Sensory Art Class

Our third term kicked off this past week and what does that mean… New Clubs! Our Sensory Art Club was such a hit that word got around to the students and we now have two clubs dedicated to the Sensory Art Club. This class provides the students the opportunity to have all five senses be impacted. Brewster Falls teacher, Amie Gould states that the Club promotes a “calming atmosphere and allows the students the opportunity to be creative while developing their fine motor skills." Physical Education Teacher Mary Ware created a “Rainbow Sensory Board” that all students pass throughout the day. Students have the opportunity to touch/look at the board which combines calming colors and stimulating material that meets the sensory needs of our students. Way to go teachers!

Gerald J. Pouliot, M. Ed

Director of Education

TIP of the WEEK: The PWS Bladder

Many of our kids and adults have issues with urinary incontinence. This is often seen as behavioral but the truth is, although it can be, it seldom is something that they have control over. The typical person feels the need to urinate when the bladder is half full (about one cup) and has extreme urgency when the bladder is near full (about 2 cups). The person with PWS does not feel that initial half full urge to urinate and by the time they do feel the need to go the bladder is nearly full. This means that by the time they feel the urge it is almost too late. You know this if you have ever been stuck in traffic with a person with PWS; Once they say they have to go, you have minutes, on the generous side, to get to a bathroom. So here is what you can do:

• 1. Plan bathroom breaks at least every hour whether they have the urge to go or not.
   
• 2. The flow of a person with PWS is different as well and they should be encouraged to wait several seconds before stepping away from the toilet. It may take up to 30 seconds for the flow of urine to start.
   
• 3. Encourage drinking during the day and less so in the evening. Overnight incontinence is extremely common and restricting fluids after dinner will help with this.
   
• 4. Avoid shaming of any kind. This will only foster sneaking behavior around incontinence; Hiding wet underclothes and pants, unwanted behaviors due to embarrassment or guilt etc...

Don't forget that people with PWS are more prone to hyper hydration than a non PWS person. Hyper hydration can be as or more dangerous than dehydration. Always check with your child's doctor as to how much fluid your child should drink each day.

Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

AmeriCorps Cape Cod Making a Difference at Latham

AmeriCorps members Scott, Allyson, Libby and Sumi break while clearing out the second floor “Barn” building of the former New England Fire and History Museum now owned by Latham.

 AmeriCorps members pose with Community Connections consumer volunteers
on the front steps of the Former Fire Museum Property along Route 6A Brewster

AmeriCorps Cape Cod has been improving the Cape for the past fifteen years, and Latham Centers is grateful to be selected as one of its Brewster improvement sites during National Volunteer Week: April 6-12.

Concentrating on natural resource management, disaster preparedness and response, education, and volunteer engagement, AmeriCorps Cape Cod’s program includes some 32 members from around the country working to improve the Cape throughout the year. We were honored and fortunate that the organization selected Latham as part of “All Access Brewster Week” with special focus on improving the lives and accessibility of special needs individuals in our historic hamlet.

We thank Sumi, Scott, Libby, Allyson, Bethany and the entire AmeriCorps team for selecting Latham Centers and our newly acquired Fire Museum Property at 1439 Main St. for a spring cleanup inside and out. The group has worked tirelessly with volunteers from Community Connections -a day habilitation program attended by several Latham adults—to clean up debris in spaces once filled with firefighting memorabilia. Latham plans to renovate the buildings of the former Fire Museum for expanded recreational, educational and vocational programming for our children and adults with complex special needs, with an emphasis on inclusive community facilities use during off peak hours. Design studies are currently underway as Latham dreams big for the future with the help of committed community partners like AmeriCorps Cape Cod.

Other AmeriCorps Cape Cod Brewster sites this week have included Quivet Marsh Vista, Mant’s Landing Beach and Long Pond, Linnell Landing and Brewster Community Gardens. To learn more about AmeriCorps Cape Cod click HERE.

Submitted by
Katrina Fryklund and
Gerry Desautels

Creativity Takes Flight at Latham

As some may be aware we have started up a creativity group over the past months. We meet once a month with a craft idea for our individuals to make and they enjoy adding their own creative spin on it. In October 2013, we had the theme of a ghost. November was all about the bird of the month. In December 2013 it was snowmen, and in January our individuals created paintings that were exhibited at an art show on the Cape during February to celebrate Valentine's Day. The project for February was paper lanterns for the Chinese New Year and now it is Spring (finally) so our March theme is Easter bunnies.

