Download the November/December Newsletter
Terrific opportunity!
Take advantage of the chance to listen to Temple Grandin, PhD and autism advocate, in Brandon on May 24! (see below)
Check out OARC's list of iPad/iPhone apps for individuals with special needs!
Calendar of Events
February 8 - ASM MB Telehealth session POSTPONED to March 13
February 8-9 - MATC school age autism seminars
March 2 - MATC Beyond the Basics workshop (Winnipeg)
March 16 - OARC spring conference
March 19 - Autism Portage meeting
March 24 - April 1 - OHEYS Green Circle Group Spring Break sessions
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, go to the Events page
Keep up with the news and events sponsored by Autism Society Manitoba! Download the Autism Society Manitoba September Newsletter by clicking here.
There are some great workshops listed in the Community Living Winnipeg newsletter! Download it here.
New on the website
Check out the updated list and featured books available from the Lending Library!
New article on the INFO page (finally!) and a list of some Facebook groups for those touched by autism in Manitoba
Autism Portage Support Meeting
HUGE THANK-YOU to Albert Krysnki, for his interesting and informative talk at the latest Autism Portage meeting! He showed us a wide variety of different iPad applications that he has found helpful with his students, as well as tricks and tips for using iPads and finding resources. If you have any questions about iPads and their use with special needs individuals, Albert welcomes emails.
There have been many stories in the media, singing the praises of iPads and related technology for individuals with autism. One of the latest stories was a segment on CBS's "60 Minutes", which not only featured the benefits of iPads but also explored why so many individuals with autism have difficulties producing speech. Click here to view the segment.
OHEYS Green Circle Group - Autism Activity Program
Spring Break Session, 2012
The Green Circle Group is a spring break program open exclusively to children at all levels of the Autism Spectrum to focus on play and social skills in a group activity setting.
Session-specific activities are based on the age/level of participants (6-10 per session) and include many activities offered at the OHEYS Summer Autism Camp and in "Teaching Free Play Skills". Sessions are divided by age (4-10 years, 8+ years, 10-14 years, and 12-19+ years), and by level of support needed (general support and intensive 1-1 support).
Sessions are 1-1/2 hours long, and run from 9:00-5:00 from Saturday March 24 through Sunday April 1. Cost is $20 per session, or $50 for three sessions during the week.
For more information, download the registration form.
Open Access Resource Centre Spring Conference
Helping Children with Aided Communication:
Tools for success in the classroom
Dr. Carol Goossens, Speech Language pathologist and special educators from New York City, is presenting this one-day workshop on ways to maximize the success of children who use AAC in the classroom.
Students with complex communication needs present interesting challenges within the classroom setting. In attempting to serve our students, we are often faced with the challenge of juggling the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum with the need to continue to establish and expand their language and AAC system use. This workshop focuses on classroom-tested materials and creative and fun strategies for conducting differentiated instruction using a Primary-Secondary Facilitator Model and an interdisciplinary approach. Emphasis will be placed on the seamless integration of technology and the telescoping of academic and therapeutic goals.
This workshop should be of interest to teachers, classroom assistants, SLP's, OT's and parents interested in promoting better academic outcomes for their students.
For more information, download the registration form.
Terrific Opportunity for Swimming!
Wonderful program running out of St. James Centennial Pool in Winnipeg, a mere 45-minute drive from Portage. One-on-one instruction for special needs kids, provided by volunteer university students. Current session runs Sept 10 to Nov 19, and another session starts in January. The cost for the 9-week program is an unbelievable $20!!!
Instruction is tailored for each child. Whether your child is terrified of water or half-dolphin, the instructors meet your child at his/her level and encourages growth and exploration. If you have wanted your child to learn to swim, but traditional lessons didn't work out, give this a chance!
For more information about the program (or to donate to this very worthy program!) check out the website or contact the coordinator.
Fact sheets for parents
The fact sheets, "Information for Manitobans with Disabilities", are now available online.
These brochures cover a wide range of topics, including initial diagnosis, dealing with schools, and the transition to adult services.
These brochures were created with consultation from real Manitoba parents and are sure to benefit a lot of families.
To access these brochures, visit the Information for Manitoba Parents website.
The Government of Manitoba recently announced a new program to expand services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Thrive! is a 5-year program that will provide additional funds for ABA services and other important supports.
To learn more about this program, check out the Government website.
(Note: the Children's Special Services program is now called Children's disABILITY Services program.)
Autism Portage merchandise is available year-round!
At $12 to $16, T-shirts and book bags make terrific end-of-year gifts for teachers, EA's, babysitters, respite workers etc.
New colours are available! T-shirts are now available in black, dark grey, chocolate, navy, royal blue, kelly green, kiwi green and red. Shirts are made-to-order, and require 3 weeks for completion. Download an order form here.
South Central ASD Support Group
South Central ASD is now entering its second year!
You can keep up-to-date on all of their activities by visiting their blog, or by going to their brand-new website:
Congratulations to all of the group organizers for the terrific work you have done!
This is a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers in the South Central region!
