International Day of Person's with Disabilities

December 3rd, 2017 is the international person's with disabilities day. 

This international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

This years theme is Transformation towards Sustainable and Resilient Society for all. Check out this website for more information.

American Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference 2017

This past week our office was closed on Thursday and Friday.

The therapists took a trip to Los Angeles, California to attend the yearly ASHA conference.

The ASHA Convention is the strongest educational program for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech and hearing scientists, and related professionals.

Make sure to ask your therapist how the conference was!

"This was my first time at ASHA and I had an awesome experience! I am excited to apply everything I learned from the conference into therapy.  It was amazing to be surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion as me."  

- Adina (SLPA)

World Origami Days

October 24th through November 11th is "World Origami Days." 

World Origami days began on October 24th and will last until November 11th.

October 24th is the birthday of Lillian Oppenheimer (1898 - 1992), who founded the first origami group in America. November 11th is Origami Day in Japan where the paper crane has become a symbol of peace. 

Celebrate by creating your own origami creation! 

Click here for a link to an online template for creating the paper crane!

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia is defined as difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities. Typically, Dyslexia results from a deficit in the phonological component of language. 

Dyslexia Awareness month was first celebrated in 2002. 

You can help raise awareness by using the hashtag #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth on social media! 

Resources:

• http://nild.org/october-is-national-dyslexia-month-do-you-know-the-signs/

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome is a condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome. The physical features and medical problems associated with down syndrome can vary widely from child-to-child. Kids with Down Syndrome tend to share certain physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and protruding tongue. Some also may have low muscle tone (called hypotonia), which is also a characteristic.

Today, many kids with down syndrome go to school, hold jobs, and enjoy many of the same activities as other kids their age. They go to college, and transition to semi-independent living as well. 

This month is not about celebrating disabilities, it's about celebrating abilities! Join us in celebrating and raising awareness. 

Resources:

• http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/
• http://downsyndromecommunity.org

Special Olympics 2018

The 2018 USA Games Special Olympics will be held in Seattle! 

The Special Olympics goes from June 30th - July 6th with a special Independence Day celebration!

June 30, 2018 - Welcome Day at SeaTac Airport

July 1, 2018 - Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium

July 1st - July 5th - Games and Activities 

• University of Washington - Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Flag Football, Powerlifting, Tennis, Volleyball
• Angle Lake - Stand-up Paddle Board
• Celebration Park - Softball
• Kenmore Lanes - Bowling
• Seattle Pacific University - Gymnastics
• Seattle University - Basketball, Soccer
• King County Aquatic Center - Swimming
• Willows Run Golf Club - Golf

July 6th - Closing Ceremony at Lake Union Park

Check out their website for more information and to see how you can contribute! 

Back to School

It is almost time to go back to school!

Have you adjusted your therapy schedule to accommodate the school schedule? 

Tahoma School District has made changes to the upcoming 2017-2018 school year! Click here to find the new changes and start/end times. 

Let us know if you need to change your appointment time. 

Afternoon time slots are filling up fast!

Free Zoo Days!

Did you know the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers free admission on select days for seniors (65+) and those with a disability?

Click here to visit the website

F.A.S.T

American Stroke Month

American Stroke Month started at the beginning of May. If you or someone you know is having a stroke, it is critical to get medical attention immediately! Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Recognizing the symptoms when someone is having a stroke is vital in order to get the most immediate medical attention. Here are the most common symptoms of someone experiencing a stroke:

    1. Face Drooping —> Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the lower than the other?

    2. Arm Weakness —> Ask the person to lift both arms. Is one arm drifting downward?

    3. Speech Difficulty —> Is their speech slurred? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence

    4. Time to call 9-1-1 —> Time is important! Tell them “I think this is a stroke”

Follow this link to learn more in support of the American Stroke Month!

Wings for Autism will be at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport on October 15th!

What is Wings for Autism you ask?  It is a program that creates a rehearsal situation of what the airport experience is like for individuals with autism and their families including entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, getting through security, and boarding a plane.  We are thrilled to proud supporters of this awesome program.  Paige, Megan, and I will be volunteering at the event.  If you will be there or if you just happen to have a flight that day be on the lookout for us and come say hi!  If you would like more information about Wings for Autism check out the link below.  We are looking forward to working with such an awesome program and hope to see some of our clients and their families at the airport.  

The Arc - Wings for Autism

-Cassee