I am trying to think of a way to get more traffic, and therefore your comments to the blog. When I heard about the video that the Make Friends with Autism team had done, I decided to post the following memo sent to me by that team. Maybe there are more things going on that you want to share with your colleagues? If so, you can do it under the post, ask questions of the people and I will make sure they are answered. Innovation is running wild around Children's Specialized. There are so many incredible ideas being presented and programs going on, I thought this might be a good place to share.
There is an exciting program coming this fall that may interest the families and staff of Children's Specialized. Make Friends with Autism, a community focused autism education initiative, will be officially launched during National Disability Awareness Month this October. This program is made possible by a generous grant Children's received from Kohl's. The program focuses on improving community autism awareness and inclusion. There will be tools, guides and resources to enhance relationships between businesses, recreation providers, community members, and people with autism. There will be a video available for download featuring an original song, "That's What Friend's Do." The film provides an in-depth view of the challenges people with autism may face when participating in community outings. The film production company follows three families' struggles and triumphs while visiting a supermarket, playing with other children, and having a meal in a restaurant. The project will also include workshops and meetings with businesses across the state to discuss how to encourage inclusion .
Don't forget the Public Service Announcement contest! There are 3 categories for entrants: kids, adults, and Children's employees and there families . The goal is to create a brief video that promotes inclusion for people with autism . For more details contact Adrienne Robertiello at extension 5343. The winner will be announced in the fall.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Changes For Children's Specialized Hospital
Children's Specialized Hospital's commitment has always been first to the very special children we serve and to those dedicated employees who provide those services. I am writing today to tell you of a change that will be made within the coming weeks.
With the State Department of Education mandate to keep children in their home school districts and the competition from community day care programs, our programs have been unable to flourish in a way that equals the quality service our staff provide. We are also impacted by the thousands of children on our outpatient wait lists whose needs we cannot currently meet. This has caused our attention to be more focused on our core healthcare services and to re-examine our continued role in two long standing CSH programs: the pre-school and child care programs. The Board has directed us to find the best partner that would allow our pre-school and child care programs to continue to meet the needs of the children, while continuing opportunities for present staff.
To fulfill the Board's charge to us , we have long been searching for the right partner to take over the operation of our pre-school and child care programs in Fanwood. We have found that partner in "First Children" which will be operated by Mr. Joe Hess. Mr. Hess is committed to program growth and continuing the culture and quality of what Children's Specialized created. All of the teachers, teaching assistants and nurses will be given the opportunity to stay on with the new company; the therapists who work in the school will continue to work for Children's Specialized Hospital. While we are very sad we are losing part of the Children's Specialized family, we are confident that with "First Children's" expertise and dedication, these programs will be able to serve even more children in the future.
Our Early Intervention program, which presently meets in Fanwood, will move to Roselle Park and our Cog Re program will eventually move to our Fanwood Plaza site.
I know this is a big change not only for the people in the programs impacted but also for the entire staff. I am more than willing to respond to questions and concerns that you have on this blog or you may email me. Please join me in offering our support to those going through this transition and best wishes for the future success of "First Children".
With the State Department of Education mandate to keep children in their home school districts and the competition from community day care programs, our programs have been unable to flourish in a way that equals the quality service our staff provide. We are also impacted by the thousands of children on our outpatient wait lists whose needs we cannot currently meet. This has caused our attention to be more focused on our core healthcare services and to re-examine our continued role in two long standing CSH programs: the pre-school and child care programs. The Board has directed us to find the best partner that would allow our pre-school and child care programs to continue to meet the needs of the children, while continuing opportunities for present staff.
To fulfill the Board's charge to us , we have long been searching for the right partner to take over the operation of our pre-school and child care programs in Fanwood. We have found that partner in "First Children" which will be operated by Mr. Joe Hess. Mr. Hess is committed to program growth and continuing the culture and quality of what Children's Specialized created. All of the teachers, teaching assistants and nurses will be given the opportunity to stay on with the new company; the therapists who work in the school will continue to work for Children's Specialized Hospital. While we are very sad we are losing part of the Children's Specialized family, we are confident that with "First Children's" expertise and dedication, these programs will be able to serve even more children in the future.
Our Early Intervention program, which presently meets in Fanwood, will move to Roselle Park and our Cog Re program will eventually move to our Fanwood Plaza site.
I know this is a big change not only for the people in the programs impacted but also for the entire staff. I am more than willing to respond to questions and concerns that you have on this blog or you may email me. Please join me in offering our support to those going through this transition and best wishes for the future success of "First Children".
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