Haven't done a "Hey Girl" in a while, but this one got my creative juices flowing so to speak lol. Go check out Sunday and whats she's been up to with the "Hey Girl" series!!
Showing posts with label special needs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special needs. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
YuckMouth Daddy and the Kickstarter
Today I would be doing the Special Needs Ryan Gosling meme but you should totally go check it out. Today I'm bringing you something special from the YuckMouth daddy.
Here's his story:
Here's his story:
Last year I started a Kickstarter project, and it wasn't a success. I'm trying again this year to kick off 2012 right with another children's book of Adventures of One Sock.
One Sock are true tales of my son's life and every day living with Autism. It's an Adventure living with my son and I started this children's book to show awareness to other parents with or with out a special needs member in their family. Everyone loved my first book of Adventures of One Sock "The Lion", and I wanted to share another Adventure with you called "My Dog Rodger".
I'm looking for help with donations to make this project happen. The money donated will go to the Artist who did a very awesome job in the first book, and to publishing cost so I can send this book to school Libraries and other venues so kids from all around the world can enjoy such a good children's book. Come be part of a great project and help support awareness!
See what happens when One Sock gets a new family member, a small scrunty dog name Rodger. One Sock doesn't like how Rodger chews everything even his favorite stuff animal, crocodile. Read how One Sock tries to figure out why puppies like too chew so much.
Here are the links to both the first book
This is the Kickstarter page
Adventures of One Sock is a good read for every child and parent who's still a child at heart.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Special Needs Ryan Gosling
So one of my favorite bloggers started this meme featuring Ryan Gosling and what he would have to say supporting the special needs community. You can read more about it over at Adventures of Extreme Parenthood. The past fews weeks she's made me laugh and cry and giggle repeatedly with her thoughts and now she's opened it up for the rest of us! So now I present you with my Ryan Gosling!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
When I'm Gone
Yesterday was my birthday.....
As the day came to a end, I looked at my children, I realized that while I won't live forever...that I need to live forever.
I need to live forever because who is going to love my babies like I do? Who is going to take care of Racer and watch over him? Who can I trust to do what I do when I'm gone? So many times we see in the news about abuse on special needs children and adults. There is no tolerance in society for the differences my children carry. The proof is in the pudding folks...telling myself that "it will be fine, something will work itself out" doesn't cut it anymore.
Getting old has become depressing, I'm racing against the clock to put into place a fool proof plan for the future of my children. Making lots of money to make sure they have no worries isn't enough. I need to find that person who is my clone, who will be there the day that I am not.
It isn't fair to look to my older children, because while Racer, Wolverine and PigPen aren't a burden....they are life changers. I don't want my older children to feel like this is something they have to do. I want them to be able to lead full lives.
While Racer may be able to function in society, he is always going to need help, that will never change. So who does that? Who takes my place when I'm gone?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Dearly Beloved, We Are Gathered Together Today...
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, three bloggers together, to address a serious issue that has become so commonplace throughout social media for special needs parents and the special needs community as a whole, we aren't shocked when it happens anymore. Please welcome Jill from Yeah. Good Times., Lisa, the Yuckmouth Mommy from 7 Yuckmouths and Autism, and Caryn, from Living with Logan. This post will go live simultaneously on all three sites today, because we are united in our desire to get the word out. Please help us in this effort, and pass it along.
And now, welcome to our conversation!
