The Power of Play- A local Accessible Playground

It’s been a really long time since I’ve done an Accessible Playground! Today I’m going to talk about Stait Park, a brand new accessible playground in my community! For those of you who have been here for a while, you’ll have heard all about this playground and it’s history.. for those of you who are new here, you can read about all of that here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Power-of-Play-Fergus/295596937215071

Anyway, the playground opened a few months ago (actually while I was at camp) and I’ve been able to spend some time there. I’m honestly so impressed with how the playground turned out. It’s amazing. So much better than I ever could’ve hoped. It’s impressive.

The amount of thought and work that went into this playground is extremely obvious.

Small slides

Tunnel- Awesome for a quick sensory break

More Braille!

One of those twisty spin chairs- super fun!

Jake trying out the rope ladder

Braille Board!

The bigger part of the playground

This is one of my favourite features.

TOTALLY accessible!

Jake trying out the Pirate Ship Rocker

Jake practicing his sign.

Also, note the rubber ground as opposed to gravel. This stuff is super. Makes pushing wheelchairs so much easier and makes falls hurt a lot less. It’s also super bouncy.

Picture Symbol Board!

Sign Language Board

This playground is totally amazing. I have some more pictures of the full park but I can’t find them right now. I’ll update this post with them once I find them! I would highly recommend checking out this playground if you’re in Centre Wellington! It’s located on the corner of Garafraxa St W and Provost St.

What every Community needs.

As many of you know, I am a very big advocate for local programs. Today, I want to tell you about a local program that I am absolutely honoured to be a part of, a local program that every single community needs. I’ve spoken of this program before but not in a lot of detail. I’ve been attempting to write this post for weeks now but this program is just so amazing, I often find myself lost for words when I attempt to speak of it. This program is: Community of Hearts.

Community of Hearts (CoH) is a program founded by three pretty cool people. Susan Wahlroth (the mother to a pretty awesome young man I’ve had the pleasure of working with at Camp, Swimming, CoH etc.), Jason Dudgeon (an Educational Assistant for twelve years amongst other things) and Andrea Kretz (a Special Education teacher). These guys saw a need for more programs for individuals with disAbilities, increased wait-lists and funding cuts are making hard to give individuals with Special Needs the support they deserve and need. CoH is a not-for-profit organization based out of Guelph, Ontario. They offer three different program areas that cater to the increased needs of people with Special Needs in our community.

The three program areas they cover are; the Educational Day Program, the Social Network and Cottage Crashers.

The Educational Day Program or Life Long Learning Centre is one of the neatest parts of the organization (in my opinion). It focuses on, exactly what it says, Life Long Learning. More often than not, individuals with Special Needs graduate out of the school system and are moved into programs where they don’t continuously use and further the skills they’ve learned through High School. The Life Learning Centre allows for a continuation of learning and practical skill practice. CoH focuses on independence and provides and safe and judgment-free learning environment. Learn more about the Learning Centre here: http://communityofhearts.ca/learning-centre/

The Social Network. This aspect of the program is super cool too! CoH organizes various social events throughout the year for individuals with Special Needs in our community, to attend. CoH organizes some pretty sweet dances that are definitely a highlight of the year. I think my personal, all-time favourite CoH dance was the 2013 Valentines dance but the 2013 Summer Rush dance takes a close second. Learn more about the Social Network here: http://communityofhearts.ca/social-network/

Cottage Crashers, the summer vacation program. The Day Program runs the same schedule as the local School Board so, the summer months are still summer vacation! CoH offers a really neat summer vacation called Cottage Crashers. This is the program that I am least familiar with as I am at camp all summer but, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the program. The Cottage Crashers program was recently featured in Cottage Life magazine. The focus of the program is Life Skills and independence. The participants are actively involved in planning and implementing meals and activities. This is such an amazing way to spend some time during the summer. Learn more about Cottage Crashers here: http://communityofhearts.ca/cottage-crashers/

