Winter 99 Issue
A note from the President .......
Well another year has nearly past since our Spring '98 Parent Workshop. New Brunswick Parents Kelly VanDoren and Debbie Thomas and Nova Scotia Parents, Brian MacLeod and Urban Cannon, have been busy helping organize and plan for this year's workshop entitled "Turning Points" scheduled for April 23-25. As with every passing year it goes without saying that APSEA staff and resources play a huge role in the overall success of the workshop. Therefore, the Parents Association would like to express our gratitude to Raymond LeBlanc, Pam Edmonds and the APSEA Parent Educators/Itinerants who contribute so much to providing a quality workshop.
Parents are reminded that this year's workshop will bring with it a formal election for the association's executive positions. In keeping with tradition, the president's position will be filled by a parent residing in the alternate province, so Nova Scotia it's your turn! So, don't wait, register now and plan to take part in this year's annual Parent Workshop; it's our biggest and best event of the year.
Pam Gagnon
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T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
PARENTS ASSOCIATION
FUND-RAISER
$10 EACH
STILL SOME LEFT
SEND US THE MONEY
WE'LL GET THE T-SHIRTS
TO YOU
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APSEA-PARENTS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE
Pam Gagnon, President Fredericton, NB 506-458-1718
Urban Cannon, Vice Pres. Lr. Sackville, NS 902-865-6029
Nancy Parsons, Secretary Lr. Sackville, NS 902-865-5868
Cathy Barter, Treasurer Riverview, NB 506-387-7728
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WHAT'S HAPPENING FROM HALIFAX-DARTMOUTH
While our Parent Group had a quiet fall, a highlight was having Valerie Brimicombe as a guest speaker in December. Valerie, a teacher of the Deaf at Harbourview, came to talk about the dayclasses and to answer questions and concerns some of the parents with preschoolers nearing school age had.
Another big event in December was our annual Christmas party. Many thanks to all the parents who helped out especially Anne Somer and Marlene Williams. They spent alot of time requesting donations and organizing it. The kids loved watching the magic tricks as always. New this year was facepainting. It was a big hit with ALL the kids. Anne surprised all of us with a lovely cake and of course it would not be a Christmas party without Santa. It was wonderful to see some of the Deaf adults there with their families.
Many of us attended the Evening of Sign at APSEA early in December. It was a wonderful show. A highlight for me was watching Mike Perrier signing the word to a Celine Dion's song from the Titanic movie, "My Heart Will Go On"!
While our January meeting was a hit and miss due to an ice storm, Noni Warner agreed to come to our February meeting to talk about teaching our children to read. Plans are also being made for another meeting centered around web sites especially for the Deaf. On March 3, 1999, Dr. John Swaine, Child Psychologist, has agreed to speak. The Halifax Forum booked on April 18 from 5 to 6 pm for the annual Family Skate - EVERYONE WELCOME!!
We are all very sad and offer great sympathy to Paul Levy's parents and family upon his tragic death. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane Arseneault
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Diane Falvey (Falvey Sign Language Consulting), Halifax is again offering a Sign Language class for children , ages 7 - 9 on Saturday afternoons. The last course was thoroughly enjoyed by all the students and most look forward to another term. The date to begin the course is Feb. 20 and anyone interested should phone Diane at 454-3495.
Tina Green
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PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER FROM APSEA
A half year has already passed, they say that as one gets older time goes by more quickly, so I must be really getting old . I would like to update you all on some of the activities that have taken place this year and of some up and coming events.
The short term programs (STP) continue to be very popular and we are getting lots of positive feedback from these programs. So far this year we have had:
Upper Elementary group consisting of eight students
High School level- Social/Self-Awareness, six students
Junior High group-Communication and Audiological Issues, nine students
Junior High group-Communication and Audiological Issues, nine students
Driver Education
Congratulations to Danielle Baker and Amy Parsons for successfully obtaining their driver's license. I wonder if their parents will ever have to drive again?
We are presently planning for a Career Camp for grade 12 students in early March, a couple more Junior High STP, another Driver Education and a Career Camp for June. If you want more information on these programs and how you can get your child involved please give me a call.
As many of you are aware Cochlear Implants are a big issue and we are being exposed to this new technology on a daily basis. The IWK Grace Hospital has just opened a clinic, the audiologist is Casey Stach and if you are looking for information about the service she can be reached at (902)428-8363 or through e-mail . There is no surgical team but it is foreseen that one should be in place in the near future.
