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. 

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

• STUDY: Looking for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are seeking input from Canadian parents who have a child with ASD between the ages of 4-12 years. Parents will have the opportunity to participate in online focus groups. Ultimately, this study will inform the development of a web-based sleep intervention for families of children with ASD, as well as professional education and training materials for health professionals. More information about our study can be found here or on our Facebook page here  .

• TED TALK:  Alix Generous is a young woman with a million and one ideas - she's done award-winning science, helped develop new technology and tells a darn good joke (you'll see). She has Asperger's, a form of autistic spectrum disorder that can impair the basic social skills required for communication, and she's worked hard for years to learn how to share her thoughts with the world. In this funny, personal talk, she shares her story - and her vision for tools to help more people communicate their big ideas. Click here to see this TED TALK!
   
   

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

   Down Syndrome  

• Behind the Scenes With the World's Most Famous Model With Down Syndrome.
  From the moment I arrive, it's clear this isn't going to be a "typical" photo shoot. In the middle of Times Square I find the model holding the client's hand, which I assume isn't your average client-to-the-talent relationship in the fashion industry Click here to read more
  
    
• Good to Great: Enhancing Quality of Life for People with Down Syndrome The Down Syndrome Research Foundation's 20th Anniversary Conference and Celebration.  October 23 - 24, 2015. Click here for more information 

• You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
  ˇ To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
  professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
  ˇ To provide support and information to families in Delta who
  have a child with Down Syndrome
  ˇ To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
  ˇ To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
  ˇ To provide on-site child minding while you attend the
  discussion
  When: First Thursday of each month starting October 1, 2015
  Where:
  Reach Developmental Preschool South #3-3800 72nd Street, Delta, BC
  Reach Developmental Preschool North Delta 10921 - 82nd Avenue, Delta, BC
  
  **alternating each month
• 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 

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

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 

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________

Workshops and Training 

• Click here for the Fall CCRR Course Schedule 

• Click here for information on RDSP presentations 

• Click here for all upcoming workshops by Delta Assist   

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

• EDUTALKS:  2015 Summer Series - Changing the Conversation - Monday, August 24, 2015 (Tuesday postponed)  5:30 - 6:30 PM Tamara Taggart: Changing the Conversation.  
  7:00 - 9:30 PM Managing Anxiety: Through Play-Based Strategies and Interventions, Sharon Selby. click here for more information

• DIR FLOORTIME! DIR 101: Overview of the DIRŽ Model and Floortime™ Intervention:
  Theoretical Framework, Scientific Evidence, and Scope of Application With Paula Jurczak
  And Keith Landherr.  August 28 and 29, 2015. Jericho Hills Centre 4196 W. 4th Avenue Vancouver, BCThis is an introductory course that reviews the theoretical framework, scientific evidence, and scope of application of the DIR model promoting functional emotional developmental capacities, reflective thinking, and overall mental health for all children and adults, including those with special needs.Questions ??? Contact Keith Landherr
  Phone # 778-885-0392 or email here 

• SUMMER INSTITUTE sponsored by UBC and the FAMILY SUPPORT INSTITUTE (FSI)
  EARLY READING STRATEGIES: EVIDENCE-BASED.  AUG 31 - SEPT 2, 2015
• STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CAN (AND SHOULD!) LEARN TO READ AND WRITE, NO MATTER WHAT AGE THEY ARE OR WHAT STAGE OF LITERACY DEVELOPMENT THEY HAVE REACHED. In this professional development opportunity participants will learn about current perspectives on assessment and instruction with emphasis on contemporary issues and evidence-based instructional strategies. An intentional, systematic and sequenced approach to planning and instruction will be introduced and applied throughout the Institute. You will be introduced to tools for assessing the development of reading skills (even in nonverbal individuals) and learn how to match instruction to a student's stage of development. The focus will be on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities at beginning stages of learning to read, regardless of age, grade or ability level. Participants will receive guided support in selecting goals and objectives, instructional strategies, materials and resources as well as a DVD of resources at the completion of the 3 days! VICKI ROTHSTEIN has been working with individuals with disabilities and teams supporting those individuals since 1970. She is retired from her work with the Richmond School District where she had a variety of professionalroles and responsibilities over the years. Presently, Vicki is working as a professional developer, instructional coach, educational consultant and university instructor. She facilitates staff development and supports teams in designing inclusive educational environments and experiences that provide a high quality, meaningful education for individuals with disabilities, from preschool through adolescence. Click here for more information
   
• Social Thinking and Mental Health Frameworks - Blending Strategies to Reach Our Students. Thursday & Friday, September 17 & 18, 2015
  Nancy Clements, MA, CCC-SLP and Nancy Cotton, PhD

