REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

This information exchange, sponsored by Reach, is by parents for parents.  It's content is  guided by Reach's mission to provide choices for families,  be family centered, facilitate inclusion, and  exist as a quality resource.  The information is meant to meet the needs of a multitude of families' interests.  We caution readers that Reach does not investigate all claims, and that claims  made  are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Reach. Readers are encouraged to undertake further investigation on their own of items noted. 

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Reach News 

Help a Parent?  

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

FASD

Medical and Mental Health 

Sensory   

Technology

Transitions

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

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Reach News

 

• Volunteers Needed!

  Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a Ladner based non-profit organization that supports children with special needs. We are opening a small children's thrift store in downtown Ladner in April 2014 to help raise funds for our children's preschool.

  We need several volunteers to help make this thrift store a success.

  The thrift store, FINDS, will be open from 10am to 2pm three to five days per week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to at least one four to five hour shift per week. Sales and cashier volunteers must be available to work between 9.30am to 2.30pm at least one day per week. Sorting and pricing volunteers have more flexibility in hours (eg after school, evening or weekends are options depending on our volunteers' schedules).

  Examples of volunteer duties include, but are not limited to:             

  • Sorting and pricing
  • Sales
  • Cashier
  • Opening and closing the store

  Resumes please email here or fax (604) 946-6223 or mail to #3-3800 72nd Street Delta BC V4K 3N2  Attention Volunteer Coordinator.  We thank everyone for their interest but will only  contact candidates selected for an interview.

    
• REACH in collaboration with the Delta Early Children's Development Committee present Workshops for Delta Parents. Positive Parenting: The Basics For Parents of children ages 2-12. 

  You will learn: Positive strategies for dealing with difficult behaviours,how to defuse power struggles, offer appropriate choices,be consistent,provide consequences, model appropriate behaviour and much more!You have three choices for times and dates - choose A, B or C! 

  And for those that have already taken Positive Parenting the Basics - please choose D - The Basics and Beyond! For parents of Children 2 - 18 - you must have taken the pre-requisite course of Positive Parenting the Basics. In this class you will learn further strategies for strengthening your relationshisp and go deeper into learning the meaning of your child's behavior and how to develop teaching strategies that are specific to your child's profile and situation.

  	A two ½ Day classes	B one Full Day	C Two Evenings	D - ADVANCED One Full day
  Day	Tuesdays	Saturday	Thursdays	Saturday
  Dates	April 1 and 8th	April 5th	May 22 and 29th	June 14
  Time	10:00 - 2:00	9:30 - 4:30	6:30 - 9:30	9:30 - 4;30
  Childminding	NO	YES	NO	YES
  Location	Delta Assist 9097 - 120th Street Delta BC	Reach #3- 3800 72nd Street Delta BC	Reach #3- 3800 72nd Street Delta BC	Reach #3- 3800 72nd Street Delta BC

  Register by email: here Or phone: 604-946-6622, ext.359

  $20workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only. Please let us know if you need childminding on the days it is provided. We need to know the ages of your children and if they require any extra special care. If you register for any of the following - April 1, 5, 8 or June 14th please feel free to bring a nut free lunch. 

     
• 3 Evening Workshop: Parenting the Anxious Child. Do you feel like your child is showing some signs of fear or worry that affect his or her daily life? If you answer yes to this question, your child may be suffering from anxiety and there are things you can do to help. This 3 session workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12 will address the biological, psychological and social aspects of anxiety with proven strategies to help your anxious child. Facilitator: Yvonne McKenna, Canadian Certified Counsellor
  Mondays, April 28, May 5 & 12 7:00pm - 8:30pm Reach Child & Youth #3-3800 72nd St. 
• For more information call Yvonne at Reach Child and Youth Development Society
  604.946.6622 ext. 347  or email here 
• Cost is $25pp/$40couple (payable at first session)
  Please call Yvonne at 604.946.6622, ext.347 or email: here 

• 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 with Autism and special needs 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 8 children in the group, programmed by one behaviour consultant and one group facilitator. Throughout the 10 weeks, our goal is to help strengthen their 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: April 8th -June 10th, 2014 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
• Who: Grade 2 - 4 boys and girls Time: Wednesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: April 9th-Jun.11, 2014 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
• Registration - Monisha Jassi: TEL: 604-946-6622, ext 315 or
  Email here
   
• FINDS - Thriftshop at REACH! Raising funds to help support Reach programs 
  Open Every Monday 9:00am - 11:30am  CASH ONLY purchases (no credit cards or debit cards) #3-3800 72nd Street, Delta, BC 604.946.6622 ext. 300
  Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
  Please bring in your clean, resalable quality items for children 12 years and under: children's clothing, shoes, bedding, books, toys, DVD's, and games including functioning electronic games. We will also accept and sell maternity wear. 

