Ability Specialists Blog

Cherry Creek Special Education Advisory Committee

// January 18th, 2012 // Support Your Community

Come down and let your voice be heard!

Cherry Creek Special Education Advisory Committee
Thu, Jan 19th, 2012 @ 9:30 am

Golden Heart Award Nomination Form for 2011-2012 is attached below!

SEAC is a parent group whose purpose is to strengthen partnerships between parents, the school district and community agencies.  What does SEAC do?

• Connects parents with other parents for support and information.
• Connects parents with community agencies.
• Helps parents create partnerships with schools.
• Holds monthly meetings with speakers on topics of interest to parents of special needs students.
• Offers a yearly Special Education 101 Class.
• Honors 15 people each year with a Golden Heart Award for going “above and beyond” for our special needs kids.

For more information visit:

http://www.arcarapahoedouglas.org/events/eventsDetail.php?Cherry-Creek-Special-Education-Advisory-Committee-69

Ability Speicalists Team takes on an Xtreme Challange

// January 16th, 2012 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

This past Saturday our talented Ability Specialists Team took on an “Xtreme” Challenge. The team spent an evening of fun and laughs at the Inverness Sports Complex near I-25 and Dry Creek.  The newly renovated complex features fun group activities from the hit TV show Gladiator and other challenging obstacles.

The Competition was fierce amongst the team members that split off into groups to become “Champion of the Games.” Although whispers in the office say TJ may have been “Champion of the Games” there is still no official word on who won. Until I see someone walking around the office with a crown on their head I will not declare an official winner.

For more information read the article below written by Tracy Dudley about the Xtreme Sports Complex in the Castle Pines Connection or visit the Official Website

Xtreme Challenge Arena has been compared to American Gladiator meeting the television show Wipe Out and then marrying Ninja Warrior! Inside this customized gladiator-style arena, participants of all ages and abilities can participate in zany challenges, hilarious athletic competition, and super human feats. Activities challenge individuals and groups to think out-of-the-box while enjoying physical fun and exercise. They are appropriate for corporate teambuilding, company picnics, birthday parties, youth groups, scout troops, and much more…….

 www.XtremeChallengeArena.com.

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We Are Back!!!!!

// January 13th, 2012 // News That Affects You

Ability Specialists is excited to announce, after an extended break,
starting next week we will be providing weekly content to the Blog portion
of our website. In the past content topics have included, What’s Happening
At Ability Specialists, News That Affects You, Featured Articles, and
Support Your Community. In addition to those topics we would also like to
add a column called Readers Choice.

Readers Choice – is a blog post sent to us (Ability Specialists), from you
about an article you have read, thoughts you may have on a subject, or
questions you may have regarding a topic. Submitting such posts may inform
the Ability Specialist’s Community about topics that have not been brought
to our attention otherwise.

Thanks for your entire support and input. We look forward to 2012 andanother great year at Ability Specialists. If you would like to suggest anarticle or topic please email us at:

 blog@abilityspecialists.com

The Ability Specialist’s Team

Ed McCaffrey Dare to Play Football & Dare to Cheer Camps

// June 21st, 2010 // Support Your Community, What's Happening At Ability Specialists

For Down Syndrome
Presented by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Join TJ & Rick:

Game Day is Saturday, June 26th
Open and Free to the Public

10:30 am – Free Tailgate Party
11:30 am – Football Game Begins

Valor Christian High School
3775 Grace Blvd
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Click here for more information: http://www.daretoplayfootball.org/

Eat a Rainbow – Public Health Produce Fairs Provide Fresh Fruits and Veggies.

// June 17th, 2010 // News That Affects You

JCPH Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. While there are no income or residential requirements to participate, organizers trust that their goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported.

A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables (DW Editor: Color chart of fruit and vegtables) can improve overall health and reduce obesity in our populations. Currently 55.7% of Colorado’s adults and 25.8% of Colorado’s children are considered overweight/obese. Obesity rates among children have doubled in the past 20 years.  Read more:http://www.disabled-world.com/news/america/colorado/eat-a-rainbow.php

FEMA has no disaster plan for disabled, official testifies

// June 17th, 2010 // Feature Articles

12:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Dana Amihere, Hearst Newspapers  

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency acknowledged Tuesday that it has failed to implement a natural disaster plan for the disabled and told a congressional panel that the agency lacks the resources to put a plan in place.

