STAR Rubino Family Center News

New Gyms Offer Programs Great for Children with Developmental Disabilities

2011-09-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

SIBSHOPS for Siblings of Those With Developmental Disabilities

2011-03-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Stories on the Spectrum

2010-11-24T10:09:00.001-08:00

Darien Library hosts a monthly family program for children with autism and other sensory integration disorders. The program is designed to meet the needs & all family members are invited (as well as siblings, OT's or PT's that would like to attend). It's a short, relaxed, open storytime followed by a sensory activity. There's also plenty of time to meet & network. Saturday mornings at 11am @ Darien Library, Darien, CT. Most children are approximately ages 3-8. For info, email Kiera Parrott kparrott@darienlibrary.org or call 203-669-5243

Learning to Soar Speaker Series

2010-11-24T09:03:00.001-08:00

Social Instruction & Supporting Friendships Workshop

November 30, 2010
Social Instruction & Supporting Friendships
Wilton, CT
Dr. Michael Weiss (Professor at Fairfield Univ) addresses the social needs & core spheres of communication and social interaction for children with special needs. Learn how to evaluate your children's needs & how to develop strategies that are appropriate. Meets from 10am to 12:30pm at Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. rsvp@spednetwilton.org or 203-563-9994.

HELP! My Child Is Struggling in School! Workshop

December 15, 2010

Bridgeport, CT

Workshop for families. Meeting begins at 5:30pm with dinner. Workshop is from 6-7:30pm at John Winthrop School, 85 Eckart Street, Bridgeport, CT. Covers strategies to help children with academic or behavioral difficulties. Learn about Response to Intervention (RTI) and special education referral process. Spanish translation available. For more info, contact CPAC at 1800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org

CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

2010-10-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Norwalk Community Health Center and the CT Medical Home Initiative have a regular care giver support group. This meeting is for parents and other caregivers who want some suppport in handling the daily challenges and feelings connected with caring for a child with special needs. MaryAnn Austin, LCSW and Lisa Sheppard , Medical HOme SW Regional Cooridinator. call 203-899-1770 ex: 1202. It meets at the Norwalk Community Health Center at 120 Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk. Next meeting Thursday, October 28, 10:30-11:30.

HEALTH CARE REFORM

2010-09-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

From Brazelton Touchpoints Center:
Six months ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. On September 23rd, 2010 several important reforms will become law, expanding coverage to millions of children who previously fell through the cracks of our health care system. We recognize this day as a historic milestone in the continuiong flight to ensure quality health care for all Americans.

Benefits:

*Children under 19 can no longer be rejected from health care plans due to pre-existing conditions. New plans cannot exclude anyone from coverage for a pre-existing condition.
*Young adults can stay on their parents' health plan until age 26.
*Insurers can no longer limit the amount of coverage someone can receive over their lifetime.
*Insurers can no longer take coverage away from children when they get sick.

For more informatin visit: www.healthcare.gov

THE ARC OF CONNECTICUT HERALDS AGREEMENT IN DECADES-OLD SOUTHBURY TRAINING SCHOOL CASE

2010-07-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2010, Hartford, CT— The Arc of Connecticut has announced that a negotiated settlement agreement has been reached in Messier v. Southbury Training School, a class action lawsuit that sought decent care and community placement for the approximately 600 residents of the institution in 1998. Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns, U.S. District Court House, 141 Church Street, New Haven, CT, presided over the trial that began in January 1999.

The Arc of Connecticut Executive Director Lynn C. Warner called the action “a momentous occasion for the residents of Southbury Training School. With this agreement in place, the focus is now rightly on opportunities and solutions rather than roadblocks and litigation.” Speaking on behalf of the state association, its board of directors, 23 local chapters, the individuals for whom they advocate and their families, she said, “We are relieved with the long-awaited, favorable outcome.”

The settlement agreement, which was signed by Judge Burns, assures that the Department of Developmental Services and its staff are committed to insuring that each class member has the opportunity to have an assessment of the supports that would be needed to live successfully in a community setting and that the class member and his/her guardian have sufficient information to make an informed decision about the merits of community placement to meet the particular needs of the individual class member.

Diane Aubin, The Arc of Connecticut board president, indicated that the association has long believed that the individuals at Southbury and their families were not given the choice of community options. “The board commends all those who worked so diligently to come to this accord. We look forward to working with DDS to implement the court-approved remedies in a timely and sensitive manner.”

