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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

July 29, 2014 

 

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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Quick Links - click twice

 

Reach News 

Help a Parent/Parent Support?  

 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
Reach News
    Reach Society opens Children's Thrift Store in Ladner June 7
    Reach Child & Youth Development Society announces the grand opening of FINDS
    Children's Thrift Store  FINDS features amazing deals on gently-used but high-quality children's, youth and maternity-related items, as well as games, books, and toys. The thrift store will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at 4927 Elliott
    Street in Ladner.

    Reach Society welcomes donations at FINDS during business hours once it
    opens, as well at the Reach South Delta office - 3800 72nd Street - Monday
    to Friday during business hours. Accepted are clean children's, youth and
    maternity-related items, as well as games, books, and toys in good
    condition. In addition, individuals interested in volunteering at FINDS are
    encouraged to contact [email protected].

    FINDS was the wonderful idea of Reach Society board members, including a
    parent whose child had benefited from the Reach preschool program, which is
    a developmental preschool for children aged 30 months to 5 years. This
    inclusive preschool is for both children who require extra support and for
    children who are developing typical. It features interactive learning
    through play with an emphasis on kindergarten readiness.

  • 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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Help
Help a Parent/Parent Support
 
  • Langley Parent Support! Families In Touch! 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*" Click here for their website 

 

 

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Autism

Autism

 

  • The autism story from another point of view.Autism has become one of the afflictions of our age. The numbers of children placed on the autism "spectrum" now numbers about one in 88. While parents and educators cope with raising a generation with the condition, society is wondering: How did this happen? And what is to be done? Enter Dr. June Pimm and her book The Autism Story. It is, she says, intended for teachers and parents. The aim is to offer her insight into the condition and the attendant industry of people who work to help those with the diagnosis become better functioning members of society. Currently diagnosed children in Ontario are involved in expensive one-on-one treatments for 40 hours a week with specialists who use the behavioural approach to teaching children with autism. It is a treatment that flows from the American B.F. Skinner who used to train rats to navigate a maze with cheese. If people choose to follow this approach. well and good. But Pimm believes other forms of treatment should be on the table, all the while acknowledging the potential for charlatans to enter the treatment field. Click here to read more 
  • Motorcyling across Canada for autism awareness kicks off in Vancouver.  Look bad, do good. That's the deal with the rough and tough Vancouver bikers sporting a soft spot across Canada in early August. Vancouver-based Bikers for Autism has teamed up with Sailor Jerry's on the Sailor Jerry Long Haul - a motorcycle ride that starts in the city August 7 and culminates August 20, when they'll take a ferry from Halifax to Newfoundland. The group will be fundraising for the local autism society to not only raise awareness about the disorder, but also donate to the Osoyoos Autism Behavioural Centre in the Okanagan Valley.Click here to read more 
  • Runners World Cover Contest - Alex Shneider.  Alex Shneider,is severly autistic and pre verbal. in November last year he ran in the New York Marathon, along with his twin brother, Jamie, for the full 26.2 miles. Autism Daily Newscast reported on this story and it can be read here. Robyn Schneider, Alex's mother, recently contacted us and shared with us that Alex has been entered into the Runners World Cover Contest and we wanted to share this with you.  Click here to read more 
  • Recent Special "Autism" Code on Virginia Driver's Licenses and ID Cards Goes into Law: Helpful or Discriminatory for Individuals on the Autistic Spectrum.  On July 1st, Senate bill 367 took effect, which allows individuals with an intellectual disability or autism to have a special code placed on the back of their licenses and ID cards to alert law enforcement or first responders that they are dealing with someone with a condition. The idea was inspired by a central Virginia mother, Ms. Pam Mines, who wanted to be proactive in protecting her 9 year old autistic son, JP. During a news conference after the law passed, Ms. Mines asserted, "I really wanted to make sure that my son was protected in the event that a situation came about where he is faced with law enforcement and they're not aware that he has autism." Just a few days into the law, Dr. Michael Oberschneider describes a very mixed response on it from his patients with autistic spectrum disorders. And within his outpatient therapy practice in Northern Virginia, he has already identified a trend in which adult and younger patients appear to have concerns about the law for themselves, while the parents of younger patients appear to be embracing it. Click here to read more
     
  • Nationwide Teams Report Breakthrough Using Unique Therapy For Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Researchers have reported a surprising finding about a unique treatment of autism spectrum disorder: a large and reliable IQ rise. Almost every treated child, regardless of diagnosis, showed significant increases in IQ, along with improved social interaction, more positive behavior, and improved communication skills. These were the 2014 findings of a 49-year-long, multi-site study reported on at the American Psychoanalytic Association in Chicago. Investigators were led by Gilbert Kliman, M.D. of The Children's Psychological Health Center in Santa Rosa and San Francisco.  Click here for more information
     