• 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 

• REACH 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 Robyn at 604-946-6622 ext.328 or email here
  or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or email here 

• We're building a child development centre in the heart of the community.   Click here  to find out how you can help.

Click here to see our WEBSITE! 

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• Reaching My Autistic Son Through Disney.  (with apologies for the missing link last week) In the year since his diagnosis, Owen's only activity with his brother, Walt, is something they did before the autism struck: watching Disney movies. "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" - it was a boom time for Disney - and also the old classics: "Dumbo," "Fantasia," "Pinocchio," "Bambi." They watch on a television bracketed to the wall in a high corner of our smallish bedroom in Georgetown. It is hard to know all the things going through the mind of our 6-year-old, Walt, about how his little brother, now nearly 4, is changing. They pile up pillows on our bed and sit close, Walt often with his arm around Owen's shoulders, trying to hold him - and the shifting world - in place. 
  Please click here to read more 

• New Recommendations Guide Treatment For Those On The Spectrum. 

  For the first time in 15 years, a major psychiatric organization is updating its practice guidelines for treating kids and adolescents with autism. A series of seven recommendations from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outline the responsibilities clinicians have in diagnosing and treating those on the spectrum. Click here to read more! 

   
• This Groundbreaking Video Makes You Autistic for 2 Minutes. 

  This is breathtaking. See inside the mind of someone with autism, and you'll never look at people with this condition the same way again.  Click here to see the video 
   
• for all my SLP'S and anyone interested in language development - CHeck out this TED TALK!

  While working with kids who have trouble speaking, Ajit Narayanan sketched out a way to think about language in pictures, to relate words and concepts in "maps." The idea now powers an app that helps nonverbal people communicate, and the big idea behind it, a language concept called FreeSpeech, has exciting potential. 
   
• Chimes For Tyler. "Tyler can hear more than what most people can hear...he is really picking up on the details of sound...[because] he is inside of it." -Grammy Award winning musician and founder of Woodstock Chimes, Garry Kvistad. And he's only eight years old. "Chimes for Tyler" is a story about a boy with autism named Tyler Doi who loves wind chimes. Click here to read more and see the video (get kleenex) 
• Click here to hear the Autism Chime from Woodstock 
     
• From the Autism File: Is having a child on the spectrum taking a toll on your relationship with others?

  By Brian R. King, LCSW.  As the father of three boys on the autism spectrum and a coach for parents who have children with ADHD and/or autism, I've learned that if anything is going to sabotage a couple's ability to effectively raise their child, it's their inability to communicate effectively with each other. As parents live their lives attending to seemingly endless to-do lists, their existence becomes more about doing than being;  hurrying , pacing, and lecturing instead of listening. In the end, their lives become about putting out fires instead of laying foundations. Not exactly the life they signed up for, is it?  Click here to read this full article! 

    

• Does Autism Make Moms Parent Differently? A new study suggests that moms of kids with autism address their children's behavior differently than parents of kids without the developmental disorder. Researchers found that mothers with children on the spectrum were less likely to set rules or use discipline, but more frequently imposed so-called positive parenting, encouraging good behavior rather than focusing on the bad.  Click here to read more 
   
• What's So Funny? Plenty For Parents Of Kids With Autism. There's nothing funny about autism. Wait a minute. Yes there is - especially when Chris Long tells the "boob" story. But let's back up.  Click here for the full story! 

• Asperger Syndrome, a Trait in Great Demand.  Asperger syndrome has been long considered an obstacle in a child's harmonious social development, but nowadays this disorder on the autistic spectrum has become a trait in great demand, especially when it comes to the labor market. Even though it is still perceived by some as autism, what determined pediatrician Hans Asperger to nickname children suffering from Asperger syndrome "little professors" was the preoccupation they had for a certain subject and the reason why most of those who know how to channel their gift end up being prodigies. Cllick here to read more  

• Under New DSM, Autism Diagnoses May 'Significantly Decrease'.  Now, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders is adding to worries that some who previously would have qualified for a diagnosis on the autism spectrum will be left out.  Click here to read more  
   
• Evaluating the effects of medication on people with autism Dr. Temple Grandi.  When a medication is being evaluated to modify the behavior of a person with autism, one must assess the risks versus the benefits. The benefits of the medication must outweigh the risks. Some medications can damage the nervous system and other internal organs, such as the liver. These risks are greatest in young children because an immature nervous system may be more sensitive to harmful side effects. Click here to read more
      
• Fraser Valley Autism Society (FVAS) Click here for website!  
•  The Fraser Valley Autism Society has resumed its free monthly meetings
  for the season. Meetings will alternate between Chilliwack and Abbotsford on a monthly basis.  For more information please visit Our website here or email HERE
  Karen Davis,President, Fraser Valley Autism Society
  
   

