Ask the Disability Services Expert
May 2012 Article
Children need a good night’s sleep so that they have enough energy for the next day’s activities.
What are common bedtime problems?
• Dawdling
• Protesting
• Getting out of bed
• Refusing to sleep in their own bed
How do I prevent problems at bedtime?
• Make sure your child is comfortable
• Set a regular bedtime
• Establish a bedtime routine
• Prepare your child ahead of time
• Say goodnight and leave
• Encourage desirable behaviour
How do I prepare myself?
You must be ready to start the new bedtime routine. This means being able to be consistent and using the same approach every day. It is best to start when the whole family is relaxed and not under extra stress.
Which approach do I use?
• Direct- completely ignore your child’s calls and crying-do not talk to them or return to their room
• Gradual Approach-Delay responding to your child if they cry or call out. Gradually extend the amount of time between your checks. When returning to your child spend only 1 minute settling your child again. Leave your child, even if they are still crying
Other tips:
• Return your child to their bed if they come out
• Keep a sleep diary to track progress
April 2012 Article
What is Autism?
If someone has autism, his or her brain has trouble with an important job: making sense of the world. Every day, your brain interprets the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations that you experience. If your brain couldn’t help you understand these things, you would have trouble functioning, talking, going to school, and doing other everyday stuff. Children can be mildly affected by autism, so that they only have a little trouble in life, or they can be very affected, so that they need a lot of help.
How Does Autism Affect Social Relationships?
Children with autism often can’t make connections that other children make easily. For example, when someone smiles, you know the smiling person is happy or being friendly. But a child with autism may have trouble connecting that smile with the person’s happy feelings.
How Does Autism Affect Communication?
A child who has autism also has trouble linking words to their meanings. Imagine trying to understand what your mom is saying if you didn’t know what her words really mean. It is doubly frustrating then if a child can’t come up with the right words to express his or her own thoughts.
How Does Autism Affect Behaviour?
Autism causes children to act in unusual ways. They might flap their hands, say certain words over and over, have temper tantrums, or play only with one particular toy. Most children with autism don’t like changes in routines. They like to stay on a schedule that is always the same. They also may insist that their toys or other objects be arranged a certain way and get upset if these items are moved or disturbed.
© 1995-2012 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.
March 2012 Article
All about our Children’s
Department
What Services do we provide?
We currently provide services in both the Medicine Hat and Brooks areas. Each of our programs are tailored to fit the needs of the child and their family. Our children’s department provides services for those 0-17 years of age, which is based on the most recent research and utilizes up to date teaching strategies. Personal program plans aim to decrease negative behaviours while increasing positive behaviours, as well as developing important life skills. Behavioural, developmental and community supports, as well as in-home or out-of-home respite services, are available. Some areas that may be targeted are self-regulation, toilet training, social skills and many other areas.
Who is part of our Children’s Department?
Our children’s department consists of Children’s Program Coordinators, Behaviour Specialists and Community Disability Services Workers (CDSW). Everyone works together to support our children and families to develop natural supports and use positive behavioral strategies.
Behavior Specialists
They oversee behaviour programs for families receiving specialized services. Most programs are based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis. Behaviour Specialists are committed to ongoing professional development to ensure that they are aware of the most current practices
Children’s Program Coordinators
They develop and oversee all of our children’s programs. Through discussions, observations and interactions they work with families to develop achievable goals for their child and family. They also work closely with families and CDSWs to ensure that children develop essential life skills and that parents feel confident supporting their child.
CDSW
Our CDSWs work 1:1 with children and are also part of the planning process. They assist the Program Coordinators in implementing the goals outlined in the plans and provide respite supports.
February 2012 Article
What services does Next Step provide?
Since 1995, Next Step has been providing services to adults and children with developmental disabilities in Medicine Hat, Brooks and surrounding areas. We strongly believe in community inclusion and help build meaningful relationships and natural supports for the individuals we serve. Our belief is that persons with disabilities are valued members of the community and deserve an opportunity to grow to their full potential and live a satisfying life.
What programs are available for people with disabilities?
