Category: CERT

Dear Blog World Friends, You are invited…

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

August 14, 2023

Dear Friends,

Consider this an unusual blog – rather an invitation.

Do you know someone with Autism? Perhaps someone who is considered “neurodiverse”? Or maybe this person is yourself? Or are you a parent with a child on the spectrum or a teacher with a student? Then this information is for YOU.

As it is my pleasure to announce that I have been invited to be one of the three keynote speakers for the  World Autism Summit 2023 hosted by the Autism Today Foundation via ZOOM. This is not your “usual” online or in-person conference – as it brings together experts from various genres. There will be speakers, including Dr. Temple Grandin, discussing early intervention strategies and research. And, also financial experts to help families plan their futures when there are unexpected expenses. Educators and Mental Health providers will discuss current trends. Community members will discuss support and relationships. We will hear from individuals with Autism or Neurodiversity. And on the lighter side, panels will include people representing the performing arts of music, acting, and dance. Plus, for those on the spectrum come ask your questions to people who look to connect with potential employers! 

As I said, not your standard summit! And, my keynote will focus on matters of communication and safety. (Day 1, September 25th)

There is also some very exciting news to share in addition to the speakers and panelists. First, there are great sponsors who are hosting giveaways – including a Tobii Dynavox system! Found Me will discuss during my program their newest identification app and system for people, pets, and “things” – trust me this is a smart tag on steroids! And The CPD Group is graciously sponsoring the summit to give professional credit units to our registered attendees who need to acquire certifications. AND WAIT.. there is MORE… MOVIE NIGHTS, GAME NIGHTS, and an opportunity to talk with cast and directors from award-winning films!

Did I mention that Summit is FREE?! The CEU credits are FREE, too. You just need to do the following:

  1. Register asap! Here is the link: www.WorldAutismSummit.org/registration-page
  2. When you register be sure to indicate you need CPD/ CEU credits or a certificate of attendance.
  3. Plan to attend the sessions during the September 25th to October 1st timeframe. After that date – the sessions will be for FEE, not for free. Certificates are emailed about 14 days after you attend, if not earlier. 
  4. Follow @AutismTodayOfficial on Instagram for fun giveaways, news, and current Summit information!
  5. Check your email to see if you have been chosen for some free swag as a thank you for being an early bird registering! 
  6. Check the website often for the schedule and any changes or additions: WorldAutismSummit.org

In closing, the purpose of the World Autism Summit 2023 is to have an open dialog about the gifts, strengths, and talents of people with Autism/ Neurodiversity. Furthermore, to create an atmosphere of access, inclusion, and support. So, please consider joining me – I promise you won’t be bored – there is something for everyone!

Thank you-

With appreciation,

Louise 

Have you registered for the 2018 #ShakeOut Drill yet?

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

This is a friendly reminder for ALL of you to register for the 2018 ShakeOut drill! What is the ShakeOut Drill? (And no, it is not a new dance).  The best description comes from the organization that hosts this annual event –  ShakeOut.  Also, below is an explanation from their website with “hyperlinks” to help you learn more.

Many areas of the globe are prone to earthquakes… You could be anywhere when an earthquake strikes: at home, at work, at school or even on vacation. Are you prepared to survive and to recover quickly?

Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are an opportunity to practice how to be safer during earthquakes: “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” ShakeOut also has been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to update emergency plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries. <Shakeout.org>

 

So, NOW  is the time to take  TWO MINUTES to register your family   or organization for this all important safety drill.  Remember – some of the worst earthquakes in the United States happen in states like Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Virginia! California and Alaska don’t have the monopoly on earthquake activity in North America!  Please don’t be complacent and think, “It can’t happen here” – because history has proven quite the opposite!

Also, included on the ShakeOut.org  website are some very handy resources for students, teachers and much more.

Click on the bolded and underlined titles below to connect with the direct resource:

Preparedness materials, games, posters and downloads for K-12 :   For Educators and School Officials

For College Faculty and Administrators

For those with Access and Functional Needs

A Sign Language Video   for Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness

General Information and FAQs about ShakeOut

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The Signing Families Mini-Emergency Communication Chart – For When Time Counts! (ASL- English – Spanish – Chinese)

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

 

SIGNING FAMILIES EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION MINI-CHART

This pocket-sized emergency communication chart has FOUR different languages represented. Photos for a dozen important informational signs are in sign language, English, Spanish and Chinese! There is a space for writing with a washable marker allows for efficient communication during challenging situations, such as medical emergencies or disasters. Also, numbers, common symbols (such as for email) and the alphabet is included. This card has a special coating for easy cleaning. This emergency mini – chart has been used by thousands of First Responders and Community Emergency Responder Teams (CERT). Also, valuable for those who work in schools, are involved with service related industries (such as bus drivers, flight attendants, etc.). Restauranteurs and hospitality workers are also using this chart to help customers who are in need of assistance. We offer this chart for those who reside in the United States. Price includes shipping within the USA. Don't want to order via PayPal or don't see a button to order? EMAIL US at the LINK BELOW! Bulk orders needed? EMAIL US! Shipping included, but note: we only ship within the United States. For outside the USA orders – please send an email. Thank you.

