A sad story about autism

I am not sure why anyone would event think about sending a letter such as this on without maybe doing some research. I know for sure that most places try to make their environment an inclusive one. Schools and other programs want children with special needs to feel like they belong. So after reading this article I wanted to provide an article for people to be able to read and hopefully understand autistic children.

Here is the article with the letter to the parent of the autistic child
http://now.msn.com/letter-targeting-autistic-boy-causes-outrage#scpshrjwfbs

Here is some information on autism
http://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-is-autism

A teacher worth sharing!

What a great way to capture your students attention. These kids look forward to class everyday!!!!!

Almost done with the Internship...

As the last few days of my ASPIRE internship come to an end I find myself remembering all of the things I have gathered from being here. This was my first time trying an internship. It was quite the challenge. When you take an internship you can not expect it to be perfect all the time. I have gained many useful tips that I plan to take with me. In my time here I have also gained some valuable friends.

Last week was Camp Hope the largest project that I had been assigned. It was so fun to see all of the campers in action. While observing and also being a group leader there are some things I realized. My partner and I both had planned accordingly or so we thought. Just like any camp there were some mishaps along the way. Sometimes you can double and triple check your to-do list and still miss something. In this instance it was speakers for the laptop.

We both planned this project with the campers in mind. Since it is an all inclusive camp you have to be sure that the activities are available to everyone, not just the campers who do not have a disability. While thinking of these activities we decided to try a Disney theme. At the time this seemed like a good plan. However we had some participants who were older and uninterested in some of the activities.

Group activities seemed to go well. So did the ones that involved food, but who doesn't like food! Another problem that arose was not knowing the campers and the leaders very well. It was suggested that next year they hold a meet and greet before the camp starts. I think that is a wonderful idea. Some campers also said they would like to have a talent show. This is a great way to find common interests. It would also encourage them to work together.

When at the water park it seemed as if some of the volunteers did not want to be there. Sadly this will happen no matter where you go. Some people do not want to go they just do because someone else is making them. My worry was that the campers would go up into the kiddie section without a leader and then we could not see them. Next year if at all possible I would place more of the older adults with the young children to avoid running away and accidents.

There were also many POSITIVE results I felt. One activity was making newspaper cowboy hats. All of the campers seemed to love making their own and having it to take home. We also got lucky and the Sunrise Zoo let us take the campers there to see the animals. There are so many nice companies that donate their time to be sure that Camp Hope happens.

This year we were also able to have a koala come from hospice. This was a nice way to let the kids take pictures and just loosen up on the first day of camp. The only thing is if you plan to do something like this be sure to include a photography waiver.This way the parents will not be upset if a picture is taken of their child and or adult.

Campers were also asked to bring their own bagged lunch. When at the Cattle Congress during the week we did provide snacks and drinks when needed. McDonald's donated the orange soda and we had another thermos filled with cold water for the hot days. Another activity that seemed to go over well is the experiment with vinegar and baking soda. Campers mixed the two and then added food coloring to watch a volcano like bubbling start to happen.

I have walked away with many helpful tips and experience with children with and without disabilities and look forward to applying these skills in the future.

Aspire- Life of an intern

Well it is week six of being an intern. There are so many things I have learned. Being organized is one of them. Also being able to always take input when it is being given. When assigned a project there may be a certain way things are handled. I have had the privilege of working with children that have disabilities not only in classes, but on a one on one basis.

In the past two weeks we have also had some troubled youth come to the ranch. It was so nice to see them making connections with not only the horses, but the staff as well. A young man moved me with his story on Thursday. Last week the kids were able to paint a story on the horses. They were allowed to paint whatever they wished.

 He painted the horse two colors yellow and blue. There were two stick figures. One was all yellow and the other was half yellow half blue. He proceeded to explain to us that the blue meant sadness and the yellow meant happy. Apparently there was a person in his life who made him feel like he  could be happy again. So he painted himself at the very end with another yellow person. In the end they were both happy. It was so moving to hear his story and others as we continued our day.

