements, can improve ADHD symptoms.Food for Symptom Relief. I've used nutritional interventions for hundreds of people with ADHD during the past 24 years. Dietary changes can result in significant improvements in symptoms of hyperactivity, concentration, impulsivity, and even oppositional behavior. Many people are eager to try foods and supplements to help manage ADHD symptoms, but often don't know where to start. Here are dietary changes that, I have found, deliver the most symptom relief.Click here to read more 
  • Happier Mornings for ADHD Households Make-over your morning! Our expert tips can help ADHD adults, children, and even their parents get up and out the door on time, every time. We all know how we'd like to begin our days: lounging in a plush bathrobe, a latte in one hand, a good book in the other. Whether or not someone in your family has attention deficit disorder (ADHD), that's not likely to happen. Especially on school days, when you have to make sure everyone wakes up, gets dressed, eats breakfast, and gets to school and work on time. Did he have enough to eat? Did she remember her homework? Did you grab your cell phone? You won't be able to avoid busy-ness at the beginning of your day, but you can manage the stress by creating an "island of calm" in your morning routine. Here's how:Click here to read more  

 

 

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________


 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

       

  

  • Teen with autism, Down syndrome rocks fashion world. Karrie Brown's junior year started with a photo. What quickly followed was the trip of a lifetime for this 17-year-old who has Down syndrome and autism - to a modeling gig in California. Click here to read more
     
  • 2014 Mission Possible Down Syndrome Cruise Conference
    7 nights round trip to Alaska ! On board Celebrity's Solstice Ship - the Jewel of Alaska
    Departs July 4, 2014 from Seattle, Washington.Please join us for the next Mission Possible Down Syndrome Cruise Conference.  This conference will have speakers covering Education, Biomedical and Therapies for Down Syndrome.  It is open to:
    ·         Children and Adults with Down syndrome
    ·         Parents
    ·         Caregivers
    ·         Teachers
    ·         School Aids
    ·         Homeschool community ·         Therapists
    You will all benefit from our fantastic group of speakers.  The networking and connections made on this Cruise will be a wonderful experience for everyone who joins us. Click here for more information 
  • 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 

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Education

Education

 


    • British Columbia Council of Administrators for Special Education (BCCASE) has a developed a report that is important to all our families - Meaningful Consultation!  CLick here to read this report

 

 

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

FASD

FASD

 

  • 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.

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Sensory
Sensory
  •  8 Online Stores To Purchase Sensory Friendly Clothing.  Children with autism and sensory challenges have many enemies when it comes to clothing. Clothing tags, exposed elastic bands and itchy socks are just some of the challenges facing children with special needs. As more parents start requesting sensory friendly clothing more stores will start to carry these products. To get you started in the comfortable clothing hunt we found eight stores that sell sensory friendly clothing: Click here to read more  

 _________________________________________________

 

MedicalMedical and Mental Health

    

  • The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events  To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website HERE .
    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    

 _________________________________________________

Technology

Technology

  •  StoryMaker™ is the premier app for creating and presenting Social Stories™ using pictures, text and audio. Independent research, funded by the U.S. Department of Education's IES SBIR program, has validated StoryMaker as a feasible intervention in classrooms with students with autism. Create Social Stories with Pictures and Text
    Create as many stories as you'd like. Use up to three pictures per page, or use none. The text you use stretches automatically to fit the screen, whether you've typed four words or forty, on an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Use our stock library of images, add your own from the camera, import from an external source, or search and download from the Web.  Add audio, email and print!Click here for more information 

 

 

