According to the March of Dimes, the U.S. preterm birth rate has increased for the fourth year in a row. About in 1 in 10 babies is born too soon in the U.S. each year. Babies who survive an early birth often have breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and other lifelong problems. Visit the March of Dimes website below to learn more about this global problem, including resources and ways to take action. Let us honor and support preemies and their families all month long!
Book Alert! Say "Yes Please!" to Vegetables
Check out “Adventures in Veggieland” – an easy recipe book and activity planner that encourages children to interact with vegetables! The primary focus is getting children to explore and interact with healthy foods by making recipes and participating in fun projects. Check out the link here!
Trick-or-Treat at Speech!
We are getting excited for Halloween! Wear your costume to speech therapy on Halloween day to trick-or-treat for special prizes in the office! What do you think your therapist will be dressed as?
South Shore Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
Looking for family-friendly Halloween fun on the South Shore? We have trick-or-treat information, spooky story times, ghost and witch crafts or other Halloween family fun in Hanover, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Hull, Marshfield, Duxbury, Pembroke, Whitman, Hanson, Rockland, and Abington!
Today is International Stuttering Awareness Day!
The International Stuttering Association has recognized International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) since 1998. This day “recognizes the growing alliance between speech-language professionals and consumers, who are learning from each other and working together to share, give support, and educate one another and the general public on the impact that stuttering has on individuals’ lives.” You can learn more about ISAD and conferences available through the International Stuttering Association. Also - check out Stuttering Therapy Resources, Inc. for a variety of free resources including ways to minimize bullying and tips to empower children to advocate for themselves.
Adult Based Support Groups in MA
It can be difficult to find the right kind of support during a transitional time in one's life following an injury. However, there are resources and educated professionals available! While this may not be the closest location, Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital provides support groups for both those who have sustained injuries and their caregivers.
The support groups and contact numbers are below. Visit Fairlawn’s website for additional info!
Brain Injury Caregiver Support Group
Date: Last Wednesday of each month
Time: 5-7 pm
Location: 1 Norcross Family Conference Room
Contact: Megan Bonner at 508-791-6351, Ext. 346
Stroke Support Group
Date: Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 2-3:30 pm
Location: First floor cafeteria at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital (189 May Street, Worcester)
Contact: Linda Larson at 508-791-6351, Ext. 393
Post Concussive Support Group
Date: First Wednesday of each month
Time: 9:30- 11:30 am
Location: Fairlawn’s first floor cafeteria
Contact: Karla McAuliffe at 508-791-6351, Ext. 560
SLP Center Will Be Closed on Monday!
In observation of Columbus Day, the SLP Center will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14th, 2019.
Please call the office should you need any assistance with your schedule. Thank you!
Make Traveling with Kids Fun!
Next time you’re in a major airport, check out one of these fun areas built specially for children! For example, Boston’s Logan Airport has two designated play areas for kids designed by the Children’s Museum of Boston and Playtime. Check out the link below to find the full list of domestic and international airports.
Family Field Day and Fall Festival - October 6 - Norwell, MA
When: Sunday, October 6th, 2019 from 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Where: South Shore Medical Center, Norwell
What: SSMC’s fourth annual Family Field Day and Fall Festival is a FREE outdoor event that is open to the community and offers fun activities for people of all ages.
Activities include: soccer, baseball, golf, and football challenges, a visit from the New England Revolution Street Team, touch a fire truck, music, arts & crafts, obstacle course, giant games, and more!
Come by, grab a bite to eat from the food trucks, and enjoy a day of healthy family fun at South Shore Medical Center in Norwell!
Introducing The EAT Bar - High Calorie Snack For Individuals With Swallowing Difficulties
“Based on decades of experience, our pioneering team of clinicians has created the EAT Bar, a melt-in-your-mouth, easy calorie snack designed to require minimal chewing for children and adults wanting foods that are easier-to-swallow. With 200-calories per serving, these coated meringue snacks are easy-to-chew, dissolve quickly and come in four irresistible flavors that are GMO-free, gluten-free, nut-free and Kosher. “
These bars were designed by an SLP with feeding and swallowing disorders in mind. To learn more or buy some for your family, visit the link below!
Cere-bration Field Day & 5k on Cape Cod - Sept. 21, 2019
“In addition to the combination of "Cerebellum" and "Celebration" - The term "Cere-Bration" is defined as: the working of the brain; thinking!
This event is the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts' largest event, expanding upon the former Walk & Roll for Brain Injury, bringing hundreds of people together in celebration, remembrance, and camaraderie! All of the funds raised by this event will directly support the important mission of BIA-MA – creating a better future for those affected by brain injury.
This event is open to ALL – we hope you will join us at the beautiful Buzzards Bay Recreation Area on the Cape Cod Canal for a day of fun and festivities.”
SLP Center will be CLOSED for Labor Day
Friendly reminder to all our families, the SLP Center will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, 2019 in observation of Labor Day. We hope you all enjoy the final long weekend of summer! Please call the office with any questions or schedule changes!
Books to Get in the Back-to-School Groove!
It’s that time of year again! Labor Day Weekend is approaching, the temperature is (hypothetically) getting cooler, and we are all busy getting our little ones ready for a new school year. Sometimes the shift between summer and fall is tricky, for school first timers or older children alike. Here are some bedtime reading books to help transition into the groove of school!
Let's Talk About The Siblings of Children With Speech & Language Disorders
Book Recommendation Alert: “Everybody Needs a Turn: A Book for Brothers and Sisters of Children With Speech and Language Disorders” by Denise Underkoffler, SLP; Illustrations by Lindsay Dale-Scott.
“Many brothers and sisters of children with a speech-language disorder have a hard time understanding why their sibling is getting extra attention. It’s no surprise when they feel left out.”
Click the link below to learn more about a this book’s sweet message to help children and families understand.
High School Graduation Speech Given By Assistive Technology!
Ahmed Ali is a young man who uses assistive technology to communicate.
“Ahmed recently graduated from the Minneapolis Public Schools’ Transition Plus program which helps special needs students with educational difficulties transition from high school to adult life. Having a student use voice assistance technology during a graduation speech was a first for the Minnesota school district, but Ahmed did not disappoint. His speech was equal parts articulate, poignant, and at times even humorous.”
Following this link to listen to his speech. And get ready to feel inspired!
Story Time and Crafts in Cohasset!
Drop by Buttonwood Books and Toys in Cohasset every Friday at 10:00am for a casual get-together featuring stories, both new and classic titles, and a themed craft. Story Time and Crafts is suitable for children ages 3 & up (or younger with supervision). Can’t make it to Story Time and Crafts? No problem! Buttonwood hosts book groups, events, and activities for all ages, children through adults! Check out their website!
Creating Positive Food Memories
While many have positive and happy memories surrounding food, such as Thanksgiving dinner or ice cream cones in the summertime, it’s easy to recognize that not all experiences with food are positive. Thus, it is important to understand that people have complex emotions and reactions to food. Speech Language Pathologist and pediatric feeding specialist, Cindy Herdé, wrote a piece about 5 tips to help create positive food memories. Click the link below to read about the tips!
Conversational Tips from an Internet-Famous Father/Son Duo
Chances are, if you’ve been on social media at any point in the last few weeks, you’ve probably seen the adorable father/son video pictured below. While this video is exceptionally cute, it also can serve as an excellent example of how to interact with your own young child. Click on the link below to see the video and get some great communication tips!
Less Plastic In Landfills: Crayola ColorCycle Recycles Used Markers
“Crayola and schools across North America are banding together to help kids understand the importance of their role in protecting the environment. That’s why we launched Crayola ColorCycle. Through this initiative, students in K-12 schools across the continental United States and parts of Canada can collect and repurpose used Crayola markers.”
That means less plastic in landfills and oceans. Crayola makes it so easy - get your school involved, collect used markers of ANY brand, and pack them up. Crayola will pay all shipping fees and FedEx Ground will pick up the box! Let’s band together to protect our world!
Visit www.crayola.com/colorcycle to learn more!
South Shore Fun for 4th of July!
We hope you and your families have a fun and safe 4th of July!
Here's a list of local parades, fireworks, and other activities to enjoy!
