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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

April 5, 2016   

 

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

 

Reach News 

Help a Parent/Parent Support?  

Autism 

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

Medical and Mental Health 

Sensory   

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

Reach
Reach News
  •  April 2016 Red BOOT Sales at Ladner and Tsawwassen McDonald's $1 boot donation goes directly to Reach for the entire month!
     
  •  April 16th, Saturday 10am - 1pm FREE SHREDDING by donation to Reach at RE/Max Realty 5360 12th Avenue Tsawwassen.
  • April 26, 2016 6:30 - 8:30 Transitions Leaving High School What's Next?
    How do you prepare for this big change in your son's or daughter's life? This workshop is designed to help families understand how to prepare for their son's or daughter's transition from high school into a full life in the community. Drawing on the experiences of many parents and professionals, we will discuss roles and responsibilities, the planning process, planning tools and available resources and services. Presented by Pam Collins for The Family Support Institute and sponsored by Reach. To register email Pam here or call 604-946-6622 ext 359
  • 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 understand the subtle and complex ways those skills are applied in social contexts. Social Smart Group is a program that provides a positive, safe and guided environment where children with Autism and Special Needs will be learning and practicing the social skills in the context of playing, chatting, snacking, outings, and more.Social Smart Group is a 1.5-hour program that runs once a week for 8 weeks. There will be 6 children in the group, taught by one behaviour consultant, one group facilitator and a group assistant. Throughout the 8 weeks, our goal is to help strengthen your child's social competency and confidence by coaching, and supporting their positive social interaction and relationship development with their peers.
    • Who: Grade 2 - 4 boys and girls Time: Wednesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: April 6th-May 25th, 2016 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $600 per child for 8 weeks
    • Who: Grade 5 - 7 boys and girls Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: April 5th-May 24th, 2016 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $600 for 8 weeks
    • Registration -Monisha Jassi TEL: 604-946-6622 Ext 315 or Email here
       
  • Punjabi Speaking Parent Support Group.  Are you a Punjabi speaking parent of a child with special needs? You are invited to join our parent support group to connect with other parents and enjoy a caring community of support.Strawberry Hill Public Library meeting room 7399 122nd Street Surrey Date & Time: 11:45-1:15 pm Last Thursday of each month. Feb.25th, March 31st, April 28th, May.26th June.30th Please call or email to register: Monisha Jassi 604-946-6622 Ext.315 email:
  • Fun and friendly volunteers are needed for Reach Child and Youth Development Society's children's thrift store FINDS.  Reach is a non-profit organization that helps children with special needs.  The store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  Interested volunteers please email here or call Robyn at 604-946-6622 ext 328
  • Delta Connex Parent Peer Group. The parent group is an opportunity for parents with children who have ADHD, FASD or other complex behaviours to come together.  At the group you can learn and reflect on your life as a parent of children that may behave in ways that are unexpected and a challenge to understand.  You will gain insight in building  positive relationships, celebrating your children and focus on your emotional well being.  We provide a welcoming and safe environment to share experiences, knowledge and offer support to each other.  This group is led by a trained facilitator.
    • We meet the last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30am at Reach Child and Youth Development Society, #3-3800 72nd Street, Ladner BC 
    • For more information please contact Robyn Lane, Key Worker/Behaviour Consultant 604-946-6622 extension 328 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.
     
 
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Help a Parent/Parent Support
  • On behalf of CCM (Chinese Christian Mission) Centre of Canada - an organization strived to serve the Chinese community in Vancouver, we would like to introduce to you about our new caring ministry, "Special Needs Parents Support Group." The goal of this group is to provide a platform and environment for the Chinese speaking (both Mandarin and Cantonese) parents and caregivers with special needs children to connect with other families. Topics include: information about special needs children, school services, therapy, local policies, funding sources, transportation, medical facilities, and much more.
    Free-of-charge Snacks after workshops
    Location: Burnaby Crystal Mall (2nd floor near food court)
    Date and Time: Last Monday of each month (10:15 am - 12:00 noon)
    email here for more information
  • Punjabi Speaking Parent Support Group.
    Are you a Punjabi speaking parent of a child with special needs? You are invited to join our parent support group to connect with other parents and enjoy a caring community of support.Strawberry Hill Public Library meeting room 7399 122nd Street Surrey Date & Time: 11:45-1:15 pm Last Thursday of each month. Please call or email to register: Monisha Jassi 604-946-6622 Ext.315 or 
  • Monthly Support Group for South Asian Families in Surrey, B.C.
    Do you know a South Asian family with a child with with autism who could benefit from meeting other families and learning new strategies? ACT's South Asian Autism Awareness Project (ASAAP) is made up of South Asian professionals and parents who would appreciate your support in publicizing our upcoming parent support groups.
    Our meetings are held in Punjabi and English, they are friendly and informal. Discussion topics will be chosen by the group, and the discussion will be held in both Punjabi and English.
    Calling ACT to register is appreciated, as we will be providing refreshments, but not a necessity. The meetings will be held at Prince Charles Elementary School:
    • April 28, 2016 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
    • May 26, 2016  - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
    Contact ACT for more information - 604.205.5467 or email here

