Friday, June 28, 2013

A Swimming Experience of Mine and the Important Role of Collabration....

Our swimming experience yesterday was such a rewarding one. I had the privilege last week of swimming with a wide range of children with different disabilities, so that allowed me to be confident and excited for this opportunity. I collaborated with my classmates about things I learned last week, as well as their prior knowledge on swimming with children with disabilities before we arrived. This allowed us all to feel pretty confident about helping these kids with swimming techniques, and just having fun with them in the pool. Collaborating was very important before we got to the pool, because we wanted to all be sure we were on the same page as far as safety concerns, as well as where everyone stood with their own swimming abilities and confidence in the pool. Once we got to the pool we immediately saw all the collaboration that had gone on with the teachers, the aides and the parents of the kids. They all knew their roles, had the kids changed in their suits and ready to go. The collaboration with the parents had to have been inclusive, so they knew their child was going to be safe and properly cared for when taken to the swimming pool. As a parent myself, I know that is very important for us to know that our child is in good hands all the time.

Once the kids were ready to get in the water, we got to get involved. Everyone kind of picked a child to work with, and from their we either worked on techniques, played or just observed. I worked with the little kids that were deaf or hard of hearing. This was an absolutely incredible experience. We collaborated with the teacher about their abilities, and what she wanted from us. This was very important so that we knew what they could do, as well as what we were supposed to do to keep them safe in the water. The teacher would demonstrate a skill, and then have us perform that skill with the child we had. These kids kicked their feet on their stomachs with us holding them, they blew bubbles, they kicked and blew bubbles at the same time, and finally they kicked on their backs. They all knew how to climb out of the pool from the side, which I, very important, so that if they were in a situation where they were in the water alone, they could get out. After we finished working on techniques they went to the little pool to play, and so I followed. I had such a fun time playing and communicating without talking. I learned that I am still able to communicate and play games with these kids even though they cannot hear me.

Without collaboration in this type of educational setting safety of each child would be a huge concern. It is an absolute must so that the parents know their child is safe and needs are always met, the aides know what to do and when to do it, the teachers know what they can expect from each kid and how to push them, and for us just coming into the situation to know what to expect and how to be the most helpful to everyone. I really enjoyed this experience, and hope to have many more just like it.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Why Communication is a Key Componet to Collaborative Practice...

Communication is a necessity when dealing with collaboration. You cannot collaborate without communicating. When you have a team in place for a student, for example, an IEP team, everyone comes together to reach a special goal. We communicate our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions and share them with one another. We pay attention to the verbal and nonverbal ways others communicate, as well as their perceptions of things. We have to be open to a variety of different ideas and beliefs, therefore we must communicate to figure out how we are going to come together for this common goal. Although we may not like others forms of communication it is very important to respect everyone’s opinions, use effective listening skills. Ultimately, our students cannot be fully successful without the collaboration process, and further more we cannot be successful in that collaboration practice without communicating how we are going to help all of our students succeed.

Our school district has a collaboration period worked into our bell schedule once a week. Whether or not I agree with this is one thing, but what we do during this time is something else. As a department we communicate with one another on student goals and objectives, as well as assessments and achievements. Everyone in my department has a different frame of reference, but we work together, listen to one another and do the best we can to come up with lessons and practices that will allow for success for all of our students. We communicate everyday, without that we would isolate ourselves and our students would ultimately be the ones that suffer.

Community Resources for Students


Community Resources for Adapted Physical Education

1. Special Olympics of Butte County

Special Olympics in Northern California provides year round sports training and athletic competition in a wide variety of Olympic type sports for individuals with developmental disabilities. This opportunity provides individuals a chance to learn life long fitness concepts while having fun, being competitive, being supportive and celebrating with friends, family and other Special Olympic Athletes.

2. BE:WEL Community Program, Beyond Exercise: Wellness Enhancement for Life.

This program is ran at Chico State, and is designed to help individuals with disabilities take personal responsibility for their health and well being in an accessible and supportive environment. For more information contact: 
 
Department of Kinesiology
California State University, Chico
Yolo 243
Chico, CA 95929-0330
Phone: (530)898-6373
 

3. KIDS:PLAY, Kids Integrated Development of Skills: Parental Leadership and Advocacy for Youth

This program is ran at Chico State, and is designed to help kids interact with one another socially and get them involved in physical activity. The goals of KIDS:PLAY are to help kids work on their movement skills, improve their self-esteem and create new learning experiences for them. All children are included in this program, modifications are made to fit the needs of everyone. For more information contact:

Department of Kinesiology
California State University, Chico
Yolo 243
Chico, CA 95929-0330
Phone: (530)898-6373

 
4. Ability First Sports

Ability First is a wheelchair sports camp designed to provide instructional & recreational sports opportunities to youth with physical disabilities. There is a variety of individual and team sports, as well as fun social activities throughout each day. Competition levels range from beginner through both the junior and national levels of athletic competition. This is a wonderful experience for kids to make new friends, learn strategies, and participate is physical activities that they can use to be active for life. To sign up or read more use the website listed above, or contact them directly at:

Ability First Sports
PO Box 4235
Chico, CA 95927
Phone: (530)588-0335

5. Handi-Riders of Northern California

Handi-Riders provides a unique form of therapeutic activity for children and adults with special needs. Individuals are referred to the program through schools, therapy groups, rehabilitation programs and/or doctors. They offer a Winter 4-week session, Spring and Fall 6- week sessions and a 4 one-week Summer Day programs. Private and Semi-Private lessons are offered throughout the year as well. For more information contact:

