LDS Disability Ideas

CTR B First 5 lesson Binder

2011-10-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yea!!! I finally found 5 seconds (more like 2 hours) to put this first set of CTR B lessons (first 5 lessons from the Primary Manual for CTR B that have been accommodated/modified for "home study") on Live Binder.

For those of you who have never seen Live Binder--I LOVE it! I think it works SO much better for a project like this than WikiSpaces!!!

So--here is the link below. It works just like a 3-ring Binder--except it's all on-line!!!http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

So--when you click on the link you'll be taken to the first page of the first lesson. Then, as you click through the tabs (notice they're labeled with what lesson each page goes to), you'll go through lessons 2, 3, 4, and 5! So, the lessons are in order--and you can access them on-line just like they were in a 3-ring binder for you at home!!! It's Sa-weet!

Here is the link:

http://livebinders.com/edit?id=218617#

I hope to get the first 3 done for Nursery and Sunbeam 1 soon!!! Of course, any hope like that in my life is all relative based on time. But--enjoy this first step.

Of course--the other "joy" is that my nieces and nephew have all grown a little older since I started this--so now I'm going to need to do Sunbeam 2 and CTR A lessons before I get done with the others--oh--and what comes after CTR B? I have NO idea!!! Anyway--you may be stuck with only a "taste" for these adapted/modified lessons--but my hope is that they can help give people/members ideas of how to adapt/modify for their own Primary students who need them--and they certainly can be individualized for anyone--whether they are "home-bound" students--or at Church :)

Enjoy!

Great Website

2011-09-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I've found a great website thanks to Facebook.

Yes--Facebook :)

This woman has created Easy Scripture Readers.

I'm usually hesitant about websites like this--as usually the Church prefers we use Church only products.

But--what she has done is great--and can really benefit a lot of people--especially kids and youth with disabilities.

So here you go :)

http://scriptures4kids.com/

Just added....

2011-09-11T17:57:00.001-07:00

Just added information on "Partial Participation" on the Primary and Mutual Inclusion Page :)

Added a couple....

2011-09-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

I added a couple of articles on the Primary and Mutual Inclusion page of teenagers leading!!! Great stories!

So--another idea I've had--to promote this--is to gather stories--positive inclusion stories from Wards/Branches--so if you have a great story--please share!

Primary and Mutual Inclusion

2011-09-09T22:23:00.001-07:00

So--

I've finally put off the work I should be doing--and created this new page on this blog here!

It's focused on sharing ideas to improve inclusion for those with disabilities in the Church, most especially in Primary and Mutual (although inclusion should occur at ALL levels).

I'd like to start the "James' Circle" movement--supporting our youth to make friends with their peers with disabilities! I'm also hoping to begin to work on creating a simple manual for training/education and assistance in this.

Here are some great websites I've found with similar programs. They're listed on my page as well. So PLEASE check out my page--and if you have other websites/groups/movements that are good--please share :)

**P.S. I'm also beginning the process of gathering pictures that could be used in a CD ROM for the Church--for those who use "PECS" pictures for communication. If you have access to any such pictures, please share if you're willing!

Thank you!

Here are some of the websites I've found. Hopefully they can be helpful to those from Wards and Branches looking for help/ideas:

http://www.friendshipcircle.com/about_friendship_circle_international.asp This is a "buddy" type of volunteer program through the Jewish religion. Their mission and vision is awesome!!!

http://www.iamnorm.org/home.aspx This is from the Inclusion Youth Council! Have to love them!!!

http://www.pathwayskids.org/dream/include_me.html This is another great set of programs--for BOTH children and teenagers. I ESPECIALLY like the children ideas on this one---to start it young!!! Brilliant idea!! I can testify--it made a HUGE difference to me that my nursery and Primary were ALWAYS fully inclusive!!! Way back in the late 70's and early 80's!!!

http://www.pathwayskids.org/ Direct link to Pathways (same as above)

http://www.circleofriends.org/ Explanation web site of the Circle of Friends idea. This idea is not new, in the "disability" world--but A LOT of parents and families do not know about this--or how to do it. Yet--the concept could be IDEAL for wards and branches--along with the "disability" concept of "natural supports"!!!

http://tucollaborative.org/pdfs/Toolkits_Monographs_Guidebooks/relationships_family_friends_intimacy/Natural_Supports.pdf Here's a basic explanation of "Natural Supports"--so ideal for Wards and Branches!!!

