Breaking down outings into a 3 for 1 idea!! this rocks!

Great article by Nancy Jergins, about doing 3 little activities into your planned outing. I thought some of  our kids would appreciate knowing what expectations of a upcoming transition they, and the family as a whole, have to navigate was a brilliant idea. Good practice to break it down into a 3 for 1 deal. Let us know how it may work for you!! Again, may be good practice to be getting into swing of routines for the change that will happen in September for many. 

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3 for 1 summer fun is when you pack 3 special activities (they can be little activities) into 1 day. My children and I recently put some 3 for 1 summer fun ideas into action. Here’s how our day went: First, we chose an overall destination. We have a beautiful beach that’s just a little over an hour away, so we set out for the shore. Once we got there, we went for a swim. Our next activity was fishing on a pier. Our grand finale was a round of putt-putt golf.

Granted, this was a big 3 for 1 outing for us, but if we can do something like it every two or three weeks, it will help keep our summer interesting. If you’re really ambitious you can shoot for a 3 for 1 summer fun outing every week.

Here are some great 3 for 1 summer fun ideas to get you started!

You can get super fancy or keep things super simple with your 3 for 1 summer fun ideas.

City Dwellers.

This summer fun idea takes place in the city center nearest you. Do your research ahead of time and find three activities you can do within walking distance of each other. In my downtown, my kids and I can visit a museum (they have a free day each week that we’ll take advantage of), have a picnic lunch in the park, and take a tour of one of the skyscrapers.

Beach Bash.

This is the first 3 for 1 idea we brought to life. When you visit the beach, mix in sun fun with exploring fun. Go for a swim, then explore the area around the water. Take a break and visit an ice cream shop. Finish your beach time with a side trip to a local business, or ask a fisherman if you can check out his fishing gear.

• Water Scavenger Hunt

Mall Meander.

Even if you go to the mall often, there are probably stores you and your kids have never been in. So first, visit one of these stores and talk to your kids about what you see. Next, visit a restaurant in the food court you’ve never frequented. Or, if you choose to eat at your usual spot, try something on the menu you’ve never had. Wrap up your trip with a mall walk. Estimate how long it will take you to do a full loop, and then time yourself, or estimate the number of steps and count those.

Bon Voyage!

I love this one. First, make a pretend passport ( you can find templates on Pinterest). Next, come up with a few “international” destinations in your town. So, if you take your kids to an ethnic market, stamp their passport and write the name of the country you “visited.” Have lunch at a pizzeria — hello, Italy! Snack on a croissant — oui to France!

SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine – Vacationing With Food Allergies

Another great free, on line magazine for parenting exceptional needs. I included the link to the page about vacationing with food allergies, but you can navigate the whole magazine with the arrows to the right and left once you have opened it, click on the full screen icon on the tool bar and read away through the magazine!! Some great topics of interest. There are tips on "fighting cabin fever", " turning staycation into vacation" "how to plan vacations when your child has food allergies", " keeping calm through movements" just to name a few. Great resource, and I also noticed there are back issues on the right hand side column you can look at. You don't have to download to look at the magazine, just use the arrows!! hope you enjoy checking it out. 

Link to the page on vacationing with food allergies:
http://www.joomag.com/magazine/the-specialmoms-parenting-magazine-issue-5/0941048001421803601?short

 Subscribe for free at http://www.specialmomsmagazine.com/

5 EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF RAINBOW LOOM- these are SO cool

This was a really neat post also found on scholars choice about the benefits of the Rainbow Looms. They are amazing, and I know one young lady, who has created some amazing creations from her imagination, creativity and skills to see the finished project that she wanted to make. Certainly worth trying out and seeing what your artist can make!!

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While you might think that Rainbow Loom is a passing childhood fad, they are still one of the best-selling craft kits of today, and at Scholar’s Choice, we love them! Their therapeutic and educational benefits are endless!

 Fine Motor Skills

This intricate looming process helps to develop fine motor skills, along with hand-eye coordination, bilateral coordination, and strengthens the pincher grip (the foundation for proper printing).

 Cognitive Skills

This is where Rainbow Loom shines as an educational activity, sneakily disguising the learning behind hours of crafting fun! Each creation requires the child to follow a step by step pattern, and aids in developing the skills to focus on the task at hand.  This focus can translate to other aspects of a child’s life, including in the classroom and on homework. The Rainbow Loom is also a great tool for strengtheningmathematics skills. Each pattern that the child follows will lay out the number and colours of bands needed to complete the project.  The child will need to count out and sort the elastics prior to starting the project.  This helps to develop the child’s basic math skills of sorting, counting and addition. Rainbow loom patterns are also a great way for children to think about patterning and symmetry. Rainbow Loom is a great way to strengthen problem solving skills as well! When creating with the loom the child may have the elastic come off the loop.  They will need to recall the pattern and decide to figure out how to pick up the dropped elastic or start again.

