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 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

September 19, 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 

FASD   

Education  

Medical and Mental Health 

Sensory   

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  


Reach
Reach News
  • Incredible Parent Training Opportunity from the Neufeld Institute!  
    POWER TO PARENT 1:The Vital Connection. 
    A Video Course and Discussion Group facilitated by Nikita Bhatty Avdic
    Internationally renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld, who is a best-selling and award-winning author, developed this video-course. Power to Parent series focuses on the child-adult relationship as the context for raising children. Parents and professionals learn how this relationship is meant to develop, what can go wrong, why parents must matter more than peers, how to cultivate a context of connection, how to win back one`s child if need be, and more. Parents and professionals are also introduced to discipline strategies that are attachment-safe and developmentally friendly.
    • Nikita Bhatty Avdic is currently a Learning Assistance Teacher in BC. She has 22 years experience teaching and her greatest success with her students has been in her connection and attachment to them. She has always felt that the way to learning is through the heart.Please come and learn how to better connect with your children!
    • 8 Session Class  - Thursdays Oct 13, 20, 27 Nov 3, 10, 17, 24 Dec 1, 2016  7 - 9 pm
    • Where: EIBI Boardroom 3800 72nd Street Delta
      Time: 7:00 - 9:00pm
      Dates: Oct 13, 20, 27 Nov 3, 10, 17, 24 Dec 1, 2016
      Cost: $80 per person
      Refreshments: Coffee, water and nut free snacks provided
    •  To register please contact Pam Collins by email here or call 604-946-6622 ext 359
  • You Are Invited! Walk through Reach Information Fair and Annual General Meeting (AGM). October 14, 2016 Come and see what Reach is all about - check out all our programs up close and get some great take-aways!
    • North Delta Recreation Centre 11415 84th Avenue
    • 3:30-5:30 pm - Info Fair
      6:00-7:30 pm - AGM and DINNER with childcare provided
    • RSVP by September 30, 2016 to 604.946.6622 ext.0 or email here 
  • 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
  • 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
Help a Parent/Parent Support
  • Reach Punjabi Speaking Parent Support Group. Are you a Punjabi speak-ing 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.To give parents an opportunity to:
    Share stories and support one another in a safe non-judgmental environment.
    To discuss and connect par-ents to resources in the community.
    To answer questions related to parenting, community resources and funding etc.
    Location:Strawberry Hill Public Library meeting room 7399 122nd Street Surrey
    Date & Time: 11:45-1:15 pm Last Thursday of each month
    Sept.29th, Oct.27th, and Nov.24th, 2016.
    Please call or email to Pre-register:Monisha Jassi 604-946-6622 Ext.315 email here
     
  • 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. 
    The last Wednesday of every month  6:30-730 pm
    • September 28: Building a deeper connection with your child
    • October 26: understanding Behaviours
    • November 30: Different Parenting Styles - what's yours?
    • December - no meeting
    • January 2017: Regulating emotions
    • February 22: Resource fair (books, website, articles)
    • March 29: Understanding and experiencing sensory dysregulation
    • April 26: advocating in school - what are your rights?
    • May 31: how to support your child's social skills
    • June 29: the unlocked door - safety on the internet
    • July - August - no meeting
    • Reach Child & Youth Development Society Play & Learn Centre
      11415 84th Ave Delta, BC
      For more information please contact: Robyn Lane 604-946-6622 ext 328 or email here
  • Reach Parent Support Group: The parent group is an opportunity for parents with children who have ADHD 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.
    • The last Friday of every month 9:30 - 11:30
    • Reach Child and Youth Development Society #3-3800 72nd Street Delta BC
    • For more information please contact: Robyn Lane 604-946-6622 ext 328 or email here
  • Vancouver Parents Transition Group. The first meeting of the new season of the Vancouver Parents Transition Group will be on Wednesday October 5th at 6:30pm at our Eastside location, at 3455 Kaslo Street. The discussion will center around Transition Issues and the wonderful Terry Schenkel will be there to answer any questions
     

Autism
Autism
  • Making Room for Autism in the Workplace.  Virtual job interviews and office support groups are bucking the trend of underemployment for people on the spectrum.  George glares at me from behind his desk. His hair is buzzed short and his mouth is set in a sneer. He asks about my prior work experience, then replies sarcastically, "Okay, well, what you'd be doing here would be a little different from that."This would be the toughest job interview I've ever been on, if it were real. Luckily, George is a digital avatar, speaking to me from a large screen. He's part of a team of virtual job interviewers helping to train young adults with autism at the Dan Marino Foundation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Students here learn workplace skills, train for industry certifications and complete internships. With the avatars (who may or may not be in a good mood), they also practice interviewing-a hurdle that otherwise can be insurmountable for job seekers with autism. Click here to read more
     