In the fall, Warren Estabrooks, an Auditory Verbal Therapist from North York General Hospital, spent a couple of days with staff. I want to have staff trained in the area of auditory verbal therapy as we are getting more and more children with implants so in keeping up with the times we need to make every effort possible to provide the necessary intervention to this growing population. Mr. Estabrooks was very well received, his first session was open to all those interested in the auditory verbal approach and there were over 110 participants. Mr. Estabrooks will be returning in February to do a follow up session with the APSEA teachers. I know that there is a high interest in this area and I am thinking about inviting him in the fall of 1999. This session will be open to those interested in hearing him speak. I will provide you with more information about this as things develop.
The annual APSEA Staff Inservice held in November, was very successful, staff participated in several workshops; the making of ear molds, technology, assessment and physical education for students with special needs. There was also a banquet held on Thursday evening which was quite successful. I must say that it is great to see how well both staffs, VI and DHH are working together to provide better support to the population we serve.
The Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI) training was organized and completed the first week in November. Two members from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester, New York, Bill Newell and Frank Caccamise, were the instructors who trained 11 people. Three of these participants were deaf adults from the community, the others were APSEA staff (teachers and interpreters). These people are now trained in interviewing and/or rating staff and will be able to determine a level of signing competency for each staff member being interviewed. The objective is to have all staff rated. This process will begin with the Nova Scotia Educational Interpreter/ Assistants (EI/A's) who have all been interviewed and the New Brunswick EI/A's to be interviewed by the end of March. Teaching staff will be done once they come in during Inservice days.
This has been a very exciting year to date. I am so pleased to see how things are taking shape and how supportive everyone has been. These are exciting times in the field of deaf education and we are limited only by our imaginations. You as parents know what is needed to best meet your child's optimal potential, if you have ideas or areas you feel we should be focusing, please do not hesitate to contact me, I always enjoy hearing from you. I will update you on other things that we are doing in your next newsletter.
Raymond LeBlanc
Director
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WHAT'S HAPPENING FROM SAINT JOHN
The Parents Group- I have only received two calls about a Parents Group. If you are interested in talking with other Parents or getting information to help you and your child please call me at 506-757-2901 or call your itinerant teacher or parent educator. I now have a room to hold these meetings, but I need more people to be able to start this up.
HOORAY FOR THE KIDS. Kids in Grand Bay and Westfield can now join Community events with an Interpreter. Lynn at SJDAHH Services has received money for this service. Tara was able to go to the Irving Nature Park, Police Station and the NB Museum this summer and mommy didn't have to go. This Fall she is able to join a Church Group without me going with her and Tae Kwon Do. If you would like any information contact Lynn at 506-633-0599. I would like to have this available for the children next year, but this is only good for one year. If anyone has any ideas on how we could continue this please let me know, or would like to help me get funding for next year.
APSEA and the Hospital had their workshop for the teachers and other professionals who work with our children in the school. I was disappointed to see that no other parents were there again. I feel this is a good way for parents to find out what information they are giving the people who are working with our children everyday. I did find that it leaned more towards the children who are not profoundly deaf. It is important for the Teachers to go but also the Parents. I found it was very helpful for me and the people from Tara's School, because I was able to show them how what they were learning related to Tara or didn't relate to her. I was able to answer questions that they had about what they saw in the class and why Tara does certain things. i.e. I could explain why Tara seems to do her work better in the morning than the afternoon. This is because she watches Lisa signing and by the afternoon she is getting tired. This was a important thing for them to know. Well maybe next year I will see more Parents with their child's Teacher. I hope to see more Parents getting involved.
Paula Snodgrass
506-757-2901
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Wee Ones Corner
With declining prices on personal computers more and more homes are becoming equipped with state-of-the-art PCs and printers. These PCs are not only for surfing the web, managing our family budget or writing letters to grandma. Many stores are carrying low cost, high quality children's software that our whole family can enjoy, especially our preschoolers!
Pattern recognition exercises, matching, math concepts, sequencing, pre-reading skills, colors, numbers, alphabet and much, much, more bundled on one CD. The children simply insert the CD, choose the desired program and away they go into the wonderful world of multimedia (along with their favorite cartoon pals, produced using outstanding graphics, to those far away lands and into the world of storytelling) and voila, learning while playing! (PS For those parents with signing children, the instructions are simple to follow and easy to sign.)
