Last Day

Today is the last day to tell us about your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

Today is the last day to tell us about your experiences living in Palm Beach County with a special need or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

1 Day Left

There is 1 day left to tell us about your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

There is 1 day left to tell us about your experiences living in Palm Beach County with a special need or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

2 Days Left

There are 2 days left to tell us about your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

There are 2 days left to tell us about your experiences living in Palm Beach County with a special need or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

3 Days Left

There are 3 days left to tell us about your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

There are 3 days left to tell us about your experiences living in Palm Beach County with a special need or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

4 Days Left

There are 4 days left to tell us about your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

There are 4 days left to tell us about your experiences living in Palm Beach County with a special need or disability. Your information is completely confidential and anonymous. We are sharing your voices as part of this independent study so we can create a better community for you to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

Save the Date for Around the World with Unicorn Luncheon

Stay tuned for more exciting details...

Turn a disadvantage into an advantage

How Richard Branson turned his dyslexia into one of the most powerful tools in his bag of business tricks: virg.in/tda

Parents - Tell Palm Beach County Your Experiences by June 30th

Don’t be silenced! If you are a parent of a child with special needs or disability and live in Palm Beach County, please complete this survey to ensure that your needs are being met.

June 30 is the deadline to tell Palm Beach County about your experiences:
http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

Here is what some other parents had to say.

“I feel like I'm on my own when it comes to ensuring my child succeeds in school.”

“It has always been difficult to find information on services no matter what age. Now that my daughter is an adult information is basically nonexistent. Although we have tried to make plans for her after we are gone it is frightening to think about how she will manage on her own. If we have trouble getting information how will she manage?”

“When I die is there some place he can live safely?”

Share Your Experience Until June 30

How do individuals with special needs or disabilities feel about living in Palm Beach County? We are sharing their voices. If you have been diagnosed with a special need or disability and live in Palm Beach County, please complete this survey to ensure that your needs are being met.

June 30 is the deadline to tell us about your experiences:
http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

“I need to be able to move forward in my dreams (even the disabled have them).”

"When you live with an invisible disability, the world expects you not to be disabled. Because I have lived through it, I know what life is like without money, without a home, without a car, without safety, and without hope. Repeatedly, I could have withered away as a statistic."

“I want a job that makes me feel important and not like an idiot. I want a place I can call my own. I need dependable transportation.”

Monday Motivation

There has been a 3% average annual increase in childhood ADHD diagnoses from 1997 to 2006 ADHD (Center for Disease Control, 2008)

Here is some ‪#‎MondayMotivation‬...

http://www.today.com/popculture/reddit-ama-channing-tatum-step-adhd-chris-pratt-t27066?cid=sm_fbn

Happy Father's Day

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace!

June 30 is the deadline to tell Palm Beach County about your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs or disability. The County is listening and we want to ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

Here is what some other parents had to say:

“We strongly feel that many years were wasted being new parents and very unsure of how to (a) process that our son has autism and (b) navigate the system. Palm Beach County needs a system where families are brought in from day 1 and truly guided throughout the process not just given list of contacts.”

“We need a center with job skills training, social skills training, daily life skills training, community based employment instructions, training and support to integrate into the community, work readiness, and life enrichment  such as decision making, self-improvement, task completion, and community involvement.”

“My family's income falls where we make too much for Medicaid, but we still can't afford to pay for all of the services our daughter needs.”

“When I die is there some place he can live safely?”

Don’t Be Silenced.

June 30 is the deadline to tell us about your experiences living in Palm Beach County with a special need or disability. We are sharing their voices so we can create a better community for all to live in and ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

“I had a difficult time answering the question about whether I am happy. Of course I am happy, and yet, how happy can one be with so much going on that triggers stress and feelings of powerlessness?”

“I am not happy with the mentality or non diversified population of the community in which I live.”

“I would like any job offers in a restaurant”

“I need more opportunities to socialize”

Listen Up Early Birds

Tune into 97.9 WRMF THIS Sunday between 6am and 7am for South Florida Sunday's interview with our Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, discussing Unicorn Children's Foundation.