     
  • How expanding interests helps those with ASD - The LILA Principle by Maureen Bennie. Over the years, I have tried to expand my children's interests to help them increase knowledge, keep their lives interesting, and to foster growth. This has also been an educational goal in both school and home therapy programs. My son Marc, now 19, has a great range of interests that has broadened beyond ceiling fans and Thomas the Tank Engine. Julia, 17, has also developed many interests such as cooking, puppetry, animation, The Muppets, cats, and ballet. How did this transformation take place? How did these interests increase from just a couple to many? I have thought about this and can say it is because of two things - something I call the LILA Principle (Leave It Lying Around) and exposure to a wide range of activities to build connections. Here is how the LILA Principle worked with regards to Marc's reading. Click here to read more

     
  • ANCA's World Autism Festival 2016.  The 7th annual World Autism Festival will take place in Vancouver, B.C. Canada Sept 30-Oct 1, 2016. Click here for a list of workshops 
  • Autism Speaks Canada Walk at the new Pacific Autism Family Centre: As we near the opening of the GoodLife Fitness Family Autism Centre, Autism Speaks Canada and the Pacific Autism Family Foundation will host a community 'sneak peek' of this amazing facility during our annual autism walk and festival Oct 23. As a proud supporter of PAFC, through our Family Services granting program & $500,000 of your BC Walk dollars, Autism Speaks Canada joins the B.C. autism community in embracing this amazing new facility. Our Walks provide the opportunity for the B.C. community to come together, make connections, share experiences and celebrate the potential of all those living with autism and what better place to do it, than this brand new, state of the art facility. Click here for more information
     
   

ADD
ADD/ADHD
  • Why School Stress is Toxic for Our Kid. Chronic stress at school can make kids (particularly those with ADHD or LD) dread going - and change their brains for the worse. But parents and teachers can help alleviate the stress that is stopping these bright kids from succeeding. An important part of the neuropsychological evaluation is to teach students what they can do to overcome or work around impediments to efficient learning. This process is helpful, but it often falls short of my goal of helping a client change his or her learning trajectory. Many times, after I used test results to explain a client's learning profile or convince a student that he or she had the cognitive capability to do well in school, I heard, "If I'm so smart, why do I feel dumb all the time?" Click here to read more
     
     
  • Secrets of Your ADHD Brain Most people are neurologically equipped to determine what's important and get motivated to do it, even when it doesn't interest them. Then there are the rest of us, who have attention deficit (and the ADHD brain that goes along with it). My work for the last decade suggests that we have been missing something important about the fundamental nature of ADHD. I went back to the experts on the condition - the hundreds of people and their families I worked with who were diagnosed with it - to confirm my hypothesis. My goal was to look for the feature that everyone with ADHD has, and that neurotypical people don't have. Click here to read more 
  • "Because I Said So!" (Is That Really the Best You Can Do?) There are good ways to discipline a child with ADHD. Nagging, yelling, and punishing are not among them. Learn how to break the ignore-nag-punish-yell cycle here.Parenting ADHD children can challenge a mom or dad's patience -- and good judgment. Just like all kids sometimes make bad choices regarding their own behavior, parents can make bad decisions disciplining this misbehavior. Instead of using firm and compassionate approaches, parents of ADHDers are often driven into the ignore-nag-yell-punish cycle. Sound familiar? Try these discipline strategies to break that cycle once and for all. Click here to read more 
  • The ADHD Homework System We Swear By Homework stress is real - and exhausting for parents and students alike. Spare your family the drama and fights by following this homework system designed for children with ADHD and learning disabilities.Homework requires ADHD children to copy assignments correctly, bring home the right books, keep track of due dates and hand in finished work -- all difficult for anyone with poor memory, focus, or attention to detail. While it may take a few months to become a habit, creating consistent homework routines at home and school will result in better work skills, a sense of accomplishment - and lots of after-school smiles.Click here to read more 
  • How Nutrition Harmonizes the ADHD Brain. Complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and certain vitamins all help our brain cells carry out their functions efficiently and effectively. In an ADHD brain, these foods and nutrients can be particularly powerful. Find out how! Scientists finally agree with ADHD adults and parents of children with attention deficit who have suspected a connection between the kinds of foods they eat and their behavior and symptoms.Click here to read more 
  • "Behaviors Are Messages; They Are Not Diagnoses" Why your child's inattentive or hyperactive symptoms may actually be symptoms of anxiety. Or why her worry and trouble sleeping may point to ADHD. And how to ensure an accurate diagnosis.  A child who seems to have ADHD - she's hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive - may have an anxiety disorder instead. Children who display classic symptoms of anxiety disorder may have ADHD. Distinguishing between ADHD in children and an anxiety disorder requires a full evaluation by a professional who is willing to dig deep for clues.Click here to read more
     