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/pcp/ This is a great website about Person Centered Planning. Again, a GREAT ideal thing for families and Wards/Branches!!!

Anyone else know any good ideas? Let me know :)

Working....

2011-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

So--I'm working on getting all of the Primary Lessons organized in a Live Binder--much easier/better to deal with than the Wiki.

:)

Sorry for delays....

2011-08-04T19:29:00.001-07:00

I've been in the middle of a big move--thus the delays. Someday I'll get everything posted--until then, I apologize for the delays!!!

Independence Day!!!

2011-07-04T21:07:00.001-07:00

To honor this awesome day (and the fact that it is July!!!!) here is one of my favorite parts, of one of my favorite songs for ya'll!!!

"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA."

Thank you Lee Greenwood!

P.S. I am so grateful today that I live in a country that offers real freedom to those with all abilities! It may not yet be perfect--but we are very blessed!

Where have I been?

2011-06-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

Oh my!! I was looking up my Ward Website tonight--and saw this "new announcement"--which was at least a couple weeks old, I'm sure. So--where've I been (busy--I know...)

Look at what the Church has now:

http://lds.org/media-library?lang=eng

That is SO awesome!!! This could be so helpful for kiddos stuck at home--or adults who are home-bound (especially if you have no access to BYUTV or KBYU--which most members likely don't have access too). I'm going to tell my mom about it--as she has been home bound for more than a year because of cancer treatment/chemotherapy!

These could be great for adapting or modifying lessons too! And I LOVE that the "Scripture Stories" are on here--not that they're "animated" (cause they're not)--but I so love the "Scripture Stories"--and found them incredible to teach with when teaching "Special Needs" Seminary. I think they are a VERY under-utilized resource--and should not be seen as only for children!!! I think they could make New Testament and Old Testament Sunday School lessons make far more sense if utilized and not "looked down upon"!!!

I'm so excited to check this out more!

Primary Lesson

2011-06-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

So--a couple weeks ago I taught Primary as a substitute. I taught the lesson about Jesus healing the blind man--the man He healed on the Sabbath.

Well--I utilized many ideas from the Primary manual of course. But--I DID NOT use a blind-fold.

I don't know--I have personal issues with that. I do think that experiencing what it may be like for someone with a disability can be a good thing--but too often students and people don't truly gain empathy--instead they learn to feel sorry for someone with a disability or something...

Anyway--so--instead I had the students just close their eyes and try to draw a picture. They "got it" pretty well.

Anyway--here was the funny part: I found a "Find the Hidden Picture" page in the Friend Magazine that I copied. It ended up being a great part of the lesson (used it as an object lesson), which almost worked better than anything else I did.

Then we combined for Sharing Time--and the younger class and teacher had done the same thing!!! So funny!!! They had worked on it together--while my 10 and 11 years old were VERY independent!

But--my point? USE THE FRIEND MAGAZINE!!!! It created a great part of this lesson--but the Friend can also be used to create great adaptations and modifications for children with different abilities!!!

Here's the link to the Friend Magazine. Love it!

http://lds.org/friend?lang=eng

Awesome Video!

2011-06-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to put this up for a couple months. Ya--what a busy life I lead--no time for even posting.

Anyway--this is an amazing show. The adoption story is great---but it is the Eagle Eyes video that I LOVE. It's about an hour long--so will take some time (I skip the adoption parts when I have showed it--not cause they're not great--but cause the Eagle Eyes is just better in my opinion).

Especially love that it's on BYU TV!!! Now to just make Eagle Eyes affordable for all who need them/could use them!

http://www.byutv.org/watch/2164-101

Well, wow!!!

2011-05-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well--wow!!!

I have had some major life changes as of late, so this poor little blog has been ignored. BUT--I have some great news!!!! I'm combining my blogging efforts together--and creating a "Table of Contents" of sorts of my related blogs!!! I've had so much I've wanted to blog about--and have not been able to--so here's hoping this will help in more increased posting in the future!!!

Oh--and I have learned about Live Binder as well--which is a much easier way to post ideas for this blog, than Wiki--so I plan on updating that all soon as well!!!

Yea!! Thanks for hanging in there with me!!!

Shocked and Amazed??!!!

2011-01-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

So--are you shocked and amazed??!!

I'm still alive--yes--I am!

I've moved, started a new job--and the loverly adventure does not seem to be over yet--but who knows what that means at this point!

Anyway--I, unfortunately, have had absolutely NO time to work on more adapted lessons. BUT--I have had time to make a "network" connection with probably my only follower on this blog (as well as some others)--so--

I will try to find time to work on them more soon!!! AND to post the ones I promised months ago!!!

