MAAPS and Latham School Animal Therapy Featured on NPR

Animal therapy is an important focus for many maaps (Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools) member schools. Latham School is a long-time maaps member—a non-profit association of 87 Massachusetts special education private schools which provide over 150 educational programs and services to more than 6,800 students with disabilities. For some Latham students, training to work with miniature donkeys leads them to volunteer and work at Cape Cod animal shelters while reaping many other emotional and social benefits.

Listen in on a recent “The Point” radio segment of WCAI/NPR featuring maaps Board Vice President and Latham Centers President & CEO Anne McManus discussing Latham School’s unique Asinotherapy program on Cape Cod. She is joined by Larry Sauer, maaps Board President and Vice President of Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover and Braintree. 

The Point, with host Mindy Todd, re-airs tonight at 7pm or listen later by downloading the podcast HERE. 

Visiting the Herd

I visited the herd down at our Sandwich home this week. There is something quite engaging about donkeys. I’ve never been a horse fan. I prefer to fall off things closer to the ground. But the donkeys, they make me smile. The four of them are petite in size and loudly greeted me when I stopped by the house. I can see why our individuals have bonded so closely with these adorable animals. I noticed their grooming, the clean paddock, the fresh water. Clearly, caring for these animals is a high priority for their team of handlers. Most importantly, the relationship between individual and animal offers those we support the opportunity to be the care-givers in this role. Looks to me like they are doing a fantastic job.



Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

Latham Centers to host Charitable Gift Annuity Informational Seminar with Local Professionals June 11th

Latham Centers invites the public to a free informational seminar on Charitable Gift Annuities on Wednesday, June 11th from 3:30-5pm at the Orleans Snow Library located at 67 Main Street.  Latham staff will be joined by Christopher J. Ward, Elder Law Attorney at LaTanzi, Spaulding & Landreth, P.C., and Ms. Leslie A. Watt, Vice President of Private Trusts with TD Wealth.  The session, to be held in the Craine meeting room, will cover charitable giving and estate planning options, including charitable gift annuities (CGAs), and the option of earmarking a CGA to benefit Latham Centers’ Pet Therapy programs for children and adults with complex special needs.

A Latham Pet Therapy CGA affords the investor/donor a monthly income despite retiree status, as well as a partial annual charitable tax deduction. In turn, a Pet Therapy CGA provides funding for Latham Centers’ Asinotherapy and Latham Lifelong Pet Care Programs to ensure the longevity of therapeutic and vocational Pet Programs at Latham Centers.

Informational session highlights will include:  An overview of investment options, including Charitable Gift Annuities and their risk-free investment benefits. ● What is Latham Lifelong Pet Care and what is the Pet Therapy Charitable Gift Annuity? ● A Question and Answer session with Attorney Ward who specializes in Trusts and Estates, Taxation and Elder Law; Ms. Watt, who specializes in Private Trusts and Wealth Management; and Latham program staff.

More about Latham Lifelong Pet Care

Latham Lifelong Pet Care is the newest vocational opportunity at Latham Centers offering multiple pet care options, including Long-Term and Lifelong pet care in Latham residences, and dog walking services in the community.  Its goals are to:

• Provide paid vocational opportunities to Latham Centers adults and transitional students with complex special needs, including Prader-Willi Syndrome, who are otherwise underemployed.

• Provide the Cape Cod Community with Dog Walking, Long-Term and Lifelong Pet Care at a reasonable and competitive rate. 

• Provide an opportunity to elders to invest risk-free in Latham’s Pet Care programs while receiving tax benefits and guaranteed monthly income.

RSVPs to the event should be made to Katrina Fryklund at 774.353.9126 or by email at kfryklund@lathamcenters.org

For more information, visit www.lathamlifelongpetcare.org.

We parked the car in Harvard yard…literally!

I went to Harvard yesterday! And our biggest challenge was finding the parking garage. While that was, in fact, the most difficult part of our day, it wasn’t the most gratifying. I didn’t really know what to expect at a scientific symposium filled with students whose SAT scores were higher than I can count up to, but it was by far a memorable experience. 

