How to Navigate the Holidays with loved ones who have special needs

This Fall has certainly gotten away from us All, and time flies by. I know in our household, we have had to 'readjust' schedules, slow things down and put up weekly/daily charts of what is happening and where everyone in the house is going to be. We have gotten all decorated for the winter season, earlier than we usually do, but it was needed and was prompted by our Son with Autism, who started decorating his living space, so we all followed suit, and that 'item' was checked off the internal list he has going on during this season. We do 'check ins' with each other during the day, to ask "Are you OK? do you have any questions? Touching base with each other, has given needed processing time to then voice concerns about what may be happening 3 days from now, who is going, what's happening, how long we are staying and how are we getting there. The holidays, while a welcome time of the year, certainly can cause 'triggers' for anxiety. While the acknowledgement of the importance of routine, schedules, preparing for the 'knowns & unknowns', has become a part of our lives, never more so, than during one of the busiest holiday & family times of the Year. 

This is  a great article that touches on a number of important tips and navigating skills for the Season. It is written addressing issues that a loved one with Autism may have, all the suggestions, would be beneficial for any individual with special needs, and those who are supporting them. Hope it gives you some ideas. 

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I don’t know if you’re like me, but every year around this time a big lump develops in my throat, my head starts spinning, the to-do list grows, and I’m convinced that time starts moving in fast forward.

We’ve entered into that time of year sentimentally referred to as “the holiday season.”

And although we may live in different countries and celebrate different holidays on various days, for many of us this time brings with it plenty of stress in addition to the joys of spending special time with family and friends.
 

The stress might be magnified for someone with autism.

The experience of that mild and brief stress can often be greatly magnified and longer lasting for those on the autism spectrum. This time of year can be filled with precipitating factors for people on the spectrum, including:
 

• Unfamiliar tastes and smells
• Changes to routines and what normally happens on what day of the week
• Noises and sounds that can be experienced as outright painful
• Social expectations and spending time with groups of people
• Spending time away from home and all its comforts
• Down time away from a structured schedule
• Weather changes and the timing of when it’s light and dark outside

And the list could go on!

What you can do:

For those of us who have individuals with autism in our lives or who support those on the autism spectrum as a career, we need to recognize these stressors and be as proactive as possible about them. NOW is the time to be planning and preparing that individual for the holidays.

So what can you do to minimize the impact of precipitating factors? Here a few ideas:

Provide advance notice multiple times about anticipated changes/disruptions to routines.
For example, I may know that watching a certain TV show is very important to the person in my care and that it suddenly not being on on its regular night at its regular time because of a holiday special would cause great anxiety or even defensive behavior for this person. So I would look at the TV schedule a couple weeks in advance, check for these things, and start providing warnings, maybe mark it on a calendar, and plan an alternative preferred activity for that time frame.

Provide coping strategies for sensory overload.
Crowds of people all talking at once, the crushing up and tearing of wrapping paper, holiday music playing in the background, glasses clinking together for a toast, unfamiliar smells of foods cooking...these are the sorts of things individually or cumulatively that can spark a crisis to develop. So think about making a coping kit available to the person with ASD, and teaching its use in advance. This kit might include things like ear plugs or an iPod with the person’s favorite music, a stress ball, smelly stickers of a pleasing variety to the person, a break card, or a reminder/cue card to say “Excuse me” before walking away, plus some desensitizing practice done in advance of a big family event.

Pre-teach and plan replacement behaviors.
Imagine what the reaction of others sitting around the person with autism might be if the person spits out or makes comments about a food they don’t like the taste of and think is terrible! If you’re traveling to a friend’s or relative’s house for a meal, ask in advance what’s on the menu. Bring along alternative foods for the person with autism to eat. Teach and rehearse table manners, conversational skills, and emphasize the use of breaks before any sort of meltdowns can occur.

Create and stick to routines whenever you can.
Try to bring routines into even what seem to be unstructured times or activities. Transitions in particular are good opportunities for this—packing for a day or overnight trip somewhere, coming into and leaving a setting, or gathering for a meal and cleaning up after it. Routines help people feel safe because they create a sense of predictability and mastery over one’s surroundings.
 