Yes, I do. I think we are easily targeted for a number of reasons. We are fighters. We are strong. We have to be so, to advocate for our children. People desiring to scam us love this attribute, because they don’t have to teach us to work toward the goal. We are focused, as every parent is, in getting whatever our child/children needs. We hit so many dead ends, we are told “No” so many times in so many different ways that we love it when someone says yes. There is a veritable target on our backs. I don’t mean that we are stupid. Certainly we are not. We are intelligent, we work hard, and we fight for what we believe in. And, let’s face it, people. We like to talk. If we find something we think is awesome for our kids, it’s all over the twitter and the facebook the very same day. What scammer wouldn’t love any of that?! Not only that, those of us that blog are only too happy to blog about our good fortune, because we want others to benefit as well. This is a win/win for a scammer. People who will promote online, at their own expense of time and effort, with no cost to the scammer but one or two iPads or a couple of apps, and then they never have to make good again. They already have all the good exposure they need. It’s scary how easy we have made it for the slime balls of the internet. CH
Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right to you, it’s likely that it isn’t, so ask questions. Who are these people? Where are they located? Do they have any other sources of funding? Do they have (valid) testimonials and references? A huge red flag is if you ask direct questions and consistently do not get direct answers. If they can’t provide you with valid financial information, or they refuse to provide any personally identifiable information about themselves: be careful. Scammers are like politicians; they will talk around the issue, touching on their key “talking points,” but they will rarely ever actually answer your question directly. A reputable organization will be easily able to provide you with whatever you need to know to prove their validity. Jill
Also, anybody who requires any money from you, in any form (i.e. directly from you, solicited by you, etc.) before you can proceed with an application process is definitely scamming you. Trustworthy organizations will not require that you pay to complete an application process. Jill
I’m sorry, but someone offering a “free” iPad or service dog or therapy or miracle “cure” for autism just doesn’t ring like the real deal to me. I’m a BIG believer in doing my homework. Read the fine print. What strings are attached? What commitments are they asking from you? Are they registered as a 501 3(c)? If so, have they been reported at any time in any way? Are they registered with the BBB? Is it a company, foundation, or individual? Are they based in your country or somewhere you’ve never heard of in Bangladesh? Do they offer transparency if they are a donation based company? Will they provide statements to anyone who asks? Are the founders or other officials easily accessible to their followers by chat, message board, email, facebook, twitter, or corporate phone number? Is there a message board/review panel of any kind for feedback from people who have worked with this person or company in the past? Does the person or company bash other similar entities regularly? These are questions you should ask yourself before becoming involved with ANY internet based company or foundation. CH
There are many ways to protect yourself on facebook and twitter. Both sites have very firm TOS (Terms Of Service) in place to protect their users, its just a matter of finding where to do all of this. LG
First you can report any and all comments you feel are attacking you in any way. You need to make sure that you first screen shot for proof later because once a comment or post is reported it is removed. I find it much easier to watch a video of what I should be doing and this google search has all the info for how to screen shot on various devices. LG
On twitter there is a way to report people twitter has a really handy page that is clear as how to report a number of violations of their TOS. In addition you have to give them the url to the post so make sure you click on details in the tweet, that will open to a new page and give you the url to give to twitter. LG
On Facebook you can find out lots about your account in your general account setting tab. From there click on security settings. On that page is a wealth of info in regards to what, when and who has had access to your account that you may not have known about. LG
From that page it is easy to click on the help button towards the bottom of the page, there you can report violations from harassment, to copyright infringement, and intellectual property infringement. Because even as a fan page you have rights on facebook just like everyone else. LG
And now, welcome to our conversation!
- Do you think the Special Needs Parenting Community as a whole is vulnerable to cyber scammers?
Yes, I do. I think we are easily targeted for a number of reasons. We are fighters. We are strong. We have to be so, to advocate for our children. People desiring to scam us love this attribute, because they don’t have to teach us to work toward the goal. We are focused, as every parent is, in getting whatever our child/children needs. We hit so many dead ends, we are told “No” so many times in so many different ways that we love it when someone says yes. There is a veritable target on our backs. I don’t mean that we are stupid. Certainly we are not. We are intelligent, we work hard, and we fight for what we believe in. And, let’s face it, people. We like to talk. If we find something we think is awesome for our kids, it’s all over the twitter and the facebook the very same day. What scammer wouldn’t love any of that?! Not only that, those of us that blog are only too happy to blog about our good fortune, because we want others to benefit as well. This is a win/win for a scammer. People who will promote online, at their own expense of time and effort, with no cost to the scammer but one or two iPads or a couple of apps, and then they never have to make good again. They already have all the good exposure they need. It’s scary how easy we have made it for the slime balls of the internet. CH
- What are some “red flags” that somebody might be scamming you. Jill
Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right to you, it’s likely that it isn’t, so ask questions. Who are these people? Where are they located? Do they have any other sources of funding? Do they have (valid) testimonials and references? A huge red flag is if you ask direct questions and consistently do not get direct answers. If they can’t provide you with valid financial information, or they refuse to provide any personally identifiable information about themselves: be careful. Scammers are like politicians; they will talk around the issue, touching on their key “talking points,” but they will rarely ever actually answer your question directly. A reputable organization will be easily able to provide you with whatever you need to know to prove their validity. Jill
Also, anybody who requires any money from you, in any form (i.e. directly from you, solicited by you, etc.) before you can proceed with an application process is definitely scamming you. Trustworthy organizations will not require that you pay to complete an application process. Jill
- How can you protect yourself?