We were there for the Genetic Disorder Symposium. My fear was that talking with young, student scientists would be way too scientific (not my forte) and not “human” enough. Our panel was made up of a scientist and CFO of an emerging pharmaceutical company, a parent, myself and Latham’s President and CEO, an adult consumer living in a Latham residence and his staff. All of us faced a lecture hall filled with students studying genetics and in particular, Prader-Willi Syndrome. Everyone there came to the discussion with a different focus and perspective on PWS. In total, the students heard about the challenges and joys of parenting a child with PWS, the emerging treatment and drug trials under way, the history of Latham’s PWS journey and a peek at the daily routine in our adult program.  We finished on a hopeful note of a more promising future for those diagnosed with the syndrome.

What was a pleasant and comforting surprise was the content of the Q & A portion of the presentation. I feared the majority of the questions would be pure science based--questions I felt least confident answering. It was therefore reassuring to see that the individual perspective we shared was driving the questions into areas that all of us could contribute to. Our staff person and individual described our nutrition program. Our CEO explained how our asinotherapy contributed to the quality of life of people with PWS. I spoke of pre and post GH treatment outcomes and promising environmental developments; the pharmaceutical members of the panel explained the drug trial process and where research currently is in this field. I believe the most questions were directed to the parent on the panel. Her thoughtful responses to the students’ questions gave them much to think about and ponder as they continue their studies in this field.

I hope several of the students I spoke with take me up on the offer to visit Latham. It was great to see their place; now I’d like the chance to show off mine!


Chris Gallant

Miniature Playhouse Makes its Way to the Asinotherapy Program!

Daily, our adult residents work with miniature donkeys; Angus, Moonbeam, Curly and Jake through the Asinotherapy program. Now that the donkeys have become such an integral part of the Latham family, the miniature playhouse digitally found its way into the pen as one our residents showed an audience how to work with and care for our beloved pets! 

You can buy tickets to win the larger replica of our Latham School Main House, measuring 10’ long, 5’ wide, and 8’ high HERE. One ticket can be purchased for $10 and 3 tickets for $20. All proceeds go to support initiatives for Latham individuals with complex special needs and Prader-Willi Syndrome, such as our incredible donkey therapy program! Tickets are being sold through our community partners like MA Frazier in Wellfleet, Seamen’s Bank in Eastham, Sherwin Williams in Orleans, the joint location of JoMama’s and She Sells – The Ocean Edge Shop in Brewster and all Cape Associates branches (N. Eastham, Yarmouthport & Chatham.) Also, look for us at community locations, like Snow’s this Wednesday August 28^th, from 2pm to 4pm, and community events throughout August, September and October.

Submitted by:
Katrina Fryklund 


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TIP of the WEEK: Working With Animals

Children and adults diagnosed with PWS  benefit greatly from consistent and meaningful vocational opportunities. One of the most beneficial jobs is working with animals. A person with PWS is intrinsically compassionate and caring. Animal therapy provides a forum for learning new skills, especially skills that teach basic values such as hygiene and proper nutrition. Although the person with PWS can thrive in the presence of animals, they also struggle with maintaining consistent habits and do not typically do well as the full time care giver. So, jobs working with animals offer the best of both worlds; a place to provide care but not being the sole person in charge of the animal. It is recommended that you schedule short, predicable periods of time where the person with PWS is expected to perform predictable job duties but is not asked to provide 24/7 supervision. The often unpredictable circumstances that come with pet ownership could be too much for a person with PWS and should be thoughtfully considered before placing a person in that position as sole-caregiver. 

Latham offers a number of vocational opportunities for those interested in working with animals; asinotherapy, regular hours at the Animal Rescue League, on site therapy dogs and we are anticipating starting a small farm at our off campus children's home. Creating opportunities for children and adults to work with animals is a win win for everyone!