This group is all about allowing our individuals a way to express themselves creatively in a positive way. Once the individual has completed their project, it is joyful to see how happy and proud they are of their creation. From a bunch of random items something beautiful is made. This is one of the reasons I personally do what I do. It builds confidence, social skills, and independence. I could probably go on and on about how it is such a positive thing for our individuals but will end with it is my pleasure to be involved with such a creative bunch of individuals.


Submitted by:
Erik Tibbetts
Residential Manager, Adult Services Latham Centers

Siobhan Magnus One-Night Only Performance to Benefit Latham Centers!

Click HERE for Tickets!

MCAS Testing in Full Swing

MCAS is in full swing! Students have prepared diligently and feel fully equipped to take on the state’s testing. Students ranging from 6^th grade all the way to our 10^th graders have taken on the journey that is MCAS. 

I want to thank our extraordinary teachers that have used a variety of resources that have ranged from the iPad, to the classroom Promethean Board, role-play, and to the good old-fashion textbook! 

Good luck students of Latham!

Submitted by:

Brittni Taylor

Assistant Principal

B I N G O !

On Thursday the 20th of March, the Peter Cooper residence hosted its monthly Bingo for Prizes event! We started this a few months ago as a house event and interest has grown. We now invite other houses to join us in the fun! 

This month we invited the the individuals from the Hazlemoore residence to join us.  Our bingo caller was Matt O from the Hazlemoore house. Matt came dressed to the nines!! He had on a suit and tie and even brought his bingo whistle to blow when a bingo was called.  The group enjoyed a cookout for dinner and then got right down to the business of playing bingo. They had many prizes to choose from. There was a selection of perfumes to puzzle books and everything in between! Both houses really seemed to enjoy coming together and socializing! We look forward to having other houses over to enjoy the fun.

Submitted by:
Patricia Morgan
House Manager

TIP of the WEEK: Good Dental Hygiene

Starting and maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for your child's health. Rumination, thick and sticky saliva and sensory issues all lead to the possibility of poor dental hygiene. Cavities, gingivitis, and other gum disease have a direct negative effect on overall health especially in older individuals. Teaching and maintaining good oral habits at a young age will have lasting and positive results and will directly impact your child's good health. Here are some tips for fostering good dental habits:

• 1. If your child appears fearful or especially resistant to tooth brushing consider getting an evaluation from an OT to address sensory needs. The sound of running water, the temperature of the water, the feeling of bristles in their mouth all may be sensory overload and can be successfully addressed.
   
• 2. Establish and stick to a routine. For several years you may need to brush your child's teeth until you feel that they have the stamina and coordination to do so for themselves. Even after the busiest of days or the most hectic mornings, don't skip this routine. Skipping because it is easier just sends the message that this particular task isn't that important. This is the opposite of what you are trying to teach.
   
• 3. If your child ruminates try sugar free gum after meals or sour candy spray. Both can sometimes discourage rumination because it is more rewarding to have the taste of gum or candy in their mouths.
   
• 4. Let your child make their own toothpaste. There are loads of simple recipes online and your son or daughter may be more likely to use it if they make it themselves.

Whatever the issue, good dental hygiene is crucial to overall good health and habits need to start early. We would love to hear your suggestions for making this sometimes grueling daily chore happen!

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

Related Posts:
Dental Issues with PWS
Rumination
Sensory Integration

Horticulture Program news!

The winter is finally over and it is time to step-up our Horticulture Program! Students are preparing both flowers and plants in our Greenhouse located right here on-campus. As you can see by the photos, the process takes attention to detail, a love of gardening, and the ability to work as a team. Plants and flowers that are being tended to will be planted throughout Latham’s beautiful campus as the weather warms. Spring is finally in the air!

Fête Guerlain; Pampering Party at Neiman Marcus Natick a Success!

On behalf of the children and adults at Latham Centers, we'd like to thank all new and old friends for coming out in support of Our Mission to Neiman Marcus Natick. Special thanks to event donors and Guerlain Raffle participants, and to Neiman Marcus and Guerlain Cosmetics staff Don Fleming, Véronique Meynard-Dixey, April Riccio, and Claudio Carreira. You were all tremendously helpful in planning the March 22, 2014 Guerlain Beauty Party to benefit Latham Centers' life-saving programs for our children and adults with complex special needs, including Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Above: The French-themed party was an experience to remember highlighting the Guerlain Beauty products, gifts bags, French food and drink, and a Parisian chanteuse.

