Kayla’s Directory is proud to announce its first sponsorship of an event for children with special needs - "Ready. Set. Run: Mini Milers". Generously co-sponsored by The Edge Sports and Fitness and facilitated by Run Vermont, the six week program is specifically designed to teach children to be active, to learn about healthy eating and to encourage giving back to their community. Children from kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to participate in the program which aims to encourage children with special needs to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun. Kayla's Directory continues to seek financial funding for this program so that it can be adequately supported and allow every child with special needs to participate. … [Read more...]
The end to a great season!
That skiing conditions recently at Sugarbush were not the best for the majority of skiers was evident everywhere: little traffic on the way to the mountain, plentiful parking, minimal lines at the lifts, and practically no wait for a snack at the Skinny Pancake. But Kayla is not your average person and for her (and me by association) they were fantastic: no crowds, minimal lines, parking within walking distance, warm weather and just enough snow to cover the magic carpet! I do not know if there could have been a more perfect season for her to ski. For five Sundays this winter, I packed Kayla's bag and skis and we made our way to Sugarbush for her morning ski lesson. Kayla had tried skiing a bit last year and had taken to it so this winter I booked five ski lessons through Vermont Sports and Adaptive. Consequently for five Sundays, we would meet up with Shasta from Vermont Adaptive outside the Skinny Pancake at Lincoln Peak to … [Read more...]
Unexpected Surprise
Sometimes life sends you gift - an unexpected surprise that makes you smile the whole day. I got one last month when I received a text from Gerald Rittenberg, the CEO of Party City, asking what Kayla's favorite color was so he could place an order for a Carolyn's cart for their South Burlington location. I was fortunate to meet Mr. Rittenberg at a social event earlier this year and mentioned to him how the Party City location in South Burlington could really use a Caroline's cart, explaining how much easier it would make it for caretakers to visit the store with children or adults with special needs. He listened to my reasoning and asked for more information regarding the cart and actually visited Hannafords to see one. I received the text not long after our conversation and a Carolyn's cart is now available for use at Party City in South Burlington. Kayla is becoming a huge advocate for Caroline's Cart within our community. … [Read more...]
Fun at the Flynn
I would like to thank the Flynn Center for Performing Arts on their incredible “family friendly” production of “The Cat in the Hat”. Hundreds of adults with their children in tow (many in adorable pajamas) came for a relaxing and enjoyable theater production. They did not leave disappointed, as the performance was wonderful and the staff at the Flynn theater incredible. As I have mentioned before, the Flynn Center has gone above and beyond to create a sensory integrated environment for children and families. I was very excited to check out all the accommodations that were being made and what impact they might have on Kayla. Activities in the lobby, a sensory table that offered headphones, weighted bean bags and trinkets to play with, dimmed lighting and sound system, and the ability to stand within the theater - they all sounded too good to be true. From the moment we entered the Flynn we were warmly greeted by staff members who … [Read more...]
A Siblings Perspective
Having a child with a special need is taxing and can have a tremendous impact on one's family. There is no question that the additional effort and uncertainty associated with caring for a child with special needs increases the stress level of everyone in the family. As adults, we generally have better coping skills on how to navigate and deal with the extra stress. But we can’t forget the siblings of the child who has special needs. Their family life is naturally different than that of their peers but my hope is that it enables these kids to have more patience and empathy, and in generally makes them stronger. I recently asked Kelcie to express what it is like to have a sister with special needs. This is what she wrote: Hello! I’m Kelcie, the older sister of Kayla. I have lived with Kayla for about 7 ½ years of my life, and it has been quite the journey. Living with Kayla has been a long adventure for me and I am looking forward for … [Read more...]