Submitted by:

Patrice Carroll

Manager of PWS Services

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” 

~Anatole France

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In the News

Miniature donkey therapy program pays big dividends

By Jason Kolnos

jkolnos@capecodonline.com

May 28, 2013 - 2:00 AM

EAST SANDWICH — Diane Gaudet gently guided a curry comb across Jake the miniature donkey's coarse mane, smoothing out the wiry hairs on his brownish-gray coat.

Her subject was no dismal Eeyore on this late spring afternoon; in fact, Jake seemed to tilt his head in approval at all the attention.

"OK, Jake, keep your head still," Gaudet chirped. "Your hooves are next there, buddy."
Then came a sort of donkey pedicure. Using a hoof pick, Gaudet scraped some dirt and gunk off Jake's hind hoof — an important daily duty to prevent infections. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

 

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TIP of the WEEK: Animal Therapy

Pam Nolan and I started Latham Centers donkey certification program this week. This means that in the next few months we will introduce donkey therapy to the kids in our children's program.

Donkey therapy has been used in our adult program for several years and has proven to be a wonderful resource for the adults that are involved. Animal therapy is a great and effective way to teach empathy, responsibility and appropriate boundaries. Before the donkeys will allow anyone to work near them they need to feel safe so the children and adults must first earn their trust. Earning their trust means being gentle, being reliable and letting the donkeys know that they are there to help them. I am very excited to introduce the kids to these sweet animals and I know that everyone will benefit from this new relationship.

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

Therapy Donkeys Bring Smiles

A donkey’s gentle and affectionate nature brings a calming effect over all who they come into contact with. Donkeys especially enjoy human interactions and this helps to lift people's spirits. Their nature acts as a type of magnet drawing all people to them. Recently, this was especially true when the donkeys had a couple of visits from some students from the Latham School. The students really enjoyed interacting with the donkeys. This was a unique experience for the students and it brought lots of smiles. It was a visibly uplifting experience to the students spirit during donkey petting. The students had many questions about working with the donkeys and taking care of them. The donkeys always seem to bring out the best in people-- this is typically immediate and significant. Many of our individuals have stated that their interaction with our donkeys has been one of their life’s highlights.

Submitted by:

Elton Cutler

Residential Manager

Latham Center’s Asinotherapy Program Grows

If two is company and three is a crowd, then what is four?  A “herd” if the four are miniature donkeys. 

Latham Centers’ Asinotherapy program is excited to announced the arrival of two new miniature donkeys to our Great Hill Rd., Sandwich residence/farm on Friday, 7/1/11.  Curly and Jake are coming to Latham Centers from Sunshine Farm in Yarmouthport, MA due to the generosity of Jim Nichols, a Cape Cod gentleman farmer.  

Curly and Jake will be arriving on Friday afternoon to the excitement of the Great Hill residents and of course Angus and Moonbeam, are two current resident miniature donkeys who will be welcoming them to their new home.  Because miniature donkeys are by nature herding animals, we expect that Curly and Jake will quickly be accepted and become part of our growing “herd.” Also, four more individuals recently graduated from donkey care/safety training and are now ready to begin working more closely with the “herd." Congratulations to Jennifer, Justin, Antoine and Kevin.

Stay tuned for future donkey updates and pictures of Curley and Jake!

"Usefulness is happiness, and... all other things are but incidental." 

~Lydia Maria Child

Latham Dedicates Bill’s Barn and Celebrates Angus the Donkey’s Birthday

Under sunny, spring skies, Latham Centers’ adult residents of Sandwich House welcomed scores of friends and family to the dedication of “Bill’s Barn” and the fifth birthday celebration of Angus the resident donkey.  The May 6th celebration was just two days shy to the year of the completion of the Sandwich House Donkey Barn constructed for Latham’s new Asinotherapy Program.  Guests were treated to donkey demonstrations by trainers Kris and Bob Thompson and “Donkey 101” resident graduates followed by celebrations on the beautiful grounds.