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

The much-publicized case was tried to conclusion for 123 days between January and October 1999. On June 4, 2008, Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns issued a 113-page Memorandum of Decision and Order, ruling that the plaintiffs (the Southbury Training School residents and The Arc of Connecticut, WeCAHR, and People First) established that the Department of Developmental Services had violated the statutory and constitutional rights of the residents. Further, the judge characterized Southbury as a segregated institution. She also held that the State of Connecticut failed to make independent professional judgments as to whether each resident could benefit from leaving the institution and failed to make community placements available for those who expressed the desire to leave the institution.

KEY POINTS ADDRESSED IN THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

• The Role of Independent Expert

A mutually agreed upon independent expert will be retained [by the department] to help develop and oversee the implementation of staff education and information sharing with guardians, family members and class members about the range of services and supports that are available in the community. The expert will work or oversee work done individually with the teams including guardians to broaden everyone’s understanding of the community system. The agreement describes in detail the role and responsibilities of the expert.

• Implementation and Monitoring of Informed Decision-making

The foundation of this settlement agreement is that guardians, class members and family members have sufficient information to make an informed choice about residential placement and that team members are sufficiently trained to render professional judgment regarding the least restrictive setting in which the class members can be served.
DDS commits itself to taking actions and putting processes in place to make sure that guardians, family members and class members have sufficient information about community options to make an informed choice about team members’ recommendations for the most integrated setting to meet the individual’s needs. Community placement shall be considered individually for each class member and pursued, if in the professional judgment of the team and with the agreement of the class member’s guardian, it is considered the most appropriate setting for the individual.

The agreement clearly outlines methods that will be employed to assure that this information is available and key indicators that the agreement has been fully implemented.

• Funding Sources

Whereas DDS used to have a separate fund for STS class members to access to finance their community placement, the department has developed portability policy and procedures that apply to all class members and allow anyone in the DDS system to utilize their resources to receive supports and services in another location and from another provider or through hiring their own staff.

DDS commits that both the first years’ costs and the ongoing annualization of the cost of the community placement for a class member will continue to be made available throughout the 7-8 years this settlement agreement covers.

• Projected Timeline for Full Implementation

During the implementation phase, it is expected that all the class members at Southbury Training School will have the opportunity to have an assessment of the supports that would be needed to live successfully in a community setting, to assure that the class member, guardian, involved family member, or other personal representative, has sufficient information to make an informed decision about the merits of community placement to meet the particular needs of the class member. At the end of this timeframe, it is expected that all class members who expressed a desire to move from Southbury Training School have done so in a timely, well-informed manner. The oversight of this Agreement will continue until the expert is satisfied that the benchmarks outlined within the Settlement Agreement have been successfully met by DDS and then will be certified by the Court as completed.

• Implications for Case Members

Lynn Warner, Executive Director of The Arc of Connecticut, said at the signing of this settlement agreement, “We went to court to get assurance that all of the class members and guardians, from this day on, will be fully informed of the benefits of living within the community and that those individuals who have wanted to live in the community or have recently made that decision are given that opportunity in a smooth, supported and thoroughly planned transition.”
Further, Warner pointed out that, in recent years, communities throughout Connecticut have developed increased capacity to provide services and supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities. As an example, she cited the former residents of Mansfield Training School who successfully transitioned to lives in the community when the facility was closed in 1993.

ABOUT THE ARC OF CONNECTICUT

The Arc of Connecticut is committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities and to promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in the life of their own home communities. In all matters, The Arc of Connecticut advocates for informed choice, which involves making evidence of current best practice, viable options presented in a manner that is understandable to each individual, and effectively addressing concerns of the individual and/or their family members in a timely manner. The state organization, through its local chapters provides supports and services to approximately 2700 individuals and their family members around the state.

The Arc of Connecticut is located at 43 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105.

FOR COMMENT, CONTACT
Lynn Warner, Executive Director, The Arc of Connecticut,
860.246.6400 (W), 860.559.0819 (Cell)

Seussical (the Musical) Performance for Special Needs Community!

2010-07-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Summer Theater of New Canaan and Arts for Healing present a very special performance of Seussical (the Musical) Interactive on July 17 from 2-3pm at Waveny Park, 677 South Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840. Call for info at 203-966-4634.

Count Up to Kindergarten!

2010-06-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

A new early learning playgroup for 4-year-olds* living in Norwalk

Tuesday mornings
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Family Resource Center at Fox Run School

The group is free and open to any Norwalk 4-year-old and an accompanying parent, grandparent, nanny or babysitter. Activities are focused on building social skills, pre-reading, early math, music and art activities.

