Isaac's Autism in the Wild

Technology can be an excellent tool for kids with special needs, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved. Preparing for safe online interactions is necessary, and it is critical to examine the particular risks and issues that youth with disabilities face online.

The Isaac Foundation, along with Ed Richardson of the Spokane Police Department, will present tips and strategies to help guide your child to use technology and digital media safely and responsibly.

Tips include:

Recognize/identify the signs of cyberbullying.

Talk with your youth about online predators.

How to teach your youth about online safety.

Use of parental controls.

In this podcast I have my son, producer Tyler, join me. Tyler has been the only person who has been with me as long as the ISAAC Foundation has been in existence and can appreciate the evolution of what is accomplished under this roof and the difference it has made in the lives of families touched by autism.

This podcast is a bit of a vent at being overlooked along with many other organizations doing good work in the community.

Maria and Holly talk about the confusing world of special education. In this episode, we share our own IEP experiences (the good and not so good), and why it’s acceptable and encouraged to advocate for goals that are meaningful for your child – not necessarily settle for goals that are proposed by your teacher.

To connect with Maria for further questions about your child’s IEP, email: [email protected]

In this episode my youngest daughter shares some of our recent struggles with her oldest brother with autism. We talk about the term glass sibling. Tune in to find out more.

Saturday, March 11

9am -1pm | Open House

4004 E Boone Ave. Spokane, WA 99202

Are you or someone you know living with a disability?

Are you confused about employment options, benefits, or finances?

Attend this event for answers! We will have on-site solutions from:

* DDA and DVR Case Managers (Service sign-up and Q&A)

* Mary McDirmid of Special Abilities Network (ABLE accounts and financial planning)

* Community Work Incentive Counselors (how work will impact benefits)

* Skils’kin Staff (job opportunities, resume building, and post-graduation concerns)

visit this link to learn more and register!

https://bit.ly/3ZqZOwP

Also, referenced in this podcast is Deb Skalabrin and her amazing online group called Parenting Beyond Defiance. Go check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3095960987308432

In this episode Holly and John Goodman share their experience doing Adaptive Fire Safety Education through the ISAAC Foundation and how the program builds skills that:

(1) helps individuals with disabilities learn the skills needed to survive a home fire – no matter their level of function and ability; and

(2) addresses risk for potential fire starting behavior.

Learn more:

Watch a special news segment featured by KHG Local News

https://www.khq.com/news/local-non-profit-helps-neurodivergent-kids-learn-about-fire-safety/article_c355c3a6-485e-11ed-9e72-9ffe3f482e9f.html

https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/fire-safety-learning

Usually, Caleb counts down the days leading up to his birthday with excitment. This year, he woke up on his 15th birthday with debilitating anxiety about the prospect of getting one year closer to adulthood. In this podcast, Caleb talks about his anxieties related to all the elements of becoming an adult and strategies we can utilize to overcome some of his stressors.

After a long hiatis, Holly and her partner in crime, Maria, get back in the saddle to talk about a new DDA service opportunity that is made available with all DDA waivers. These changes rolled out in 2020, but since we were all busy staying healthy, learning how to Zoom, and educating our children through online school, WE MISSED IT!

Holly and Maria talk about DDA eligibility requirements, process for being approved, and various benefits provided by the different waivers. While some of ISAAC Foundation’s programs have a small fee for participation, the Clubhouse and Studio programs are DDA approved. In addition, Specialized Habilitation Services is a new opportunity that will be rolling out in the months to come. Don’t worry, if your like Holly and her son Caleb, you might find that you child is not DDA eligible. We have a plan to provide these services to these children as well.

Application here: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/service-and-information-request

In this podcast, parents discuss ways their children have learned to use their voice to advocate for themselves.

Dedicated to Conner Smith and Family