I am genuinely so honoured and proud to be a part of this amazing program. Every community needs a program like this. (I blog for CoH over on their website too: http://communityofhearts.ca/coh-summer-rush-dance-2013/

Head over to their Facebook Page and see what amazing things they’re up to, today!

https://www.facebook.com/communityof.hearts?ref=ts&fref=ts

Dolls representing people with Down syndrome

Dolls for people with Down syndrome, or “Dolls for Downs” is a pretty cool organization that makes dolls that resemble the features of people with Down syndrome. This movement was started by the mother of a girl, Hannah, who has Down syndrome. She wanted a doll that looked like her. These dolls can be very empowering for people with Down syndrome. There are different dolls available for order, featuring different, hair, skin and eye colour as well as different genders. There is an option when ordering the doll to have the doll feature a scar on the chest, to resemble the scar that many individuals with Down syndrome have after receiving heart surgery at a young age.  There are also different accessories available for purchase such as; glasses, hearing aids and eventually AFO’s.

From: http://www.dollsfordowns.org/index.html

I am a little partial to one specific doll, Aziza. Aziza was a little girl with Down syndrome from Toronto, ON who I learned about through her mom’s blog. I’d been following her story for a few months because she was adopted by her family and I am very interested in adopting those with Down syndrome. Sadly, Earlier this year Aziza passed away. Dolls for Downs created a doll in her honour featuring her appearance. I think this is an amazing and beautiful way to commemorate Aziza and her journey.

There is some backlash in regards to these dolls, there are some people who believe that these dolls portray a negative stereotype; all people with Down syndrome look the same and all have the same features. Personally, I LOVE these dolls. I think that they show people with differences that not every doll needs to be “typical” and that anybody is “doll-worthy”. Yes, the dolls highlight the main physical features of people with down syndrome. But, I think these dolls show to the world that it is perfectly okay to have Down syndrome. Different is not less.

Read a Toronto Star article about Dolls for Downs: http://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/04/16/dolls_with_down_syndrome_prove_

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Read about Aziza: http://mylittlewarriorprincess.blogspot.ca

Visit the Dolls for Downs website: http://www.dollsfordowns.org/index.html

Picture of the dolls from: http://www.dollsfordowns.org/index.html

Accessibility Matters!

For those of you who don’t know, I broke my leg and my ankle two weeks ago. Here’s the story:

It was a dark and stormy day in Elora, Ontario… The great Almighty Alix decided to take her little sister and brother skating before she returned to the land of the never-ending snow, Timmins. They travelled to the outdoor rink and played a rough and tough game of hockey. As Alix went to make the game changing goal she noticed a baby worm trying to cross the ice and dove to save it from the incoming power puck (from the strength of her shot, of course), unfortunately she tripped and broke her leg and ankle in an attempt to heroically save the baby worm. 

That’s a trick, I actually went to take my skate off (not even off the ice) and fell and managed to smash my ankle and break my leg. I have two wires and three pins in my ankle and had twenty-five staples removed yesterday. I also got a new cast yesterday. Here’s a fun picture of my new cast:

As for my schooling, because of the severity of the break; I am unable to return to Timmins. But, I am able to continue taking my courses online. So that is a MAJOR plus.