At Next Step our team of highly skilled Program Coordinators develop and oversee individual programs specific to each person. The focus is on the individual’s strengths, abilities, and interests. Through discussions, observations, and interactions they work closely with the individual and their families to develop achievable goals. Some of Next Step services include Overnight Staffed Residences, Adult Day Program, 24 Hour Support Home, Weekend Respite Services, One-on-One Support in the children and adult department, Summer Camp, Financial Management Support, Employment Support, and much more.
What are the benefits of working with Next Step?
A career with Next Step is rewarding and fun! Front line staff, Community Disability Services Workers, enjoy community activities with their individuals – swimming, gym, library, movies, shopping, reading, volunteer and paid work support,etc. Next Step is always looking for enthusiastic, hard working, and dedicated people to join our team. We offer flexible hours, competitive wages, and benefits for full time and part time employees. To discuss a rewarding career with Next Step please call 403 527 4999 or apply to jan@nextstepltd.ca. For more information about Next Step Ltd. visit us at www.nextstepltd.ca
January 2012 Article
What can we do all day when it’s so cold outside?!
With the cold weather, snow and short days it can be hard to participate in fun activities with your children. Bored children often become disruptive children or engage in problem behaviours. Here are some activities which may encourage positive behaviour and keep you and your children busy while staying out of the cold weather.
Make a Human Snowman
Using coloured construction paper cut out 2 stick arms, 2 black eyes, 1 orange carrot nose, 1 hat and 5 black buttons. Have your kids wrap one child or adult in toilet paper from head to toe! Put some glue on the pieces you cut out and have the kids decorate the snowman.
Kiddie Skeeball
Put a large sized box on its side. Clean out yogurt containers and write large numbers on the inside of the bottom. Tape the yogurt containers on their side along the opening of the box. Have your kids roll small balls into them and aim for the highest number!
How do I make sure all my children can participate?
Make sure to give your child with a disability clear and specific instructions, model what to do and give praise or other rewards for appropriate behaviour. Have your child work on the parts that you know are easy for them. For example have the child who is great at printing write the numbers in the yogurt containers or have the snowman lay on the ground so all children can reach. Adapt each activity so all of your children are able to participate and have fun!
December 2011 Article
FASD – the Invisible Disability
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition caused when a pregnant mother drinks alcohol. It is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. Individuals living with FASD often have organic brain damage caused by the alcohol the mom drank while pregnant. The damage rarely visible making this an invisible disability!
So what does this brain damage look like? Imagine what it would be like if you were unable to learn from your past activities. For example you touch a hot stove and learn that the stove in your kitchen can cause pain. You then go to a friend’s home and touch the stove in that home! Your brain damage limited your ability to learn that not just the stove in your home but ALL stoves can burn you. Imagine what it would be like if you could not transfer lessons learned in one situation to other situations. Another common effect of the brain damage is the loss of short term memory. How frightening it would be to live in a constant state of recurring déjà vu with everyone around you constantly accusing you of not paying attention, not staying focused, not being motivated, lazy or just trying to be manipulative. In reality, you are struggling to process all the information around you trying to plan your next move or statement.
Researchers are learning more about FASD every day. If you would like more information on FASD you can contact the South East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network (SEA-FAN) located in Medicine Hat at 403-548-2963.
November 2011 Article
How can one tell if a person has learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities can affect a person’s ability in the areas of:
Listening, Speaking,Reading & Writing
Identification
Learning disabilities affect every person differently, and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Sometimes people have more than one learning disability. In addition, approximately one third of people with Learning Disabilities also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which makes it difficult for them to concentrate, stay focused or manage their attention to specific tasks.
Strategies, Accommodations and Modification
Depending on the type of learning disability and its severity, as well as the person’s age, different kinds of assistance can be provided. Each type of strategy should be considered when planning instructions and support at home or in the workplace. Finding the most beneficial type of support is a process of trying different ideas and openly exchanging thoughts on what works best.
Learning Disabilities and Adulthood
Taking the initiative to seek out support and services is the first step in dealing learning disabilities. Many adults have developed ways to cope with their difficulties and are able to lead successful lives. Learning Disabilities shouldn’t hinder a person from attaining goals. Regardless of the situation, understanding the specific challenges and learning strategies to deal with Learning Disabilities directly at every stage can alleviate a lot of frustration and make successful living much easier.
