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Facilitator's Workshop
April 14, 2012
This Friend 2 Friend Facilitator's Workshop is a full-day workshop designed to support parents and professionals who wish to implement the Friend 2 Friend Autism Demystification Package Programs entitled "Can I Play Too? Autism Demystification Puppet Presentation Packaged Program" and "Demystifying Autism: The Friend 2 Friend Simulation Game Program" at home and school.
Participants will build knowledge on the fundamental goals and strategies of the F2F model; learn how to implement the Can I Play Too?: Autism Demystification Puppet Presentation Packaged Program and Demystifying Autism: The Friend 2 Friend Simulation Game Programs in schools, preschools,daycares and other community settings.
Learning Objectives
- The importance of social relationships for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- What are 5-strategies for social inclusion?
- What are the key features of the F2F Model?
- What is demystification?
- Why is demystification important?
- What is the difference between demystification and identification?
- When do we provide identification or disclosure?
- What are the principles of implementing demystification programs?
- How to implement the F2F demystification programs.
- What are the steps after demystification?
Please Support the Friend 2 Friend Play Centre for Children with Autism
Dear Friends and Family
As many of you already know Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society of which I am a director is conducting a campaign to raise up to $150,000 for a new Play Centre project for children with autism proposed to be located in East Vancouver (see more information on the project below).
What you may not know is my son Iain has autism. He has struggled with this disorder for 18 years and will continue to experience difficulties in peer social relations and friendships for the remainder of his life. For most individuals on the autism spectrum connecting with peers, making friends and peer play are some of the most challenging aspect of their disorder. Parents and caregivers, as well as individuals on the autism spectrum are looking for programs and services that address these specific needs. Therefore the Friend 2 Friend Play Centre is vitally important to children with autism, their peers, families and the community at large.
You can support this worthwhile cause in a number of ways. They are:
- Donations: Every little bit helps! Please encourage family and friends to make donations directly to Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society using the above PayPal Donate button. (Every donation will receive a tax-deductible receipt.)
- Sponsorship: Connect Friend 2 Friend with foundation or corporate sponsors (in the public or private sector) that would be interested in supporting this cause.
- In-Kind Donations: We require all kinds of donations such as space, in kind services, silent auction items, supplies, materials, etc.
- A Home: We are looking for a home for our new play centre in East Vancouver. If you know of a school, community centre or other locations available to lease please let us know.
- Spread The Word: Help us spread the word about this great new centre by mentioning the Friend 2 Friend Play Centre or any of the Friend 2 Friend programs and services on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and encourage people to subscribe to our blog.
Thank you once again for your support,
Heather McCracken
Shop for a Cause Fundraising Campaign
Friend 2 Friend is planning a new fundraising campaign entitled "Shop for a Cause". This will be an online silent auction where shoppers may sign on and bid on the items they would like to win.
At this point what we need is for everyone to contribute by either helping us find items to auction and/or spreading the word that we are looking for items to auction and sponsorship.
We are hoping to make this an annual event running from mid-October to mid-December (just in time for Xmas presents!!).
Please let us know if you can donate, know someone who might donate, etc.
Thanks for your support.
Mae on the Move
My bags are packed and I’m waiting for my next trip, and what a trip it will be!
Beginning summer 2011, I, Mae, begin blogging about all the fun stuff that I do with my best bear friends around the world! I will be travelling mostly with Heather McCracken while she works to demystify the world about autism and promote social inclusion and friendships. I have autism by the way. Sure it's a lot of work, but it's worth it because everyone wants to play and have friends, and being a good friend means accepting differences.
I’m excited about travelling with my friends, Roger, Heather, Michelle and Katie and maybe I’m a little bit nervous too but the world has a lot of cool stuff out there!
So here, I’m going to be sharing with everyone my trip throughout the world! Stay tuned!
→ maeonthemove.tumblr.com
Exceptional Family
Fall 2010
Look for our new article "The Relationship Problem: How to Foster Social Relationships between Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and Their Natural Peer Group."
→ www.exceptionalfamily.ca
Autism Aspergers Digest Magazine
January/February 2010
Look for our new article "The Secret is Out!"
→ www.autismdigest.com
Demystifying Autism
The Friend 2 Friend Simulation Game Program
By Heather McCracken
The Friend 2 Friend Simulation Game Program package responds to the escalating need to provide information about autism to students ages 10 through 18. The program provides educators and parents with essential knowledge and practical skills to implement the program, as well as helpful follow-up activities to support diverse learners on the autism spectrum in inclusive schools and communities. The package contains: Implementation Manual, CD and 30 F2F Simulation Glasses.
→ Order Now from the F2F Bookstore
"Can I Play Too?"
Booking Now for Fall 2009
New Puppet Presentation Program:
- New Puppet Play
- New Puppets
- New Learning Outcomes
→ More info about our Demystification Puppet Programs
F2F-IPG Program nominated for Community Spirit Award
February 26, 2009
The Friend 2 Friend - Integrated Play Group Program has been nominated for Innovative Early Intervention Program, Community Spirit Award in 2009. For more information on the Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit Awards click here.
→ Click to view CTV commercial
Thank you to all of those who supported Friend 2 Friend at this fundraising event.
Playing and Making Friends in our Community
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society would like to thank and acknowledge all the people and organizations for their generous contributions in support of our first fundraising event, "Playing and Making Friends in our Community"
→ Watch the Fundraising Slideshow and see our list of Supporters
2009 Friend 2 Friend Vancouver Conference
October 2-3, 2009
Learners on the Autism Spectrum: Creating a Culture of Inclusion Through Peer Play and Friendships
Presented by Pamela Wolfberg and Heather McCracken
SFU Harbour Centre, Vancouver, BC
This specialized two-day seminar is designed to prepare participants to carry out the practices of the Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model and related approaches for children and teens. The focus will be on designing and delivering Integrated Play Groups in school, home and community settings.
Support Friend 2 Friend Play Centre and win great prizes!