A few of our personal favorites include Microsoft's My Personal Tutor (includes 4 CDS in one package), and Reader Rabbit's Math and Reading programs to name just a few. Children's software can range from $10 to $80 depending on what you are looking for and note a lot of companies operate on rebate systems so buyers beware (and if you are disciplined at sending in those rebates always check their expiry date and the country were valid).
When buying computer software compare System Requirements to your home computer set-up plus ensure you check the recommended age for the CD software targeted above the child's age often becomes quickly frustrating and tossed to the side. Software installations are normally fairly easy to understand and follow so check out the children's software selection the next time you shop for computer supplies!
Pam Gagnon
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WANTED Books dealing with deafness that are appropriate for a 10 year old at reading level at slightly above. I would like to know if anyone has the book "I'm Deaf and It's ok" that I could borrow? Is the HIP magazine still the best yet or is there something new on the market now for preteens?
Robin Fage 902-667-9875
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WHAT'S HAPPENING FROM FREDERICTON
Local Parents were extended an invitation to attend the Fredericton Association of the Deaf's Children Christmas Party. Children and Parents enjoyed great food, lots of fun and of course a visit from Good 'OLE Saint Nick who had gifts for all the 35 children in attendance. The party provided a wonderful bridging opportunity for the Deaf Community and Parents of Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing children. Many thanks are expressed to FAD!
The Fredericton Mall continued its tradition of "Sign with Santa" although due to insufficient mall advertising the event was poorly attended.
Anyone interested in organizing a "Beat the Winter Blues" activity (i.e. sleigh ride, skating/sliding, renting the indoor pool, free play at a local gym or a parents night out) are encouraged to contact Pam or Mike at 458-1718. It would certainly be nice to see everyone again!
Pam Gagnon
506-458-1718
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.......from Hip Magazine
Some electronic encyclopedias contain video clips and sound so users can hear music or speeches. Microsoft's Encart comes in a closed-caption version. Look for the CC on the box for closed-captioned CD-ROMs.
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Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Did you know that they offer a variety of services for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids and their families? There are sign language interpreters available at many locations. To ask for an interpreter at a live show you must ask Disney at least seven days in advance of the show (Walt Disney World - (407)824-4321, Disneyland (714)781-4560). Closed captioning and assistive listening devices are also available at numerous sites.
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If you enjoy receiving this newsletter, we are suggesting $5.00 a year, payable to APSEA-Parents Association, c/o Cathy Barter, Treasurer - 70 Charyl Ct., Riverview, NB E0A 2E0 This is our newsletter - lets keep it going! Please send us your tidbits, information on books you've read, things you have found out that you think other families might enjoy.
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APSEA PARENTS SPRING WORKSHOP
April 23-25, 1999
Hope you can Make It!
***** ELECTION TIME *****
The upcoming elections of the APSEA Parents Association has everyone talking! It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and show your support! The families who have been involved in the past have commented on the rewarding experience working closely with the APSEA staff who provide services for our families with deaf or hard of hearing children. You get to attend meetings 4 times a year, receive phone calls looking for support, advice, a shoulder, or just a friendly chat from families throughout NB and NS.
APSEA- Parents Association - formed in 1990
Mission Statement:
"It is an organization whose primary goal is to help each hearing impaired child in the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick achieve his/her full academic and social potential."
Long term goals:
1.To promote public and professional awareness and education.
2. To disseminate information to other parents on deafness and on services available.
3. To ensure that necessary services are being provided.
President
(alternating between NS & NB every two years)
Organize meetings (3-4 times a year) - at various places accessible to both Provinces. Arrange speakers and program for meetings with assistance of other members. Chair annual meeting at April Spring workshop. Liaise with APSEA for and with parents. Coordinate the Listen Up Newsletter with the Secretary and other groups and APSEA. Assist other groups to organize throughout the Atlantic Provinces, through sharing information and supporting their activities. Share information on group with other associations, through Listen Up Newsletter, Atlantic Silent News, etc.
Vice President
Assists President in coordinating activities; organizing meetings (3-4 times a year) - at various places accessible to both Provinces, help to arrange speakers for meetings with assistance of other members. Liaise with APSEA for and with parents. Coordinate the Listen Up Newsletter with the Secretary and other groups and APSEA. Assist other groups to organize throughout the Atlantic Provinces, through sharing information and supporting their activities. Share information on group with other associations, through Listen Up Newsletter, Atlantic Silent News, etc.