 Creativity & Imagination

Of course, the Rainbow Loom offers endless opportunities for creativity! When they first start using the loom, the child will choose the colours they wish to use for their creation, while using a pattern template to guide them.  As they become more confident in using the loom, they will start to make up their own designs.

 Social Skills & Self Esteem

With each creation that children make, they are building their self-esteem and confidence in their creativity. What is more, Rainbow Loom helps children withpersistence and patience. Younger children will need to practice in order to create even the simple patterns. The first time a child follows a pattern they may not get it right.  They may have to try to make the pattern a few times before it comes out the way it is expected.  Through the creation of a bracelet, or other item, the child may become frustrated and the skill to deal with this frustration is one that will help them in many situations. Children will continue to try over and over again until they are happy with their creations. Rainbow Loom also encourages social skills– the basics of communication, cooperation, and collaboration.

 Speech & Language Skills

Rainbow Loom encourages language development, as children communication ideas and collaborate with others on designs. Beyond that, many of the patterns and creations that children are coming up with they have found online.  Children are learning to spell and read in order to be able to search for the creations online.

http://community.scholarschoice.ca/teacher/more-than-just-a-craft-kit-5-educational-benefits-of-rainbow-loom

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: from Scholars Choice

This article has some great tips to get us thinking about how to get ready for September! I really liked some of the tips, and thought I would share, I know it may seem early, but transitions are always hard to introduce and move through successfully for many. Take the time to look and plan some modifications to the routine and structure. It will be worth it. 
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It may feel like mid summer but schools are getting ready for a new school year. Whereas summer may mean a more relaxed schedule, time to explore different interests and meet new friends; school brings more structure, routine and a steady pace. If you haven’t already, you will soon be receiving school supply lists and other important information from your child’s school. Be sure to out as much as you can about your child’s upcoming school year. Will they need extra support? Is the school aware of their challenges? Can you meet with your child’s teacher(s) before school starts so you can set a game plan that is comfortable for everyone.

Now is the time to prepare. An “ounce” of preparation can go far! Lets take a look at supplies, routine and dress BEFORE your kids start out to school this year so you can send them back to school with SENSORY SMARTS and SENSORY POWER!

1)   Dress for Success: Does your school have a dress code? Makes sure you include the “Dress for Success” code too: a calming deep pressure shirt which can be worn alone, under a vest, or under a school uniform; weighted or pressure vest to be worn in intervals or during mores stressful times; seamless under garments with no tags; backpack that is easy to manage; fidgets to keep handy when needed; and perhaps a weighted cap.

2)   Sensory Breaks: If you child needs sensory breaks, is the school set up? Perhaps a meeting and a bit of “sensory room” education may not only help your child but many others. Does your child’s classroom have a break box? This may be a good time to suggest one for your child’s classroom. The teacher may really appreciate the gift!

3)   Routines: Take a look at your morning and afternoon routines. A bit of coordination and movement either before getting in the car or bus may prove highly beneficial. Do you have some sensory motor tools at home that you can set up?

4)   Electronic Slow Down: Start minimizing electronics. They can be great for use at certain intervals but if your child is on them too much, it can cause a difficult transition back to school. Try setting scheduled times.

5)   Brain Power: Plan some menus that will boost up your child’s brain and immune system. If you send in snacks or lunch consider some sensory foods that are crunchy and chewy such as celery, apples and carrot sticks. Stay away from packing sweets, which can spike sugar levels and cause a mid day crash.

6)   School Supplies: In addition to pencils and glue for school supplies, your child may benefit from adaptive paper, pencil grips or a wobble chair.  These items may or may not be on your school supply list, so be sure to check with the school if you feel your child would benefit from using them.

7)   Practice School: Begin a little bit of scheduled “work time” during the afternoon for reading, math or other subjects.

8)   Show Off Your Schedule: Create a morning and afternoon schedule and post it up on the wall so everyone is aware.

9)    Positive Attitude: Keep and upbeat attitude about school starting and make sure you check in with your child’s teacher(s) a week or two after school starts if a meeting is not already in place.

http://community.scholarschoice.ca/general/back-to-school-for-kids-with-special-needs

Parenting specials needs-link to resources

Parenting special needs magazine can be seen on line, and this issue has a lot of great articles, I highlighted the page where they pulled together suggestions of resources around puberty and talking to our daughters & sons about sexuality and healthy relationships, once you click on the link, it will take you to the page on puberty resources, but you can use the page arrows to check out the rest  of the magazine, that also has very good articles in it. 

