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    CamWeppTV’s Charity Stream Gives Thanks by Giving Back

    Date Posted: November 21, 2019
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    CamWeppTV’s Charity Stream Gives Thanks by Giving Back

    CamWeppTV, aka Cameron, first began her twitch journey on a channel called “2girls1twitch” with her friend. After getting to see more of what the twitch community is about, she decided to branch off into her own personal channel now known as CamWeppTV. This new channel was a great outlet for her to express her creativity in a safe and welcoming environment. Through her channel, she has created lifelong friendships within the twitch community that are always there to support her when she needs them.

    A judgment free zone!

    For Cameron twitch is not just a form of entertainment or a hobby to pass the time, it is a lifeline for her. Her channel has been a platform where she is free to be her authentic self, free of judgment. While many streamers showcase their gaming skills, Cameron uses her channel to feature her many talents, from art, singing/raping, comedy, to simply interacting with folks around her. When tuning into her channel, you might see her live streaming a public performance from places like the train station, or possibly witness her creating a canvas masterpiece.

    Twitch- A platform for giving back

    One of the many reason Cameron loves streaming, is the opportunity it provides her to give back to the community. Twitch has been such a big influence in helping her overcome the obstacles in her life, that she feels very fortunate to be able to use her channel to help others in the same way. Using twitch, she has done multiple charity streams to raise money for various causes. One stream she has done that is particularly near and dear to her heart, was for her friend that was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Using her channel, she was able to raise money that went to help paying for her medical bills. If there is one thing Cameron could pass along to other streamers like herself it is that even if you aren’t asked to do a charity stream, if you have the opportunity to do so, reach out and find ways to use your channel for good. There is no better feeling in the world than helping someone in need!

    Charity Stream Details

    Cameron’s charity stream will be on November 24th beginning at 2pm EST in support of aiding Penny Jackson in raising funds to purchase e-sight eyewear technology. Penny had suffered two strokes affecting the optic nerves in each of her eyes. This left her with only peripheral vision in her left eye, weakened vision in the right and high light sensitivity in both. With the help of this corrective e-sight eyewear, Penny will be able to regain not only her vision, but her independence as well. Cameron will be combining this fundraiser with her annual Thanksgiving stream. Some content you can look forward to seeing is cooking, comedy, singing, dancing, live art demos, and more! Like many other charity events we will be giving thank you gifts based on your donation tier, in addition to raffling off a few grand prizes. Prizes will consist of things like amazon gift cards, tee-shirts, headphones, art/creative writing supplies, Tiny Hands, and more! Prizes will vary based on the tier level of donations to the cause. Our goal for this event is to raise $1,000+ for Penny’s new glasses. Any amount you feel comfortable donating is greatly appreciated! Regardless of your ability to donate, we encourage and hope you tune in and enjoy the fun with the rest of this amazing online community on Sunday November 24th at 2PM EST!

    To learn more about or stay up to date with Cameron and her Twitch Community, please check out her Twitch Channel, Twitter, or Instagram!

     

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    Learning Without Limits – National Center on Accessible Education Materials at CAST

    Date Posted: August 23, 2019
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    Learning Without Limits – National Center on Accessible Education Materials at CAST

    Looking back, many of us cannot remember difficulties we faced as young students, when learning the tasks we now see as simple. Things like reading, writing, using a computer or smart phone, and more. We have known how to do tasks like these for so long, we don’t even have to think, we just do it. In school, we might have had difficulty understanding material but not the basic functions we use to study and learn. Taking notes, reading chapters, watching educational videos, and studying flashcards are all key study tactics. But what if one day in middle school or high school, you suddenly lose your sight or hearing? Now, these simple everyday tasks have become some of your biggest challenges as a student. What do you do now? How can you imagine keeping up with your studies, when you have to relearn the basics from scratch? With the help of the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), these challenges can be conquered.

    Expanding Learning Opportunities for All

    The National AEM Center at CAST is a federally funded technical assistance center based out of the nonprofit organization CAST. The mission of CAST is to remove learning barriers by creating inclusive and flexible learning environments. With a goal of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), they know accessibility is a primary factor that needs to be available. We spoke with Luis Perez, a Technical Assistant Specialist at CAST, and he describes accessibility as, “the welcome mat of UDL. It is the first steps to creating a full UDL environment.” He further explained to us, “You need to be able to interact with the environment, receive the information, respond and if we don’t take care of those accessibility requirements upfront, it makes it that much more difficult for students to have access to higher learning skills.” Gaining access to learning tools like this is a life changer!

