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.
Showing posts with label special needs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special needs. Show all posts
Thursday, April 5, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wow! 8 awesome art ideas for special needs kids from an art therapist
A little cramped for time here so just going to have to make do with a link!
Shirking, I know!
These ideas are from the really great blog, Love That Max.
Shirking, I know!
These ideas are from the really great blog, Love That Max.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Yet another incident as special needs kids being mishandled by school buses all over North America
A boy with special needs who functions at the level of a three-to-five year old was dropped off at the wrong address by a Calgary school bus Monday and left to stand there by himself. The boy's parents found him an hour later.
This is only the latest in a long parade of similar incidents. In fact, it is surprisingly difficult to find a specific incident by searching the internet, due to the fact that there are such a large number of similar incidents. Three separate cases in January, 2011, alone were found in a few seconds of searching.
Most of the incidents involve the children being left in the school bus.
A comment on one article indicated that the person's acquaintance was a bus driver in NY State and had been arrested and charged after a similar incident. In most cases the bus companies seem to get by with a "sorry" and the drivers are often let go.
In another incident this January, a boy in the Windsor area was left strapped on a wheelchair for 2-1/2 hours in an unheated bus.
Obviously, school boards have a variety of procedures in place in attempts to prevent these situations. However, just by scanning the incidents, it seems that these procedures are invariably labour intensive and create openings for human error to creep in, resulting in these traumatic incidents.
This is only the latest in a long parade of similar incidents. In fact, it is surprisingly difficult to find a specific incident by searching the internet, due to the fact that there are such a large number of similar incidents. Three separate cases in January, 2011, alone were found in a few seconds of searching.
Most of the incidents involve the children being left in the school bus.
A comment on one article indicated that the person's acquaintance was a bus driver in NY State and had been arrested and charged after a similar incident. In most cases the bus companies seem to get by with a "sorry" and the drivers are often let go.
In another incident this January, a boy in the Windsor area was left strapped on a wheelchair for 2-1/2 hours in an unheated bus.
Obviously, school boards have a variety of procedures in place in attempts to prevent these situations. However, just by scanning the incidents, it seems that these procedures are invariably labour intensive and create openings for human error to creep in, resulting in these traumatic incidents.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Germany Very Slow to Embrace Integration
A recent study has revealed surprising numbers from Germany reflecting the state of the integration of kids with special needs into school classrooms.
Overall, only 60% of pre-schoolers with special needs are integrated, 34% of elementary school students and 15% of high school students. This, despite the fact the Germany has adopted an official policy supporting integration and signed an international agreement to that effect, according to an article in thelocal.de.
The reasons given for this situation include "a lack of space" in appropriate classrooms.
The Bertelsmann Foundation, which produced the study, found that in 2009 there were some 480,000 students with special educations needs – about six percent of the country’s student population. Among these were 85,000 preschool age children.
As in Canada, the systems and scales of identifying students with special needs vary between jurisdictions, with German states claiming proportions of students requiring special education ranging from 6-11% of the total student population.
In Riverside School Board, the percentage of students who have an IEP (individualized education plan) is approximately 10% and rising. There is one specialized English language special needs school on the south shore of Montreal, REACH, which currently accommodates approximately 65 students with pervasive intellectual handicaps. It is the only public special needs school in the Montreal area, although the large majority of the students are from the Riverside area.
Overall, only 60% of pre-schoolers with special needs are integrated, 34% of elementary school students and 15% of high school students. This, despite the fact the Germany has adopted an official policy supporting integration and signed an international agreement to that effect, according to an article in thelocal.de.
The reasons given for this situation include "a lack of space" in appropriate classrooms.
The Bertelsmann Foundation, which produced the study, found that in 2009 there were some 480,000 students with special educations needs – about six percent of the country’s student population. Among these were 85,000 preschool age children.
As in Canada, the systems and scales of identifying students with special needs vary between jurisdictions, with German states claiming proportions of students requiring special education ranging from 6-11% of the total student population.
In Riverside School Board, the percentage of students who have an IEP (individualized education plan) is approximately 10% and rising. There is one specialized English language special needs school on the south shore of Montreal, REACH, which currently accommodates approximately 65 students with pervasive intellectual handicaps. It is the only public special needs school in the Montreal area, although the large majority of the students are from the Riverside area.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Comedy Nest Fundraising Event a Great Success for RAPID
The comics were on top of their game, the joint was packed, everyone had a great time and all the tickets were sold, with a few possible exceptions - final tallies to come. The event in support of kids and families with special needs / intellectual difficulties in the Montreal south shore area was termed a great success by organizers.
You couldn't ask for much more from a fundraiser evening so kudos to all involved. The Comedy Nest, the RAPID volunteer ticket selling "machine" and the four excellent Canadian comics, headlined by Jay Malone, who is now working out of LA. Let's just put it this way: further biographical details of the comics, as revealed during the performances, fall under the category of "what happens at the Comedy Nest..." you get the picture!
