This 'n That

Assistive Technology is Helping Teach Life Skills at
the Center for Disability Services
Some college students have created a video game that takes people with disabilities on a virtual shopping trip through a local super market. The game aides in developing skills essential for independent living. Read more at the link below.
https://www.cfdsny.org/whatsnew/RPI%20Capable%20Shopper%20Video%20Game%20Blurb.doc

Good Buds
Aspire's Community Integration Program has spawned a close friendship. Read about it at the link below.
http://www.aspirewny.org/services/role-models-detail.php?id=powerplayers

CP of NYS Hosts Conference at Camp Jened
More than 50 people attended a one-day conference on Fitness, Recreation and Sports at Camp Jened in the Catskills on June 9. The schedule featured 10 sessions presented by experts from several different organizations providing fitness, recreation and sports opportunities for people with disabilities.

The day began with a 9:00 am keynote presentation on what goes into creating a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Susan Wilson, Associate Professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the State University of New York at Cortland discussed practical ways for everyone to put more recreation and leisure in their lives.

The morning continued with a presentation on adapted physical activity programs and techniques designed by On Your Mark, an organization in Staten Island that promotes the health, fitness, cognitive and social skills of individuals with severe developmental disabilities. Other morning sessions included an overview of a baseball program for adults with disabilities presented by the founder of Touching Bases in Rockland County and an interactive session presented by Sandy Hoffman and Janet Lefkowitz of the United States Tennis Association demonstrating how adapted tennis can achieve positive results through teaching progressions.

The afternoon included presentations by Jerry McCole of Blaze Sports America on the organization’s programs, including a demonstration of the sport of Boccia. Meredith Wade from CP Rochester, conducted a workshop on how to begin a power wheelchair soccer program and Bill Collins, Director of Training for Special Olympics New York, discussed how his organization uses athletic training and competition to promote inclusion and acceptance for everyone in the community.

The afternoon schedule also included a presentation by representatives of the NYS Inclusive Recreation Resource Center at SUNY Cortland on the center’s programs designed to provide information on how best to pursue recreation in the most inclusive setting and a hands-on session from the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham highlighting some of their activities for people with disabilities, including skiing, cycling and kayaking.

Plans are underway to conduct another conference in the summer of 2009.