Call 899-2326 for more information
*Priority will be given to children reaching their 4th birthday by Jan 1, 2010

Funded by the Norwalk Early Childhood Council Quality Enhancement Initiative

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY

2010-05-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

To All THE MOTHERS LIKE MINE

A long time ago, as the story goes
A child was born with ten fingers and ten toes
Two arms, two legs, eyes, ears, mouth, and a nose.
And the mother loved her....
The Professionals said wait, something is not right.
Your child is different and quite a sight....
One leg longer than the other and clubfeet.
Facial paralysis. Yes, your child's incomplete!
But the mother loved her...
She is nothing more than a blob, they did say.
Can't walk, can't talk, she is in the mentally impaired way.
Yet the mother still loved her...
Years have gone by and you should see!
The result of my mother's belief in me.
I have two legs and two feet that can walk.
And a mouth that can talk, talk, talk.
Two eyes that can intellectually see,
and allow me to earn more than one degree.
Because my mother loved me..

To all the mothers like mine.
Thank you for following your heart and believing in the possiblities....

Reprinted from National Parent Network on Disabilities
npnd@cs.net

Fantastic Workshop for Siblings of Children With Developmental Disabilities

2010-01-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Choosing the Perfect Car Seat to Keep Your Child Safe

2010-01-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

"There's no right or wrong way to choose a car seat," says AAA Public Affairs' Frank Mayko to parents looking for the perfect car seat for their newborn or the first forward-facing car seat for bigger babies.

"You have to research car seats and once your homework is done, the best car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your car, and fits your pocketbook."

Infants

Not only does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend all infants ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home, but in Connecticut the law requires babies ride rear-facing up to 1 year and 20 pounds.

There are two types of rear-facing car-safety seats: infant-only and convertible seats.

Ms. Mayko recommends infant-only seats, which are small and have carrying handles. Many come with a base that can be left in the car. Ms. Mayko says these fit the child perfectly, are convenient because they are easier to handle and have different weights.

Convertible seats can be converted from rear-facing to forward-facing as children get older. While these seats can be used longer, they are bulker and don't have carrying handles or a separate base.

Forward-Facing Seats

Once your child has reached the highest weight or height allowed by rear-facing seat manufacturers, the child can ride forward-facing in a convertible seat. However, its best for him or her to ride rear-facing as long as possible.

While Connecticut state law permits children to move to a forward-facing seat position after one year and 20 pounds, this is the minimum requirement and Ms. Mayko recommends keeping the children rear-facing longer, if possible.

She comments, "If you saw the crash-dynamic videos and realized how it affects the human body--let alone an infant before the spinal cord and neck have developed, you yourself would want to ride rear-facing!"

Several types of car-safety seats can be used forward-facing:

-Convertible seats: convert from rear-facing to forward-facing seats.
-Forward-Facing toddler seats: can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh 40 to 65 pounds or without the harness, as a booster--up to 80 or 120 pounds.
-Combination Forward-Facing booster seats: can be used forward-facing with a harness for children 40 to 65 pounds or without the harness as a booster, 80 to 120 pounds.
-Integrated child-safety seats: forward-facing seats are built-in some vehicles such as Mercedes and BMWs. Weight and height limits vary.

Mayko says, "The ability to change a baby to forward-facing all depends on the seat requirements, and each seat is different. When the toodler is the appropriate weight and height, parents can turn them forward-facing."

From the Child Passenger Safety column of AAA Connecticut Newsletter, January 2010

Great Parenting Tips & Articles

2009-12-22T06:54:00.001-08:00

Check out this great website with parenting articles, tips and techniques:
http://www.mvparents.com/

Parenting Tips on Amazing Website

2009-12-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

Check out the articles, ideas and parenting tips on this special website: http://www.mvparents.com/

PROBLEM-SOLVING: A MOST VALUABLE SKILL!

2009-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, while learning from a variety of different authors (Edward DeBono, William Glasser, and others) I was introduced to the idea that problem-solving is a most valuable skill. Whether you're the President of the United States, a stay-at-home-mom, a college student, a teenager, or just about anything else, you're faced with problems—little ones and big ones—that need to be solved on a daily basis! And perhaps people with the most effective problem-solving skills enjoy more success in their personal and/or professional lives: their ability to problem-solve leads to less conflict, more tranquility, greater self-determination, and more.

Learning to problem-solve could be considered a normal part of growing up. As children grow and mature, they're expected to figure things out for themselves and, hopefully, they learn from their mistakes. However, if children are not given opportunities to problem-solve on their own, they'll remain helpless and dependent on others.

