Free Books
This is a wonderful opportunity for families with children ages birth to 5
years. Please share with family and friends....
The NYC Imagination Library is an initiative of the NYC Dept. of
Education. The goal is to promote the development of emergent literacy and language
skills that are important for every child's success in school by
encouraging all NYC parents to read aloud to their children from birth until age
five.
Just enroll your preschool child (age 0 to 5 yrs) in the NYC Imagination
Library and a new, carefully selected, age-appropriate book will be mailed
each month in your child's name directly to your home. Books will begin
arriving at your home six to eight weeks after your registration form has
been received, and will continue every month until your child turns five.
_http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/NYC_Imagination_Library_applica
tion.pdf_
(http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/NYC_Imagination_Library_application.pdf)
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_https://owa2003.nycboe.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.nyc.gov/htm
l/nycha/downloads/pdf/NYC_Imagination_Library_application.pdf_
(https://owa2003.nycboe.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downl
oads/pdf/NYC_Imagination_Library_application.pdf)
>
Your child will be eligible for this program as long as you live within
the five boroughs of NYC. Please pass this information to your family and
friends.
Enroll today! and enjoy a happy and healthy summer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Book uses Positive Psychology to Improve the Lives of those with Autism
Encouraging people on the autism spectrum to foster positive emotions and character traits can dramatically improve their lives in every way. This helps to strengthen their ability to cope with everyday challenges and setbacks. Drawing on the key concepts of positive psychology, the new book How Everyone on the Autism Spectrum, Young and Old, looks at the positive character traits—resilience, optimism, humor, kindness and self-efficacy—and offers tried-and-tested strategies for bolstering each of these strengths in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The authors provide a number of lesson plans with activities designed to build on the five areas identified. Easily implemented at home, at school or in the community. This complete toolkit provides parents, educators and other professionals with everything they need to use positive psychology strategies to support people of all ages and abilities on the autism spectrum. To order,
http://www.autism-society.org/news/new-book-uses-positive.html
The authors provide a number of lesson plans with activities designed to build on the five areas identified. Easily implemented at home, at school or in the community. This complete toolkit provides parents, educators and other professionals with everything they need to use positive psychology strategies to support people of all ages and abilities on the autism spectrum. To order,
http://www.autism-society.org/news/new-book-uses-positive.html
Learn to Have Fun with Your Senses
The Sensory Avoider’s Survival Guide to Have Fun with Your Senses
http://www.autism-society.org/news/autism-society-resource.html
Dr. John Taylor helps kids of all ages learn about and overcome their sensory defensiveness.
In 10 concise chapters, kids will learn how to stop overreacting and cope with sensory problems that may have seemed overwhelming to them before. Dr. Taylor shows them how to relax and have fun with:
- Touch
- Movement
- Hearing
- Vision
- Taste and smell
Also included are special sections for parents, teachers and occupational therapists, so they can better help readers help themselves.
John F. Taylor, Ph.D., has also written The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD and The Early Childhood Fun Express (which he coauthored).
For more information, visit.
Informational Website Supports Educators and Parents of Children with Autism
TeachTown, Inc., an innovative developer of educational software and video modeling technology, has launched a new, information-packed website in support of children with autism and special needs
http://www.autism-society.org/news/new-informational-website.html
http://www.autism-society.org/news/new-informational-website.html
Friday, July 16, 2010
Henderson: Video contest shows kids with disabilities and their takes on life - thestar.com
Henderson: Video contest shows kids with disabilities and their takes on life - thestar.com
Check out FilmPossible Video Contest - Bringing Visibility to Disability
FilmPossible Video Contest - Bringing Visibility to
Disability_ (http://www.filmpossible.ca/)
Online video contest highlights perspectives of children with
disabilities_
(http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/xeuYrxzLsXbejakIaibuvMalTGja?format=standard)
An online video contest is featuring original short films that showcase
the perspectives of children with disabilities. The filmpossible project is
aimed at "bringing visibility to disability." Online votes will determine
the winners of the contest, and entries can be submitted and viewed at
_www.filmpossible.ca_
(http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/xeuYrxzLsXbejahUaibuvMalQhcn)
. _The Toronto Star_
(http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/xeuYrxzLsXbejakIaibuvMalTGja?format=standard) (7/2
Check out FilmPossible Video Contest - Bringing Visibility to Disability
FilmPossible Video Contest - Bringing Visibility to
Disability_ (http://www.filmpossible.ca/)
Online video contest highlights perspectives of children with
disabilities_
(http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/xeuYrxzLsXbejakIaibuvMalTGja?format=standard)
An online video contest is featuring original short films that showcase
the perspectives of children with disabilities. The filmpossible project is
aimed at "bringing visibility to disability." Online votes will determine
the winners of the contest, and entries can be submitted and viewed at
_www.filmpossible.ca_
(http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/xeuYrxzLsXbejahUaibuvMalQhcn)
. _The Toronto Star_
(http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/xeuYrxzLsXbejakIaibuvMalTGja?format=standard) (7/2
Friday, July 2, 2010
Toys for Special Needs
Just wanted to put a resource out there that I recently came across. There are many websites that sell "Special Needs" toys and products, but there are very few that are able to categorize them for what your child needs most. I recently came across a post about Able Play, and they look fantastic: http://www.ableplay.org/
If you click on "search" you can narrow your search by age, type of disability, and much much more.
