Assistive Technology Program

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October 14, 2020

Parker Owsley (6, Toledo) received an iPad and a ramp from Tech for REC

Ability Center launches new initiative

One of the goals of the Ability Center of Greater Toledo (ACT) is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can live as independently as they desire. ACT’s most recent initiative is designed to accomplish that through the use of technology for all ages: an Assistive Technology Program. Through the use of various modifications and technologies, this program offers disability-adapted means of recreation, opportunities for education/employment and community engagement. This includes tools for play that can help kids with disabilities to socialize and learn new hands-on skills.

For someone with a disability to take advantage of this program, they must first become a client with ACT before establishing independent living goals which will allow the program to choose tools to best help accomplish those goals. Some of these tools include adaptive technology that can be loaned out for up to 90 days, free of charge, a feature made possible by a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

“It is important to understand that a wide range of items— both low and high tech— can be

considered assistive technology (AT),” says ACT Youth Recreation Coordinator Sarah Heldmann. “Individuals should be paired with technology to enhance their own abilities or provide alternative options to accomplish a task.”

Available assistive technology

Some of the assistive technology aids available for loan are sensory, ergonomic, academic and environmental, as well as items to help with daily living, communication and computer access. Items for these purposes can be rented out as needed, and they can also be a great way for a parent to test out a rented item before investing in a purchase of that item themselves.

One goal that many people with disabilities have is to be able to engage in recreational activities, and many of the items available for loan, like switch-adapted toys and other leisure items, meet this need. Many children with disabilities might be hesitant to engage in play due to lack of motivation, previous negative experiences when trying to play with toys, or because they are physically unable to engage with a toy. The Assistive Technology Program aims to help with those common hurdles.

“A child may be cognitively able to participate in a card game with their peers

but are physically unable to hold or place cards on the table,” Heldmann says. “Through play, children learn social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills. Increasing access to assistive technology to foster play and leisure exploration for youth with disabilities will help them integrate into the culture at home, school and in the community.”To help ACT expand this program, you can make a donation through their website, by mail, or by drop-off. Ability Center of Greater Toledo, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. 419-885-5733. abilitycenter.org

NEW KIDS

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Toledo Parent Staff

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October 14, 2020

Children’s Discovery Center Launches New Outdoor Classroom

Children’s Discovery Center announced the launch of its newly renovated Outdoor Classroom for Discovery School Kindergarten classes at its Waterville location. What began as an addition to enhance learning opportunities for students in 2019 has transformed into a new opportunity that is ideal for current COVID-19 guidelines, offering a safe environment for children to discover and explore outdoors. The Outdoor Classroom encourages hands-on learning by utilizing the space to practice various educational skills. Currently, all kindergarten classes at Children’s Discovery Center’s Waterville location use the classroom on a daily basis. Learn more about enrolling at Children’s Discovery Center online or by calling (419) 867-8570.

New business adds colorful signs to yards

For a colorful and fun way to celebrate a big event, Jodi Aiken, along with her sister Abbi Tauber, the Northwest Ohio franchisee of Sign Greeters, are providing a new company that specializes in yard signs for customers who have something to promote or celebrate. “They’re yard greetings for any occasion – from birthdays to anniversaries to ‘welcome back to school’ — anything you can think of to celebrate any occasion,” Jodi said. For more information or to place an order, visit signgreeters.com/greeter/toledo-yard-greetings.

Peace of mind

It can be challenging for families when a child begins exhibiting behavioral problems. But how can you cope? A Peace of Mind Wellness Center focuses on the mental health of school-age children while also providing counseling for families. Helping kids learn how to manage their anger, communicate better, engage with their peers, gain self control, and attain peace of mind is the mission of the Center.

Through counseling and treatment, A Peace of Mind gives both children and parents the tools they need to navigate difficult times. A Peace of Mind Wellness, 5734 Douglas Rd. 419-724-1500. apeaceofmindwellness.com.

A New Bike Trail Connects Schools to Toledo Botanical Gardens

By

Erin Holden

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October 14, 2020

Students at Hawkins Elementary School and the Natural Science Technology Center are in for a new kind of educational experience, courtesy of a partnership between Metroparks Toledo and the Toledo Public School system. The two organizations recently held a press conference to announce a bike trail connecting Hawkins to Toledo Botanical Gardens, an opportunity to connect students to nature and enhance their hands-on learning experience.

Dave Zenk, Executive Director for Metroparks Toledo, said that creating these connections between Hawkins and the Botanical Gardens, which became part of the Metroparks system three years ago, has innumerable benefits. “One of the great reasons that we’re here to celebrate is this intentionality that we’re using to connect both the neighborhoods and the students to these great natural resources,” he said in an interview with WTOL.

