Over the last four years, the facility staff at UVM Gutterson Fieldhouse has gone above and beyond to form a relationship with Kayla.  They have all accepted her quirkiness, rigidness, and physical limitations. Before every game, Kayla rides the Zamboni after the team warms up.  Mike Little is the guy that gets her on the Zamboni and drives her around.  Kayla has been to every game and so has Mike. Mike was not a recent game and Kayla immediately asked what was going to happen. As I came down the stairs, I see Thad McCuin sitting next to Kayla telling her that he was going to drive her that night.  Kayla sat there with him and told him exactly what the routine was. Tears were brought to my eyes seeing the kindness, acceptance, understanding, and empathy that was shown that night. … [Read more...]

Kayla’s Directory strongly believes that community is an important component of the human experience and that a fulfilled and happy life is one that is shared. When designing our programs, we rely on mentors to help make our programs successful. Whether they are adults from within our community, local high school students, or college students, these individuals have a positive impact on children with special needs. For the last three years, Kayla has participated in a program that is designed to foster positive interactions between collegiate athletes and individuals with special needs.  The EDD Memorial Fund is a local non-profit that provides recreational and competitive sports programs for young people with disabilities.  Kayla has been fortunate to attend clinics held with the St. Michael’s Women’s Soccer Team. Gretchen Owens, who runs the EDD Memorial Fund, has organized several yearly clinics with the women’s soccer team.  … [Read more...]

Halloween can be a stressful time for many families who have a child with sensory difficulties.  The American Occupational Therapy Association came up with some helpful tips in how to better prepare for the Halloween with your child. Click on this: 5 Tips for Helping Children with Halloween … [Read more...]

Since Kayla began the EEE (Essential Early Educational) program at Shelburne Community School she has been riding a bus.  I quickly realized that taking a bus to school was a far easier transition for her rather than me driving her.  For two years, she was on the EEE bus which only consisted of children in her class and it went well. Starting kindergarten was a whole new ball game.  Not only did we have to create a new IEP, get acclimated to a new teacher, get accustomed to the “open classroom” concept, and deal with many more children; Kayla had to take a different bus with a new bus driver.  This was going to be a big transition. Meet Pam, the driver of the special education bus.  I am not sure how many kids she carries on the bus or how many para educators are riding along, but Pam is the one who gets Kayla to and from school without a problem.  Having worked in many schools and hearing Kayla’s stories I have a general idea of … [Read more...]

Did you know that the Flynn Center for Performing Arts"works with 75 human and social service agencies to provide discounted tickets for their clients, host 38,000 studies who attend student matinees (7,300 attend free), and provide $30,000 in scholarships so everyone can participate in ongoing classes and camps"?  Amazing!  However, the Flynn also goes above and beyond by providing "Autism & Sensory Friendly" accommodations! This is what they say on their website: "The Flynn Center has been working diligently to break down barriers for audience members with disabilities, with a particular focus on those with sensory-sensitivities. Some students can find the break in routine caused by coming to a matinee to be very challenging and even upsetting. With the help of a local Special Educator, the Flynn has put together a “Flynn Social Story” to share with your students who may benefit from a little extra preparation for the trip. … [Read more...]