Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida’s Autism Center of Excellence has partnered with The PLAY Project™ to offer home-based consultations for families of children with autism. The PLAY Project, which represents “Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters,” is an evidence-based, parent-implemented and intensive early intervention program for young people with autism.
 
The program is cost effective, easy to bring into a home setting and has proven results in improving the social challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder.
 
The PLAY Project focuses on two key aspects to ensure greatest success: time intensity and the child’s age. Experts recommend 15-25 hours of engagement per week, and home consultants with Easterseals train the parents on what kinds of engagement are most beneficial. Starting early is equally important. Parents are encouraged to start The PLAY Project with their children before age five due to the significant brain growth experienced during that early life stage.
 
To learn more about The PLAY Project, contact Easterseals’ Autism Center of Excellence at 386-944-7815 or email info@esnecfl.org.  It’s time to play!

You've put butter on them, loaded them with cheese and buried them in macaroni noodles, but your child still won't eat what's for dinner. Or breakfast. Or lunch.
 
If this sounds more familiar than foreign, you already know you have a picky eater on your hands. But did you know there’s treatment for it? That there’s a program available in our community that doesn’t incite tantrums by your child…or you?
 
It’s called the TR-eat® Model (Transdisciplinary Effective Assessment and Treatment) and it’s now available through Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. The TR-eat Model includes behavior strategies that are combined with skill building, facilitation, sensory desensitization, and oral motor intervention.
 
Is this program for your child? Self-assess by answering the following:
 
         Does your child eat less than 15 foods consistently, maybe as few as 1-3?
         Does your child gag, shudder or vomit at the sight or taste of foods?
         Does your child become emotionally upset when they’re encouraged to interact with non-preferred foods?
         Are there large categories of foods your child refuses to eat?
         Does your child have sensory issues with food, such as not liking the way it smells, looks or feels?
 
Contact Dorothy Lefford today at 386-944-7856 or dlefford@esnecfl.org for more information on this evidence-based model that’s been found to have consistently positive results for picky eaters. Your child may not be ready for a salad bar, but enlisting Easterseals’ help with food aversion could be a sweet TR-eat.

Yes, it seems like magic, but in fact there’s a team of teachers, administrators, assistants and a variety of hardworking folks who help Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida change lives in our community.
 
Easterseals serves more than 17,500 individuals and families with a range of disabilities to help them achieve their full potential. Our programs and services are focused on five key areas: those that help children and adults live, learn, work, play to their fullest potential, as well as advocate for programs that support the same. This is how we at Easterseals are taking on disability together.  And, it’s our team of staff members and volunteers that brings it all to fruition.
 
Davine Vincent (pictured above, middle) is a case manager in Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence. She has enjoyed her role since fall 2016. Working with children on the Autism Spectrum has taught her as much about herself as it has the children and families with whom she works.
 
“I enjoy working with Easterseals because I get to be an advocate for these wonderful kids and their supporting families in more ways than one,” said Davine.
 
As a case manager in ACE, Davine says she’s able to build her knowledgebase as she assists families through the diagnosis process and link them to other relevant resources. 
 
“Our team also works to educate community members and partners about ASD so that they in turn can better serve these children and their families,” added Davine. “This position has allowed me to grow and open my heart to the families who come to Easterseals for help, hope and answers.”
 
If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell,
and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

​Autism now affects 1 in 59 children and 1 in 37 boys, so it’s no surprise neighborhood childcare centers in northeast central Florida are embracing training opportunities to increase their knowledge about autism spectrum disorders.
 
When childcare teams empowered to learn and identify early signs and red flags associated with autism when a child is in their earliest developmental stages, staff are more likely to confidently communicate those concerns with parents. As a result, interventions and therapies can help a child on the autism spectrum reach his or her full potential as early as possible. This, in turn, sets the stage to help a child improve their outcomes as they continue learning and growing.
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, which operates the award-winning Autism Center of Excellence in Daytona Beach, is now scheduling free Autism Community Training events. These “ACT Now!” programs include CEU opportunities for staff and direct consultation with Easterseals’ autism experts.
 
What can a childcare center expect from ACT Now training events?
 
1.      Improved identification. Childcare employees who undergo autism training are more prone to accurately and more quickly identify a child’s aggression, tantrums or social-relationship struggles as related to autism spectrum disorder.
2.      Individual plans of care. Armed with this knowledge, parents can work with specialists to create individual plans of care for the child.
3.      Intervention options. Centers that enroll and care for children on the autism spectrum have the possibility of incorporating center-based interventions for these children, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, sensory integration and much more.
 
For more information about Easterseals’ Act Now! training events, call 386-944-7856.

Shhh…don’t tell the children, but when they play, they are doing their most important work.

​That’s why Easterseals’ Early Step North Beaches offers free playgroups for local Early Steps children and their siblings through December.
 
The playgroups consist of circle time and gross motor time. Circle time is focused on enhancing cognitive, speech and peer interaction skill through songs, stories and sensory activities. Gross motor time uses mats, slides and balls to encourage children to jump, climb, balance and play.
 