Pass it on — and share what works for you!

I hope these tips will help you enjoy the holidays just a little bit more this year. Please share and contribute your ideas for ways you’ve supported those with autism during the holidays and reduced the impact of those holiday-related precipitating factors!

https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/November-2014/Holiday-Tips-for-ASD

School fire drills-coming to a School near you!! be prepared.

As the new school year has started, the practice fire drills will be happening across the Island in the next couple of weeks. As many of us are aware, these are startling, loud, disruptive, and can be a hard event to handle, even if you are prepared for it. Take the time to talk to you child about what should happen when a alarm is heard. Take about it, show a video, read social stories, practice at home. This is a very important skill to be able to give to our children, not only for when it happens at school, but when it happens out in their community. It still startles me, when I hear it, so I can only imagine what it may feel like, sound like for a person who has some sensory challenges. Hope some of these suggestions help. Let us know if you have found other resources, tips, stories that have helped to support your son,daughter or loved one. Enjoy this glorious Fall!

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THREE things to teach your child about school fire drills:

In the coming weeks, students and staff at Island schools will hear the peel of the alarm bell and will be taking part in school-wide fire drills. It’s a familiar routine most will remember from bygone school days, but for some younger students it may be a new experience. The drills are just as important for seasoned students and teachers, too.

Why?

“Everyone in the school needs to know how to get outside quickly and quietly, and because the best way to learn is to practice,” says Provincial Fire Marshal Dave Rossiter. “The lives of students and staff may someday depend on everyone knowing these procedures.”

Parents – here are three things for you discuss with your children, so everyone will know what to do when a fire alarm sounds at school:

1 - Stop everything. Listen for instructions from your teacher.

2 - Don’t panic, but go quickly and quietly out of your classroom. Walk in an orderly fashion. Don’t push or shove. Everyone needs to get out safely, and that includes both you and your classmates.

3 - Go to your meeting place outside the school and wait there. Your teacher will take roll call to make sure all students are safe. Remember, once you are outside, stay outside. Don't go back in until your teacher or another responsible adult says it’s okay.

Don’t forget to practice fire drills at home, too!

“Knowing what to do is the key to surviving a fire emergency,” says Fire Marshal Rossiter. “Fire drills help children and adults feel more comfortable with the noise, the activity and the process, so if a real fire occurs, everyone will be able to respond in a calm, organized manner.”

Officials from the Fire Marshal’s Office will be conducting fire drill assessments at Island schools beginning mid-September. For more information about fire safety for everyone

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Social stories are AWESOME!! have a look at some of these, and use them if they would work, if not, use as a guide to create one that would work for you.

https://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/departments/learningsupport/ese/documents/FireAlarmSocialStory.pdf

This site has A LOT of great social stories to download, so the link is for all of them, fire drill specifically is in lthird & last column to the right, 9th one down. Great resource.

http://spedvisualsupports.sfinstructionalresources.wikispaces.net/Social+Stories

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This link also has some great tips & info on it. have a look. 

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/justice-and-public-safety/fire-prevention-resources

Keep Calm & School On!!-It's that time again.

 Well we took a big break from the blog over the summer months, but will get back into the swing of it with the new school year, kicking off here on the Island today. We certainly hope you had a great summer. I hope you had a chance to relax, make memories, take the time to spend with loved ones & friends. Hope you explored your communities, walked some beaches, jumped in some waves, had campfires & took in some festivals in new corners of the Island. Hope you also had a chance to get ready for the transition back into school. As we are all aware, it can be a difficult one. It's sometimes hard to know, what you need to be 'ready'. I am sure at times, it feels like you have too much at hand, and whatever tools you have created, are not what your house and back-to-schooler needs!! that's O.K. You will figure it out. Give it a try, if it's not working, then shelf it for another moment and pull out a new visual, checklist, PEC schedule, or as my son requested this morning, a tape recording of what he needs to do..

good idea I said..putting that ' to pick up' on my list..sigh...Talking picture frames were always a great hit, and I know you can get a tape recorder with the ability to record a short message, that may help- as my very nice looking visual checklist in the bathroom was completely ignored, I am moving onto plan 'b'. 

