The Brent Woodall Foundation is extremely excited to introduce our new blog that follows the topics discussed at our weekly Coffee Chat meetings! Our first Coffee Chat was a blast. We discussed some very interesting topics over delicious snacks and warm coffee!
Proactive Parents and the Reason for Coffee Chat:
At the BWF, we understand there are two parts to our mission. One is to empower YOU, our parents, and the other is to encourage your involvement in your child’s therapy. We understand how the roles of various family members can affect your child’s development, and our programs are designed to show you how to connect with your child. A part of your involvement in your child’s treatment and development is the attending of events and meetings provided by your therapeutic center. The BWF provides free parent trainings, parent support groups and workshops, and various special events so that families can connect with their children while also supporting the organization that is assisting their family. Bringing your child to the Walkabout for Autism or the BWF Carnival not only supports the foundation, but it also teaches your child how to be a part of a social event. All of our events offer a safe, accepting environment for our families to get involved with and be proud of their children’s therapy. Coffee Chat is one of these events. Tracy started Coffee Chat to give you another option to get involved. It is a weekly open forum where you can feel safe to discuss topics relevant to the development of your child. Sick of sending emails to an @woodalllkids.org address? Well then come to Coffee Chat!
BWF Parents Facebook Group:
The BWF Parents Facebook group is a wonderful way to get involved and connect with other parents. Why not have some fun while supporting your child? To join this group, log on to your Facebook account, search for “BWF Parents”, and click “Join Group.” Email erin@woodallkids.org for questions.
Speech Tools:
There was a unanimous agreement around the Coffee Chat table this morning that DynaVox provides many great communication devices for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, who are also non-verbal. “DynaVox is incredible,” said one parent. And with communication device vocalizations not sounding so creepy these days J, DynaVox tools also offer great audio imitation devices. “Some of our kids are doing really well with their devices, and they are even beginning to imitate the voices generated by them,” mentioned Tracy.
Another parent asked, “When would I implement a communication device into my child’s program?” It is completely on an individual basis. Tracy would first analyze how the child is developing his or her vocal language before deciding to implement a device.
The role of the public school in implementing these devices came up in our discussion about speech tools. Schools can be very helpful in obtaining a device for one’s child, however, Tracy discussed the importance of the parents educating themselves about the programs and devices being considered for their children. “Let them know ahead of time that you are familiar with the devices and tools being considered for you child,” stated Tracy. This will help your child receive what will be most effective.
THE BIG EXCITING NEWS:
The BWF will hit its 10-year mark in 2013, labeling it a sustainable organization, which will help us receive more grants! We plan to take full advantage of this.
If you do not know already, the BWF will kick-off its anniversary year with a concert, Notes for Autism: A 10th Anniversary Musical Celebration, to honor the BWF, our staff, and our families, on December 1, 2012 at the Van Cliburn Recital Hall of the Bass Performance Center in Fort Worth. Parents at Coffee Chat were concerned they could not bring their children, however, Tracy assured them they could. The hall will be set up so that parents have flexibility to bring their children with out the fear of disturbing other guests. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit www.woodallkids.org.
Stay tuned for special anniversary events in 2013! We have a lot of ideas brewing! ; )
THE EVEN BIGGER EXCITING NEWS!
We won’t tell you until you come to the next Coffee Chat. ; )
PALS stands for Practicing Advanced Language Skills and is designed for children ages 4-7. This is a great program for kids who need a little bit more practice on the social aspect of language and communication. PALS students work on reading, understanding body language, idioms, and inferences, and joining in on conversations, etc. It is one thing to be able to use language and communication and another thing to understand the function (the why and when) of these skills.
TIES stands for Targeted Intervention for Elementary Students and is for kids ages 7-10. It is set up like a normal classroom setting and teaches elementary-aged children the behavioral skills needed to move into a less restrictive educational setting. Kids work on Reading, Writing, Math, Language, and group skills, etc.
CALS stands for Communication and Life Skills and is great for kiddos who need a lot more support. It uses ABA methods to teach children with communication and learning challenges who have not made much progress within tradition special educational environments and who require customizable, intensive teaching. CALS focuses on teaching your child the function of communication skills and encouraging your child’s cognitive skills needed to function in an everyday environment. CALS constantly seeks to help your child reach his or her fullest potential!