Early Steps North Beaches offers playgroups through December 2018 in Flagler County and in east and west Volusia County:
 
·         Flagler County – 1st Friday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. Dates: Aug. 4, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7. Location: 301 Justice Lane (Bldg. C), Bunnell, FL 32110
·         West Volusia County – 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. Dates: Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20. Location: 156 McGregor Road, DeLand, FL  32720
·         East Volusia County – 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. Dates: Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11. Location: 1219 Dunn Ave., Daytona Beach, FL  32114
 
Caregivers must stay and participate with their child for the entire playgroup, and socks are required for playgroup playtime. For more details, contact Deanna M. McGrath, Early Steps Family Resource Specialist at 386-873-0365 X116 or email dmcgrath@esnecfl.org.

Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida’s “Walk With Me Daytona,” a signature fundraiser, was postponed to May 31 due to forecasted inclement weather on its original date. The plan was that teams would meet at the ballpark at 5 p.m. to begin a 1.5-mile scenic stroll along the Sweetheart Trail. Afterward, they’d enjoy a family and friend’s picnic and night out at the ballpark with the Daytona Tortugas.

But, nature had other plans; May 31 was wet, too! Although similar thunder rolled through the skies above Jackie Robinson Ballpark on May 31 as well, it didn’t stop families from coming out to party in the rain.

​“So many families showing up for Walk With Me despite the wet weather reminds us how much Easterseals is beloved, needed and important to our community,” said VP-Planned Giving Susan Moor. “To see everyone dancing in the rain, enjoying one another’s company and sharing a meal was heartwarming.”

There’s no stopping Easterseals’ folks!

“A great cause and a great night in spite of the rain!” Susan Janaro wrote on Easterseals’ Facebook page. 

“Our team had such a great time this year at Walk With Me,” added the team at Tom Cook Jewelers.

Each year, Walk With Me is led by inspiring local young ambassadors who lead teams through the event and share their stories of hope and courage while living with disabilities. This year’s Walk With Me ambassadors include Walter Stewart, age 4; Leon Johnson-Hansen, age 7; Avery Bishop, age 8; Stephen Watkins (adult); Harry Cortright, age 4; Quinn Duncan, age 2; Annahart Yuschok, age 17; Barry Mack, age 3; and Ericka Winn, age 30.

Funds raised through Walk With Me support vital programs for people with disabilities, including pediatric therapy, pediatric audiology, charter school and child development centers, deaf advocacy, equipment loan closet, Joey’s Gift Respite Care and Local Early Steps. 

Stay tuned for next year’s event! And in the meantime, cross your fingers for clear skies; the good times and smiles are guaranteed!

Ready to challenge yourself with a new language? Sure, German comes in handy around Oktoberfest, but American Sign Language is the one that can change lives – including yours – right off hand. (Pun intended!)

Thousands of Volusia and Flagler Counties residents are deaf or hearing-impaired in Volusia and Flagler Counties and, chances are, that includes someone you know or will interact with in your community. 

Here are five reasons to learn sign language through Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida this summer (classes begin July 23!): 

1. It’s not uncommon. American Sign Language is more widely used in the U.S. than Chinese, French, Vietnamese or Korean. Thus, it’s likely you’d be practicing with people you meet day in and out. 
2. It’s a helpful tool for communicating with the public. ASL-trained residents who work in service to the public may be able to better serve hearing-impaired individuals.
3. It improves personal communication, too. ASL-trained family members, friends and colleagues of hearing-impaired persons can put immediately actionable signing to use toward more effective communication.
4. Classes are inexpensive! $50 covers a nine-week session.
5. Classes are convenient! Meet beginning Monday, July 23, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the DeLand Family YMCA (761 E. International Speedway Blvd.), or meet beginning Thursday, July 26, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Easterseals in Daytona Beach (1219 Dunn Ave., Daytona Beach). All classes are taught by an ASL-certified instructor.

Register now; space is limited! Register online here or  call Shae, ASL instructor, at shaelo92@aol.com.

Everyday heroes, thrill seekers and community leaders are invited to once again be brave for courageous kids during the second annual “Over The Edge At ONE DAYTONA” event on November 2 and 3, 2018.

Registration is now open for individual fundraisers, and underwriting opportunities are available from $5,000. The $25 registration fee is being waived for all registrants who sign up to participate by Friday, July 13th at midnight. The first 140 fundraisers who raise a minimum of $1,000 will earn their spot to go Over the Edge of the west-side façade of the 102-foot-high International Motorsports Center, the headquarters of NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation (ISC).

This event can be classified as both unique and successful, as the inaugural event in 2017 raised $200,000 in support of Easterseals Northeast Central Florida and The NASCAR Foundation. Event logistics are coordinated by Over the Edge, a professional rappelling organization that organizes similar events throughout the country.

"We are thrilled to be going Over The Edge at ONE DAYTONA again this year to benefit children in our communities," said Bev Johnson, CEO of Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida. "Not only is this rappelling event exciting, it brings home the point that, everyday, children and families are courageously living with disabilities and healthcare needs. So, it's fitting that Over The Edge challenges the generous volunteers who raise funds and rappel for these families! As they're being brave for courageous kids, they're also doing tremendous good."
​
Register and learn more about the event and its corporate giving levels at www.DaytonaOverTheEdge.org, and follow the event’s progress at https://www.facebook.com/DaytonaOverTheEdge/.