The question of special needs students being corralled in just one of the education system's "four tiers" is examined in an article by Robert Green in the Montreal Gazette.
Those of us who have been intimately involved with special needs education in recent years are acutely aware of the iniquities created by a system that allows admissions to three of the four types of schools that exist, to be governed by entrance exams. Therefore, 99 percent of all the special needs kids end up in the open-to-all public schools, which are then forced to bear the entire burden, and classroom consequences, of educating these students.
The article states that as much as 30% of the secondary students on the island of Montreal attend private schools, which are able to avoid the entire issue, including the diversity benefits, of special needs.
Green compares this system to that of Finland, where arguably better overall results are obtained while welcoming special needs kids into all classrooms in the country.
It should be mentioned that, contrary to what the article seems to suggest, there are definitely students with extreme behaviour issues in private schools. That, however, is a relatively small element of the overall special needs education picture.
One reason for hope is that the new PQ government's platform promised to “modify the funding of private schools so
that they are required, like public schools, to integrate and support
students with learning difficulties.” according to the Gazette article.
This will be something to follow carefully. Now that the door may be opened, the envelope should be pushed further towards the Finnish example.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
South Shore Community Networking Benefits Families with Special Needs
Community networking is an important, and often overlooked, source of valuable information and support for special needs - this was certainly proven true at an event held Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Access in St. Lambert, where a wealth of information was exchanged among participants.
The networking evening was initiated by RAPID, and in fact was more a mutual coming together of various organizations, all working for the betterment of social and community life, with a focus on special needs, in the south shore area of Montreal.
Representatives of the following organizations were present: RAPID (Resources for the Anglophone Population with Intellectual Disabilities), "Step-Up", a program for adults with special needs at Access, the adult learning and continuing education centre of Riverside School Board, the South Shore Reading Council, the Centre de Soutien entr'Aidants (which is a support centre for persons caring for the elderly), the Canadian Celiac Association, POEMS (Parents Organizing Educational Missions Through Songs), S.Au.S (Soutien Autism(e) Support), ARC (the Assistance and Referral Centre of the Ministry of Health and Social Services), the CSSS Champlain - Health and Social Services Quebec (Champlain) and the South Shore Community Partners Network.
The representatives of each organization gave a brief description of the needs they address and some of the work they do. Some of these groups are entirely concerned with special needs, and for others, special needs are a component of their operations.
Many of the groups present acknowledge quite similar experiences, just as a simple result of the geography, demographics and history of the South Shore Montreal - Montérégie area. As the English-speaking population is scattered across a large area, there are often difficulties in getting a critical mass engaged for any one project or service. Another factor that comes into play is that many people choose to use services offered in Montreal or the West Island, perhaps just because of persisting family ties or habits that have been built up over the years. Also, in some cases, many English-speaking people end up using a service offered in French only, just because it is available close at hand, even though having something in one's own language would be far preferable (as in the case of a senior citizen or a child with special needs).
Another interesting aspect brought out by the different groups is the diverse means of communication used by both the organizations and their target communities. Even though communicating is probably easier today than ever before, it seems that the sheer number and variety of media and communication used make effective communications more complex.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the participants would keep in touch and consider possibilities of developing synergies that exist, partnering or other future cooperation.
The networking evening was initiated by RAPID, and in fact was more a mutual coming together of various organizations, all working for the betterment of social and community life, with a focus on special needs, in the south shore area of Montreal.
Representatives of the following organizations were present: RAPID (Resources for the Anglophone Population with Intellectual Disabilities), "Step-Up", a program for adults with special needs at Access, the adult learning and continuing education centre of Riverside School Board, the South Shore Reading Council, the Centre de Soutien entr'Aidants (which is a support centre for persons caring for the elderly), the Canadian Celiac Association, POEMS (Parents Organizing Educational Missions Through Songs), S.Au.S (Soutien Autism(e) Support), ARC (the Assistance and Referral Centre of the Ministry of Health and Social Services), the CSSS Champlain - Health and Social Services Quebec (Champlain) and the South Shore Community Partners Network.
