Toolbox Tuesday: School Introductions

How is it that summer can go from feeling so long and daunting to being almost gone?!  Teacher friends are already heading back to the classroom to begin putting the rooms together- and that means the start of school is just around the corner.

In today's Tool Box Tuesday- a creative way to introduce yourself and your family to your child's new or even re-introduce to an old team.  I wish I could remember who to give credit for for the idea- as it certainly isn't mine, but has been bouncing around in special education circles for as long as I can remember.

We know we all want the very best for our kids- and for the best to start day one, not week three.  One way to start on the best foot possible is to introduce your kiddo to your team... in a fun and creative way.  IEPs are filled with details and information, but no one would mistake them for a good fun read that gives you a personalized flavor of a child and family.

Consider writing a letter to child's team, from your child's point of view.  Depending on the current abilities of your child, they might also participate.  Fill the letter with important details about your child that someone who knew him/her would know and that would make your child feel more comfortable in their class and in their relationship with their new team.  Favorite color, food, memory.  Favorite things to talk about.  Sensory things to avoid or increase.  Signs that he/she is feeling really comfortable or distressed.  Communication strengths. Here is an example-

Dear Miss Smith,

My name is John.  I am really excited, and kind of nervous to be starting 1st grade.  I look forward to getting to know you - here is a little about me.

-My favorite color is green.  When given a choice, it's usually the color I pick and it makes me feel really good.  I color with green a lot.

-You'll know I'm feeling really happy and comfortable when my body is moving slow and my hands are calm.  If you see me start to move fast, it usually means I need a break.  A quick shoulder rub sometimes also helps.

-I really want to make you proud and work hard.  Sometimes I have trouble following when you talk.  If you write it down for me it makes it much easier for me to listen.  I also sometimes need a little extra time to process what you say.

I think this will be a great year and I can't wait to learn new things!
Sincerely,
John

It's a great do no harm strategy in that it can be really helpful, especially at creating a collaborative relationship, and it's also not going to harm anything.  While personalizing the letter about/with your child- do keep it to one page.

Next Tool Box Tuesday we'll chat about similar letters written from you, the parent.

Big MAC

Disability resource/job fair part of Feb. 7 event

Thu, February 7, 2013 @ 3:30PM

The fifth annual BIG MAC Event, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Feb 7 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, is designed to assist people with disabilities and their caregivers in planning for life after high school.

The event will feature a disability resource/job fair from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will be exhibits from more than 27 Maui-based agencies including Social Security, voter registration, The Maui Bus, Easter Seals, ARC of Maui and Legal Aid.

Pattie Hackett-Hunter will be the featured speaker from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Hackett-Hunter has been at the forefront nationally for promoting inclusive employment opportunities for people with a disability or chronic illness in addition to family-centered care and innovative problem solving.

The fifth annual BIG MAC Event is sponsored by the Maui Community Children's Council Office, Hilopa'a Family to Family Health Information Center, the Department of Education Maui District Special Education and the Hawaii State Developmental Disabilities Council.

People requiring access accommodations may call the Maui Developmental Disabilities Council office at 984-8218 by Feb. 2. Requests for access accommodations received after the deadline may not assure that accommodation request will be met.

To learn more about this event, contact Mary Matsukawa at 984-8218 or send email to mary.matsukawa@doh.hawaii.gov.

The Velma McWayne Santos Community Center is located at 395 Waena Place.

Autism Remediation for Our Children

This was recently re-brought to my attention.  It is a wonderful and very active yahoo group about remediation and autism.

Join here.

Visuals Visuals Visuals

Where would we be without visuals?  My most difficult days are often the ones where I have forgotten to bring my planner, the adult version of a visual support.

Visuals can take some of the anxiety out of every day situations allowing our kids to be more available for dynamic thinking.

I recently came across this site that has many pre-made visual supports and simple video clips explaining possible uses for each.

http://elearning.autism.net/visuals/main.php?g2_itemId=57

Asperger's Diary

A insightful blog from a woman with Asperger's.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/aspergers-diary

Nobody Asked You

Taking "Spotlight the Problem, Not the Solution" to the next level.

Nobody Asked You

Thank you Susan for drawing my attention to this wonderful article!