Enjoy!
If you click on "search" you can narrow your search by age, type of disability, and much much more.
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Institute on Disability Seeks Artists for its 2011 Calendar
Institute on Disability Seeks Artists for its 2011 Calendar
Are you an artist looking for an opportunity to get your work noticed? Do you know someone who is an artist and might be interested in such an opportunity? Every year since 2000, the Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire has produced a calendar that features 13 original works of art. These highly anticipated calendars are distributed each year to thousands of people around the world who are connected to the IOD's mission of strengthening communities and ensuring full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons. The IOD is currently inviting artists to submit artwork to be considered for its 2011 Calendar.
The theme for the 2011 calendar is reflective of the quote:
“Inclusion is a right, not a special privilege for a select few.” - Federal Court, Oberti vs Board of Education
If you would like to submit, here are some simple guidelines to follow:
All artwork must be 2-dimensional (i.e. drawings, paintings). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept photography and sculpture.
Artwork for submission may be created for the purpose of this calendar or may be selected from an existing portfolio of work.
Artwork should reflect the artist's interpretation of the quote above.
Artists are encouraged to submit artwork with vibrant colors (see links to past calendars below).
Artists are welcome to submit a maximum of three (3) works of art for consideration.
Submissions must include the artist's name, phone number, email address, and title(s) of artwork.
If chosen, the original work submitted will be requested and will need to be sent to the IOD. All originals will be returned to the artists.
Here are links if you would like to see a PDF copy of the 2009 and 2010 calendars.
Please do not send original artwork at this time. Digital copies (scanned or photographed artwork) for consideration should be sent as a JPG or PDF file to contact.iod@unh.edu with “2011 IOD Calendar Art” in the subject line. If you would like to submit a printed copy (not an original) of your artwork via U.S. postal mail, please mail it to:
INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY / UCED
Attn: Matthew Gianino
10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101
Durham, NH 03824
During the final selection process, the IOD may request the original artwork for further consideration in some cases. The 13 finalists will be asked to complete an Artwork Release Form. Please be sure you are able to comply with the terms of the release form prior to submitting. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 30, 2010. All artists whose work is chosen for the 2011 Calendar will be contacted by August 27.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the IOD
Are you an artist looking for an opportunity to get your work noticed? Do you know someone who is an artist and might be interested in such an opportunity? Every year since 2000, the Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire has produced a calendar that features 13 original works of art. These highly anticipated calendars are distributed each year to thousands of people around the world who are connected to the IOD's mission of strengthening communities and ensuring full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons. The IOD is currently inviting artists to submit artwork to be considered for its 2011 Calendar.
The theme for the 2011 calendar is reflective of the quote:
“Inclusion is a right, not a special privilege for a select few.” - Federal Court, Oberti vs Board of Education
If you would like to submit, here are some simple guidelines to follow:
All artwork must be 2-dimensional (i.e. drawings, paintings). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept photography and sculpture.
Artwork for submission may be created for the purpose of this calendar or may be selected from an existing portfolio of work.
Artwork should reflect the artist's interpretation of the quote above.
Artists are encouraged to submit artwork with vibrant colors (see links to past calendars below).
Artists are welcome to submit a maximum of three (3) works of art for consideration.
Submissions must include the artist's name, phone number, email address, and title(s) of artwork.
If chosen, the original work submitted will be requested and will need to be sent to the IOD. All originals will be returned to the artists.
Here are links if you would like to see a PDF copy of the 2009 and 2010 calendars.
Please do not send original artwork at this time. Digital copies (scanned or photographed artwork) for consideration should be sent as a JPG or PDF file to contact.iod@unh.edu with “2011 IOD Calendar Art” in the subject line. If you would like to submit a printed copy (not an original) of your artwork via U.S. postal mail, please mail it to:
INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY / UCED
Attn: Matthew Gianino
10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101
Durham, NH 03824
During the final selection process, the IOD may request the original artwork for further consideration in some cases. The 13 finalists will be asked to complete an Artwork Release Form. Please be sure you are able to comply with the terms of the release form prior to submitting. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 30, 2010. All artists whose work is chosen for the 2011 Calendar will be contacted by August 27.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the IOD
Friday, May 7, 2010
Autism Society of America: New Documentary about Art and Autism
Autism Society of America: New Documentary about Art and Autism
New Documentary about Art and Autism
"I'm an Artist"
I’m an Artist is a film about students with disabilities at special-needs schools who achieve confidence, positive reinforcement and hope through an art program. In this documentary, young adults with Down syndrome, autism and behavior issues collaborate with a dedicated teacher to create artwork for their first professional gallery exhibition. As the students draw, color and paint, we witness how these children, who often struggle in life every day, gain confidence and self-acceptance through artistic expression. The documentary also follows the children to events such as field day and graduation, providing a rare inside view of life at a special-needs school. At the heart of the film is Mary Jo, a woman who never stops teaching her students that there are no mistakes in art. With unwavering enthusiasm and support, she demonstrates that children with learning disabilities can achieve more growth than most people believe possible.