Thanks to the generous support and commitment of the late William “Bill” McClennan, Barbara Swaebe, the Yawkey Foundation II and Friends of the Donkeys, Latham piloted this cutting edge “Donkey Therapy” program with the arrival of Angus and his sidekick Moonbeam in 2010.  As a way to honor the late Mr. McClennan’s enormous and longtime volunteer legacy with Latham, we saw it fitting to dedicate the Donkey Barn in his name while celebrating Angus, the Vermont-born tan gelding he purchased for Latham.  Mr. McClennan’s daughter Ki kindly obliged in unveiling the Bill’s Barn sign along with Latham Executive Director Anne McManus as some 50 guests of all ages looked on.

To date, Latham has trained six adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and five staff in the Asinotherapy program designed to build trust, self-esteem, and social skills with our individuals while fostering learning and nurturing in the process.  Toward that end, the second class of PWS adults and Latham staff just began Asinotherapy training.  Latham’s ultimate goal is to have Latham adults train and mentor Latham children in this cutting-edge and innovative life-changing program as they form intergenerational bonds with one another.

Moonbeam the donkey turns five on September 3, 2011.  Stay tuned to learn how we will mark this loveable creature’s birthday with the Latham family.

To donate to the Latham Centers Asinotherapy Program, visit: www.lathamcenters.org and click on Make a Donation.

"The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all." 
~Leo Rosten

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Congratulations Donkey Training Graduates!

The first class of students in the  donkey training program have completed their studies under Jackie Durette, our Asinotherapy (donkey therapy) coordinator.  The class learned the basics of donkey care and grooming.  They learned to understand donkey behavior and how to keep the paddock and barn area safe and clean.  It was clear that Moonbeam and Angus loved the attention and the first class was enthusiastic about working closely with our two furry friends.  Congratulations!

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." 

~Edmund Hillary

Latham’s Asinotherapy Program Gallops (slowly) Off To A Great Start

The Asinotherapy program has begun! The residents and staff of Great Hill are learning how to be safe around the donkeys, and how to care for them. Angus and Moonbeam are happy to get lots of attention at their new home, and are frequently observed playing ball, running around, or laying in the shade.

Asinotherapy is a therapy where a donkey is the principal support. People can learn a tremendous amount by leading and caring for donkeys. People also learn wonderful lessons observing the tender, patient and quiet demeanor of the donkey. Asinotherapy, or “donkey therapy”, is considered especially helpful for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome. A gentle, but at times stubborn, personality is commonly recognized between them and this mirroring provides many opportunities for learning. In order to lead a donkey you need to know where you are going and to be focused on the goal.

This type of therapy was recognized at last years PWS international conference held in Germany as a best practice for treatment of Prader Willi Syndrome. We have replicated the program they created in Germany and look forward to seeing the results.

"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
~Jimmy Johnson

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Pictures of the Barn Raising

"How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it!"
~George Elliston

The Best Welcome Ever!

Saturday, May 8, 2010 brought rainy weather to the Cape, however it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the many volunteers who joined us in welcoming our new miniature donkeys Angus and Moonbeam, to their new home in Sandwich, MA. The sound of hammers and saws were echoing throughout the neighborhood as the barn-raising for our donkeys was completed in a day. What a great event and what an exciting beginning as our individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome became caretakers for these gentle creatures.

Many thanks to our fabulous crew, members of staff and the Board of Directors who came to support this venture, to Café Alfresco for providing a great luncheon and to the residents of the home where the donkeys will reside. Keep visiting the Latham blog as we begin to chronicle our donkey project!

"Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him."
~Albert Schweitzer

Image above is of the volunteers who helped to build the barn.

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Barn Raising in Sandwich

Volunteers from the community will be helping Latham Centers, Inc. on May 8th by participating in an old fashioned barn-raising to welcome our new, miniature donkeys to their new home in Sandwich. Yes, donkeys!

This therapeutic approach, called Asinotherapy, is modeled on a program currently in operation in Germany where adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome are interacting and caring for these gentle animals, learning care-giving skills and patience along the way.

For more information on the donkey project, or on Prader-Willi Syndrome contact: Executive Director Anne McManus, Program Director Mike Marchese or Director of Training Chris Gallant at Latham Centers, Inc., Brewster, Ma. 508-896-5776.

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."
~George Eliot

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