     
      
 

Autism
Autism

Ask an Autistic - Why Acceptance? Autism Acceptance Month.  What is Autism Acceptance Month? Why is acceptance important? Should I support Autism Speaks and "light it up blue"? What is the difference between awareness and acceptance? What can I do to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month? Answers to all of these questions (and a surprise visit from Jiji's tail) in this special episode of Ask an Autistic!  Click here to see the video

  •  Autism Acceptance Month What it's like to grow up with a sibling who has autism. Connie Cocchia, the founder of Growing Together Sibling Support Program, discusses what's it like to grow up with a brother or sister who has autism. Click here to see the video
     
  • Apple's new short film starring autistic teen shows how tech transforms lives. Dillan Barmache can't speak, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have anything to say.
    In fact, Dillan has complex and powerful thoughts, and thanks to easily accessible technology paired with innovative apps, you can hear his perspective. 

 

  • "Listen up. I am autistic. I don't need anyone to speak for me. I am a human being. I can speak for myself. And guess what? I have something to say. And I want to be heard. So keep your pity, overcome your own fears, and let's talk. We may both learn something."
     
  • ANCA® World Autism Festival™ & Trade Show Kick Off Gala. Welcome to the April 2nd Kick Off Gala for the ANCA® World Autism Festival™ & Inaugural Trade Show. Join us for live music, powerful speakers and stand up comedy! This evening promises to be an unforgettable night. Filled with the amazing talent of Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Jimmy D. Lane and the Jimmy D. Lane Band, it also boasts of laughter, learning, and socializing the night away with an elegant Gala Dinner. A  great opportunity to spend an evening among the Autistic Community while helping to support the globally recognized and celebrated ANCA® World Autism Festival™ & Trade Show produced by ANCA® Naturally Autistic®. Click here to get tickets 
  • 2016 CALL for NOMINATIONS - NOW OPEN. 2016 ANCA World Autism Festival. Celebrate Autistic Achievements Across The Globe. Nominations Open to Autistic Individuals and Others Supporting the Global Autistic Community.  Click here for more information
     

ADD
ADD/ADHD
  • ADHD Plus: 10 Conditions That May Show Up with Attention Deficit.  If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, chances are you may also have another condition. Here's what to be on the lookout for.Around 80 percent of those with ADHD are diagnosed with at least one other psychiatric disorder sometime during their life. A comorbid condition is a second separate condition that exists alongside ADHD, and needs to be treated in conjunction with attention deficit. There are a number of conditions commonly associated with ADHD. Click here to read more 
  • Never Good Enough: The Emotional Toll of Motherhood You love your kids. But you hate motherhood, and all of the unspoken expectations, feelings of inadequacy, and daily stresses of the job. Here's why mothers with ADHD struggle more than their counterparts, and how you can begin to live life on your terms. This Is Hard - Really Motherhood is challenging for everyone. For moms with ADHD, it is the job from hell. It requires top-notch organization, prioritization, and time-management skills - a perfect choreography of the brain's executive functions, according to Dr. Ellen Littman, a clinical psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Plus infinite patience, a high tolerance for boring housework, and an almost inhuman emotional calm. Click here to read more 
  • The 7 Executive Functions Thwarted By ADHD. ADHD and Executive Function Disorder (EFD) are tightly linked, but far from synonymous. They both make it exceedingly difficult to complete tasks and stay organized, but EFD impacts nearly all goal-directed behavior. How to tell the difference - and get it under control.Up to 90% of kids with ADHD also also have executive function challenges, many of which last into adulthood. Broadly speaking, executive function refers to the cognitive or mental abilities that people need to actively pursue goals. In other words, it's about how we behave toward our future goals and what mental abilities we need to accomplish them. People with EFD struggle to change their behavior in ways that will make the future better. Click here to read more 
  • Help Wanted: We Can't Ignore the ADHD Girls in the Corner Any Longer. We need to find and tell ADHD girls that they aren't lazy, screw-ups, or moral failures. Then they can start to heal-and thrive. Every class had those boys-the ones who didn't do their work and always climbed out of their seats. They never finished a worksheet, threw pencils, and talked too loud. They never raised their hand. Mostly, we didn't like those boys, the ones who were always sent to the office, the ones always fighting. We didn't have a name for those boys. Today, teachers and administrators call them ADHD. Today, they have IEPs, fidget toys, Ritalin. This generation of "those boys" has it much, much better. Click here to read more 
  • 10 Things You Should Never Tell Your Child "What were you thinking?" "You're not even trying!" Parents aren't perfect - we all wish we could take back some of the harsh things we've said. But here are 10 phrases that parents of ADHD kids should absolutely, positively never say out loud.The Most Hurtful Comment. People say some pretty insensitive things. ADHD myths and misinformation don't help. People blame us or our kids for behaviors controlled by the condition, and we know it's wrong. But sometimes frustrating behaviors can push even the most loving parents to say things we quickly regret. Here, our readers shared some of the words that should never be used to discipline an ADHD child - no matter what.Click here to read more