Congratulations to the five winners of the luxurious raffle prizes generously donated by Guerlain Cosmetics:

Ms. Kelly Venditti of Natick, MA won the grand prize of $1500 in Guerlain Cosmetics and All-Natural Goat's Milk Soap made by the Latham School children.

Only Three More Days to Purchase Raffle Tickets and RSVP for the Guerlain Beauty Products Fundraiser!

Act now to help support our programs at Latham Centers!

At Latham Centers we are always trying to expand our horizons to further enrich the life-saving programs for children and adult resident. Just as the students at Latham Centers thrive at a weekly “Spa Night,” we all deserve a spa night on occasion! Neiman Marcus NATICK and Guerlain have teamed together with Latham Centers to offer just that.

Please join us for the Guerlain Beauty Party on Saturday March 22, from 2-5pm at Neiman Marcus NATICK, located at the illustrious Natick Mall. The Guerlain Beauty Party offers Guerlain beauty and skincare consultation, shoe shine, men’s grooming session, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, music, and a raffle drawing. A percentage of sales from Guerlain products, and 100% of related raffle tickets sales will benefit life-saving programs at Latham Centers.

Raffle prizes consisting of Guerlain Beauty Products and Latham Centers Hand-Made Soaps value over $2,000 in total, with the grand prize valuing $1,500 alone! Tickets are 1 for $20 and 3 for $50. Full details by clicking HERE, including your invitation and a link to purchase. Need not be present March 22 to win.

Kalyn Mika, Supervisor on the Latham School Campus, explains how Spa Night’s skill building is critical to the students and instills in us the notion that everything is a learning opportunity for individuals with complex special needs; “Students must practice patience while they wait for staff help with nail painting, generosity in sharing products with each other, and encourages independence and mastery when some of the older students take the skills they learn at Spa Night back to the suite to try for the next day on their own.”

Tagging Along

Right now I am accompanying my husband to a retail trade show in his field and it affords me an opportunity to check out a few ideas I have about my world versus his. I have always said I couldn't work retail. My passion continues to be the kids and adults we support at Latham Centers. I like my non-profit world and consider our work important, our employees the key to our success. So, while wandering the convention center filled with booth after booth of sparkling gems, I decided to see if there is anything I could learn from this event that could be applied to my field.

Not surprisingly, there was one major take-away that jumped right out at me. It didn't matter what the objects on display were, and trust me, there were some truly phenomenal pieces, it was the engagement of the person in the booth. I looked for those representatives who were excited by their product--those who were chatting, laughing or greeting people, friends or strangers alike. That I believe, is the key.  Whether you represent a jewelry line or a program such as ours, you need to be committed to it and love it with your heart and soul. When you do, that vibe can be felt by those nearby.  That's what makes it compelling to stop and check your product out. Latham has that vibe. The staff and our students and adults are our best reps too. Seeing their joy, perseverance, courage, compassion and talent makes it my gem of a workplace and thank goodness, because I really can't handle retail....

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

"Follow what you are genuinely passionate about and let that guide you to your destination"

~Diane Sawyer

Follow what you are genuinely passionate about and let that guide you to your destination.

Diane Sawyer

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/passionate_4.html#pFOO9LPUi4FufdzQ.99

TIP of the WEEK: Teaching Vocational Skills

The framework for building vocational skills starts at a very early age. The less you do for your child early on the more independent and adaptable they will be later in life when it is time to begin working. Children who are accustomed to pushing their limits, problem solving and taking accountability will be far more successful in the workforce than those who are used to having things done for them or being allowed to blame others for their actions. Many skills needed to be a great employee can be taught early on:

• 1. Teach responsibility. Be sure that your child has chores that others rely on to be done. Simple chores can start as early as three or four years old. Increase complexity as the child grows.

• 2. Never blame other people if your child displays negative behavior, at least not in front of your child. Children with PWS have so much to contend with and sometimes the anxiety and over stimulation is simply too much and a melt down or other behavior is inevitable. Mistakes will be made by other people involved in your child's life. This is unavoidable. Regardless of the situation always convey the message to your child that acting in an inappropriate way is never okay and their actions are always their choice. Allowing your child to blame their actions on another persons mistake is a set up for extremely difficult teenage and adult years. Even if you know that the situation could have been avoided the message to your child needs to be clear and consistent.

