Family Connections Newsletter
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Parent Mentor
Eileen Hawkins
February 2020
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Parking Lot Safety
Awareness
Courtesy of Connecting For Kids
Parking lots are one of the most dangerous places young children encounter, and yet families find themselves having to navigate parking lots on a daily basis as they get their children to school, go grocery shopping, attend religious services and move throughout the community. According to
statistics
, an average of 50 children per week are injured by being backed over in a parking lot or driveway. Despite the increasing prevalence of back-up cameras in vehicles, parking lots remain dangerous for families due to:
- Driver distraction (looking for a perfect spot or other in-vehicle distractions)
- Blind zones created by neighboring vehicles with a higher profile
- Reckless drivers
- Parking lot congestion (both pedestrian and vehicular)
While all children are at risk in parking lots, children with special needs can be even more vulnerable due to issues such as limited impulse control, difficulty understanding consequences, processing delays, limited vision or mobility challenges.
Connecting for Kids encourages all families to have a conversation about the best ways to keep children safe in parking lots and driveways. To assist in this process, the following resources are available:
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TEACH YOUR CHILD HOW TO BE A PARKING LOT SAFETY S.T.A.R.
Courtesy of Connecting For Kids
One of the easiest ways families can keep children safe in parking lots and driveways is to teach and consistently enforce a parking lot safety routine. To help you get started, try using the S.T.A.R. method:
- STOP: As soon you get out of the car, stop and stand still.
- TOUCH: Touch the star on your car magnet (or another safe place that your grown-up shows you). Keep your hand there!
- ATTENTION: Pay attention and look at the cars around you. Listen to your grown-up.
- READY: Wait for your grown-up to tell you it's time to go. Then take his or her hand and go.
Help Your Child Learn
Helping your child learn to be a Parking Lot Safety S.T.A.R. is easy with this free social story that you can download and print. Simply download the file, cut along the dotted lines, and staple the pages together.
Other Ways to Practice Parking Lot Safety
Once you have talked about parking lot and driveway safety, there are many great opportunities to practice:
- Role Play: Practice the S.T.A.R. method in a safe place (yard or living room).
- Guided Play: Act out parking lot safety situations with toy cars and dolls. Remember to ask your children questions such as, "Who can the doll ask if she is not sure it's safe to walk away from the car?" or "What should this person do when they get out of the car?"
- Prepare Ahead of Time: Talk to your child about parking lots before leaving the house and reinforce what your child can do to stay safe to help them to prepare for the actual experience. This article from Military Wife and Mom gives some suggestions on how to do that.
Celebrate Success
Children whose parents reinforce when they do the right thing are more likely to keep doing the right thing. Celebrate parking lot safety successes by praising your child. You can say:
- "Wow! I saw you touch your magnet right away, Tommy. Great job thinking about parking lot safety!"
- "You're being very patient while I get your baby brother out of the car, Marissa. Thank you for thinking about your parking lot safety rules."
- "You remembered to hold my hand all by yourself, David. I'm proud of you!"
Connecting For Kids has also created a certificate that you can download and present to your child once he or she demonstrates knowledge of their parking lot safety steps.
Get a FREE S.T.A.R. Magnet
Did You Know?
Children with cognitive and neurological disabilities may be eligible to receive a handicap parking permit, allowing their caregivers to park closer building entrances and reducing the amount of time they spend in parking lots. To receive a disability placard in the state of Ohio, you must complete the application and get a prescription from your child's doctor. For more information, see the
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The libraries below offer Adapted Story times where children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. This story time, followed by a time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical story time experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. Some libraries also offer additional special needs programming.
Branch Locations Offer Special Needs Programming:
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma Snow Branch, Euclid Public Library, Lakewood, Rocky River, The Ellet Branch in Summit County, Lorain, Avon, Avon and North Ridgeville offer
Adapted Story Times and other special needs programming. You can register through the
CFK website
or by calling the library directly.
FREE
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A list of mental health resources including addiction and recovery, anxiety, ADHD, chronic fatigue, depression, developmental disorders, and more.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Children with disabilities (including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Down syndrome, ADHD and anxiety) wander for a number of reasons, including seeking out a special place or item, escaping from undesirable situations or because they have become disoriented or lost
(
read more
).
Children of even the most watchful parents can slip away quickly when they are motivated wanderers. According to
a study by Pediatrics Magazine
,
parents and caregivers of wanderers regularly sacrifice family outings, meals and even sleep to keep their children safe, yet 49% of study participants had a child who had wandered at least once in the past four years.
Even with constant vigilance, motivated wanderers can find a way to get out. When that happens, an educated community is that child's best chance of returning home safely.
You can improve a child's chances of returning home safely if you remember three steps:
STOP
Stop and ask the child if he or she needs help.
SEEK
Seek assistance from local law enforcement.
STAY
Stay with the child until police arrive.
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How Do you Stay Calm?