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Ministry

Ministry Information  

 


back to menu 

 _________________________________________________


WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • Kelty Pinwheel Mental Health Series!  
    • October 17 - Social Support
    • November 14 - Cannabis
    • December 5 - nutrition and mental health  
    • How to Join:
      In person: Click here to register. 
      Telephone: Join us through the telephone by dialing 1-877-291-3022 and entering the access code 4611577#  - no registration required! 
      Telehealth: Please contact your local Telehealth coordinator and book a videoconference room and forward this invite with your location name, room number and the ISDN/IP Address/Alias of your site to here , two days before the event. For questions, please contact Olivia Stewardson, Telehealth Coordinator at email here.   
  • Introduction to "Positive Behaviour Support" for Children with ASD and Other Developmental Disabilities (in Cantonese) 正面行為支持"與自閉及發展障礙兒童 【廣東話】
    2013 年10月4日，星期五 - 溫哥華
    Friday, October 4, 2013 - Vancouver
    Presented by Dianna Yip, M.Ed., BCBA 教育系碩士, 國際認證行為分析師 葉曉欣 主講 Parents and main caregivers will be empowered to use practical strategies of Positive Behavior Support to prevent and change problematic behaviors in children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
    家長及主要照顧者能透過此講座了解"正面行為支持"的實用對策，進而預防及改變孩子的問題行為。Click here for more information
  • RDSP & Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning | Oct 5, 2013 Date : 2013-10-05 Time : 10:00 AM - 12:00PM RDSP | 12:30 - 2:30 PM Wills
    Location : 105 - 7953 120 Street,Scott Road Connections, Delta [ Map ]
    Space : 20
    Open To : Employees (Cost : $ 10.00)
    Home Sharing Contractors (Cost : $ 10.00)
    Guest (Cost : $ 35.00)
    These workshops are for parents and family members of adults with developmental disabilities. The registration cost (includes lunch) of $10 is for parents and family members. If you are a professional the fee is $35.00.
    • If you would like more information on this workshop contact Si Stainton, Family Services Manager at email here or 604.952.6490. 
  • David Pitonyak, in Vancouver, October 18th!  David Pitonyak - A Toolbox For Change. The Changing Role of Community Supports. Reclaiming joy, purpose and commitment in the helping profession with David Pitonyak, Ph.D.

    How do organizations move towards person-centered supports? How do caregivers maintain their sense of purpose, joy, and commitment in times of growing complexity and changing expectations? This is a day-long workshop focused on specific strategies for transforming system-centered organizations to person- and family-centered organizations while never losing track of joy. Target audience: leaders, aspiring leaders and community support workers of all sorts.  Feel free to have lunch on your own at one of Oakridge's many restaurants.  Morning and afternoon coffee and snacks are included.  

    Objectives:  At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will have developed knowledge in the following areas:

    A basic understanding of the contrast between traditional and person-centered supports;

    Tools for establishing an agency vision steeped in detail;

    Tools for localizing decision-making;

    Tools for staying focused as an organization and keeping track of the importance of joy Click here to register 

      
  • POPARD Conference OCTOBER 18, 2013 | VANCOUVER, BC
    Overcoming Deficits in Executive Skills.  Do your students lose assignments and forget to hand in homework? Are their workspaces disorganized? Would you describe their backpacks and lockers as "black holes" ? presented by Dr. RICHARD GUARE
    Dr. Guare is co-author of the books, Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents,
    Smart but Scattered and Coaching Students with Executive Skill Deficits. He is a
    Registered Psychologist and BCBA-D.  Participants will leave this seminar with a set of tools that includes strategies for task modifications, skill development through cognitive behavioural techniques and creation of incentive systems for use in regular classrooms.  This presentation is targeted towards professionals who already have knowledgeand experience in the field of ASD.This would be considered an intermediate level session, would be appropriate for teachers, allied professionals and para-professionals.  Click here for more details 
  • Thursday, October 24, 2013, 7 - 9PM
    The Use of the iPad for Special Needs Students
    Nadine Trottier, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) for the Burnaby School District, and Bridget Gaster, Elementary Teacher in an alternate program providing support to students with ASD, will discuss using iPads in a meaningful way with special needs students.  
    Friday, October 25, 2013, 9 - 10:30AM
    Asperger's Syndrome and Mental Health
    Dr. David Worling, Clinical Director of Westcoast Child Development Group, will discuss a number of common mental health challenges that can coexist with Asperger's Syndrome.
    Friday, October 25, 2013, 10:45AM - 12:15PM
    Functional Approach to Challenging Behaviour
    Tina Linton, Clinical Director of Family Canted Practices Group, will provide a better understanding of why children with ASD engage in challenging behaviours, as well as a process for establishing strategies to better address and diminish behaviour challenges.
    Panel Presentation on the Autistic Child in the Classroom - 12:45 - 2PM
    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: Thursday October 24 - $35
    Friday October 25 - $110
    Early Bird Special for Both - $130 (before Sept 30)
     More information, online payment and registration available here Inquiries: email here 
  • Barry MacDonald's Teaching boys! Practical S t r at e g i e s to engage boys. October 25, 2013. A growing body of evidence says that increasingly Canadian boys are disengaging from school and are lacking the single most important tool for lifelong success-the ability to read and write. 
    Register online here 
    Earlybird fee $99 until October 4 R e g u l a r fee $149 Fee includes 2 great books! TERRIFIC value! Vancouver, BC
     