• 3. Do not avoid using the word no. Many families report to us upon intake that their child reacts strongly to the word no so they avoid using it at all costs. This is fine for a residential setting. We are used to skirting this word but it is unrealistic in the community, especially at a work setting. Employers are not going to be sensitive to this and employment will be short lived if a behavior occurs every time your child is asked not to do something.

• 4. Many kids with PWS do not have strong math skills and for the most part this will not get in their way. However, money skills are an important skill to have. Teaching the value of money will serve them well even if they will not be able to handle money independently.

It is so tempting to keep our kids in a bubble because we want them to be safe and protected and let's face it, we want to keep our sanity but pushing them, challenging their limits and taking risks will serve them for a lifetime.


Patrice Carroll
Manager PWS Services

Related Posts:
Creating a Behavior Plan
Top Ten Strategies for Emotional Meltdowns in Public
Community Success Story

Spring Cleaning

March is here, finally. You can begin to see light at the end of the snow tunnel. I know snow can still be in the forecast but you have to admit that you are hopeful that Spring is indeed just around the corner. One of the activities that I always involved my kids in had to do with donating clothing to groups that impacted their community. There are multiple objectives here:

• Most importantly it is the concept that regardless of your age, you can help someone.

• You also have to make decisions-- do we donate, keep or toss? The donate pile needed to be at least the second highest in height.

• All donations needed to be in good wearable shape, so next came learning/practicing the skills of sorting, washing & folding. Don't just jam things in a bag.

• Allow your children to help deliver the donations and see that there are real people they are giving these things to, not just a big dumpster in a parking lot.

Doing this simple bit of "Spring Cleaning" offers more than just tidy closets for children. It offers them real opportunities to demonstrate generosity year round.

Submitted by
Chris Gallant

“A man’s true wealth is the good he does in this world.”

 ~Muhammad

A Non-profit Conversation

As some readers already know, I'm vacationing in the Southwest, a beautiful but decidedly different part of the country.  I have the good fortune of finding what I call "like-minded" people where-ever I travel. Here's my advice: visit non-profit art collectives, museum shops and craft associations. It never fails to happen that a conversation is easily started....

"Thanks for supporting the artists by your purchase" is a universal deal closer. I generally then remark that I work for a non-profit and that begins a conversation. Often I'm asked for a business card or our website info by the time the next customer is ready to make their purchase. I find that in these places I'm asked more detailed questions about Latham Centers than almost anywhere else; the exception being parents and special needs conferences. Artists and artisans seem to have an extraordinary ability to "get" our work and understand our passion. I like to think they see us as a work of art. As I appreciate their talent, it seems they appreciate ours. So, if you ever find yourself in a position to support them, whether you are shopping locally or while on vacation, please consider doing so.

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.”

~Vincent van Gogh

TIP of the WEEK: Focusing in the Classroom

Getting and keeping the attention of a child with PWS in class can be a difficult task but there are ways to engage and help to keep them focused.

1. Whisper. My personal favorite. If your child is yelling, crying or having a tantrum- whisper. They will often be so intrigued by what you are saying that they will stop and focus on you.

2. Do something unexpected. Flip the lights, drop a book, start to sing or clap. This will distract them long enough to stop the behavior and get their attention back on you.

3. Have a signal that means it is time to pay attention. At Latham School we have the kids raise their hands. When everyone's hand is up we know that everyone is ready to listen. The kids typically don't want to be the last one with their hand up so this works very well.

4. Avoid lecture style teaching plans. It is very difficult for kids to pay attention and stay engaged if they are just being asked to sit still and listen. The curriculum should be full of plans that require movement and many different physically active activities.

5. Take breaks. Lots of them. Even if it is a 60 second break to stretch and move around, this will do wonders for their attention.

6. Use bright colors and alerting sounds. If music is used choose music that has more than 60 beats per minute, otherwise you will have very sleepy kids on your hands.

The most effective method for getting and keeping a kids attention is to make the classroom fun and somewhere that they look forward to going to everyday. Use prizes, praise, anything that will get the point across that they are liked and that you also look forward to seeing and teaching them everyday.

Patrice Carroll
Manager PWS Services

Related Posts:
Strategies for the Classroom
Science Teacher Inspires Students 
Innovations in Special Education 

Cape Cod Charity Lunch Bunch Gives to Latham Centers

Cape Cod Charity Lunch Bunch

Cape Cod Charity Lunch Bunch, a social group of jolly Cape women, gathers monthly for a luncheon at the home of one of 12 participants. Enjoying a midday meal, the hostess of the group picks a new and relevant charity for which to donate $300. The children, adult residents and staff of Latham Centers thank Joanne Patrie of South Dennis for choosing us as her charity for the month of February. The group is pictured left at a festively decorated Valentine table.