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ADD/ADHD

• Complete Guide to ADD Coaching.  Ready to transform your life as an adult with ADHD? Here's everything to know about hiring and working with a coach.  Essentially, the guides did what an ADHD coach does: help you recognize and maneuver around obstacles in your way, while you develop your own skills and strategies to reach your goals. A coach will stay with you, but a coach will not walk for you. Click here to read more

• Your Kid is Alright: Understanding Teens Growing up with ADHD It's all too easy to envision doomsday scenarios when your teen with ADHD acts, well, like a teen - here's a little perspective.  Close your eyes and imagine you're opening the mail. You find a progress report from your teen's school. The report says that he's failing English and math, and has 15 late assignments in history. You feel your blood start to boil. Your son lied to you again. He said he was up to date on homework and passing all his courses. This is one more example of his irresponsible behavior. He is always irresponsible. He never does what he's told. If he keeps on going this way, he will fail.  CLick here to read more 

• Your Brain Is a Ferrari.  Positive ways to explain a child's ADHD diagnosis: Pointers for parents and professionals who want to emphasize strengths and build confidence in kids with attention deficit disorder.  Jeremy, age 12, sits in my office flanked by his mother and father. We have concluded our intake stage of his ADHD evaluation - meaning that we have pinpointed Jeremy's symptoms, struggles, and triumphs through his words, and we have noted the observations of his parents and teachers. We are gathered for the all-important diagnostic feedback session, in which I will tell Jeremy and his parents what my team and I have gleaned from these "history lessons."  Click here to read more

• Famous People With ADHD and Learning Disabilities. Let this list of celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and other famous people diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities -- and their challenges and triumphs -- inspire you to make the most of your symptoms. ADD/ADHD Celebrities, Entertainers Comedian, actor, and game show host Howie Mandel, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), publicly revealed his diagnoses to the world on an impulse. An admission he regretted immediately afterward (sound familiar?) -- until he realized just how many other people suffered from a combination of ADD/ADHD, OCD, and other comorbid conditions. Today, Mandel is not only a well-known entertainer, he's also a well-respected advocate for mental health awareness. His autobiography, Here's The Deal: Don't Touch Me, is a humorous look at his life with OCD, ADD/ADHD, and mysophobia, the fear of germs. Click here to read more  

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   Down Syndrome  

• Teen With Down Syndrome To Play For Harlem Globetrotters. Fresh off a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, a teen with Down syndrome is being tapped to play with the famed Harlem Globetrotters. Kevin Grow, 18, will appear in a March 9 game with the Globetrotters at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The teen and his dad will be seated on the team bench and Grow will take to the court as a 3-point specialist during the fourth quarter, the Globetrotters said.  Click here to read more  
• Viral Video Leads To NBA Deal For Teen With Down Syndrome.But for a time Tuesday night, trades, stats, wins and losses took a backseat to Kevin Grow. The Bensalem, Pa., senior, who has Down syndrome, has become somewhat of a national star. The manager for his high school varsity team for four seasons, Grow played in two games recently, including a 14-point effort in which he drained four three-pointers. Click here to see the VIDEO!! 
    

• With New Film, Boy With Down Syndrome Gets Taste Of Stardom.  On a dewy July morning last summer, Amy Wright looked on with mild concern as her son, Beau, ran across a hilly field in the Appalachian mountains outside Beckley, W.Va. The pair, along with Amy's husband, Ben, were among many on the hillside as cameras rolled on Beau's first scene in the independent film "Little Accidents."   Click here to read more and see a video 

• DSRF Family Skate Event:  March 21,2014
• 5:15 - 7:30pm
• Burnaby 8 Rinks, 6501 sprott st. burnaby 
• skate and helmut rentals included
• for tickets contact hina mahmood 604-444-3773 or email here 
• rsvp by March 14, 2014

• Art Expressions for Ages 5 & Up Years
  Date: Wednesdays April 2nd,16th,23rd,30th- May 7th (5 Sessions)
  (No class on April 9th,2014).
  Time: 7:00 p.m.- 7:45 p.m.
  Location: Langley Child Development Center, 5171 221 A Street, Langley, B.C. (free parking at the side of the building). It is in the small room off the preschool.
  Participants: maximum of 8 children Age: 5 & Up
  Cost: LMDSS Members: $30.00 Non-Members:$70.00
  Registration deadline: March 24th, 2014
  

   Facilitation
  Heidi McCurdy is a certified Expressive Art Therapist. This fun program is all about the process of creating, not the product. The activities are designed to promote healthy self-expression, self-esteem, social skills, and emotional wellness. To register call LMDSS at: 604-591-2722 or email:here  

• Cristina's Tortina Shop: Our unique Cupcakery was created for my daughter Cristina and other individuals with Down syndrome. CTS creates equal employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome, Autism and other Special Needs.  As a team, we are advocates for recognizing and supporting the abilities of these individuals. Cristina's Tortina Shop will "Showcase their Capabilities" to customers who visit the shop and enjoy beautifully prepared and always delicious desserts. CTS employees will also develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their own learned abilities to make unique cupcakes, specialty cakes, cookies and other treats as they share their skills with customers and develop a sense of leadership and camaraderie as a member of the cupcake team and society.Please check out their website here 