$1.49

 

NEED TO CONTACT LOUISE AS SIGNING FAMILIES ABOUT EMERGENCY PRODUCTS?

EMAIL HERE

 

NOT FOR DUPLICATION

 

mini chart chinese 2
NOT FOR DUPLICATION

 

To learn more about emergency sign language please go to SigningFamilies.com

 

 

 

 

DISASTER SAFETY INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS – 2015 updated post with additional safety resources

Published on by LouiseSattler3 Comments

Update: Sadly tornado “season” has been wicked during 2015, therefore I am re – blogging this post that originally posted in 2013. At the bottom of this post are additional safety resources including for earthquake, flood, hurricane, tsunami and wildfire preparedness.

I could not fathom what must have happened here to make a truck flip and be impaled on these trees.

Today there have been a series of tragic tornadoes that have ripped through the heartland of America causing severe devastation, including loss of life.  Some of the families impacted who have been impacted have family members with special needs.

In an effort to help families and communities who may have some unique challenges during disasters here is some information:

BEFORE A DISASTER

Be prepared.  Alert your local fire department if you have a family member with special needs of any kind, such as physical, sensory, cognitive or other.  Included would be family members with dementia, Alzheimer’s or medical problems.

Have a family plan for sheltering in place and evacuation.

Be sure to have an emergency kit in your home and car.  To know what should be in your emergency kit go to the RED CROSS Disaster Information page.   Don’t forget to add to your kit personal effects, such as your insurance information, copies of marriage and birth certificates and photos of your family members.

For families with children, especially with special needs, have a quick “grab and go” kit of favorite items and things you know will comfort your child during a time of distress.  Stuffed animals, battery operated video games, and books or drawing pads all are good things to bring along. So, be prepared in advance with this GRAB AND GO KIT.

Let others know your plans if you need to evacuate. Where you intend to go and how you will try to check in.

WHAT TO DO IF DISASTER STRIKES

Many agencies including FEMA and the RED CROSS offer much information, including for for families with special populations.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE, including Access and Functional Needs Information:

 RED CROSS disaster safety checklist in multiple languges

DISASTER ASSISTANCE by FEMA 

ASSISTANCE FOR THE AUTISM COMMUNITY:

Spirit of Autism

Autism Speaks

ASL / SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCES FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS for the DEAF

SIGNING FAMILIES

DEAFinc VIDEOS  (including the one below)

Other Disaster Preparation Resources

Earthquake Country Alliance 

ShakeOut Earthquake Drill registration 

Hurricane Preparedness 

TsunamiZone

Ready.gov for many disaster preparedness resources, including Floods and Fires

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IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES PLEASE SHARE BELOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION

Helping to Save the Lives of Children with Autism

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

April is Autism Awareness Month and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce all of you to a new joint venture between Debi Taylor, Spirit of Autism, and myself.  Together we are trying to help educate and potentially save the lives of children with Autism.  For a number of years I have trained emergency medical personnel on how to interact and communicate with children with special needs, many who use sign language. Debi, is a paramedic and the mother of a son with Autism.  We are “Tweet pals” and have become fast friends and colleagues.  Our mission is to help EMS and others be able to assist children and adults with Autism during medical emergencies or disasters.

If you are interested in learning more about our programs please connect here via SIGNING FAMILIES:  INFO<at>SigningFamilies<dot>com

To be able to receive our two  emergency cards below for the sweet price of $1.99 (US customers only receive free shipping), again send us an email:  INFO<at>SigningFamilies<dot>com

For bulk rates for Schools/ PTOs, Hospitals and EMS organizations please also connect at the email above or via SigningFamilies.com

Thank you!

GREAT BLOGGERS- SPECIAL EDUCATION / PARENT RESOURCE EDITION

Published on by LouiseSattler2 Comments

I have written now a few blogs about women who I admire because of their fascinating, inspiring and amusing blogs. Today, I want to feature blogs that are dedicated to our friends within the special education community. As an educator, I admire the people who are in the trenches of special education beyond measure.  These are three of my favorite blogs….maybe they will become yours, too!


Tiffani Lawton is the mom, educator and drive behind one of the best websites for families living with a child with Autism (or on the spectrum).  Tiffani recently described OJTA as follows, “Where professionals and parents meet up…. We bring in the private practice community like OT, PT, ST, Sound Therapy, etc.  We bring in personal perspectives from individuals on the spectrum.  We have mama’s sharing their journey.  We have holistic moms sharing their resources.”

Tiffani is tireless.  She makes my ADHD self seem in slow motion.  Tiffani has added a short-radio program and  teleclasses to her platform.  This is a must visit site!