 


 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  
  
  • BREAKING NEWS! Glass Ceiling Broken at Emmy Awards! First Series Starring Cast with Disabilities, Born This Way, Wins. Washington, Sept. 11 - For the first time ever, a series starring a cast with disabilities has won an Emmy Award. Born This Way, which is in its second season on A&E, won for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Series beating out five other series including previous winners Deadliest Catch and Intervention. In addition, two episodes from Born This Way were nominated for Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program but lost out to HBO's Project Greenlight. Click here to read more
     
  • 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
FASD
  • UBC-led researchers uncover genetic effects of FASD. Findings could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of prenatal alcohol exposure. Canadian researchers are one step closer to uncovering a biomarker associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder after identifying distinct patterns associated with the DNA of children who were exposed to alcohol in the womb.Click here to read more
     
     
  • Alaska schools leading the way for FASD awareness in the classroom.  Alaska has the highest rate of FASD in the nation, according a 2010 state health report. It's estimated that about 5 percent of Alaska's total population is affected by some sort of prenatal alcohol exposure....He and other advocates are working to keep those kids in the classroom by creating parent support groups, teacher training and even an animated video entitled "8-magic keys: strategies for students with FASD." Click here to learn more
     
  • Participants Wanted for Canadian FASD Media Coverage Study! We want to talk to you about your experiences with FASD. In particular, we want to hear your thoughts and feelings about examples of Canadian FASD media coverage, to think about how to more effectively communicate information about FASD. Your perspective will be invaluable in helping us to better understand FASD, and the way it is discussed in the public sphere. We want to include key stakeholders, like: 1) adults with FASD; 2) parents of and caregivers for people with FASD; 3) healthcare professionals with experience diagnosing or caring for patients with FASD; and 4) FASD communicators (e.g., journalists, public health officials).
    This study will involve participation in a 90-minute group interview in English. Each interview will include only one stakeholder group at a time (e.g., only adults with FASD, only parents). You will be compensated for your time. If you feel you match the above criteria, please send an email here 
  • 9th Annual FASD Collaboration Roundtable Fall Conference:  Our Big Picture. Saturday, November 26, 2016 This year we have chosen the topic Our Big Picture, Finding Your Framework as our focus.  FASD is often invisible; recognizing FASD, receiving a diagnosis and understanding the potential secondary conditions which may accompany FASD is complex. Individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure each have a unique history and situation, and FASD can present very differently depending on the individual, their circumstance and even the day. Successful actions and supports recognize these individual differences and adapt in response.  Click here for more information
     
  • The 7th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Research: Results and Relevance 2017 Integrating Research, Policy and Promising Practice Around the World Conference Updates:
    Call for abstracts just announced. Click here for more information. Deadline for all submissions are August 26, 2016.
    Conference Dates: March 1-4, 2017 Conference Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC
    This advanced level conference continues to bring together experts from multiple disciplines to share international research. From the pure science, to prevention, diagnosis and intervention across the lifespan, the conference will address the implications of this research and promote scientific/community collaboration. It provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of the relationships between knowledge and research and critical actions related to FASD. First held in 1987, the conference brings together people passionate about this work in a stimulating environment where they can learn and forge new partnerships.Click here to stay tuned 
     
Education
Education
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Sensory
Sensory
 
