Category: Uncategorized

By Alyssa Huschen, OTR/L

Daily handwriting practice is necessary for making printing a natural process. The more automatic writing is, the more a child can then focus on WHAT they are writing rather than HOW to write. When participating in e-learning, children may not be practicing handwriting as much as they would be during their typical school day. Choose some of these fun activities to try at home to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t contribute to loss of quality handwriting for your child. Make it a goal to practice handwriting for 5-10 minutes every day. 

• Write letters to friends or family, make up a story, or help write the grocery list.
• Play games like tic-tac-toe (use different letters each time), hang man, or guess what word/letter I’m writing. 
• Practice handwriting with different utensils or materials. Finger paint, write in shaving cream/pudding/flour/sand, use chalk on the sidewalk, write with washable markers on a mirror or window, write on a tablet or magnadoodle, etc. 
• Have your child be the teacher and “teach” you how to write in order to practice verbalizing the correct way to make letters. “Grade” work by circling the best letters or words in order to understand what makes writing legible.
• Print or make up fun sentence starters to complete (i.e. My favorite place to go is… or If I could be an animal, I would be…).
• Play restaurant where your child can prepare simple foods and “sell them” to you. Practice printing by creating a menu to order from.
• Complete mad libs, cross word puzzles, or word scrambles. These can be found online or in activity books.
• Work on number writing by having your child count things around the house and record them (i.e. doors, fans, pictures of them, etc.)
• Complete scavenger hunts. Let your child write down what objects they find based on your clues or let them write down items for you or a sibling to find.  
• Cut pictures out of magazines to make a collage and write about it.
• Search Google or Pinterest for many more fun printables and ideas!

By: Easterseals Central Illinois Therapists

Most of us love the excitement of visiting or getting visits from families and friends.   Right now we are helping to keep everyone healthy by staying at home.  This will not last forever, but while we are stuck at home we can be creative to stay connected with people outside of our home.  We all miss hugs, high fives, and playing with neighbors, cousins, grandparents, kids at school, and other family friends, but there are ways we can still stay connected to our loved ones from home!

• Talk to your child about how there are different ways to visit people we love:  Sometimes we see them in person at their house or our house, sometimes we talk by phone or Facetime.  Right now everybody is practicing visiting with people in new ways, but later we will be able to visit in person again. 

• Schedule time to visit remotely: If your child has a set routine of visiting or spending time with someone regularly (such as a grandparent), work to set up a schedule for a short phone, facetime, or skype session for him to look forward to (this could be daily, weekly…..).  Kids often do well having the structure a designated time gives to their routine.   This also gives parents a specific answer to questions of when they will get to talk to or see _______.
• Written Word: Write email, notes, or letters to each other (notes and letters can be mailed or you can take a picture of the note/message and text it to the intended recipient).  An adult or older sibling can write/type note a young child dictates or they can draw a picture for the person.
• I’m Thinking of you Projects: Child can spend the time they would normally be with the other person making something to give to them when he sees them next (craft, drawing, collage, etc.).
• Do an activity together remotely: When connecting to loved ones by phone, skype, or facetime, it can be great for kids to do activities that they would normally do with that person.  Brainstorm ways to complete some of your daily routines or fun activities at the same time (i.e. bake cookies, make slime, read a book, sing together, watch a show).

• Distant dinner party: Dinner out is a great way to socialize, but you can make dinner in a social experience as well.   Plan and cook the same dinner as family/friends.  You can facetime/skype during the meal for real time conversations or you can take pictures of family and food to share with each other (Food or dessert competition anyone???)
• Take a Virtual Tour together:  There are museums, zoos, and amusement parks offering virtual tours.  These resources can be used for educational purposes but you can also have friends/family take the same tour and discuss what you liked the most, what you could do without, foods you would try….   Here is a resource for virtual tours you can take from the comfort of your own home:   https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/

On March 16^th Easterseals Central announced that all therapy appointments would be canceled through March 31^st, along with the closing of the Easterseals Learning Academy for that same timeframe and any activity at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center being canceled through the end of April. “The health and safety of our clients and staff always comes first and we are committed to doing our part to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Steve Thompson, President and CEO of Easterseals Central Illinois. “During this unprecedented time, the families we serve need us now more than ever”.

Stopping face-to-face therapy presents a unique challenge to an organization that employs over 200 people dedicated to helping children with developmental delays, disabilities and other special needs reach their full potential. However, in its 100 years of service the organization has always responded dynamically to meet the needs of the community. This time is no different. In an effort to support its clients and community, Easterseals Central Illinois staff is now dedicated to providing the vital resources that will bridge gaps and help children continue to make progress towards their milestones.

