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iHEAL Awards 40 iPads to Local Schools
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Nassau County class celebrates their iHEAL iPads — Fall 2015
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iHEAL - iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives, has awarded over 100 iPads to local teachers in ESE (Exceptional Student Education) classrooms across 6 school districts throughout Northeast Florida. Through the generosity of those in our community, iHEAL is awarding another 40 teachers new iPads plus $25 gift cards for apps to 12 schools. The iPads will serve 246 children with special needs, of which 45 are non-verbal. Seven iPads also were awarded to four schools at the HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism for being the top school fundraising teams.
HEAL has donated $85,000 in the first quarter of 2016. The $15,000 in iPads is in addition to the $70,000 HEAL recently granted as a part of its spring grants, which will serve over 300 children and teens in Northeast Florida.
The HEAL Foundation is proud to have donated $1.4 million to assist individuals with Autism and their families throughout the Northeast Florida Area. Through grants, HEAL supports schools with educational enhancements and provides funds for specialized camps, programs and team sports.
HEAL will offer grants this fall, including iHEAL teacher grants. To apply, visit HEAL's grant page.
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HEAL Founders Featured in Parents Magazine
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 The HEAL Foundation and its founders, Leslie and Bobby Weed with daughter Lanier, are featured in the May issue of a national publication, Parents Magazine. The Power of Parents is a monthly column in which the magazine spotlights parents who make a difference in their community. The article, "Tech Support for Kids with Autism" highlights HEAL's new technology initiative, iHEAL - iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives. Below is the featured column:
The Power of Parents
Tech Support for Kids with Autism
Leslie and Bobby Weed of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida were distraught when their 2-year-old non-verbal daughter, Lanier, was diagnosed with autism in 2001. But Leslie wanted to help other families, so they founded the Healing Every Autistic Life Foundation (HEAL) Foundation (healautismnow.org) to provide funds for specialized programs, education, and more. One of its biggest initiatives is iHEAL, a partnership with Apple that gives iPads to teachers and trains them to use apps to better teach students with autism. The program is currently being implemented in schools in northeast Florida. The tablet has also had a huge impact on Lanier, now 17. "She's still non-verbal, but she can communicate to us through her iPad and tell us how her day was," Leslie says, "It's a miracle." —Jennifer Cole
Specials thanks to Sara Gomez of Beautiful Pieces Photography for taking the photo of the Weed family. Sara specializes in special needs photography. Contact Sara for your family photography session at BeautifulPiecesPhotography@gmail.com.
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Save the Date: Great Ponte Vedra Paddle
Monday, September 5!
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Mark your calendars for the Fifth Annual Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL - Presented by One Call Care Management at Mickler’s Landing in Ponte Vedra on Monday, September 5. This is a family fun event that you don’t want to miss! Start your Stand Up Paddle training now and practice for the fun 1-mile sprint, 3-mile race, or 5-mile elite distance! New this year for kids is the Great Sand & Sea Obstacle Course!
There will be music, raffles and more fun than ever! So come have fun and support a great cause on Monday, September 5 at the Great Ponte Vedra Paddle. Registration opens soon!
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Special Needs Introduction to Yoga Workshop
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Sign up now for this May 22 workshop offered to those with Special Needs and their families. Flip Dog Yoga will hold the workshop at Big Fish Power Yoga Studio, 3852 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, at the South Beach Regional Shopping Center (also home to Home Depot and Trader Joe’s).
This workshop includes a presentation detailing the benefits of yoga, including sensory processing, motor skills, and socialization with others. A yoga demonstration and practice is also included in this workshop. This workshop will be followed by a six-week series, arranged by age, starting on Sunday, May 29.
Email flipdogyogallc@gmail.com for a registration form.
