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TABLE OF
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Executive Director Message Outpatient Services The Outcomes Service The Katherine Thomas School The Family Hearing Center Development Digest
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THE TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTERS
A MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The cherry blossoms, warmer weather, and longer days of sunlight are a welcome transition into spring. The TLC community excitedly moves forward into this next season with many positive endeavors ahead. I want to first thank the TLC community for their continued flexibility during the pandemic. I admire the commitment, strength, and fortitude shown so that are community has demonstrated to continue to improve lives and expand possibilities in the often-uncertain times. The TLC community’s endurance has really made “TLC Strong” a true statement that can endure time. We are thrilled to finally be able to hold our delayed TLC 70th plus and KTS 25th plus gala in-person on April 28th! Now called the TLC 70th plus “Stronger Together” Gala, we can finally recognize the TLC Champions who have supported our mission. It will be a fun-filled evening with a live auction and testimonies from our client community. The keynote speaker will be Mr. J. Randy Lewis Retired, Senior Vice President at Walgreens and Founder of the No Greatness Without Goodness (NOGWO) Disability Initiative. We are looking forward to seeing as many familiar (and new!) faces as possible at this longanticipated event.
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THE TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTERS
A MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
We are looking forward to seeing you at our Stronger Together Gala, please view our website to learn more or register: https://www.ttlc.org/gala/. I am looking forward to calmer and more stable times ahead for all of us, but know that as a community, our collective strength, creativity, and flexibility can help us overcome any challenges that come our way.
Patricia Ritter, Ph.D. Executive Director The Treatment and Learning Centers
Dr. Ritter was honored to be recognized as a “Woman Making History” by the Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women Organization and was recognized on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and through a panel presentation for this honor. She was featured along with 30 dynamic women in Montgomery County during the month of March, for their 2022 Women Making History event. This event celebrated Women’s History Month and allowed the community to honor women making contributions to our community.
Dr. Ritter Attending Woman Making History Event
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OUTPATIENT SERVICES SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
FREE SPRING SCREENINGS TLC’s Outpatient Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy departments are once again offering free screenings in our clinic in April and May. It is the perfect time to ensure your child is reaching developmental milestones to set them up for success. Please see the Red Flags listed above to help you decide if a screening may be beneficial. A flyer can be found here.
Screenings are conducted by appointment only! Please contact Joanna Kolker at 301-424-5200 ext.159
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TLC OUTPATIENT DIRECTORS IN THE COMMUNITY TLC's Directors of the Testing, Tutoring, and Counseling Department and Speech-Language Pathology Department presented a workshop with Fusion Academy, "Changing the Paradigm of Neurodiversity: Acceptance, Inclusion, and Social Justice."
SPEECHLANGUAGE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GIFT: AAC DEVICES The Speech-Language Pathology Department received a generous donation from the Women Who Care in Lower Montgomery County, and were able to purchase several new speechgenerating AAC Devices and programs to help our clients!
TLC THERAPEUTIC SUMMER CAMPS
ALREADY FILLING UP! Registration is open for TLC's award-winning speech-language and occupational therapy summer camps. TLC's summer camps for children ages three to seven years will be held from June 27-August 12. Half day and full day options are available. Join us for water play, exciting themes, sensory-motor play, fun with friends, arts/crafts, and more! Want to learn more? Attend our Summer Camps Open House, held virtually, on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 12:00pm and 7:00pm. Contact Lisa Torvik to RSVP: (301) 424-5200 x306 or LTorvik@ttlc.org. You can also check out our website or watch the summer camps video.
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Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:00pm and 7:00pm
To Register, Please Contact Lisa Torvik: (301) 424-5200 x306 or LTorvik@ttlc.org www.ttlc.org/summer-programs
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Is Your Child Having Sleepless Nights? Tips from TLC's Occupational Therapy Department
Warm baths (continued) important to know your child’s preferences for water and/or smells as this can have the opposite effect for some children. Deep pressure Hugs and squeezes are calming.
It likely won’t come as a shock to hear that many of us are experiencing stress lately. All we need to do is turn on the news and within minutes we hear about the threats of war, rising gas prices and possible new strains of the COVID-19 virus. These are just a few of the “known” and widespread causes of stress that impact our daily lives as adults, but our children might be experiencing stress of their own…even at very young ages. Just one of the many impacts of daily stress for a person of any age can be sleep. Sleep is an “occupation” or an “activity” that every person needs enough of every night. As an occupational therapist, this occupation of sleep is critical for us to function well during the day. Incorporating sensory rich activities throughout the day and at bedtime can go a long way in allowing children – and adults - to relax and get quality sleep. The possibilities for sensory rich activities are
endless, but here are just some ideas that can be incorporated into your child’s day.
