Thursday 23rd August – Ouch, routines and bananas!

I did a little post about our experience in our local Apple store earlier, from feedback received that sort of discrimination is common, unfortunately. When you go into an Apple store, it’s almost like they have their “token” (visibly) disabled assistant, attitudes need to change.

I’ll hop down off my soapbox and get on with our day…

It’s been an squabble-some day for my two, neither wanting to “share” the pool. At one point, D sat in it and said “this is my half and that is T’s” – like that’s going to work and it didn’t!!

Like the stubborn person that I am (yes, I am stubborn but it gets things done), I decided that I’d move the trampoline by myself, wearing fit flops. All going fine until I wondered why my foot was wet, I’d nearly ripped a toenail off, blood everywhere!

Cue a mild panic and a cleansing session. D came out, saw it and said “oh poor you Mumma, when am I having my ice cream?” Very matter-of-fact, very let’s-stick-to-the-routine even though you’re covered in blood! They’ve got into the habit of having a cornet at 2pm sharp…..routine, so glad they can both tell the time (well, D can when it’s on the hour anyway) *droll lol*.

One thing which is a bit bizarre, if I put a banana in D’s lunchbox for school, it’s never eaten. If she sees bananas in the kitchen at home, she doesn’t want just one, she’s after the whole bunch! We’re getting through a lot of bananas this holiday!! She decided to eat her bananas and Bunny was going to “share” some play food with some of her “My Animal Farm” characters.

I can’t believe that in two weeks time they’ll be already back at school, I hope I’m writing a positive diary post then *fingers crossed*.

Tonight’s end picture comes via @NiciJT4Autism, she’s celebrating her “Twitter 1st birthday” today and best wishes, thanks for all her support and thanks for letting me use the picture *mwah*.

Comments/RTs as ever welcomed, hope everyone’s had a good day, thanks very much for reading Jx 😘

You’re a bit rotten, Apple person

I could not be without my iPhone. I can blog from it, tweet, check the weather, the news, D & T can play their favourite apps on it (which is a wonderful distraction for D when sensory overload takes over and we’re out). I have been known to make calls from it too (sometimes!) 😜

But there are a couple of drawbacks, the battery life is very short and also the charging cables don’t seem to last very well.

I last had to replace a charging cable last November – £15 kerching! – and mentioned to the shop assistant at the time that the cables didn’t last that long. She agreed and said it was a common problem but to keep the receipt as it had a 12 month guarantee. Okey dokey I thought and put it somewhere safe.

The cable was wearing out and finally the plastic split at the weekend (just under the bit that goes into the phone, where it always wears out first) Okay…time to use that receipt! T & D don’t mind going in to the Apple Store near us, they can go on the iPads on display – which are always loaded up with interesting apps, and I usually end up taking the hint and adding them to the phone – and we always look at the iMac 27inch screen computers (they are wonderful, I totally lust after one of them).

I managed to get the attention of a blue t-shirted assistant, showed him the cable and receipt and he was quite horrible. Said they’d never seen one that bad before and “if it had been an accident and someone had cut it, I’d rather you just said” – this was said whilst looking straight at D who was by now having a little flap as the iPad had excited her.

Eventually he seemed to believe me but he “had to go off and check with the manager” but honestly, the fact that they know it’s a common problem and the receipt etc, he didn’t need to imply that D had done anything! Made me feel abut 3 inches tall!

He begrudging came back with a new cable and scuttled off, I didn’t even get a replacement receipt.

By the way, D wouldn’t do that. I’d get hit, punched, kicked whatever if she’s in a meltdown but she knows what the cable does and ….well!

So…Apple I love your products but I do NOT like the attitude of some of your staff.

(this almost felt a bit blasphemous btw)

Children with Additional Needs (CAN Newsletter – Berkshire

Please see details below and attachments for this week’s news from the CAN Network. Please encourage any families who you think would benefit from receiving the information to join the CAN Network by directing them to http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/can-network. (Any organisations and professionals who want to receive the information do not need to join but will need to give their email address to the CAN Network). If you would like to share something with the CAN Network please do get in touch. Flyer / Poster attachments need to be under 5MB however, or many recipients will not receive it. Thanks for continuing to send your items to share.