MedicalMedical and Mental Health
          
    
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WorkshopsWorkshops and Training
  • EduTalks Fall Series
    • Tuesday, September 27, 2016, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
      Language Development for Children with Language Disorders
      Rosslyn Delmonico, MA, CCC, RSLP, has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 36 years within both the school system and private practice.  She is the author of a multi-sensory social language based program called Color My Conversation. Her presentation will include a brief overview of language development and language disorders. Dynamic teaching methods for incorporating multiple areas of skill acquisition, within the language-learning environment, will be discussed. Attendees will experience "hands on activities" to foster their own creative methods of service delivery. Also addressed will be the social ramifications of technology on Generation Z, and the need for explicit social language instruction within the school curriculum.
      Cost: $45, refreshments included Click here to register
    • Thursday, October 20, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
      SENSORY PROCESSING, SELF REGULATION, and STRESS MANAGEMENT
      Marc Landry, well known and highly regarded Vancouver Occupational Therapist, will explore brain differences and how this affects learning. He will discuss how sensory processing works, and how it relates to self regulation, sensory diet, and stress management techniques.
    •  Friday, October 21, 8:30 - 9:30 AM
      INCLUSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: DIFFERENTIATING WITH TECHNOLOGY
      This presentation will demonstrate ways in which technology can be used as a tool to increase and support students' access to the new BC curriculum in a diverse classroom setting. Cari Derbitsky, primary classroom teacher, and Deana Ungaro, Educational Assistant, will show some of the adaptive-assisted features built into our mainstream technology which can benefit all learners.
    • Friday, October 21, 9:30 - 10:30 AM
      PACIFIC ASSISTANCE DOGS SOCIETY (PADS)
      Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, with help from an assistance dog, will discuss how their work supports individuals with a variety of disabilities and how the dogs can assist with social and emotional learning.
    • Friday, October 21, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
      SOCIAL AWARENESS AND SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH ASD
      Bonnie Davis
      , Registered Clinical Counsellor, will discuss how to build social awareness and social skills in children with ASD. She will provide specific strategies for supporting social learning as well as how to adapt these strategies for different client circumstances. The presentation will also include consideration of the diverse needs and barriers faced by children when developing social skills.
    • Location: Hycroft, 1489 McRae Ave., Vancouver, BC
      Cost: 
      Thursday, October 20 - $45
      Friday, October 21 - $130 (includes continental breakfast)
      Early Bird Special for Oct 20 and 21 $160

       Click here to register 
       
       
  • Healthy Sexuality: Public vs Private Tips and strategies to guide healthy sexuality. Week 1 - Parent Session$15 (fee for coffee/snacks)
    September 20, 20166:30PM - 9:00PM
    September 27 - Knowing Me: How the body works, self pleasure, and how to
    navigate public and private spaces.
    October 4 - Meeting: Sexual attraction and orientation, building relationships online
    and offline, consent, and communication skills.
    October 11 - Next Steps: Dating, building intimacy, physical affection, and being safe.
    October 18 - Consensual Sex and Safety: What it looks like, sounds like, feels like,
    and how to build and follow the safety plan.
    October 25 - Healthy Relationships: Being a kind partner, communication skills,
    managing conflict, and giving and receiving pleasure.
    November 1 - The Next Chapter: Rejection, new attraction, finding comfort in being
    yourself with or without a partner.
    Sponsored by:
    - 2 groups of 1 hour each between 6:30-9:00PM
    - Parents may choose to attend OFF-SITE social at nearby caf�
    * Which can be coordinated during the Parent Session
    Week 2-7 - Young Adults Series $30 (for all 6 sessions)
    Hosted at Community Living Society
    7th Floor - 713 Columbia Street New Westminster, BC, V3M 1B2
  • 7th Annual Fraser Family Forum: The Art and Heart of Raising Resilient Kids and Youth in a Stressful World. Join  Dr Linda Uyeda, MD, CCFP, Youth Clinic Family Physician and Parent, Youth Guest Speakers and the Institute of Families/FORCE Society.
    • Give our children and youth the tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression and ADHD
    • Learn parenting skills that help our children and youth become more resilient to stress.
    • Explore the link between early childhood experiences and illnesses acquired as adults
    • Discover the link between parental stress and childhood anxiety
    • Hear from an amazing panel of young people, Andrea Vukobrat, Corey Reid and Laurie Edmundson, who share their perspectives, strategies and successes with their own mental health challenges
    • For parents, caregivers and older youth
    • This forum is FREE! and includes a complimentary lunch.  However, as seating is limited, pre-registration is required. (We're sorry but child-minding is not available).
    • Sat, 24 September 2016
      9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Northwest Auditorium (in the Northwest Building) - Trinity Western University
      7600 Glover Road Langley, BC
     
  • Kelty Mental Health Series. Building a Healthy Relationship with Video Games.
     