Tune into Sunny 1079, 850 WFTL, 640 Sports, Wmbx FM Mix 102 3, and WIRK Country to hear Unicorn Children's Foundation's PSA. Let us know if you hear it!

Autistic Pride Day: 5 Easy Ways You Can Make a Difference

"Autism is part of who I am." - Temple Grandin

By Jessica Spar

Many people have a misconception of what defines autism. Because of the many unknowns surrounding the disorder, and the challenges often associated with interacting with an autistic person, many people steer clear or avoid the topic completely. On Autistic Pride Day, we hope to shed some light on this disorder, promote positivity andunderstanding, and support those with autism everywhere.

Medical Daily

1.  Try to understand autism a little better

What exactly is autism? What are the symptoms? What makes a behavior "autistic?" There are a lot of questions surrounding autism, especially because it isn't so black and white. There's a wide spectrum of autism and it can vary from one person to another. To get a better understanding of autism, start with these great resources:

• Surprising Autism Information You Need to Know
• Signs of Autism Your Pediatrician May Miss​
• How Do Doctors Make an Autism Diagnosis?​
• Video: What You Need to Know About Autism

2.  Help end the use of the R-word

Although the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign was in March, ending the use of the R-word should be an ongoing event. 

"The R-word is a euphemism for retard and retarded, words that are considered offensive and disrespectful when used to describe or insult individuals with intellectual disabilities or to insult people, places, and things by comparing them to individuals with intellectual disabilities." – Terri Mauro, Children With Special Needs Expert

Here are 225 words you can use instead of the R-word, so there's no excuse. It seems like such a simple substitution, but it helps get rid of the insulting association for those with special needs. Want to take your R-word ridding one step further? Here are 10 reasons to make the R-word pledge your next social media statement. More »

Drive Mom Crazy/Jason Ross

3.  Have patience and appreciation for those with autism

Because autism is often misunderstood, impatience with those who are autistic is also common. People can get frustrated because they don't see why someone isn't reacting the way they're used to. Because those with autism may not pick up on figures of speech, body language, or tone of voice, interactions must be carefully considered. As frustrated as you are, think about how they might be feeling.

And take time to think about some of the traits those with autism may have, as they aren't bound by some of the same social norms (which can even be a plus for many careers).They are often very passionate, have an incredible memory, and practice true honesty. There's a beauty in knowing what you see is what you get. More »

4.  Allow yourself to be inspired

Don't discount someone just because they are autistic. Autistic people have contributed so many great things to society. From renowned animal scientist and autism activist, Temple Grandin, toteen musician, Matt Savage, you might be blown away by what those with autism can do. Of course, not everyone with autism has some special ability, but we can all be inspired by their ability to persevere in a world that has not been easy for them. More »

Huntstock/Getty Images

5.  Help someone with special needs

There are many ways to help someone with autism, and if you have some spare time it's a worthy cause. Whether it's volunteering for a program that offers sports for kids with special needs, helpingsomeone with special needs find a job, or even reaching out to a family member who may need the support, there's so much you can do. The simplest thing of all is to just be a good friend. More »

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6.  Bonus: Show some spirit and sport one of these autism advocacy slogans!

More »

Article via: http://social.about.com/od/Health/tp/Autistic-Pride-Day-5-Easy-Ways-You-Can-Make-a-Difference.htm?utm_content=buffer10495&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=cmsocialposting_aboutmain

Autistic Pride Day

Be proud of who you are!

Attendees comments from Community Conversations

"Thanks again for your efforts regarding our “community conversations.” I have found both meetings to be productive and actually made a new connection at each one."

“I want to thank you for putting together the wonderful community meeting that took place today. You are making the things I have only dreamed of happen. You are amazing! I am honored to be a part of such a life-changing project.”

“I just wanted to thank you that was a wonderful meeting and I am very excited as to the potential of work that will be done.”

“Thank you for taking the lead in our community to bring everyone together and to conduct a community wide needs assessment.  I thought today went very well.  The day was well-organized, Betsey did a great job of moderating and there was a room full of committed individuals.  Thank you!  Nice job!  I was thrilled to be able to participate.”