Learn more at http://www.imanartistmovie.com/.
Help spread the word about Yummy Coffee - www.yummycoffee.org!
FineArtViews - Dare to be Different
FineArtViews -
Your job as an artist is to NOT be whatever anyone else is. You should not be doing what everyone else is doing. That mindset should color your every action. I was reminded of this last summer as I visited a local art show held outside in the California sun.
As I looked at each booth in turn, I was struck by the overwhelming sameness of the artwork I saw. Sure the artwork was all different, relative to the craftsmanship applied to the subject matter, but except for a very few examples, I found myself looking for something that was strikingly different. It was hard to find. Since I was not showing at this event, I had my "customer hat" on.
Photographs and watercolors were plentiful. Prints were common, and there were landscapes galore. As this event was set in a beach town, there must have been at least 20 renderings of the pier; each a little different. Only one artist took the time to go underneath the pier and view the scene from a different perspective, and his picture of the light streaming
through the weathered boards up above was striking. That was different.
There was also an Asian couple who offered some extremely detailed laser-cut paper images of a variety of subject matter. This material was also radically different from what everyone else was offering. It caught people's attention.
It's so easy to be average.
What's not easy is to create significant differences is what you do and make that significance into a buyer-oriented benefit. You see, people will buy based upon benefits to them, not features. Features are secondary. Benefits are often "perceived" value. You just can't put a value on what people view as important to them. The artwork must talk to them in a peculiar way so that they see themselves as owning the art, showing it to their friends and relatives, enhancing their living rooms, whatever. I have produced art which was marginal at best, only to find potential buyers delighted to be offered them. I have produced very substantial works of art which were dismissed by almost everyone. In most cases, this art was not different enough to stand on its own in comparison to comparable works those customers may have seen elsewhere.
When it comes to similar pieces of art such as you usually see in group-type events, people often revert to making buying decisions based upon size, color or price. So, there you have it. Your creative work has just been reduced to a commodity. Do you have this in more of a reddish color? Gee, I wish that piece of art were bigger, it would look so good in my entryway and is this best (price) you can do?
Most art does not elicit an emotional response in buyers. When your art can do this, your sale is pretty much of a done deal. You can tell when you nail it because a potential buyer will either begin asking questions about the artwork or buy it outright on the spot. They will smile and ask for a verbal OK from their significant other. They will lick their lips and nod often. If you're seeing this type of response from a potential buyer, you've virtually reeled them in. It takes only a little bit more coaxing to push them into a sale. Much as I love the spontaneous buyer, I'd much rather talk about the artwork and even dicker with the buyer. It is through talk that they make their minds up.
Hey, these are tough times economically, and while I don't always recommend you alter the price of your craft, you shouldn't rule it out entirely if you have a motivated buyer. 100% of nothing is not a very satisfying result of creative endeavors.
What can you do to create a difference in what you do? Study the competition and find out what is selling (or at least being offered) and paint to suit the market. For instance, if I were going to sell artwork at a Strawberry Festival, I would not hesitate to create some pictures and /or prints of something featuring strawberries. Perhaps a landscape showing colorfully dressed strawberry pickers in the early morning mist. Perhaps a large beautifully rendered watercolor of a ripe dew-speckled berry. Maybe a close-up photograph of a bowl of strawberries on a sun dappled porch. Get the idea? It may not be your particular specialty, but you could certainly use your particular artistic style and apply it to what people are seeking. It is in this way you create the emotional difference that attracts people's interest.
So what if it's not your favorite topic! It's not always about you the artist. It's often as much about the buyer and their interests and emotions.
So, what can you do to be different? Study your competition and see if there is something different that people have not seen before. Be different in how you display your art at a show. Your job is to not be like everyone else. You're an artist. Be an artist and release the creative spark in yourself that people are seeking.
Ask your visitors questions and use what they tell you to provide it next show. What are they not finding? Maybe you can provide it. Entertain their interests so they get to know you and it will make it easier to buy from you. Get their email addresses by offering something to them (such as a raffle for a piece of art) and you'll have the opportunity to re-introduce yourself and your offerings at a later date. That's different and there is no competition for their attention.
Just because the economy is poor does not mean people have stopped buying art. Dare to be different, address the needs and wants of your buying public and you'll make art sales a reality you can take to the bank.
Gregory Peters
----------------------------------------------
This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews by Canvoo,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).
This article originally appeared at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/19258/dare-to-be-different
For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com
Dare to be Different
by Gregory PetersThis post is by guest author, Gregory Peters. This article has been edited and published with the author's permission. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.
Your job as an artist is to NOT be whatever anyone else is. You should not be doing what everyone else is doing. That mindset should color your every action. I was reminded of this last summer as I visited a local art show held outside in the California sun.