    Programs and Resources

    AEM at CAST provides a multitude of resources to help individuals of all ages and abilities learn and develop necessary skills needed for furthering education, as well as workforce development. For people unfamiliar with AEM’s, regardless of age or need, they provide a collection of frequently asked questions and need to know information on their Quick Starts website. They also provide a free online course, open to everyone. The course consists of 5 sections, listed below:

    1. Introduction to Accessible Educational Materials and Technologies
    2. How to Make your Documents Accessible
    3. How to Locate Captioned Videos and Make your Own
    4. How to Find Specialized Formats of Print Materials
    5. How to Select Accessible Digital Materials

    Additionally, the National AEM Center performs webinars on a monthly basis through Zoom meetings. Each webinar is on a new topic related to the accessibility of education materials. These webinars are perfect to help individuals learn about the different tools available, while also explaining how they are used. But they do not stop there! They also do a number of conference presentations out in the field. This allows them to disseminate information on new policies, new technologies, and new approaches to accessibility. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to collect data to accurately determine the current needs of the field. Using this data, they can further research and development of tools and materials to fully meet the needs of all individuals. The main contribution from CAST, however, has been the creation of the UDL Guidelines. They are based on a combination of research on the learning brain and best practices educators have contributed over the years. To date, these guidelines are being used worldwide by people interested in creating more inclusive learning environments.

    In conclusion, apart from learning about accessibility, remember it is more than just creating accessible learning environments, but creating ones where learners are engaged and have options for how to show their understanding. That is where Universal Design for Learning comes in.

    For more information on the National AEM Center at CAST, we urge you to visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. If interested in getting involved, sign up for their AEM Connector newsletter and follow their event postings on social media.

     

     

     

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    Dreamscape Works With Louisiana Elementary School To Create A Sensory Room

    Date Posted: June 7, 2019
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    Dreamscape Works With Louisiana Elementary School To Create A Sensory Room

    For many, the first years of school can be a frightening time. Not knowing other students or leaving your parents for hours on end can be hard for any child, especially when living with a disability. The caring and dedicated faculty at Whispering Forest Elementary in Slidell, Louisiana, are well aware of this fact and on a mission to help make school a fun and happy experience for every student. But with over 560 students both abled and disabled, how can they expect to handle every situation when all their needs are different? Even students with the same disability react different. Some, when frightened or upset, can be soothed by calm music. Others may react better to playing with soft, sensory friendly objects or toys. Students with a visual impairment may have a sensitivity to light and need a dimly lit area. Well, what if there was a private classroom that could accommodate all of these needs and more?

    A Classroom Not Meant for Learning

    Whispering Forest is in the process of designing and implementing a complete sensory room. This room will be unlike any other accommodation they have to offer. Fit for any need, a sensory room is a therapeutic space with a variety of equipment that provides students with special needs a personalized sensory input; to help them calm and focus themselves so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others.  “Its very hard to explain what the room is and how it works and how it benefits people, without seeing it and experiencing it”, stressed Whispering Forest teacher Peyton Capretto. At first glance it is common the room will be mistaken as a play area. I mean, what kids wouldn’t love diving into a crash pad or jumping on a waterbed? But for children with sensory, mental, and behavioral disabilities, these activities are equally as therapeutic as they are enjoyable. Many children with autism, sensory processing disorder, and other disabilities can experience a sensory overload. A sensory overload is an episode where the five senses take in more than the brain can process. These episodes can happen at anytime, even something as simple as multiple conversations or bright flashing lights can cause an episode. For young children this can be an extremely frightening experience. That is why a safe, conducive environment can play a major role in working through it and preparing for future incidents.

    Now this room wouldn’t just aid in calming and helping students suffering from sensory overloads. These rooms are also a great way to help children with special needs put themselves in the proper mindset for learning. Students in the Pre-K to 3rd grade levels don’t always focus and pay attention in the classroom. When you can get the students in the right mindset, they will keep focus and increase the effectiveness of each lesson. Sometimes kids just need to blow off steam and get out some energy/anxiety. When children enjoy the learning process, they are more likely to succeed. More so, they are less likely to act up. Bored students become disruptive students, even when they don’t mean to be. This says nothing about the true character of that student, but kids will be kids. It is important to remember and embrace that fact. Allowing small freedoms in a controlled environment where they can throw objects or run and dive into pillows can be all a wild child needs sometimes.