On Friday we were able to take them riding. They were on a rotation. The first group would ride and the second would sit with myself and a few other volunteers and interns. We played horse bingo and also threw a ball that had random questions on it. It was meant to help them open up. I enjoyed this portion of classes as well because it gave them a chance to open up about things that may be bothering them.

Overall I have taken in a lot and hope to continue to do so. Classes will also be held this morning, but not with troubled youth. These classes are held for the children with disabilities in hopes that their joints may grow stronger and their fine motor skills.

Adventures in the Consignment Store!

Well I was at work yesterday and when we were about to close there were these twin brothers. I really enjoyed talking to them. It started with them asking me if  I knew what they were into. As I rang up the books with a theme that seemed to be jokes I said "yes." One of the brothers then proceeded to tell me a few jokes while I rang up the other brother. It was quite amusing. In fact as I rang them up I pictured Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. They just had some of the expressions and loved to joke as did the cartoon characters.



Another fun thing was discussing eighties video games. The brothers continued to tell me about how the first ever video game high score was in Ottumwa, Iowa only thirty minutes from my hometown. They even had an old Donkey Kong ringtone. It was the highlight of my night to say the least. They were also excited about going to get Popeye's chicken. I would have to agree. It is quite delish. I hope to see them again. :P

Second Week at ASPIRE!

Well Monday was a fun day. I was able to take the mini horses to a church. There were about seven children all waiting to pet the horse. We took Cody with us and most of the time he just stood there. This was a smaller group so we were able to talk them about the horse. They asked questions about the mane and tail and his hooves. Each child got to use three different brushes and Cindy and I showed them the proper way to brush them. I also lead the child and Cody in a circle while they held the lead. I learned something new. Apparently when walking a pony or a horse you should not wrap the lead in circles. They prefer you to wrap them in a eight shaped pattern. This way if the horse decides to take off the lead will be easily let go and you will not get caught up and dragged by the horse. Tuesday I worked on the below poster board and put together the Horsemanship 101 binder with tabs.

Today, (Wednesday) has been a busy day as well. I started off finishing the Waterloo Days poster board for the parade. Also a few things for Camp Hope. We still need a d.j. I called today and left a message. I am also hoping to hear from the Northeast Iowa Saddle Club Association. I am hoping they could come speak for our Showing horses lesson during Horsemanship 101. The weather has also been affecting our lessons. Riding days have been cancelled constantly it seems thanks to rain. I will be helping with lessons on Thursday. Let's hope for no rain!

Here is a picture of the poster I did and a flyer for the upcoming Cowboy Breakfast!

Mini Angels Program

Today has been a wonderful one at ASPIRE. This morning myself and two other people took the miniature horses Pixie, and Cody to the Grundy Care Center. When we got there the elderly were waiting to pet and enjoy the horses. Who knew little ponies could bring so much joy? I was able to lead Pixie. She loved rubbing her head on my pants. The people reacted really well to the two "mini angels" as ASPIRE calls them. I hope to get to do this again. Maybe I will bring my mini horses from home to the care centers in Fairfield. Here are some pictures of the horses that went with us today! The first one is Cody and the second is Pixie.

                           


I have also been working hard on the Horsemanship 101 classes. We now have a steady schedule and are typing up and adding events to the courses. Sadly showing videos to the children will not work seeing as the equipment they have needs to stay in the best of shape. Time has also been an issue when planning  the schedules. I will keep you posted as we work towards our goal.

Second Day at ASPIRE TRP!

Well let me tell you first about how my first day as an intern went with this non-profit agency. When I came in I immediately got to meet two other interns. The idea of this program is so excited. I have a love for horses and children. This is a great way to get me involved with both. Yesterday I was able to interact with the horses and get to know them on a more personal basis. (poop scooping) I didn't mind since part of owning a horse is taking care of it as well. It is like a giant litter box :) Anyways the two events will be filled with horse knowledge and also some sensory games. The ages will range from 6-12 years old.