Since 2011, the Cape Cod Charity Lunch Bunch has recognized more than 30 charities, many on Cape Cod. Donating $25 each (the cost of lunch out with a glass of wine), the group collects $300 per month for the charity of the hostess’ choice. To date, they have donated some $10,000 – something that we at Latham Centers recognize and are truly impressed with.

Initially, Louise Curran (creator of the group), and her friends would gather socially at restaurants after painting class, recapping the day and enjoying each other’s company. After reading an article about a group of friends that mirrored her own, she noticed one vital difference. The women in the article learned about and donated to a charity each time they met. Louise was inspired, and quickly her group of friends decided to meet at one another’s homes, often inviting representatives from the selected charity to present and mingle.

Latham Centers is inspired by ‘the ladies,’ and we thank them for their generosity on behalf of the children and adults we serve with complex special needs.  Latham and the other deserving nonprofit beneficiaries are lucky to lunch with them—in good company, and for very good causes.

Latham Consulting

I sometimes have to write distressing (to me anyway) emails to families who are reaching out to Latham Centers for services for their child; school-age or adult. I wish we could provide services to everyone who seeks us out. Sometimes it is because we don’t have an opening. Often it is because the person lives out of state and, to borrow a movie title…It’s Complicated.

I wish it was easier. I wish we could say yes frequently. The fact of the matter is this can be a major challenge for families. Everyone who needs Latham can’t come here. We are not centrally located and we aren’t a huge program. In fact, one of the things that makes us unique is our size. So, the question we struggled with is how can we, knowing that demand is far greater than we can provide on Cape Cod, expand services to meet the growing requests coming in? Latham Consulting. You might not be able to come to us, but we will do our best to come to you, your child’s school, residential provider or day program. Where ever the issue is, we can assess the situation, make recommendations and teach those unfamiliar (or inflexible) with PWS some of our strategies and best practices. Allow us to use our expertise to help you. If you think this might be an appealing idea or  you are wondering about the costs, please feel me to contact me at: cgallant@lathamcenters.org.

Hang in there. We are able to help.

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

"Go the extra mile.  It's never crowded." 

~Author Unknown

FEBRUARY

Hate the month? I get that. The cold, the snow, the dark.  But there can be a positive vibe to this chilly time of year:

• We honor Black History all month.
   
• We have the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics to cheer about.
   
• We hope the ground hog will give us good news.
   
• We exchange Valentine messages (We may even factor in a calorie exchange).
   
• We celebrate President’s Day.
   
• We have the Oscars to watch.
   
• We only have 28 days instead of 30 or 31 in the month.
   
• It is staying light out longer each day.
   
• We have time to visit the library and cozy up with some fine winter reading.
   
• Someone you know or love must have a birthday in February.
   
• Spring training starts.
   
• I heard someone whisper “vacation week”—now, that must have been a child.

Before you know it, it will be March and we can march ourselves right into Spring. I knew we could find something to look forward to!

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant."
~Anne Bradstreet

TIP of the WEEK: Getting Through a Hospital Trip

Whether you are there for a test, an emergency or for a longer stay, a trip to the hospital can be a stressful event for everyone involved. For kids who may be intentionally trying to get to the hospital to get more food or food that's different from their typical menu, it is important to make arrangements to bring in your own food. Bringing food from home for each meal and snack will eliminate the secondary gain of food acquisition during a hospital stay. If your child requires a test that calls for meals to be skipped, assure them that they will get their lost calories once the test is over. This will help to alleviate stress associated with missed meals. Insist that your medical staff become familiar with the medical alert materials from PWSAUSA, even if it means that you need to read the most pertinent information to them to be sure that they have heard the most critical parts.

Children typically react negatively to a trip to the hospital because they fear that they will miss something that they would normally get if they were home. Assuring your child that once back at home they will return to their typical routine will help to get them through the temporary change.

Hospital visits can be stressful but remembering to keep their routine as close to normal as possible, keeping your stress and fear hidden from them and always reaching out for support if you feel that your medical staff is not fully educated on PWS will help make the visit go a little smoother.

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

Related Posts:
Preparing for the Hospital
Going to the Doctor
We Do Not Walk Alone

"Determination in spite of the challenge makes us stronger.”
 ~Ellen J. Barrier