   
• 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 

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Education

•   Building Learning Rich Schools:  Join us for a day of conversation about enriching the learning outcomes for all students.   Please see the flyer here for more information.
  WHEN:         Saturday, April 5th, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  WHERE:       McMath Secondary School, 4251 Garry Street, Richmond
  REGISTRATION:    Free, please call the Richmond Society for Community Living at 604.279.7040

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FASD

• Check out all the latest information at Reach's Delta Connex!  Click here to see! 

• Langley - FASD adoptive and foster parents. Monthly support group meetings for those with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Info: Jamie, 604-530-5917.

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Medical and Mental Health

•  COMPLEX CHILD - March Edition - Hospitalizations - Click here   NEW 

• Health Care for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Toolkit for Primary Care Providers.  Click here for this toolkit filled with brilliant resources.
    
• Click here for all the NEW things at ANXIETY BC!      

• 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  
• Pinwheel Education Series
  Upcoming Topics
  MARCH 20, 2014 Infant Mental Health
  April 17, 2014 Mindfulness in School 
  Time:12pm-1pm Cost:Free and open to everyone
   Click here for more information 

• 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 their current newsletter   

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Technology

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Transitions  

• Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation Improving Services to People with Developmental Disabilities Click here to learn more and see a video showing how to apply for services!  
• For SURREY FAMILIES Check out the new Navigator Program! 

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Ministry Information  

• Ministry of Children and Family Development:Responsible for providing a range of services and supports for children and youth with special needs and their families.

• Community Living British Columbia:
  Responsible for delivering services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities   
• NEW Scholarship Fund Launched for Adults with Developmental Disabilities 
  Community Living BC (CLBC) and the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) today launched a $100,000 scholarship fund to benefit adults with developmental disabilities being served by CLBC across the province. The fund was established as a result of bargaining negotiations between CLBC and BCGEU. Starting today, people being served by CLBC will be eligible to apply for a scholarship to support their personal and professional development. Applications for 2014 will be accepted until March 3.A maximum contribution of $2,500/person will be established and funding priorities will focus on:
  • skills training related to securing employment opportunities
  • training courses being offered by accredited BC institutions
  • indirect costs associated with attending post-secondary education and training
  • community recreation activities that promote quality of life and new skills
    

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

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Workshops and Training 

• Click here for information on RDSP presentations 

• Click here to see all of ACT's Upcoming Presentations 

•  Click here for Child Care Options Professional Development Spring Calendar 2014 

• Click here for all upcoming workshops by Delta Assist   

• Click here for upcoming events sponsored by the BC Council for Families   

• Representation Agreements, A Free Webinar:  Specifically for those who support a relative or friend who has a developmental disability, brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or other condition in which they require assistance with decision making. The webinar will focus on the Representation Agreement Section 7 and the life areas it covers.
  There will be an evening session in March, see the whole line-up here
  WHEN:         Monday, March 17th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM PST
  WHERE:       Comfort of your own home
  REGISTER:  here  

• Domestic Violence Focused Couples Treatment: A Safe Model. Dr. Sandra Stith will present a successful model for treating mild to moderate domestic violence. Contrary to accepted wisdom situational violence can now be safely addressed in couples treatment, with this safety focused model.The treatment is based on a solution-focused therapy and targets couples who choose to stay together after experiencing situational Intimate Partner Violence. The treatment program is offered to individual couples and to couples participating in multi-couple groups. The 2-day workshop will include suggestions for screening appropriate clients and a clear description of the treatment model. Participants will be encouraged to share their own success stories and the challenges they experience working with these couples. Dr. Stith illustrate the model using video from her work.
  • March 27 & 28, 2014 La Perla Ballroom , New Westminster, BC #230 - 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC For more information, please contact Jenny Lee at 604-434-9101 Ext.334 or email here 

• Building Learning Rich Schools! EVERYONE WELCOME! What's in it for all of us? Join us for a conversation about:
• how do we enrich the learning outcomes for all students
• how do we ensure that all children feel that they belong
• Saturday April 5, 2014 8:30am - 1:00pm McMath Secondary School 4251 Garry Street, Richmond BC
• Keynote Speaker: Bruce Beairsto
• Interactive student and adult panels
• Research presentation
• To register please contact 604-279-7040 or email email here  BY MARCH 28, 2014
• sponsored by the Richmond Society for Community Living and the Richmond School District

• AMY WETHERBY IN BC!! Friday & Saturday April 4 & 5, 2014 SFU Downtown Campus - Harbour Centre Vancouver, B.C.  Diagnosing and Treating Young Children with ASD
  the Potential of Community-based Diagnosis & Treatment.This presentation will demonstrate that it is possible to achieve a reliable diagnosis and provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based intervention for young children in community settings by training community professionals and parents. Dr. Wetherby will also review the newly implemented DSM5 - she served on DSM5 Committee on Neurodevelopmental Disorders that established the new criteria for ASD diagnosis. Click here for more information 

• REACH in collaboration with the Delta Early Children's Development Committee present Workshops for Delta Parents. Positive Parenting: The Basics For Parents of children ages 2-12. 

