State: Maine
Country: USA
Member since: Oct 07, 2007
Last logged in: Nov 30, 2008
HELLO
I am interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders as I have worked with many families that have children on the spectrum. I have worked with nonverbal children, limited verbal children and children without language problems. I have worked with aggressive children, self injurious children and children without any aggressiveness.
I find working with each one challenging and rewarding. I like helping families stay together - through providing respite so that parents can take a break and do something else and not worry whether their child is safe or not - SAFETY is always first for me - FUN is second.
I am currently taking an Autism Spectrum Disorders certificate program at Antioch University New England in Keene, NH. I have 5 more weekends to travel to Keene - I go every third weekend so I will be done with my program the end of April. (See my plea for help?)
I do not have children, but treat everyone's children as my own. I love children and hope to adopt a child with special needs at some point in my life. I have a special needs bunny and a behaviorally challenging four-legged son currently. Reuben is the love of my life - but he wants to be the only one in my life, which makes things a bit difficult for people to get close to me in my own home - other places he could care less unless he is in the car. (He then shows his displeasure by chewing up seatbelts - drivers has been replaced 4 times and needs to be again....anyone know of a good junkyard?)
I have a Mental Health and Human Services BS and did my internship at the Autism Society of Maine. I really enjoyed working with the wonderful ladies at ASM and meeting several of the families as well.
I am a certified respite provider in Regions 1 and 2 here in Maine and considering adding the last Region 3. Have tried to find out how to become certified in New Hampshire and New York as well (I like to travel.) I have a CNA that is helpful when dealing with physically ill children as well.
I am a Behvaioral Health Professional as certified by the State of Maine and an Instructor for the BHP as well as an Instructor for CPR and First Aid.
Yes, I love education!!! I cannot think of anything more grand than learning something new everyday - even if it is as simple as an ASL sign or something that works for an individual that might work for someone else!!
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JessicaJIrish's Compositions
by JessicaJIrish on 01.15.08 - public - 129 visits
I wanted to share with everyone the nice email I received in response to my request for information about accommodating families affected by Autism.
"Good Morning Jessica…we gladly accommodate families with children who have difficulty standing in lines (for whatever reason). We issue what we call a VIP Ride-Line Pass that allows the individual and his/her family to access the ride very quickly.
From our perspective in the amusement industry, we know that the majority of the parks and attractions will accommodate children with difficulty standing in line…however, we cannot convey that information to the general public! Our society is such (and this is sad) that if we posted or advertised our ride-line pass availability, most every child entering the park would have trouble standing in lines (we know for sure that it happens now)! We have contacted and have been contacted by many Autism support groups around New England and they have gotten the word out to their members to ask when visiting our park and they will be accommodated. Due to Hipaa & ADA compliance laws, we do not ask “why” the child needs the pass…we just issue it if we are asked.
We do have a complete list and description of our rides on our website at www.storylandnh.com (“at the park” and then click on rides). We have video as well. We are fortunate that our park is much more than rides so there are many activities and attractions that can be enjoyed with minimal or no wait time at all.
Thank you so much for asking about our policy and if you have more questions please let me know…
Regards,
Jack Mahany
Administrative Coordinator
Morrell Corporation
Story Land
www.storylandnh.com"
I also have contacted a "Family B&B" near by to see if they can meet some of the needs that you folks have shared with me...
Keep the needs coming!!!
Thanks to all!!
Comments(4)
Carol
Posted on Thu, 17 Jan 2008
Both Storyland and Santa's Village have been wonderful in helping my son have a great day at their parks. And I mean day - DAY - not 2 or 3 hours, but 6 hours of fun! Santa's Village even let Emile in to see Santa ahead of the line.
storkdok
Posted on Tue, 15 Jan 2008
We visit Storyland and the Glen area many times each year. Storyland has been wonderful about issuing us a VIP pass for Alex and our family, and it helps a lot. We have also been to DisneyWorld, and they issue VIP passes as well, you need your ASA card with you to prove it. Santa's Village in NH also issues a VIP pass. We have had nothing but wonderful experiences. Karen
carmel66
Posted on Mon, 14 Jan 2008
We went to Storyland this summer and it was great fun. Even with the line waits. Carson is just an amusement park kind of kid. We stayed at...hmmm...I think condos across the street from Attitash. They have kitchens and multiple bedrooms and a pizza restaurant attached to them. It was conveinent and worked out well for us - even considering the heat.
shannonj
Posted on Mon, 14 Jan 2008
Hi Jessica- Thanks for sharing that valuable information....I have just added a new category to the library: vacations. Can you add this info to the library so it will be a more permanent post? thanks!!!