All too often, this has become the reality for too many children with developmental disabilities. We haven't expected them to become problem-solvers, so we haven't given them opportunities to problem-solve. Thus, many grow up to become adults who are seen as helpless, dependent, and incompetent, which leads to their spending their lives in sheltered, protective, segregated environments where others make decisions and problem-solve for them. This is a terrible tragedy! But regardless of the age of the person or the type of disability, we can take steps to prevent and/or reverse this dismal and tragic state of affairs.

We can ensure that children with disabilities are given opportunities to problem-solve, just like their brothers and sisters. They may need assistive technology devices (such as communication or mobility aids), accommodations, and/or other supports/modifications in order to problem-solve, and the same is true for adults with disabilities. Children and adults with disabilities can and should be more active in the development of their IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), ISPs (Individualized Service Plans), and/or other services, including therapies and interventions.

We can stop being "helicopter helpers"—constantly hovering—and allow children and adults to make their own decisions (knowing they will make mistakes and learn from them, just as people without disabilities do). When they come to us to solve their problems, we can respond with, "What do you think you should do about that?" We can then provide suggestions, if appropriate, and let them arrive at the solution. Imagine the personal growth an individual experiences when our actions send the message that we believe in their capacity to problem-solve; imagine the lessons they'll learn; and imagine how their lives (and ours) can change in the process!

There's much more we can do; this brief review can get us started. Let's put our own problem-solving skills to work in figuring out how to ensure the people with disabilities we care about become effective, successful problem-solvers in their own lives!

Copyright 2009 Kathie Snow, www.disabilityisnatural.com; all rights reserved.

VISIT DISABILITY IS NATURAL

Check out the Explore sections for over 100 innovative, thought-provoking articles on language and attitudes, children/family issues, and more! Click here to begin exploring life-changing strategies, new ways of thinking, and more.
Visit the Store—check out the Disability is Natural book and DVD, as well as posters, magnets, bookmarks, badges, and other goodies featuring more than 25 bright, positive, colorful designs to generate positive attitudes and actions!

Click here to visit www.disabilityisnatural.com.

MAKING FRIENDS with music & art

2009-12-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

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 - 12 week session
WHERE: STAR Rubino Family Center 120 East Avenue, Norwalk (park below in the back)

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.

Private Insurance Coverage for Treatment of Autism

2009-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

In the 1008 February session, the insurance and real estate commission introduced Raised Bill 5696, "an act requiring insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder therapies." As raised, the bill required individual and group health insurance policies delivered, issued renewed, amended or continued in Connecticut on or after January 1, 2009 to provide coverage for the treatment of pervasive developmental disorders (also known as autism spectrum disorders) including psychiatric, psychological, therapeutic and habilitative care based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis, which is sometimes referred to as "in-home behavioral support."

Numerous people spoke at the public hearing. The committee favorably reported a substitute bill on March 11, 2008 that eliminated the coverage requirement of the raise bill. Instead, the substitute bill required individual and group health insurance policies delivered, issued, renewed, amended or continued in Connecticut on or after January 1, 2009 to provide coverage for phycial, speech and occupational therapy service fo rthe treatment of autism spectrum disorders to the extent those services are covered and benefit for other diseeases and conditions under the policy."

Public Act 08-132 passed. It defines "autism spectrum disorder" based on the American Psychiatric Association's most recent disagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders.

It applies this requirement to the group and individual: (1) health insurance policies that cover basic hospital, medical-surgical or major medical expenses (2) HMO contract covering hospital and medical expenses and (3) hospital or medical service contracts. Due to federal preemption, this requirement does not apply to self-insured plans.

Taken from Janet L. Kaminski Leduc, Senior Legislative Attorney

MIRA-FLEX GLASSES HELP WITH CHILDREN'S VISION PROBLEMS

2009-12-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

New technologies and equipment have enabled early diagnosis of vision problems from the very first months of life. With appropriate corrections, these challenges can be resolved early in the child's life, resulting in improved learning and communication skills. However, to achieve optimum results in the shortest time period, it is necessary to intervene using the most appropriate methods depending on the child's age and needs.

For over 20 years, Miraflex has dedicated itself to the development of the most suitable children's frames, assuring for each age bracket, the best mix between practical and aesthetic.

Call 866-647-2359 or 408-445-8485 or go to http://www.miraflex.info/!

