We would like to thank UVM Women's Hockey, UVM athletic staff, and Hockey East for continuing to be a positive impact on individuals with disabilities.  We love the acceptance, inclusion, and kindness that the hockey has provided to children. Through the lens of Kayla: Hi, I am here to talk about the seniors even though it is hard and difficult to say goodbye to the team you love and the campus you love. It is hard for me every year.  Elice Murphy #11      I will miss your silliness, your laughs and  I will miss you day and night. but always remember #11 and #21 always stick together.    Blanka Skodova #31       I could have not done this year without you. You will be missed. you are the best role model for all the girls. and i could have not done it without you. follow your dreams become a Czech Republic goalie. Theresa  Schafzahl #17       Even though  we did not hang out a lot, I think that you are an … [Read more...]

The inevitable question, what will happen to my daughter as she ages out of high school?  As she becomes older, I begin to search out potential opportunities for her.  I look at what her interests are, her skillset, and listen to what she wants to do. We have many years before she ages out of high school, but I am always trying to find programs that align with my daughter’s hopes, dreams, and potential.  I was excited to find The Yellow House in Middlebury. The Yellow House Community (YHC) is a Therapeutic Community Residence that was established in 2019. Residents of YHC enjoy all-inclusive room, board, and enriching daytime programming and work support. YHC is inspired by the Camphill  life-sharing community model.  YHC provides residents with structured, purposeful days through household management, industry, and social/recreational opportunities both within YHC and the Middlebury Community.  YHC celebrates the idea of … [Read more...]

Kayla’s Directory was started several years ago to enrich the lives of children with disabilities through greater community involvement and access to developmental services and recreational activities.  We are always trying to offer more resources, programs, and most importantly, connections that children and families can establish with their community.  Although we generally focus on children, it is important for families to have information regarding post-secondary transition for their children. Post-secondary transition could occur anytime between age 18-21 year old.  Whether it be academic, job training, or independent living; we have found some resources to pass forward.  Click Post-Secondary Services from High School for more information.   … [Read more...]

While Kayla and I watched the documentary, Magnolia's Hope,  we talked about the similarities and differences between her and Magnolia.  Over the break, Kayla showed me a piece of writing that she worked on with her Special Educator.  Here is her reflection of Magnolia's Hope. I recently watched Magnolia's Hope. It is about a girl with Rett syndrome. She is 10 years old and she uses a Tobii to talk. She controls the tobii with her eyes.👀  I don’t have Rett syndrome but I have a genetic mutation on the same gene as Rett. What rett syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder. Most boys have it worse and it is rare for them to have it. I feel so lucky that I can talk and walk. My Mom and Dad said how lucky they were that I was talking and walking when I was two.  I was on a program that takes in kids with life-threatening illnesses called  Team Impact. Even though I graduated from the UVM Women's hockey team last year I … [Read more...]

Did you know that in order for your child to access adult services that there needs to be a recent assessment done to determine if they are eligible for services?  Did you know that this needs to be done prior to your child turning 18?  Did you also know that schools should start to discuss transitional services once your child turns 16?  Have you thought about guardianship once your child turns 18? This is important information that you need to be aware of as your child begins their high school years. Like everything in Special Education, some districts are well-versed in the requirements for adult services and other's not as much.  One district that I spoke to ensures that students are administered the WISC (Wechsler Intelligent Scale for Children for 16 under) or WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale over 16) when having their 3 year re-evaluation.  These assessments are necessary for adult services. Discussion of transitional … [Read more...]