Bravo to this dynamo and please support her efforts by connecting the following way: http://www.ourjourneythruautism.com

The Spirit of Autism is another site generated by the love of a parent and dedicated to helping others.  What makes this site extraordinary is that the author is also a paramedic!  I have used the amazing materials for First Responders on this website to help others in the medical field understand how to approach a child with autism who during a critical incident or a disaster.  I adore this website and think that Debi’s spirit is contagious.  Although a niche, this site should be considered a “must bookmark”.  Educators take note- there is tons of info here for you , too!

Follow Debi on Twitter as @spiritofautism


The Coffee Klatch is what is RIGHT about social media.  Had it not been for TWITTER (@TheCoffeeKlatch or #TCK) I would never have discovered this amazing group.

This group is a wealth of information for so many!  A group of parents and experts joining together to be a support and resource for each other! Their social media presence is second to none. On Twitter they conduct frequent forums open to anyone with the hashtag #TCK.  Topics range from information about different disorders,  to educational assessment, to behavioral strategies recommended by parents and professionals-  and much more!  Also, they have a presence of FACEBOOK and BLOG TALK RADIO. Note- If you want to know the pulse of what parents are asking or need – look no further than this organization!


Please feel free to add your favorite special education blogs in the comment section!

ALSO… I am proud to announce the launch of  LouiseSattler.com.  See my video describing this site in voice and ASL here: http://louisesattler.com/about

ALSO…. read a ton of my favorite women bloggers on the *NEW* HerInsight website: http://www.herinsight-voices.com


Great Women Bloggers, Part 2- Sharon Silver, Margaret McSweeney, Debi Taylor, Jenna Riggs and Beth Engleman

Published on by LouiseSattler4 Comments

I wrote a blog earlier this month that highlighted some of my favorite women bloggers.  That blog was just the beginning.  Please meet some more of my favorite women bloggers and know that there WILL be a Part 3 forthcoming!

SHARON SILVER is the force behind PROACTIVE PARENTING-

http://www.proactiveparenting.net/

It is not easy being a parent and juggling all there is to do in a course of a day!  Sometimes raising a family and trying to be a good employee can conflict.  Sharon is there to be the voice of reason.  Known to many by her popular website: http://www.proactiveparenting.net/ .  Sharon also can be found on MOMTV.com and soon in a bookstore near you with her soon to be released parenting book.  You will love getting to know Sharon Silver through the many media outlets simply at your fingertips.  I am proud to call her a friend for life!

Connect with Sharon on Twitter as @Sharon_Silver

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MARGARET MCSWEENEY

http://www.MargaretMcSweeney.com

Margaret McSweeney is one of the kindest and gentlest souls I have EVER met!  She mixes southern charm with good old city “know how” in all she does.  Her passion is to help and support girls/women in crisis.  She is deeply rooted in her Christian faith, however is open to discussing on her blog all kinds of topics.  I truly am a fan.  Margaret, like me, is also an addict of the FLIP Camera! Connect with Margaret on Twitter as @McSweeney

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BETH ENGLEMAN and JENNA RIGGS!

http://www.mommyonashoestring.com


Beth Engelman

I first met Beth a few months ago in sunny, albeit windy, Chicago.  She is a stitch!  I must say that I love a woman who brings her laptop to a meet and greet lunch!  She is non-stop, highly caffeinated and ultra groovy.  She also is a terrific talent, writer and a single mom.  Her agenda is to help families, especially mom’s post-divorce.  You will LOVE Beth and her Mommy On a Shoe String partner- JENNA RIGGS. I have never met, Jenna in person, but we both have an interest in children’s literacy and the arts.  She also is a media personality and quite the traveler.  She and Beth have been best friends since college.  You have to admire a duo that can sustain such a long and deep friendship through “thick and thin”.

You can check out all of Jenna’s talents on www.jennariggs.com

Click here for  a peek at Beth’s iVillage video: http://video.ivillage.com/player/?fid=31499

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Debi Taylor is the Spirit of Autism

Sometimes you meet people virtually and just know that you could be the best of friends because you both strive for a common cause- that is how I felt when I “met” Debi Taylor from the Sprit of Autism.  This mom of a child with Autism also dedicates her energies to being an EMT.  She has written some of the soundest informational packets to help Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) learn more about helping children with Autism.  I admire her stamina and love her blog. Connect with Debi on TWITTER – @SpiritofAutism

Check it out here:  http://www.82nd-atl.com/Spirit/ Look for the tabs regarding CERT info, too!

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Who comprises the next set of GREAT WOMEN BLOGGERS?


In no certain order as they are all GROOVY GALS!


Shara Lawrence-Weiss of MommyPerks.com


Wendy Young of Kidlutions.com


Lisa Callsen of CodaDiva.com


and Momentrepreneur and life coach- Britt Michaelian

 

http://brittmichaelian.com/