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http://magazine.parentingspecialneeds.org/publication/?i=265689&ver=html5&p=18#{"page":18,"issue_id":265689}

Parenting Special Needs Magazine July/August 2015 Page 18

real life bookshelf essentials Puberty Help! The word alone strikes a little fear in all parents. With the help of parents and professionals, we have put together some...

MAGAZINE.PARENTINGSPECIALNEEDS.ORG

Clothing outfits to help with sensory & personal life skills

Thought I would share this story and a link to the clothing page, sensory issues as well as teaching skills for independence often create a challenge in developing skill sets needed for life. These clothes address a number of issues, may be worth looking at!! They do ship to Canada & international. 

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http://www.independencedayclothing.com/ : link to the website for clothes

When parents imagine what they want for their child's future, they might envision close friends, a happy family and a fulfilling career. In Lauren Thierry's case, what she wants most of all for her son is independence; she wants him to be able to do simple things for himself, like get dressed. 

Thierry's son Liam, who has autism, often experiences huge setbacks when trying to do things most people take for granted.

Advertisement

"I know it sounds like such a non-issue," explains Thierry. "And yet, if your kid can't get dressed, they can't get out of the house." With the reality that she won't be around forever, she wanted to do something to solve the problem now.

And solve the problem she did. Even better, she made her solution available to everyone, in the form of Independence Day Clothing.

The clothing line is the ultimate combination of form and function. The pieces themselves are fashionable and stylish, but have features that are specifically designed to accommodate people with cognitive and physical impairments.

There's no "wrong way" to wear each item, since each piece has no designated front, back, inside or outside.

Thierry also eliminated buttons and zippers, which can be obstacles for those who have issues with their fine and gross motor skills. Tags and lace, common irritants for people with sensory and processing disorders, are also absent from Independence Day pieces.

Bright colors and fun patterns make the clothing exciting to wear, even without complicated design features.

Each top, bottom and dress has also been designed with comfort in mind. The fabric used is always smooth and soft, so there's no possibility of annoyance.

Perhaps the most comforting feature, for wearers and caregivers alike, is the fact that many items are GPS compatible.

Some kids are prone to wander (or run) off and may not be able to find help or get back to their parent. With a GPS device hiding in their outfit, parents are able to locate them with minimal worry.

Thierry also points out that her clothing is suited to anyone with difficulties dressing themselves, not just children. Adults with limited range of movement can put items on easily the first time, and the GPS feature could give peace of mind to carers of those suffering from conditions like dementia.

http://kids.wimp.com/revolutionary-kids/

Be, Demand & Inspire Change | Tara McCallan | TEDxQueensU

Please take the 18 mins to watch this amazing TEDx talk. I have been awaiting this to be released. Tara McCallan, Pip, her family & Happy Soul Project are doing an amazing job celebrating differences. Tara speaks about creating a new prespective in life when you realize your path may be different from what you first expected. You will have new moments, need to create new goals for your life, find strength to get through all the appointments, doctors, and acceptance needed. I applaud and admire Tara for "shaking the world's shoulders" and demanding change. Her 'people first' message is being heard. 
To find out more about Tara, Pip and their journey, here's the link. 
http://www.happysoulproject.com/

Summer 2015 Edition of Education Watch Now Available -

Please have a look at the most recent issue of CACL's Education Watch. Inclusive education is always on our minds, even in the summer months, to prepare for our sons & daughter's academic year ahead. While you are reading the newsletter, be sure to browse through CACL's website, they have some great information about what is happening across Canada within provinces. www.cacl.ca

Download the most recent issue of Education Watch from our newsletter page or subscribe to have it delivered directly to your inbox. In this most recent issue: Q&A on Inclusive Education with Peggy Blair, Superintendent of Education (Learning Services) – Avon Maitland District, Ontario, Ontario Professors Honoured: Expert Support for Inclusive Education Recognized, “How can we include more students, more often?”: A Teachers Commentary and much more. Grab a copy, enjoy the read and share it with your friends. - See more at: http://www.cacl.ca/news-stories/blog/summer2015educationwatch

http://www.cacl.ca/news-stories/blog/summer2015educationwatch

Article: 5 Summer Goals For Kids With Special Needs

Here's a great article about some summer tips to keep in mind, as I am sure we all are, over the next 6 weeks. Great points, that we often experience, and can keep in mind as we try to juggle our kids days, work, squeezing in some 'summer fun' and enjoying the warm days our Island brings us. Hopefully you and your family can take part in some activities in your local communities, or ones that are hosted by some local groups. Take the time to look or ask a friend, if they know what may be going on that your family may be able to take part in. As I just got back from a week vacation with my two sons, that worked out pretty good for everyone, thought I would share some other suggestions to help your summer planning. Enjoy the week ahead. Have fun, do what makes your family smile, and recharges your soul. 