Anyway, back to the point of this post; Accessibility! Because of this break, I have been using crutches and on occasion, a wheelchair. Accessibility is something that I always generally pay attention to and look for. This helps me make decisions as to what kinds of places I bring the people I support to. If it’s not accessible, we likely won’t go. Through the need to use crutches I have been paying even more attention to the need for accessibility. Through my experiences I have learned that SO many places are not accessible. They look as though they are, but they really aren’t. Especially in the winter, in Canada. I never really though much before about people using canes or crutches but a slippery floor in a store or restaurant could result in a very dangerous fall. Wheelchair ramp, while they look great, can often times be quite unsafe. Steep and not taken care of. I am lucky to have awesome friends (special shout-out to Neal, Leona and Jeramy here, you guys rock) who very kindly assisted me through the day, wheelchair and all and even with someone helping me, the accessibility was limited. Often times I focus more on the invisible differences as opposed to the more visible ones but I’ve now realized how difficult it can be to manouver around an area and I have a whole new respect for those with mobility differences. The lack of accessibility needs to change. We need to be accessible and inclusive for all people. Be it, a child with Down Syndrome who just wants to eat lunch with his family at a restaurant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tYbxEoCl_Vg), an individual who uses a wheelchair on a regular basis or someone who broke their leg because they can’t take off a pair of skates (haha). I am thankful for the fact that I broke my leg and ankle as it has given me the opportunity to open my eyes and see things in a different way.

Let’s work together to create a safe and accepting world for all. We are more alike than different.

 

Please vote for the Power of Play (an accessible park) in the Aviva Community Fund!

We are trying reeeaaaalllly hard to get funds for an accessible playground in my home town. This will be literally game changing for children and adults with Different Abilities in our community. If you guys could vote for this and share it, it would mean so much to me and everyone who will benefit from this park.

See the ability.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13678?fb_action_ids=10152344899060424&fb_action_types=avivacommunityfund%3Avote&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map=%7B%2210152344899060424%22%3A346166392140202%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210152344899060424%22%3A%22avivacommunityfund%3Avote%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

International Day for Persons with Disabilities!

Hola!

Today, December 3rd, is International Day for Persons with Disabilities!

This is a very special day. IDPD is a day honouring children, youth and adults with Different Abilities all over the world. This is such an important day as often times, individuals with Different Abilities are overlooked and not given the respect they deserve. I realize I talk about this all the time so I’m not going to go on about it now. IDPD is all about “removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all” what a beautifully amazing goal that is.

How can you help achieve this goal?

1.Talk about IDPD! Tell your friends! Let people know about this AMAZING day! It’s not very well known.

2. Vote for Power of Play! http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13678 This is a project to get an accessible playground in my home town. PLEASE help us get the funding to build this park. It would mean SO  much if you voted for us, everyday.

3. Take the Pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word! Help stop the use of the word “retard”. http://www.r-word.org/r-word-pledge.aspx

4. Take Action! Be aware and educate. Check out your area and ensure that it’s accessible. Advocate for people in your community!

5. PARTICIPATE! Volunteer with your local Special Olympics team! Check out what programs your local Support Organizations offer!

Different is not less.

Educate and Advocate, inclusion for all.

Let me know what you’re doing for IDPD!

Some pretty inspiring people.

Alrighty, I’m always talking about my “list”. My “list” is a list of the people that I am most inspired by. The one I’m posting on here is my list of advocates, parents and people with special needs. Not technically the one I’m always talking about but one none the less. Also, these are no particular order, just what’s coming to mind first.

1. “Love That Max”- This is one of my all time favourite blogs, for those of you who don’t know, I read A LOT of special needs blogs. Ellen has an amazing blog where she posts all about her family and her son Max who has Cerebral Palsy (and is extremly adorable and in love with the colour Purple and Cars). She is an amazing writer and she provides lots of great insights into parenting a child with special needs. I’ve learnt a lot from her and often take what I read from her and apply it to the way I work with the kids I work with. She also made an super awesome video for “Spread the Word to End the Word” (which is actually how I found her) the video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16CxvRjx-34 and you can check out her blog here: http://www.lovethatmax.com/ or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-That-Max/206112039516 or on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/LoveThatMax

Check her out.

2. Ethan W- This kids video has been circulating the web for a few days now so you’ve likely seen it but I need to share it. Ethan is a five year old on the Autism Spectrum who has an amazing musical talent. This kid is great! (Love That Max did a great post about him! check it out) Here’s Ethan doing “Piano Man”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpF3326_b5g&feature=channel&list=UL

Watch it.