Linear Movement Rocking chair or using a blanket to make to hammock for young children and rock them gently inside.
Make a child “burrito” Wrap your child in a Weighted blankets, tightly blanket or in pillows and fitting pajamas, tucking sheets gently but firmly roll them or blankets tightly as if you are rolling out These provide proprioceptive dough. The firm and input to our nervous system consistent pressure are and have a calming effect. calming and relaxing. Think of the effects of swaddling an infant. Animal walks These activities are imitating the movements of certain animals. Bear walks, crab walks, elephant stomps and wheelbarrow walks include weight bearing through arms and legs, which can be regulating and organizing before bed. Warm baths This is a wonderful sensory experience with warm water alone, enabling muscles to relax. Adding bubble bath in the calming scent of lavender may further provide relaxation. Just a note – it is
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TLC'S SPEECH-LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT Spring is here! We are ready for the flowers, warmer weather, and of course some rain showers. Here are some great books TLC’s speech-language pathologists recommend for those rainy days!
THE GROUCHY LADYBUG, BY ERIC CARLE
WORM WEATHER, BY JEAN TAFT
CITY GREEN, BY DYANNE DISALVO
THE FALLING FLOWERS, BY JENNIFER B. REED
GOODBYE WINTER, HELLO SPRING, BY KENARD PAK
LOLA PLANTS A GARDEN, BY ANNA MCQUINN
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SMOOTHER TRANSITIONS
HELPING YOUR CHILD MOVE THROUGH THEIR DAY TIPS FROM TLC'S TESTING, TUTORING, AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Bed to Breakfast Wake up sleepyhead! For some kids, moving from their bed to getting dressed is hard, and for others they are up but can’t get organized or dressed on time. Try using music to help structure the transitions. You and your child can pick a “getting dressed song,” a “setting up breakfast song” and a “packing up for school song”. The music helps do the structuring and signaling, and kids can often move along better to music and song changes than they can to parent nagging. For some kids, deciding on a breakfast food can be hard when they’re still too tired to be hungry. Ideas for this include just laying out a few options and letting them pick one or packing up a healthy breakfast “snack” that they can take and eat outside or in the car.
Home to School Transportation Making the move from being home in the morning, possibly having settled into a toy/ game/ other activity or trying to just get packed up to go is the next challenge. Whether it’s moving outside to the bus stop or to a waiting car to get to school, the child must first make it outside. For kids who are active or who tend to be grumpy in the morning, a dose of outside exercise or play, even very brief, can really work wonders. The last thing most parents feel like doing on the way to the bus or car is stop and play, but it can sure act as a “carrot” to lure kids on outside and then help them get geared up in a positive way for the transition to school mode. Ideas include “wall ball” with a tennis ball, kicking a soccer ball back and forth, or a dodge ball type game with a large exercise ball. A game of “red light-green light” or some timed running or jumping down the yard or sidewalk and back is another way to get a quick burst of exercise.
Back Home from School Children have had a busy day full of following adult directions. We forget this sometimes and meet them with our own set of “you need tos,” and that can be a lot for them to take. Kids need some space to decompress, whether just settling down to some play of their choice (nonelectronic if possible), a snack and chat time at the kitchen counter, or some time outside with a pet or sibling. After this down time, we can start to give them the heads-up that they need to shift gears to take care of something else, whether homework or a chore.
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SMOOTHER TRANSITIONS
HELPING YOUR CHILD MOVE THROUGH THEIR DAY TIPS FROM TLC'S TESTING, TUTORING, AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Gearing up for Homework Time I’m not a huge homework fan but understand the necessity to have some assigned for kids to practice skills. Having a space where your child can take care of whatever the teacher has assigned is helpful and making it convenient for you helps. Kitchen counter or table can be great, as you can monitor/ help if needed but also maybe take care of some dinner prep. Providing crunchy snacks can help with alertness. Breaking a worksheet down into smaller sections (visibly covering part or folding the paper so only part shows) can really help too. If your child doesn’t stress with time pressure, I like quiet, peaceful sand timers (5-7 minutes usually does the trick for short tasks) that help them keep working and see when they can take a breather. Helping them choose a fun activity for “once you’re finished” helps them see the light at the end of their homework tunnel too.
After Dinner Chill Time to Bed! Most kids end up settling down after dinner either for a game, show, or fun book or activity if there’s time. This is great but can be hard once it’s time to move to getting ready for bed mode. We parents often make a mistake of seeing the clock (having gotten caught up in our own tasks or chill time), realizing we’ve got to get them into bed, and calling to them from across the room to “go get ready for bed!”Some kids are ok with this and can comply, but if your child balks at this kind of direction, delivered from afar and sounding like a “yell,” then try another approach. Ideas include sitting down next to them for a minute or two, watching what they are up to, commenting in a calm way about what they’re enjoying, then mentioning that in a few minutes it’ll be time to start getting ready for bedtime. Once they done with routine tasks (with your prompting and help if needed), you can remind them of something that comes next once they are ready for bedtime. Bedtime doesn’t have to mean “immediate darkness and on-demand sleep” if your child has some anxiety around this. It can include setting the mood with some music, reading a story or chapter of a fun book, or getting a back scratch.