Handi-Riders
PO Box 1885
Chico, CA 95927
Phone: (530)533-5333
 
6.  Challenger League Baseball/Softball

Challenger League Baseball/Softball is Little League for boys and girls ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, with physical and mental challenges. Teams are set up based on ability rather than age. To sign up for our area contact:

Challenger Little League
Kimberly Babb, Coordinator
10 Titleist Way
Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530)680-7685

 

7. Chico Water Sprites: WaterSprites Swim School

WaterSprites goal is to help families raise healthier, safer, and smarter kids through swimming. They have a specific Adaptive Swim Class for kids with disabilities, as well as many other different swim classes based on age and skill level. To find out their schedule you can check out their website, Chico WaterSprites Class Schedule, or contact them directly at:

WaterSprites Swim School
2280 Ivy Street Suite 110
Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530)342-2999

8. WTC: Work Training Center, Do-It Leisure Program

Do-It Leisure has individual, community and sports programs for individuals with disabilities and it promotes wellness through leisure and encourages quality of life for persons with disabilities through utilization of personal and community resources. They also focus on the education of the public on inclusion of persons with disabilities in our community. Do-It Leisure has individual, community and sports programs. The sports program offers a wide variety of classes that are designed to improve and enhance intervals skilss, promote health and life long fitness, as well as have fun. For more information contant:

Julie Ellen, Coordinator: jellen@ewtc.org

or Andrea Moriarty, Director: andream@ewtc.org

2233 Fair Street
Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530) 343-6055u
9.  YMCA of Oroville

The YMCA has different physical activities for all students and kids to participate in. Their aquatics is a major role, as are day camps that take you to places like, Riverbend Park, Berry Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, Cal Skate, Upper Park in Chico and so many others. For more information contact:

Oroville YMCA
1684 Robinson Street
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 533-YMCA (9622)
Facility Hours
Monday - Friday: 7:30am to 6:30pm
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED


10.  Feather River Park and Recreation District

If you are looking for a wide variety of activities for your child to choose from that collaborates with the local schools and agencies, this is a great resource. They have numerous youth sports programs, swimming lessons, fishing opportunities, and a skate and board park.

Feather River Recreation and Park District
Ann Willmann
1875 Feather River Blvd
Oroville, CA, 95965
Phone: 530-533-2011

National Resources for APE

National Resources for Adapted Physical Education
 
1.  PE Central: The premier web site for Health and Physical Education

This website will help you gain a clear understanding of what Adapted physical Education really is. It will give you a wide range of physical activities, lessons, and assessment ideas that have or have not been modified to meet the needs of students.

 
2.  NCPAD: National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

This website is full of information on all different types of disabilities and physical activities. It will also give you a 14 week program that promotes fitness and a healthier you! Takes you step by step in what you need to do in order to be successful with the program.

 
3. PE Links 4 U: Promoting active and healthy lifestyles

This website has a wide range of information on a variety of physical activities, health and fitness information, standards, and organization links. 

4. AAPAR American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, Adapted Physical Education Resource Manual.
The purpose of this manual is to help you find resources related to APE. The areas are broken down into chapters so you can find exactly what you are searching for, whether it be equipment companies or disability sport organizations.

5. Disabled Sports USA

The purpose of this website is, “providing national leadership and oppurtunities for individuals with disabilities to develops independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in adaptive sports.”

 
6. IFC: Inclusive Fitness Coalition

According to IFC, “The Inclusive Fitness Coalition developed out of the need to address these health issues (the fact that roughly 56 million people are affected with some type of disability and the health risks that come with a sedentary lifestyle) and create a unified effort to increase access to and participation in physical activity for youth, adults and seniors with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities.”

7. Pacer Center: Champions for Children with Disabilities. Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights


This website gives individuals with disabilities tools to use from birth through adulthood, and parents and family members tools for more involvement. There are projects, workshops and other publications that are all very helpful tools.

8. CEC: Council for Exceptional Children
According to their website, “CEC works to improve public policy affecting children and youth with disabilities and gifts and talents, their parents and the professionals who work with them, at all levels of government.” From this site you can look at how CEC advocates for children with exceptionalities and for special education policy.

9. NCPERID: National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities

 
NCPERID mission is to, “promote research, professional preparation, service delivery, and advocacy of Physical Education and Recreation for individuals with disabilities. On this website you can browse through their accomplishments, and learn about their annual conference.

10. APENS: Adapted Physical Education National Standards

This website allows you to read, learn and study the standards for Adapted Physical Education. It also gives a direct definition of Adapted Physical Education. Here you can see what the 15 standards are and get a clearer understanding of what teachers do in order to meet all of these standards.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

"My Frame of Reference is Important because..."

My Frame of Reference is important because it makes me who I am today, it has shaped and molded me into the person I am both personally and professionally. My frame of reference is different than anyone else's and I would say it is based primarily on my personal experiences, values and attitude. In regards to consultation, frame of reference is important because hopefully everyone comes into the situation with a common goal, to help a student be successful. Therefore, everyone is sharing their different perspectives and trying to work together for a particular student. It is important to keep an open mind, positive attitude, listen to everyone’s point of view, understand that everyone is different, and be respectful even at times of disagreement. If this can happen, collaboration will be successful and the students will be successful.