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I’ve been debating on whether to purchase an iPad for our center, and now I am several steps closer to getting one. There are so many amazing apps for children with special needs. From apps that help reinforce and teach social-communication skills to those that provide academic support, there’s so much out there already and so much more to come. Here is one parent’s app review. If you click on the rating for each app, you will find detailed descriptions. Autism Speaks also reviews their favorite apps here. The idea of having social stories, augmentative and alternative communication systems, educational games and activities, and electronic books rolled all into one device is exciting.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy exploring those app possibilities for your child!

Summer is in full swing and I know there are families out there beginning to look for Fall activities for their children. A few years ago, I was invited to watch some of my students play basketball with their sports league. It was then that I experienced a wonderful organization located in Orange County. Spirit League is a non-profit sports organization for children with special needs, founded in 2004 by parents of a child who had challenges keeping up with his peers. It offers children a chance to participate in sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball. For more information on whether your child is eligible for participating in Spirit League or to make a donation to this wonderful organization, visit their website.

Soccer season starts in September. Registration closes on July 31st!

As an educator, it is exciting to see some of the alternative schooling options that are out there. While, here, we specialize in one-to-one academic support for children and young adults with special needs, there are some schools out there offering one-to-one alternative schooling. In other words, children can receive instruction in all academic subjects on a one-to-one basis. A great alternative to the typical classroom environment. While there is the question of whether the students get to socialize and participate in group-driven instruction, it is a great alternative to those who are struggling academically and need more individualized support. I had the chance to visit one such school, Fusion Academy. Some of the pluses to Fusion’s offerings are the personalized instruction, flexible scheduling, arts and music programs, and the homework cafe. Homework is done on-site!

Another very cool find, thanks to Autism Speaks.

Wrong Planet is a web community of individuals with and supporters of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, ADHD and other neurological differences. There’s great info on the site, including this reading by the author of one of my favorite books, Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s. Also check out John Elder Robison’s website.

Thanks Autism Speaks, for posting info on this. Looks like I’m a few months late on posting info about this movie, since it was released back in April, but I thought I’d share anyway. Hoping I can get my hands on a DVD and see it. Janet Grillo, producer and director, has a child with autism. Her movie, Fly Away, is about the challenges of parenting a child with autism. Check out the website for more info. Also check out the interviews of the director and actors, telling about their connection to autism.

Friends know how much I love the arts, dance in particular. So when I saw this company featured on So You Think You Can Dance, I had to blog about it. AXIS Dance Company, founded in 1987, challenges traditional definitions of dance and dance ability by including dancers with physical challenges traditionally left out of the dance world. Located in the Bay Area, it has and continues to make important contributions to dance and the world of special needs.

Kudos to So you Think You Can Dance for highlighting this wonderful dance company. It excites us when new possibilities open up for our students with special needs!

Please visit the AXIS Dance Company website for more information and to view performance videos.

I came across this quote and had to post it. I just love it!

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ”

~Erma Bombeck

The 2011 Special Olympics are going on now from June 25th through July 4th. For more information on the latest results, visit the Special Olympics website.

What is the state of special education funding? Check out this article from Wrightslaw for more information. It’s pretty surprising.

AMC Theatres has partnered with Autism Society to regularly provide movie nights for children with sensory needs. Lights are kept on, the sound is turned down, and audience members are able to walk, dance, sing and shout! Click here for more information! For a list of participating theaters, click here. You’ll notice that Orange County locations are listed under Los Angeles and include the Block and Downtown Disney! Get the popcorn ready!