With so much snow on the ground it’s a perfect time to get outside and go sledding.  Head out to Catamount Family Center in Williston and use the adaptive sled that is available for the public.  This sled is perfect for hitting the trails and for going down a hill.  Catamount Family Center has some great terrain and lots of snow so make sure to check out the sled! … [Read more...]

For the last 4 years Mirror Mirror has been hosting an annual Santa Cares event.  This event allows children with special needs & their families to meet Santa in a sensory friendly environment.  There are no lines, no pressure, and no fuss.  I left this event yesterday being thankful for the wonderful people in our community. Mirror Mirror puts this event on without any financial support or help from the community.   They put this together out of the goodness of their heart.  Jay comes the night before to set up the room which resembles a small toy store.  Lindsay and many staff members from Mirror Mirror are decked out as elves and helpers, along with Mrs. Claus and Santa. Crayons and coloring books are out on the tables, toys are gathered on the floor, Santa and Mrs. Clause are sitting in the background.  It is then that I see all the warmth and kindness that comes from the community of Mirror Mirror.  Gentleness, … [Read more...]

 Our “Successful Skating” program is wrapped up its first session this week.  It is always a bitter-sweet time for me.  I hate to see the program wrap-up and stop seeing the weekly progress that the kids make.  I absolutely love this program and all the people who participate: the staff at Full Stride, the community mentors, the children who skate, and the parents who bring their children.  The program has truly transformed into a community that is in full support of children who have special needs and their families. Regardless of their disability, these kids show up once a week to get on the ice.  For many of them, it is a challenge just to get skates on and walk.  Many of the children experience extreme muscle fatigue, some lack motor coordination, and a few are very sensitive to noise.  But that doesn’t stop them from trying to skate week after week.  Whether they are being pushed in a chair, using an ice-walker, holding onto … [Read more...]

In honor of Thanksgiving, we would like to thank our local community for supporting Kayla’s Directory and providing services, programs, and resources for children with special needs and their families. We are thankful for the following businesses who have financially contributed to Kayla’s Directory: Ben & Jerry Foundation, Big Willy Style, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, Boston Bruins Foundation, Gravel & Shea, Hatchet, Leonardo’s, Loose Leaf Print Shop, Mirror Mirror, Spherion, SB Signs, Turnbaugh Insurance, and Vermont Systems. We are thankful for the following organizations who partner with us to offer accessible programs for children with special needs:  Cochran’s Ski Area, Davis Studio, Flynn Center, Full Strides, One Mitten Farm, Onta Studio, Run Vermont, Sport & Fitness Edge, Urban Dance Company, and the YMCA. Finally, we are forever grateful for our community volunteers who help these children in art, on … [Read more...]