The representatives of each organization gave a brief description of the needs they address and some of the work they do. Some of these groups are entirely concerned with special needs, and for others, special needs are a component of their operations.
Many of the groups present acknowledge quite similar experiences, just as a simple result of the geography, demographics and history of the South Shore Montreal - Montérégie area. As the English-speaking population is scattered across a large area, there are often difficulties in getting a critical mass engaged for any one project or service. Another factor that comes into play is that many people choose to use services offered in Montreal or the West Island, perhaps just because of persisting family ties or habits that have been built up over the years. Also, in some cases, many English-speaking people end up using a service offered in French only, just because it is available close at hand, even though having something in one's own language would be far preferable (as in the case of a senior citizen or a child with special needs).
Another interesting aspect brought out by the different groups is the diverse means of communication used by both the organizations and their target communities. Even though communicating is probably easier today than ever before, it seems that the sheer number and variety of media and communication used make effective communications more complex.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the participants would keep in touch and consider possibilities of developing synergies that exist, partnering or other future cooperation.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Picture Talking Workshop to be held June 10 in Montreal
The workshop teaches techniques of drawing pictures to support communication.
It is being put on by the people behind the Big Blue Hug.
The following is taken from their publicity (Please see their websites for more complete info):
Using case studies and hands-on drawing activities, participants will learn how to interpret the meanings of behaviours, get to their root cause, and address them through back and forth drawing conversations with children. It's easy to converse with pictures and we will show you how!
It is being put on by the people behind the Big Blue Hug.
The following is taken from their publicity (Please see their websites for more complete info):
Using case studies and hands-on drawing activities, participants will learn how to interpret the meanings of behaviours, get to their root cause, and address them through back and forth drawing conversations with children. It's easy to converse with pictures and we will show you how!
Integrating drawing into your home or classroom on a regular basis will
improve language acquisition, memory, thinking skills, fine motor
control, and literacy skills of your children.
Registration and further information: Drawing Out Communication
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Langmobile and RAPID team up to offer special needs summer day camp
Once again RAPID will be collaborating with Langmobile to offer a day camp for one week this summer for kids with special needs.
The camp will be held Aug 13-17 at the Alternate School in St. Lambert.
The registration form and contacts can be found at this link.
The special needs day camp for the south shore of Montreal area and Monteregie has been offered by RAPID now for a few years. Services are provided in English and French and include a specialized program. Staff is available to provide individualized social and recreational opportunities, according to the children's levels and abilities, in most cases.
"The most exciting element of the day will be our music program. Children will learn to play, listen and dance to music played on site live by one of our animators. We will also do arts, crafts, cooking, trips to the pool and as much as possible help with developing life skills of children and young adults."
Please feel free to browse the Langmobile website to familiarize yourself with the professionalism of RAPID's partner organization.
The camp will be held Aug 13-17 at the Alternate School in St. Lambert.
The registration form and contacts can be found at this link.
The special needs day camp for the south shore of Montreal area and Monteregie has been offered by RAPID now for a few years. Services are provided in English and French and include a specialized program. Staff is available to provide individualized social and recreational opportunities, according to the children's levels and abilities, in most cases.
"The most exciting element of the day will be our music program. Children will learn to play, listen and dance to music played on site live by one of our animators. We will also do arts, crafts, cooking, trips to the pool and as much as possible help with developing life skills of children and young adults."
Please feel free to browse the Langmobile website to familiarize yourself with the professionalism of RAPID's partner organization.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Passion for fashion inspires Florida down syndrome artist
Katie Henderson only developed an interest in drawing a few years ago, but has already seen this grow into her own business and a blossoming fine art career.
According to this article in the Palm Beach Post, Katie has already participated in gallery art shows and has her own clothing line. Her line can be seen at Miss Katie's Creations.