NORWALK PRESCHOOL USES SIGNING TO INCREASE COMMUNICATION

2009-10-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

One teacher at a local preschool said she has walked into a room full of screaming infants who quiet down after she signs the word "eat" to them.

Theresa Lauzon, the American Sign Language director at Carousel Preschool on France Street, said teaching infants sign language gives them a way to communicate. Before their vocal chords are developed, they can recognize words and express their needs to adults around them.

"Instead of crying and screaming, they (the babies) use their hands to talk," said Lauzon. "There's a bonding experience with the parents and with me as the teacher. They know as soon as I get there, they have someone to talk to."

According to Carousel, research has found that babies can construct language with their hands at least six to 12 months before they can speak.

Lauzon has been hearing impaired herself for approximately 12 years. None of the children at Carousel Preschool are deaf, but Lauzon said teaching them sign language from such an early age (Carousel is open to children from 5 months to 6 years old) helps with a variety of things.

Students learn to associate letters with words if they learn the ASL alphabet and how to spell their name before they learn to write. They can also teach their parents ALS after school, building confidence.

"The children love it, that's the most important thing. They have fun with it and love it," said Lauzon. "There are so many benefits."

On Tuesday, State Senator Bob Duff, D-25, visited the school and watched a class of 4-year-olds sign the alphabet. He was there to read to students and take a tour of the facility now that school readiness funding has been approved in the newly passed state budget.

Joyce Abate, the school's executive director, invited Duff, and shid she was grateful for all of his support of school readiness in Norwalk.

Abate noted that ASL has been taught at Carousel for the past year.

"Sign language teaching is part of the curriculum," said Abate. "It's amazing. Research has been done that shows what we're doing here has been done, and it works."

She added: "The children love it because to them, it's communicating."

by Lauren Mylo, the Norwalk Hour, Norwalk, CT

Birth to Three Provider Updates from CT Community Providers Association

2009-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Regarding Parents' Fees: 17a-24g(e): The CT commissioner will establish a schedule of fees based on a sliding scale for early intervention services. The schedule will consider the cost of such services relative to the financial resources of the parents or legal guardians of eligible children. Fees may be charged to any such parent or guardian, regardless of income, and shall be charged to any such parent or guardian with a gross annual family income of forty-five thousand dollars or more, except that no fee may be charged to the parent or guardian of a child who is eligible for Medicaid.

Proposed changes in Medicaid rates: Medicaid Rates – (from Linda Goodman, Director, Birth to Three) Our current monthly service rate for Medicaid is $639.37. The proposed revision is $755.29/month but I do not think it has been accepted yet by CMS.

Birth to Three providers can share data on the number of referrals by town by program: Contact Linda Goodman, Director, Birth to Three Referrals by Town by Program - Full Year, 9-16-09.

LEGISLATIVE TALKING POINTS

You can contact your legislators via email. Copy and paste this link into your browser, and then follow this link to access the tool http://www.ccpa-inc.org/legislativesearch.aspx

Simply search by town, select the recipients and type in your contact information. Then, you may write your own personalized message or use CCPA Talking Points, below. You will receive an electronic copy of your sent correspondence, and will be directed to the CCPA website home page once your email has been sent. Please note that there is no spell-check, so you may want to write your message in a word processing software and cut and paste it into the message box to make sure there are no errors.

Please tell legislators:
· The current budget passed earlier this month contains fee increases, including significant increases to Birth to Three family participation fees.
· Birth to Three is a program that aims at helping families to meet the developmental and health needs of their infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities. The program has a tremendous impact on the children and families it serves. Most notable, over 50% of the children who participate in Birth to Three do not need special education services by the age of 5. · We urge you to take action in the budget implementers to assure that these fees do not dramatically increase.
· Any significant increase in these fees would mean that many families could no longer participate in this valuable program. When family participation fees were first implemented in 2005, 330 families ended participation in the program.
· These fee increases would be harmful to the infant, toddlers and families who may no longer afford these vital services and would lead to cost increases for municipalities in their special education budgets.
· Please include language in the budget implementer bills that would assure that the Birth to Three family cost participation fees do not significantly increase.

The budget scheduled to go into effect on September 8 includes a multitude of fee increases effective October 1, 2009. The long list of fee increases ranges from DPH outpatient clinic fees to social work license renewal to DPS fingerprint searches and criminal history record searches.

§§ 140 - 391 – VARIOUS FEE CHANGES
This bill raises state fees by:
1. increasing fees to at least $ 15; - THIS AFFECTS ALL STATE AGENCIES
2. doubling fees under $ 150; - THIS AFFECTS ALL STATE AGENCIES
3. increasing fees between $ 150 and $ 1,000 by 25%; and – THIS AFFECTS ALL STATE AGENCIES
4. adding $ 250 to fees of $ 1,000 or more.