When Your Kids are Out of Control
Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 pm, Virtual Coffee and Chat via Facebook Live
Watch from the comfort of your home and post questions for our facilitators, Lisa Ruman, LISW, CHt, and Kristin Swihart, LISW-S, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake.
They will be addressing one of our most popular topics and you will learn six techniques to help you stay calm in the face of adversity. Connecting for Kids staff will also be part of this Facebook live event to share resources and answer your questions.
This event is open to all and will be live on the CFK main Facebook page.
FREE
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Easter Seals
Facts about Disabilities
(Click on the Headers for more information.)
Learn more about what disability is and how Easter Seals supports people with disabilities and their families.
Looking for information on autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities? Check out these facts about specific disabilities.
Living with a Disability
(Click on the Headers for more information.)
Learn what disability pride, self-advocacy, and person-first language mean.
Explore our tips and resources on how to talk to children about disability.
Discover ways you can be inclusive in your everyday life.
Check out the do's and don'ts of disability etiquette.
Learn more about this historic landmark legislation.
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22nd Annual Summer and Beyond Fair for Children, Teens and Young Adults with Disabilities
Saturday February 15, 2020
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Woodside Event Center at St. Michael’s, 5025 Mill Rd., Broadview Heights, OH 44147
Meet providers across Northern Ohio who provide services, activities and camps for children, teens and young people with disabilities. A free provider directory will be available for all attendees.
Admission is
FREE
and will be held regardless of weather conditions.
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Autism Society of Greater Cleveland’s Parent Support Group Meeting At The
City of Independence Civic Center
2020 Series: Caregiver Tools
Join Joleen Sundquiest as she provides helpful information on how to deal with stress and feel empowered!
When: Monday, February 17th, 2020
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Where: Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131
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Connecting For Kids Meet & Greet Resource Fair
Date: April 8, 2020
Location: Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River
This free public event designed for families who have concerns about their child (ages birth-12) will highlight providers from across Northeast Ohio. Participants can visit with representatives from numerous organizations to discuss services and explore program options such as:
- Adapted recreation programs and camps
- Alternative schools
- Counselors and mental health providers
- Educational advocates
- Grant/financial aid providers
- Music therapy programs
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Respite providers
- Speech-language pathologists
- Social skills programs
- Tutors and learning disability programs
FREE
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Teen Scene Girls
Sponsor: The Friendship Circle
Session: Every Tuesday, except holidays
Cost: $400/year, or $25/session
Ages: 13-18
Teen Scene Girls presents an abundance of social interaction with crafts and enjoyable activities. Special emphasis is placed on developing event-planning skills. Participants will also focus on cooking, menu planning, etiquette and preparing a Café Night for the community.
Location
27900 Gates Mills Blvd
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
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Are you concerned about your child? Whatever the reason.. Connecting for Kids Can Help!
You are not alone...
You’re not alone Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families who have concerns about their child. They serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.
Designed for your family Programs are designed to educate and support families of children (birth - 12 years) who are struggling. Look for these icons to choose programs for your family:
Services available for:
Families with young children (0-6 years)
Families with elementary aged children (7-12 years)
All families with children (0-12 years)
All Connecting for Kids programs are
FREE
and open to the public.
For more information: Call/Text: 440-570-5908 (para español 440-907-9130)
info@connectingforkids.org connectingforkids.org/register
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What Do You Do With An Idea? Inlet Dance Theatre - Sensory Friendly Production
Produced in partnership with Playhouse Square, Cleveland OH
March 3, 2020 at 11:30 AM
One day, a child has an idea. At first, they don’t know what to do with it. It seems strange. They don’t know what other people will think of this idea and they attempt to hide it away. But the idea persists and gets stronger – along with the child’s confidence. And then, one day, something amazing happens…
Told through movement, music and narration, an ensemble of dancers creates a magical world where ideas grow and take flight. Based on The New York Times best-selling book, this is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, or too difficult.
This performance will have a sign language interpreter. Guests who need the assistance of the interpreter should request seats on the right side of the auditorium.
Running Time: 45 minutes Recommended Grade Level: K and up
A special sensory-friendly matinee for guests with sensory needs including persons with autism. Children, families and school field trip groups requiring a sensory-friendly environment are most welcome. Sensory-friendly programming at Playhouse Square is presented by Norman and Denise Wells.
What makes a performance sensory-friendly?
- Lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds Guests are free to talk, leave their seats and move freely during the performance
- House lights in the theater will be left on low throughout the performance
- Designated calming areas staffed by volunteer specialists in the theater lobby
- Judgment-free environment, welcoming to all.
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Sensory Friendly Movies at AMC Theaters
AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society in order to make seeing a movie in theaters more accessible to children and adults with special needs. During these select showings, the house lights are left on, the volume is turned down, and customers are welcome to walk around, talk, shout or sing during the movie.
Sensory friendly showings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday every month, offering families four sensory friendly days each month. Participating AMC Theatres in Ohio include AMC Ridge Park Square. Address:
4788 Ridge Rd, Brooklyn, OH 44144
,
(216) 749-0260.
