Michael Lorenzen Foundation

 

Deadline approaching!! January 31, 2022!!

For the third year in a row; The Michael Lorenzen Foundation is proud to offer a college scholarship program for those on the Autism spectrum. We have witnessed the struggles that Autism presents and have also seen the passion and dedication that envelops these particular students. We are honored to be able to offer FIVE (5) scholarships of up to $2500 per student for the 2022 - 2023 academic year!!

 

For more information on how to apply visit: 

 

https://michaellorenzenfoundation.com/how-to-apply/

Here's wishing everyone

 

Sensory - Friendly Indoor Games and Activities at the South Providence Library (PCL-RI)

Sensory - Friendly

                                                                         Indoor

                                                             Games and Activities

                                       Children with special needs are welcome!

     They are invited to play, explore and do activities that stimulates and use their senses.

    The program is aimed at those on the autism spectrum, but no one is ever turned away.

                                                          Date: December 14th

                                                Where: South Providence Library

                                                     441 Prairie Ave, Providence, RI

Here is the link: https://www.provcomlib.org/news-events/calendar/2021/sensory-friendly-indoor-games-and-activities

 

Talent Factory Performing Arts Centre (Adaptive Dance Program)

 

Sensory Storytime at the Greenville Public Library (RI)

 

 

 

 

Zoos Working To Become More Autism-Friendly

 

To learn more, please visit the link below:

 

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/12/09/zoos-working-to-become-more-autism-friendly/29625/?fbclid=IwAR0VcAuGg05na55hXU3xC7kOo9HR7O1RbYaxnrIYNhmxhhCqbOMwPBZG0es

 

 

 

Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities / RI College (Survey)

 

Our friends at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities / RI College would like to hear from you to inform their plan for the next five years!

Find out more: https://w3.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/?fbclid=IwAR0eMKBOzObXkCR48fhlwfIV5lnyZdxINNAONMRQ99TtngvThjIHDhBE7i8

DIY Sensory Play at Home (Sensory Ornament Decorating) at the Pawtucket Public Library (RI)

 

Join Miss Maria in this fun DIY Sensory Play video and learn how to make your own sensory ornament decorating. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Sensory kit will be provided with the materials to make the project at home, while supplies last in the children's library. 

 

Materials needed:

-Wooded Ornament (small or medium)

-Acrylic Crafting Jewel & Gems

-Small Condiment Cup

-Acrylic Paint

-Art Brush

-Glitter

 

Instructions:

1. Paint your ornament

2. Once, your ornament is dry add glue with the glue stick

3. Add glitter on top of the glue and spread it with your finger

4. Add acrylic craft jewels or gems

5. Let it dry and add a string to the ornament to hang up on your Christmas tree or anywhere in your home. Enjoy!

 

Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vsf9_wdF1k

Special Olympics RI holds 14th Annual Torch Run Plunge

To learn more, please visit the link below:

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/south-county/special-olympics-ri-holds-14th-annual-torch-run-plunge/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR3LpbJiEkD-Vsw44ZL8ankR4FJ2mAopJJX4dqT-HasSQ9M6G_RiKX_FqDk

December's Peer to Peer Support Group takes place on the 9th! (RIPIN)

 

December's Peer to Peer Support Group takes place on the 9th!

If you care for a child with special needs, connect with others over Zoom: http://ow.ly/nzr950H3fth

Bowling & Fun with The Public Safety Special Needs Coalition & The Autism Project (December 2021)

 

A Range of Abilities, A Range of Stories: Four Picture Books About People with Disabilities by School Library Journal Reviews

 

 

 

Here's the link: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=a-range-of-abilities-stories

 

Sensory-Friendly Santa experience (RI, MA, and more)

 

 

Make your child believe in magic! Have them share their wishes with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment this holiday season. Coming to participating locations near you on December 5th and 12th. Book your Sensory-Friendly Santa experience: https://bit.ly/3ca2FTn

New Peppa Pig theme park to open as certified autism center (Orlando, FL)

Park opening Feb. 24 in Orlando, Florida.

 

 

 

https://www.clickorlando.com/theme-parks/2021/11/16/new-peppa-pig-theme-park-to-open-as-certified-autism-center/?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar&fbclid=IwAR0Vl_VTvBbT-PFmL-DofBKTbX0_hjx5iUTdwAcgsovo-w67K18qTIcTCgE#//

Parent Support Network of Rhode Island

 

 

Learn about our Child & Family services at psnri.org/support

 

Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council

 

Check out the great work that our self-employment program participants have been doing! 

Click below the photos to read their stories or watch their videos.

http://riddc.org/self-employment-participants/?fbclid=IwAR3aPMWCblAmlwBsBS73I8j0q_XTrR3FGs7LxIRhQysk1Rs3miU04tOJEYk

 

 

Autism Eats is hosting two Autism friendly brunches with Santa!