MAKING FRIENDS with Music and Art

2009-09-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Together, Arts for Healing and STAR Rubino Family Center is offering an opportunity for music and art to be a vehicle for exploration, expression, socialization and skill building. The group leaders will use the power of music to foster communiction through vocal and instrumental improvisation. Art materials will be used to draw, paint, or mold, and provide tactile experience and enjoyment.

This program is a collaboration of Arts for Healing, STAR Rubino Center, and the Fairfield County Community Foundation

WHEN: Wednesdays: starting September 16, 2009 for 12 sessions
WHERE: STAR Rubino Family Center
120 East Avenue, Norwalk (park below in the back)
AGES: Birth to Three 10am. - 11 am
Three to Five 1:30-2:30

Cost: $100 per child for 12, 1 hour sessions
$75 for additional child from same family
(This program is made possible through the generosity of the Barbara Benton Memorial Fund of the Fairfield County Community Foundation)

LOCK LACES: For Kids Who Can't Tie Their Shoes!

2009-09-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

Check out this stylish alternative to shoe laces or velcro for kids who can't tie their shoes. Other great products and ideas on this website, also. $5 discount coupon is currently on the home page.

http:\\www.autismcommunitystore.com

Autism Community Store

1900 S. Quince Street, Unit A, Denver, CO 80231

1-866-709-4344

iPHONE HELPS FOSTER UNDERSTANDING

2009-09-16T11:55:00.001-07:00

A new interactive program relates images with actions.

Dan and Carey Tedesco found a way to use their iPhones to help their son Evan with autism.

The married couple from Shelton in May launched iPrompts, an application that allows parents and caregivers to communicate tasks to autistic children through images. Beforehand, they had to create photos and laminate them into a notebook to show Evan, 4, what the next activity would be.

"I found it rather cumbersome," said Carey Tedesco, adding that iPhone's Picture Schedule feature gave her an idea. "I decided to just take the notebook and put it into the iPhone!"

Autism, which affects one out of every 150 individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first 30 months of life.

The Tedesco's, who met while working at Stamford-based sister technology firms Walker Digital and Synapse Group, founded HandHold Adaptive in August 2008 to launch their idea. Their application, which has been developed with help from Rob Tedesco, Dan's brother from Fairfield, has several hundred images to choose from, said Dan, 35, who still works as an attorney for Walker Digital, a research and development company founded by entrepreneur Jay Walker that gave birth to Priceline.com Inc.

"You can either use the pictures that come with iPrompts or take pictures with the camera," he said of the application, which costs $49.99 at the iTunes App Store. "We are working on expanding it to several thousand images."

iPrompts also uses the iPhone's GPS capability and the application's bank of images and features to create a multimedia "snapshot of a disabled person's current scenario," Dan said.

iPrompts will soon be able to "talk" for kids with language difficulties--the child will touch the image on the screen and the iPhone will say the word. It will also include a data-tracking feature so that caregivers can record a child's behavior in a specific scenario to help reveal behavioral patterns, said Carey, who is now self-employed as a freelance graphic designer after leaving, Synapse.

"We've had a lot of good feedback that iPrompts would be good for adults as well," she said, adding that Yale University is interested in the data-tracking component. "We're not going to make everyone happy, but we're going to try to be as broad as we can," she said.

Handhold Adaptive, which has been issued six patents so far, is also working on creating video games that engage children into activities that help develop their verbal and cognitive skills, Dan said.

"Wouldn't it be great to have a low-cost supplement to their therapy?" he said. "This technology can help these individuals adapt to new situations and get out into the community."

The uses for iPhone applications will most likely expand over time as fast as the creativity of the people out there, said Ken Dulaney, vice president of mobile computing with Gartner Group.

"There is absolutely no end to what can be done," he said. "This sounds like a great idea."