I do love the month of September, with the crispness to the air and the opportunities abound for our children. Let's make this the best year yet. We will start the cyber chat's again this month, and stay in contact with each other, so we can help support and brainstorm ideas. Hope each of your back to schoolers, comes off the bus, or meets you at the door, feeling good about themselves and the first day of school 2016!

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"What's GoingOn" on PEI-enjoy exploring & making memories

WOW! Summer is flying by and I have not been on the ball keeping the blog updated!! The boys are adjusting to summer schedules, one camp is winding down and another in a few weeks. There's been trips to the beach, some more successful than others. Transitions are always going to be an issue, regardless of the season or reason, but I certainly find that Summer seems to throw everyone off a wee little more. You may need to use visual schedules more, check lists, weekly calendar on the fridge, so everyone knows who is supposed to be where when. Another good tool to use is a small tape recorder, that can have the message recorded on it about what is happening, then your son or daughter can listen to it as often as they want. Or video tape a short message, on your phone, that can be accessed as often as needs be, and removes the constant asking and verbal back and forth, that sometimes creates more anxiety. Creating tools such as these can really support and reduce anxiety levels. Hope it helps!! 
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On another note, here's a great link to what is "Going ON" on PEI. This is really a great resource to find out what is happening on the Island, in your community, village, or in neighboring ones, where you can take day trips and plan your staycations!! Our Island is always bursting in the Summer, lots to take in, experience and share with family & friends. Hope you all have a chance to do some day trips and make memories. 
There is certainly lots happening, from one tip of the Island to another. Take some time to have a look, and plan your day, weekend, or week ahead. Many blessings & travel safe. 

http://www.goingon.ca/

Canada Day activities on the Island! Lots to do!

 End of the school year, and fast on the heels is Canada Day this week. What a way to bookend the last week of June and kick off our summer!! There are lots of great things happening across the Island, at many venues, communities, variety of activities, for many interests. Please click on the link for "Going On" PEI and have a look. You & the fam jam may enjoy hanging out at home and try to have a quieter celebration as well.I am hoping to do some beach combing and looking for sea glass. Perhaps this will be the summer I find the elusive red or purple....
Where ever your celebrations take you, may it be fun, peaceful and take the time to be thankful for living in this great County. A Canada that many are dedicated to ensuring all Canadians are included. 

http://goingon.ca/search-results.php?when=07%2F01%2F2016&what=canada+day&where

Creating a smooth transition from end of school to summer months!

WOW, hard to believe that this school year is winding down. There is only about 7 actual school days left for many of our kids. Concerts are in the works, lockers being cleaned out, material brought home, and the sunny days of summer vacation are quickly coming!

Teachers, parents & children are anxious for the end of June. Many of us are thinking ahead to what plans we need to make for the summer months- keeping our kids skills maintained, how to juggle work schedules, therapy hours,  some family fun time-  juggling the structure needed and some valuable 'down time', that will help us all get re-charged for September. This article had some great ideas for the 'wind down' of the school year, and tips for the summer planning, that may help you get started. A super tip, is always social stories, visuals to support the new transitions that will be happening. We all need to know what's coming ahead, be sure to let your kids know too! It will make life somewhat easier.

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Here are some tips to think about as the school year winds down:

1. Evaluate & Review

Schedule a time to sit down with your child’s teachers to reflect on how the school year went.  It’s a great opportunity to evaluate what strategies and approaches worked well so that these can be maintained in the next school year.  You may want to schedule this now, because meetings are likely more difficult to arrange in June, especially if you want certain teachers or educational specialists to attend.

2. Plan Retention Activities

Find out if your child’s present and future teacher have any recommendations for activities over the summer that can help maintain and practice skills that will be beneficial for the next school year.   This can include skills to increase independence and social skills.

3. Visit Next Year’s Classroom

If possible, find out who your child’s teacher and where his/her classroom would be.  Perhaps your child could meet the new teacher and visit the room a couple times before the school year is out.