  • REGISTRATION REMINDER BC'S YOUNG  PARENT PROGRAM CONFERENCE
    OCTOBER 25, 2013.  The BC Council for Families and the BC Alliance of Professionals Serving Young Parents invites you to register for: Don't Stand Still: Innovation and Today's Families October 25, 2013  |  Coquitlam, BC  |  Executive Plaza Hotel.  This full-day conference is focused on answering questions such as: "How does new legislation impact the various configurations of young families that we work with? What types of technology and ways of connecting are surfacing, and how do they affect youth and their families?" For more information, or to ask questions about the conference, please contact Conference Coordinator Kerry Watts, at email here or 604-678-8884 ext. 222.
  • "What Works" in Therapy: Translating 40 years of Outcome Research into Strategies
    for Effective Clinical Practice.For today's practitioner, finding reliable information about "what works" in therapy-separating fact from fiction-can be challenging. "So, "what works?" Drawing from a comprehensive review of 40 years of outcome research in his best-selling book, The Heart and Soul of Change: Delivering "What Works" (with Bruce Wampold and Barry Duncan [APA Press, revised 2008]), Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. will identify core factors responsible for therapeutic success regardless of theoretical orientation or psychiatric diagnosis. The research on "what works" will be carefully translated into practical, common sense, and empirically-supported therapeutic skills that can be used for the efficient and effective resolution of problems clients bring to treatment. Finally, participants will learn a simple, valid, and reliable method for maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment based on using ongoing client feedback to empirically tailor services to the individual client needs and characteristics. Guest Speaker: Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.
    is a co-founder of the Center for Clinical Excellence, an international consortium of clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to promoting excellence in behavior health.
  • 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 Columbia at the Mary Winspear Centre (Sidney, BC). We will be partnering with the Victoria Society for Children with Autism.   Whether you are a parent, educator, medical professional, researcher or individual dedicated to improving the life of individuals with autism, you will not want to miss this 2-day conference/webcast. 
    James Adams, Doreen Granpeesheh, Jim Tanaka,  Heather McCracken, Dave Humphrey,  Eunice Lee, Dave Malterre, Lois Jean Brody, Wendy Edwards.  CLick here for more information 
  • Functional Analysis and Treatment of Severe Behavior Disorders - Methods for Educators and Clinicians Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26, 2013 Vancouver, B.C. Presented by Brian Iwata, Ph.D. Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Florida.Functional analysis is considered a "best practice" for identifying the causes of problem behavior such as self-injury, aggression, stereotypy and noncompliance. Dr. Iwata will provide a review of currently used techniques and will illustrate the assessment-treatment continuum using handouts and case examples. The emphasis will be on translating research findings into practical application relevant to clinicians and educators.  Click here for more information and to register  
  • Dr. Ross Greene Presents: Collaborative Problem Solving
    Dr. Greene will describe his model of solving problems collaboratively with behaviourally challenging kids, what's hard about it, how to get good at it and invite participants to
    participate and practice these effective skills. Dr. Ross Greene is the author of the books The Explosive Child and Lost at School
    Wednesday November 6, 2013 7pm-9pm Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, Crystal Ballroom
    6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby, BC.  This FREE workshop is recommended by parents from the F.O.R.C.E., and is intended for parents and caregivers. To register for this event please visit: here 
  • Technology for your Toolbox. Boardmaker and iPad. Saturday November 2nd, 2013. Presented by: Brenda Fossett, Ph.D., BCBA-D. Coast Chilliwack Hotel 45920 First Avenue,
    Chilliwack, B.C.  Click here for more information 
  • Sibshop Training - Building Community Support for Siblings of Children with Special Needs Friday, November 15th &  Saturday, November 16th, 2013 Vancouver, B.C. Presented by Don Meyer, Director Sibling Support Project, Seattle. With the exception of perhaps mothers, siblings spend more time with children who have developmental disabilities or chronic health impairments than any other family member. And, because the sibling relationship is the longest-lasting relationship in the family, brothers and sisters are likely to experience concerns throughout their lives. Despite their importance, siblings' concerns are too often ignored. For everyone's sake, parents and providers must learn more about life as a brother or sister of a person with special needs. Click here for more information 
  • Understanding and Caring for Adults and Adolescents with FASD . WJS Canada Training Division Wednesday, 20 November 2013 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (PST)
    Maple Ridge, British Columbia. FASD is an invisible disability. The challenges with learning and functioning experienced by the person living with FASD are caused by brain damage. Although individuals learn strategies to cope with their everyday challenges, the brain damage is permanent. The prenatal effects of alcohol vary and therefore the strengths and needs of those living with FASD vary widely and may fluctuate from day to day and situation to situation. Supports need to responsive, respectable, creative, and flexible. All individuals have strengths that need to be recognized, identified and nurtured. Theresa Grech has worked with adolescents and adults with FASD, PDD, and developmental disabilities, and their caregivers and families for fifteen years, in the capacity of counselor, behavioural therapist, and educator. Click here for more information and to register  
     