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Upcoming Events in Northeast Florida
| DATE |
EVENT |
| May 22 |
Special Needs Introduction to Yoga Workshop - Sign up now for this workshop offered to those with Special Needs and their families. Flip Dog Yoga and Angelica O’Shea will hold the workshop at Big Fish Power Yoga Studio, 3852 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, at the South Beach Regional Shopping Center (also home to Home Depot and Trader Joe’s). This workshop includes a presentation detailing the benefits of yoga, a Q & A session, and a yoga demonstration and practice. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. This workshop will be followed by a six-week series, arranged by age, starting on Sunday, May 29. Email flipdogyogallc@gmail.com for a registration form. |
| May 24 |
Digital Citizenship – Online Safety - In this training, middle and high school students will learn about managing their digital footprints in an appropriate and safe manner. This third session will teach students about how to stay safe online, how to responsibly represent themselves through the internet, and how to preserve their digital reputation. Registration is required, register online. Click here for a flyer, or for more information contact audrey.bringman@jax.ufl.edu. |
| May 29 - June 25 |
Arc Life Experience 2016 - Participants aged 18 and up obtain a sneak preview and crash course on living independently. Individuals will work on social emotional skills, leisure skills and daily living tasks. Accepting applications now – Session is $3,900 for a four-week session. CDC/MedWaiver accepted. For more information and applications, contact 904-620-3890 or Arcjacksonville.org. |
| May 31 - Aug. 5 |
Dramaworks Summer Camp with Healthy U Now - This is an improvisational inclusion program for children through young adults who are on the mild to moderate end of the spectrum. Individuals with related disorders are also welcome. Camp begins at 9:00 AM and is held at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive in Ponte Vedra. Contact Healthy U Now for more information at 904-834-2938 or contact@healthyunow.org. |
| June 6 - Aug. 4 |
LEAP into Summer - Beaches Speech Therapy and Occuplay are holding week long camps all summer long! For children ages 2-5, this camp will emphasize language enrichment, play and social engagement. Registered therapists and interns will facilitate small, fun groups. For more information contact beachesspeechtherapy@outlook.com or nancy@occuplayinc.com. |
| June 11 |
Microsoft Gaming Party - The Microsoft Store at the St. Johns Town Center will set up Xbox One consoles in the theater space for gaming from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Breakout session for parents during the program. Forty spots available. Register online. |
| June 13 - Aug. 5 |
Keystone Camp for kids and young adults, ages 5-22. Several options available for typical, high-functioning, and for a wide range of special needs. Contact Keystone Behavioral at 904-619-6071 or info@keystonebehavioral.com. |
| June 14 |
Summer Institute Regional Training - “You’re Going to Love This Kid.” At the CARD Center from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Participants will learn about legislation related to transition preparation and strategies to enhance transition outcomes. For more information contact autumn.mauch@jax.ufl.edu. |
| June 20-29 |
Summer Camp at Keystone - Preschoolers from 18 months through kindergarten. Designed to develop positive social skills. Contact Keystone at 904-619-6071 or at info@keystonebehavioral.com. |
| June 11 |
Bowling Buddies - Join friends at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Brittany and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing blg11241990@comcast.net. |
| June 29 |
Surfers for Autism Registration opens for 7th Annual First Coast Beach Festival in Flagler Beach. SFA will spend a day teaching individuals with Autism to surf and have fun in the water on August 20. This great event fills up fast so register your child or young adult to participate now, or sign up to volunteer for this fun day! Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information. |
| July 3 - 30 |
Arc Life Experience 2016 - Participants aged 18 and up obtain a sneak preview and crash course on living independently. Individuals will work on social emotional skills, leisure skills and daily living tasks. Accepting applications now – Session is $3,900 for a four-week session. CDC/MedWaiver accepted. For more information and applications, contact 904-620-3890 or Arcjacksonville.org. |
| July 5 - 29 |
Camp Possible at Henderson Haven - This summer’s weekly themes include Petting Zoo, Dr. Seuss, Winter Wonderland and Wacky Water Week with a Water Slide! Contact Henderson Haven to find out if this camp is right for your child at 904-264-2522 or by emailing info@hendersonhaven.org. |
| July 17 |
Special Needs Introduction to Yoga Workshop - Sign up now for this workshop offered to those with Special Needs and their families. Flip Dog Yoga and Angelica O’Shea will hold the workshop at Big Fish Power Yoga Studio, 3852 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, at the South Beach Regional Shopping Center (also home to Home Depot and Trader Joe’s). This workshop includes a presentation detailing the benefits of yoga, a Q & A session, and a yoga demonstration and practice. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. This workshop will be followed by a six-week series, arranged by age, starting on Sunday, July 24. Email flipdogyogallc@gmail.com for a registration form. |
| Aug. 10 |
Surfers for Autism Registration opens for 7th Annual North Coast Beach Festival in Jacksonville Beach. SFA will spend a day teaching individuals with Autism to surf and have fun in the water on September 24. This great event fills up fast so register your child or young adult to participate now, or sign up to volunteer for this fun day! Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information. |
| Aug. 20 |
7th Annual First Coast Beach Festival with Surfers for Autism in Flagler Beach. Register in advance for this family day of fun with a great Florida non-profit. They will be at Flagler Beach Pier from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information or to register in advance. |
| Sept. 5 |
The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL at Mickler’s Landing. Save the date and start your Stand Up Paddleboard training now! This outing is fun for the whole family. Join us for 4 paddle races, music, and fun at the beach. Email events@healautismnow.org for information on sponsorships and tents. Registration opens soon. |
| Sep. 24 |
7th Annual North Coast Beach Festival with Surfers for Autism in Jacksonville Beach. Register in advance for this family day of fun with a great Florida non-profit. They will be in Jax Beach at 1515 First St. N from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information or to register in advance. |
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