October 2011 Article
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction along with certain speech and language concerns. It also involves differing types of restrictive and repetitive interests and behaviours.
What are some of the characteristic behaviours of an individual with Asperger Syndrome?
Individuals with Asperger Syndrome tend to show a deficit in social skills such as difficulty maintaining eye contact, incorrect or inconsistent word placement in sentence structure, echolalia behaviour (repetition of words and / or sounds), difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships and heightened levels of anxiety. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome also tend to show intense and abnormally focused interest on a limited amount of narrow topics of interest.
What causes Asperger Syndrome?
The exact cause of Asperger Syndrome is not known, although research supports the notion of a genetic basis. Brain imaging techniques have not identified a definitive difference between the brains of individuals with Aspergers and those of the “neuro-typical” population.
What should I do if I suspect that someone has Asperger Syndrome?
The best thing to do if you suspect that someone you know may be on the Autism Spectrum and / or has Asperger Syndrome is to speak with your family physician. They will be able to make the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome or refer you to a specialist that could make the diagnosis.
What supports are available to someone that has Asperger Syndrome?
There are options available to individuals that need support with Asperger Syndrome. If an individual is under 18, they will be able to determine their support needs by visiting Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) at www.child.alberta.ca. If the individual is over 18, they can determine eligibility for supports by visiting Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) at www.seniors.alberta.ca/pdd/.
September 2011 Article
What activities are offered to Next Step individuals at Summer camp?
Staff attempt to provide an experience that is as close to a typical camping holiday as possible which provides a favorable staff to camper ratio. The camp is set up to be individually driven and tailored to meet the varying needs of each and every camper who participates in the camping experience. Typically, camp runs from Tuesday afternoon until Friday afternoon with some individuals visiting for day trips.
Individuals are encouraged to go hiking in the Cypress Hills and visit the Visitor Centre. Individuals are also encouraged to visit the beach, swim, fish, chop wood and partake in mini golf. Staff are also keen to take campers on trips to see landmarks such as Horseshoe Canyon, Reesor lake and to explore Elkwater’s trail system. There is also the option of campers remaining back at the cabin to work on arts and crafts or visiting the local convenience store for treats.
During the evenings, campers are encouraged to sit around the campfire and roast marshmallows and smores and watch/ listen for local wildlife. There is also the option of watching a movie in the cabin via audio/ visual equipment that is brought out by staff. In addition, some choose to bring out their personal t.v. and gaming systems. Staff are always willing to develop theme nights and encourage campers to get involved with meal planning and development of fun activities that can make their experience more pleasurable.
Accommodations are based at the Girl Guide campsite which provides a central location which is close to all of Elkwater’s amenities. This also provides a venue that caters to the needs of the individuals that Next Step Residential Services brings out to camp.
2011 proved to be another successful year at camp with many campers excited at the prospect of next year’s endeavors!
August 2011 Article
What are some of the unique opportunities that Next Step provides?
Next Step Residential Services is always looking at different ways that we can enrich the supports we provide to individuals with disabilities. We look at community enrichment and peer activities to facilitate the interactions that we all have in our everyday lives, whether we have a disability or not.
Summer Camp
Next Step provides a one-week summer camp. The camp takes place at Elkwater with activities such as hiking, swimming, camp fires, and a variety of other experiences. The camp is set up to be individually driven and tailored to meet the varying needs of each and every camper who participates in the camping experience.
Next Step Day Program
We also provide a supported day program for the Individuals that are in services to access on a Monday to Friday basis. They participate in such activities as volunteer placements, skill developing activities such as cooking & meal preparation, yoga classes and a variety of other exercise classes, and general other areas of interest. We encourage this to be an individually led experience where each person has their service delivery tailored to meet their specific area(s) of interests.
Next Step Dances
Next Step Residential Services believes that everyone should be treated equally with the same rights and opportunities that are available to everyone. Next Step Dances are available for anyone in the community to attend and are available to individuals that may have mobility concerns or other concerns that may make it difficult for them to participate in community activities of a similar nature. There are refreshments, a variety of activities and a DJ with all of the current Top 40 hits, as well as many of the classics.
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