Kayla's Directory's mission is to enrich the lives of Vermont’s special needs children through greater community involvement and increased access to developmental services and recreational activities.  One way we achieve this is by purchasing adaptive equipment for local organizations and businesses so that children with special needs are able to more fully participate in their communities. We have provided a list of equipment that is available for children and families to access.  Please pass this along! list of adaptive equipment … [Read more...]

Donkey camp, Universal Studios, Disney World, Amelia Island, Flynn Center for Performing Arts camp, summer school, swimming, time with cousins, 5k races….and the list goes on.  All these activities went pretty well.  Don’t get me wrong, there were several bumps along the way, but we managed.  It required a lot of being flexible, adjusting plans, deep breathing, hugs and tears, but we got through the little bumps. Now we have BIG bumps! Aggression, frustration, melt-downs, and a lot of fatigue. These are behaviors that I haven’t seen in a very long time.  So we have reverted to staying inside and not venturing too far from home, going on runs together, and keeping the transitions to a minimum, trying to see if this will regulate Kayla. I am not going to waste my energy trying to see what is triggering these behaviors; I am just going to live in the moment and try to keep things simple for her.  I know she will get over this bump … [Read more...]

Oakledge Universally Accessible Playground The Universally Accessible Playground at Oakledge Park is underway with the hope of construction in 2019! This project is being spearheaded by P.E.A.S.E. (Play and Engage in Accessible Spaces for Everyone), a local committee under the umbrella of the non-profit, Vermont Division for Early Childhood. P.E.A.S.E. is partnering with the Burlington Parks and Recreation to replace the existing playground at Oakledge Park. The playground will be as barrier-free as possible, to include: raised play areas, accessible & inclusive equipment and surfacing, color contrast and texture, natural & quiet play spaces, musical and other sensory components, and areas to rest & come together as a community, while keeping in mind accessibility for children & adults. This playground will also act as a regional destination for Vermonters, as well as people from surrounding states and provinces. … [Read more...]

Hi there! I’m Kelcie, Kayla’s older sister. Recently, we lost our big St. Bernard, Dakotah, due to her hips collapsing. We rescued Kota 5 years ago.  Kota was a big part of Kayla's and my life. Despite not being a therapy dog, Kota proved that even a rescue dog can be great with special needs children. She was very good with Kayla, especially towards her later years. She would always get her ears tugged and pinched, but eventually stopped caring and just let Kayla have her way. She would also follow Kayla around, even when her hips were hurting her, just to please her. Kota would always be by Kayla's side when she was up during the middle of night.  She was Kayla's companion. We all miss Kota very much, so I decided to raise money to donate to the Humane Society of Chittenden County in her name. My goal is at least $100, so I can get a dog tag to put up on their fence in memory of her. To raise money, I will be selling as much art as … [Read more...]

Kayla received a video from her teammates this week. When she saw the video, she was so excited.  She immediately began counting down the days until her teammates were coming back to campus.  There is something magical about being part of a team, feeling included, and making connections.  Words can not describe the euphoria that Kayla gets from being part of the UVM Women's Hockey Team.  All I know is when her teammates are back and she is at the rink, she is so content and happy. Be the Impact Video Thank you Team Impact, UVM Athletics, and UVM Women's Hockey Team for this opportunity. … [Read more...]