CALL-IN TO CT GOVERNOR MALLOY TODAY TUES 12/11 & WED 12/12/12

CALL-IN TO Gov. Malloy of CT today Tues & tomorrow Wed 12/11 & 12/12! Over $170 million in cuts planned in 2013 including services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Please call 860-566-4840 & ask him to stop.

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

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.

Stories on the Spectrum

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

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

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.