Monthly Archives: October 2012

Emergency Preparation: Are We Ready?

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

The wind whipped through the trees, rain pelted the windows and I wondered how prepared our families are for an unusual weather occurrence. Living in Erie, PA, we seldom consider disaster preparedness. Snow storms dumping two feet of snow are … Continue reading →

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7 Tips for Successful Trick-or-Treating

Posted on October 25, 2012 by

It’s a sunny, warm Thursday in Erie today. Looking out the window, one would guess that the Fourth of July, not Halloween, is approaching.  However, as I walk though the school I’m reminded that this is October. Our school is … Continue reading →

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The Power of a Word

Posted on October 23, 2012 by

Have you ever used the word “retarded” to describe a child or an adult that you know? Have you ever heard someone else use it as slang in conversation? When I was teaching in the 80s, special education was thought … Continue reading →

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Planning & Prevention Tips for Children with ASD

Posted on October 18, 2012 by

As discussed in Tuesday’s blog, 50% of children with autism spectrum disorder wander. Today, I encourage you as parents and caregivers to be prepared and establish a plan should this occur with your child. As a parent, you can never … Continue reading →

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Children with ASD & Wandering: A Compelling Research Study

Posted on October 16, 2012 by

Did you know that 50% of children with ASD have attempted to wander or run off at least once after the age of four? This statistic is shocking but very real. Truth be told, Ryan and I are a part … Continue reading →

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“I see you, as a classmate, as an equal, as a friend. Do you see me?”

Posted on October 11, 2012 by

Best Buddies International came to Erie last night. Dorian Smith, director of Best Buddies PA, and Ryan Christy, chair of the Pittsburgh Best Buddies Advisory Board, discussed with us how we as a community could become a Best Buddies chapter. 

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e-Buddies Creates Lasting Friendships

Posted on October 8, 2012 by

Happy Anniversary to Ryan and his e-Buddy Victoria!  Ryan became involved with the e-Buddies program, sponsored by Best Buddies, just over a year ago.  At the time, I was investigating the Best Buddies program and learned that there wasn’t a … Continue reading →

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on October 4, 2012 by

In Tuesday’s blog I wrote about my son Ryan’s Workforce Training Program at the Barber National Institute as the first step on his journey to employment.  For persons with disabilities, this journey is challenging.  We have included persons with disabilities … Continue reading →

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New Dreams for My Son

Posted on October 2, 2012 by

When I learned that my son Ryan was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, many things changed. I now had a better understanding of some of the behaviors that he had exhibited prior to the diagnosis. He enjoyed … Continue reading →

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