Marcie Roth, FEMA’s senior adviser on disability issues and director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, said FEMA has developed a plan to evacuate, shelter and supply disabled people in a disaster. Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-fema_16nat.ART.State.Edition2.297c953.html

Upcoming Events

// June 17th, 2010 // Support Your Community

Accessing the World Through International Exchange disability seminar Denver Colorado July 13th 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
As part of the co-convened Association on Higher Education and Disability and PepNet 2010 Conference, this pre-conference workshop will introduce and explore the ins and outs of going on an international exchange program as a person with a disability or as someone advising people with disabilities.
See details:http://www.disabled-world.com/news/america/colorado/co50000.php

Mile High Down Syndrome Association
July 13, 2010
Family Night for the DS-Autism Connection
Click here for more details. [pdf]

Brent’s Place
Date: 07/25/10
Time: 12:00 pm
Name: Kids Cure for Cancer
Location: Washington Park
5k Run/Walk, 1K Fun Run and Community Fair, Washington Park

Congratulations AS Power Lifting Team!

// June 7th, 2010 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Ability Specialists power lifting team took several medals at the Special Olympics State Finals on Saturday June 5th.  Check out these awesome results and pictures!

Squat Event 
Shubin A. 1st Place                 
Tony B. 3rd Place
Andy P. 4th Place

Dead Lift Event
Tony B. 1st Place (Tony boke the state record by lifting 350 lbs.!)
Shubin A. 1st Place
Roger C. 2nd Place
Andy P. 4th Place

Bench Press Event:
Roger C. 5th Place

Combination Bench Press & Deadlift
Roger C. 1st Place

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Colorado Summer Weather

// June 2nd, 2010 // Feature Articles, News That Affects You

The air is turning warm and the days are getting longer as another Colorado summer arrives. Along with the new season comes the return of summer hazards. Many Coloradoans, especially those who work outside, are at risk this time of year for injuries ranging from severe sunburn to heat exhaustion. It is important for you to understand and protect yourselves from Colorado’s summer hazards. 

Sunscreen

Everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed body parts. The higher the SPF, the better the protection against a sunburn and potential skin cancer. Reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain its effectiveness. Workers can also benefit from wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Hydration

While spending the day in the hot sun, remind everyone to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids, including water or something with electrolytes, such as sports drinks. Sodas can actually prevent hydration and may contribute to heat stroke. If you or your employees feel dizzy or nauseous, take a break. Find a cool, shady place and rest until you feel better. Heat stoke can impair a person’s ability to make sound judgments and may cause accidents. It is better to rest and avoid injuries, then to continue working.

Weather

Colorado summers also bring the chance of severe weather. Thunderstorms can bring hail, wind, and lightning, all of which pose risks to workers. Remind everyone to take cover during thunderstorms, but not under trees, where lightening risk increases. Lightening kills more workers each year than tornadoes, so if you or your group are working off the ground and see lightening, get down immediately. If it begins to hail, find a covered shelter such as your car. Hail in Colorado ranges from pea size to golf ball size, both of which can cause injuries. 

To be safe this summer, use common sense. Pay attention to the weather and help avoid workplace injuries. Be prepared for anything with sunscreen, water, and a plan of action if severe weather strikes.

Disability Advocates Reserving Judgment On High Court Nominee

// June 2nd, 2010 // Feature Articles

Disability advocacy groups are taking a wait and see approach with Elena Kagan who the president nominated to the Supreme Court on Monday.

Kagan, who currently serves as the country’s solicitor general, will replace Justice John Paul Stevens if she is confirmed by the Senate. A former Harvard Law School dean, Kagan has never been a judge. She would be the court’s youngest member at age 50 and the fourth woman to serve on the court.  Read more: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/05/11/nominee-kagan/7992/