Guide Autism
This month, Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Heeling Autism program is in the running for a $250,000 grant from Pepsi’s Refresh Project. We are currently ranked 7th out of 415 – we need to be in first or second place to receive funding.
Heeling Autism dogs change the lives of children in almost miraculous ways. The dogs elicit social skills and emotions that other therapies may not. They keep children safe so that trips with their families become more enjoyable, and less stressful. Our dogs are provided absolutely free of charge and provide infinite hope in their new homes. Unfortunately, there is a two year waiting list for a Heeling Autism dog.
Can you help us encourage more votes? You can post this link – http://www.refresheverything.com/autismdogsforchildren – to your blog / FB page / etc. Your supporters have the potential to make a huge difference.
Thank you for your consideration; please let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like more information.
Warmest wishes,
Michelle
Michelle Brier
Events and Marketing Manager
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
by Kathie from AliMed
My new oral motor speech program, TONGUE TRACKS, published by AliMed, will be in their May 2011 catalog. This program is designed for children with mild speech delays to children on the autism spectrum. TONGUE TRACKS is a fun, motivating way to get children to practice tongue, lip, mouth exercises that enhance speech sounds, chewing, and swallowing. The beauty of TONGUE TRACKS is that it can be implimented by speech/language pathologists, teachers, and parents.
A farewell kiss
In my hometown of Iowa Falls, hundreds of people were in attendance at a sendoff ceremony Tuesday for about 70 members of the Iowa Falls-based Iowa National Guard C Company of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry.
The soldiers are part of a call-up of more than 3,000 Iowa soldiers in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, which is being deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following speeches by dignitaries during a ceremony at in the Iowa Falls-Alden High School gymnasium, and hugs from family and friends, the soldiers left for training at Camp Shelby, Miss. From there, they will be deployed to Afghanistan for one year.
- “Bouquet of Weeds”
I received notice today that my story, “Bouquet of Weeds,” has been selected to appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers. This book will be in bookstores October 5th.
Be sure to take a look and make your fall plans now.
The twins
Bringing up one child with autism was a journey in many ways ~ but two. Read more about this family and admire their love, faith, perseverance, and knowledge. Thank you Sue Hiller for sharing your story about Kara and Jenna. The twins are special and so are YOU.
Jackie Knechtel, M.A., CCC-SLP
Fellow SLP, Jackie Knechtel of New York, is doing something I certainly have never attempted – in July, Jackie climbed Mr. Kilimanjaro (the tallest mountain in Africa – 19,340 ft.) She says: “My goal is to raise $10,000 for Autism Speaks. I chose Autism Speaks as the beneficiary because it is the nation’s largest science and advocacy group related to autism spectrum disorders. It is a trusted organization.
Jackie specializes in working with children with autism in her practice, Self Expressions.
I salute you, Jackie, and hope it is easy coming down the mountain.
To date, $7221.00 has been donated.
Why not you?
Reminds me of Doug
Treatment Right on Beat ~ this article reminded so very much of our own family’s experience with our son. Doug took drum lessons for many years. It offered him following directions, one-on-on as well as group activities, rhythm – that gave him patterning for his brain and flow of speech and as well as balance. Drums also helped with focus, attending, and hand-eye coordination.
Doug made many friendships because of playing an instrument and being a member of the band. He was in the Chaparral High School Band as well as the Star of Nevada Marching Band at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Be sure to read my story in the Story Shelf called “A Walk by Faith,” about that experience.
You go, Tyler and Jim, U R Right on Beat!
The Therapy Dog
My writing friend, Judy McFadden, a member of the Henderson Writer’s Group, self-published her book Life with McDuff. She has had wonderful success and I congratulate her. Judy won the Angel Animal Network Contest AND McDuff is also being written as a Hollywood screenplay. Mc Duff will be right up with the ranks of Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin. (Am I dating myself?)
“McDuff taught unconditional love, forgiveness, looking beyond appearances, nonresistance, and being of service to others. And, he didn’t stop – even after death.”
CONGRATULATIONS JUDY!
Bike Across IOWA
The oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world is happening right now in the great state of IOWA. In it’s 38th year, RAGBRAI is sponsored by The Des Moines Register.
2010 Route:
Sioux City, Storm Lake, Algona, Clear Lake, Charles City, Waterloo, Manchester and Dubuque (Not this year, but sometime it has gone through my hometown of Iowa Falls)
If you want to be a part of the amazing fun and ride next year you need to register NOW.
