The Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire will offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Class Leader Training on June 24-26, 2008 at the E.F. Lane Hotel, in Keene, NH. This is the first time this nationally recognized program has been offered in New England. Seats are limited; sign up today!Dates: June 24-26, 2008
Times: Tuesday-Wednesday: 8am-5pm; Thursday: 8am-1pm
Location: E.F. Lane Hotel, 30 Main Street, Keene, NH
Registration Fee: $750*
*Includes continental breakfast and lunch all three days, program licensing fee, and all program materials.
*Does not include dinner and accommodations.
*Participants must register in pairs. Space is limited to 10 pairs of participants.
Workshop Instructors: Legacy Caregiver Services, Portland, OR
For More Information and to Register: Visit http://www.iod.unh.edu/events.html#caregivers or call 603.228.2084

Read more

The beginning of all understanding is innocent. Fortune I found in a Chinese fortune cookie.

This nugget of wisdom helps alleviate some of the guilt I feel for the way I acted and thought about people with disabilities when I first came into the field 24 years ago. I was aweful! I wasn’t abusive, mean spirited or negligent but just plain ignorant about people with developmental disabilities and their history of oppression, constant rejection and presumed incompetence. Even though I graduated from college with a BA in psychology nothing prepared me to see people with disabilities as valuable members of our society.

In fact, quite the opposite was true. I had been conditioned and even trained to believe that people with disabilities were chronically sick, helplessly incompetent and endlessly in need of charity.

One of my first experiences being around people with disabilities was when I was in junior high. I was in a church youth group and we volunteered at the Special Olympics. Iwas an “Official Hugger” and greeted total strangers at the end of a running event with a great big hug. As an added bonus to this youth group volunteer experience we went on a field trip to Laconia State School to see where all the people we hugged actually lived. Imagine being 13 years old and seeing hundreds of people living under bizarre circumstances away from their families. Many emotions were evoked such as pity, fear, helplessness and benevolence.

Read more

Article Date: Friday, April 18, 2008

Who among us hasn’t stood before the mirror in their bedroom, belting out the vocals to a favorite song playing on the radio, dreaming of one day being able to perform in a packed club or concert hall?

Come on, be honest. Nearly everyone can relate to this fantasy.

For one talented Lakes Region resident, this fantasy has become reality. His name is Bill Gage, and his star is on the rise.

Forty-two year old Bill Gage grew up in Laconia and still resides there to this day. His rock and roll journey started in his bedroom as a young man, where he would crank up the volume on his record player and sing along to his favorite rock bands. He would really get into the music, acting out his performances as if he was truly playing before a packed house. His older brother, John, vividly recalls how animated Bill was, even at a young age.

“When I would hear Bill jamming in his room, I would be drawn to it,” recounted John. “I would look in, and not only would he be jamming along with the stereo, but he would have a couple of TV’s going. If he wasn’t singing, he would break into a skit mimicking what was happening on a show. He’s always been very creative and interested in performing.”

Read more

Scott Trudo kicks off the eleven-week College of Direct support course, being offered to the public from Moore Center. Eighteen enrollees are scheduled for training in the course, the cutting-edge web-based curriculum designed for Direct Support Professionals.

Learn more here.

Autism Speaks has set the date for the 6th Annual NH Walk Now for Autism, walk event.

October 5, 2008 (Sunday)
10:00AM Registration
11:00AM Walk Begins
Greeley Park, Nashua, NH

To get more information call (888)-627-6227
To register for the walk go to: www.newhampshire@autismspeaks.org

All are welcome to attend the planning committee meetings:

Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH
April 7, 7:00PM Conference Room G1 on level G
May 5 , 7:00PM Conference Room G2 on level G
June2 , 7:00PM Conference Room G1 on level G

Please call the number above to RSVP if you plan to attend.

There are few things in life that will strike more fear into a parent than having a doctor tell them that there is something wrong with their child. Such news prompts a host of thoughts and emotions, not the least of which is “where do I go for help?”

Sometimes sources of help are obvious, but all too often parents aren’t sure exactly what type of support to be looking for, much less where to find it. This is precisely the scenario that unfolded for Dawn and Jim Tinsley of Gilford, four years ago. Thankfully, they were given some solid advice and engaged the Early Intervention related supports offered by Lakes Region Community Services.

Read more

Chery has just completed the College of Direct Support as part of this year’s TD Banknorth scholarship grant.  Chery works for Community Strategies for NH and has been a hard working, dedicated DSP in NH for many years.  Chery is also the chair of the DSP Conference Committee.  Way-to-Go Chery!! 

Link: sevenload.com

Hello everyone - 

I just want to make everyone aware of a resource - it’s ANCOR, a national organization which advocates for the work of DSPs.  ANCOR stands for American Network of Community Options and Resources.  Check it out if you get a chance.  When you do you will see that  each year they ask for nominations from member agencies around the country for the DSP(s) of the year.  They select one DSP from each state as well as one national DSP.  The following link will take you to the page which highlights last years winners.  The results for this year have not been announced.  

 http://www.youneedtoknowme.org/content/stories/stories.html.