The plan for this bike trail has been in the works for over two years now, so the beginning of its construction has been highly anticipated. The trail will eventually surround the entirety of the Botanical Gardens.

Since Metroparks Toledo absorbed the Botanical Gardens, they’ve created a children’s discovery play area, along with other improvements that contributed to the amount of visitors doubling within the last three years. The bike trail will serve as easy access for students from both Hawkins and the NSTC; both schools are next to the Botanical Gardens. The accessibility of the bike trail will provide yet another immersive learning experience for even more young people.

Constructing the trail is just the beginning of the partnership between TPS and Metroparks Toledo, both of which plan on continuing to build community connections like this one in the near future.

“Partnerships like this just bring a wealth of opportunities for our students as well as this community,” added TPS Superintendent Dr. Romulus Durant. “To be able to know that you’re paying taxes, but at the same time you’re getting the education and wildlife experience in the Metroparks system.”

Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Flicks for the Whole Family

By

Jeff McGinnis

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October 13, 2020

You want to give the kids a taste of October fun without having them see anything too scary? We got you covered. Here are ten great Halloween movies the whole family can enjoy, and where to find them!

1. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – This stop-motion animated classic has been a favorite of audiences for over 25 years now, riding the line between the spooky and the festive just like Jack Skellington riding on a line of Christmas lights. Available on Disney+.

2. Casper (1995) – This charming live-action adaptation of the classic “Friendly Ghost” animated shorts stars Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman. Available on Sling TV.

3. Hocus Pocus (1993) – Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker’s turn as three witches from the bad old days of Salem, MA wasn’t a big hit when it first hit theaters, but has become a favorite of family audiences in the decades since. Available on Disney+.

4. Ghostbusters (1984 & 2016) – The original Bill Murray/Dan Aykroyd/Harold Ramis comedy is still as hilarious as ever, but younger audiences may enjoy the modern reboot with Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, too. Both are available on fuboTV.

5. Goosebumps (2015) – Jack Black stars in this hit adaptation of the popular RL Stine books that are a staple of any young horror fan’s childhood. Available to rent on demand.

6. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) – Scooby and the gang reunite to take on a ghostly pirate and his crew of zombies in this animated flick, considered by many fans and critics to be the best movie ever made based on the characters. Available on Netflix.

7. Monster House (2006) – Three kids become convinced that an area house isn’t just haunted— it’s a living thing that wants to hurt people. Nominated for Best Animated Film in 2006. Available on Peacock.

8. The House with a Clock in its Walls (2018) – Speaking of weird houses, this adaptation of John Bellairs’ classic childrens’ book was based on a script by Toledo native Eric Kripke. Available on fuboTV.

9. The Addams Family (1991 & 2019) – The first family of comedy horror have always been popular with kids. Both the 1991 live action film and the 2019 animated adaptation are creepy, kooky, spooky and ooky fun. Both available on Amazon Prime.
10. Spirited Away (2001) – Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece of animation is one of the very best children’s movies ever. Creepy and beautiful, the film is an unforgettable adventure through a mysterious land as a young girl tries to save her parents (who have been turned into pigs). Available on HBO Max.

OCTOBER GIVEAWAY

By

Digital Media

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October 8, 2020

Back to school giveaway! Learning can be fun, and what better way to educate and engage kids than through creative play and games? Practice fine motor skills with a throwback game, Let’s Go Fishin’, the fast action fishing game ($19.99 MSRP). Then get up and move, combining creativity with gross motor skills, with Dance Charades ($20 MRSP). For quiet, imaginative play, check plush baby’s heartbeat, record baby’s growth, scour the house for “ouch” items and more with “How to be a Great Sibling Kit” from Little Medical School ($29.99 MSRP). All great gifts for birthdays, too!

Battle of the Birdhouses

By

Erin Holden

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September 24, 2020

A challenge for nature lovers and craftsmen alike is currently underway with Battle of the Birdhouses, a challenge where registered groups compete to create the most impressive birdhouse for a nonprofit auction! Nature’s Nursery Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation created this contest/auction as a fundraiser for their busiest year yet. As it is one of their only fundraisers during the pandemic, you can make a big impact by participating in the virtual auction, which will be live on October 18-24. Find it on the group’s Facebook page or their website.

Buyers also have the option to shop for these impressive little houses in person at a dine-in fundraiser. 4pm-7pm. Saturday, October 24. Route 64 Pub and Grub, 10335 Waterville St., Whitehouse. Contact Allison Shroeder at 419-344-2988 or [email protected] for questions about the fundraiser. natures-nursery.org