Summer vacation began at 11:55am on a Thursday, and the first summer meltdown started at 12:11pm.  For my family, and for many other families with special needs, there’s nothing simple or carefree about summer vacation.  We have to keep our eyes on the prize – actually, we have 5 prizes, the summer goals that we work on every day of our so-called “vacation.”

1. Retain skills

For me, the scariest part of summer vacation is the possibility of seeing my son lose skills.  It has happened many times in the past, and prevention isn’t easy.  But re-learning lost skills is much more difficult than prevention!

Every day, I give my son assignments in math review, reading and writing.  He also keeps a summer diary to boost his memory skills, and we make a summer photo book together.  Our family field trips are centered on fitness (because exercise boosts cognitive skills), science and social studies.  He returns to school in the fall with an active and curious mindset, ready to learn.

2. Set-up for positive behavior

Unstructured time often leads to destructive behaviors in my house. A few days into summer vacation, my 8 year old asked me to help him make a chore chart. We brainstormed ideas for chores that were manageable for him.  In addition to the chore chart, we made a birdwatching chart, we have time set aside for reading every day and outdoor time with neighborhood friends is strongly encouraged.  These alternatives are always available when I need to re-direct behaviors.

3. Do something that you never thought you’d do

The best part of summer vacation is a sense of adventure.  It’s the perfect time to face fears and learn something new about yourself.

• Afraid of heights? Visit a high ropes course with zip lines.
• Tactile defensiveness? Go fishing. A trout farm can provide you with a rod and bait.
• Sensitive to noise?  Spend a half hour at a carnival.  Bring ear plugs.
• Performance anxiety? Participate in a poetry slam or open mic night.
• No artistic talent? Sign up for a two hour art class and bring home your own painting.

4. Minimize sibling conflict

Togetherness is not always blissful.  There are several strategies to reduce fighting, tattling and bickering.

• One-on-one time with each parent
• Separate activities – while one child is at day camp or gymnastics, another child can receive undivided attention
• Individual goals/chore charts – each child has something different to work on
• Family activities – build the group identity by doing something fun or productive together, such as a board game or yard work
• Swap with another family – little kids go to one house while big kids go to another house

5. Have lots of fun

Every day I promise something fun for my family. On the first day of summer vacation we played with some friends.  The next day it was a field trip to a science museum.  With my younger son’s leg in a cast, I’ve learned to ask beforehand if a wheelchair is available for visitors at the places we frequent.  Most visitor attractions, such as museums, zoos, tours, theme parks and library programs, also offer a braille guide and sign language interpretation if arrangements are made in advance.  Some beaches now have beach wheels available for guests with mobility impairments, too.

Fun activities do not have to be expensive or complicated. A visit to the library, picking strawberries, making lemonade from scratch, a family swim and a walk around the farmer’s market can be rotated weekly.  Do things your way – after all, it’s your time to shine!

What are your goals this summer?

Here's the link:

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2015/07/13/5-summer-goals-for-kids-with-special-needs/#.VaZ-wy5KKIM.facebook

Here's some funny jokes for any of you who have a joker on your hands! new knock knock jokes and riddles are always good to learn..have fun..

Q: If six children and two dogs were under an umbrella, how come none of them got wet?

A: Because it wasn’t raining.

Q: What always comes into a house through the keyhole?
A: A key.

Q: What belongs to you, but is used more by others?
A: Your name.

Q: What gets wet when drying?
A: A towel.

Q: What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
A: The letter M.

Good Night Yoga: a pose-by-pose bedtime story by Mariam Gates

Bedtime and relaxing, can often be hard for all of us, this book "good night yoga" really has some calming music & words, the poses are well explained and related to the story. Listen through the first time, I think you will enjoy it. Try it out and see if it helps. 