    •  DATE:  Monday September 26th, 2016
       
      TIME:  12:00-1:00pm PST
      COST:  Free!
      AUDIENCE:  Open to everyone of all ages across BC!
    • For many youth, gaming is an integral part of how they connect with friends and spend recreational time. Video game use can be entertaining and educational, but what happens when excessive gaming starts interfering with daily life? Join our panel as they discuss the nature of excessive video game use and learn how youth can build a healthy relationship with video games.
    • In person:  BC Children's Hospital, Mental Health Building, 4555 Heather Street (Heather St. and 29th Ave.) Vancouver, Entrance #85, Third floor room P3-306.
      Telephone:  Dial 1-877-291-3022 and enter the access code 4611577#
       
  • Transitions from School to Adulthood | Oct 8, 2016 9:45am-12:00pm
    This workshop is for families who have a relative with developmental disabilities who will be leaving high school in the next few years.This 2-hour workshop provides families with an introduction to some of the important things families need to be aware of if they have a teenager with a developmental disability who will be leaving high school in the next few years. We will review the systems, processes and paperwork you will need to consider and identify where to access information on-line and help in your community.
    This workshop is FREE for families - though you have to register. If you are a professional the fee is $20.00. Payment can be by cheque or cash at the workshop or by credit card, call 604.946.9508 ext 0.
    • 7953 120 Street,Scott Road Connections, Located behind the Greek Village Restaurant, free parking at the rear of the building, North Delta
    • If you would like more information on this workshop contact Si Stainton, Family Services Manager here or 604.952.6490. 
  • Facing the Future Together: A Succession Planning Workshop. 2016 Dates:
    • October 15 (10am-3pm)
    Facing the future with promise and confidence takes planning and requires all those who care for and support your relative with a disability to work together.
    This full-day workshop is designed to inform and assist all members of the family and their successors to:
    • Address concerns about the future and secure a succession plan
    • Hear how other families are creating peace of mind
    • Consider how to share roles and responsibilities
    • Identify key resources
    • Balance wishes and obligations
  • Family Focus Conference, October 21-23, 2016.  The Value of One; The Power of Many 
    October 21-23, 2016 Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel Richmond BC
    Click here for more information - Registration now open!
  • Trauma-Informed Practices: School, Home, Treatment, and Community
    October 21, 2016 La Perla Ballroom , New Westminster, BC #230 - 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC. The Children's Foundation (TCF) is pleased to be hosting David Melnick on trauma. On October 21st, David will focus on using the lens of the "Seven Domains of Impact" examine the ways in which youth are impacted by trauma, and the relational, strategic, self, and collaborative practices to address areas of need.
    Traumatic events happen to all people at all ages and across all socio-economic strata in our society. These events can cause terror, intense fear, horror, helplessness and physical stress reactions. Some traumatic events are profound experiences that can change the way children, adolescents and adults see themselves and the world. Click here for more information and to register
     
  • Integrating ABA Methods in Schools: Supporting School Aged Children. Richard Stock, PhD, BCBA-D Friday & Saturday, October 21 & 22, 2016 
    This two-day workshop will focus on using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) methods to support students with autism from Kindergarten to Grade 12; in particular, those who are moderately to severely impacted by their autism.
    While many educators are familiar with early behavioral intervention using discrete trial teaching, the science of ABA has much more to offer teachers who are responsible for the education of students with autism and related disorders. This workshop aims to expand your conceptualization of ABA in ways that are practical in the regular classroom.  
     Topics covered will include:
    • The Individual Education Plan (IEP)
    • Collecting practical and useful data
    • Problem Behavior Management
     
  • The Art of Raising Resilient Children. Beyond the Blues is a series of events designed to help people learn more about what mental health actually looks like - from well being factors like social support and self-esteem, to problems with common issues like mood, anxiety, and depression. In this presentation, you'll learn:
    How early life experiences shape the developing brain
    How secure attachment relationships and mindfulness practices can improve learning, anxiety, relationship skills, focus and concentration in our children  
    How mindfulness can improve our own health and well-being as caring adults who support children and youth
    • DATE:  Tuesday, October 25th, 2016
      TIME:  6:00-7:30pm followed by a question and answer period
      LOCATION:  The Chan Centre Auditorium, located in the Child & Family Research Institute Building at BC Children's & Women's Hospital: 950 West 28 Avenue, Vancouver, BC. 
  • Addictions and Mental Illness - Working with Co-Occurring Disorders. Oct 28, 2016 (9 AM - 4 PM)Many people who struggle with a mental illness also struggle with an addiction. Recovery for people coping with both of these issues is complicated because they affect each other and are intertwined. Caregivers may often be at a loss for where to start - did the addictions cause the mental illness, did the mental illness cause the addictions or is there something else leading to both? This workshop provides a framework for working systemically with both issues at the same time. Participants will explore the impact of both addiction and mental illness, an overview of the theoretical frameworks for both issues, and how to integrate strategies in a way that supports health and change. Click here for more information 
     
