A litte human interest - Tony's Firehouse

Okay, a little human interest story to end the week ----- we are just going to forget this is Friday the 13th!

This story appeals to me as my father was both a paid and volunteer fireman and both of my sons have spent time on the volunteer department in our town and their station happens to have a special needs man who hangs out at their firehouse and, yes, they watch out for him, not quite to the extent as the firemen in the story, but, it goes to show what kind of guys firemen are no matter where they are.

This is a story about Tony Tumminello who at the age of 13, in 1953, became friends with the firemen at Fire Station One in Lansing Mich.  I am not surprised about this story, it just reinforces everything good about those "pas tout la" fireman I know and grew up around. 

And yes, the Cajun translation of the quoted words apply (and it is better than what Dad's Mom, Gram to me, use to say in French about Dad on the fire department especially after he took the quick way to basement --- the floor collapsed under him and another firemen), after all those guys run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out ---- and we love them for it ---- Thanks to firemen everywhere!

Check out the story and video at http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/07/10/for-fire-station-home/15982/

Spread the Word to End the Word!

Today is the day to pledge!  According to the R-Word.org site, "It is time we Spread the Word to End the Word (tm) and build awareness for society to stop and think about its' use of the R-word.  That R-word is something hurtful and painful -- "retard" or "retarded."  Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends.The R-word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.  Visit www.r-word.org to make your pledge today."

While it only takes a few minutes to pledge, it takes a lifetime to truly practice your pledge, I hope you choose to do both!

Check out our newest materials!

The SERC Library has just posted our latest lists of new acquisitions on our website. Follow this link to browse our new materials in handy alphabetical and topical lists. You can then go to Iluminar to find more details on the items and to reserve them. And here's a tip: you can always see our newest materials as soon as they hit the catalog by scrolling down on the front page of Iluminar, where you'll see links to searches for New Books and New Tests. In the meantime, here are a few highlights:

Fasten your seatbelt: A crash course on Down syndrome for brothers and sisters. By Brian G. Skotko and Susan P. Levine, 2009. (YP 616.858842 SKO)




Think college!: Postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities. By Meg Grigal and Debra Hart, 2010. (371.90474 GRI)




Freedom from meltdowns: Dr. Thompson’s solutions for children with autism. By Travis Thompson, 2009. (FAM 618.928588 THO)





Launching RTI comprehension instruction with shared reading: 40 model lessons for intermediate readers. By Nancy N. Boyles, 2009. (IM 372.47 BOY)

Thicker than water: Essays by adult siblings of people with disabilities FAM 362.4043 MEY

This book is a collection of 36 essays written by adult siblings of people with disabilities. Their essays describe how their lives have been shaped by their relationships with their siblings. This wonderful book can enlighten siblings, parents, caregivers and communities.

Teaching math to people with Down syndrome and other hands-on learners by DeAnna Horstmeier. (IM 510.71 HOR)

Come take a look at this wonderful kit! The 400 page guide is full of lesson plans and practical suggestions and was developed to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages in the area of math instruction. Each kit also includes a CD-ROM and a set of manipulatives. The SERC Library has the kits for both the Basic and the Advanced Survival Skills.