According to this article in the Palm Beach Post, Katie has already participated in gallery art shows and has her own clothing line. Her line can be seen at Miss Katie's Creations.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Riverside School Board presents upgrades and renovations planned for REACH School
Yesterday evening representatives from Riverside School Board came to REACH School in St. Lambert to present the plans for the upgrades to the school that are scheduled to be completed this summer. REACH is the English-language special needs school serving the south shore of Montreal. It is one of the few public English-language special needs schools in Quebec, and the only one in the Montreal area.
The plans include replacing all the windows in the school and substantial upgrades in a number of the classrooms and toilets. In many cases these upgrades are the minimum that would be required for the school to meet current standards for school construction. Improvements will include suspended ceilings in many of the rooms, painting throughout most of the school, new floors and new protected lights in the room used as a gym.
On the second floor, a "quiet room" that is no longer used will be converted into a bathroom, so that both upstairs classrooms will have their own bathroom, and a sink / washing area will be created that is separated from the toilets.
The OT room on the main floor will be enlarged by removal of unused closets and sensory lighting will be installed, in order to create the basis of a "sensory room". (the link gives a generic overview of a sensory room) This will be a room in which sensory stimuli can be controlled to establish an ideal environment for each student to feel secure, at ease and confident, as they learn to explore their feelings, their abilities and things being taught by teachers and other professionals. Further additions to the sensory room at REACH will be in terms of equipment that may be added either now or from time to time in the future.
The other major alteration on the main floor will be the enlargement of the kitchen area, where several students prepare lunch for the entire school one day a week, and the creation of a division between the kitchen and the large adjoining room. After the renovations, the larger classroom will be reduced in size and the enlarged kitchen area will also be able to potentially be used as a model "apartment" setting, where students could practice other independence and life skills, such as making a bed.
No doubt more detailed descriptions will be provided soon to all REACH parents. It was confirmed that these renovations have been approved by the school board and the contract for the work has been signed, although certain modifications to the plans could still be discussed during the next week or ten days.
The plans include replacing all the windows in the school and substantial upgrades in a number of the classrooms and toilets. In many cases these upgrades are the minimum that would be required for the school to meet current standards for school construction. Improvements will include suspended ceilings in many of the rooms, painting throughout most of the school, new floors and new protected lights in the room used as a gym.
On the second floor, a "quiet room" that is no longer used will be converted into a bathroom, so that both upstairs classrooms will have their own bathroom, and a sink / washing area will be created that is separated from the toilets.
The OT room on the main floor will be enlarged by removal of unused closets and sensory lighting will be installed, in order to create the basis of a "sensory room". (the link gives a generic overview of a sensory room) This will be a room in which sensory stimuli can be controlled to establish an ideal environment for each student to feel secure, at ease and confident, as they learn to explore their feelings, their abilities and things being taught by teachers and other professionals. Further additions to the sensory room at REACH will be in terms of equipment that may be added either now or from time to time in the future.
The other major alteration on the main floor will be the enlargement of the kitchen area, where several students prepare lunch for the entire school one day a week, and the creation of a division between the kitchen and the large adjoining room. After the renovations, the larger classroom will be reduced in size and the enlarged kitchen area will also be able to potentially be used as a model "apartment" setting, where students could practice other independence and life skills, such as making a bed.
No doubt more detailed descriptions will be provided soon to all REACH parents. It was confirmed that these renovations have been approved by the school board and the contract for the work has been signed, although certain modifications to the plans could still be discussed during the next week or ten days.
Monday, April 2, 2012
April 2 World Autism Awareness Day
An impressive line-up of events is scheduled for the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, which takes place today, April 2.
The link contains information about a special edition of postage stamps being released by the U.N., as well as other events and links, including activities associated with Kate Winslet's new book, The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism, and other stuff...
This of course, all coming hard on the heels of the recent news that the rate of autism in children in the U.S. has now risen to an astonishing 1 in 88, and 1 in 54 among boys.