4. Break out a social story or video

Take photos or videos of next year’s teachers and school areas that your child will be spending time in next year.  You could write a social story or make a small video that your child can watch in the summer to help them prepare for next year.

5. Make a countdown calendar

Create a countdown calendar for the last couple of weeks of school.  Some children will be anxious about the upcoming change in routine.  Children may not be able to verbally express this, however, they will be able to sense the upcoming changes.  The last month of school is filled with field trips, more “fun” days, end-of-year activities and the excitement of the other students (and let’s be honest, the teachers too).  The schedule may not be as consistent as it was during the school year, which may be confusing for your child.

6. Schedule Playdates with familiar faces

Talk to other parents of your child’s classmates to find out if there is interest to get together over the summer for play dates.  This is a great way to help your child have opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with classmates outside of school.

7. Prepare for summer camp

If you are planning to send your child to summer camp contact the camp program staff to find out more information about the daily schedule and activities.  This is so you are able to prepare your child each morning before camp (i.e. verbally, visual schedules, social stories). Pass on any strategies or information that would be important for the staff are aware and can ensure that your child has a great time at camp.

8. Plan a daily schedule

If camp is not part of the summer plan, think of other ways to create some activities for your child.  This is especially important if your child has limited and restricted interests.  They may settle into routines of playing video games or watching television for long periods of time.  This may result in more challenging habits to break when it comes time to transition back to school in September.  Setting up other activities helps to break up the time and to give your child new experiences.

9. Plan family activities

Whether it is vacation, day trips or fun activities on the evenings and weekends.  Take photos, draw pictures and write down all the fun things that your child enjoys at the summer.  This is a great way to work on skills, but captures memories of summer for him/her to remember and share when they return to school.

Summer is a time for your child to enjoy himself/herself and to get a break from the academic expectations that come from the school year.  I hope that these tips can help the school year end on a successful note and ease your child into a fun-filled summer.

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Thanks to Esther for her great entry:

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/05/01/transitioning-to-summer-9-tips-for-special-needs-parents/

20 great reminders for parents of kids with special needs to remember!!

These are some great reminders for us all! I know we know them, but we need to practice it! These 20 points are very true, and make you realize that we are not alone on the journey, and the importance to taking care of ourselves & our family.

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1) You are not alone.

There may not be anyone else with the same constellation of symptoms as your child but there are people with similar challenges.  Find those people.  I have never met anyone with all of these same challenges as my kid but I have a strong network within each separate diagnosis.  We have made wonderful friends and have found — and I hope provided — a great deal of support within each of these.  I just have to pop onto one of my Facebook groups and I’m immediately reminded, I’m not alone.

2) You too deserve to be cared for.

We are placed in a position of caring for others nearly constantly. However, you still need and deserve to be cared for.  If that entails asking friends or family to bring a meal by every now and then, or going for a pedicure, or a date night, or whatever else you enjoy doing.  Whatever makes you feel special and taken care of, take the time to enjoy it, you are worth it!

3) You aren’t perfect–and that’s ok!

No one is perfect.  We all make mistakes.  We can wallow in our goof-ups or move on! Try to shift your thinking, maybe there was a good reason you missed that appointment that you were sure was on Tuesday but apparently was on Monday.  Maybe your kiddo had a tough day at school and just needed the night off. Who knows. But beating yourself up isn’t going to change the situation, so try to move on.

4) You are a super hero.

You may not leap buildings in a single bound or run faster than a speeding bullet but you are a super hero none the less. Everyday you manage situations that a regular parent would think are impossible. You stretch tight muscles, remember pills, inject and infuse medicine.  You hold hysterical children during horrendous medical procedures. You deal with tantrums and melt-downs. And most often manage not to have a tantrum or melt-down yourself. You encourage your child to do things doctors told you they would never do but you never gave up hope. You are a therapist, nurse, doctor, friend and confidante.  You are no regular parent.

5) Therapy is play.

Having sat in on several therapy sessions, I have been frustrated by what I thought was premature discharge from therapy on more than one occasion. Since then I have grown, I have learned and I have come to understand.  For children, therapy is play and play is therapy. What I mean is that the best therapists find ways to make my son engage in challenging activities that he otherwise would have balked at, by making it a game that he wanted to play. We took a page from their book and did the same at home.