As I looked at each booth in turn, I was struck by the overwhelming sameness of the artwork I saw. Sure the artwork was all different, relative to the craftsmanship applied to the subject matter, but except for a very few examples, I found myself looking for something that was strikingly different. It was hard to find. Since I was not showing at this event, I had my "customer hat" on.
Photographs and watercolors were plentiful. Prints were common, and there were landscapes galore. As this event was set in a beach town, there must have been at least 20 renderings of the pier; each a little different. Only one artist took the time to go underneath the pier and view the scene from a different perspective, and his picture of the light streaming
through the weathered boards up above was striking. That was different.
There was also an Asian couple who offered some extremely detailed laser-cut paper images of a variety of subject matter. This material was also radically different from what everyone else was offering. It caught people's attention.
It's so easy to be average.
What's not easy is to create significant differences is what you do and make that significance into a buyer-oriented benefit. You see, people will buy based upon benefits to them, not features. Features are secondary. Benefits are often "perceived" value. You just can't put a value on what people view as important to them. The artwork must talk to them in a peculiar way so that they see themselves as owning the art, showing it to their friends and relatives, enhancing their living rooms, whatever. I have produced art which was marginal at best, only to find potential buyers delighted to be offered them. I have produced very substantial works of art which were dismissed by almost everyone. In most cases, this art was not different enough to stand on its own in comparison to comparable works those customers may have seen elsewhere.
When it comes to similar pieces of art such as you usually see in group-type events, people often revert to making buying decisions based upon size, color or price. So, there you have it. Your creative work has just been reduced to a commodity. Do you have this in more of a reddish color? Gee, I wish that piece of art were bigger, it would look so good in my entryway and is this best (price) you can do?
Most art does not elicit an emotional response in buyers. When your art can do this, your sale is pretty much of a done deal. You can tell when you nail it because a potential buyer will either begin asking questions about the artwork or buy it outright on the spot. They will smile and ask for a verbal OK from their significant other. They will lick their lips and nod often. If you're seeing this type of response from a potential buyer, you've virtually reeled them in. It takes only a little bit more coaxing to push them into a sale. Much as I love the spontaneous buyer, I'd much rather talk about the artwork and even dicker with the buyer. It is through talk that they make their minds up.
Hey, these are tough times economically, and while I don't always recommend you alter the price of your craft, you shouldn't rule it out entirely if you have a motivated buyer. 100% of nothing is not a very satisfying result of creative endeavors.
What can you do to create a difference in what you do? Study the competition and find out what is selling (or at least being offered) and paint to suit the market. For instance, if I were going to sell artwork at a Strawberry Festival, I would not hesitate to create some pictures and /or prints of something featuring strawberries. Perhaps a landscape showing colorfully dressed strawberry pickers in the early morning mist. Perhaps a large beautifully rendered watercolor of a ripe dew-speckled berry. Maybe a close-up photograph of a bowl of strawberries on a sun dappled porch. Get the idea? It may not be your particular specialty, but you could certainly use your particular artistic style and apply it to what people are seeking. It is in this way you create the emotional difference that attracts people's interest.
So what if it's not your favorite topic! It's not always about you the artist. It's often as much about the buyer and their interests and emotions.
So, what can you do to be different? Study your competition and see if there is something different that people have not seen before. Be different in how you display your art at a show. Your job is to not be like everyone else. You're an artist. Be an artist and release the creative spark in yourself that people are seeking.
Ask your visitors questions and use what they tell you to provide it next show. What are they not finding? Maybe you can provide it. Entertain their interests so they get to know you and it will make it easier to buy from you. Get their email addresses by offering something to them (such as a raffle for a piece of art) and you'll have the opportunity to re-introduce yourself and your offerings at a later date. That's different and there is no competition for their attention.
Just because the economy is poor does not mean people have stopped buying art. Dare to be different, address the needs and wants of your buying public and you'll make art sales a reality you can take to the bank.
Gregory Peters
----------------------------------------------
This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews by Canvoo,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).
This article originally appeared at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/19258/dare-to-be-different
For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
Autism Society of America: Autism Society Art Exhibit
Autism Society of America: Autism Society Art Exhibit
is hosting an online exhibit of artwork by those with Autism. It is a lovely selection of art from all ages and you can even upload a piece of art for your child as well. Thanks to the Autism Society for creating a portal of lovely art pieces to look through!
is hosting an online exhibit of artwork by those with Autism. It is a lovely selection of art from all ages and you can even upload a piece of art for your child as well. Thanks to the Autism Society for creating a portal of lovely art pieces to look through!
How Autistic Artists See the World | Mental Health | DISCOVER Magazine
How Autistic Artists See the World | Mental Health | DISCOVER Magazine
Here is an amazing article in Discover Magazine about how an artist with Autism sees their world. Share in the artistic vision of artists with Autism and how they translate their art. Artist Jessica Park reports that she uses 7 shades of black, 9 shades of green, 5 shades of violet, among other colors. "The shades are applied according to a diagram that she holds in her mind from the beginning". Truly amazing.
