In general, we have always scheduled community outings with Kayla’s needs in mind. Over the years, we have found places in the community that are ADA accessible and/or places that recognize and accept that she is different from your normal child. As she has gotten older, she has become more flexible when it comes to visiting new places, which has made things a little easier. However, Kayla’s level of fatigue and coping skills may vary from day to day, so we always adjust our plans accordingly and will only go to a place that meets her needs. That being said, booking a family vacation is a whole different ballpark. Vacation is supposed to be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. But honestly, traveling with a child who has special needs can make vacation stressful, unpredictable, and exhausting. There is a lot of extra planning involved. From the stress of the airport and airplane to the haggle of the hotel, from the search for … [Read more...]
Kayla’s Directory Thanks Heritage Automotive
Kayla’s Directory would like to thank Heritage Automotive, dealer of both Ford and Toyota automobiles, for becoming a sponsor. I personally have been a customer of theirs for quite some time and have been incredibly happy with them. They have an incredible service department, auto shine, and remarkable collisions center - all of which I have had to unfortunately use! More importantly, Heritage Automotive believes in helping make a difference in the community and they understand that Kayla’s Directory is having a positive impact on children with special needs, their families, and the community as a whole. We are very proud that Heritage has agreed to assist us in fulfilling our mission and that they too believe that community is an important component of the human experience and that a fulfilled and happy life is one that is shared. Enabling children with special needs to participate in activities like their less … [Read more...]
Need a gift idea for teachers?
The end of the school year is right around the corner. A great gift for teachers, bus drivers, para-educators, or administration is a Teachers Appreciation gift bag from Great Harvest Bread Company on Pine Street. We have gone to Great Harvest for years. The owners, Ethan and Sarah, are incredible people and very generous! They donated wonderful treats for our mini-milers running group in the spring. Here is what you get for $18.00: 1 loaf of whole wheat bread, 1 huge bag of granola, and 1 coupon for a free loaf of bread. This all comes in a nicely decorated bag. … [Read more...]
Celebrate Team Hoyt and “In the ‘Nick’ of Time”
Today was the Vermont City Marathon and Kayla went down to cheer on her father and Ted Painter. Ted is part of the team "In the 'Nick' of Time" which is a competitive running team composed of partners Nick Draper and Ted Painter. Both Nick and Ted are members of the New England chapter of Team Hoyt http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html. Team Hoyt Foundation is a non-profit organization that aspires to encourage children with special needs to be a part of their community. Nick Draper was born with a rare condition called Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease. This disease impairs motor function development and, in Nicks case, has left him with extremely limited mobility. Although limited by mobility, Nick has an unlimited amount of drive and determination to lead a full life. Ted Painter is a lifelong runner and experienced marathon competitor who was looking to find a way to use time spent running to benefit more than his own health … [Read more...]
Area High School Students Have Huge Impact on Children with Special Needs
Every Saturday, fifteen special needs children show up at the Edge Sports in Fitness in South Burlington eagerly anticipating Run Vermont’s Mini-Miler program. Unlike typical Mini-Milers programs, this particular program has been designed to help those children who have special needs engage in a program that has been adapted to meet their needs. No matter their disability; autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and other neurological conditions they all courageously make their way around the track. And right beside each child is a local high school student, assisting the individual throughout the program and sharing their excitement and feelings of accomplishment. Without the help of the numerous high school volunteers the program would not be possible and I want to specifically recognize them for their efforts. This program relies on mentors. The children participating in the program need someone to … [Read more...]