[David Bridges]

Hey Folks

With an election looming, and with recent (and ongoing) scandals at CLBC regarding bonuses/'wage incorporations'/etc., I think it's time to get a feeling for FEAT members' feelings regarding CLBC vs MCFD.

My son is fast approaching 19, when CLBC takes over. We (as many of you have) experienced the re-absorption of services to children from CLBC back into MCFD. I can honestly say that, in our experience, things were much better, simpler and more streamlined once MCFD took over. I am not much of a 'big government' kind of guy, so I was surprised. CLBC, on the other hand, was an incredibly dysfunctional and confusing organization – at times it was mind-boggling. Really not looking forward to dealing with them again but we have no choice….or do we? Is it time to kill this dinosaur?

I have started to scope out the political opposition on this. One well-placed person I've contacted informs me that the NDP have no specific policy regarding CLBC other than wanting an 'independent review' and that it 'needs more resources'. They'd apparently rather fix than scrap it. Can someone correct me if this is wrong?

I believe that sometimes an old sick dog needs to be put to sleep rather than have yet another operation. I just don't get why a Crown corporation should be handling services to our vulnerable kids and other loved ones. What was and is the rationale for CLBC's creation? Can anyone enlighten me? This is not a bus service, nor ferries, liquor nor anything like that. What, other than limiting PR damage in the event of cost-cutting, could have been the reason for this?

Anyhow, scrap or fix, we as a group need to get mobilized. The BC Liberals did some things right (esp early on), some things ok, and a lot of stuff very badly. But anyone who thinks the NDP is a sure-fire solution to our woes either wasn't around or was comatose during the 1990s.

Libs or Dips, you can be darned well sure that any increases to CLBC or MCFD budgets for the disabled are going to be gobbled up by pay & unionized staff pension increases. That's what happened to the recent ballyhooed 'stimulus package' announced by Premier Clark in the wake of Rick Mowles' firing (see Andrew MacLeod's Oct. 11 article in the Tyee). Actually, the parallels with the bank bailouts are quite apt……it's one thing if it goes to the people actually doing front-line work with our kids, another if it's just being siphoned off by all the bureaucrats up and down the line.

I just thought I'd start the discussion.

DB

[David Bridges]

Can anyone here recommend a barber/hair stylist that does home visits? My son is not safe in your typical barber shop or hair salon.
Please email me.

Cheers,

DB

dbridges1@shaw.ca

[David Bridges]

This latest string is frankly offensive – and has nothing to do with autism treatment.

Moderators, please!

[David Bridges]

Free to a good home: one very friendly cat, a spayed female Ragdoll cross. 3 years old. Large and playful, and an outdoor cat. Gets along well with small dogs and is used to kids on the spectrum (like our son). Our lifestyle now doesn't suit having a kitty so we thought we'd give her to a nice family that doesn't travel as much.

Also we have a boxing/kickboxing bag/stand in good condition for anyone who wants it. The base of the stand is filled with water. Hardly ever used. We're in West Van.

DB

[David Bridges]

Amen, Barbara (and others) who've spoken in favour of 'segregated' classrooms when necessary. Not all kids fit into the same mould, including ours.

[David Bridges]

Hi there

Anyone connected to a person with ASD & interested in a free, used Sundance trampoline (approx 10 x 12, rectangular), please email me at dbridges1@shaw.ca.

Although it is about a dozen years old, the frame is in good condition. New tarp and springs. Only thing needed is a new set of safety pads, which might run a couple hundred bucks new. You just have to pick it up from our place on the North Shore.

DB

[David Bridges]

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

A treatment home has started in North Vancouver for a youth diagnosed with autism, by board certified behaviour analysts from the US and Canada. This is an excellent opportunity to become involved with a student implementing individualized programs and behaviour management systems. Excellent training and supervision will be provided.

The student being supported at this treatment home is an active 16-year old boy, and as a part of his behaviour management program staff are required to participate with him in home and community-based recreation activities. Therefore, it is essential that staff are in good physical condition and can participate in these activities with him; male applicants are preferred, as this student also requires assistance with personal care skills. Standard checks and certificates will be required for the successful applicant.

We are currently recruiting for full, part time and auxiliary staff positions. All staff will be required to attend all team meetings and consultations with the client’s behavioral consultants.

Interested applicants please respond by email with cover letter & attached resume to dbridges1@shaw.ca

[David Bridges]

Hi Christine

Can you email me at dbridges1@shaw.ca, please? I'd like to chat with you some more about the agency and disclosure issue.

DB

[David Bridges]

Re: Scholarships/bursaries/loans for MA studies in ABA

A great idea, but why wait for govt. to raise its sluggish head & act? Maybe I'm wrong, but I seem to recall Sabrina Freeman looking into this a while back. Don't know what, if anything, resulted.

Anyhow, it's a fantastic idea & I'd be willing to do some legwork on it.

I'd suggest a stipulation that it has to be done at a replication site or other bona fide Lovaas-based or -oriented school. There's already too much pablum being peddled in graduate programs, esp. close to home (I won't mention any names!)

With support from individuals, corporations & esp., from charitable organizations (such as the Vancouver Foundation), I'd bet we can get started on this concept and get it going sooner.

Anyone else interested?

[David Bridges]

Re: Jessica Fung, OT – NSASBC Lecture Series on Tuesday Night

Just wanted to encourage all who can to attend this.

We have been running an ABA program for my son for about 12 years and were initially (and rightly so, based on our previous experience) skeptical about the value of OT.

However, we availed ourselves of Jessica's services for the better part of 2 years and couldn't recommend her more highly – she truly is awesome at what she does and has a firm grasp on ABA as well as OT.

My son made some real, measurable and relevant progress due to her interventions and involvement in my son's program.

Thanks, Jessica!

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