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
This 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
Saturday 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
The 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
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
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
Walking 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
In 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
Notre Dame suffered a defeat to Alabama last night in the Bowl Championship Series. As a fan, I was disappointed, but the players, coaches and student body should be proud of their fabulous season.
Although the media is focused on this loss, I prefer to dwell on the spirit of this team. That spirit was displayed in an ESPN story about Sam Grewe. Sam is a seventh grade football player with bone cancer who lost part of his leg this year. The Fighting Irish adopted Sam, and the Fighting Irish Brotherhood grew by one amazing member. Continue reading
Laurie and Luke Cameron. Photo courtesy: http://www.wecschool.org
The Power of a Mom’s Love, recently published by the New York Times, moved and inspired me. It’s the story of one mother’s vision to create a better world for her son and without knowing it; she parallels the dream of another woman: Dr. Gertrude A. Barber. Laurie Cameron is the mother of Luke, a 21 year old with developmental delays.
When Luke was a young student, Laurie searched for schools that would treat him with dignity and respect. She often was called to school when Luke was struggling and the teachers didn’t know what to do to help him. After years of searching, she finally found the Westchester Exceptional Children’s School where Luke found friends and support. Continue reading
All About Autism 