     
 


 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

  

  • 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 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
Education
Education
  •   
  • Inclusive Education Awards - nominate an educator today!
    To highlight National Inclusive Education Month, BC's inclusive education awards bring attention to the many positive examples of inclusive classrooms and schools across the country. Nominate an educator today who goes above and beyond to make their school inclusive of all students. Click here for more information and the nomination form
     
     
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Sensory
Sensory

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MedicalMedical and Mental Health

          

  

  • 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   

WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 
  • Positively Parenting Workshop Series For Parents and Caregivers of Kids 7 - 18. WEDNESDAYS 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Cloverdale Recreation Centre 6188 176 Street. Presented in partnership with Alexandra Neighbourhood House
    MAY 11 WE HAVE A PROBLEM...
    Problem solving with children and youth
    Attend one workshop or attend them all! For more information and to register call 604-538-5060 ext. 24
      
  • SAVE THE DATE!!  Wednesday April 13, 2016 4-7pm Moving Forward: Career and life options for individuals with disabilities.Come talk to over 30 Service providers, vocational trainers and Government agents to plan your youth transition to Adult Life. Langley Secondary School.Click here for more information
     
  • ACT's 12th Annual Focus on Research Autism & Family Quality of Life - Developing Culturally Responsive Research and Intervention Programming.  Roy Richard Grinker, PhD
    Professor of Anthropology, International Affairs, and Human Sciences at George Washington University       Friday & Saturday, April 15 & 16, 2016 Simon Fraser University - Downtown Campus Vancouver, B.C. *Early Bird rate ends March 2nd, 2016. This conference will provide a forum for researchers, clinicians, educators, parents and those who work for community organizations to address the realities facing marginalized families who have children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disabilities.  These families include First Nations, refugees, immigrants; all those isolated by virtue of language, culture or by living in rural or remote areas. Click here for more information
     
  • April 26, 2016 6:30 - 8:30 Transitions Leaving High School What's Next? Family Support Institute
    How do you prepare for this big change in your son's or daughter's life? This workshop is designed to help families understand how to prepare for their son's or daughter's transition from high school into a full life in the community. Drawing on the experiences of many parents and professionals, we will discuss roles and responsibilities, the planning process, planning tools and available resources and services. Presented by Pam Collins for The Family Support Institute and sponsored by Reach. To register email Pam here or call 604-946-6622 ext 359
  • Jennifer Sexton is very happy to announce two wonderful workshops. We are pleased to announce that Kim Barthel, a world renowned teacher, author, lecturer and speaker will be offering four days of workshops in our very own Coquitlam!!
    Kim is an occupational therapist with an in-depth knowledge of the neuroscience behind sensory processing and behaviour. The first workshop she will present is entitled " A Sensory Approach in Looking Beyond the Behaviour: Becoming a Behaviour Detective". This workshop is aimed primarily at parents, caregivers, support workers, and teachers. The two days promise to be life altering as Kim touches are topics that include the chemicals involved in Arousal Theory, sensory contributions to challenging behaviours, trauma and defiant behaviour, Attachment theory and sensory processing, co-regulating arousal, sensory strategies when interacting with children with complex behaviours.
    This workshop takes place on April 27th and 28th.
    The second workshop : Mindful Parent: A Mentoring Program for Parents of Children with Special Needs will take place on April 29th and 30th.
    This workshop is aimed at families. Kim will work with parents and child to help develop a greater understanding of some of the barriers that the child faces and how the parents can help their child to facilitate positive behaviour, interaction and engagement. These two days will be limited to 15 families. It is recommended that if a family would like to register for this workshop, that they do attend the "Sensory Approach in Looking Beyond the Behaviour: Becoming a Behaviour Detective" as this will provide a firm foundation on which to build more practical skills.
    Please note that the early bird registration for both workshops is February 29th. Space is limited for the Mindful Parent workshop, so please reserve your place to avoid disappointment. Click here for more information 
     