Published by THE ADVOCATE, written by Michael C. Juliano, 8/14/09

Siblings Perspectives: Living With A Brother or Sister With Autism (by ASA)

2009-08-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Fabulous article posted for parents of children with developmental disabilities regarding sibling relationships. http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/LWA_Siblings.pdf?docID=4183

22 Tips for Parents of Children With Developmental Disabilities.

2009-08-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Strategies for Parents
From “Life Beyond Disability” in the Parent-to-Parent Training Guide

1. Be open and honest- be available for questions and ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS.
2. Value each child individually.
3. Limit caregiving responsibilities of siblings
4. Use respite care and other supportive services to allow special time with the siblings.
5. Be fair. Treat the child with the disability as much like your other children as possible.
6. Accept the disability- this helps siblings also deal with it.
7. Put together a library of children’s books for siblings to read on the disability.
8. Schedule special time with the sibling.
9. Let siblings settle their own differences and learn to solve problems together.
10. Welcome other children and friends into your home.
11. Praise siblings – all children need parental praise.
12. Recognize that you are the most important, the most powerful teacher of your children.
13. Parents should recognize the uniqueness of their family.
14. Listen to siblings.
15. Involve the siblings in the decisions about their disabled brother or sister.
16. Require the disabled child to do as much for him/herself as possible.
17. Recognize each child’s unique qualities and family contributions.
18. Encourage the development of special sibling programs.
19. Help establish a sibling support group.
20. Recognize special stress times for siblings and plan to minimize negative effects.
21. Use professionals to help siblings as needed.
22. Teach the siblings to interact.

COMPARING TECHNIQUES: FLOORTIME VS. DISCRETE TRIAL

2009-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Floortime: The philosophy of Floortime (DIR) is a developmental, relationship based model to help meet the child's developmental level and strengthen underlying elements that impede development. Greenspan, a psychiatrist, observed that persons with Autism lacked theory of mind and they would not understand that until they could master their own emotions and perspectives. The curriculum focuses on how to learn to relate intimately to others with warmth and meaningful communication with words or gestures, and also to think with abstract reasoning. There are six emotional milestones that need to be mastered in a sequential order: attachment and self-regulation, two -way communication, complex two-way communication, shared meaning and symbolic play and emotional thinking. It uses 6-10 uninterrupted 20-30 minute sessions throughout the child's day. The goals are to encourage attention and intimacy, promote two-way communication, encourage the expression and use of feelings and ideas, and to increase logical thought. In Floortime the adult follows the child's lead building and expanding on his/her interests. Greenspan talks about opening and closing communication circles and working to increase the number of effective circles.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a science which involves th application of basic behavioral practices and the use of systematic data tracking to evaluate the efficacy of the applications used to reach a desired outcome. Discrete Trial Teaching is a teaching methodology, but not the only instructional method under Applied Behavior Analysis and should not be used synonymously with it. Other methodologies include errorless teaching, pivotal response training, verbal behavior, fluency/precision teaching, and incidential teaching methods. The goal of a DTT session is to teach the child how to learn. There are sequenced curriculums in categories such as of attending skills, initiation skills, receptive language, expressive language, abstract language, pre-academic skills, self-help skills, social skills and school readiness. DTT uses the principles antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. It focuses on breaking the instruction down into small units, and each trial lasting 5-20 seconds, which provides many opportunities to practice per session. It uses teaching principles and techniques such as stimulus control, prompting hierarchies, shaping, fading, reinforcement, maintenance, and generalization. Sessions are generally highly structured, environments which may at times provide unnatural consequences paired with social praise. Teaching is usually directed by the teacher. In ABA, however, techniques can be done in natural settings with natural reinforcers. Lovaas recommended discrete trial sessions interspersed wtih play breaks, with breaks being as educational as possible. Teaching incidentally, in the natural environment, promotes generalization and use of acquired skills.

Darien Libraries "Stories on the Spectrum"

2009-05-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Darien's Library at it's storytime program has included a new program designed for children between 3 to 8 who are on the autistic spectrum. The idea is to provide a space and time for children with the diagnosis of ASD to interact in a welcoming social environment, hear some stories, sing some songs, be comfortable exploring a new space, and allow families to network and chat.
The program begins Saturday, May 30th at 11am. It is available for all family members, siblings, etc. If interested call Kiera Parrott 669-5243 or email her at kparrott@darienlibrary.org.

WESTPORT LIBRARY children's time

2009-05-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Westport Library (westportlibrary.org)has a calendar of summer children's programs. Go to the website and kids-parents-special needs. The Tuesday Storytime (10:30-11:00) at Longshore Country Club, Wednesday Storytime on the Green (11:00-11:30), or Friday Fun Films 11:00-11:30 are some options. Go to their website or call 291-4810 for the calendar or more information.
Have fun.

Candice volunteered at STAR Rubino Center's Open House to do a storytime with the children.