BUT--here's an AWESOME link to a blog that has some GREAT Quiet Books and other items (Primary Theme Posters, etc) that she allows readers to download for free! My friend said that she just downloaded the Quiet Book pages, sent them to Cosco for printing and binding (I think binding), and there you go!

BUT--I thought they could be so useful for more than just Quiet Books!! Check them out--tell me what you think!

http://www.simplyfreshdesigns.com/page/2/

I"m linking you straight to the quiet books--BUT there is a ton of WONDERFUL free stuff throughout the webpage!

Anyway--I will try to do better!!! And get the lessons I promised months ago up soon!

P.S. As a reminder

2010-08-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

P.S. As a reminder---one of the reasons why I've purchased the DVD's and would dare to call them "Primary" on DVD is because my nephew, at times, could be considered "home bound" because of his rare lung disease. Avoiding the germs (which unfortunately, kids grow) is very important.

So--he's in need of Gospel teaching, but is unable to always "attend" Church like other kids.

I think it was in July 2010 Ensign there was a good article in the Ensign about being "Homebound and Active" (I think it was July--may have been June--sorry--it's late. Not looking it up).

Anyway--as much as I still wish more emphasis was place in the article on the Ward and Branch members making more of an independent effort (i.e. offering the Sacrament to those whom are homebound without being asked first), the article is really good, and may give a better picture on some of what families like my nephew's deal with.

Anyway--sorry to be opinionated. I try to avoid that on this blog. But...such is life.

Have not forgotten....

2010-08-08T21:19:00.001-07:00

Okay--

I have not forgotten this blog--I promise. I've just been incredibly busy finishing my P H D. That book I've had to write is long and kind of complicated. But--I'm almost through (I hope and pray) and on to the next--which I'm really excited about.

So--hope to update soon! First to fix the back ground (what is up with "The Cutest" lately? Hello! Really annoying to just lose the background of your blog)--and then to add the Sunbeams/Nursery adaptations I've completed.

BUT--I have something awesome to put on this blog. Something I've found:

I purchased one of these for my nieces and nephew. http://www.fhedvd.com/ Thus far--(we only have 1 DVD--but have plans to purchase more in the future) have been AWESOME!!!

Perfect--yes for FHE--but even more--it's like "Primary" on the TV!!! The videos are cute, use the scriptures very accurately (from what I've been able to tell thus far).

I'm pretty darn picky about stuff like this--usually only suggest things the church produces--but thus far these DVD's have been heaven sent.

Oh--the best part--the kids LIKE them. They'll sit the whole hour and watch them all. They have these cute cartoon characters that display the value or Gospel principle being taught in a cute, funny away that keeps their interest.

Seriously--like Veggie Tales with the Book of Mormon (and no vegetables--and I like Veggie Tales--so don't get me wrong).

Oh--also--I actually broke down and purchased some of the Book of Mormon action figures. I was unsure about these--but bought them for my nephew who is "all boy". First the "Elders" (missionaries) are just awesome (the little one steals them from him and carries them around in her kid purse. It's hilarious!) Second--using them for lessons--when telling Book of Mormon stories to him SOOO helped him care and want to pay attention.

Third--he likes them. So--they're worth it to!!!!

So--thank you for reading. Will update soon! I guess all I can say is, I've actually broken down some of my own barriers (the DVD's and action figures) and found them helpful. I am the type of special education teacher who feels that I'll "get" it (most) anything if it will help a kid learn. And, as much as I want to ensure that the majority of what is used to teach the Gospel is from and endorsed from the Church--sometimes kids need more than the Church makes. SO--breaking some boundaries.

BUT--I'm still pretty careful--that's all I can say :)

Those DVD's ROCK!!!

CTR B

2010-02-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hi! I've now uploaded all of the CTR B lessons I've modified!!!! I'm trying to give each age level it's own wiki page to try to make things more organized. So, the first lesson (lesson 1) you have to go to the "main" wiki page--the rest are on their own pages (or will be). Hope to get Sunbeams A and Nursery up soon!

Enjoy!

http://ldsdisabilityideasdocuments.wikispaces.com/CTRBlesson3

Also hope to adapt beyond 5 lessons soon too!

Slowly

2010-01-31T21:17:00.000-08:00

Okay--I'm slowly getting these posted. And trying to get more than the first 5 lessons in each book done/age level.