  You will learn: Positive strategies for dealing with difficult behaviours,how to defuse power struggles, offer appropriate choices,be consistent,provide consequences, model appropriate behaviour and much more!You have three choices for times and dates - choose A, B or C! 

  And for those that have already taken Positive Parenting the Basics - please choose D - The Basics and Beyond! For parents of Children 2 - 18 - you must have taken the pre-requisite course of Positive Parenting the Basics. In this class you will learn further strategies for strengthening your relationshisp and go deeper into learning the meaning of your child's behavior and how to develop teaching strategies that are specific to your child's profile and situation.

  	A two ½ Day classes	B one Full Day	C Two Evenings	D - ADVANCED One Full day
  Day	Tuesdays	Saturday	Thursdays	Saturday
  Dates	April 1 and 8th	April 5th	May 22 and 29th	June 14
  Time	10:00 - 2:00	9:30 - 4:30	6:30 - 9:30	9:30 - 4;30
  Childminding	NO	YES	NO	YES
  Location	Delta Assist 9097 - 120th Street Delta BC	Reach #3- 3800 72nd Street Delta BC	Reach #3- 3800 72nd Street Delta BC	Reach #3- 3800 72nd Street Delta BC

  Register by email: here Or phone: 604-946-6622, ext.359

  $20 workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only. Please let us know if you need childminding on the days it is provided. We need to know the ages of your children and if they require any extra special care. If you register for any of the following - April 1, 5, 8 or June 14th please feel free to bring a nut free lunch.  

     
• FASD: Changing the Conversation 6th National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults  with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
  April 9 to 12, 2014 | Hyatt Regency Hotel | Vancouver, BC. The conference will bring together a diverse group of professionals, families and individuals with FASD to discuss research, evidence, model practice and ideas to expand how we sustain and enhance the lives of individuals with FASD. Participants will consider and debate how we continue to build on strengths and modify existing programs, services and systems to address barriers to ethical practice in healthcare, housing, social services, mental health, criminal and civil justice, employment and education. Participants will explore ideas for the creation and provision of integrated and collaborative approaches across systems with an emphasis on inclusion, creating a good life, social justice and practicality. Click here to learn more 

• Sharing the Autism Diagnosis with your child:What will they think? How will they react?
  When is the right time? right age? What do we say? Who else do we tell? when and why?
  Sharing the autism diagnosis with our children can be scary. Come and learn how you can positively share this information with your child so they can feel great about themselves and learn to become their own advocates. Presented by Pam Collins.
  April 9, 2014 7 - 9 pm
  Richmond Caring Place 340 - 7000 Minoru blvd, Richmond
  Free, but registration required.
  To register, please contact Llaesa Brownridge at 604-279-7014 or email here
  sorry, childcare not available

• EDU Talks! 2014  Spring    Series      

  Tuesday,    April    22,    2014,    6:30    -    9:30    PM    

  An Introduction    to    Music    Therapy    in    Special    Education    

  Joel      Kroeker      (RCC,      MA,      MMT,      MTA),      a      Registered      Clinical      Counselor,      Music       Therapist,       Private    Practitioner,     and  the    founding  international  workshop  facilitator  of  Archetypal  Music   Psychotherapy    (AMP),     a  Jungian-­-oriented    approach    to    the  creative  expressive  arts,    will  introduce  some  of  the  most    effective    music therapy interventions for students    with a variety of special needs    and show how they    can    be    applied    by    parents,    professionals    and    educators    in    an    experiential    and    interactive    presentation.

  *Participants are    encouraged    to    bring    a    musical    instrument    (no    musical    background    required)*   

  Tuesday,    April    29,    2014,    6:30    -    9:30    PM    

  The  Use    of    the    iPad    for    Special    Needs    Students    -    Part    2    

  Back  by  popular  demand,  Nadine  Trottier,    Board   Certified  Behaviour  Analyst  (BCBA)  for  the  Burnaby    School     District,  and  Brigid  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. They will    elaborate     on    some    of    the    apps     presented    in    the    Fall    2013  workshop    and    will    introduce     and    walk    participants    through    some    new    and    exciting    apps    that    can    be    implemented    at    home    and    at    school.   

   

   

  Workshops  will  be  held  at  the  University  Women's  Club  at  Hycroft,  1489  McRae  Ave  (at  16th  and Granville) Vancouver,    BC.      Parking    is    available    on    The    Crescent    and    side    streets.     

