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I was proud to be a part of the 2014 Inclusive Schools Week Planning Committee for SFUSD. I worked closely with wonderful parents from the Community Advisory Committee, other educators, and administrators from SFUSD to develop a kit to share with teachers and families to help them celebrate inclusive schools week in December. Check out the handprint project below!
We did this amazing Winter Camp here at my office. The kids had a great time! Where: 2340 Irving St STE 108 When: Dec 22, 23, 29, 30 and Jan 2 (join us for any number of sessions) 9-10, 10:15-11:15, or 12-1 What: Social Group How much: $40 per session Who: children ages 2-5 or 5-9 (any ability levels) Join us for this exciting "winter camp". Children will work on social awareness, collaborative play, and maintain some of their behavioral and academic skills during the break from school. We will do arts and crafts and find creative ways to celebrate the winter holiday season. Contact me for more details or to sign up! |
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I was lucky enough to collaborate with Dr. Wendy Ross and Autism Inclusion Resources to facilitate the two day Autism Airport Project with United Airlines at SFO in September. On day 1, I presented information about Autism and what it is like for people with Autism to visit the airport, go through security, and board a plane. We discussed sensory processing challenges (some very unique experiences at the airport) and many of the struggles that arise with social behavior in airports and on planes. We discussed tips for ways the TSA and airline employees can support people with Autism and their families both before and during their travel experiences and answered many of their questions. The presentations were attended by about 150 airport and airline workers, including people from all over the airport and the in flight crews. We had an overwhelmingly positive response from the presentations and it was wonderful to know we were making such a difference in this community.
On day 2, 15 families (65 people altogether) arrived at SFO with their bags packed or the "pretend trip in San Francisco". Everyone gathered in the check-in area, got their boarding passes, passed through security (only a few minor hiccups and anxieties through security and while waiting). Then, we went on to the boarding gate, waited a few minutes for our groups to be called, and we boarded our place for the "pretend flight". Everyone boarded, found their seats, and stowed their luggage without even a blip. We listened to the security instructions, buckled our seat belts and pretended to take off. While "in flight", we all had a chance to order a drink, eat a snack, and attempt the scary bathrooms. Everyone was content with their ipads, tablets, books, toys, snacks, headphones, and fidgets. It was a glorious kind of calm. After about 40 minutes, our pilot told us we needed to prepare for landing, which we did. Then, we all got off the place and headed down to baggage claim, where our luggage was going round the carousel, ready to be picked up. Some families had attempted the airport before and not made it through security. Others had been on a flight and their child had cried the whole time. Still others had made it to the gate, but had been asked not to board because their child could not calm down. Many pf the families in attendance had not even tried to fly, for fear of what might happen. Instead, they endured 10 or 15 hour drives to see family or stayed home and became more isolated every day. Every family I talked to said they were so very proud of their children and felt like they really could be successful on a flight. One family had a flight to Disneyland scheduled just two weeks later! What an amazing opportunity. Thanks to Autism Inclusion Resources and United Airlines for all that they did to make this happen in San Francisco.
Check out TSA CARES online to find ways they can accommodate you and your family at the airport. Every airlines also has an "accessibility" department. If you tell them when you make your reservation, they can help by providing some accommodations during your travel experience as well.
On day 2, 15 families (65 people altogether) arrived at SFO with their bags packed or the "pretend trip in San Francisco". Everyone gathered in the check-in area, got their boarding passes, passed through security (only a few minor hiccups and anxieties through security and while waiting). Then, we went on to the boarding gate, waited a few minutes for our groups to be called, and we boarded our place for the "pretend flight". Everyone boarded, found their seats, and stowed their luggage without even a blip. We listened to the security instructions, buckled our seat belts and pretended to take off. While "in flight", we all had a chance to order a drink, eat a snack, and attempt the scary bathrooms. Everyone was content with their ipads, tablets, books, toys, snacks, headphones, and fidgets. It was a glorious kind of calm. After about 40 minutes, our pilot told us we needed to prepare for landing, which we did. Then, we all got off the place and headed down to baggage claim, where our luggage was going round the carousel, ready to be picked up. Some families had attempted the airport before and not made it through security. Others had been on a flight and their child had cried the whole time. Still others had made it to the gate, but had been asked not to board because their child could not calm down. Many pf the families in attendance had not even tried to fly, for fear of what might happen. Instead, they endured 10 or 15 hour drives to see family or stayed home and became more isolated every day. Every family I talked to said they were so very proud of their children and felt like they really could be successful on a flight. One family had a flight to Disneyland scheduled just two weeks later! What an amazing opportunity. Thanks to Autism Inclusion Resources and United Airlines for all that they did to make this happen in San Francisco.
Check out TSA CARES online to find ways they can accommodate you and your family at the airport. Every airlines also has an "accessibility" department. If you tell them when you make your reservation, they can help by providing some accommodations during your travel experience as well.