OPEN HOUSE

2009-05-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Come Connect and Reconnect

STAR Rubino Family Center is hosting an Open House on Sunday, May 17, 2009,
from 2p.m. - 4 p.m. Join us at our new facility at 120 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

*Meet the staff

*Learn about our
Birth to Three Program
Private Pay Services
Individual and Group Therapy Sessions for children 3-5

*Fun for all:
Children's Music Group 2:00-2:30
Story Time 2:30-3:00
Story time 3:00-3:30

*Refreshments and Face Painting

*Door Prizes for the children

HOLIDAYS

2008-12-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

GIFTS: The Rubino Center has some children who have a wish list for the holidays (up to age of three.) Also some siblings may be in need of holiday items. Any of the types of toys that the therapists use like puzzles with knobs, farm animal sets, wooden blocks, shape sorters, playdough kits, arts and crafts supplies, magna-dooddles, etc.
call Laurie for more information.

HOLIDAY TIPS: the Special Needs Parent Coach, Strategies for Balanced Living for Parents of Children with Special Needs -Twelve tips for truly wonderful holidays for you and your family by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
1. Take care of yourself
2. Sort out what matters most
3. Decide what your "keepers" are for this holiday season
4. Be imperfect! And love it!
5. Give a gift to yourself.
6. Spend special time with your child
7. Choose one tradition per holiday that brings your family togehter for a moment of joy, reflection, fun relaxation, or just plain silliness
8. Get help
9. Nevermind what other people think
10. Take little time-outs when you can
11. Try something new
12. Be present
For complete article go to www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/holidaytips
CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PARTY
A holiday party will be held on Wednesday December 17 at 10:30-12:00 at our new office . Santa (Angie Rubino) will be available, along with music by a local guitar player. Come join us and bring friends. Call Michael 855-o634

2008-10-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Family Resource Directory

2008-10-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

Connecting Connecticut-
A Directory for Schools and Community Organizations
Serving Parents of Children with Disabilitieshttp://www.cpacinc.org/pdfs/Connecting%20Connecticut/Connecting%20CT%20Final.pdf
CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center
http://www.ct-asrc.org/forms/resource_guide_order.doc

CHECK OUT OUR MESSAGE BOARD

2008-07-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

http://starrubino.proboards103.com/

Family Grant Program

2008-07-15T11:26:00.001-07:00

The Kennedy Center Autism Project announced their new Family Grant Program. They recognize the financial costs associated with raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Costs include evaluations, safety or other equipment, assistive technology, behavioral support, respite, camp, social groups, conferences, advocacy/legal expenses . Grants range up to 1,000 and are subject to available funds. For more information contact Ginger at gfiore@thekennedyctr.org

NEW BLOG

2008-07-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

We've designed this BLOG:
*To help you and your family members feel connected and supported.
*To assist you and your family in gaining knowledge about local resources
*To provide emotional support by linking you to one another through informal chats
*To post articles written by staff on topics relevant to your child
*Because families of young children are at home taking care of their children and have difficutly getting out to meetings, they need information through other avenues
*To make parent matches
Please let us know what kinds of information might be of help to you, so that we may customize this site to be meet your needs.

STAR'S RUBINO CENTER HAS MOVED!!!!!!

2008-07-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

We are excited about our new office space located at 120 East Avenue. This is a beautiful space with more area for our growing program. We're settling in and have a few areas of need. We could use a refrigerator, copier, chairs and pictures for our reception area. If you have any of these items that you would like to donate to us, please call Michael at 855-0734.

PARENT MATCHES

2008-07-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in connecting with another parent who has similar life experiences as yourself or has a a child with the same diagnosis, let us know. We will do our best to find someone. Sometimes the comforting words of a friend who totally understands you and your specific circumstances, is invaluable. If you want to be on a matching database, respond through comments or e-mail us at rubino@starinconline.com.

SENSORY PROCESSING

2008-07-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

SENSORY INTEGRATION: is defined as the organization of sensation for use. Countless bits of sensory information enter our brains at every moment. The brain must organize all of these sensations in order to move and learn normally. The brain locates, sorts, and order sensations. Familiar senses are seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting. However, there are two other systems which are equally important, proprioceptive and vestibular. The proprioceptive system provides the brain with unconscious information regarding muscle work/effort and joint position. The vestibular system refers to receptos in the inner ear, which provides the brain with information about the force of gravity and movement. Sensory receptors include sight, smell, taste, sound and touch. If these receptors send "wrong" information to the brain, then motor responses can be changed. A child's action may be interferred with the messages to the brain are not interpreted accurately, or there may be a problem with areas of the brain or routes that send messages to various part of the body.