The Lion King Autism-Friendly Performance June 2014

The autism friendly theatre production of The Lion King is set to hit the stage next June in Sydney.  It’s a long way off, but we all know about starting the budget now, preparing for the trip through the eyes of a child with autism, and general calendar planning.  Watch a Video of the Lion King performance to help with the anticipation! See more details below

Using Marte Meo and Circle of Security in everyday practice

KU Kangaroo Preschool have detailed ways in which they implement both Marte Meo principals and Circle of Security within their everyday practice.
Playspaces – as identified by the originators of Circle of Security, *Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell - are an important part of our preschool curriculum. Playspaces allow educators the  ability to be available to provide the “secure base/safe haven” (detailed in the link below) for children and also for educators to observe children’s connections/attachment needs.  We implement playspaces on arrival.  It gives educators the opportunity to be available for children when they walk through the door, and this enables educators to support the varying separate needs.

Traffic Jam in My Brain online training EXTENDED

Online Training Extended to 14th November 2013 - please see details from Sensory Tools and Net Acceleration below:

Due to the devastating bush fires in Australia, Sensory Tools and Net Acceleration, recognises access to learning may have been interrupted or limited for some of our customers.  Please accept our offer for all of our customers to continue learning until 14 November 2013 (NEW Registrations also available until then).

Learn more and register online at:  TheTrafficJamInMyBrain.com
Download a brochure here:  Download Brochure

Type 1 Diabetes - Funding available for Insulin Pumps for Children

Thanks largely to the fundraising event Walk to Cure Diabetes, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the Government have agreed to honour and make good a promise to fund up to 80% of the cost families have had to find for Insulin Pumps for children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).  The pumps reportedly cost between $4500 and $9500 which is debilitating in itself.  They can, however, be required for survival.
If you have anyone in your service that may be eligible to benefit from this recently 'reallocated' funding, please urge them to contact their local support program or JDRF for more information.  Let us know how you get on! 
About JDRF.
PDF - Minister's statement regarding funding for Diabetes Type 1 Insulin Pumps 20.10.13

Orange PND event - Motherhood and Your Emotional Wellbeing

During Postnatal Depression Week, Catherine Knox of Gidget Foundation www.gidgetfoundation.com.au will present a workshop at the 'Botanic' in Orange raising awareness regarding perinatal anxiety and depression.  The term perinatal depression encompasses a wide range of mood disorders that can affect a woman during pregnancy and after the birth of her child. It includes prenatal depression, the "baby blues," postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. 

Motherhood and Your Emotional Wellbeing is to be held on Monday 18th November in the Botanic Gardens, 'Botanic', 7pm - 10pm.  Tickets are $25 and include light refreshment / canapés.  Drinks are available to purchase.
If you are interested in finding out more about this event, please contact (02) 63 698082.  To book online: http://www.trybooking.com/DPES
NB:  There will be no tickets sold at the door.
Information & Resources from Gidget Foundation
Find Gidget Foundation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GidgetFoundation

 

 
   

Postnatal Depression awareness Week (17 - 23 November)

I have taken this directly from the website www.mentalhealth.asn.au.  If you were wondering how to be involved as a community throughout the PDN Awareness Week, please see below.   Remember, Postnatal Depression is not just for one week.

Mental Health Month - Anxiety Disorders

In this month of Mental Health Awareness, a number of workshops and general information sessions have been made available by the Mental Health Association NSW.  

 

Learn about Anxiety Disorders in Bathurst Monday 28th October 7pm.  For details, please Download the flyer RSVP 02 9339 6000 or email mha@mentalhealth.asn.au          

   

In addition, the Mental Health Association NSW offers free programs for all people in NSW who experience anxiety disorders.
 

iTUNES VOUCHER WINNER!

Congratulations to Howlong Preschool who successfully logged onto this blogsite and made a very helpful comment regarding the Toileting App.  An iTunes Voucher is winging it's way to them right now!

If you would like to be in the running for an iTunes voucher of your own, be one of the next five CareWest SCAN supported services to provide a review, comment, question (anonymously or identified). Start a conversation, identify an area of required supports, review a training event or resource. 
Good luck!

Saver Plus - Match your savings for school costs, $ for $. Read How!

This is a wonderful initiative that may be of interest and assistance to a number of your families.  Urge anyone you can think of to make contact.  Support is not only in money but also in finance  know how.  Fiona Carroll, The Smith Family, Saver Plus, is only too happy to take calls and have a chat regarding this helpful scheme: 0269316046 / 0437375832

 

 

The Traffic Jam in My Brain - Online training

Gen Jereb has international standing in her experience and success with inclusive programs for preschools and primary schools. She has collated music, actions and her wealth of professional expertise to come up with a popular training called "The Traffic Jam in My Brain".  Now available as an online training, you can participate throughout the month of October for the equivalent of 7 contact hours.  Click on the link below to find out how to join in - there are 20 days left in October! http://sensorytools.net/PDF/TrafficJam-Online-2013.pdf

Technology Tuesday at the Library

I've said it before and I'll say it again - our libraries are full of amazing supports, resources, and opportunities!  In the latest Wagga City Library eNewsletter, I noted that for their Technology Tuesday, they are hosting an Introduction to iPads workshop which may interest some of you.  It is for anyone who has just purchased an iPad or considering doing so.  Covered will be:- How to use apps, WiFi, email, Safari and other basic tasks relevant to the group. 
Where: Wagga City Library
Date:  Tuesday 29th October 10.30am or 4pm and Tuesday 5th November 10.30am only.
Entry:  Free
Bookings:  02 6926 9700 wcl@wagga.nsw.gov.au

What's on in YOUR library??

NEW App - Toilet training for children with special needs

Many of the preschools supported by CareWest SCAN will have received a copy of Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or other Developmental Issues by Maria Wheeler, M.ED.  Throughout the book, reference is made to picture cues and how important accuracy is due to the often literal take on visuals.  

A new app, created by Victoria Continence Resource Centre and detailed below, is very well though-out.  It covers the differences between girls and boys, and short sequences regarding 5 key aspects of toileting.  The app supports their own handbook One Step at a Time, available to download, along with a host of other resources to support toilet training.  Please read on below.  Your comments will be most appreciated should you use the app or review any of the books. 
iTunes: Toilet Training for children with special needs _ https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/toilet-training-for-children/id694524907?mt=8

Google Play: One Step at a time Toilet Tips _ https://play.google.com/store/search?q=One%20Step%20at%20a%20Time%20Toilet%20Tips&hl=en

Children's Week NSW 19th - 27th October 2013

The right for children to enjoy childhood is celebrated Saturday 19th October to Sunday 27th October 2013. http://nswchildrensweek.org.au/

Each year one Article from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child will be highlighted. In 2013 this is Article 31, `The child’s right to play’. The general theme “A Caring World Shares’ and the International Year themes may also be incorporated by schools and communities.