  Cost: $40 each or early bird $70 for both by April 1Seating is very limited, please register early.  More infomation is on-line here  
• Reach 3 Evening Workshop: Parenting the Anxious Child. Do you feel like your child is showing some signs of fear or worry that affect his or her daily life? If you answer yes to this question, your child may be suffering from anxiety and there are things you can do to help. This 3 session workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12 will address the biological, psychological and social aspects of anxiety with proven strategies to help your anxious child. Facilitator: Yvonne McKenna, Canadian Certified Counsellor
  Mondays, April 28, May 5 & 12 7:00pm - 8:30pm Reach Child & Youth #3-3800 72nd St. 
  • For more information call Yvonne at Reach Child and Youth Development Society 604.946.6622 ext. 347  or email here 
  • Cost is $25pp/$40couple (payable at first session)
    Please call Yvonne at 604.946.6622, ext.347 or email: here 
    
• My Tween & Me Leader Training
  Date: May 7th - 8th, 2014 Location: Vancouver Early Bird Training Fee: $360.00*
  *Ends March 15, 2014. Register Now. This interactive, two-day training session prepares program leaders to deliver the My Tween and Me parenting program. Get the tools and know-how to help parents maintain a strong connection with their children as they move into the teen years.  After attending this training you will have developed:
  Increased knowledge of tweens' developmental milestones
  Awareness of risk and protective factors that affect children as they move through the tween years and into adolescence
  Strengthened understanding of the issues parents of tweens face in diverse cultural and linguistic communities in BC
  Enhanced practical skills to help parents strengthen their relationships with their pre-teens
  Packed with information, discussion and activities, the My Tween and Me leader training session incorporates current research along with practical communication skills for parents.  Click here for more information and to register  

• Heart-Mind 2014: The Science of Kindness. 
  Thursday, May 8, 2014 - Saturday, May 10, 2014 Old Auditorium, UBC, Vancouver, BC

  Heart-Mind 2014 brings together scientists, educators, parents, out-of-school care providers, health and wellness professionals, recreation and community leaders - and all those who want to help children flourish.

  The theme of this year's conference is The Science of Kindness.

  Compassion, empathy, altruism and kindness are positive qualities we intuitively want our children to have. These qualities help a child to be successful in all aspects of life. Scientific research shows that when children perform acts of kindness they are happier and have more friends. Bullying is reduced. Some studies even show that helping others helps them stay healthy by diminishing the effect of diseases and disorders-both psychological and physical.

  Heart-Mind 2014 will share the most up-to-date science and practice related to how adults can cultivate kindness, empathy, compassion and altruism in children and in themselves - in families and schools, during recreational activities, and throughout the community. Kindness towards people, other living creatures, the environment and themselves. Click here for more information

• Live Your Best Life: Are you tired of feeling like you are not moving forward in your life? Do you feel like you are never given the breaks that you need? Is there something that you have always wanted to do but have not been able to achieve it? There are times in our lives when we want to stop feeling like a spectator on the sidelines and start creating the life we want. Debbie Holmes and Scott Robertson will give you a clear understanding of how to obtain and maintain balance in life even when it seems impossible due to a busy lifestyle or a stressful vocation. You will be given opportunities to assess your health, both physically and mentally, so you can achieve your goals. They will lay out a fool-proof plan to develop your skills with step-by-step methods that will enhance your opportunity to Live Your Best Life! 
• May 2, 2014 @ Newlands Golf & Country Club 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  May 16, 2014 @ Burnaby Village Museum 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  Click here to register 

• Summer Institute 2014 Creating the Future- Partnerships for Inclusive Learning is a summer conference designed to provide a robust learning environment that will facilitate strategic approaches to inclusion and belonging for all students in B.C.'s elementary and secondary schools.
  Many of the support calls that FSI gets in our office and through our volunteer network are school based challenges. Many of our families want for their kids to be included, adored, have access to a good solid education, and have a network of friends who celebrate their abilities and accomplishments. We know schools are filled with educated well-meaning professionals who are looking for tools to help them deal with the complexity of classrooms and diversity. We have designed this Summer Institute to bring school based team members from all over BC together to look at ways to create inclusive schools for all kids.Registration is now open!

This three-day conference will take place on August 25-27, 2014  at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Participants will include administrators, teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, therapists and other members of a school based team.

This year's chosen topics of study are Universal Design for Learing (UDL), Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS), Literacy, Transition, Inclusion in the BC Context, Parent-Professional Relationships, and Social Networks.

Cost is $250 per person (15% discount to teams of 3 and more from the same school). Early bird $200 by April 30th, 2014. Click here for more information 

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Seasonal 

• SPRING BREAK IS ALMOST NEAR

  We are expanding to take on more clients that want to be a part of fun activities and adventures

  • Looking for after school or respite care for your special needs child look no further.