Easterseals therapists, teachers and support staff have been in contact with their clients, assessing needs and providing support over the phone. The therapists are hard at work creating and deploying resources for caregivers to use at home to help children of all abilities navigate their new reality.

Examples include:

• Therapists are reviewing in-home programs with caregivers and providing additional support in the form of visual aids and educational materials
• Assisting families in making daily schedules and social stories.
• Providing calming strategies
• Helping families identify local resources for basic living needs

Easterseals is providing these resources at no cost to the families, and all are available to the general public at eastersealsci.com. Like many businesses and organizations, Easterseals is facing unprecedented financial challenges with the suspension of program services and the cancelation of three vital fundraising events in April.

“As we continue to navigate this unchartered territory, we need the support of Central Illinois now more than ever” said Steve Thompson, “We will never stop supporting families who need us, and we hope the community will do the same”. 

Created By:Kelsey Lutes, MS CCC-SLP

Think about the different senses and label

What do you see at the child’s level?
Label what you see with simple language.
1-2 words: tree, flowers, car, dog. Look doggie!

What do you hear?
Crunchy leaves, birds (tweet tweet), dog barking
(woof woof), cars (beep beep), airplane (ffffff)

What can you smell?
Smell flower

What can you touch?
Touch the leaves and grass

Get a bag and collect leaves

Model saying “Leaf” every time you put one in the bag

Use action words like “RIP” and rip the leaf “Crunch/Stomp” on the leaves
“Throw” the leaves up in the area

When you get home, tape the leaves to a piece of paper and model action words like “leaf”, “stick”, “on”

Other Strategies

Sing songs while child is riding in stroller

Feel bumps in sidewalk – BUMP!

Get mail from the mailbox “open”, “close”

Wave and model “hi” to people you see

Easterseals Central Illinois has always responded dynamically to the needs in our community. During this unprecedented time, we are once again acting swiftly and with compassion to safeguard the wellbeing of Easterseals clients, families, staff, volunteers, donors and the general public.

Today Easterseals Central Illinois announced the below actions designed to support mitigation strategies and to help slow the transmission of the virus in our communities. We are taking a phased approach to planning our course of action, naming this Phase I but keeping in mind that this is a fluid situation and we will continue to respond accordingly day to day.

Easterseals Central Illinois Phase I Response [March 17 thru March 31] to COVID-19:

• All therapy appointments will be canceled through March 31^st 2020. The Peoria and Bloomington facilities will remain open during this time.
• We will continue to accept referrals at this time through all channels.
• Classes at the Easterseals Learning Academy will be on hold through March 31^st 2020. 
• Timber Pointe Outdoor Center programs are canceled through April 30^th 2020.
• Child and Family Connections #14 and #16 will remain open to receive referrals, however home visits are on hold until April 15^th 2020.
• All special events are postponed through April 30^th 2020.

It is our mission to help children with developmental delays, disabilities and other special needs reach their full potential. We will continue to do so as we share resources on our blog and social media channel, as well as be available for families who need assistance to call (309)686-1177 during regular business hours.

March 16th 2020

Easterseals Central Illinois has always responded dynamically to the needs in our community. During this unprecedented time, we are once again acting swiftly and with compassion to safeguard the wellbeing of Easterseals clients, families, staff, volunteers, donors and the general public.

Today Easterseals Central Illinois announced the below actions designed to support mitigation strategies and to help slow the transmission of the virus in our communities. We are taking a phased approach to planning our course of action, naming this Phase I but keeping in mind that this is a fluid situation and we will continue to respond accordingly day to day.

Easterseals Central Illinois Phase I Response [March 17 thru March 31] to COVID-19:

All therapy appointments will be canceled through March 31st 2020. The Peoria and Bloomington facilities will remain open during this time.

We will continue to accept referrals at this time through all channels.

Classes at the Easterseals Learning Academy will be on hold through March 31st 2020.

Timber Pointe Outdoor Center programs are canceled through April 30th 2020.

Child and Family Connections #14 and #16 will remain open to receive referrals, however home visits are on hold until April 15th 2020.

All special events are postponed through April 30th 2020.

It is our mission to help children with developmental delays, disabilities and other special needs reach their full potential. We will continue to do so as we share resources on our blog and social media channel, as well as be available for families who need assistance to call (309)686-1177 during regular business hours.