 

Santa's Coming to The Autism Project (RI) 2021

 

For more information, visit their website:

 

https://theautismproject.org/get-involved/events/pictures-with-santa?fbclid=IwAR2QY_9-ps_EN6wfEEsJHkZG_g2SH_V5ImFm4JX18CBFrWC7d5hFNO7pkdk

 

 

What is the RIPIN Cedar Family Center? YouTube Video

 

A Cedar Family Center is a site that provides evolving, family-centered, intensive care management and coordination in order to assist families in reaching their full potential and thrive in their own communities.

Learn more by clicking on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbyT20PytUg

Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry

Did you know that enrolling in the RI Special Needs Emergency Registry allows first responders to better prepare for and respond to your needs during an emergency?

To learn more, visit 

https://health.ri.gov/emergency/about/specialneedsregistry/?fbclid=IwAR2AwsRhzhYtJW0SSOPdkyZO7eycwgnIugpNGKsbQervkq3Czwwob6tc4f8 
 

Parent Support Network of Rhode Island

 

Virtual Parent Support Groups in English Tuesdays 6pm and Thursdays in Spanish 6pm!

 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88162354238

 

by phone/por telefono: 301-715-8592

 

meeting/reuñion ID: 881 6235 4238

 

Website: http://www.psnri.org/

Sensory Storytime at the Greenville Public Library (RI)

 

 

Stop by for stories, bubbles and sensory play! No registration required.

 

Greenville Public Library

573 Putnam Pike Greenville, RI 02828

https://greenvillelibraryri.org/

  

The Meeting Street Institute Presents, Autism in the Early Years (RI)

 

Sensory Friendly Movie – Paw Patrol (Seekonk Public Library, MA)

 

Saturday, November 13, 1:00 PM

The event will include sensory-friendly features such as lights up, sound down, relaxed rules, and subtitles. Everyone is invited to this all-inclusive, welcoming, movie event. Please feel free to bring your own fidgets, comfort items, and snacks. 

Social story (with photos) available upon request, email us at childrens@seekonkpl.org. Rated G, run time 1 hour 26 minutes.

https://seekonkpl.org/kids_home/childrens-book-week-may-4-10/

DIY Sensory Play at Home (Sensory Hand Turkey) at the Pawtucket Public Library (RI)

 

Join Miss Maria in this fun DIY Sensory Play video and learn how to make your own sensory hand turkey. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. 

 

Materials needed:

-Construction paper (white or colored)

-Feathers (4)

-Googly eye (1)

-Heart Foam Sticker (1)

-Clothespin (2)

-Markers

 

Instructions:

1. Trace and cut out a hand on the construction paper

2. Color your cut out hand or use colored construction paper

3. Glue on the colorful feathers to each finger

4. Glue on the googly eye

5. Glue on the heart foam sticker for the mouth

6. Color the clothespins to add as feet for the turkey to play and enjoy!

 

Pawtucket Public Library YouTube Link:  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bONZg5-b5jg

Sensory Saturday at the Barrington Public Library (RI)

 

Join us for a special sensory-friendly showing of Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow.

Travel along with Tim & Annie on their wild adventure to a place without technology that includes monster legends and stolen turkeys! 

Sensory-friendly features will include: low-lighting, softer volume, relaxed guidelines and subtitles. Please feel free to bring your own fidgets or comfort items. Social Story with photos is available upon request.

This movie showing and its accommodations is designed especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but everyone is welcome to attend this all-inclusive program. Registration is not required. 

 PG 2015 1h 28 min

Event Date(s)

 

November 13, 2021

11:00am - 1:00pm

 

https://barringtonlibrary.org/events/2021/10/19/sensory-saturday?fbclid=IwAR3-mHZvXcctcbCVISu1iA3h3Ax_67bP9DCN-iVtPaM0dTYHwxv6hoF8wDs

 

Overcoming Barriers – A Mother's 25-Year Journey Raising a Son with ASD

Community of Practice (CoP) in Autism in Rhode Island

Sherlock Home | C.G.S in Autism Education

Presenters:

Susan Linehan, autism advocate, parent consultant and support group facilitator

 

Patrick Linehan – artist, musician, self-advocate

 

Presentation:

Attend this webinar and learn about one family’s journey from autism diagnosis to adulthood. Susan Linehan will guide the audience through her family’s experience navigating the public education system, building a team of parent/teacher/school collaborations, and successfully helping her son Patrick to transition to adult services. The discussion will emphasize the importance of positive engagement while focusing on nurturing the child’s unique strengths and talents. You will have an opportunity to see some of Patrick’s artwork as well as a recent piano performance. 

 

To register for this free webinar, please click on the link below:

https://w3.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/copautism.html

 

 

Sensory Friendly Programs at the Rhode Island Public Libraries

 

2021 Annual CORI Fall-Mini Conference

 

DIY Sensory Play at Home (Pawtucket Public Library ~ RI)

 

Sensory-Friendly Indoor Games and Activities at the South Providence Library (PCL-RI)

 

Sensory Storytime at the Greenville Public Library (RI)

 

Stop by for stories, bubbles and sensory play! No registration required.