I’m sorry, but someone offering a “free” iPad or service dog or therapy or miracle “cure” for autism just doesn’t ring like the real deal to me. I’m a BIG believer in doing my homework. Read the fine print. What strings are attached? What commitments are they asking from you? Are they registered as a 501 3(c)? If so, have they been reported at any time in any way? Are they registered with the BBB? Is it a company, foundation, or individual? Are they based in your country or somewhere you’ve never heard of in Bangladesh? Do they offer transparency if they are a donation based company? Will they provide statements to anyone who asks? Are the founders or other officials easily accessible to their followers by chat, message board, email, facebook, twitter, or corporate phone number? Is there a message board/review panel of any kind for feedback from people who have worked with this person or company in the past? Does the person or company bash other similar entities regularly? These are questions you should ask yourself before becoming involved with ANY internet based company or foundation. CH
- What to do when you have already been scammed, or private info has been published on social networking sites. LG
There are many ways to protect yourself on facebook and twitter. Both sites have very firm TOS (Terms Of Service) in place to protect their users, its just a matter of finding where to do all of this. LG
First you can report any and all comments you feel are attacking you in any way. You need to make sure that you first screen shot for proof later because once a comment or post is reported it is removed. I find it much easier to watch a video of what I should be doing and this google search has all the info for how to screen shot on various devices. LG
On twitter there is a way to report people twitter has a really handy page that is clear as how to report a number of violations of their TOS. In addition you have to give them the url to the post so make sure you click on details in the tweet, that will open to a new page and give you the url to give to twitter. LG
On Facebook you can find out lots about your account in your general account setting tab. From there click on security settings. On that page is a wealth of info in regards to what, when and who has had access to your account that you may not have known about. LG
From that page it is easy to click on the help button towards the bottom of the page, there you can report violations from harassment, to copyright infringement, and intellectual property infringement. Because even as a fan page you have rights on facebook just like everyone else. LG
For more information on cyber crimes, how to report them, and definitions of cyber crimes, please visit the following websites:
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Out of Necessity an App is Created ~ Kyle Tomson of Mobile Ed Store
I had the great fortune to speak to Kyle Tomson today, he is the founder and President of Mobile Education Store. But first and foremost he's a dad and like most of us struggled to get help for his daughter, and after spending lots of money on useless apps that never quite fit his daughters needs he developed his own. After losing his job in 2009 and having tons of time on his hands, decided to take the fate of his daughters education into his hands. In the three months that he was off he learned all the coding it would take to do the apps and Mobile Education Store was started. Now he has two jobs, creating great apps and returned to the job he was formerly laid off from.
Sure at first he was just filling a need for his daughter, but when he realized that he could be filling the needs for many children all over he put it on itunes and thus really began this amazing journey of apps. Ones solely built upon needs, the needs of his daughter but also the needs of so many children everywhere.
When you visit the site and I hope that you do, you will find some really great educational apps but with a fun twist. They aren't just for special needs children either, they are perfect for any child struggling with language, conversations, story building, sentences, and questions.
So here is what is making Kyle Tomson so special right now....in case you aren't part of the great community that is A4cwsn you are missing out. Over 5,000+ community members sharing ideas about apps for children with special needs. It isn't about the giveaways or the great app parties, its about being a part of a community of giving and sharing. BUT coming up we have a great app party one which Kyle Tomson of Mobile Ed Store is going to be reducing prices on some of his apps, and giving Gary some codes to giveaway. Some of which are going to include are the ones for the ipad and ipod/iphone and a new app that we the community have yet to see which is the preposition app! If this app is like the rest of the great ones he's come out with so far we will not be let down!
One last thing I would like to share with you all, and I hope you all share with any teachers you know. There is a education stimulus that schools/teachers can use but it runs out in 5 days!! Please let your teachers know that this is open for them and then send them to Mobile Education Store ! He does a lot for our community, lets get the word out! He wasn't given the first Developer of Distinction award for nothing!
The app party is next week! Running from Sept 30th to Oct. 2nd! It will be hosted right here by Gary James. With apps from tons of developers either free or at a reduced cost!
Hope to see you there!