    The Sensory Room Décor

    Where many sensory rooms have similar objects and equipment, each is unique in its own way. The design at Whispering Forest was strategically planned to have a sensory input for every child’s needs. So what will their room consist of, you might ask? We start with the needs of the students and what would help them best calm themselves and prepare for learning. These needs can range across multiple senses from visual, to sound, and lastly physical. For the visual aids, Whispering Forest plans to implement multiple acrylic mirrors, 2 interactive bubble tubes, and a number of effects projectors. All of which hold a therapeutic purpose. Sound can have a major impact on people with special needs or sensory disabilities. In the sensory room, calming and peaceful sounds/music are all around. Through multiple stereos, sound systems, and speakers, children can listen to sounds of nature, or light calming music depending on what they react to. But that’s not all. In addition, a vibroacoustic platform will be installed which not only plays music but will vibrate in accordance with the beat. Lastly, for physical accommodations. There will be a waterbed surrounded by crash pads and floor mats for the students to lay on and jump into. All these accommodations sound like great fun and excitement, but their true nature is shown when they are seen in action. The impact they can have on an upset child is unlike any other option a school can offer.

    Dreamscape’s First Efforts of Support

    Recently, on Saturday June 1st, the Dreamscape Foundation teamed up with Twitch Streamer: PaintWithJade, to host a 12 hour charity stream event. But for Jade that wasn’t enough. She decided to continue on and dedicated her following 2 streams towards the campaign as well. As we are still wrapping up the final details and preparing for the raffle prize drawing, we anticipate that through Jade’s efforts, $800-$900 will be contributed towards the school’s fundraising goal of just over $11,400. While we still have a ways to go, this truly was an incredible first step towards helping hundreds of children get the most out of their education. Our next event is still to be determined, but rest assured, there is still more to come! Lastly, all of us at the Dreamscape Foundation and Whispering Forest would like to thank Jade for her efforts and support!

    For more information on Whispering Forest’s campaign and how to get involved, please feel free to give us a call: (239) 325-1881 or send us an email: info@dreamscapefoundation.org.

     

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    Live Accessible Changes Lives for the Blind

    Date Posted: May 10, 2019
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    Live Accessible Changes Lives for the Blind

    Whether you were born with a visual impairment or developed one throughout your life, it can be extremely difficult to find the resources and tools you need. Over the years, accessibility concerns have been growing and a lot is being done to help the blind and visually impaired community. But while new accessible internet designs and assistive technology are being developed and implemented, we are still forgetting one thing… Knowledge. Where individuals or families impacted by a visual impairment may now be able to use assistive tech or access the internet, how do they know what tools and options are best for them? Or how they can research and learn about these new developments? That is where Live Accessible hopes to fill in the gaps.

    Who is Live Accessible?

    Live Accessible is a platform created to provide visually impaired people with resources and information they need to learn about the many programs, communities, technologies and more that are available to them. Additionally, they have a very active Youtube Channel, loaded with helpful tips and advice for the blind community. It was founded by Carrie Morales, a young woman who has lived her entire life with a visual impairment. Carrie was born with Aniridia, an eye disorder where the iris (colored part of the eye) is either partially or completely missing. This condition causes a loss of visual acuity and sensitivity to light. In addition, as Carrie got older, she developed Cataracts (age 6) as well as Glaucoma (age 15). Inside every eye, there is a natural lens that captures light to help us see. Cataracts cause this lens to become clouded and diminishes the ability of the eye to pick up light. Glaucoma is caused from a build up of pressure in the eye most commonly from excess fluid. The increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, diminishing the connection between your eye and brain.

    Carrie knows that life with a visual impairment/s can be difficult but it’s not just the disability that makes things hard. Growing up, one of the toughest difficulties she faced was the reaction from society. One of the effects of her visual impairments causes her eyes to move constantly. She does not always have a way to control it because her eyes are simply trying to focus on something they cannot. For her it was the reactions she would get from people in her every day life and the stereotypes that came with them. But she did not let this discourage her! With the help of her Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and different organizations providing her and her parents with resources, she was able to figure out what was out there to help her. Without these, she never would have known about the assistive technology or programs that could help her and her family. Additionally, through these resources she found the visually impaired community. Just being with and talking to people who understood what she was going through helped her to finally not feel alone.