Here is an amazing article in Discover Magazine about how an artist with Autism sees their world. Share in the artistic vision of artists with Autism and how they translate their art. Artist Jessica Park reports that she uses 7 shades of black, 9 shades of green, 5 shades of violet, among other colors. "The shades are applied according to a diagram that she holds in her mind from the beginning". Truly amazing.
Tell me A Story
I wanted to share a cute deck of cards that I find visually appealing as well as clever in terms of starting a story and randomly moving forward to expand in various sorts of directions. Its an imaginative activity that can inspire all sorts of stories. Sparking the imagination. Visit eeboo.com or find out if your local toy store has the various eeboo products.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Asperger's on Arthur!
Apparently there will be a character on PBS's Arthur with Asperger's Syndrome.
Here's one character explaining it to another
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0TyHLWEhII
Here's one character explaining it to another
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0TyHLWEhII
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
eSpecialMatch.com – A Social Network for Special Needs!
What is eSpecialMatch.com?
eSpecialMatch.com is a social networking site dedicated to connecting the families of children with special needs and the professionals that serve them. The goals of eSpecialMatch.com are to:
1. Create a community where families can find information, support, friendship, and appropriate peers for their children
2. Connect families with service providers (therapists, doctors, etc.)
3. Help service providers connect with others in their field and across fields for professional development
About eSpecialMatch.com
Mike Radicone, founder and creator of eSpecialMatch.com; A social network dedicated to families with special needs children and the professionals who serve them. But before we get into the wide range of resources this website can offer, here is a brief bio of the founder and creator, Mike Radicone.
After earning a Masters in Special Education, he began working as an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapist in private home sessions. Throughout his career as an ABA therapist, he serviced preschool and school-aged children with a wide variety of special needs including Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, Speech/Language disorders, ADD/ADHD and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), to name a few. His background consists of extensive private school and public school teaching (mainly in a self-contained capacity) where parent interaction and training are at the forefront of responsibilities. In addition to teaching, he currently speaks at educational conferences, provides training to parents and teachers, facilitates social groups and transition special needs students to new schools.
Over time he has met many amazing families who have put a great deal of time, money, and effort into providing the best experiences they can for their children. Several families expressed the challenges they faced in finding other families that have children with similar needs to their own, and specifically in locating social peers, therapists, and information. One day it clicked and he decided to introduce two of these families to each other and, in a short period of time, noticed some very positive results. The children, with different degrees of disabilities, were able to interact with each other and the adults had an opportunity to share information, experiences, and ideas. They continued to keep in touch and set up play dates, no longer needing me to facilitate the meetings. This sharing of information and bringing people together through their personal experiences is the premise behind eSpecialMatch.com.
Please review the website and take a few minutes to create a profile and join the eSpecialMatch.com community! Connect with other families, share stories, blog with a therapist and take advantage of the many other resources that eSpecialMatch.com has to offer. Your feedback is valuable so please contact info@especialmatch.com with your comments/questions.
eSpecialMatch.com – A Social Network for Special Needs!
eSpecialMatch.com is a social networking site dedicated to connecting the families of children with special needs and the professionals that serve them. The goals of eSpecialMatch.com are to:
1. Create a community where families can find information, support, friendship, and appropriate peers for their children
2. Connect families with service providers (therapists, doctors, etc.)
3. Help service providers connect with others in their field and across fields for professional development
About eSpecialMatch.com
Mike Radicone, founder and creator of eSpecialMatch.com; A social network dedicated to families with special needs children and the professionals who serve them. But before we get into the wide range of resources this website can offer, here is a brief bio of the founder and creator, Mike Radicone.
After earning a Masters in Special Education, he began working as an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapist in private home sessions. Throughout his career as an ABA therapist, he serviced preschool and school-aged children with a wide variety of special needs including Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, Speech/Language disorders, ADD/ADHD and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), to name a few. His background consists of extensive private school and public school teaching (mainly in a self-contained capacity) where parent interaction and training are at the forefront of responsibilities. In addition to teaching, he currently speaks at educational conferences, provides training to parents and teachers, facilitates social groups and transition special needs students to new schools.
Over time he has met many amazing families who have put a great deal of time, money, and effort into providing the best experiences they can for their children. Several families expressed the challenges they faced in finding other families that have children with similar needs to their own, and specifically in locating social peers, therapists, and information. One day it clicked and he decided to introduce two of these families to each other and, in a short period of time, noticed some very positive results. The children, with different degrees of disabilities, were able to interact with each other and the adults had an opportunity to share information, experiences, and ideas. They continued to keep in touch and set up play dates, no longer needing me to facilitate the meetings. This sharing of information and bringing people together through their personal experiences is the premise behind eSpecialMatch.com.
Please review the website and take a few minutes to create a profile and join the eSpecialMatch.com community! Connect with other families, share stories, blog with a therapist and take advantage of the many other resources that eSpecialMatch.com has to offer. Your feedback is valuable so please contact info@especialmatch.com with your comments/questions.
eSpecialMatch.com – A Social Network for Special Needs!