 

Sensory Story & Activity Time at the Barrington Public Library (RI)

 

Sensory Friendly Movie- Space Jam: A New Legacy at the Seekonk Public Library (MA)

 

 

Saturday, October 9, 11AM-1PM

 

The event will include sensory-friendly features such as lights up, sound down, relaxed rules, and subtitles.

 

Everyone is invited to this all-inclusive, welcoming, movie event.

 

Please feel free to bring your own fidgets, comfort items, and snacks. 

 

Social story (with photos) available upon request, email us at childrens@seekonkpl.org

Rated PG, run time 1 hour 55 minutes.

 

CONTACT: Youth Services Department 508-336-8230 x56140 childrens@seekonkpl.org

 

Seekonk Public Library

410 Newman Ave

Seekonk, MA 02771

508-336-8230

Public Safety Special Needs Coalition Candy Drive & Truck or Treat

 

1st Virtual RI Children's Sensory Support Group Meeting (Tuesday, September 14th at 1 p.m. Eastern Time)

Please see the invitation below. There is still time to register.

 

Join fellow youth services librarians to share best practices for sensory story times and inclusive library programs and services. We will be discussing community connections, sensory activity ideas, and programs/services beyond story time.

 

Topic: Learn about Sensory Backpacks & the ALSC Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee

 

About the presentation: Jaime will be discussing her work with the Library Service to Children and Their Caregivers Committee, including the resources available for librarians through this committee. She will also share details about the sensory backpacks circulating at the Plano Libraries, and share ideas and information about additional programming and resource opportunities for connecting with families with children with autism and sensory processing disorders.

 

About the presenter: Jaime Eastman is a senior public services librarian and Family Place Coordinator with the Harrington Library, one of the Plano Public Libraries in Plano, Texas. She currently serves as co-chair for ALSC’s Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee. She writes regularly for the ALSC blog and has also had several articles published in Children and Libraries. She prepares and presents a variety of programs and story times for patrons, as well as creating and delivering staff training. She enjoys sharing the joy of literacy and the library with families and caregivers, and connecting others with the resources they need for success.

 

The Sensory Story Time Support Group is a grassroots community of practice developed and facilitated by Maria Cotto at the Pawtucket Public Library and Lisa Lesinski at the Barrington Public Library, with continued support from Babs Wells at the Greenville Public Library. The Sensory Storytime Support Group seeks to empower youth services librarians to better serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families by expanding programming, outreach, partnerships, and resources that welcome all abilities. 

 

For more information about the Sensory Story Time Support Group please contact Maria Cotto at mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org.

 

Here's the link to register:

https://olis-ri.libcal.com/event/8280644

 

Follow us on Facebook: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/Rhode-Island-Sensory-Story-Time-Support-Group-184245458869666

DIY Sensory Play at Home (Sensory Falling Leave Bag) at the Pawtucket Public Library (RI)

 

 

Join Miss Maria in this fun DIY Sensory Play video and learn how to make your own sensory falling leave bag. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. 

 

Materials needed:

 

-Small or medium clear ziplock bag

-Clear or yellow hair gel

-Fall leave confetti

-Fabric/plastic leaves

-Sequins

-Yellow/Red or Orange glitter

-Yellow or orange food coloring

 

Instructions:

 

1. Draw an autumn tree without leaves on the ziplock bag

2. Pour the hair gel in the ziplock bag (not too much)

2. Add fall leave confetti (some)

3. Add glitter (some)

3. Add fabric/plastic leave (5 leaves)

3. Add sequins (some)

4. Add some food coloring to play and enjoy!

 

Follow us on the Pawtucket Public Library YouTube for more sensory activity ideas: 

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdMj7toplpKsdwUwJbVjVw

 

Sensory Friendly Truck & Treat (Public Safety Special Needs Coalition)

 

2021 Buddy Walk going virtual October 3rd (Down Syndrome Society of RI, Inc.)

 

IMPORTANT UPDATE: In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on our community, we have decided to move the 2021 Buddy Walk to a virtual format.

The virtual walk will still take place on Sunday, October 3rd. Team captains are encouraged to walk and celebrate with their team in a way that’s most comfortable to them. 

 

All *team captains* will receive a drop off of their team shirts, team captain swag bag, team sign for teams that raised over $500 and pumpkins for all children registered on the team. This will take place on Saturday, October 2nd and we will give you a window of time in which your delivery will take place 48 hours in advance. For those not on a team, we will place your shirt in the mail. 

 

The deadline to receive a t-shirt is approaching quickly as you must be registered for by September 17th to get a shirt. Adult walkers can register for $15, and child walkers for $10. Registration will continue up to the date of the event on October 3rd. Click here to register now. https://www.ds-stride.org/dssribuddywalk

 

We encourage you to walk with your friends and family and share your experiences with us virtually so we may celebrate as a community. You can share by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram as well as emailing buddywalk@dssri.org. 

 

Thank you for your understanding and please know we will miss seeing everyone in-person again this year.

Take & Make: Sensory Stress Balls at the Greenville Public Library (RI)

 

 

Stop by the Young Adult area on Wednesday, September 8th and pick up a Take & Make: Sensory Stress Ball craft! No registration required. Kits are first come, first served while supplies last!