REACH Parent Network Weekly Newsletter December 23rd 08

 

Si Stainton This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Thank you for keeping this newsletter alive by sending so much useful information throughout the year. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. The newsletter will resume mid January.

“May your spirits be high and your waitlists low.”

And here’s your Christmas Card!

Happy Holidays from Si (and BC Hydro)

1. Help a parent! Need to know something? Want to contact other parents? This is YOUR space....

·                                 Caregiver wanted for our 12 year old son who is diagnosed with multiple disabilities including autism, developmental disability, epilepsy, and Type 1 diabetes.    We would require drop off and pick up after school for up to 5 hours a day. Additional full day shifts would be available on Pro D days and seasonal and summer holidays. The care would primarily be in the home, which is located in north Port Coquitlam, however, community outings would also be included.  The rate of pay is $17.00 an hour for experienced candidate and start date would be mid January 2009. Recent criminal record check required and background in supporting children with autism / special needs preferred.   If you have experience with this type of caregiving and are interested in applying for this position, please contact Farida and John at (604) 464-3561, Farida at (604) 220-9150 or John at (604) 313-38.

·                                 Wonderful opportunity to work with an 8 year old boy with high functioning autism. Our son's program goals are designed and monitored closely by his behavioral consultant. Most of his programming involves teaching of critical social skills. We are looking for someone to work 8 hours a week with him. Days and times are somewhat flexible. Pay commensurate with experience. Contact phone# 604 454 9454 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·                                 My 4 yrs old son has mild Cerebral Palsy.  He wears splints as much as possible, but at other times drags his right foot quite badly.  As a result, he is very hard-wearing on shoes.  He requires a new pair at least every two months.  I was wondering if you know of any organisations that may be able to assist with the cost of his shoes?  He is unable to wear second-hand footwear because of the shape of his foot so they have to be bought new every time and then discarded as they are unwearable so quickly. Any suggestions you might have would be very gratefully received. Reply to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it who will forward.

·                                 My brother  has mild CP from Birth. He has 2 different sized feet. Left 12, right 9.5/ We have to buy 2 different pairs of shoes so that he has the right size for him. Do you know of any shoe -swap out there? If we could find another person with the opposite sizes, that would be so great to share shoes. Reply to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it who will forward.

2. Autism

·        Easter Seals : Living with Autism Study and Highlights

·        New Clues to Who Is Susceptible to Autism Via Vaccine Injury.

·        Autism drugs head into human clinical trials

3. ADHD

4. Community Living BC  & Ministry of Children and Family Development

·       Check out the Facebook site: End Waitlists Now

5.   Reach Child and Youth Development Society

·        The Reach ‘Just Jammin'’ music program is looking for  donations of musical instruments or equipment: Bass Guitar * Conventional or Electronic Drum Kit * PA system * Hand drums. To donate please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

6.  Education

·        All Kinds of Minds  Newsletter Nov 08  Also, check out their

·         PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION PLAN

·        BCACL is seeking nominations for the Canadian Association for Community Living's National Inclusive Education Awards. We are looking for examples of inclusive classrooms throughout BC and we wish to recognize three individuals or organizations for their stellar work in early learning, Kindergarten to grade 12, and post-secondary settings. Visit the Inclusive Education section of our website for more information.

7. Medical

·        Highest Death Rates In Hospital: Infants And Children Without Insurance.

·        New Method Of Scoring IQ Tests Benefits Children With Intellectual Disabilities... not really at this stage of research, but interesting in that someone is trying to do something.

·        Preventing food allergies in children - a change of strategy?

·                                 Warning on heavy toilet seats and toddler penis injuries

8. Policy

·                                 Disability Saving Plan starting up this month

·        From  Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada:  The Minister of Finance has invited Canadians to share their views and priorities for the 2009 federal budget, scheduled for release on January 27 2009. Let government know that quality, affordable child care services are key to Canada’s economic recovery. Between now and January 9 2009 complete the  on-line consultation. You will see that child care is key to several of the proposed economic stimulus priorities. Working within the required structure, here are suggested responses for your consideration (hint – the guidelines allow a maximum of 50 words in each area).

·        For the latest information on child care advocacy, check out our advocacy updates, our hot issues section, and our Code Blue for Child Care campaign web site, buildchildcare.ca

·        Second Elevator to be installed at Scott Road Sky Train Station - Details available here.

9. Workshops & Training

·        Listening and Learning Tutoring Program For children 6 – 13 years of age. This program is not suitable for children with behaviour challenges. Monday, January 12/09 – Wednesday, June 17/09 (1 hour lessons) Mondays & Wednesdays  4:00 P.M., 5:15 P.M., or 6:30 P.M. LA Room - Westwood Elementary School 3610 Hastings Street, Port Coquitlam.  Certified Orton Gillingham Therapeutic Tutor and also a Special Education Assistant in District #40. This program will benefit children that may have trouble understanding, appear distracted, inattentive or forgetful, or may be easily overwhelmed by spoken language and become angry or frustrated. This program uses Orton Gillingham (multi sensory approach) tutoring methods. This is a 42 lesson program over 3 months. Fee: 765.00  Members, $840.00  Non-members Phone 604-464-1187  Fax 604-464-1287.

·        Positive Parenting Workshop in Richmond, Sat Feb 7th 09

10. Seasonal

·        Wear your Ugliest Tie on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 to support the BC Paraplegic Association’s vision of a World Without Barriers. For details about the Ugly Tie Affair or how you can Tie Up Your Co-workers please go to www.bcpara.org/uglytie

 11. Other

·        Website launch of the Advocacy Toolkit  from National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis. Advocacy Toolkit documents. The toolkit documents include the following: FAQ Sheet – brief answers to frequently asked questions about dual diagnosis, Real life Stories (PDF) to bring the day to day experiences to life, Glossary – of terms most often used and Plain language pamphlet – a 4 page document that explains what dual diagnosis is, what is needed, and the Coalition. It can be used to design your own pamphlet with your local information.

·        The Abilitas Foundation  supports BC individuals with disabilities and their families and provides accessible vacation accommodation and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. As part of its mandate, the Abilitas Foundation is coordinating the development and construction of a barrier-free lodge at the Cold Water Ranch, 20 mins. west of Merritt: the Cold Water Ranch Lodge.

 

Si Stainton This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   for Reach Child and Youth Development Society