The link contains information about a special edition of postage stamps being released by the U.N., as well as other events and links, including activities associated with Kate Winslet's new book, The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism, and other stuff...
This of course, all coming hard on the heels of the recent news that the rate of autism in children in the U.S. has now risen to an astonishing 1 in 88, and 1 in 54 among boys.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
RAPID's new website now up and running
RAPID's website is now up and running.
It is located at the same address that the previous, simple web page was at, www.rapidsouthshore.org.
The link is also available here in the side bar.
The website provides an overview of RAPID's services, activities, fundraising initiatives, contact information and links.
If you have any information that you would like to appear on the website, or have any suggestions or comments, you are most welcome to submit your ideas via email or even add them here below in the form of a comment.
It is located at the same address that the previous, simple web page was at, www.rapidsouthshore.org.
The link is also available here in the side bar.
The website provides an overview of RAPID's services, activities, fundraising initiatives, contact information and links.
If you have any information that you would like to appear on the website, or have any suggestions or comments, you are most welcome to submit your ideas via email or even add them here below in the form of a comment.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Researchers from McGill University crack degeneration process that leads to Alzheimer’s
This new study opens the door to potential new pharmacological treatments that could delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to scientists.
Given the well-established relationship between Alzheimer's and Down syndrome, it will be interesting to follow future developments in this area to look for clues as to what this could mean for people with Down syndrome.
Given the well-established relationship between Alzheimer's and Down syndrome, it will be interesting to follow future developments in this area to look for clues as to what this could mean for people with Down syndrome.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Site could be of interest as a potential resource for special needs in Quebec
A site / group of interest that was recently noted is www.laccompagnateur.org.
This site appears to be an attempt to catalogue a significant portion of special needs services and interested parties in Quebec. They have even gone so far as to sort the listings by region, and do an English translation of the information, which is greatly appreciated.
Somehow though, they managed to put this whole thing together without mentioning REACH School, the only English-language public school for kids with intellectual disabilities in the Greater Montreal Region. Obviously Reach is located on the South Shore, in St. Lambert, and serves surrounding communities and most of the Monteregie.*
It isn't readily apparent whether the site continues to be active.
While we're at it, we might as well mention the "Monteregie Handicapped Portal", another website resource listing, in French only. This one doesn't list schools or school districts - but it is listed on the sidebar as it does target the South Shore Montreal area, and includes a good list of associations.
* April 8/2012 In the meantime, I have been in touch with the good people at the laccompagnateur site and they have promised to include REACH School and some of our other links in a future update of their site, so that is great news. It bears mentioning that they are a group of parents who have done all this on a volunteer basis, so kudos and best of luck to them in their endeavours in our common cause!
This site appears to be an attempt to catalogue a significant portion of special needs services and interested parties in Quebec. They have even gone so far as to sort the listings by region, and do an English translation of the information, which is greatly appreciated.
Somehow though, they managed to put this whole thing together without mentioning REACH School, the only English-language public school for kids with intellectual disabilities in the Greater Montreal Region. Obviously Reach is located on the South Shore, in St. Lambert, and serves surrounding communities and most of the Monteregie.*
It isn't readily apparent whether the site continues to be active.
While we're at it, we might as well mention the "Monteregie Handicapped Portal", another website resource listing, in French only. This one doesn't list schools or school districts - but it is listed on the sidebar as it does target the South Shore Montreal area, and includes a good list of associations.
* April 8/2012 In the meantime, I have been in touch with the good people at the laccompagnateur site and they have promised to include REACH School and some of our other links in a future update of their site, so that is great news. It bears mentioning that they are a group of parents who have done all this on a volunteer basis, so kudos and best of luck to them in their endeavours in our common cause!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Rapid to Participate in EMSB Special Needs Fair April 12
Rapid (Resources for the Anglophone Population with Intellectual Disabilities) will be represented at a public Special Needs Resource Fair hosted by John Grant and Paul VI High Schools, in collaboration with the English Montreal School Board and Inspirations Newspaper.