Weekly Art Projects for kids with Autism, Special Needs
Sometimes a little bit of inspiration and creativity can create awesome moments to share with your child with special needs. Some days you just need a little lift and a guiding push. Weekly Art Projects is an email delivered to you once a week with quick ideas to get your creativity rolling.
After completing a project, you can email us the results and we'll post to our blog for everyone to see and share inspiration.
Join the Weekly Art Projects list by signing up for our email newsletter. A weekly email encouraging creativity and inspiration. A new art project via email every week
Weekly Projects will:
* stir creativity for both you and your child
* bring inspiration as you both enjoy the activities together
* solve boredom
* give you somewhere to "start"
Our hope is that with a weekly jolt of ideas we can individually inspire our kids. Together we can enjoy being creative while inspiring them to come up with great ideas on their own. Some ideas will be an exercise in being silly, a new perspective and others will be works of art!
We will post the Weekly Art Project to this blog as well as email out the Weekly Project. Simply sign up and enjoy!
After completing a project, you can email us the results and we'll post to our blog for everyone to see and share inspiration.
Join the Weekly Art Projects list by signing up for our email newsletter. A weekly email encouraging creativity and inspiration. A new art project via email every week
Weekly Projects will:
* stir creativity for both you and your child
* bring inspiration as you both enjoy the activities together
* solve boredom
* give you somewhere to "start"
Our hope is that with a weekly jolt of ideas we can individually inspire our kids. Together we can enjoy being creative while inspiring them to come up with great ideas on their own. Some ideas will be an exercise in being silly, a new perspective and others will be works of art!
We will post the Weekly Art Project to this blog as well as email out the Weekly Project. Simply sign up and enjoy!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Causes of Autism Survey
Causes of Autism Survey
by Autism Coach
We invite you to complete our brief survey on what you believe caused your child or you to be diagnosed within the autism spectrum.
In 2004, I surveyed Autism Coach customers to determine what customers believed was the cause of their child's autism.
Five years later, in 2009, we now have 1 in 91 children diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 17 diagnosed within the autism spectrum. We need to know more than ever what is causing this high incidence of autism.
If you could email back your responses to autismcoach@comcast.net, you can help others by sharing your history and story.
Because everyone these days is strapped for time, I'm keeping it short:
1. I believe my child's autism diagnosis or my own diagnosis was caused by (if you select more than one, please list in order of priority):
A. Immunization of child, if yes, please specify which immunization(s)
B. Genetic condition
C. Environmental toxins (downwind from a coal fire power plant, living in a heavily polluted area, etc.)
D. Immunization of parent (during pregnancy or in the military, for example)
E. Illness (of child or parent during pregnancy)
F. Other (if other, please specify)
Please feel free to share your story, as this information can help other parents make decisions concerning their children.
Optional questions for parents, if you have time:
2. What year was your child diagnosed? At what age?
3. When did symptoms first appear?
4. How old is your child now?
5. What diagnosis does do they currently have?
6. How are they doing in school, home, and/or work?
7. What therapies, supplements, other strategies do you feel were most helpful?
8. What therapies, supplements do you feel did not make a positive difference or were harmful?
9. If you are a parent or guardian and had one piece of advice to give a parent or guardian whose child was just diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, what would it be?
Optional questions for adolescents and adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder:
2. What year were you diagnosed? At what age?
3. When did symptoms first appear?
4. How old is you now?
5. What diagnosis does do you currently have?
6. How are you doing in school, home, and/or work?
7. What therapies, supplements, other strategies do you feel were most helpful?
8. What therapies, supplements do you feel did not make a positive difference or were harmful?
9. If you had one piece of advice to give to another person on the autism spectrum and one piece of advice to a parent whose child had just been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, what would you pieces of advice be?
To my surprise the 2004 survey ended up being included the Wikipedia Autism entry for several years. Evidently no-one had bothered to ask parents about their own observations concerning their children.
This is an opportunity for you to have a voice and share your story. It is intended to be filled out by parents or guardians of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum. It may also be filled out by adolescents or adults who are diagnosed within the autism spectrum.
For those of you who choose to respond, thank you for sharing your stories and by doing so helping others in the autism community. The responses will be made public on the Autism Coach web site. We will be accepting responses through November 30, 2009.
If you answered the 2004 survey, feel free to respond again - your contribution made a difference and will do so for 2009 survey!
Again, to complete it, just email your response to the above question or if you have time the additional questions to autism.coach@comcast.net.
Thank you again,
Sue Bennett
Autism Coach
by Autism Coach
We invite you to complete our brief survey on what you believe caused your child or you to be diagnosed within the autism spectrum.
In 2004, I surveyed Autism Coach customers to determine what customers believed was the cause of their child's autism.
Five years later, in 2009, we now have 1 in 91 children diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 17 diagnosed within the autism spectrum. We need to know more than ever what is causing this high incidence of autism.
If you could email back your responses to autismcoach@comcast.net, you can help others by sharing your history and story.