  • Cities Fit for Children 2013 Conference
    November 21 - 22, 2013 Guildford Sheraton Surrey BC
    Surrey is proud to host Cities Fit For Children 2013 - See more here 
    Cities Fit for Children 2013 Conference is a provincial summit to bring together municipal, child development, and other professionals to share expertise and ideas in making communities fit for children and youth.
  • Save the Date: November 22: Restraint and Seclusion: Hear our Stories. Inclusion BC, with Family Support Institute and Douglas College will announce the results of our provincial survey on restraint and seclusion, and hold a viewing and discussion of the film "Restraint and Seclusion: Hear Our Stories" on November 22.

    When: Friday, November 22nd, 2013. 5-9 pm (light supper included)

    Where: Douglas College, Lecture Theatre, Room 2201 700 Royal Avenue New Westminster,  

    Speakers include: Dr. Pat Mirenda, UBC - Postive Behaviour Support; Dr. Vianne Timmons, U of Regina - Benefits of Inclusive Education for all. Contact: Karen De Long 604-777-9100 or email here 

     
  • The 6th Annual FASD Fall Conference: Understanding Trauma, will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Douglas College in New Westminster. Registration will open in early fall 2013. Click here for more information  

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

SeasonalSeasonal 

 

 

  • October is Community Living Month!  
    • Lights! Camera! Inclusion! In celebration of Community Living Month in October, Inclusion BC is hosting its second annual contest to showcase the gifts and abilities that people with developmental disabilities and their friends, families and supporters bring to the community. Download a high resolution poster here (11" x 17:). The deadline for submissions is October 21, 2013. Winners will be announced by Wednesday, October 31, 2013

 

  • Canucks Autism Network is offering Halloween events. Stanley Park Ghost Train (2 nights)Enjoy a free ride on the haunted train, create Halloween-themed crafts, get your face painted, and leave with a loot bag (for kids only). Complimentary hot chocolate and coffee are provided. Click here for more information  

 

              back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Other

Other                

  • QUOTE of the day: Don't "therapize" your child. Playing, exploring, laughing, connecting with people is as important as any clinical therapy.  Ellen Notbohm  
     
  • How Do You Support People with Difficult or Challenging Behavior? 

