Youth and Family Resources: May 2013

Winter is finally over, and spring has arrived! Soon, summer will be here as well. In honor of the change of seasons, we have included the information for several outdoors activities as well as our regular resources. We hope that everyone enjoys spending the extra time outside.

Getting a Job 101

It’s a tough job market out there, and those who have learning disabilities (LD) have a harder time getting — and keeping — a job than those who do not. According to the 2011 State of Learning Disabilities report, “adults with LD face challenges with employment, most likely due to a lack of educational attainment. The unemployment rate for those with LD was twice…that of those without LD.”

This site provides a free e-book that shows you how to leverage your strengths to find a job you enjoy. We will also prepare you for challenges that may arise in the workplace as a result of having a learning disability.

The Friendship Social

On Sunday, June 9th, there will be a Friendship Social. All those with disabilities are invited to attend, as well as anyone who would like to make new friends.  Come and take advantage of this opportunity to get together for an amazing night out filled with fun, food, dancing and socializing.

The social will take place at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet St, Dorchester, from 4pm to 8pm. A donation of $10.00 would be gratefully appreciated but not required, to help defray the cost of the event.

Piers Park Sailing

Located at 95 Marginal St in East Boston, the Piers Park Sailing Center is a non-profit community sailing program that provides access and instruction for children and adults. In addition to a range of classes for adults, Piers Park Sailing Center provides free, fully inclusive sailing and environmental programs for underserved youth who are at-risk or living with a disability (ages 10 and up), and nature programs for those aged 7 and older. Participants in the sailing program work through a curriculum that teaches teamwork, responsibility, and leadership while teaching sailing.

Registration is open now. For more information, call 617-561-6677 or go on their website here: info@piersparksailing.org.

Boston University Research Study

Are you a parent or guardian of a youth with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Jessica Kramer at Boston University’s School of Occupational Therapy is conducting a research study to develop a new way of assessing your child’s strengths and needs.

Parents who complete both all aspects of the project will receive a $25 gift card. If you are interested in learning more about this project, please check out our blog post:  http://bit.ly/14WDywB

Accessible Sports Program

This group is for youth with disabilities and their friends. Together they will enjoy a variety of accessible sports and adaptive recreational activities! The most important aspect of this programming is to instill self-confidence in participants while they enjoy new athletic activities such as: track and field, swimming, archery, table tennis, weight lifting, Wheelchair Basketball and Power Soccer.

The program will take place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm on May 5, May 12, May 19, June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23, and June 30. To sign up, contact Susan Nicastro at 617-556–4075 (x13) or via email at snicastro@pyd.org.

Access to Theater (ATT)

On Sundays during May – June 2013 you will come together to explore the world of Improvisational Acting and Movement in large and small inclusive groups. Elements that will be explored include how movement is part of our everyday lives, learning the language of movement, and your personal style.

The workshop will also focus on teaching skills that are useful in developing creativity and in other life settings. ATT will take place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm on May 5, May 12, May 19, June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23, and June 30. To sign up, contact Deep Chinappa at 617-556–4075 (x20) or via email at dchinappa@pyd.org.

For more monthly resources, check out PYD’s ongoing collection of disability resources. You can also find more programs and opportunities over at the SPED Children and Teens of Massachusetts.

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