So, here's CTR B Lesson 3:

http://ldsdisabilityideasdocuments.wikispaces.com/CTRBlesson3

Enjoy!!!

Hope to get the others up soon :)

Posted 2 more

2009-12-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

Okay

Posted 2 more Primary lessons. They're both adapted from the LDS Church's new Nursery/Sunbeams Manual, which is the best, in my opinion. One is for Sunbeams, the second is really simplified, for Nursery. Again, focused for homebound kiddos who need Primary too---but can be utilized for any kiddos who need adapted Primary stuff.

Also--totally not trying to "break" copyright. Thus, all pictures/blacklines in these come straight from the LDS manual. Giving credit where credit is due!

Enjoy!

http://ldsdisabilityideasdocuments.wikispaces.com/LDS+Disability+Ideas+Documents

P.S. Creating a ton more--but they won't be posted for a while--as I have to get them done for my nieces and nephew who need them first!

What I'm currently working on....

2009-11-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

So, I'm currently working on this project. It's an adaptation of the Primary Manuals.

Granted--right now I'm starting with just 1---the 2nd CTR manual.

But, I see such things being used both by kiddo's with disabilities who need something simplified, by their teachers and parents,

And hopefully by kiddo's who are "homebound" and maybe aren't able currently to go to Primary at Church.

Most of the things included in this are straight from the Primary manual (i.e the scriptures, the song is from the Hymnal, the questions). The stories and pictures are from old Family Home Evening Manuals (those things are very useful!!!), and I will likely get stuff from the Friend website as well. I did use some clip art from this website:

http://lds.about.com/library/gallery/clipart/blb.htm

I'm trying to stick with blacklines mainly, but may expand if needed.

Granted, I don't want anyone to look at these and think: Gee, that will make-up for Primary, so why go? Cause that's so not the point!!! The point is to make Primary as accessible as possible for all kiddo's!!!! But, if any of this can come in handy for a Primary teacher who needs accommodations or modifications, so much the better!

Oh, I also used this website to access the Hymnal and Primary Song Books on line. That' is just awesome that they're all there already!!!!

http://www.lds.org/cm/catalogsearchalpha/1,17929,4782-1-1,00.html#nullLink

Okay--so to access the PDF of the first lesson of this accommodated Primary book click on the following link:

http://ldsdisabilityideasdocuments.wikispaces.com/LDS+Disability+Ideas+Documents

Click on the Link for the PDF Primary book CTR document. This will open the PDF and then you can look at it :)

Here's some of my first ideas:

2009-10-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

So, here are some great things that I have used, or have found that may be helpful. One of my friends found this to make flannel boards for her toddler, but I think they could be helpful for any child, and in many ways---just to make Primary lessons more visual, or interactive!!! There are a ton you can download--all for free!! I'll also post this site address on the side of the blog:

Old Friend Flannel Board Story Downloads:

http://www.stums.org/closet/html/flannel.htm

Of course, here is the Church's website--which is well improved.

http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/

Some of the best stuff I've used that the Church has produced:

Scripture Stories

The Scripture Stories have been greatly improved since I was a kid. I use them in the Special Needs (hate that phrase, but no other phrase to use right now) Seminary class, along with the Lesson Plan book that comes with them, and the DVD set, and they're awesome! They help so much to make the scriptures visual and usable for the student that I work with! (And the music is not as freaky weird as it once was). I can see them as useful for kids, youth, and adults. Actually, I really wish that these could be paired for people with more significant disabilities in regular Sunday School classes, and the Teacher's Manual being given to the Sunday School Teachers so the teachers might know better how to include those with significant disabilities in their age appropriate Sunday School class (including the adult class).

Oh--even better...you can download them right on-line now!!! Awesome!

Old Testament Visual Resources

Kay--I was SO excited to see this!!! I actually had just told my mom how I wish the Church would put something like this together....and like 3 weeks later they put it out!! The Church has a pretty good Church History set of DVD's that is out, but it doesn't have everything this does! Can't wait to get one!

Church Art Book

This is another one that I had just mentioned I wished the Church would create! Imagine the possibilities for this one....from cutting up the photo's (probably want to buy 2) for kids who need that, to making things SO visual!! Awesome!! Just identification aides for kids with more significant disabilities. Seriously so cool!

New Nursery Manual

Okay--so, hello!!! I sure hope the Church updates all of their manuals so they're more like this one (ya--I'm saying they ALL need a major updating...I know, how gutsy of me to say). But, this manual just rocks. Imagine buying more than one!!! And even utilizing it in more than one age group for a kid who needs visuals or interactive activities!! Do more, do more!!!!

