Inclusion Programs | Our Special Families Village

From the Archives – Inspired by Carly’s Voice

Due to some scheduling snafu’s and a technical glitch, I don’t have an interview for you this week. I do however, want to share three interviews from the archives.

I’m listening to the audio version of Carly’s Voice, an absolutely stunning book about a young woman with Autism. Technology allowed her to share herself with us and I think we are only beginning to see the changes her words will bring.

Listening to this book reminds me of three interviews I have done that I want share again, in case you missed them.

One is with Tyler Burke of Provider Search Directory. Tyler’s service helps families connect with people and services and as Carly’ story demonstrates, finding the right fit is so incredibly important. Listen here.

The second interview is with Dr. Mueller of Stimulus Publications. Dr. Mueller and I talk about what ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, is and how to work with your child’s IEP Team to help your child. I think ABA had a significant impact on Carly and allowed her the glimpse the possible. Listen here.

The third interview is with Garrett Butch of Maximum Potential Kids. Garrett and I talked about ABA from a parent’s point of view. Clearly ABA gave Carly’s parent’s hope and let them see the possibilities. Listen here.

Please let us know your thoughts and any questions you may have. You can just leave a comment or if you want to keep it private, go to out Contact Page and fill out the form.

Next week I will post an interview with an author who has a very unique way of helping other’s meet your child. Stay tuned!

Enjoy!

Sandra

P.S Click here to find more Interviews.

P.P.S Are you interested in being interviewed or being a guest writer? Contact me here, please.

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Advocacy, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Autism Spectrum, Behavioral Consultants, Behavioral Therapy, IEP, Inclusion Programs, Medical Research, Parenting Special Needs Kids, PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Special Education, Special Needs Kids, Special Needs Support, Speech and Language Therapy

For Families and Caregivers – The News You Need This Week (4/4/12)

By Sandra Leave a Comment

For previous articles, please click here.

If you find the information, resources and support here on Our Special Families Village Helpful, please consider supporting our efforts when you shop your favorite online retailers through iBakeSale.com. Thank you.

Raising a kid with special needs: On parent delays and development

I thought about how the nurse has, for the past couple of years, pushed me to be more diligent about training Max. I could have done this a long time ago. But I wasn’t ready. And I’m just not going to feel guilty about that (although guilt has crossed my mind). I’ve got a lot going on in life, like any parent of a kid with special needs. I do my best.

It’s that time of year – crunch time! But maybe this will help take the sting out of the process…

Income Tax Deductions for Children with Special Needs

Before claiming tax deductions on your special needs child, consult your tax attorney or the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service has the right to audit any individual’s annual tax returns for up to six years after it was filed; keep all documentation pertaining to your return for at least that long.

Self determination: the ingredients

Clearly, kids are going to make some mistakes when they make their own choices and speak up for themselves. And it takes some effort on our part to give them opportunities to try. And sometimes to fail. And to try again.

Inclusion Done Right, and Gone Wrong

When done right, inclusion can be a terrific experience for all students, allowing every learner to get needs met and be challenged to work at the best of his or her ability. At its worst, it’s no good for anybody. It’s hard for parents to know, though, what good inclusion is supposed to look like if the only model they have is wanting.

Please let us know your thoughts or questions on these articles in the Comments Section or privately via the Contact Page.

Filed Under: Information and Resources, Parenting Information and Resources, Special Education, Special Needs Caregivers Tagged With: Advocacy, Inclusion Programs, Parenting Special Needs Kids, Special Education, Special Needs Law

Down Syndrome – The News You Need This Week (1/31/12)

By Sandra Leave a Comment

For Previous Articles Please Click Here.

Procedures To Use The Treadmill Training In Infants With Down Syndrome

Check out this Free Downloadable Treadmill Training Protocol from Noah’s Dad.

National Running Program Launched by Research Down Syndrome Foundation to Support Down Syndrome Cognitive Research

Building on successful marathon and other race events during 2011 in major cities, including New York City, Chicago and San Diego, RDS is expanding its running program to greatly increase its research funding, and has been accepted as a charity partner in multiple marathons across the country. Shorter fun races are being organized as well. “We are grateful for the enthusiastic support we received in events during 2011,” states Dr. Robert Schoen, RDS President, “Our goal is to support persons with Down syndrome by significantly increasing our fundraising in 2012.”

Adults With Down Syndrome Can Live Independently And Have A Satisfying Life

According to Craig Kendall, co-author of “How to Live, Love and Succeed with Down Syndrome” parents should develop a transition plan a year or so before their your loved one leaves school. Every person with Down syndrome is different, of course, so no two life courses will be the same. Kendall recommends that at least a year before a child is getting ready to leave school, the parents meet with school officials and try to develop a transition plan for them.

Hanby’s inclusiveness provides an education

Now 14, Rogers’ daughter Ariel, who was born with Down syndrome, spends more than 80 percent of her day in mainstream classes with her peers at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill.

Northridge’s Gabriel provides unlimited inspiration

Allison Gabriel is an 18-year-old senior guard for the Lady Jaguars. She’s not the leading scorer or rebounder. She’s not the tallest or fastest player, and she doesn’t start. What she brings to the program is an inspirational attitude.

Dad with Down syndrome son: Don’t feel sorry

Smith wants to de-stigmatize Down syndrome in his blog, NoahsDad.com.

I started off today’s post with one from Noah’s Dad and I want to close with this interview with him. Rick is an amazing inspiration for all of us with Special Needs Family Members.

If you have found any great resources or stories, please share them in the Comments Section.

Help make The Village Your Village but sharing your thoughts, ideas and suggestions in this short survey. It’ll only take a few minutes but I appreciate your time very much.

Filed Under: Down Syndrome, Information and Resources Tagged With: Down Syndrome, Inclusion Programs, Medical Research