School has ended, a week of Donkey Camp is complete, and now we are off on our annual vacation; Amelia Island, Florida.  This is our 4th year to Amelia Island.  As the years progress it has become a little easier traveling with Kayla. We are always prepared for the unexpected meltdowns while traveling.  However, the stress of traveling to Florida continues to be anxiety provoking for everyone, especially Kayla’s sister. The amount of luggage and stuff we must bring on a trip is a bit overwhelming.  Kayla packs her own carryon which includes all her baby dolls, baby doll accessories & baby doll clothes, plus books, crayons, paper, and lots of snacks.  I have a bag filled with baby wipes, medications, extra shoes for her braces, and more snacks.  The biggest challenge is bringing her adaptive stroller.  It makes vacation a little easier if we have it available for her. However, it is awful to bring on the plane.  It is massive, … [Read more...]

Did you know that Vermont Adaptive has an office on the waterfront in Burlington?  Did you realize that they offer A LOT of summer adaptive activities?  I was fortunate enough to meet up with Kelly Walsh, Northern Vermont Program Director, and her three outgoing interns this afternoon.  I was able to see and hear about all the great things they are doing for anyone who needs assistance. First of all, they have some great adaptive bikes which makes biking accessible for everyone!  Your entire family can go biking on the Burlington bike path.  They also will bring kids out for paddle boarding, sailing, and/or kayaking!  Vermont Adaptive is open 7 days a week!  In order to sign your child up for an activity go to the "reservation" tab at Vermont Adaptive.  Activities generally run $35 but they have a sliding scale if needed. Kayla's Directory will be doing a bike ride with Vermont Adaptive on September 16th from 10:30 to 11:30.  We … [Read more...]

August Activities August 1st Community Night Supports Kids Rehab Gym at Bluebird Barbecue (5:00 PM until closing).  Come out to Bluebird Barbecue and support Kids Rehab Gym! August 4th Sensory Friendly Movie: Teen Titans Go! Click here for information. August 7th Martial Arts class at ONTA (3:00-3:45). This free class is specifically geared towards children with special needs. Register here.  August 8th City Market and Creative Snacks (4:00-5:30).  Come to South End City Market and make some healthy snacks with friends.  This is a free program.  Register here. Celebrate Champs's Birthday at the Echo Center.  Click here for information. August 9th Martial Arts class at ONTA (3:00-3:45). This free class is specifically geared towards children with special needs.  Register here.  August 11th Martial Arts class at ONTA (1:00-1:45). This free class is specifically geared towards children … [Read more...]

Friendships are such an important part of a child’s life.  I remember growing up and hanging out with my peers all the time.  But what is the most memorable was hanging with my best friend. We would play sports together, go shopping, attend other people’s birthday parties, go to the movies, go swimming, and have sleepovers.  We were inseparable. As a mother, you want your child to have friends and be connected to their school and community.  You want them to be invited to birthday parties, sleepovers, playdates etc.  You want them to have a good friend.  Having friends is challenging for typical children, let alone children who have special needs. Being at recess at school, I witness a lot of children being unkind to others.  They pick on others that can’t kick the ball, can’t run fast, or don’t understand the rules of a game.  When I see kids not being kind, I take it to heart because I always wonder if this is how children treat … [Read more...]

Do you need to beat the heat with your child and find some indoor places to go?  Check out our list of recommended places that will allow your family to cool off, exert some energy, be creative, and have fun. Echo Center Fun Zone at Smugglers Notch Get Air Montshire Museum Wildflower Studio               … [Read more...]