LDS Friend On-line

Okay--imagine the possibilities with this site!!! So cool! I love it! I downloaded the activities for my nieces and nephews for General Conference....but imagine utilizing this site to make Primary activities interactive and accessible to everyone! Seriously, it is SO possible!

Never mind the access this gives moms and dads with kids who may be "home bound" or something!!!

New Era On-line

Yet again--let's just imagine the possibilities here!! I mean, from videos about youth serving in the Gospel, to accessible on-line versions of everything from The New Era....come one---brings accessibility for youth with all levels of abilities to a new level!!!

Okay--here are some others I utilize a ton (especially when teaching Seminary):

The scriptures on CD/tape or in ASL

Most every Church Sunday school video/Seminary DVD/Video, even the old Hold to the Rod, and others. I know, they're pretty dorky (some of them)...and out of date (I do avoid some, cause they're just too corny, or really don't teach what one would think they do), but the student I work with...if I can get things in a different format for her, like with a video, she understand the Gospel concept SO much better! I wish the Church would update them....cause 1990's hair styles have been "out" for quite a while...but at least (most) of the messages are good!

I'd love if they were in one big DVD set too! Or split up by scripture or something...

The Relief Society Literacy program Workbook. I use this EVERY week with my student (thank you Grandma for having it, and almost never using it...so I could!) This is a program that is not well publicized. Most people have no idea it's available or out there (and I believe you have to order it through your Relief Society president). I have found it difficult to convince people that it can be SO helpful with those especially youth and young adults with lower reading levels, but the fact that it teaches basic scripture words and phrases, and practices basic reading skills using scripture phrases is SO awesome! So, I say, think outside the "box" of what it was originally created for (to improve literacy for people without disabilities), and use it for everyone!!! But, that's just my vote!

Here are some non-Church endorsed items that are Awesome:

http://www.dotolearn.com/

Do 2 Learn is WAY cheaper than Boardmaker, and are continually increasing their religious pictures. Plus, they have lots of other pictures which could be useful in a Church content. I'd love to adapt the lesson manuals, say, for those with autism or other significant learning needs with pictures from here (that's my idea...you can't steal it...although I do give permission for you to use it). They also have GREAT templates which could be use (say to create a visual schedule for a kid at church, or make a reinforcement chart for church, or just to make church more interesting and exciting!)

Oh--and Ebay is a great place to find pre-made communication books and so forth for cheaper and already pre-made (which makes life SO much easier!!!) I'm not sure how many religious connected type one's you could find, but some of the sellers may be willing to make one for you, special :)

Book of Mormon Reader

I'm not usually a big fan of stuff created "about" the scriptures, that is not created specifically from/by the Church....but this one, I've actually been VERY impressed with. I got it from the CES reps I work with, and it's really awesome. I think it would be great for kids with and without disabilities. There is only one for the Book of Mormon (not one for the other scriptures), and I could only find the current version at the BYU Bookstore (blah!) but, it's good enough that I'm suggesting it anyway!

So, there are some of my most current ideas! Please share yours too! I'll try to get the websites up on the side as soon as I can!

The Beginning!

2009-10-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

So, I've been considering and pondering about starting a blog/site like this for years (yes, years!) I am a professional who has worked in the "disability" field for almost 15 years. I have taught, worked with, and worked for people with disabilities. I have also been blessed to have friends who accepted me as a friend with a range of abilities, and have been included in church and my neighborhood with kids with disabilities since I was a year old. I love people with disabilities, but must admit, I have become frustrated at times when I have had callings that included working with those with different abilities within the Church. Although the Church has wonderful resources, some are outdated, and many do not fulfill the very specialized needs some kids, youth, and adults have in order to learn about the Gospel, and gain their fullest spiritual potential.

So, I have started this blog to create an on-line place where ideas, needs, and information can be shared about ways to help people with a range of abilities be fully included (as much as possible) in the LDS Church, and to assist those with callings who serve with those with disabilities---as well as parents, Church leaders, and so forth. There really is so much out there that can be helpful if people only knew about them!!!

So, I'd love people's input and comments! If you have a disability, please let me know what works and doesn't work for you, so we can share that! If you are a parent looking for assistance, comment about the individual needs of your child---maybe someone else has ideas that can help! If you have ideas that have worked, please share them!!! I will as well.

So, let the sharing begin!