You couldn't ask for much more from a fundraiser evening so kudos to all involved. The Comedy Nest, the RAPID volunteer ticket selling "machine" and the four excellent Canadian comics, headlined by Jay Malone, who is now working out of LA. Let's just put it this way: further biographical details of the comics, as revealed during the performances, fall under the category of "what happens at the Comedy Nest..." you get the picture!
Friday, October 29, 2010
RAPID staging a fundraiser at the Comedy Nest
RAPID is pleased to announce a fundraiser at the Comedy Nest in Montreal.
The date of the event is Nov. 20 from 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $15, available from members of RAPID (Resources for the Anglophone Population with Intellectual Difficulties) or from REACH School.
According to the Comedy Nest website, the comic onstage on the 20th will be Jay Malone.
Funds raised will be used to help offset the cost of programs and services for the families with special needs in our community in the Montreal south shore area.
The address is 2313 St. Catherine St. West, (corner Atwater, Pepsi Forum) 3rd floor.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Parents of Montreal 14-year-old take legal action to integrate son in school
The West Island parents of a 14-year-old adopted boy, who suffers effects of radiation acquired from his Chernobyl birth parents, have been forced to take extreme action to have the boy integrated at a Lester B Pearson School Board high school.
According to a story in the Aug. 19 Montreal Gazette, the case in Quebec Superior Court had been postponed until later in August. At present, news of any decision is not readily available.
The School Board Chairman Marcus Tabachnick said that LBPSB integrates 98% of its special needs kids, more than any other district in Quebec. However, in this case the board was offering to provide either partial home schooling or a full time technician to sit with the boy in school hallways.
The student's condition affects his speech and behaviour. He attended regular classes until 2007, when he was suspended from classes due to incidents at school, the details of which are disputed by the parents.
According to a story in the Aug. 19 Montreal Gazette, the case in Quebec Superior Court had been postponed until later in August. At present, news of any decision is not readily available.
The School Board Chairman Marcus Tabachnick said that LBPSB integrates 98% of its special needs kids, more than any other district in Quebec. However, in this case the board was offering to provide either partial home schooling or a full time technician to sit with the boy in school hallways.
The student's condition affects his speech and behaviour. He attended regular classes until 2007, when he was suspended from classes due to incidents at school, the details of which are disputed by the parents.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
RAPID's "Saturday Mornings in the Park" a Great Time for All!
This summer, a small group of special needs families from Montreal's south shore area experienced a rare opportunity to share fun activities and exchange ideas.
Moving between a variety of parks in St. Lambert and Greenfield Park, the group was organized by parents from RAPID and also benefited from contributions from volunteers and an animator provided by the ARSDI (L'Association de la Rive-Sud pour la Déficience Intellectuelle).
With new and familiar faces in attendance most every week, organizers are hoping to continue to build on this success to benefit more families in the future.
This activity could even branch into a number of offshoots, if the demand is there, including possibly a Saturday afternoon respite-style program where parents could leave their kids for two or three hours and/or a "traveling" Saturday in the Park schedule which would visit different locations around the south shore.
Some of the people in attendance came from as far away as Chateauguay and Carignan, as well as other areas of the south shore, such as St. Bruno, Longueuil, Brossard, Greenfield Park and St. Lambert.
Moving between a variety of parks in St. Lambert and Greenfield Park, the group was organized by parents from RAPID and also benefited from contributions from volunteers and an animator provided by the ARSDI (L'Association de la Rive-Sud pour la Déficience Intellectuelle).
With new and familiar faces in attendance most every week, organizers are hoping to continue to build on this success to benefit more families in the future.
This activity could even branch into a number of offshoots, if the demand is there, including possibly a Saturday afternoon respite-style program where parents could leave their kids for two or three hours and/or a "traveling" Saturday in the Park schedule which would visit different locations around the south shore.
Some of the people in attendance came from as far away as Chateauguay and Carignan, as well as other areas of the south shore, such as St. Bruno, Longueuil, Brossard, Greenfield Park and St. Lambert.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Welcome to Special Needs South Shore Montreal Blog
This blog is for all of the thousands of people with special needs, and their friends, families, work associates and employers, on the south shore of Montreal, and anywhere in the Montreal area.
We are going to strive to be a "catching point" - somewhere for new arrivals to the area and people with new diagnoses to find some answers, and somewhere that people can use as a starting point to start looking for answers.
There will be a lot of news of many different types here. Information on state-of-the-art pedagogical techniques, new medical or scientific theories and real time current events news on special needs happenings in the local or regional area.
We are going to strive to be a "catching point" - somewhere for new arrivals to the area and people with new diagnoses to find some answers, and somewhere that people can use as a starting point to start looking for answers.
There will be a lot of news of many different types here. Information on state-of-the-art pedagogical techniques, new medical or scientific theories and real time current events news on special needs happenings in the local or regional area.
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