  124 & 94- SURREY

  778-968-7828

  We are a team of qualified care workers that have over 15 years of experience

   
• BLAZIN SOCCER DOGS, PUPS and RAIN CITY WOLVES
  SPRING 2014 season begins on April 5, for any one ages 4 to 34...McKechnie school in Vancouver.
  Pups play 10 to 11, the Dogs and Wolves from 11 to 12:30
  ALL ARE WELCOME.
  NEW PLAYERS, siblings, cousins, friends are all welcome.
  VOLUNTEERS are needed.
  Visit our website here   Questions..contact Abbe at email here or myself barb by email here 

   

• International Family Equality Day. On May 4, 2014, LGBTQ family organizations from around the world will join forces, for the third time, to increase the international visibility of LGBTQ families. Regardless of different legal, political and social circumstances around the world, the dramatic increase in the numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people choosing to raise children is a global phenomenon.
• International Family Equality Day comes before Mother's and Father's Day to respect those families who may find it challenging to recognize or celebrate on those days.CLick here for more information

• Special Olympics Canada Summer Games:  The 2014 Summer Special Olympics are taking place in Vancouver this year from July 8th - 12th.  Find out how to participate or volunteer by visiting their website here.  Families who have children and youth who are new to Special Olympics may want to start with youth programs. Click here for more information 

   

• NEWS FROM EASTER SEAL CAMPS: Dear Parents and Guardians
  The cost of running one week of an Easter Seals general camping session is approximately $2400. In the past the Lions Society has been able to subsidize 100% of this cost and up until 2012 our camper families have not had to pay anything. Unfortunately times have changed and our traditional funding sources have diminished over the years. In order for us to continue offering exceptional camping programs for children with disabilities, we need to change the paradigm with which we approach summer camping.
  Starting this summer, we will be charging a fee of $500 (26% of the cost) for a week of general camping. The Lions Society will subsidize the balance of $1900. This was a hard decision for us but a necessary one. Why was it necessary?
  For over 40 years we offered free camping for kids with disabilities and that is an amazing thing. We are truly proud of that feat. However, competition for the charity dollar has increased at a very fast pace over the last 10 years. There are thousands of more not for profits that have emerged. Special events are no longer being run by a few charities but every organization is trying their hand at this form of fundraising. Individual and corporate donations have been shrinking partly due to the economy and partly due to increased demand from other organizations.  And government funding has become impossible to access due to their budget balancing and many more new community requests. 
  Our camping program is special and unique. We want it to continue. We are going to do what it takes to keep this program running for as long as there is a want and need for it. It is our goal to be able to provide the highest quality camping experience to children with disabilities in five years, ten years and fifty years from now.
  In the coming months we will be sending out information on different subsidy programs and money that is available for families who can demonstrate financial need or wishes to access respite funds. We recommend that parents and guardians also look into what is available. There are a lot of options. We firmly believe that this cost will not be a barrier for anyone who really wants to come to camp.
  We have also had to make some changes to our summer schedule. We have tried to keep the changes small though. The 2014 summer schedules are now available on our website.
  If you have any questions or concerns or even any ideas or helpful tips for other parents please feel free to contact myself or James Gagnon, our Director of Camping, camp@lionsbc.ca.   

• MISSION POSSIBLE CRUISE TO ALASKA  JULY 4 to 11, 2014
  THIS CRUISE IS NOT just for families with children or students with Down Syndrome.....the information being shared this time will be of value and interest for other families and individuals with varying challenges, including autism.
  SPEAKERS INCLUDE: an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Therapist,a physio therapist, a teacher specializing in a reading program for students with Developmental Disabilities, medical personnal and myself...am so honored to be included..and I will lead discussions around Educational Strategies, Behaviour, Sexuality and Puberty, if wanted..tolieting, advocacy..whatever people want to talk , share and brainstorm on.
  Should be great fun, a whole week to talk, laugh, cry and learn and simply have lots of fun!!!
  Join us on the DS July 4th, 2014 Alaska Inside Passage 7 Night Cruise from Seattle
  Click here for more informationAccess the FREE 2013 DS Cruise Speaker Videos here
  CONTACT ROSALIE here  for more information
  THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING THIS INFORMATION WITH OTHERS
  Barbara Laird BEd.
  www.beyondtheboxbasics.com
  604 325 9990
  
  
   

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Other                

• QUOTE of the day:  "

• Parenting Special Needs Magazine - Current Edition  NEW
• Check out:
• Motivation page 20
• Body Safey
• Developing your own Network

• Richmond Autism Parent Support (RAPS) holds meetings every last Thursday of the month at: #210 - 3671 Chatham StreetRichmond, BC from 7:30 to 9:00 pm Our Next Meeting: -March 27, 2014 Round table discussion  Click here for more information!