  • Transitions from School to Adulthood | Oct 29, 2016.  9:45am-12:00pm. This workshop is for families who have a relative with developmental disabilities who will be leaving high school in the next few years. This 2-hour workshop provides families with an introduction to some of the important things families need to be aware of if they have a teenager with a developmental disability who will be leaving high school in the next few years. We will review the systems, processes and paperwork you will need to consider and identify where to access information on-line and help in your community. This workshop is FREE for families - though you have to register. If you are a professional the fee is $20.00. Payment can be by cheque or cash at the workshop or by credit card, call 604.946.9508 ext 0.
    • 1-3800 72 Street,Resource Centre, Large Boardroom, Delta
    • If you would like more information on this workshop contact Si Stainton, Family Services Manager here or 604.952.6490
       
       
  • Individualized Funding and Introduction to Microboards | Nov 2, 2016. 6:00pm-8:00pm.
    Individualized Funding (IF) is a payment option for individuals served by Community Living BC (CLBC). IF lets you use the money given to you by CLBC to create new, different kinds of services that will support your relative with a developmental disability in your community. Many families are being offered ADFR (Adult Direct Funded Respite). If you want to find out more about IF or are considering ADFR this workshop is a MUST for you.
    Families may choose to set up a Microboard™ if they have Individual Funding. A Microboard™ is a small (micro) group of committed family and friends (a minimum of 5 people) who join together with the individual to create a non-profit society (board). Presented Linda Perry, Executive Director of Vela.
    • 1-3800 72 Street,Resource Centre, Large Boardroom, Delta
    • This workshop is FREE for families - though you have to register. If you are a professional the fee is $20.00. Payment can be by cheque or cash at the workshop or by credit card, call 604.946.9508 ext 0
    • If you would like more information on this workshop contact Si Stainton, Family Services Manager here or 604.952.6490 
       
  • FREE 90-Minute LIVE WEBINAR. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Competency to Stand Trial (CST): A Review for Forensic Evaluators. November 2nd, 2016 10am - 11:30 am (Pacific)The cognitive and social deficits of FASD can complicate the validity of CST evaluations in several ways. First, individuals with FASD often can display average to good verbal skills, which may mask their true developmental level. This highlights the importance of relying on a developmentally sensitive approach when conducting CST evaluations. Second, the combination of deficits in memory and proneness to social pressure might predispose defendants with FASD to suggestibility and confabulation, which could contribute to inaccurate assessments as well as false confessions, false testimony and wrongful convictions. Third, profoundly different impressions of a defendant may be garnered by simply using different styles of interview questions. Specifically, the presence of FASD may not be detected by interviewers who rely on yes/no questions, which could help a defendant conceal these impairments. Fourth, the presence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other impairments increase the difficulty of discerning the source of CST deficits. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of professionals who are experts in both CST evaluations and FASD. Click here for more information 
     
  • Earlybird Registration NOW. 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.  Click here for more information and to register 
  • What is a Representation Agreement and Why is it Important | Nov 19, 2016. 9:45am-12:00pm. Once a child with a developmental disability becomes as adult at age 19, parents no longer have the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf. A Representation Agreement is a legal document for personal planning in British Columbia. It is a way to authorize your personal supporters to help you manage your affairs or make decisions on your behalf if you need assistance due to illness, injury or disability. This 2 hour workshop will introduce families to what the Representation Agreement is, where to find helpful resources on-line and how to help your adult relative complete an agreement. Presented by Si Stainton, Family Services Manager, Delta Community Living Society. This workshop is FREE for families - though you have to register. If you are a professional, the fee is $20.00. Payment can be by cheque or cash at the workshop or by credit card, call 604.946.9508 ext 0.
    • 1-3800 72 Street,Resource Centre, Large Boardroom, Delta
    • If you would like more information on this workshop contact Si Stainton, Family Services Manager here or 604.952.6490.
  • The Richmond Autism Interagency Committee presents the 5th Annual Annual Richmond Autism Information Fair. Featuring Keynote Speaker Alexander Magnussen: Bridging the Gap.  He is a 28yr old man who has autism and a TedX Speaker!. His message - with the right support and early intervention, people who live with autism can realize in themselves that they are smart and can find their niche in the world. Then there will be a panel presentation: Transitions Through the School Adventure: Kindergarten, high school and beyond.  Included will be a presentation: Life Planning Tools: Disability Tax Credit, Person Centered Planning, RDSP, PWD, Wills & Estates. Featuring a Special Appearance from  Mayday Club Youth Choir. Come join us for a hassle free, no pressure opportunity to meet and mingle with a wide variety of professionals, groups and businesses providing services in the Richmond area.
    • November 19, 2016
      9am-1pm McMath Secondary School4251 Gary Street Richmond, BC
    •  This is a free event but registration is required.  Click here to register
    • if you are having trouble please call 604-233-3205.
      Refreshments and a pizza lunch will be provided. Child care is not available.
       