We love hearing from you! If you have a testimonial you would like to share, tell us in the comments below, or email Amy at amy@eunicorn.org

Teen Goes From Special Ed To Valedictorian

If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything!

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/12/teen-special-valedictorian/20377/

First day of the Club Managers Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament Committee Summer 2015 Career Development Program

Today is the first day of the Club Managers Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament Committee Summer 2015 Career Development Program at Unicorn Village Academy. Students 15-22 with neurodiversity will have the opportunity to get out into the community and work this summer.

Friday Inspiration

Time for some Friday inspiration to get your weekend off to a great start!

http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/my-advice-for-dyslexics

Building Social Capital: A New Approach to Community Based Services

SAVE THE DATE: October 9, 2015 -- Palm Beach County, FL

We are partnering with the Interdependence Network to present the "Building Social Capital: A New Approach to Community Based Services" Workshop

Key Note Speaker: Dr. Al Condeluci

Registration will open August 1, 2015.

June 2015 Newsletter

The Unicorn Children's Foundation June 2015 Newsletter is now available online!

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/615newsletter/

Shop for Dad and Make a Difference

Get dad the perfect gift for Father's Day and help make a difference!

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile​ purchases to Unicorn Children's Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/57-1168205

Special Needs Dance and Yoga Summer Classes

Special Needs Dance & Yoga Summer Schedule at Jupiter Dance Academy with Yael Lawrence-Dance/Movement Therapist!!

Unicorn Children's Foundation at CMAA Gala

Another fabulous CMAA Charity Gala at Boca West Country Club last night!! Jay DiPietro, you outdid yourself once again to benefit so many worthy charities. Thank you for including Unicorn Children's Foundation!

Thank You Boca Raton Observer

Thank you to the Boca Raton Observer magazine for including photos from our High Tea in the Flash Zone!! Check them out...

http://www.bocaratonobserver.com/index.php?reqpage=photos&aid=49741039&akey=WGcrcK

How do individuals with special needs or disabilities feel about living in Palm Beach County?

We are sharing their voices. If you have been diagnosed with a special need or disability and live in Palm Beach County, please complete this survey to ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Individuals-with-Special-Needs-Survey

“I need to be able to move forward in my dreams (even the disabled have them).”

"When you live with an invisible disability, the world expects you not to be disabled. Because I have lived through it, I know what life is like without money, without a home, without a car, without safety, and without hope. Repeatedly, I could have withered away as a statistic."

“I want a job that makes me feel important and not like an idiot. I want a place I can call my own. I need dependable transportation.”

Don’t be Silenced!

If you are a parent of a child with special needs or disability and live in Palm Beach County, please complete this survey to ensure that your needs are being met.

http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Parents-Caregivers-Survey

Here is what some other parents had to say.

“I feel like I'm on my own when it comes to ensuring my child succeeds in school.”

“It has always been difficult to find information on services no matter what age. Now that my daughter is an adult information is basically nonexistent. Although we have tried to make plans for her after we are gone it is frightening to think about how she will manage on her own. If we have trouble getting information how will she manage?”

“When I die is there some place he can live safely?”

Autism Leaders in Breakfast 2015

Our Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, speaking to a large contingent at Monday's Autism Leaders Breakfast at FAU. Great things happening in our community for individuals and families challenged by neurodiversity!

Unicorn Village Academy's 2015 Prom

Unicorn Children's Foundation is honored to joinUnicorn Village Academy for their prom and awards banquet today. We are so proud of these teens to watch their growth!

211 Special Needs Helpline

Unicorn Children's Foundation's funding of the 211 Special Needs Helpline has helped connect hundreds of families of children with special needs to the services and support they need.

http://www.211palmbeach.org/special-needs

Shop for Dad

Father's Day will be here before you know it.

Did you know that you can shop for dad and give back to Unicorn Children's Foundation at the same time?

Get dad a gift from Dell, HP, Taylormade Golf, Bed, Bath & Beyond and MORE while supporting Unicorn.

 http://www.goodsearch.com/fathers-day-category/coupons