    By David Pitonyak.

    A version of this article was originally published on David's website: Imagine - Finding New Stories For People Who Experience Disabilities as 

    Supporting a person with difficult behaviors begins when we make a commitment to know the person. Sadly, it is often the case that the people who develop an intervention to stop someone from engaging in difficult behaviors do not know the individual in any meaningful sense. Instead, they see the person as a someone (or something) that needs to be fixed, or modified. But attacking a person's behavior is usually ineffective and always disrespectful. Think about someone you know who engages in difficult behaviors. Ask yourself, "What kind of life is this person living?" Consider how you would feel if you lived the person's life. How would you behave?  Click here to read more 

  • New Facebook group by MOMS - Click here  This group is for extraordinary families of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities who are living in an ordinary world. Many of us face similar issues and this is a forum for sharing, connecting, and finding commonalities in our experiences so that we can help each other navigate our families' lives in British Columbia, Canada. 
     
  • Wealthy New Yorkers spoil the Magic Kingdom for kids with autism . At Disney parks in Florida and California, people with disabilities will no longer be allowed to go to the front of the line....Sensational stories of Disney World queue-jumping surfaced in May. The New York Post reported that rich Manhattan mothers would hire disabled people to pose as part of the family so that they didn't have to wait in line. "This is how the 1 per cent does Disney," one wealthy woman was quoted by the Post.  Click here to read more 
     