It will take place at the EMSB Administration building (6000 Fielding Avenue) in NDG on Thursday, April 12 (7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) John Grant and Paul VI cater to students with special needs. Their mandate is to encourage personal and academic growth for all learners, regardless of the challenges they face. The Transitioning Towards Independence Resource Fair will bring together a variety of resources for parents, family members, teachers and caregivers of students of all ages with learning difficulties and/or special needs.
The goal of Rapid's participation in this event will be to raise the south shore non-profit organization's profile in the Greater Montreal region, to establish relations and contacts with key service providers and resources in the special needs sector, and to keep well-informed about ongoing innovations.
Making all of these resources available under one roof will enable parents/guardians and teachers to make better informed life decisions for their special needs child or student.
It will take place at the EMSB Administration building (6000 Fielding Avenue) in NDG on Thursday, April 12 (7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) John Grant and Paul VI cater to students with special needs. Their mandate is to encourage personal and academic growth for all learners, regardless of the challenges they face. The Transitioning Towards Independence Resource Fair will bring together a variety of resources for parents, family members, teachers and caregivers of students of all ages with learning difficulties and/or special needs.
The goal of Rapid's participation in this event will be to raise the south shore non-profit organization's profile in the Greater Montreal region, to establish relations and contacts with key service providers and resources in the special needs sector, and to keep well-informed about ongoing innovations.
Making all of these resources available under one roof will enable parents/guardians and teachers to make better informed life decisions for their special needs child or student.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day March 21
In November last year, the United Nations adopted a resolution to designate March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day.
Although this is the seventh annual WDSD, 2012 will be the first year that this occasion has been officially recognized by the United Nations. The video below was one of many produced to commemorate WDSD 2011, in the theme, "Let Us In".
The date, March 21, (21, 3) is selected to represent the 3 copies of chromosome 21 that is the unique characteristic of all people with Down syndrome
We are not currently aware of any activities planned for the Montreal or South Shore / Monteregie areas however will try to find out if there is anything and post it here.
Although this is the seventh annual WDSD, 2012 will be the first year that this occasion has been officially recognized by the United Nations. The video below was one of many produced to commemorate WDSD 2011, in the theme, "Let Us In".
The date, March 21, (21, 3) is selected to represent the 3 copies of chromosome 21 that is the unique characteristic of all people with Down syndrome
We are not currently aware of any activities planned for the Montreal or South Shore / Monteregie areas however will try to find out if there is anything and post it here.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A Father's Promise - Download Don Hasting's song, I Wish
You may have seen the touching video on youtube, A Father's Promise, by Antoinette Salera.
The video tells the story of her son James, who was born with a brain malformation, and the promise his father made to always be there for him.
Sadly, James' father, Don Hastings, passed away from lung cancer in 2005 and has been unable to keep his promise until now.
The song Don Hastings wrote for his son, I Wish, can now be downloaded on cdbaby. Every time someone downloads this song, a large portion of the price will go towards a respite / educational / social / activity centre for special needs children and adults on the south shore area of Montreal.
This link takes you directly to the page where you can download the song: Don Hastings 'I Wish' on CD Baby. It is also on itunes.
As the price of downloading is only 99 cents, obviously this initiative will need to receive mass exposure and support in order to be successful, so please spread the news!
The project is being supported by RAPID, and of course any donations over and above downloading the song are gratefully accepted. Contributors of donations over the amount of $20 will be provided by RAPID with official tax receipt. Tax deductible donations to Rapid can be made through Rapid members or directly online at CanadaHelps.
Associated with this project is an initiative called POEMS (Parents Organizing Educational Missions Through Songs), which was also the creation of Antoinette. With the background of both Antoinette and her late husband Don Hastings both being educators, combined with the real and present needs of our special needs community, and the magic of song, the opportunities and potential for POEMS are huge! For more information, please refer to www.poemsorg.com.
Further information will be published on this site and also on the Rapid South Shore facebook group page, which all concerned individuals are encouraged to join..
