Wednesday, September 7, 2011

New Gyms Offer Programs Great for Children with Developmental Disabilities


A new chain of children's gyms called Great Play offer programs that support & reinforce children's occupational therapy sessions.

Check out the article in the journal for occupational therapy, Today in OT.com. (Their web site is http://www.todayinOT.com)

http://news.todayinot.com/article/20110523/TODAYINOT010303/110519003&SearchID=73438737514576

Thursday, March 10, 2011

SIBSHOPS for Siblings of Those With Developmental Disabilities


An amazing, nationally-recognized workshop is available to STAR Rubino families!

Brothers and Sisters of People with Special Needs:
Too Important to Ignore!

With the exception of mothers, siblings spend more time with children who have special needs than any other family member. And, because the sibling relationship is the longest-lasting relationship in the family, brothers and sisters experience concerns about the relationship throughout their lives.

SIBSHOPS are "pedal-to-the-metal" celebrations of the special relationship between brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. SIBSHOPS acknowledge that being a brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in between.

SIBSHOPS are available to parents, siblings and professionals to learn aobut sibling relationships and/or learn how to run their own SIBSHOPS.

The following are sibling "SIBSHOPS" scheduled this year:
SIBSHOPS will be held March 11 at & May 6
Participants must be between 8-13 years of age and have a brother or sister with special needs
Times: 5:30-8:00 pm
Where: 182 Wolfpit Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851
Cost: $35.00 per session ($50.00 per session for 2 sibs)
Contact STAR, Linda Snell for information: 203-354-0142

Here is what kids say about Sibshops:
"At SIBSHOPS you get to meet other brothers and sisters of kids with special needs."
"SIBSHOPS have outrageous games"
"At SIBSHOPS you can talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a brother or sister with special needs."

MAKING FRIENDS with music & art


Music and art can be a vehicle for exploration, expression, socialization and skill building.

Learn how to use the power of music to foster communication through vocal and instrumental improvisation. Art materials will be used to draw, paint, or mold, and provide tactile experience, learning and enjoyment.

WHO: Children from Birth to Three
WHEN: Wednesdays from 10:30 am. - 11:30 am
Session starts March 23 - 12 week session
WHERE: STAR Rubino Family Center 120 East Avenue, Norwalk

This program is made possible through the generosity of the Barbara Benton Memorial Fund of the Fairfield County Community Foundation . Call (203) 855-0634 for information.