May/June 2015

A mother and daughter gardening together outdoors. 0

Why Family Time Matters!

Spending quality time together with family strengthens bonds that can lengthen lives – a study shows strong social ties lead to better health outcomes for kids too. Here’s how outdoor activities create lasting memories while nurturing your parent-child connection: – Take a nature walk: Explore trails hand-in-hand, spotting wildlife and pointing out interesting finds.

Boom Lake with mountains and a rainbow. 0

Mommy’s Timeout: Boom Lake

  Take a time out and use visualization meditation to relax. Imagine yourself here catching the rainbow after a rainy day. Enjoy the beautiful colors in nature. Take a couple...

A constellation in the night sky above a silhouette of a house and trees 0

Summer Travel & Outdoor Fun with Apps

Explore the cosmos with SkyView Free’s celestial maps for stargazing. Plan trips smarter in Waze Social GPS as families bond while navigating parks or campgrounds. Keep kids engaged with interactive astronomy apps that spark curiosity and develop essential life skills on summer adventures.

Sharing! Updates 0

Sharing! Updates: Vermont’s Recreation, Where Hope Grows, & New NSPCC Video

Vermont’s World-Class Recreation Is Accessible to All A new website highlights adaptive outdoor options in honor of the ADA’s anniversary. Vermont offers state-of-the-art accessible facilities and an interactive Google map, ensuring everyone can enjoy nature equally after retirement or changing circumstances. The site guarantees equal opportunity for all visitors.

Rick Hodges with family outside 0

Super Dads Making A Difference Rick Hodges

Advocacy often begins with a single step. As a father advocating for children with Down syndrome, Rick Hodges joined a local government board overseeing disability services to help create lasting systemic change.

Two people playing catch with a blue textured ball in a suburban setting. 0

The Family Factor of Five: Making Time for Fitness (and Actually Doing It)

Start Small: Begin with one simple activity each day as a family. Jumps, ball tosses, or marching in place can kickstart your home fitness routine for autism-friendly families. Consistency is key, not intensity. Prioritize Fun: Gather equipment like medicine balls and cones. Make it enjoyable so the whole family looks forward to moving together.

William and Korky with bicycles outdoors. 0

“Mom & Me” 2015 Cover Winner: William & Korky

William and his mom, Korky, enjoy biking outdoors in St. Simons Island, Ga., cheered on by William’s dedicated service dog Jaina. Living with cerebral palsy presents challenges, but William tackles them head-on. “Billy billy,” he shouts as he rides, an example of perseverance that warms the heart.

People blowing large bubbles in a park 0

Travel Tips: Making Fun Memories

Planning ahead turns traveling into pure delight for families like ours Travel fears fade as we unlock essential tips Family memories glow when special needs journeys become adventures “Having a child with special needs is demanding, yet vacations bring joy and unity – plan wisely, and your travel dreams can soar.

Baby lying on its stomach with a pacifier in its mouth and a pink heart behind it. 0

From The Heart “Change”

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the power of information is undeniable. From instant communication to transforming lives with a single click, the landscape has shifted dramatically in just a few years.

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