  • Vancouver International Film Festival: Stand Clear of the Closing Doors. Ricky, an autistic 13-year-old, embarks on an underground odyssey that would give Orpheus pause: 11 days patiently lost on New York's subway system, idly drifting through its labyrinthine tunnels and encountering the figures of urban mythology who ride these subterranean rails. Above ground, a frantic search is launched by his guilt-ridden mother (whose scolding may have driven Ricky away from their humble seaside home in Far Rockaway, Queens). With Hurricane Sandy lurking menacingly on the horizon, she has precious little time to locate her son.mClick here for more information 
  •  Asperger's Are Us: A True Story - Film Documentary.  Boston, Massachusetts - Asperger's Are Us: A True Story, is a documentary film that follows a group of four comedians as they write, rehearse, and perform their most challenging and entertaining performance ever. The comedy troupe are comprised of, Jack Hanke, New Michael Ingemi, Ethan Finlan, and Noah Britton. They are all comedians and most importantly friends.  Click here to read more and see the trailer! 
  • Autism services desperately needed for adults. Local experts emphasize deficit in program.  "There is a huge deficit," says Sara Barada with the Autism Action Partnership. "Not only in our community, nationwide.  Services for young adults with autism is a huge need, a huge need." Click here to learn more and see a video 
  • London (ONTARIO) police creating registry of people with autism. Launched in partnership with the London Region Chapter of Autism Ontario, the voluntary registry will give officers quick access to critical information, such as whom to call in an emergency, police said. It will also mean keeping information on file such as a detailed physical description and a list of "particular sensitivities" for each person registered. Partners expect the registry will be a big help in identifying and locating people when missing persons reports are filed.Click here to read more
     
  • Michael Bubl�'s Epic Message to 6-year-old Fan with Autism.  Singer Michael Bubl� showed he is a class act when he sent a a young fan named Griffin this amazing video.  Griffin is a 6 year old boy with severe Autism who lives in Calgary, AB. He has a passion for music, and has acquired an incredible love for Mr. Buble. He asks for 'Michael Buble' throughout the day, and his therapists use Mr. Buble's videos as rewards for good work. Click here to see the video
     

 

   

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ADD

ADD/ADHD

  • Fidget to Focus. Doing two things at once can enhance focus and improve performance for ADHD kids and adults. Learn how. Experts believe that engaging in an activity that uses a sense other than what's required for your primary task - listening to music while reading a social studies textbook, for example - can enhance focus and improve performance in children with attention deficit disorder. These secondary tasks are called fidgets - mindless activities you can do while working on a primary task. Click here to read more
  • How to Defuse an Angry Child. Your child may not be able to use his words to express his feelings calmly-so learn to listen with your heart to help him feel understood. When dealing with an angry child, it helps to remember that a lot of misbehavior stems from a strong emotion. Kids often can't articulate their feelings, so they come out in tantrums or defiance. Parents usually react to a child's misbehavior, instead of addressing the feeling that is fueling the behavior. To ease a child's turbulent mood, parents need to help a child feel understood. Learn how with this guide. Click here to read more
  • 9 Food Fixes to Supercharge Your Brain. Did you know that eating too much of the wrong foods can actually shrink the decision-making parts of the brain? Tap into these brain-boosting food habits, recommended by Dr. Daniel G. Amen, to improve your focus, memory, and mood - naturally.  Good, healthy food is brain medicine. For people with all types of ADHD, it can have a powerfully positive effect on cognition, feelings, and behavior. The right diet may even allow you to decrease your medication dosage. The wrong diet, on the other hand, can have a very real negative effect on ADHD symptoms. Click here to read more
  • Why ADHD Children Don't Sleep-and What You Can Do About It Better sleep leads to better control of ADHD symptoms for children. Here are parent-tested solutions for a good night's rest.  Getting a good night's sleep can be a big problem for ADHD families. A British research study shows that three times as many children with ADHD have difficulty falling or staying asleep and 57 percent of the parents of ADHD children slept less than six hours. More than half of the kids got up four times during the night. Almost half woke up before 6:00 a.m. It doesn't take much to figure out what's going on here: When children are awake, it's hard for parents to get any shuteye.Click here to read more

     
         

 

 

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 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

         

  • Mission Possible Cruise - Down Syndrome Cruises & Conferences.  Here are all of the videos that Mission Possible Cruise has uploaded to Vimeo. CLick here to see all the presentations!!!
     
  • 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

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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.

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Sensory

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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 
    • JUL 17 2014: Art and Creative Therapies
      SEP 18 2014: Eating Disorders in Boys and Men
      OCT 16 2014: Suicide and Safety Planning
      NOV 13 2014: Mental Health and Online Safety    
  • 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

Technology

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Technology

Transitions  

 

 

 

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Ministry

Ministry Information  

 


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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • EDUTALKS: Early Bird Special Extended 2014 Summer Series
    • Thursday, August 21, 2014, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Supporting Children with Anxiety with Stephenie Gold
    • Friday, August 22, 2014, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Hey, My Brain Doesn't Work That Way! Understanding Brain Differences, Sensory Processes, Teaching Self-Regulation and Promoting Stress Management with Marc Landry
    • Click here for more information 
  • 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 

     

  • Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Applications (POPARD).
    • August 11 to 15, 2014 - Vancouver, B.C.
      August 18 to 22, 2014 - Vancouver, B.C.
      August 25 to 29, 2014 - Victoria, B.C.
    • This 30 hour course has recently been revised to reflect current research and evidence-based practice in teaching students with ASD. Instruction includes pre-readings, practical hands-on training through instructor demonstration and coaching. In addition, course participants complete applied exercises in the key elements of teaching and supporting students with ASD.
    • Kenneth Cole, Ph.D., R.Psych. is a psychologist on staff at the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD). In addition, he is a School Psychologist in School District #36 (Surrey) and a Supervisor in the Adult Assessment Clinic at The University of British Columbia where he has previously served as Adjunct Faculty.
    • Click here for more information 
  • Functional Behavioural Assessment (FBA) Workshop ~ Maple Ridge WJS Canada Training Division Thursday, 18 September 2014 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (PDT)
    Maple Ridge, BC. The WJS Training Division is pleased to offer this 1- day introductory workshop on the topic of Functional Behavioural Assessment (FBA) taught by Dr. Gail Krivel-Zacks. A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is an attempt to look beyond the obvious interpretation of behavior as "bad" and determine what function it may be serving for an individual or child. Truly understanding why an individual or a child behaves the way he or she does is the first, best step to developing strategies to stop the behavior.

    The purpose of a Functional Behavioural Assessment is to determine the reason, or communicated message, behind the behaviour. The goal is to teach more effective, appropriate ways to communicate the same message.  Click here for more information

     
  • Invitation to present at the 1st Annual Canadian Social Thinking � Providers Conference:Applying Social Thinking and Teaching Executive Function Skills:  Where, When, How and with Whom?
    • Wednesday & Thursday
      September 17 & 18, 2014
      Executive Airport Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, Richmond, B.C
      Key Note Speakers:Joanne Gerenser, ABA and Social Thinking
      Sarah Ward, Executive Functioning
      Michelle Garcia Winner, Founder of Social Thinking
      Pamela Crooke, Authentic Data. Present on your own experience: Deadline to submit proposals - May 23, 2014 Click here for more information 
  • Boy Smarts - Action Talk!  Barry MacDonald! RATHER than surppressing a boy's high-spirited physicality and aggression, or his sensitive and shy reluctance, learn constructive ways to respond to his varied needs so he can express himself in safe
    and respectful ways. LEARN how to listen beyond your son's frustration and anger to connect with him, and to understand his deeper needs. LEARN how to advocate for your son at school to ensure that he receives optimal support and guidance. BARRY MACDONALD
    is a skilled educator, author, and Registered Clinical Counsellor, who will expertly lead you through the corridors of boyhood. His highly practical and positive approach will inspire you to mentor your son to be successful at school, and become a man of courage and compassion. take advantage of earlybird specials: register 4 people for the price of 3
    bring a guest for free until june 30th
    Vancouver October 4, 2014  Register here 
     
  • EDUTALKS FALL SERIES!
    • Thursday, October 23  2014, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Fish Don't Climb Trees: Supporting Students with Learning Challenges with Sue Hall
    • Friday, October 24, 2014, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with ASD with Leah Mumford
    • Friday, October 24, 2014, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Understanding the Experience of Students with ASD with Leah Kelley
    • Click here for more information
       
  • Barry MacDonald - NEW Teacher Workshop: Teaching Marginalized and Vulnerable boys! S t r at e g i e s to engage boys. 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.
    Discover solutions to these critical topics:
    * What do trends say about educating boys, and especially
    certain sub-groups of boys?
    * What interferes with boys' learning and school success?
    * How to address the link between moving and learning?
    * How to help boys regulate their emotions?
    * To what degree do boys who think in pictures become
    overwhelmed with verbal instructions?
    * How can school staff communicate better with boys and
    help them develop relational skills and socially responsibility?
    Surrey October 24, 2014  Click here for more information 
     
  • 6th International Conference on FASD Research: Results and Relevance 2015
    Integrating Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World
    March 4-7, 2015 | The Westin Bayshore | Vancouver, BC, Canada

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SeasonalSeasonal 

 

 

 

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Other

Other                

  • Quote of the Day:"If you are lucky enough to be different, don't ever change", Taylor Swift.
  •   To the Typical Siblings of a Brother or Sister With a Disability. Dear typical sibling of a brother or sister with a disability,  Today I want to speak to you as a parent - perhaps not your parent - but a parent nonetheless. I know you've had to sacrifice so much, and I wish you hadn't. For the many times you've thought it wasn't fair, we've felt it too. And if you've had to miss out on life experiences, please know that we wish we could offer you the world.  Click here to read more 
  •  Putting the focus on ability. A UBC expert says attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities are improving but underlying discrimination exists.  The Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games take place at UBC's Vancouver campus July 8-12. Ahead of the games, UBC Professor Tim Stainton, director of the Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship discusses the challenges facing people with intellectual disabilities and their families.  Click here to read more  
  • Parenting Special Needs - Summer Magazine available now!!! Click here for the summer party planning strategies!

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SubmissionSubmissions or Questions?

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

Parent Network 

or 604-946-6622 ext 359.  

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

 

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Reach | [email protected] | delta, BC |