Children’s / Young People’s / Events and Activities

Spaces still available for Go! Horse Riding This half hour taster session of horse riding is for young people with additional needs aged 5-18 years and their siblings, at Bearwood Riding Stables this Saturday 25th August from 3pm. Regrettably, there are no hoisting facilities at Bearwood Stables and children need to be able to sit unaided on horseback. However, the CAN Network is working with Go! to look at more accessible horse riding sessions through the Riding for the Disabled Association. Please see the Leisure section of the CAN Guide for details of RDA stables at http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/can-network.

A for Film This Sunday, 26th August, the Vue Reading are showing ‘The Adventures of Tin Tin’ at 09.00am as part of this film club for young people with special needs and their siblings. Doors of the Cinema will open at 08.40am. Tickets cost £1.50 each. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wargrave Rocks! On Saturday 15th September, 12noon to 6pm, a special charity event to raise funds for Camp Mohawk is taking place at the Piggott School in Wargrave. There will be live bands, a bar and lots to eat! Tickets: £10 each in advance. £12 on the door. Children under 17 half price. Children under 12 free. To book tickets, visit http://www.campmohawk.org.uk
The Engine Shed in Reading This is a monthly ‘train club’ running at Katesgrove Children’s Centre in Reading, for children and young people on the autistic spectrum (and those who are not!) and their families. Model railways and train sets for all abilities will be set up and a range of train-related resources will be available for children to play with. The clubs was set up by mothers of children on the autistic spectrum who have attended Model Railway Society group meetings with their children to find that they were not really suitable. They instead decided that what was needed was a regular session where children on the autistic spectrum with an interest in trains (of which there are a very large number) can come together with their peers to watch, observe, play, talk and enjoy their hobby in a welcoming, safe and relaxing environment – and where parents too can have a chance to relax, and talk in a supportive atmosphere. For further details: Tel: 0118 901 5664 Website http://www.theengineshed.org.uk/ or follow the facebook page for the club. The next sessions, will be held on 29th September and 27th October.

Gowrings Mobility Events – Free tickets for wheelchair /buggy users and those with mobility problems. Gowrings Mobility are a leading supplier of both new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles, mobility cars, motability cars and WAVs. Gowrings Mobility also arrange a number of nationwide events for people with disabilities where those with disabilities go FREE. See attachment for the schedule of events including the number to call for tickets. The CAN Network have recently been informed there are lots of tickets still available.

Carers Events / Support Groups

Reminder! REACH Wokingham AGM and Re-Launch Event REACH Wokingham is the Parents’ Forum for disabled children in Wokingham. On Sunday 9th September, 11.45am to 2.30pm there is going to be a re-launch in combination with AGM, taking place at Highwood School, Fairwater Drive, Woodley, RG5 3JE. If you are not yet familiar with the work of REACH Wokingham, this event will provide a perfect opportunity to see how the group can support families with disabled children. During the event, the following will take place: election of officers and committee members, (Nominations for committee members must be emailed to info@reachwokingham.com) by Wednesday 5th September) adoption of the new constitution, terms of reference and strategic plan, shaping of REACH’s plans for the coming year and an open discussion from families as to what they want the forum to achieve. Also on the day there will be a free lunch, free creche* and children’s entertainment In order for REACH Wokingham to cater for the correct numbers (children and adults) please call the group on 07917 142748 or email info@reachwokingham.com to confirm attendance. If getting to the event, or paying for child care, is a problem please contact us. *The crèche is not yet confirmed. Children will remain the responsibility of the parents even when signed into the crèche.