Sure at first he was just filling a need for his daughter, but when he realized that he could be filling the needs for many children all over he put it on itunes and thus really began this amazing journey of apps. Ones solely built upon needs, the needs of his daughter but also the needs of so many children everywhere.
When you visit the site and I hope that you do, you will find some really great educational apps but with a fun twist. They aren't just for special needs children either, they are perfect for any child struggling with language, conversations, story building, sentences, and questions.
So here is what is making Kyle Tomson so special right now....in case you aren't part of the great community that is A4cwsn you are missing out. Over 5,000+ community members sharing ideas about apps for children with special needs. It isn't about the giveaways or the great app parties, its about being a part of a community of giving and sharing. BUT coming up we have a great app party one which Kyle Tomson of Mobile Ed Store is going to be reducing prices on some of his apps, and giving Gary some codes to giveaway. Some of which are going to include are the ones for the ipad and ipod/iphone and a new app that we the community have yet to see which is the preposition app! If this app is like the rest of the great ones he's come out with so far we will not be let down!
One last thing I would like to share with you all, and I hope you all share with any teachers you know. There is a education stimulus that schools/teachers can use but it runs out in 5 days!! Please let your teachers know that this is open for them and then send them to Mobile Education Store ! He does a lot for our community, lets get the word out! He wasn't given the first Developer of Distinction award for nothing!
The app party is next week! Running from Sept 30th to Oct. 2nd! It will be hosted right here by Gary James. With apps from tons of developers either free or at a reduced cost!
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
#techtues ~~ Apps in Review ABC Song Piano By Kiboomu
Recently I was given the special chance to review an app, so it will be the first #techtues blog that I run!
Apps are a fairly new thing for the YuckMouth house, we've played around with a few but finding the right ones to either entertain the masses and teach them at the same time can be quite the battle. Luckily I've happened upon a few good sites like A4cwsn and Kiboomu! The app I'm reviewing today is from the ladies over at Kiboomu who I've had the pleasure of tweeting with, you should totally follow them, they are awesome!!
The app is called ABC Song Piano, its available on the iphone, ipad, and itouch. Its an age appropriate app for toddlers and preschoolers and awesome for special needs kids learning their alphabet. When I first got it open I fooled with the settings, checked out the four different options, but as soon as that song played all the kids came running to see what I was doing. I gave each a turn and of course as amazed at how easy it was for them to try out the different settings and then actually record themselves playing. The loved it! So the YuckMouth clan gives 7 thumbs up!
Once I shooed them all away, tried out the different game types. I really loved the ease of switching from one type to the other. The button tabs were all easy to see and use, and the song was hilarious to hear with the barn animal sound enabled. The letters were brightly colored and easy to hear and see, and the pace was slow enough that even my 1yr old was able to handle it and press the keys to hear the sounds. I'd say it is a great starting app, and at a great price $1.99! You can view it on the Kiboomu apps page and purchase it on itunes. My kids loved it and I loved hearing them sing the ABC song and giggle together!
Thanks to Mommy Perks for giving me my first app to review!
Apps are a fairly new thing for the YuckMouth house, we've played around with a few but finding the right ones to either entertain the masses and teach them at the same time can be quite the battle. Luckily I've happened upon a few good sites like A4cwsn and Kiboomu! The app I'm reviewing today is from the ladies over at Kiboomu who I've had the pleasure of tweeting with, you should totally follow them, they are awesome!!
The app is called ABC Song Piano, its available on the iphone, ipad, and itouch. Its an age appropriate app for toddlers and preschoolers and awesome for special needs kids learning their alphabet. When I first got it open I fooled with the settings, checked out the four different options, but as soon as that song played all the kids came running to see what I was doing. I gave each a turn and of course as amazed at how easy it was for them to try out the different settings and then actually record themselves playing. The loved it! So the YuckMouth clan gives 7 thumbs up!
Once I shooed them all away, tried out the different game types. I really loved the ease of switching from one type to the other. The button tabs were all easy to see and use, and the song was hilarious to hear with the barn animal sound enabled. The letters were brightly colored and easy to hear and see, and the pace was slow enough that even my 1yr old was able to handle it and press the keys to hear the sounds. I'd say it is a great starting app, and at a great price $1.99! You can view it on the Kiboomu apps page and purchase it on itunes. My kids loved it and I loved hearing them sing the ABC song and giggle together!
Thanks to Mommy Perks for giving me my first app to review!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