Check out this cool new #KidsYoga book: “Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story” by Mariam Gates and Sara Jane Hinder
Kids love yoga—and it’s great for them, For parents and caregivers looking for a fun and effective new routine for bedtime, innovative educator Mariam Gates presents Good Night Yoga, a playful yet wholly practical book for preparing for sleep. This beautifully illustrated, full-color book tells the story of the natural world as it closes down for the night, while teaching children a simple flow of yoga postures inspired by their favourite characters from nature. Moving from “Sun Breath” to “Cloud Gathering” to “Ladybug & Butterfly” and more, readers learn techniques for self soothing, relaxing the body and mind, focusing attention, and other skills that will support restful sleep and improve overall confidence and well-being. This bedtime story is so much more than a story. It’s a practice for kids and parents to end the day in a calming, mindful way. Turn the page and stretch like a tree, settle softly like a ladybug, float like a cloud, and you’ll be dreaming soon.

Special Sirens from synchronized swimming- from Mexico

Check out these great synchronized swimmers!! Well done! 

Down syndrome isn't keeping the women of the Special Sirens from synchronized swimming. Coach and psychologist Paloma Torres explains to AJ+ why working with love can yield great results in and out of the swimming pool. From video journalist Tania Miranda in Mexico.

Ten tax-saving credits, deductions you may not know about:

Great article that had some tips about disability related tax saving credits you may be eligible for, have a look and make sure you are aware of what may be useful for you and your family. 

As with my grandmother, I made sure he claimed all the tax relief he could for the disability he had. The tax relief isn’t limited to seniors. Anyone with a qualifying disability, or those close to them, may be eligible for tax relief.

Last week, I INTRODUCED THE TOPIC OF TAX RELIEF FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES. TODAY, I WANT TO SHARE SOME ADDITIONAL IDEAS ON THIS TOPIC. SPECIFICALLY, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT 10 CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS THAT COULD PROVIDE TAX SAVINGS.

Disability tax credit

I introduced the disability tax credit (DTC) last week. The DTC can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner if it’s not needed by the disabled person to reduce taxes to zero (subject to some restrictions). Also, the DTC is potentially reduced when you claim attendant care costs greater than $10,000 as a medical expense. As a general rule, where these costs exceed the limit it’s better to claim the full costs as a medical expense and forgo the DTC.Disability tax credit

Medical expense tax credit

Although I won’t get into a long discussion about what qualifies as a medical expense, those who are disabled can claim costs related to care that they require to help them manage day to day. As I said before, claiming certain costs as a medical expense may preclude you from claiming the DTC.

Home accessibility tax credit

This year’s federal budget introduced a non-refundable tax credit available starting in 2016 that provides tax relief on up to $10,000 annually of costs incurred to improve accessibility in your home if you’re a qualifying individual, which includes disabled folks.

Caregiver amount

Starting in 2014, a new tax credit was introduced. You may be able to claim a maximum amount of $4,608 for 2015 for each dependant (increased to $6,701 in some cases). Each dependant must be 18 years or older and dependent on you due to a mental or physical impairment. If the dependant is a parent or grandparent, he or she had to have been 65 or older.

Children’s arts tax credit

You’re able to claim a tax credit for up to $500 of costs related to a enrolling a child in a prescribed artistic program. If the child is under 18 and is eligible for the DTC, you can claim an additional $500 if a minimum of $100 is paid for registration or membership fees for an artistic program that qualifies.

Tuition and textbook tax credits

Tax credits for tuition and textbooks differ for those who are in full-time attendance at school versus part-time students. A disabled student is entitled to claim the credits available to full-time students even if they are not attending school full time.

Employer-provided transportation

Most benefits provided by an employer are taxable to an employee. If you’re blind or are entitled to the DTC due to a mobility impairment then you won’t face tax on transportation that your employer provides for you to attend work. Alternatively, your employer can pay you a reasonable allowance to pay for transportation to get to work and it can be tax-free. A similar tax-free benefit is provided where your employer provides an attendant to assist in the performance of your work.

Child-care expenses

Starting in 2015, you can deduct up to $8,000 for child-care costs for each child under age 7, and $5,000 for each child ages 7 through 16 (and for disabled children older than 16). If your child 16 or younger qualifies for the DTC, the limit is increased to $11,000. It’s also the case that your total child-care deductions cannot exceed two-thirds of your salary or business income.

Disability supports deduction

This deduction is for those who pay for assistance in earning employment income or carrying on a business, attending school or carrying on grant-funded research. I won’t get into more detail here, but there are 17 potential infirmities and different types of assistance whose costs will qualify for this deduction.

Certain capital costs

Some costs that might otherwise not be deductible because they are capital expenditures can be deducted in full against business income or income from property. These are costs designed to assist those with infirmities (Braille elevator pads are an example).

Tim Cestnick is managing director of Advanced Wealth Planning, Scotiabank Global Wealth Management, and founder of WaterStreet Family Offices.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/taxes/have-a-disability-in-the-family-claim-all-the-tax-relief-you-can/article25236711/