• Kick-off for the 2014 GAPS (Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome) meetings on Monday MARCH 17TH with a virtual visit from Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. We will listen to an interview with Dr. C-M, where she discusses her more recent work looking at the physiological conditions (rather than focussing so much on the neurological) that can successfully be addressed through GAPS. I think this will be especially interesting for adults doing GAPS, or "adapted" GAPS for themselves, but also will give more insight to the immune connection for those of us using GAPS to address children's developmental issues. We will follow the interview with GAPS easter-inspired snacks and a group discussion/question period.
  Feel free to bring friends/adult family members. It is helpful for me to have a rough idea of numbers for snacks, so please RSVP if you can.
  GAPS GROUP MEETING
  Monday, MARCH 17 7pm -9pm
  CSNN 100 - 2245 West Broadway Vancouver
• Future scheduled GAPS GROUP meetings are on:
  Monday, April 21
  Monday, May 26
  Monday, June 23
  Kate HutchinsonRegistered Holistic Nutritionist Certified GAPS Practitioner Whole Family Nutrition 604 708-8205 phone/fax  website here 

• Free BC Community Capacity Building Program
  Complete free of charge for your school, district or community organization
  Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society has received grant funding allowing Friend 2 Friend to offer our BC Community Capacity Building Program (free training and materials) to inclusive school districts and community organizations within BC supporting children with autism. BC Communities Capacity Building is a FREE ($7250 value) program designed to provide inclusive school districts and community organizations throughout British Columbia (outside the greater Vancouver area*) with materials and training to implement our signature Autism Demystification program entitled: Can I Play Too?: Autism Demystification Puppet Packaged Program to children ages 3-11 in their local area. Friend 2 Friend will provide a one-day implementation workshop (Value $5000) and the materials:
  10-20 copies of the Can I Play Too?: Autism Demystification Puppet PackagedPrograms (Value $1400) 1 - Can I Play Too? Props and Materials Case (Value $850) necessary to implement the program. This program is provided completely free of charge to schools, school districts and other inclusive community organizations throughout British Columbia, Canada. For more information or to book a workshop please contact our office at herefriend2friend@shaw.ca 
   
• Citing Special Education Background, Clay Aiken Running For Congress.  

  One-time "American Idol" contestant Clay Aiken is bidding for a seat in Congress and he's citing his experience as a special educator as he throws his hat in the ring.

  Aiken, 35, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge current U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, a Republican, to represent North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. Click here to read more and see Clay's video 

• GALA for teens and Adults aged 16 to 35 with Developmental Disabilities..A NIGHT TO REMEMBER ``4``
  FRIDAY JUNE 13, 2014  7pm to 11 pm ..DOORS OPEN AT 6:30
  CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL, 1015 Burrard Street, Vancouver
  TICKETS: $20.00 each, available by phone to HINA at the Down Syndrome Research Foundation  604 444 3773
  Tickets are limited and no tickets will be available at the door, so get them soon, they will run out!!
  DRESS TO IMPRESS...this is a Gala......Dinner will be served, lots of prizes and come walk the Red Carpet.
  IN the first 3 Galas we have given away 104 IPADS and countless other prizes.
  WE ARE LOOKING FOR MONETARY DONATIONS AND DONATIONS IN KIND. All donations will receive a tax receipt from the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. Talk to HINA......604 444 3773.
  Any questions contact Hina  email here, Abbe email here or myself, Barb by email here
  THERE WILL BE A ROOM , with food and drinks to purchase for parents and caregivers.
  The CENTURY PLAZA also has a special rate for those who want to stay overnight...ask for the "Night to Remember" rate.

• Friend2Friend is Hiring! Want to make a difference in the lives of children with autism and their peers and siblings?
  Want to be part of an interdisciplinary team of professionals?
  What to design and implement innovative peer play and social programs for children with autism and their peers?
  Want to work at an organization that truly embraces the philosophy "child first"?
  Friend 2 Friend is now hiring Master Guides and Play Guides. If you are interest in learning more check out the postings please visit our website here 

• Your One Stop Shop for children and families in Delta - Deltakids.ca - click here! 

• NEW   Barry MacDonalds BOYSMARTS - March Edition - Fuel for Active Boys - Click here! 

• Click here for the Current Coach Newsletter! 

• Click here for the Family Support Institute's Current Possibilities Newsletter - filled with wonderful resources! 

• Fraser Valley Families in Touch (FIT) Network Society recently had a presentation regarding RDSP's - Click here to learn more and see a great handout! 

• Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey!
  If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to come to Surrey Kids Voice. The meetings will be held at: Surrey College Room 110, 9260 140 Street, Surrey,  Currently, childcare is not available. See you there! No need to pre-register. For more info, please contact Cheryl at 604-690-5649 or email 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

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Submissions or Questions?

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

Parent Network 

or 604-946-6622 ext 359.  

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

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