Secretary
Coordinates the Listen Up newsletter with President, Vice President and others, keeps the Parents Helping Parents directory up to date. Takes minutes at Annual meeting. Share information on group with other associations, through Listen Up Newsletter, Atlantic Silent News, etc. Assists President and Vice President in coordinating the groups activities. This person should have access to computer.
Treasurer
Keeps track of the group's finances and provides a financial statement at the annual meeting to be signed off by the appointed auditor. Reports regularly to the group on balance of funds and issue cheques as required. Submit requests for funding to service clubs, etc. Assists President and Vice President in coordinating the groups activities.
Ex-Officio Executive
Assist and advise current Executive in any way they can.
Other Members
All families receiving services from APSEA are members of the APSEA-PA. To be an active member, you can assist the Executive in keeping the group going through attendance and participation, by sharing suggestions for speakers and/or events of interest to families of deaf and hard of hearing children. We work with APSEA to ensure quality services are maintained.
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ECAD CONVENTION '99
Halifax Parents - Tina Green, Shelley Phipps and Tara Beaver have been involved in the organizing committee for the ECAD Convention '99 to be held in Wolfville, July 21-24. The attached information and letter are from the organizing committee. If you are interested in being on the panel - please contact one of the parents or Mike Perrier - 902-435-1836
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Do you have an old TTY that doesn't work - I know someone who will take it off your hands. Hopefully he will soon have some re-built TTYs for sale. If you are interested - let me know!
Nancy Parsons
902-865-5868
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The next Seminar on Youth Leadership at Pearson College, Victoria, British Columbia
is scheduled for
August 2 - 26, 1999. For more information or to express interest please contact your APSEA
Itinerant Teacher or contact Shelly Carver - Deaf Youth Program by e-mail-
carver1212@yahoo.com or fax 604-576-0921.
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Paul Levy
1982-1999
When news of a QEH student being struck and killed by car in Halifax appeared on TV, we never dreamed it could be someone we knew. However, we soon found out the student was in fact one of "our" deaf friends. Paul Levy was in the APSEA deaf classes in Dartmouth since elementary school. In September he started at Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax with an Interpreter. His friends and fellow students from the APSEA classes were deeply saddened by this tragedy and will not forget how Paul had briefly touched their lives. I asked Amy to tell you about Paul.....
Nancy Parsons
Insert deep breath here. When my mother asked me to write this, I thought to myself, "Okay, this is going to be hard, but I can do it." But now that I'm actually sitting down and trying to think of how I can put my, and others, thoughts about Paul into words, I realize what a task I have ahead of me. I mean, there aren't any words to really describe what a special human being Paul Levy was. I believe you had to know him to understand just how special he was. I'm sure anyone who hadn't had the chance to meet him could understand how special he was, from reading the numerous and moving articles in the newspapers, and listening to others talk about him, but to know Paul was to know a genuine free spirit, and I'm glad to say that I, and many others, had the privilege to know him. Paul was a fun-loving person, who lived life to the fullest, and enjoyed everyone for who they were. I believe some people are put on this earth to remind us just how great the human race could be, and Paul was one of those people. To his family: Paul will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and our thoughts are with you.
Amy Parsons
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.....from Ray Montgomery - Elks Association.....
Greetings from the NB/PEI Elks Association and best wishes for the New Year.
As I sit writing this note and already preparing for this years camp, I quickly realized that there was only seven months till Deaf Camp '99!
Soon I will be able to pass on some very exciting news about a the Deaf Camp Web Page. The plan is to have this operational by the end of February. Once completed, I will send a note to all addresses I have presently and I'm sure that by the time the week is over the word will have spread.
As I prepare for this years camp I am also putting the finishing touches on last years camp. A special thank you to all the children, staff and a very special thank you to the Parents Association from both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for all their help. Of course, I would be mistaken if I failed to thank the parents for allowing their children to be a part of our 10th Anniversary Deaf Camp.
I would like to hear from the children who attended camp in the past and also comments on their experiences, good or bad. I try to build on each camp and only with this information can we make any required changes.
If anyone would like to contact me they can do so either by phone at (506)357-2568 Voice/TTY or by E-Mail at montyray@nbnet.nb.ca
I look forward to seeing many familiar and hopefully a lot of new faces this years Deaf Camp '99. Thank you on behalf of the NB/PEI Elks Association and I will be in touch soon.
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APSEA PARENTS - SPRING WORKSHOP
April 23-25, 1999 Please Join Us!!