Because everyone these days is strapped for time, I'm keeping it short:
1. I believe my child's autism diagnosis or my own diagnosis was caused by (if you select more than one, please list in order of priority):
A. Immunization of child, if yes, please specify which immunization(s)
B. Genetic condition
C. Environmental toxins (downwind from a coal fire power plant, living in a heavily polluted area, etc.)
D. Immunization of parent (during pregnancy or in the military, for example)
E. Illness (of child or parent during pregnancy)
F. Other (if other, please specify)
Please feel free to share your story, as this information can help other parents make decisions concerning their children.
Optional questions for parents, if you have time:
2. What year was your child diagnosed? At what age?
3. When did symptoms first appear?
4. How old is your child now?
5. What diagnosis does do they currently have?
6. How are they doing in school, home, and/or work?
7. What therapies, supplements, other strategies do you feel were most helpful?
8. What therapies, supplements do you feel did not make a positive difference or were harmful?
9. If you are a parent or guardian and had one piece of advice to give a parent or guardian whose child was just diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, what would it be?
Optional questions for adolescents and adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder:
2. What year were you diagnosed? At what age?
3. When did symptoms first appear?
4. How old is you now?
5. What diagnosis does do you currently have?
6. How are you doing in school, home, and/or work?
7. What therapies, supplements, other strategies do you feel were most helpful?
8. What therapies, supplements do you feel did not make a positive difference or were harmful?
9. If you had one piece of advice to give to another person on the autism spectrum and one piece of advice to a parent whose child had just been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, what would you pieces of advice be?
To my surprise the 2004 survey ended up being included the Wikipedia Autism entry for several years. Evidently no-one had bothered to ask parents about their own observations concerning their children.
This is an opportunity for you to have a voice and share your story. It is intended to be filled out by parents or guardians of children diagnosed with the autism spectrum. It may also be filled out by adolescents or adults who are diagnosed within the autism spectrum.
For those of you who choose to respond, thank you for sharing your stories and by doing so helping others in the autism community. The responses will be made public on the Autism Coach web site. We will be accepting responses through November 30, 2009.
If you answered the 2004 survey, feel free to respond again - your contribution made a difference and will do so for 2009 survey!
Again, to complete it, just email your response to the above question or if you have time the additional questions to autism.coach@comcast.net.
Thank you again,
Sue Bennett
Autism Coach
Friday, July 17, 2009
Institute on Disability Seeks Artists for its 2010 Calendar
Institute on Disability Seeks Artists for its 2010 Calendar
Are you an artist looking for an opportunity to get your work noticed? Do you know someone who is an artist and might be interested in such an opportunity? Every year since 2000, the Institute on Disability <http://iod.unh.edu/> (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire has produced a calendar that features 13 original works of art. These highly anticipated calendars are distributed each year to thousands of people around the world who are connected to the IOD's mission of strengthening communities and ensuring full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons. The IOD is currently inviting artists to submit artwork to be considered for its 2010 Calendar.
The theme for the 2010 calendar is reflective of the quote:
“Disability is not a 'brave struggle' or 'courage in the face of adversity'... disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live.” - Neil Marcus
If you would like to submit, here are some simple guidelines to follow:
All artwork must be 2-dimensional (i.e. drawings, paintings). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept photography and sculpture.
Artwork for submission may be created for the purpose of this calendar or may be selected from an existing portfolio of work.
Artwork should reflect the artist's interpretation of the quote above.
Artists are encouraged to submit artwork with vibrant colors (see links to past calendars below).
Artists are welcome to submit a maximum of three (3) works of art for consideration.
Submissions must include the artist's name, phone number, email address and title(s) of artwork.
If chosen, the original work submitted will be requested and will need to be sent to the IOD. All originals will be returned to the artists.
Here are links if you would like to see a PDF copy of the 2008 and 2009 calendars.
Digital copies (scanned or photographed artwork) for consideration should be sent as a JPG or PDF file to contact.iod@unh.edu with “2010 IOD Calendar Art” in the subject line. Please do not send original artwork at this time. If you would like to submit a printed copy of your artwork via snail mail, please mail it to:
INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY / UCED
Attn. Matthew Gianino
10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101
Durham , NH 03824
During the final selection process, the IOD may request the original artwork for further consideration in some cases. The 13 finalists will be asked to complete an Artwork Release Form <http://iod.unh.edu/pdf/Art_Release_2010.pdf> . Please be sure you are able to comply with the terms of the release form prior to submitting. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 7, 2009. All artists whose work is chosen for the 2010 Calendar will be contacted by August 21st .
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the IOD.
Good luck and we look forward to your submission!
The IOD Staff
Are you an artist looking for an opportunity to get your work noticed? Do you know someone who is an artist and might be interested in such an opportunity? Every year since 2000, the Institute on Disability <http://iod.unh.edu/> (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire has produced a calendar that features 13 original works of art. These highly anticipated calendars are distributed each year to thousands of people around the world who are connected to the IOD's mission of strengthening communities and ensuring full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons. The IOD is currently inviting artists to submit artwork to be considered for its 2010 Calendar.