Now let me tell you some things about ASPIRE. ASPIRE's Mission statement is this: ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program provides benefits to individuals with disabilities through animal-assisted activities and outreach programs. They are always looking for volunteers seeing as it is a non-profit administration. 

Marilyn is the executive director and graduated from UNI in 1991 with a BA in Social Work with an emphasis in Family Services and Criminology. She has always enjoyed working with children with special needs as well as horses, and it was her dream to start a program that involved them both. In 1998, she and her daughter started ASPIRE. "ASPIRE has been a blessing and inspiration in my life."   Facts posted on this blog are accredited to the website. You can look into this more by visiting http://www.aspiretrp.org/default.php

Tim's Place-Who wants a hug?

Here is another wonderful video about a young man who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but opened a restaurant in spite of his label. His parents could not be happier and hey who doesn't want a HUG?

NICK VUJICIC

This is an amazing video about a man who does not have arms and legs, but still stays smiling. He focuses on a young audience and is not afraid to be himself. His name is NICK VUJICIC and here is a video about what he does. Talk about inspiration!

Nicholas James Vujicic (born 4 December 1982) is an Australian preacher and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and, at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Vujicic presents motivational speeches worldwide, on life with a disability, hope, and finding meaning in life. He also speaks about his belief that God can use any willing heart to do His work and that God is big enough to overcome any and all disabilities. (referenced from you-tube video information)

Check it out! Justin Hines

Wow! This man does not let anything get him down. Watch this video and I bet you will be just as amazed as I was. He is going to be playing at  Gallagher Bluedorn performing center Friday March 8th at 7:30.

Hines has Larsen Syndrome, a joint dislocation condition that has him permanently using a wheelchair. "The reality is I don't really look at my situation as that big of a deal," he says. "We all have thigs that challenge us, just some people are a little more visible in the forefront. Mine is very apparent, whereas others wear it on the inside." (http://www.justinhines.com/bio/)

To read more on Justin click the following link.

http://www.justinhines.com/bio/

The Invisible War

I had the privilege of being invited to view this film with a friend of mine who is a female veteran. This film was played on campus by the University of Northern Iowa's Veteran's Association.  It is a must see. I was not sure what it was going into it, but by the end I was in tears. It is a documentary film about rape of soldiers in the military. This film was made to make things that normally would be hidden available for the world to hear.

• One out of every five female service members is sexually assaulted or raped during her honorable service
• It is estimated that more then half a million service men and women have been sexually assaulted since WWII
• Military sexual trauma is the leading cause of  PTSD among women veterans

Here is a video clip. If you have not seen it, I recommend it, but bring tissues.

High school drop outs increasing?

This is an interesting video on how dropouts are increasing in schools from 2010. It may be outdated, but it is very valuable information. Is it true that if the community works together as a whole most of the time it will result in positive results?

There are also some factors you can consider. When thinking about the community working as a whole to try and prevent drop outs is this a remedial approach, prosocial approach, or a integrative approach? A good example of a remedial approach would be placing students that need the extra help in a "blue room" as it is called in some locations. The youth is the problem as stated in a power point via professor Kowalski. "If you are not busy it only leads to trouble." This is where students that may need help understanding something can be aided. Prosocial the youth are naturally good. You only need to support the youth as they move towards their goal. Last but not least is integrative. This approach speaks about youth being a valuable member of the community. They are active and helpful contributors. It also involves using communication to help connect with the youth.

Here is a video that might help you to think about these three approaches to youth work.

UNI theater for children with autism

What is autism? a condition disturbing perceptions and relationships: a disturbance in psychological development in which use of language, reaction to stimuli, interpretation of the world, and the formation of relationships are not fully established and follow unusual patterns

Please take the time to watch this video...

http://www.kwwl.com/story/21228954/2013/02/17/unis-spectrum-theater-helps-kids-with-autism

How awesome that a UNI Instructor would devote her time to children with Autism.