3. Noah’s Dad- This is a blog I discovered just a few days ago and I am loving it! Dad, Rick, posts all about raising a child, Noah, with Down Syndrome. Firstly, Noah is ADORABLE. Secondly, Noah’s Dad has some really great things to say! He has a great section about being a new parent of a baby with Down Syndrome that is full of great things. He posts about basically everything and I love reading it! He’s full of awesome information and advice. He’s a great writer and a great read. I really recommend that you check him out! http://noahsdad.com/ or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NoahsDadcom or on twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/NoahsDadDotCom

4. Grape Jelly on Pizza- GJOP really got me started on my “Blog Drug”, that’s what I call it because I’m fairly addicted to reading the blogs of parents of people with special needs, teachers, workers, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, self advocates… you name it. I really love the different insights I get. Anyways, GJOP really got me hooked. Jennifer is the writer of this blog and she has a son on the Spectrum. Jennifer always has wonderfully amazing things to say that I loooooove reading! Her son is also extremly adorable and I love looking at his newest creations! Check her out here: http://grapejellyonpizza.blogspot.ca/ or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/grapejellyonpizzaforautismawareness

I will end this here for tonight because I am tired but this will be continued! 🙂

Seriously, check those people I mentioned out! It will be well worth your time.

Nick’s Dragonfly Playground!

Hola people,

As mentioned earlier this week I am going to be visiting some accessible parks and then writing about them on here because I found it hard to find good information about local sensory/accessible park online. So here we go. The first park I visited was Nick’s Dragonfly Playground. Nick’s park is at Southend Community Centre which is 200 Clair Road in Guelph. I will always be a little bit biased about this particular playground as my family has a history with it. My dad worked with Nick’s parents so I knew him growing up. Those red accessible swings that you see in pretty much all of the playgrounds in Guelph were donated in Nick’s memory by his parents and the foundation they started… I remember the first swing dedication clear as day. Anyways, they eventually opened a fully accessible playground in his memory and it’s a pretty wonderful thing.

                                                                               

                                                                   

       This is the entrance to the park.. also I should mention that I re-visited the park in the winter so obviously it would be a little different looking in the warmer weather but still the same amount of wonderfulness.

 

 

Nick’s legacy

                       

This is what you see when you first walk through the entrance. This is the junior side of the park for the smaller people. As you can see there is an accessible swing.

 

             

This was my attempt at showing that the ground at the playground are rubber and not pebbles or anything. This makes it great for wheelchair pushing and it’s much easier to walk on.

 

  .

         This is the called “Nick’s Place”. It’s for the smaller users of the playground. Easy to get up on and lots of fun.

                

A couple more shots of Nick’s Place.

 

The sensory garden area. This is a great little area full of different sensory panels. It’s pretty fun.

This is the fun sand box with diggers and a sand toy thing.

The larger park that is fully wheelchair accessible.

 

The sway fun element of the park. Lots of fun for all ages and abilities.

The larger part of the park. Another accessible swing. You can see the wheel chair ramp that goes through the whole playground.

The dinosaur part of the park. You can dig for dino bones in the sand box. A very cool part of the park.

        

 

 The accessible ramps at the playground.

All in all I love this park to death. It’s one of my favourite accessible parks ever. It’s a lot of fun and I would recommend 100% bringing people of all ages here. It will be a very enjoyable and fun visit.

Peace. 

Sensory Playgrounds.

As I spend a lot of time doing respite with children with special needs I am always looking for different fun and exciting things to do. My newest kick is sensory playgrounds. These parks are completely accessible playgrounds built with kids with disabilities in mind. In my search for accessible playgrounds on the internet I found information about the parks not all that helpful because of some of the kids I take care of I find it quite helpful to know a little about the park before I go so I know what to expect. Since I couldn’t find much information I’ve decided to post about the different parks I’ve been to in hopes to help out someone along the line. More on that later. Stay tuned, the first park will be Nick’s Dragonfly Playground in Guelph Ontario.