6) Play is therapy.

Yes this is different from number five. After discharge from therapy, we sought extra curricular activities for my son that would offer therapeutic benefits. He played sled hockey, runs on a track team, learned to shoot archery and takes swim lessons. All of this is therapy. He’s learning, having fun and getting stronger. Win, Win and Win!

7) Make time to enjoy your kids

We super-parents tend to be fairly busy and often over-scheduled.  However, while everything on your calendar is important, it’s also important to make time to play, laugh, be silly and just enjoy your kids. Read to them, snuggle with them, engage with them with what’s important in their worlds. Make memories outside of  hospital walls.

8) You will be obligated to make heart wrenching decisions.

You will have to make painful decisions that hurt your heart and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew or understood. Know that you are doing your best – remember number three.  I am guilty of agonizing over these types of decisions, they can become really overwhelming to me. Talk about your conundrum with others who get it and trust yourself to make the best decision. Make it move on and once it’s made, don’t re-think it. Easier said than done, but worth a try!

9) You won’t always get it right.

Many of the choices you are forced to make have no right answer, just the lesser of the hard and painful wrong choices. You will do your best but you won’t always get it right, no matter how many sleepless nights you spend agonizing over how to handle a situation.

10) Forgive yourself.

Yes, you will screw things up sometimes despite the very best of intentions.  No amount of torturing yourself will make you feel better, nor will it help you to make better choices. Remember many of the toughest decisions have no right answer.

11) Being a parent is hard. Being a parent to a child with extra needs is extra hard.

It can also be extra rewarding. Make us extra passionate. And will almost always make life extra interesting. With the challenges come the rewards. Sometimes you have to search your heart for the rewards but they are there if you look for them.

12) Parenting a child with extra needs is like a marathon.

For those folks who are trying to win a marathon, there are no breaks. If you want to stay in the race, you eat, drink and even pee while running. But our marathon will go on for the foreseeable future and beyond. So remember, you don’t need to win, just make it to the end. The guy who comes in last place in the marathon, he took breaks, he stood and drank some water, grabbed a quick bite and used the porta-john for his business, then got back on the road. Give yourself those moments – however brief – that are for yourself. Goodness, you might even get to pee in peace every now and then.

13) Don’t lose yourself.

Don’t let being the parent of a special needs child create or reshape your identity. We are many things, being the parent to a child with special needs is part of our identity. But it shouldn’t be all of our identity. When you focus all of your life, all of your contacts, all of yourself around your child and their needs, who you are can get lost. Find things in your life you enjoy doing – a glass of wine, a hobby, shopping for yourself.

14) Keep your sense of humor.

Certain things get under my skin, we all have our buzz issues, one of mine is people first language. But if you’re not careful, you can become overly sensitive to so many things that people start to avoid your company. Many colloquialisms like “I almost had a stroke”, or “I nearly had a heart attack” are disconcerting to parents whose children have in fact had a heart attack or a stroke. However try to remember that people are not making these comments to offend or upset you.

15) Celebrate the little things!

Brag about those accomplishments that might seem small to others but are huge for our kids! Our kids develop on their own clock, they learn many skills late and some they never master. A wiggled toe that couldn’t wiggle before, a word, a sentence, a smile, a hug, whatever that milestone may be. Share it with those who love you and your child.

16)  Don’t let typical parents get you down.

I know how hard it is to hear from parents that their child six months younger than yours is walking and yours isn’t. Or dealing with the well meaning stranger who asks why your 2-year-old is scooting around on their butt rather than being up on their feet. Try to remember that these people lack the context that we are constantly embedded in. Explain, teach, be patient, raise awareness amongst those who just don’t get it.  And remember, typical parents deserve the right to brag too and their pride at their child’s accomplishments is not meant as a knock to your amazing kiddo.

17) Don’t compare.