WRITTEN BY: KRISTIN OLSEN, PH.D., PSYCHOLOGIST, THE TESTING, TUTORING, AND COUNSELING DEPARTMENT, THE TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTERS
TLC Outcomes Service TLC Outcomes Service Attends Joan Karasik Resource Fair for Teens and Adults with Disabilities. Stacey Briggs, Director of Community Services, and Reka Daroczi, Lead Community Resource Advocate II/PCP Coordinator ran a booth on behalf of TLC Outcomes Service at the Joan Karasik Resource Fair for Teens and Adults with Disabilities on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Fair participants learned about opportunities in education, employment, socializing, government services, mental health, arts and recreation - one-on-one conversations. There was a wonderful turnout. Stacey and Reka were able to meet with a multitude of families and providers. They were able to provide information about all of the various service provided at TLC and we were the recipients of kudos from several parents and families who have worked with KTS, Speech and OT over the years. There was an overflow of love and gratitude for the work of TLC staff.
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THE KATHERINE THOMAS SCHOOL LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL TALENT SHOW
HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORT ORPHANS IN UKRAINE The high school students and staff responded quickly to the need for support for an organization that supports orphans in Ukraine. While a guest at the March Rockville
The 4-5th graders and middle schoolers participated in their annual Talent Show on April 1st. It was the first large assembly of students and staff since the last Talent Show, which took place in March of 2020. This year, students fearlessly showed off a wide variety of talents, which ranged from telling jokes to performing martial arts. The event was a lot of fun and enhanced the sense of community and the feeling of returning to normalcy. We look forward to more group events in the weeks and months to come.
Rotary Club meeting, high school director Rhona Schwartz heard Irina Lujan, Rockville Rotary Club Member and Executive Director of Universal Aid for Children, speak about the challenging conditions in Ukraine and the work being done by UAC.
HIGH SCHOOL SGA FUNDRAISING DRIVE FOR UNIVERSAL AID FOR CHILDREN The high school Student Government Association led a week-long fundraising drive to benefit Universal Aid for Children, starting with a goal of $250. The goal was met and had to be increased within the first 24 hours due to the generosity of the high school students, staff, and families. Over $1,000 was raised by the end of the campaign!
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THE FAMILY HEARING CENTER GET BACK ON TRACK WITH YOUR HEARING HEALTH! Susan Yaffe-Oziel, Audiologist and Director of The Family Hearing Center, welcomes you back to our office. Please view the short video by clicking on the picture.
Complimentary Services: Hearing Aid Cleanings Hearing Aid Checks
Hearing Aid Discounts: $200.00 off per individual hearing aid $400.00 off per hearing aid set
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TLC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
TLC GOLF CLASSIC: JUNE 10TH The TLC Golf Classic is coming soon! We are enthusiastically planning our inperson golf event. Join us for the 31st Annual TLC Golf Classic scheduled for FRIDAY June 10th at P.B. Dye Golf Club in Ijamsville, MD. TLC and the P.B. Dye Golf Club are preparing simple Covid-ready protocols to make this tournament a relaxing and stress-free experience! This incredible tournament has raised more than $1.3M to support individuals with disabilities over the last 30+ years. The Classic offers a superb day of golf, food, fun and an opportunity to help individuals in our community. Learn more by visiting the webpage.
STRONGER TOGETHER GALA: APRIL 28TH The Stronger Together Gala is a celebration of the 70th plus TLC and 25th plus Katherine Thomas School anniversaries. The celebration will host J. Randy Lewis as our keynote speaker and a live auction during the dinner hour. We will celebrate our TLC Champions: Roberts Oxygen Company and William and Eveline Roberts, Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, GMMB and Rema Haddad.
FY22 Annual Fund Drive: Happening Now! Our Annual Fund Drive provides critical support for more than 2,000 children and adults with special needs who rely on TLC to improve their lives and expand their possibilities. Please help us reach our goal of $10,000 with your generous gift to the Annual Fund Drive online https://www.ttlc.org/donate-now or mail your check payable to TLC to 2092 Gaither Road, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. Thank you for supporting our community!
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THE TREATMENT AND
LEARNING CENTERS 2092 Gaither Road Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 424-5200 | info@ttlc.org www.ttlc.org