  Learner Outcomes

  1. Participants will be able to define Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and why it is appropriate to use with students with social learning challenges
  2. Participants will be able to explain the core concept of social behavior mapping and how one's behavior impacts how others feel about them and then how they feel about themselves
  3. Participants will be able to describe a strategy for helping students learn to understand and cope with their own social anxiety.  Click here for more information
      
• Executive Function Skills with SARAH WARD M.S., CCC/SLP. A practical strategies seminar for Porfessionals and Teachers on Executive Function Skills.  How to teach preschool and school aged children to efficiently manage their tasks, time, space and materials (and keep their emotions in check). After completing this seminar you will have practical strategies to...
  *    Help children develop situational awareness
  *    Teach children to be future thinkers
  *    Accelerate children's planning skills
  *    Teach children time-management skills
  *    Help children develop the skills of self-monitoring and metacognition
  *    Help children develop better transition skills
  *    Support a child's ability to improve his/her speed of processing informationHosted by Share Family and Community Services.  September 25 and 26, 2015.  Click here for more information

• 2015 Mindfulness Training: Mindfulness and Education
  Foundations of Trauma and the Rationale for the Importanceof Mindfulness in Schools
  Understanding Attachment and Regulation: The Current Trend Towards The (and Principles of) Trauma-Sensitive and Mindful Schools
  Mindfulness for Aboriginal Schools
  Mindfulness for Educators
  Mindfulness for Students
  September 28 - 30, 2015
  Holiday Hotel & Suites Downtown Vancouver
  Vancouver, British Columbia Click here for more information 
   
• 2015 ANCAŽ World Autism Festival™ .  OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to unforeseen circumstances the AWAF 6th annual event has been moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada October 1-6 during the first week of Canada's National Autism Awareness Month in partnership with 2013 INSP Awards recipient Erdal Ates of Otisium, Turkey and special guest Irem Bekter, international performance artist and director/producer of "Productions Diabluras". The 7th annual event to be held in Istanbul, Turkey October 1-6, 2016.  Click here for more information 

• Thriving in Youth with ASD - What Does it Take? Friday, October 23rd, 2015 Jonathan Weiss has identified thriving as an important but almost unused term in the realm of autism research which is largely focused on problem behaviors and the negative impact of autism on the lives of young people. In his presentation Dr. Weiss will look at how to promote positive outcomes in youth with ASD, including those with Intellectual Disability, by focusing on indicators such as happiness, satisfaction and resilience. This presentation has significant implications for educators, families and therapists as they look at the pivotal interventions that will have the biggest impacts on youth with ASD as they prepare and enter into adult life, specifically, interventions that target social-communication difficulties and promote social interaction and community inclusion for youth with ASD. Click here for more information
   
• Good to Great: Enhancing Quality of Life for People with Down Syndrome. Join families, educators, clinicians, service providers, and researchers in beautiful Vancouver British Columbia Oct. 23-24 as we come together to learn, share and inspire. We have an outstanding lineup of speakers, including international experts and experienced practitioners in the field of Down syndrome. Behavior problems impact 30% of children with Down syndrome. Left untreated, these same children often exhibit behavior problems as adults, limiting work and independent living opportunities. Many typical behavioral management tools are less effective for children with DS. In order to address behavior problems in DS effectively, one must understand the brain-based reasons for these challenges and direct treatment appropriately. This workshop will present the basic neuroscience of Down syndrome and how this informs effective behavior management, with practical strategies provided for use in the home and school settings. Click here for more information 

• In celebration of Community Living Month, we would like to invite family members to attend:

  Family Voices Family Choices. A family conference to support youth in transition from school to adulthood in Delta and Surrey.

  When: Friday, October 30, 2015 9:00am - 3:30pm

  Where: Delta Town & Country Inn 6005 Hwy 17A, Delta

  Speakers:

  Keynote: Laney Breynton, ELAN Consulting
  Family Advocacy: Angela Clancy, Family Support Institute
  Individualized Funding & Microboards: Linda Perry, Vela
  Planning Tools: Pam Collins, Reach Child & Youth Development Society Employment Opportunities: Rochelle Ali, DCLS
  Navigating the Transition: tba  
  Questions:

  For more information, or to submit your interest in attending, email here 

   or call 604.946.9508. Complete program and registration information will be available on or before September 1.

• Save the DATE: November 21, 2015 Richmond Annual Autism Information Fair.  Focus on Community Recreation.