The video tells the story of her son James, who was born with a brain malformation, and the promise his father made to always be there for him.Sadly, James' father, Don Hastings, passed away from lung cancer in 2005 and has been unable to keep his promise until now.
The song Don Hastings wrote for his son, I Wish, can now be downloaded on cdbaby. Every time someone downloads this song, a large portion of the price will go towards a respite / educational / social / activity centre for special needs children and adults on the south shore area of Montreal.
This link takes you directly to the page where you can download the song: Don Hastings 'I Wish' on CD Baby. It is also on itunes.
As the price of downloading is only 99 cents, obviously this initiative will need to receive mass exposure and support in order to be successful, so please spread the news!
The project is being supported by RAPID, and of course any donations over and above downloading the song are gratefully accepted. Contributors of donations over the amount of $20 will be provided by RAPID with official tax receipt. Tax deductible donations to Rapid can be made through Rapid members or directly online at CanadaHelps.
Associated with this project is an initiative called POEMS (Parents Organizing Educational Missions Through Songs), which was also the creation of Antoinette. With the background of both Antoinette and her late husband Don Hastings both being educators, combined with the real and present needs of our special needs community, and the magic of song, the opportunities and potential for POEMS are huge! For more information, please refer to www.poemsorg.com.
Further information will be published on this site and also on the Rapid South Shore facebook group page, which all concerned individuals are encouraged to join..
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rapid Partnering with Canada Helps to Facilitate Online Donations
Rapid (Resources for the Anglophone Population with Intellectual Disabilities) has now established an account with Canada Helps, to facilitate online donations, with provision of instant tax receipts.
This is an initiative that has become possible with Rapid's recognition as a charitable organization and the acquisition of the tax numbers and right to issue tax receipts. Since the year 2000, over $200 million has been donated through Canada Helps.
Among the advantages of using Canada Helps...
Rapid is a parent driven non-profit organization that promotes the development and facilitates delivery of local resources that enable children and adults with special needs to participate fully in community life on the South Shore of Montreal.
This is an initiative that has become possible with Rapid's recognition as a charitable organization and the acquisition of the tax numbers and right to issue tax receipts. Since the year 2000, over $200 million has been donated through Canada Helps.
Among the advantages of using Canada Helps...
- Donating online is easier than writing a cheque
- You get your tax receipt instantly
- You can keep track of your giving and receipts all in one place - no more lost tax receipts!
- CanadaHelps offers you unique and innovate ways to give online
- It saves your favourite charities money.
Rapid is a parent driven non-profit organization that promotes the development and facilitates delivery of local resources that enable children and adults with special needs to participate fully in community life on the South Shore of Montreal.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A Father's Promise
Simply an awesome video slideshow. For now we'll just link the video here and let it speak for itself. In the near future there will be additional background and information on how a father's promise to a son is being kept.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Rapid to Launch New Phase of Growth at Next Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 15
All interested parties are invited to attend the next Rapid meeting, to be held this coming Wednesday, February 15, at ARSDI in St. Lambert, 240 St. Laurent St.
Rapid has already initiated a number of services and strategic partnerships and we are now presented with new and interesting fundraising and programming opportunities. Please attend if you would like to contribute to improving services to kids and adults with special needs on the South Shore.
Rapid's service area is the entire south shore of the Montreal region, including most of the territory covered by Riverside and New Frontiers School Boards. Rapid caters specifically to anglophone families who have members with intellectual difficulties, however is open to welcoming people of all language backgrounds and all types of special needs.
Rapid has already initiated a number of services and strategic partnerships and we are now presented with new and interesting fundraising and programming opportunities. Please attend if you would like to contribute to improving services to kids and adults with special needs on the South Shore.
Rapid's service area is the entire south shore of the Montreal region, including most of the territory covered by Riverside and New Frontiers School Boards. Rapid caters specifically to anglophone families who have members with intellectual difficulties, however is open to welcoming people of all language backgrounds and all types of special needs.
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