  • FASD Collaboration Roundtable Fall Conference:  Our Big Picture.
    Saturday, November 26, 2016 This year we have chosen the topic Our Big Picture, Finding Your Framework as our focus.  FASD is often invisible; recognizing FASD, receiving a diagnosis and understanding the potential secondary conditions which may accompany FASD is complex. Individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure each have a unique history and situation, and FASD can present very differently depending on the individual, their circumstance and even the day. Successful actions and supports recognize these individual differences and adapt in response. Click here for more information 
  • Save the Date! We're excited to announce that the 20th annual Children the Heart of the Matter conference will be held on February 17 & 18, 2017 at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey.
    • Children the Heart of the Matter Conference Committee is seeking proposals for our
      20th annual conference. Our 201 6 conference drew over 600 participants and was an overwhelming success. Consideration will be given to those presenters whose proposals reflect diversity, inclusive practice, programming and curriculum for any or all of the following: infant/toddler, preschool-age and school- age children as well as children with special needs.
  • Faster than a Speeding Bullet:  iPads in Autism Intervention. Saturday, November 26th, 2016 Brenda Fossett, PhD, BCBA-DIt's hard to believe that the iPad was first released only in 2010. In such a short period of time, the use of iPads and other tablets have become common learning tool in the educational environment. For individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, the iPad and other tablets have been seen as the "miracle" device but to be effective, there is a lot to be considered.  This workshop will review a number of skill areas in which the iPad can be a useful instructional tool and/or an aid for daily living. Current research regarding the effectiveness of iPad and other tablet-based applications in a variety of skill areas, including communication, academic,  daily living, social  and employment skills. Relevant apps will be discussed and/or demonstrated. This presentation will address the age range, from young children to adults.  Click here for more information 
  • The 7th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Research: Results and Relevance 2017 Integrating Research, Policy and Promising Practice Around the World Conference Updates:
    Call for abstracts just announced. Click here for more information. Deadline for all submissions are August 26, 2016.
    Conference Dates: March 1-4, 2017 Conference Location: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC
    This advanced level conference continues to bring together experts from multiple disciplines to share international research. From the pure science, to prevention, diagnosis and intervention across the lifespan, the conference will address the implications of this research and promote scientific/community collaboration. It provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of the relationships between knowledge and research and critical actions related to FASD. First held in 1987, the conference brings together people passionate about this work in a stimulating environment where they can learn and forge new partnerships.Click here to stay in tune 

     
Seasonal
Seasonal
  • The 19th Birthday Party is an art installation that explores experiences relating to youth transitioning out of government care at age 19. Come learn about some of the work that community members of Surrey have been engaging in to address the challenges these young people face. 
    • The 19th Birthday Party
      Opening reception: Oct. 4, 5 - 7pm Exhibition runs Oct. 4 - 7 from 8:30-4:30pm
      In the atrium at Surrey City Hall Click here to register
  • LDAF REAL READING TUTORING
    October 3 to December 15
    One hour sessions, Choose 4, 5, 6 or 7 pm
    Either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday
    Cost $25 per hour**
    Our program fosters your child's interest in reading for enjoyment while using strategies based on best practices in reading intervention. Our trained tutors work one on one with the student following an individualized, structured learning plan and setting specific goals for the student who is at least one year behind in reading, spelling, comprehension and/or writing.
    REAL MATH TUTORING
    October 3 to December 15
    One hour sessions, Choose 4, 5, 6 or 7 pm
    Either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday
    Cost $25 per hour** Our program is intentional learning in a playful context. Our trained tutors work one on one with the student to become aware of, evaluate, and set goals for learning in math. Based on current research, students are prompted to use manipulatives or "tools" in a playful manner to practice and celebrate their successes on their individualized math goals.
    • Tutoring Locations:   ** New location in Surrey**
      Surrey:   Henry Bose Elementary, 6550 - 134 Street
      Langley: Douglas Park School, 5409 - 206 Street
      Ladner:  Delta Manor Education Centre, 4750 - 57 Street
    • Register soon for best availability at 604.591.5156
       