• Taking Control of the Future - Planning for Families with Special Needs.  
  Saturday, November 21st, 2015  Blair Dwyer & Layli Antinuk, Dwyer Tax Law, Victoria.
  A primary source of stress for families who have children with special needs is worrying about securing their future. This workshop will help families better understand planning options that are available to help secure the financial future of their children. The goals of the presentation are to help families supporting members with special needs to:
  • Understand the full range of planning opportunities that are available;
  • See how these strategies might be used to accomplish the family's planning objectives;
  • Enable parents to articulate their objectives and communicate them to a professional advisor with greater confidence;
  • Remain in control of the development and implementation of a plan that suits their needs.
  The presenters will discuss Registered Disability Savings Plans and the use of trusts. Click here for more information 
     
• Save the Date! 19th annual Children the Heart of the Matter Conference January 15 & 16, 2016.

• Save the date: Bottom Line 2016. It's official! Next year's Bottom Line Conference has been confirmed for February 23 and 24, 2016. The upcoming conference theme will be Heroes in the Workplace: Stories from the Champions of Change. Promote mental health in your workplace with CMHA BC's education and training workshops. Choose from general awareness sessions or specialized training for leaders, supervisors, and Occupational Health and Safety representatives.
   
• Save the Date! Inclusion BC 2016 Conference, June 22-25, 2016
  Inclusion BC is excited to announce that we're partnering up with AimHi (Prince George Association for Community Living) to host our 2016 conference and AGM in Prince George. Stay tuned for more information!

 _________________________________________________

Seasonal 

•  LEGO Club and Next Chapter Book Club, both at George Mackie Library and Ladner Pioneer Library:
  LEGO Club
  Thursdays, September 17 - December 17, 3:30 - 4:30 pm - Tsawwassen Library, 1321A - 56 Street, Delta
  Thursdays, October 1 - November 19, 3:30 - 4:30 pm - George Mackie Library, 8440 - 112 Street, Delta
  Fridays, October 16 - December 4, 3:30 - 4:30 pm - Ladner Pioneer Library, 4683 - 51 Street, Delta
  Love LEGO?  We provide the LEGO, you bring your imagination!  Come play, create and experiment.  Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
  Next Chapter Book Club for those 16 years and older
  Tuesdays, September 15 - November 24, 1:45 - 2:45 pm - Ladner Pioneer Library, 4683 - 51 Street, Delta
  Wednesdays, September 16 - November 25, 1 - 2 pm - George Mackie Library, 8440 - 112 Street, Delta
  The Next Chapter Book Club offers a weekly opportunity for adults with differing abilities to read and learn together, talk about books, make friends, and have fun in a relaxed community setting.

• School Meetings: How To Make Them Easier.  School meetings are most often difficult for the parent but so important for your child.  Your child is special, requires special accommodations, your child's behaviour doesn't follow the normal or expected behaviour or your child isn't learning as well as he or she could. Click here to read more
• Click here for the August Edition of THE AUTISM FILE - back to school edition 
• 10 Steps to Take BEFORE School Starts. Every step you take this summer--before classes begin--will bring you closer to a stress-free start of the school year.

  Review Your Child's Current IEP or 504 Plan

  The accommodations our ADHD children receive will need to reflect the challenges of the new school year.  Consider which educational goals have been met and remaining trouble spots. Schedule a team meeting before school starts.

  Bring report cards, notes from the teacher, tests - anything to illustrate your child's current achievement levels. Discuss what worked last year and the accommodations and goals you'll focus on this year. click here to read more
   
• Click here for the COMPLEX CHILD - Back to school edition!
• School Success Kit for Kids With Executive Functioning IssuesTools to help kids get organized, focused, and out the door on time.  When it comes to doing well in school, having the right tools for the job can give kids a big head start. For kids with executive function issues, the challenges range from staying on top of homework to being able to find your shoes in the morning. Here is our list of tools to help set kids up for success if they have trouble staying organized and focused. Click here to read more
• Preparing your child for the new school year.Here in the Northern hemisphere, the last weeks of summer are already upon us, and the new school year is right around the corner. Whether you can't wait till your kids are back in school or dread the more regimented days ahead, there's one thing you can count on: Back to School is always a big transition. Click here to read more
•  5 Apps to Kick-start Your Morning Routine (Tip 6 of 31) Click here for a tip from Parenting Special Needs Magazine! 
• DIY Homework Folder {Tip 10 of 31}.  Click here!
• Have you seen the Here Comes the Bus App?  There's an app out now that actually spares children and families some unpleasant or simply inconvenient issues about the school bus ride that neither my parents nor I could ever imagine possible. Unbelievable!!! Click here to see the video 

 _________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________