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Teach Me Play
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development? Are you looking for a social opportunity for you and your child in the community? Do you want ideas about how to encourage your child’s learning through play? With fun, new themes each month, Teach Me to Play offers your child a host of new activities and experiences each time he or she attends.
For parents and caregivers, there is a Parent Education Focus every month that provides information on a variety of developmentally appropriate topics. Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Since you attend together, you will have the option of interacting with our experienced Early Intervention Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist. They can suggest strategies for managing problem behaviors, offer tips for increasing your child’s communication skills, or share appropriate resources.
This program is specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development. Come connect with other families in a supportive and accepting environment.
FREE
Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library
Solon Preschool Session begins at 10:30 am.
Friday, March 6, 2020
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Westlake Porter Public Library
Westlake - Thursday Preschool Sessions begin at 6:30 pm,
Westlake - Friday Preschool Sessions begin at 9:30 am
Westlake - Friday Toddler Sessions begin at 11:30 am.
Thursday, February 20
Friday, February 21
Thursday, March 19
Friday, March 20
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Free Stuff for Kids with Disabilities
We all love free stuff, but sometimes when you are raising a kid with a disability or special need, you REALLY love free stuff – or more accurately, you really NEED the free stuff, because disability or special needs can be expensive.
Here’s a short list of some great free stuff for kids with disabilities or special needs*, focusing on products, services and money.
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Financial Resources and Discounts for Students with Disabilities
Disability discounts, tips, and information for travel, utilities, books, software, and assistive technologies are out there for disabled college students to use. This list can help in the realm of finances to cut both financial costs and the associated unnecessary stress.
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Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
People on the autism spectrum can now enjoy the museum in a gentler way. Stroll through the galleries at your own place and relax in designated "quiet areas." Plus, enjoy a modified experience of Ultimate Dinosaurs and planetarium shows!
When:
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Time: 9:30 AM - NOON
Where: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106
Those with ASD and
Museum members: FREE
Non-members: $10 per person
Parking: $6
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Autism Society of Greater Cleveland's 2020 Series: Managing Behaviors at Home and Beyond with Visual Schedules
Join Rachel Torrance as she provides a free class to help caregivers implement practical tools, and positive supports at home.
When:
Monday, March 18th, 2020
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Where: Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131
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Please read...
This newsletter is a resource. Independence Local Schools does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services from any of the groups or companies listed.
We
urge
you to make independent judgment when selecting a professional to assist you.
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Eileen Hawkins, Parent Mentor
Confidential Help Available for help with IEP's, 504 Plans, Resources, Support and more. Services provided
FREE
of charge by the district.
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ReCharge Respite Ministry
Offered Monthly
Call 440-238-6135 for more information.
Sponsor: Strongsville United Methodist Church
Audience: Infants through 22 years old
Cost:
FREE
Includes activities, food and fun. Parents can drop their child off and have 2.5 hours to relax, run errands, go out to dinner, etc. This program is offered monthly.
Advanced registration is required for all ReCharge nights and a first time interview is mandatory before children may attend
Location: 13500 Royalton Rd., Strongsville
OH
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Big Red Tool Kit
National Autism Association Safety Initiative for those caring for someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who is prone to wandering off from a safe environment, and whose diagnosis may interfere with their ability to recognize danger and/or stay safe. Wandering, elopement, “running” or bolting behaviors among those within our community present unique safety risks, and create extraordinary worry and stress among caregivers. Drowning fatalities following wandering incidents remain a leading cause of death among those with ASD.
Click on the link below for a copy of your tool kit:
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Milestones National Autism Conference June 11 - 12, 2020
Join 1,200 professionals, parents and individuals with autism in Cleveland, OH for world-class speakers, networking and support.
With more than 100 sessions, 10 specialized tracks and 50 exhibitors, this is the must-attend autism event of the year to gain evidence-based, practical strategies for at work, at home or to use in your community. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn and raise the bar for what is possible!
Attendee registration opens December 10, 2019.
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Connecting for Kids Virtual Resource Fair
The Connecting for Kids Virtual Resource Fair (VRF) showcases videos from local providers. These short videos offer a unique way for families to:
• Meet providers • Learn about services
• Tour offices/therapy centers New videos will be released regularly.
To see the latest or learn more, visit:
FREE
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Crisis Text Line
Throughout Ohio, individuals can text the keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741 to be connected to a Crisis Counselor. Any person may need help in coping with a stressful situation. Reach out by text to communicate with someone trained to listen and respond in a method that is private, secure and confidential.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has entered in to a contract with the national Crisis Text Line to provide Ohioans with a state-specific keyword to access its free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices. This resource is intended to broaden the options available through current community crisis hotlines.
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Autism Society of Greater Cleveland's Transition Bootcamp: Social Media & Safety
Join Jessica Goetz Ambrose as she provides information on the transition from high school to adult life for youth with disabilities.
When:
Thursday, March 5th, 2020
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131
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Call
216-524-0424
for more information or
eileen.hawkins@escneo.org
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