  • Disney Confirms Change To Special Needs Access. Starting next month, Disney theme parks will change the policy that lets visitors with disabilities skip the long lines for attractions. Instead of giving visitors with disabilities and their family members a card that allows them to go directly onto rides, the guests will be given a scheduled time period to return to get faster access to the attraction. click here to read more 
  •  REACH PARENT SUPPORT GROUP This group is for you if you are a parent or guardian of a child with additional needs who would like to talk with other parents about your struggles, concerns, successes and strategies. We meet to talk about certain topics and local resources, but mostly we are meeting to support each other in our journey with our children.
    Led by clinical counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, this monthly drop-in group might just be what you need.
    Where: Reach Play and Learn Centre, 11425 84th Ave, Delta
    When: The 2nd Tuesday of the month - 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Fall Schedule
    October 8 - Finding Time for You
    November 12 - Setting Positive Limits
    December 10 - Celebrating Achievements
    Call (604) 946-6622 Ext 347 for more information. If you come or call, Yvonne will email you monthly to remind you of the upcoming event and other resources.
  • Special Stars Dance Program. I am pleased to invite all Special Stars to join us for our Special Stars Dance Program at All 4 Dance. Classes are running Fridays from 4:30-5:30 ages 4-8 and 5:30-6:30 age 8+. We are open to creating other times on Fridays to accommodate more students. We only need 3 students to run a class and cap the Special Stars program at 8 dancers per class. We offer student volunteers to provide leadership and support to students.
    Special Stars are dancers who for various reasons are unable to participate in other dance programs. This is one of only 2 programs in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley! Students in the Special Stars Program  are included in all community events and performances All 4 Dance participates in.  We strive to include all Special Stars as important  members of our dance community.
    Our Special Stars Program is designed for Students with special needs in mind. This class provides an opportunity for all students  to enjoy dance.  Classes will combine ballet and jazz technique to create a dynamic class that offers opportunities for self expression.
    We welcome students of all abilities. Our only requirement for this program is that Students are able to walk and run unaided. Miss Amanda will work with the parents to develop a plan of how best to work with each individual students.
    We will also have both student and community volunteers to act as a buddy for each child  who would like one to assist them as needed. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have Registration is still open for the Special Stars Program. Please Contact the studio at :  604-427-3331
  • UBC graduate student, Miriam Elfert is looking for fathers living in the Metro Vancouver area who are interested in joining a free fathers' group as part of a UBC research project. 'Shop Talk' has been developed for fathers of children with autism to meet and discuss their experiences of parenting. Small groups will talk about different topics every week, including coping and stress management, and how having a child with autism has affected relationships with friends and family members. Fathers will have the opportunity to learn new strategies and skills for parenting a child with autism and how to become a more effective parent and partner/spouse. The first Shop Talk group begins in September and a second one begins in October, but there are still spaces available, so if you are interested in more information please contact Miriam as soon as possible. For more information, please see the flyer here .You can contact Miriam Elfert by phone at (604) 677-7911 or email here .
  • Welcome one and all to Coach Family Services! COACH is an acronym for Creating Opportunities for Adults and Children. We are an organization designed to meet the needs of children, youth, and adults with disabilities in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. Our mission at Coach Family Services is to provide individuals and their families with the tools and support they need to be independent and successful. We provide services based on the needs of the individual and place an emphasis on teaching and training families so they do not require long-term services and outside support. Coach Family Services is about supporting and celebrating neuro-diversity.  We offer a variety of programs including Behaviour Consultation, after school groups, adapted arts programs, transition planning and so much more.  Please visit our website here or email us here.
    • Adventurers! Activity club for kids and teens in Greater Vancouver.Adventurers! is a club for kids and teens who enjoy exploring what Greater Vancouver has to offer. We
      meet once per month for four hours at predetermined locations and then we're off to explore! Cost for the program is $60/month or $600/year (program runs September-June) Support persons are welcome, free of charge and if
      you sign a friend up, you receive 10% off, sign up two ore more friends and receive 20% off your program enrollment. First Meeting Date: September 28, 2013
      Time: 10:00 AM  
  • Transition Support Group! Della and I have already started rounding up some excellent speakers for the transition Support group this year.We've decided to pair some of our speakers up to try and make bettersense of the whole system around transition... so we hope this makes it all the more clear. Our first meeting is scheduled for October 8 at our usual time here at the Centre. We have speakers from the school district and CYSN with great information on how to ensure that transition is being discussed at your child's IEP this fall. Contact Cindy by email here  
  • Jill Topp, Speech Language Pathologist has openings for new clients! I wanted to inform you that I am now accepting new clients, starting in September. Should you know of anyone who is searching for a qualified speech-language pathologist, I can help. Potential clientele can learn about me and my services here on my website. My phone number is 604 277-6906.
  • Family Support Institute is having its' 6th annual Trivia Night on November 1, 2013 (7:30pm-10:00pm - doors open at 7:00pm) at Marlborough Elementary School (6060 Marlborough Avenue in Burnaby).If you are in town, come join us for a night of fun, laughter, food and prizes. The funds raised will help FSI to strengthen and support families faced with the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member who has a disability. A limited number of tickets will be sold so get a team together (table of 8) or buy a ticket individually. Come and challenge the FSI board of directors!  Please see the attached flyer for details.  If you would like more information please contact the FSI office at 604-540-8374 (extension 523) / toll free at 1-800-441-5403
    • Click here to read Possibilites - FSI Summer Newsletter!    
    • FSI Provincial Awards: The Family Support Institute supports families all over BC who have a family member living with a disability. We honor those families and want to recognize and celebrate others who support families in an exceptional way as well. If you know of a person, family, or group that would be well suited for a Provincial Award for their exceptional support of families in BC please write to us and tell us about it. Click here for more information and to nominate   
  • 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

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

SubmissionSubmissions or Questions?

To submit for our newsletter or have a question for Pam to research please contact her at

Parent Network 

or 604-946-6622 ext 359.  

You can sign up at the Reach Child and Youth Development Society website to receive this newsletter directly.

 

back to menu 

 

 
Reach | danl@reachdevelopment.org | delta, BC |