  • ANOTHER EXCITING EVENT ...........a HALLOWEEN PARTY.......Please also share with anyone you think might be interested in coming.......this will be a great event like our Night to Remember Gala held every June.
    A Nightmare to Remember. ......a dancing , fun night for teens and adults aged 16 and up with Developmental Disabilities.  Come on down in your wildest costume and your ghoulish attitude for some good old Halloween Fun! A Nightmare to Remember will feature carnival food for dinner, a costume contest with great prizes, and much more. Parents will enjoy their own room next to the festivities, with a full bar available.
    • Saturday October 29, 2016
      6:30-11:00 pm
      Cost : $25 per ticket.
      Century Plaza Hotel, Vancouver
      THERE are only 150 tickets available.....there will be NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR.
    • For more information, please contact .Abbe Gates email here 
    • to get tx click here 
  • FALL 2016  Friend 2 Friend Fall Play Centre Programs Free for Children. Children ages 3 through 13! Play, learn and make friends with us this fall at our signature Friend 2 Friend Play Centre in East Vancouver and New Westminster. This fall Expert Players are needed for many of our groups including early childhood programs (ages 3-5), after school programs (ages 7-13) and Saturday and Sunday programs (ages 4-12). Expert players attend the programs completely free of charge. If you are interested in your child particpate in state-of-the-art social play and friendship programs under the guidance of highly trained professional contact us here 

  •  
  • Happy Holidays
    • Educational Toys That Build ADHD Brains. Check out these clever gift ideas designed to help kids improve their memory, follow linear thinking, and build social skills - oh yeah, and also smile.Click here to read more
       
       
       




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OtherOther

  • Parenting in a Digital Age: United Nations Address for the Global Day of Parents by Dr. Deborah MacNamara.  The digital age has reshaped the landscape in which we are raising our children. While our new tools and technologies allow us to do things we could only once dream of, it has also changed the conditions under which we care for our children. What is the impact of the digital age on parenting and child development? In order to answer this question, we will need to ask what comes with these new tools and whether they are what our children need to realize their full human potential. Click here to read more
  • Want to teach time?  Hear Carla Buturac talk about Sarah Ward's WonderTime Clock. A Visual Support on a Clock that Works Wonders for Executive Function! Do you know that there are brilliant adults out in the workforce who actually pay assistants to help with daily activities that involve executive function? These people pay others to help them select what to wear, get them meals, help with personal hygiene, arrange for transportation and get them to work on time. The "employer" in these cases have only one basic job and that is to totally focus on the brilliant work they are doing because they actually would have great difficulty planning for all of these other seemingly simple, mundane daily activities. Some of these individuals are on the autism spectrum for example.
     

     
  • Click here for the September October Parenting Special Needs Magazine - Check out the new audio and visual features
    • a couple of great IEP articles and one on Teen Behaviours
  • BREAKING NEWS! Glass Ceiling Broken at Emmy Awards! First Series Starring Cast with Disabilities, Born This Way, Wins. Washington, Sept. 11 - For the first time ever, a series starring a cast with disabilities has won an Emmy Award. Born This Way, which is in its second season on A&E, won for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Series beating out five other series including previous winners Deadliest Catch and Intervention. In addition, two episodes from Born This Way were nominated for Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program but lost out to HBO's Project Greenlight. Click here to read more
     
  • Clever Ways To Teach Mindfulness To Children. Kids should be in on the action, too.Defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique -- mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety and even minimise inflammation and prevent disease. Click here to read more 
  • SERVICES TO ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (STADD) EXPANDS.
    This year, 2016, STADD is expanding to communities in the Fraser region. It has begun operations in Langley and Delta, and will be serving downtown Vancouver through the Granville Youth Health Centre.To find out more about STADD, and whether the STADD service is available in your community, you can call 1-855-356-5609 or 250-356-5609, or visit
  • FSI's 9th Annual Trivia Night 2016. Come and join the FUN at FSI's 9th Annual Trivia Night on Oct. 1/16 at BACI in Burnaby. Tickets are on sale now!  Click here for more information
  • The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
    is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. Click here for more information
    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.  

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