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By Meghan Cotsones, PT , DPT, Physical Therapist Easterseals Central Illinois

 5 Indoor Gross Motor Activities: No Special Equipment Required!

1. Animal Walks: Great for core strengthening, hip strengthening, range of motion, motor planning, and whole body coordination! Can add visual targets (sticky notes, pieces of colored tape, construction paper, etc.) to help with position of hands/feet for sequencing. Can have siblings or friends race or parents can try along with their kiddos
2. Pillow and/or Blanket Obstacle Course: Great way to simulate uneven outdoor surfaces such as grass and woodchips from inside! Great for balance, hip and ankle strengthening, and motor planning. Can also jump between pillows for an extra challenge!
3. Ninja Kicks: Have child stack a tower of blocks or any other toy they like to stack and balance on one foot and kick the tower down with the other. Great for foot-eye coordination, single leg balance, and strengthening for hips and ankles! For added fun, can add ninja sound effects (hi-yah!)
4. Pushing/Pulling Laundry Basket: Have your child round up their favorite toys and take them for a ride the laundry basket! Have them push it forward and pull it backwards to practice backwards walking. Great for core and lower extremity strengthening! Parents can add heavier objects from around the house (soup cans, sack of potatoes, etc.) for an added challenge.
5. Box Hurdles: Put old Amazon or empty cereal boxes to good use! Line them up and have your child step, run, or jump over the boxes for a fun motor activity. Can also weave in and out of boxes in a figure-8 pattern a balance and agility challenge!

Katie Pena, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist and Manager of Occupational and Physical Therapy for Easterseals Central Illinois shared this great resource for families looking a social story about washing hands!

https://www.flipsnack.com/EastersealsCi/my-clean-hands-story/full-view.html?fbclid=IwAR0A4SqLxyLMEp1CidpK2fJZAsfOmhMSt5Cuc9_J3FI8ZZ7idj4wtfvT7VA

Easterseals Central Illinois continues to monitor the developing COVID-19 pandemic and take proactive measures to protect patients, families and staff.  We have consulted with state and local officials, in addition to monitoring the CDC website for guidance.

 In accordance with the CDC guidelines, Easterseals Central Illinois is postponing three fundraising events that were scheduled for April 2020. These include the Easterseals Ladies Auxiliary Fashion Show (April 7^th), Run Walk Roll (April 18^th) and Passage to India (April 24^th). Discussions with these event committees are underway regarding rescheduled dates for Passage to India and Run Walk Roll. The Easterseals Ladies Auxiliary Fashion Show has been rescheduled to September 1^st 2020. Anyone who has purchased tickets these events can expect communication soon regarding rescheduling.

 It is our mission to help children in Central Illinois with developmental delays, disabilities and other special needs to meet their full potential. These three events provide vital funds to support that mission. However, we take the health and safety of our staff, clients, supporters and community seriously. We agree with state and local officials that this is the best course of action at this time. We would like to extend our appreciation to the volunteers who have already committed time and resources to developing these events.

Mar 12, 2020 – Easterseals Central Illinois is closely monitoring the developing COVID-19 situation and a taking proactive approach to protect patients, family members and staff. For the most up to date information please visit either of the sites linked below

• CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/
• Illinois Department of Public Health: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/

What is coronavirus?

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people, and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats, and bats. Rarely animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people.

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and commonly cause mild to moderate illness in people worldwide. However, the emergence of novel (new) coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, have been associated with more severe respiratory illness.

What is Easterseals Central Illinois doing in response?

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Easterseals Central Illinois is implementing the following changes to our infection control policy:

• We are increasing our efforts to sanitize our facilities and equipment as a preventative measure. You will also notice additional signs within our facility reminding you to wash hands often. We also encourage you to wash hands upon entering our treatment rooms.
• Fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath, are the main symptoms of Coronavirus. We will be screening for these symptoms upon check-in for your appointment. Easterseals will cancel your appointment if you, your child or anyone in attendance for the appointment appears to be sick.
• If your child or anyone in your family is sick, please call in advance to cancel your scheduled therapy appointment.

Can my child come to therapy?

If your child or anyone in your family is sick, please call in advance to cancel your scheduled therapy appointment.

If your child was sick, he/she may return to therapy when the following criteria are met (please note the following criteria has been adjusted by our Medical Director and replaces the information currently found in your Parent Handbook):

• Fever free for 72 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines. A fever is considered to be 99.5 degrees or higher.
• If your child or anyone in your family has been exposed to Coronavirus, you must cancel appointments for 14 days after being exposed to the virus and be symptom free before returning to Easterseals services.
• No respiratory symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath, etc.) for 7 days.
• If your child does receive a positive Coronavirus diagnosis, a Dr.’s note will be required before returning to therapy services.
• Sickness with infectious symptoms, following recent travel outside of the U.S. will require a Dr.’s note before returning to therapy services.
• Finally, if your child has been absent for 3 or more consecutive sessions due to an illness or if your child is hospitalized, a Dr.’s note will be required before your child’s return to therapy services.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your services with Easterseals Central Illinois or our response to the coronavirus, please call (309)687-1177.

If you have questions or concerns about the coronavirus in general please contact The State Public Health Dept hotline. The number is 1 (800) 889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV