Have a fun and safe Halloween!!
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
October 2015 Newsletter
The Unicorn Children's Foundation October 2015 Newsletter is now available online. Make sure to take a peek, because there are a lot of important dates to mark in your calendar!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Help Congratulate Harry
We are proud to induct Harry Meran of The Meran Group of Wells Fargo Advisers into the Order of the Unicorn at our Around The World with Unicorn Luncheon at Indian Creek Country Club on November 18, 2015.
Through their generosity, this philanthropic group of gentlemen ensure the continuation of education, awareness, and research initiatives that will improve the quality of life of children and young adults with neurodiversity. Members inducted into this brotherhood are presented with exclusively designed and donated Unicorn shield cufflinks from Gregory's Fine Jewelry as a symbol of their generosity which will be recognized in perpetuity.
Help congratulate Harry by placing an ad in our Video Journal.
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
Through their generosity, this philanthropic group of gentlemen ensure the continuation of education, awareness, and research initiatives that will improve the quality of life of children and young adults with neurodiversity. Members inducted into this brotherhood are presented with exclusively designed and donated Unicorn shield cufflinks from Gregory's Fine Jewelry as a symbol of their generosity which will be recognized in perpetuity.
Help congratulate Harry by placing an ad in our Video Journal.
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
SOCIAL CAPITAL: BUILDING COMMUNITY from the Inside Out
A report from the Oct 9, 2015 Symposium conducted by Interdependence Network for the Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Help Congratulate Bill
We are proud to induct Bill Kruegel of Sunshine Health into the Order of the Unicorn at our Around The World with Unicorn Luncheon at Indian Creek Country Club on November 18, 2015.
Through their generosity, this philanthropic group of gentlemen ensure the continuation of education, awareness, and research initiatives that will improve the quality of life of children and young adults with neurodiversity. Members inducted into this brotherhood are presented with exclusively designed and donated Unicorn shield cufflinks from Gregory's Fine Jewelry as a symbol of their generosity which will be recognized in perpetuity.
Help congratulate Bill by placing an ad in our Video Journal.
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
Through their generosity, this philanthropic group of gentlemen ensure the continuation of education, awareness, and research initiatives that will improve the quality of life of children and young adults with neurodiversity. Members inducted into this brotherhood are presented with exclusively designed and donated Unicorn shield cufflinks from Gregory's Fine Jewelry as a symbol of their generosity which will be recognized in perpetuity.
Help congratulate Bill by placing an ad in our Video Journal.
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
Monday, October 26, 2015
Help Congratulate Barry
We are proud to induct Barry Halperin into the Order of the Unicorn at our Around The World with Unicorn Luncheon at Indian Creek Country Club on November 18, 2015.
Through their generosity, this philanthropic group of gentlemen ensure the continuation of education, awareness, and research initiatives that will improve the quality of life of children and young adults with neurodiversity. Members inducted into this brotherhood are presented with exclusively designed and donated Unicorn shield cufflinks from Gregory's Fine Jewelry as a symbol of their generosity which will be recognized in perpetuity.
Help congratulate Barry by placing an ad in our Video Journal.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Save the Date for The Angel Ball
Join Unicorn Children's Foundation on 2/27/16 at Boca West Country Club!!
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala/
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/gala/
Thursday, October 22, 2015
ESE Fall Parent Forum: Self-Determination, November 19th at 5pm
Parents who have a child with a disability will not want to miss out on this opportunity to hear about Self-Determination: Providing a Roadmap For Success!
The Palm Beach County ESE Advisory Council and School District’s ESE Department invite parents to attend this year’s Fall Parent Forum.
The topic covered at this forum, Self-Determination, is meant to help parents facilitate children with disabilities “to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger.” Come participate in the community resource fair, presentation and break-out sessions!
The Palm Beach County ESE Advisory Council and School District’s ESE Department invite parents to attend this year’s Fall Parent Forum.
The topic covered at this forum, Self-Determination, is meant to help parents facilitate children with disabilities “to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger.” Come participate in the community resource fair, presentation and break-out sessions!
Celebrate in Royal Style
Unicorn Children's Foundation invites you to celebrate the holidays in royal style...
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/holiday/
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/holiday/
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Meet Sesame Street's First Character with Autism: 'We Want to Create Greater Awareness and Empathy'
@RoseMinutaglio
10/21/2015 AT 09:25 AM EDT
Fuzzy favorites Grover, Abby and Elmo are joined by their newest muppet pal, Julia, a character with autism, in Sesame Street Workshop's new nationwide initiative.
Launched Wednesday morning, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children aims to reduce "the stigma of autism" with the introduction of the first muppet with autism.
The initiative, created for communities and families with children ages 2 to 5, includes a free downloadable app that incorporates video, digital story cards designed to make daily life tasks easier for families of children with autism and storybook materials for providers, organizations and caregivers.
"Children with autism are five times more likely to get bullied," senior vice president of U.S. social impact, Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, tells PEOPLE. "And with one in 68 children having autism, that's a lot of bullying. Our goal is to bring forth what all children share in common, not their differences. Children with autism share in the joy of playing and loving and being friends and being part of a group."
Launched Wednesday morning, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children aims to reduce "the stigma of autism" with the introduction of the first muppet with autism.
The initiative, created for communities and families with children ages 2 to 5, includes a free downloadable app that incorporates video, digital story cards designed to make daily life tasks easier for families of children with autism and storybook materials for providers, organizations and caregivers.
"Children with autism are five times more likely to get bullied," senior vice president of U.S. social impact, Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, tells PEOPLE. "And with one in 68 children having autism, that's a lot of bullying. Our goal is to bring forth what all children share in common, not their differences. Children with autism share in the joy of playing and loving and being friends and being part of a group."
Looking to highlight commonalities among children instead of focusing on differences, the app and online videos explain what having autism is like from the perspective of a child with autism.
"This is what makes our project so unique," says Dr. Betancourt. "When we explain from a child's point of view that there are certain behaviors, such as slapping their hands or making noises, to express excitement or unhappiness, it helps younger children to understand how to interact with their autistic peers. It makes children more comfortable and therefor more inclusive."
Directed at families with children with autism as well as the general public,Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children hopes to educate parents on best practices for everyday stressful situations such as brushing teeth, going to bed and crossing the street.
"This is what makes our project so unique," says Dr. Betancourt. "When we explain from a child's point of view that there are certain behaviors, such as slapping their hands or making noises, to express excitement or unhappiness, it helps younger children to understand how to interact with their autistic peers. It makes children more comfortable and therefor more inclusive."
Directed at families with children with autism as well as the general public,Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children hopes to educate parents on best practices for everyday stressful situations such as brushing teeth, going to bed and crossing the street.
"Families with autistic children tend to gravitate toward digital content, which is why we created Julia digitally," executive vice president of global impacts and philanthropy, Sherrie Westin, tells PEOPLE. "We want parents and children to understand that autism isn't an uncomfortable topic.
In the storybooks, Julia explains to her Sesame Street friends how she likes to play a little differently from them.
"If you're five years old, and see another kid not making eye contact with you, you may think that child doesn't want to play with you. But that's not the case," says Westin. "We want to create greater awareness and empathy."
In the storybooks, Julia explains to her Sesame Street friends how she likes to play a little differently from them.
"If you're five years old, and see another kid not making eye contact with you, you may think that child doesn't want to play with you. But that's not the case," says Westin. "We want to create greater awareness and empathy."
Researches worked for three years developing the initiative and hope it will ultimately bring people together.
"Some people don't even know whether they're even supposed to say the word autistic," says Westin. "By opening up a dialogue we are trying to get rid of any discomfort or awkwardness, it's time to increase understanding."
Sesame Street is expanding the initiative through social media using #SeeAmazing online to promote awareness.
"We are trying to spread the story about the theory behind this whole thing – love and acceptance," says Dr. Betencourt. "Everyone is touched by autism, and by creating Julia, Sesame is bringing children together."
"Some people don't even know whether they're even supposed to say the word autistic," says Westin. "By opening up a dialogue we are trying to get rid of any discomfort or awkwardness, it's time to increase understanding."
Sesame Street is expanding the initiative through social media using #SeeAmazing online to promote awareness.
"We are trying to spread the story about the theory behind this whole thing – love and acceptance," says Dr. Betencourt. "Everyone is touched by autism, and by creating Julia, Sesame is bringing children together."
Angela Fisher To Be Inducted into Visionary Society
We are proud to induct Angela Fisher into the Visionary Society at our Around The World with Unicorn Luncheon at Indian Creek Country Club on November 18, 2015.
The Visionary Society is extraordinary women who are united by their acts of generosity to help kids with special needs excel in the community. Members inducted into this society are presented with an exclusive gold Kaufmann de Suisse unicorn pin featuring a brilliant diamond eye as a beacon of hope.
Help congratulate Angela by placing an ad in our Video Journal.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Michael Israel Visits Unicorn Village Academy
Thank you so much to World Renowned Artist Michael Israel for visiting Unicorn Village Academy yesterday afternoon and for putting together this beautiful montage.
Michael will be unveiling a new series in support of children and families challenged by neurodiversity at Unicorn Children's Foundation's Angel Ball at Boca West Country Club on February 27, 2016.
A Visit to Unicorn Village Academy from Michael Israel on Vimeo.
Monday, October 19, 2015
You're Invited to South Florida's Most Exclusive Venue
Indian Creek Country Club is South Florida's Most Exclusive Venue!
Unicorn Children's Foundation is proud to invite you inside to our Around the World with Unicorn Luncheon on Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
Friday, October 16, 2015
One Month Until Around the World with Unicorn Luncheon
We are a little over a month away from our Around the World with Unicorn Luncheon at South Florida's most EXCLUSIVE venue!!
Secure your tickets now or congratulate one of our honorees here:
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Spirit Day 2015
A 2012 study done by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) at the Kennedy Kreiger Institute reported that 63% of young people with autism were victims of bullying. The study surveyed 1, 167 families of children with autism. This survey also found that 12% of the 695 unaffected siblings of children with autism were also victims of bullying, showing that the students with autism were more than three times as likely to be victims of bullying than their typically-developing peers.
For millions of special needs children with developmental, communication and learning challenges, finding a cure is like chasing a rainbow in that a cure remains elusive. The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is expanding the collective special needs community to help acknowledge, celebrate and integrate the special qualities possessed by neurodiverse children with Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and other learning disorders.
This #SpiritDay, help us take a stand against bullying. To get involved, visit www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org.
Source: http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/autism-and-bullying-in-the-united-states/12624/laurel-joss/
For millions of special needs children with developmental, communication and learning challenges, finding a cure is like chasing a rainbow in that a cure remains elusive. The Unicorn Children’s Foundation is expanding the collective special needs community to help acknowledge, celebrate and integrate the special qualities possessed by neurodiverse children with Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and other learning disorders.
This #SpiritDay, help us take a stand against bullying. To get involved, visit www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org.
Source: http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/autism-and-bullying-in-the-united-states/12624/laurel-joss/
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Playful Monkeys
Impact Report to Unicorn Children’s Foundation in support of their generous support in 2014 for Playful Monkeys at the MAB‐Mackay Rehabilitation Centre’s Communication Disorders Program (CDP)
Monday, October 12, 2015
In Loving Memory of Lady Monica Heftler
In memory of a long time Unicorn supporter, Lady Monica Heftler. Our sincerest condolences to her family and friends. Thank you for your love and generosity over the years.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Building Social Capital Photos
The problem is not in people with disabilities. The problem is in society. - Dr. Al Condeluci at Unicorn Children's Foundation Building Social Capital Symposium
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153679926459784.1073741874.78748044783&type=3
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153679926459784.1073741874.78748044783&type=3
Building Social Capital
The South Florida social capital symposium is getting started. Discussing macro change ideas with advocates in South Florida
Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon
Honoring Angela Fisher at a luncheon at The Wick Theater for our incredible Woman Volunteer of the Year Nominee!!!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Thank You Dr. Al Condeluci!
Dr. Al Condeluci in action at Palm Beach County's Special Needs Advisory Coalition meeting on Housing and Transportation.
Building Social Capital TOMORROW!
Unicorn
Children’s Foundation will present Building
Social Capital Conference on Friday,
October 9, 2015 from 8:00am-4:30pm at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center,
201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL.
The
following experts will discuss how to help individuals with
special needs build social networks and take advantage of natural supports to create a more inclusive
and engaging community for residents of varying abilities:
Dr.
Al Condeluci has been an advocate, a catalyst for building community
capacities, and leader in understanding social culture since 1970. He holds an MSW and PhD from the University
of Pittsburgh, where he is on faculty in the School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences and the School of Social Work. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive
Officer of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), a community based
support system for folks with all types of disabilities in Pittsburgh, PA. Al
has authored 7 books, including the acclaimed- Social Capital: The Key to Macro Change (2014). On June 3, 2014, Dr. Condeluci presented his
philosophy to the world in a TEDx talk.
It can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBUV2J0ax4.
Jeff Fromknecht co-authored Social Capital with Dr. Condeluci.
Jeff is a lawyer, author, and speaker who has a passion for helping
others. He is the the co-founder and Managing Attorney of Side Project Inc.
Jeff is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and Florida and splits
his time between Pittsburgh, PA, and Boynton Beach, FL. His legal work focuses
on the transactional and compliance legal issues impacting tax-exempt
organizations and their work. He holds graduate degrees in both social work and
law and has over 12 years of experience working at nonprofit organizations in a
variety of direct-service and administrative roles.
Jamie Curran has been enhancing the lives of individuals who
have an intellectual disability through his work at Community Living
Mississauga. From his beginnings as a support worker to his current role as
Manager of the Outcomes Support Team, Jamie has always recognized the
importance of social capital in the lives of the individuals he supports as
well as the role it plays on an organizational level. A certified in-house interviewer with the
Council on Quality and Leadership Canada since 2003, Jamie was published in
the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation’s special issue on
social capital and he currently sits on the international research group for
the Interdependence Network based out of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Condelucci
will share the philosophical framework from 9am – 12pm. The afternoon will culminate with examples of
inclusion in action and learning group circles.
To learn more, or to register for this event, please visit www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/conference.
Time is running out!!
Please make sure to save your seat at our Building Social Capital Conference TOMORROW! The fee is waived for the first 40 people to email sharon@eunicorn.org! Don't miss this amazing opportunity!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
The Clock is Ticking!!
Make sure to RSVP by TOMORROW at NOON to sharon@eunicorn.org for a FREE seat at our Building Social Capital Conference. Thank you to the anonymous donor who is allowing us to waive the registration fee for 40 individuals, first come, first serve.
More information : http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/conference/
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Space is Limited!
We are delighted to announce that we are able to waive the registration fee to the Building Social Capital Conference for 40 individuals as a result of a generous and anonymous donation. Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis but must be requested in advance by Thursday at noon. Please send your request to sharon@eunicorn.org.
The following members of the Interdependence Network will discuss how to help individuals with special needs build social networks and take advantage of natural supports to create a more inclusive and engaging community for residents of varying abilities:
Dr. Al Condeluci has been an advocate, a catalyst for building community capacities, and leader in understanding social culture since 1970. He holds an MSW and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, where he is on faculty in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the School of Social Work. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), a community based support system for folks with all types of disabilities in Pittsburgh, PA. Al has authored 7 books, including the acclaimed- Social Capital: The Key to Macro Change (2014). On June 3, 2014, Dr. Condeluci presented his philosophy to the world in a TEDx talk. It can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBUV2J0ax4.
Jeff Fromknecht co-authored Social Capital with Dr. Condeluci. Jeff is a lawyer, author, and speaker who has a passion for helping others. He is the the co-founder and Managing Attorney of Side Project Inc. Jeff is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and Florida and splits his time between Pittsburgh, PA, and Boynton Beach, FL. His legal work focuses on the transactional and compliance legal issues impacting tax-exempt organizations and their work. He holds graduate degrees in both social work and law and has over 12 years of experience working at nonprofit organizations in a variety of direct-service and administrative roles.
Jamie Curran has been enhancing the lives of individuals who have an intellectual disability through his work at Community Living Mississauga. From his beginnings as a support worker to his current role as Manager of the Outcomes Support Team, Jamie has always recognized the importance of social capital in the lives of the individuals he supports as well as the role it plays on an organizational level. A certified in-house interviewer with the Council on Quality and Leadership Canada since 2003, Jamie was published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation’s special issue on social capital and he currently sits on the international research group for the Interdependence Network based out of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Condeluci will share the philosophical framework from 9am – 12pm. The afternoon will culminate with examples of inclusion in action and learning group circles. For a sneak peak of this conference, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBUV2J0ax4.
For more information, visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org/conference
The following members of the Interdependence Network will discuss how to help individuals with special needs build social networks and take advantage of natural supports to create a more inclusive and engaging community for residents of varying abilities:
Dr. Al Condeluci has been an advocate, a catalyst for building community capacities, and leader in understanding social culture since 1970. He holds an MSW and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, where he is on faculty in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the School of Social Work. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), a community based support system for folks with all types of disabilities in Pittsburgh, PA. Al has authored 7 books, including the acclaimed- Social Capital: The Key to Macro Change (2014). On June 3, 2014, Dr. Condeluci presented his philosophy to the world in a TEDx talk. It can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBUV2J0ax4.
Jeff Fromknecht co-authored Social Capital with Dr. Condeluci. Jeff is a lawyer, author, and speaker who has a passion for helping others. He is the the co-founder and Managing Attorney of Side Project Inc. Jeff is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and Florida and splits his time between Pittsburgh, PA, and Boynton Beach, FL. His legal work focuses on the transactional and compliance legal issues impacting tax-exempt organizations and their work. He holds graduate degrees in both social work and law and has over 12 years of experience working at nonprofit organizations in a variety of direct-service and administrative roles.
Jamie Curran has been enhancing the lives of individuals who have an intellectual disability through his work at Community Living Mississauga. From his beginnings as a support worker to his current role as Manager of the Outcomes Support Team, Jamie has always recognized the importance of social capital in the lives of the individuals he supports as well as the role it plays on an organizational level. A certified in-house interviewer with the Council on Quality and Leadership Canada since 2003, Jamie was published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation’s special issue on social capital and he currently sits on the international research group for the Interdependence Network based out of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Condeluci will share the philosophical framework from 9am – 12pm. The afternoon will culminate with examples of inclusion in action and learning group circles. For a sneak peak of this conference, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBUV2J0ax4.
For more information, visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org/conference
Today could be your lucky day!
We are delighted to announce that we are able to waive the registration fee to the Building Social Capital Conference for 40 individuals as a result of a generous and anonymous donation. Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis but must be requested by Thursday morning. Please send your request to sharon@eunicorn.org.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Do You Know a Child with Special Needs?
If you have a child with special needs or work with someone who does, you will not want to miss this game changing philosophy. Take 15 minutes to listen to our speaker for Friday's Building Social Capital Conference, Dr. Al Condeluci. Learn how to help individuals with special needs build social networks and take advantage of natural supports in inclusive community settings. Visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org/conference to register today.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Why are the goals for students with special needs focused on becoming independent?
The reality is that we are all interdependent on each other. Our relationships help us to get jobs, find roommates, and engage in social recreational activities. We should not have different expectations for individuals with special needs. Join us at the October 9th Social Capital Symposium from 8am-4:30pm to learn about this game changing philosophy and how it can be used to build social networks and take advantage of natural supports in inclusive community settings.
Visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org/conference to register today.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
What is Social Capital?
Learn more at Building Social Capital next Friday, October 9th at Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center.
For tickets and more information, visit: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/conference/
Overview of Social Capital: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/A-View-From-the-Field-Journal-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.pdf
For tickets and more information, visit: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/conference/
Overview of Social Capital: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/A-View-From-the-Field-Journal-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.pdf
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