This is another challenging one folks, but worth the work. All kids are different, typical or with extra challenges and they will grow and develop at their own pace. If a developmental milestone isn’t met as you think it should be, certainly talk to your child’s doctor. Comparing, siblings, cousins, kids in the daycare class, or even comparing kids within the same disability type rarely serves to make you feel better. Your child is unique, and will have their own individual strengths and challenges.

18) You don’t have to be “THAT” parent.

You know the one who clearly spent 10 hours creating the amazing snack shaped like an animal with licorice whiskers. The one who sends adorable treat bags for every holiday. The one who finds the coolest gifts for the teachers every year. And whose child is always dressed in the cutest outfits that somehow never get dirty. If that’s the mum you are led to be, more power to you! However, I have found that there are always enough of those mom’s in my kid’s classes to keep them in cute snacks and treat bags. Since I have bigger fish to fry, I let them have all the glory!

19) Make time for your marriage.

Marriage is hard work, period. Parenting is hard work, period. Parenting a child with special needs, is especially hard work, period! For those of you who are married or in a relationship, make time for that relationship away from your children.

20) Trust your instincts.

You know your children best. Doctors, teachers, therapists are all fantastic resources but if you don’t feel like you’re being heard, or your child’s needs are being met, it’s very reasonable to get a second opinion. Don’t be afraid to fight for your child and their needs. While the professionals are experts in their areas, you are the expert on your child.

http://www.chronicdiseases.info/cerebral-palsy20-important-things-for-parents-to-know/

Reducing stress with affirmations,visualization, breathing & muscle relaxing tips.

It's been a while since I posted on the blog, my apologies! This time of year, gets ahead of me, and I realize, that I need to slow down, and try to get a little more grounded. This article has some great tips on that for our kids & they will all work for us as well.  Have a look at the links that are suggested, the resources are great & some of these ideas may be beneficial. Try them out and let us know what works!

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Reducing Stress in Kids

by Lori Lite

Children are vulnerable to stress. Thirteen out of one hundred children experience some kind of anxiety disorder and many more are just stressed out! Living a balanced life and reducing stress in kids is a challenge for most families. With very little effort you can offer your children the tools they need to maintain emotional balance. Consider filling your child’s emotional backpack with solutions and techniques they can use for stress management and relaxation. Kids can be active participants in creating their own healthy, calm lives.

• Be aware that change, be it positive or negative, creates stress for most kids.
• Make time to relax and schedule downtime for your children. Do not over-schedule.
• Show your child how to maintain a positive outlook, stop the chatter and lists in their heads, and take their mind off of their worries.

Here are 4 tips and proven techniques which will result in reducing stress in kids:

Use affirmations or positive statements to counteract your child’s stress. Teach your children to take a break and say, “I am calm. I am relaxed. I am peaceful. I am happy. I am safe.” Write a positive statement and have your child carry it in their pocket for the day. Put a list in the back of their school notebook for them to access at any time. For added fun put affirmations in a fish bowl by the front door. Grab an affirmation on the way out to school.
(Affirmation Weaver is a story that encourages positive statements.)

Create visualizations. Tap into your child’s imagination and encourage your child to create a happy thought that they can “go to” when stressed or worried. Develop a short story or scene that your child can think of when they are fearful or anxious. Go for a calming ride on a cloud or float in a bubble. Slide down a rainbow and watch your child use their very own relaxation story or guided imagery as a relaxation tool. For added fun write the story down or record it.
(A Boy and a Turtle is a story that introduces visualizing.)

Practice controlled breathing. Taking slow deep breaths can help lower a child’s anxiety and anger. All children can benefit from this important powerful stress and anger management technique. Children with special needs; Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, SPD, PTSD can learn to bring their energy level down a notch and feel in charge of themselves. Children can use breathing when they feel over-stimulated or on a verge of a temper tantrum. Remind your child to use their breathing tool. Breathe in 2,3,4 and out 2,3,4. In 2,3,4 and out 2,3,4. For added fun encourage your child to show one of their dolls or stuffed animals this technique.
(Sea Otter Cove is a story that introduces breathing.)