The theme for the 2010 calendar is reflective of the quote:
“Disability is not a 'brave struggle' or 'courage in the face of adversity'... disability is an art. It's an ingenious way to live.” - Neil Marcus
If you would like to submit, here are some simple guidelines to follow:
All artwork must be 2-dimensional (i.e. drawings, paintings). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept photography and sculpture.
Artwork for submission may be created for the purpose of this calendar or may be selected from an existing portfolio of work.
Artwork should reflect the artist's interpretation of the quote above.
Artists are encouraged to submit artwork with vibrant colors (see links to past calendars below).
Artists are welcome to submit a maximum of three (3) works of art for consideration.
Submissions must include the artist's name, phone number, email address and title(s) of artwork.
If chosen, the original work submitted will be requested and will need to be sent to the IOD. All originals will be returned to the artists.
Here are links if you would like to see a PDF copy of the 2008
Digital copies (scanned or photographed artwork) for consideration should be sent as a JPG or PDF file to contact.iod@unh.edu
INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY / UCED
Attn. Matthew Gianino
10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101
Durham , NH 03824
During the final selection process, the IOD may request the original artwork for further consideration in some cases. The 13 finalists will be asked to complete an Artwork Release Form <http://iod.unh.edu/pdf/Art_Release_2010.pdf> . Please be sure you are able to comply with the terms of the release form prior to submitting. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 7, 2009. All artists whose work is chosen for the 2010 Calendar will be contacted by August 21st .
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the IOD.
Good luck and we look forward to your submission!
The IOD Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
CVS Caremark Community Grants Program Accepting Grant Applications for Programs Serving Children With Disabilities
Deadline: October 31, 2009
CVS Caremark Community Grants Program Accepting Grant Applications for Programs Serving Children With Disabilities and the Uninsured
The CVS Caremark Community Grants program provides support to community organizations and public schools in states where CVS stores are located.
The 2009 Community Grants program is focused on a few key areas. The program will award funds to nonprofit organizations working to provide disabled children and youth (under age 21) with health and rehabilitation services and/or programs that enable and encourage physical movement and play. The program will also award grants to public schools that promote a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs for children with disabilities. Proposed programs must be fully inclusive where children with disabilities are full participants in an early childhood, adolescent, or teenage programs alongside their typically developing peers.
Additionally, contributions will be made to organizations that provide uninsured individuals with needed care, in particular programs where the care received is of higher quality and delivered by providers who participate in accountable community healthcare programs. There is no age limit on proposed programs that create greater access to health care services.
Qualifying organizations are eligible for grants of up to $5,000 each.
The online grant application process requires that all applicants answer a number of eligibility questions before gaining access to the application. Visit the CVS Caremark Web site for complete program information and application materials:
http://info.cvscaremark.com/community/our-impact/community-grants
CVS Caremark Community Grants Program Accepting Grant Applications for Programs Serving Children With Disabilities and the Uninsured
The CVS Caremark Community Grants program provides support to community organizations and public schools in states where CVS stores are located.
The 2009 Community Grants program is focused on a few key areas. The program will award funds to nonprofit organizations working to provide disabled children and youth (under age 21) with health and rehabilitation services and/or programs that enable and encourage physical movement and play. The program will also award grants to public schools that promote a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs for children with disabilities. Proposed programs must be fully inclusive where children with disabilities are full participants in an early childhood, adolescent, or teenage programs alongside their typically developing peers.
Additionally, contributions will be made to organizations that provide uninsured individuals with needed care, in particular programs where the care received is of higher quality and delivered by providers who participate in accountable community healthcare programs. There is no age limit on proposed programs that create greater access to health care services.
Qualifying organizations are eligible for grants of up to $5,000 each.
The online grant application process requires that all applicants answer a number of eligibility questions before gaining access to the application. Visit the CVS Caremark Web site for complete program information and application materials:
http://info.cvscaremark.com/community/our-impact/community-grants
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Yummy Coffee at the South Street Seaport this summer
hello all,
we will be selling fresh roasted coffee for autism once again,
although this time on a more regular basis. we will be taking a small
space where we can sell coffee whole bean and pour samples to
customers that visit the south street seaport market in nyc.
if anyone out there has a spare moment and would like to
sell some delicious coffee for a cause we're accepting volunteer
applications ;).
check out our web site, www.yummycoffee.org, or ny mag's 'grub street'
blog for more details:
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2009/05/fulton_stall_market_announces.html
thanks for your support.
all our best from nyc,
john, jacquie, and max
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Dr Seuss Game - I Gan Do That
We absolutely love the Dr Seuss Series game called, I can do that! This game is great for kids on the autism spectrum. Simple sequenced cards, (1,2,3) have actions with objects (from the story) and directions centered around a trick a ma stick that is so flimsy that it makes the game even more silly. The theme is centered around the Dr Seuess story 'The Cat in The Hat'. So for example you have to take four giant steps with put fish on your head. The game involves great visuals, sequencing and is really a challenge in motor planning several actions in a row. And then you yell out, "I Can Do That!" It has really been great fun as well as challenging. Enjoy!
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