Autism Awareness Week – Free talks, workshops and training As part of Autism Awareness Week (running from 17th – 23rd September), Berkshire Autistic Society in association with Bracknell Forest Council, are providing a week of free sessions for autistic individuals, their families / carers and any professionals, predominantly in Bracknell. See attached leaflet for what is occurring and when. Booking is essential, see attached booking form. Berkshire Autistic Society are appealing to any offers of help during this week, especially for the tin shake which is occurring at Sainsbury’s, Bagshot Road, Bracknell on Friday 14th September 2012. If you are able to offer any help, please get in touch with Emma – projects@autismberkshire.org.uk

Royal Berkshire Hospital Training Events, Tours and Seminars As a foundation trust, the RBH have a membership community made up of a public constituency of local people and a staff constituency for all permanent members of staff. Becoming a public member is free and gives you the opportunity to support the Trust by sharing your views and influencing the way the hospital is run. Members receive several benefits including, regular information about training events and will be consulted, for example, on how the provision of services could be improved. To become a member, visit http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/members/application_form.aspx. The CAN Network have been in touch with the RBH to suggest some training events for families with additional needs around transition from children’s to adult’s health services and on specific conditions. Make your own suggestions by emailing foundation.trust@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.
Other

Helen and Douglas House 30th Anniversary In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, this charity hospice for children and young adults have put together a ‘We are Thirty’ travelling photo exhibition. It features 30 families who use the hospice houses as well as families who have used the hospice in the past. The exhibition can be viewed at several venues including the Old Fire Station in Henley (25 to 30th October 2012) and the River and Rowing Museum in Henley (9th February to 14th April 2013). On 15th September 2012, there is an Open Day at Helen and Douglas House too. There are no tickets needed for these events but if you would like to find out more, see http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/30/ or email fundraising@helenanddouglas.org.uk or call 01865 799150.01865

Addington Special School Job Vacancy Playworkers – After School Club, Salary: Grade 3, Scale 3, Point 14 £5,373.00 to Point 17 £5,571.00 per annum, plus Special Schools Allowance, One Year Contracts, Hours of work: 15 hours per week (3 hours per day) 3.20pm to 6.20pm, Term-time Only plus planning and 3 training days, Part-time considered Application packs are available on website: http://www.addington.wokingham.sch.uk
Please call to discuss the position week commencing 3rd September 2012. Closing date for applications: 10th September 2012. Tel: 0118 966
9073.

Me2 Club Inclusion Training Attached is the latest training guide for Me2 Club Inclusion training. This is aimed at Wokingham based, mainstream activity groups, (providing activities to children and young people aged 5-19 years) to increase their understanding/confidence in including children and young people with additional needs. The training is available to any mainstream activity provider within Wokingham that provides activities to children and young people of this age range, so please do forward on to any activity leaders whom you feel would benefit from receiving the training.
Me2 Club What a Difference a Cake Makes! Why not Join Me2 Club for a month of cakes! The charity are asking volunteers, families and activity leaders along with local schools, businesses and community groups to hold a cake sale, tea party or coffee morning for Me2 Club during the month of October. Me2 Club aim to get as many people involved as possible so everyone can play a small role and together can make hundreds and thousands!If you’d like to hold a cake sale, tea party or coffee morning you can download or request a fundraising pack now to get all the information you need for a successful event. Do you work in an office? As part of ‘What a Difference a Cake Makes’ Me2 Club can provide Krispy Kreme original glaze doughnuts for tea breaks in local offices with a suggested donation of £1 per donut. If you’d be interested in having donuts in your office then please get in touch. For a fundraising pack, poster or recipe ideas or if you have any questions or queries please contact Amy on: cake@me2club.org.uk or 0118 969 6369 or see http://www.me2club.org.uk/Cake.htm
Alexandra Holiday House Alexandra House provides unrivalled, wheelchair accessible, holiday accommodation for families or friends with an adult or child having profound disabilities. This lovingly refurbished and extremely well-equipped 3-bedroom bungalow lies on the edge of the North Devon village of Braunton, a few minutes drive to the beach and wheelchair friendly riverside trails. For further details: Tel: 0845 680 5431 Email: hello@starfishbreaksnorthdevon.co.uk Website: http://www.starfishbreaksnorthdevon.co.uk

That’s all for this week.

Thanks,

Children with Additional Needs (CAN) Network

Web:www.wokingham.gov.uk/can-network