Welcome to “On the Horizon”

On the Horizon is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.

We have some great information this issue!

– A Note from Nicole: Introducing Courtney Wiersum!

– Idea of the Week: Family Game Night!

– Feature Article: Springtime in Schools!

– Featured Resource: Horizons Gift Cards

– Featured Program: Summer Camps 2008!

– Upcoming Events: New – HANDLE® Conference!

To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.

Hi Everyone!

I hope you’re having a great start to your week! This past weekend the weather here was in the 40’s, so we got the kids outside riding bikes and playing in the yard (even though it was a little mushy). It was great to get some fresh air, and with all the exercise my kids slept better than they have in a couple of months! Spring is coming – at least that’s what the calendar says…

This week it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the final member of our Horizons writing-team, Courtney Wiersum. Courtney is a teacher with a master’s degree in special education, and endorsements in cognitive impairments, early childhood developmental disabilities, and early childhood education. She is also an CORE Approach Program Certified Consultant-in-Training (soon to be fully certified!). Courtney has extensive experience with children affected by significant sensory, physical, and medical impairments, along with autism spectrum disorders. You’ll love her articles about incorporating remediation into education!

And for all of you who are chocolate lovers, I must share a new discovery I made last week – “Hershey’s Kisses Trio!” Have you tried these yet? My husband picked them up for me at the store a couple of weeks ago (he knows me well) and I just got around to trying them last week. They are kisses with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate all swirled together. YUM! I am loving them, and have even been kind enough to share a few with my friends here at the office. If you love chocolate – go grab some while they’re still available!

Looking to the horizon,

Family Game Night

Have a “no television” night with the family! Pull out those old games that have not been played in a long time. Enjoy a fun night with great family interactions. To add variation to the games, try making up your own rules or varying the rules to keep the games fresh and entertaining.

Springtime in Schools: Preparing for Individualized Education Plans

By: Courtney Wiersum

The ice is beginning to melt, and springtime is just around the corner. For those of us who either work in schools or have a child in school, this usually means the beginning of the busy season we know as spring IEP time. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this process, annual Individualized Education Plans (or IEPs) are usually completed in the spring for students receiving special education services. As we begin to embark on this busy time of year, it is important for parents and educators alike to reflect on the past year and the progress that the child/student has made, and look toward the future.

Parents of children with special needs sometimes feel that they are not an integral part of the IEP process. As you prepare for your child’s IEP, I would encourage you to do the following:

Continued…

Horizons Gift Cards

$25 and up! Now you can help a friend or family member reduce the out-of-pocket costs involved in treating developmental issues. Gift Cards are available in denomination of $25 or more AND they never expire.

Click on the image below to visit our store!

Summer Programs 2008!

Your child is going to LOVE the exciting adventures we have planned for this summer! Each week we will explore a different theme together, complete with lots of opportunities for movement, music, problem solving, working together, and indoor and outdoor fun. Our camps are design to offer a fun, safe, and therapeutic environment for children with developmental disabilities to engage with peers, try new things, and retain skills over the summer months. A low staff to child ratio ensures that everyone is supported. Principles of the Relationship Development Intervention (CORE Approach) Program are integrated throughout all activities, which provides oportunities for campers to improve communication, increase competence, enhance regulation, and build relationships.

For a brochure, click here

For a registration form, click here

To sign up online, click here

Please join us!

• Supporting Social Communication Development in Students with Autism – A Workshop for Speech Pathologists and Social Workers
  March 13 from 9AM – 4PM
  Click here to download a registration form
• Horizons Sibling Network (Sibshop)
  April 26 from 10AM-2PM
• Teleseminar (for current clients only)
  March 18, 8:30 PM EST
• Get a HANDLE on Neurodevelopmental Differences
  May 17 and 18, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST
  Click here to download a brochure
  Click here to download a registration form
  The HANDLE® Institute Website
• Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) ® Program 2-Day Workshop
  June 13 and 14 in Lansing
  Click here for more information or to register.

See our Event Calendar for more details…