    Using Personal Experiences to Help Others

    Despite these conditions and difficulties, Carrie has remained positive and now wants to use her own personal experiences to help others struggling with conditions/difficulties of their own. But she is not alone here! Her husband Pablo, who in his mid-twenties went completely blind, also brings his own unique experiences and perspective to Live Accessible. Pablo went from having perfect vision to being completely blind within a matter of hours due to a medical mistake. Additionally, they have a son, Pablo Joseph, who also has a visual disability. Together, they want to help those facing their own difficulties find the resources they need to fully equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to live a fully accessible life. Whether it be tech related, parenting advice for a child with visual impairments or parents with visual impairments, and much more! With a combination of constant resources and information provided on their site, along with the walk throughs, tips and tricks for the blind on their Youtube Channel; Live Accessible, wants to give people the knowledge they need to live a life without limits.

    At Live Accessible, they are clean and clear with their goals and purpose. “We don’t claim to know everything but, we have a lot of experiences and want you to take advantage of them.” Dedicated only to helping people educate themselves and not feel as if they are alone!

    To learn more about Live Accessible and see all they have to provide, you can check out their site or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube!

     

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    Joys and Challenges: Tips for Disabled People on Preparing for Parenthood

    Date Posted: March 21, 2018
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    Joys and Challenges: Tips for Disabled People on Preparing for Parenthood

    There’s a longstanding misperception that disabled people either aren’t physically able to be parents, or that they need extensive and ongoing assistance. Some people believe that an expectant disabled couple has twice as much work to do getting ready to be parents, having to accommodate both their disabilities and the demands of parenthood. In fact, they face the same challenges that any parent faces: their baby will need a crib and changing table, baby clothes, and the emotional support of loving parents. Getting up for a 3 a.m. feeding may be the hardest adjustment for any parent, disabled or not.

    By the time they become parents, a disabled couple’s home has already been adapted to accommodate their physical needs. There may, however, be a few logistical arrangements to make depending on the nature of their disability. Most of these adjustments can be made with easily acquired special equipment. Just like any parent, disabled people are simply interested in making the job of parenting as easy as possible.

    Taking care of the details

    Getting ready for the blessed event means planning ahead, figuring out what you’ll need and what changes you might need to make. In most cases, standard baby equipment works fine, though it might be necessary to fine-tune things a bit. If your upper body mobility is limited, it might be necessary to adjust your baby stroller so that you can easily carry along a diaper bag, bottles, pacifiers and other essential items. If you’re in a wheelchair, you may need to purchase a special velcro strap that allows you to connect it to your stroller or baby chair, something many disabled parents have found a useful and efficient way to improve mobility. An adjustable crib is another highly useful item that makes things easier for parents and safer for baby.

    Baby-proofing your home

    Making your home safe for a child is a matter of identifying and anticipating potential dangers. You’ll need to get safety gates for the top and bottom of all stairways, and install baby locks that keep little hands from getting into cleaning supplies and medicine chests. Be careful to keep sharp kitchen objects well out of reach, and place special baby covers on the controls on your stove. If access is an issue, parents in wheelchairs may need to have a ramp or lift installed for safer front and back door access.

    Get your rest

    Well-rested parents may seem like an oxymoron, but you need to take care of yourself to give your child the care he or she needs. Set up a schedule so that you and your spouse take turns feeding your child and changing diapers late at night. Even if you’re an experienced parent, caring for a little one can be overwhelming. Try to arrange things so that you both get a little time away to recharge your emotional batteries. It’s an important consideration – you both need time to process your feelings and relax a bit.

    IVF

    In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be a viable option for parents who are having trouble conceiving. According to Qunomedical, the national average for IVF treatments is $12,000, while medications may cost as much as $5,000. Some insurance companies help cover the cost of treatments, but for most people IVF is a costly process. Consider borrowing from a retirement fund or taking out a home equity loan to avoid high-interest loans. It can be well worth it: the success and availability of in vitro fertilization have given hope to many infertile couples who have not been able to conceive. Since 1978, 5.4 million babies have been born worldwide with the help of IVF.

    Joys and challenges

    Disabled parents anticipate the same joys and challenges that all parents expect. But being disabled does not mean they’re not prepared for the difficulties of caring for a little one. Preparation is the key, and anticipating needs that allow you make any logistical adjustments well in advance.

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