|
|
Post by cheyanne12 on Nov 8, 2007 21:24:32 GMT -5
I sat back thinking about what needs families have that are being unmet. Have you ever been offered scissors, therapy balls, or educational materials to work with your child at home? Do you feel there is a need for such a service? Do you think it would be nice to have a program where you can borrow helpful toys and materials?
It's just a thought.
Have you ever heard of a Noah's Ark (Association for Retarded Kids?)
Suz
|
|
|
|
Post by laurasmom on Nov 8, 2007 23:07:53 GMT -5
I have never heard of Noah's Ark.
And we have been very fortunate, great services, and I can't think of anything along those lines that we need.
One of the dreams of our new group here is to form a lending library of toys, therapy related items, books, videos/DVD's.
Sharon
|
|
|
|
Post by cheyanne12 on Nov 9, 2007 0:05:17 GMT -5
Hello Laura...
I'm just checking to see if there is already a group called Noah's Ark. Our adopted son is Noah, and I just thought it would be real neat to have an organization named after him since he does have Down syndrome and is the joy of our lives.
I'm looking to find out what needs parents and children have. If there was such a group what needs are not already being met.
I've been asking myself WHAT could I do to make a positive impact in the lives of other children like our son Noah, and in the lives of their parents. No one has ever said to me, hey we have therapy balls you can use at home with your son. Or here is a pair of special scissors to help your son. I didn't know if there is a group that is already in existance to help with this, and I didn't know if other parents may have other ideas.
Just looking for feedback and hoping to make a difference in this world we live in.
Hugs to all,
Suz
|
|
|
|
Post by laurasmom on Nov 9, 2007 1:01:36 GMT -5
There is a similar group here, can't remember the name. It is non-profit, and I believe their focus is providing medical equipment to families, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc.. I will try and find out the name, etc..
Sharon
|
|
|
|
Post by mydsgirl on Nov 9, 2007 5:25:02 GMT -5
I have not heard of such a group. I think it would be a nice idea. When Emma was under 3 yo her service providers gave us stuff to use at home or to keep. Since she has been in school we haven't been offered anything.
Leah
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Nov 9, 2007 8:43:19 GMT -5
When Sarah was in EI, they would lend us toys, walkers, therapy balls, etc to use at home. Since she has been in school, we have not been offered anything. Our local ARC has a Lekotek program. Lekotek is a toy lending program. The kids meet with the play leader once a month and get new toys. They had special needs trikes, therapy balls, mini trampolines and toys. We only had to be members of the ARC to have access to the program.
I stopped using Lekotek because it was a 30 minute drive and just started picking things up at garage sales. What I wish for is a local group that can tell us what programs are available and how to use them.
Chris
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris too on Nov 9, 2007 8:55:07 GMT -5
Our therapists provide these things whenever they are working on them (no scissors yet, but nesting cups, theraputty, etc). The putty is a give-away, but the rest are loans.
You might try asking the therapists if you can borrow from them, especially if they tell you to "work on this at home" Also, the school provides communication devices for home use if the need can be proven and it's written into the IEP.
I love the name "Noah's ARK" btw.
Chris too
|
|
|
|
Post by cheyanne12 on Nov 9, 2007 9:45:32 GMT -5
Thanks Chris.... I love the name too! LOL Who would have ever thought when I picked the name for my son that I'd realize how it could be used for a children's organization? I have no idea what is in our future since Noah is only three and he has his therapists coming into the home at the moment. We are due to write up a new IEP this December.
I guess I really wanted to hear from other parents to find out what would be helpful for our kids. I know I went and spent some money on books like "Fine Motor Skills for Children with Down syndrome," "Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome," and a book on IEPs.
I wish I would have bought these books sooner. I know there are times I have felt we are at a disadvantage when the teachers come into my home with toys I don't have. I know the more Noah is exposed to the items they use, the better his chances will be of succeeding with them. Noah also has sensory issues, and I have a feeling there is a whole world of sensory equipment for our kids out there.
Anyway I greatly appreciate everyone's feedback! Have an awesome day!
|
|
|
|
Post by meghans_mom on Nov 11, 2007 2:37:59 GMT -5
the only "ark" i know of is the Association for Retarded children or the AHRC (same group, or offshoot) Association for the Help of retarded Children their website is www.thearc.comthink its a great idea (we have a lending library at our school but do not lend therapy tools...only books & DVDs) When I re-did our new parents packet I made up a suggested reading list which included every book I could find about DS/Inclusion/etc & pertinent DVD's as well as a resource page....websites, tools, toys, etc. good luck - laurie |
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Nov 12, 2007 1:50:39 GMT -5
We were always prvoded the things Adam needd from the therapist, but once he started school we need to buy our own for home but they do supply the school.
Sorry I just remembered we did buy the thery ball and paid 1/2 for his walker.
By the way if anyone doens;t have a walke and needs one I could send mine if you pay for the shipping. It is blue and red wheels, we had it made like this so it looked like a bike. ;D
we paid 1/2 which was about $600. for it but if anyone out there doesn't have coverage from Easter Seal or cannot afford the money I would gladly give it away. Adam used it for 2 years and it is still like brand new. It is the type where the child stands at the front pulling the walker from behind.
|
|
