Who said technology is easy?

ImageI struggled this weekend attempting to help Ryan access his iTunes account. Two hours later, I was still unsuccessful and I gave up. Fortunately, we have an iOS “expert” with whom I discussed my problems this morning.  Sixty minutes, three email accounts and two passwords later, we still haven’t solved the puzzle. As Zak, our hardware specialist,  said “Today, technology is not my friend,” and I couldn’t agree more!

We have come so far. I mentioned in an earlier blog about the purchasing of our first Apple iiE desktop computer and pouring over the instructional manual for weeks trying to figure it out. I thought those days were over. Yet, here I am trying to reset passwords for an email account to access iTunes movies.

Despite my troubles, I am so passionate about technology! It allows children who are nonverbal to communicate, other students to create art and allows everyone to enjoy media.  Technology is synonymous with access. However, today is one of those days where my access is limited. I yearn for the good ‘ole days when I could pop a tape into the VCR, press play and the show began. No passwords, no account names — just movies. I’m hoping for better luck in the future!

 

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eBooks and iPads and Apps oh my!

yogaYesterday, our students, teachers and staff celebrated the 2nd annual Digital Learning Day!

Students from our Happy Hearts preschool program used the My First Yoga iPad app to strengthen their coordination. In addition, many of our students used the iPad to communicate to their teachers, therapists and peers. Continue reading

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Digital Learning Day

technology at school

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 6, is the second annual Digital Learning Day. It’s a national campaign that celebrates teachers and shines a spotlight on successful instructional practices and effective use of technology in classrooms across the country.

You’re probably asking yourself, “Why is this so important in a school working with children with special needs?” Continue reading

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Autism-Friendly Winter Activities

ImageThis morning, looking out my office window, I’m amazed at the beauty and power of the weather.  It’s blustery, cold and snowy – a typical Erie winter day. Yet, just yesterday I sat here, looking out the same window watching the rain soak the grass knowing it was 60 degrees outside. Yesterday I thought of spring, today I’m reminded that winter is still with us. Continue reading

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Wellsville TV: Inspiring Health and Fun!

ImageSaturday was a fabulous day!  Dr. Tony Snow, Kathy Iorio and the Wellsville TV crew arrived at the Barber National Institute ready to film a segment on children with special needs.  What is Wellsville? It is a multifaceted program created by a team of professionals to combat obesity and empower kids and families to eat healthy, be physically active and make positive healthy lifestyle choices.  Continue reading

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DSM-IV Changes

ImageThe American Psychiatric Association recently announced some changes in the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), to be published in May 2013.  The authors originally planned to change the diagnosis of “mental retardation” to “intellectual developmental disorder.”   Continue reading

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Children with Autism and Optimal Outcomes

ryan then and now

Ryan then and now – as a young boy in his school picture and in his ID badge for work

The Wall Street Journal yesterday carried an article, “Who can outgrow or recover from autism?” The Journal was reporting on a study conducted by Deborah Fein, Ph. D., of the University of Connecticut, Storrs. I’m sure that every parent of a child with autism quickly read the article in hopes of learning what treatment is the key to solving this puzzle. Continue reading

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75 Days – but who’s counting?

light it blue erie bicentennial tower

The Bicentennial Tower at Dobbin’s Landing in Erie, PA participated in Light it Up Blue in 2012 and will again this year.

One Tuesday, two months and 16 days from today, what color will you be wearing? Odd question, I know. Today is January 17th, so who’s thinking about what to wear 75 days from today? I am! The sixth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2013, and we will Light It Up Blue! The Bicentennial Tower at Dobbin’s Landing in Erie, PA will shine with sapphire streams of light, and brilliant blue shades will color the sky around the world. Continue reading

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Therapy on Four Paws

ImageWalking through the halls of the school this morning, I saw Bradley and Don greeting Laure Seiber and her therapy dog Charlie (a Newfiedoodle).  Laure and Charlie, members of Therapy Dogs United (TDU), were making their weekly visit to the school. I followed Laure and Charlie to the classroom and caught a glimpse of TDU in action. Continue reading

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The Importance of Friendship

flower quoteIn A. A. Milne’s classic creation, “Winnie the Pooh,” where the ‘silly old bear’ says, “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like ‘What about lunch?“‘ This sums up my feelings about friends. Friendship provides you the comfort zone when things go uphill, downhill, or nowhere. Continue reading

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