5/26 In your opinion, describe why you think communication is a key component to collaborative practice. Give a few examples and use a personal anecdote to support your view.

I feel that communication is very important for the collaboration process to be successful because not everyone has the same ideas or values. In order for the team to come to a consensus regarding a common goal dialogue needs to happen.  Each person can share their ideas and after listening to everyone’s input a decision can be made by the collaborative team.

Communication isn’t always only verbal, non verbal actions such as facial expressions and body language, sometimes speak louder than words. When I was the director for an after school program we had a meeting about incorporating some new programs into the enrichment time.  One of the team members agreed to go along with the plan the rest of the group had agreed on. However, by her body language I could tell that she wasn’t completely on board.

 Most recently while collaborating with my colleagues about how we should arrange fitness testing, we all had different but similar ideas on how it should be done and though communication we where able to agree on how to complete testing as a department and were successful in doing so.

10 APE resources

10 APE Resources

1.   American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation Adapted Physical Education Resource Manual

This manual is full of resources to assist with gaining knowledge in the field of adapted physical education.

Website: APE Manual

2.      PE Central

PE Central is a website that provides lesson plans for adapted physical education and many more links for information about adapted physical education.

Website:  PE Central

3.      Adapted Physical Education National Standards

APENS is a website that provides information about adapted physical education and the 15 standards that need to be met and followed within an adapted physical education program.

Website: APENS

4.   American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.

This website provides recourses that pertain to deaf-blindness and disabilities and provides recourses on how to teach those with disabilities.

Website:  APH for the Blind

5.   Sparks P.E

Sparks P.E provides lesson plan and useful resources for adapted physical education.

Website:  Sparks

6.    Adaptive Aerobics

These articles provide information on how to incorporate aerobics into classes regardless of ability or disability.

Website: Adaptive Aerobics

7.   National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability

The national center on health, physical activity and disability provides ideas on different health and physical activities for individuals with disabilities. Also they provide many pertaining to individuals with disabilities and opportunities to participate in different camps and events.

Website: NCPAD

8.   Wrightslaw

This website provides information advocacy information regarding adapted physical education.

Website: Wrightslaw

9.    PE Universe 

This website provides resources for lessons, equipment and activities pertaining to adapted physical education.

Website:  PE Universe

10.   Action for Healthy Kids

Action for healthy kids is a website that provides tips for health and fitness activities.

Website:  AHK

Introduction

Hello,
I'm a nut for sports, fitness, the outdoors and working with children. I have enjoyed coaching softball, baseball, and track along with being a Lincoln Friends Club member and RCS Opportunities for Special People volunteer. These passions of physical activity has led to a career as physical educator, currently I'm teaching junior high in the San Francisco area. I am a dedicated, motivated, and committed educator who is always looking for ways to teach to the state standards in an innovative manner. My goal as a physical educator is to promote lifelong physical fitness and activities through the physical education curriculum. By building a good rapport with my students, I will always be able to modify my lesson plans to meet the specific learning needs of my students.  I believe that I will motivate and raise excitement for my students to participate in physical activity by creating lessons that are relevant to the students’ needs and interests.

10 Community Resources

10 Community Resources

1. Bike Camp (Society for the Handicap)
This is a camp is a place where students will learn to ride a bike or improve upon their skills in riding bikes. This camp is offered at Ustach Middle School in Modest CA during the Spring break of each year.  One-on-one assistance is provided by APE teachers, college students, high school students, and other volunteers.
The cost is $ 150 for one week of individualized services 2 hours a day.  Bikes are provided but you must bring a proper fitted helmet and also provide you child with proper tennis shoes. Limited full and partial scholarships may be available.
This camp is for people any age but the camp has found that students 8 and older tend to do best.   The child must be ambulatory, must have good cardiovascular fitness and the ability to pedal a bicycle for 45 minutes a day for 5 consecutive days.  Be able to keep their feet on the pedals and maintain pedaling, be able to keep their hands on the handlebars and turn, be able to see sufficiently to avoid obstacles and maintain a path of travel and be willing to follow instructions;
Contact Information: Additional Information and participation forms can be found online at http://www.societyforhandicapped.org/recreation/BikeCampParticipantPacket11.pdf    If you would like to discuss the appropriateness of the camp for your child, or if you have additional questions,
Contact the camp by phone at 209-524-3536.

2. Surfer’s Healing   http://surfershealing.org

P.O. Box 1267 San Juan Capistrano CA. 92693  (866) 647-HEAL
Camp Operator Jennifer Tracy - jennifer@surfershealing.org
CALIFORNIA - emailsissy@surfershealing.org

Surfer’s Healing exposes children with Autism to surfing to bring peace to their sensory system.
Participants Served: Autism
Eligibility Criteria:  New campers get the spots first! Call or visit their website quickly before spots fill up.
Cost:  Contact Camp Operator (Jennifer Tracy)

3. Dodge Ridge Ski Resort
http://www.dodgeridge.com/site/adaptive.php

PO BOX 1188, Pinecrest, CA
Contact:  Gary Townsend (209)  965-3474

Dodge Ridge Ski Resort is located about an hour and a half from Modesto.  They offer many types of adapted skiing.  They have many different types of rental equipment for the benefits of all disabilities, as well as lessons for anyone with a disability. This program provides private lessons for guests with adaptive needs including cognitive and physical disabilities. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance and are based on the availability of a qualified instructor. Rental equipment is available as part of the lesson package.