Use progressive muscle relaxation to help your child to fall asleep. Relax your child’s mind and body by sending a signal of relaxation to various muscle groups. Start with your child’s feet and work your way up to their head or reverse the order. After a few tries your child will be able to use this technique on their own. “I am going to relax my legs. I will relax my legs. My legs are relaxing. My legs are relaxed.” For added fun try active progressive muscular relaxation. Tighten muscle groups and relax. “Hold, hold, hold….. Ahhhhh…”
(The Goodnight Caterpillar is a story that introduces passive progressive muscle relaxation.)

All of the above mentioned techniques are incorporated into our  books, CDs andlesson plans. 

Indigo Dreams shorter stories with relaxation techniques for younger child. 

Indigo Ocean Dreams longer stories with relaxation techniques for older children.

Indigo Teen Dreams guided instructions with relaxation techniques for teens.

Indigo Dreams: Adult Relaxation guided instructions with relaxation techniques for adults.

Indigo Dreams: Garden of Wellness stories for all children includes techniques to release anger and  positive statements to encourage healthy eating.

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https://stressfreekids.com/13654/reducing-stress-in-kids

PEI Association for Community Living job posting for RWA Labour Market Facilitator

Job Posting: Labour Market Facilitator

The PEI Association for Community Living (PEI ACL) is seeking a Labour Market Facilitator for its Ready, Willing and Able project.

Full time contractual position until January 2018 with a possibility of extension.

The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) and the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) are very proud to be partners in the delivery of the Ready Willing and Able (RWA) initiative. RWA project funded by the Government of Canada, is designed to increase the workforce participation of people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

RWA will accomplish this by reaching out to, and engaging, employers and increasing their understanding of the value and economic benefits to hiring people with intellectual disabilities and ASD. RWA will help employers realize that these working aged adults represent a significantly untapped labour source that could very much assist in addressing their staffing needs. RWA will connect these employers who are ready, willing and able to hire to local employment agencies who are supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and ASD who are equally ‘ready willing and able’ to work.

The Labour Market Facilitator position will work to promote social change and increase the employment level of people with developmental disabilities. This position will develop relationships with and collaborate with employers, community employment agencies, autism organizations, local ACLs, government and community agencies to create meaningful and equal opportunity for employment for people with developmental disabilities.

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For more information, visit our website at http://peiacl.org/job-posting-labour-market-facilitator-re…/ Deadline is May 3rd, 2016 to apply.

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Dave Hingsburger training session- Saturday, May 7th, 2016 Charlottetown, PE

PEI ACL is a proud partner in being able to offer a Dave Hingsburger workshop on Saturday, May 7th, 2016. Dave Hingsburger, M.Ed., is a well-known author and lecturer and a sexuality counselor for people with developmental disabilities. He has provided direct care to people with intellectual disabilities throughout his career. From working in a group home to providing individual counseling or group training, he continues to have personal contact with people who have disabilities. Dave also provides consultation and training for parents, agencies, schools, and churches regarding support for people who have intellectual disabilities.

We invite you to join us, and be sure to let other friends, families, individuals, co-workers, support persons know about this great opportunity. 
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A coalition of community groups including Holland College Human Services Program, The Stars for Life Foundation for Autism, PEI Association for Community Living and the Autism Society of PEI will host world renowned guest presenter and advocate for people with disabilities, Dave Hingsburger in a two topic- one day workshop. 

Saturday May 7th 2016 800am-430pm

Murchison Centre, 17 St Pius X Avenue

Charlottetown, PE C1A 7L9

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Morning Session : Sexuality and People with Intellectual Disabilities

When disability and sexuality intersect, attitudes often collide. This workshop will look at the various “realizations” that people need to have when working with those who have an intellectual disability who wish to express their sexual/relationship needs. It will also cover the myths and mythologies of sexuality and disabilities.

Afternoon Session: Making Tomorrow:

This session is aimed at providing direct care givers skills to keep motivated, keep positive, and how to stay alive in the human services field.

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Full day registration is $100 or $60 for a half-day session. Each session will have snacks provided for a 15 min break in the morning and afternoon. Lunch is on your own from 12pm-1pm. For more information contact tracy@starsforlife.com or call 902-894-9286 for registration forms and workshop details.