  • 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!
  • Introduction to ASD - Practical Applications - POPARD - July 2016. This 30 hour course reflects 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.The course structure involves pre-readings and class discussions, in addition to ongoing opportunities for the participant to apply concepts through active participation.This course is a requirement for teaching assistants in many school districts and is open to community professionals and parents. Click here for more information
     
     
  • Two Days of Social Thinking® (Vancouver)Thursday & Friday, August 4 & 5, 2016
    Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP Pamela Crooke, PhD, CCC-SLP.Social Thinking conferences are dedicated to providing practical information about school-age students and adults who have social and communication difficulties, including but not limited to those related to high-functioning autism spectrum disorders, PDD-NOS, Asperger Syndrome, NLD, ADHD, twice exceptional, murky undiagnosed challenges, etc. Information presented concentrates on students with near average to far above average verbal intelligence (verbal IQs above 70). Most strategies focus on school-age children and adults, although the information is helpful for those living and working with younger children.Click here for more information 
     
  • Creating the Future - Partnerships for Inclusive Learning Save the Date:  August 22-24, 2016 at UBC in Vancouver, BC. Facilitating strategic approaches to inclusion
    & belonging for all students Registration now open! Cllck here for more information
  • Family Focus Conference, October 21-23, 2016. Call for workshop Proposals now open! The Value of One; The Power of Many  October 21-23, 2016 Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel Richmond BC Click here for more information
  • Victoria, BC - November 4 & 5, 2016. Featuring Speakers Leah Kuypers and Elizabeth Sautter  Friday, November 4 Leah Kuypers The Zones of Regulation This presentation provides teachers, therapists and parents with hands-on knowledge on the nature of self-regulation and strategies for improving self regulation and emotional control in individuals of all ages. Audience participants will learn an explicit, stair-stepped method and tools to guide individuals in utilizing The Zones framework across situations and environments to regulate sensory needs, impulses, and emotional states to social demands.  The Zones of Regulation presentation also incorporates core concepts from Michelle Garcia Winner's SocialThinking® framework to help teach individuals about perspective taking so they better understand how being in the different zones impacts thethoughts and feelings of other people around them.November 5 Elizabeth Sautter Make Social Learning Stick: Practical Tools to Build Social Regulation. Social Regulation (Kuypers and Sautter, 2011) is the ability to adjust one's level of alertness and modify how emotions and behaviors are revealed in order to meet social goals. This presentation will offer parents/caregivers, educators, and other professionals who work with individuals with social cognitive, executive functioning, communication &emotional regulation challenges, the glue that makes social learning stick.The majority of the presentation will focus on practical tools, concepts and suggestions that can easily be used the next day to support social regulation at home, school, work and in the community. Participants will learn to embrace teachable moments using new strategies as well existing ones in order to create a "social learning diet" for success.  Check here for updates 

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SeasonalSeasonal
  • April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month;
    • CAN Family Festival 2016. Join us on Sunday, April 24th, 2016 at Jack Poole Plaza (Vancouver Convention Centre) for a fun-filled event that will help build awareness of autism while raising vital funds to support the high-quality, adaptive programs and training opportunities provided by the Canucks Autism Network. The 5th Annual CAN Family Festival will include live performances by Charlotte Diamond and The Paperboys, a fundraising walk, exhibitor fair, food trucks, appearances by local sports celebrities, interactive demos, and family-friendly activities from groups including: Science World* VPD Mounted Police* SpringFree Trampolines* SUPA Society Skate Demo* TapSnap Phototainment* A-Start Art Parlour* City of Vancouver * Vancouver Canucks* Vancouver Canadians* FortisBC* Fly Over Canada* YVR * 501st Legion, and more!! Click here for more information
       
  • This is ADDitude's annual guide to camps & schools for children with learning differences. The list below showcases ADHD- and LD-friendly schools and programs across the U.S. and in Canada.Click here to read more 




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OtherOther

  •  
     
  • 2016 Alaska Mission Possible Cruise  Madeline Stuart, Barbara Laird and Cyndi Gerlach
    It's no surprise that Celebrity guests and the travel press, including Conde Nast Traveler, consistently rate Celebrity Cruises as one of the world's finest cruise lines. Celebrity fulfills your clients dreams of remarkable, memorable vacations.
  • The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future.
    If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.
    You should consider opening an RDSP if you have a long-term disability and are:
    • eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (disability amount);
    • under the age of 60 (if you are 59, you must apply before the end of the calendar year in which you turned 59);
    • a Canadian resident with a Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
    • looking for a long-term savings plan.
    You may contribute any amount to your RDSP each year, up to the lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. With written permission from the RDSP holder, anyone may contribute to the RDSP. Please click here for more information 
  • Your One Stop Shop for children and families in Delta - click here

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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