Participants Served: People with Physical and cognitive disabilities.
Eligibility: All people are eligible as long as they are over the age of 6.
Cost: Skill assessment and reservation required
2 Hour Adapted Lesson: $84
Additional Hour: TBD

The Society for Handicapped Children and Adults make it a great group day on the mountain at Dodge Ridge 9 times a year for Skiing Unlimited. Going with this group will likely decrease cost.  Sign up at societyforhandicapped.org

4. Abilities First Youth Sports Camp    http://www.abilityfirstsports.org

PO Box 4235  Chico, CA 95927
Director: Eric Snedeker, M.S., Admn. Cred., Ph D.
(530) 588-0335
Program Description: Wheelchair sports camp providing instructional/recreational sports opportunities to youth with physical disabilities.  Sports range from the beginner through both the junior and national levels of athletic competition. Evening programs are designed to provide opportunities for leisure and social activities.  Coaches are experienced and some are professional athletes.

Participants Served:  Physical Disabilities
Eligibility Criteria:  Ages 8-17
Cost:  $900 for room and board for entire week.  This includes minimum assistance with daily living activities to promote independence, an Ability First T-shirt, a water bottle, instruction in various wheelchair sports programs, access to specialized equipment, transportation to and from water skiing, and social activities.

This camp is located at Lassen Hall Dormitory on the campus of California State University, Chico.

5.  Care-ousel Therepeutic Riding:  Website= http://care-ousel.com

P.O. Box 578621  Modesto, CA  95357-8621
(209) 869-3220  (209) 573-0441
Contact:  Kim Kent

Care-ousel Therapeutic horseback riding is a non-profit organization located in Modesto that offers a special world that brings together horses, disabled children, and adults and caring volunteers.  Care-ousel provides therapy for children and adults challenged with physical and/or mental disabilities through the power of human-animal bonding. This program is good for anyone seeking a fun and challenging path to physical and mental wellness.  Students will also learn different skills related to taking care of a horse to increase the bonding experience.

Participants Served: Students with Physical and cognitive disabilities.
Cost: Contact Supervisor (approx. $25 an hour)

Destiny’s Crutch Adaptive Riding Program
Oakdale, CA
Contact:  Dessy

209-840-4848
 Participants need to be at least 4 year's old

6.  Stanislaus County Special Olympics
http://www.sonc.org/sports/county/stanislaus
400 12th St. #7Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-522-1544
Contact:  John Wray
Stanislaus County provides year round sports training and competition opportunities to adults with intellectual disabilities. This helps in allowing individuals to demonstrate to the world all they are capable of achieving many things.  The athletes participate in one or more of the six sports offered which include aquatics, basketball, bowling, soccer, softball, and track and field under the guidance and direction of volunteers and coaches.

Eligibility Criteria: ages 8 and above

7. Society for the Handicapped   
Website:  http://www.societyforhandicapped.org/
1129 8th Street Modesto, Ca. 95354
(209) 524-3536

Society for the Handicapped is a privately funded organization that helps in providing various recreation and general services for adults and children with disabilities.  They provide services/programs that enhance the quality of life for physically-challenged individuals of all ages and all disabilities who reside in Stanislaus County.  They participate in a variety of activities and services In the Central Valley including the following: Special needs ball (Dance), Bowling Unlimited, Water Skiing Unlimited, Golfing Unlimited, Day on the farm.

Participants Served: All Physical and Cognitive Disabilities of any age.
Cost: Contact Supervisor, if you have any questions you can email them at  Programs@societyforhandicapped.org.

8. Choong Sil Kwan Do: http://www.choongsilkwan.com/
1408 Carpenter Rd.  Modesto, CA  95358
Contact:  Mr. K  (209) 918-0887

There Special Needs Program is a fun and exciting Tae Kwon Do class that is structured to meet the needs of each individual students.  They focus on the improvement of each individual student’s attention span, confidence, discipline level, hand/eye coordination as well as their overall fitness level.  The classes are geared to teach students responsibility and how to interact with others in society.  Classes are held every Monday and Thursday at 6:30pm-7:20pm.

Participants Served:  Students with all Physical and Cognitive disabilities.
Eligibility:  Age 7 and up.
Cost:  $45 per month with unlimited classes (2 per week are suggested).

9. Howard Training Center      www.howardtrainingcenter.com

1424 Stonum Road, Modesto, CA 95351       (209) 538-4000

Program Description:  Vocational Training Program, transportation, Home placement
Participants served:  Developmental Disabilities
Eligibility Criteria:  18+
Cost:  Contact Center

10. Recreational Sports Club of San Joaquin County
Email: http://rscsj.org/
RSC is a recreational sports club that aims to provide sports and leisure opportunities for persons with disabilities in San Joaquin County. RSC seeks to cultivate workplace skill sets and social confidence of club members, increasing independence and ensuring their full participation in the larger community.   RSC works collaboratively with other community programs providing resources and enrichment to their existing programs. We provide the resources necessary to plan, organize, and coordinate with care providers, families and other community based groups an ongoing calendar of events throughout the year.    This club is for anyone who has a physical or mental disability and for people of all ages.

They are located at:
RSC of San Joaquin, Inc
2339 W. HammerLane, Suite C, pmb #233
Stockton, Ca 95209-2368

You can reach them by phone at 209-403-8878

6/25 "My Frame of Reference is Important because......

In your opinion, why do you think your frame of reference is so important to the collaborative process?

I feel that my frame reference is important because it has help mold me into the person I am. My frame references are primarily based around experiences, values and background all of these areas allow me to bring my own ideas and experiences to the collaboration table. When everyone brings their own frame set to the collaborative process it allows everyone to have input with the intent of working towards a common goal. It is important not to be judgmental towards ones ideas because you may not know what experiences or values that impact their ideas or decisions.