Sensory Story Time

First Saturday of every month  2-3:30 p.m. Pine Hills Branch  517 Western Avenue, Albany
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Pumpkin Fun!

Fall is here…. Time to pick pumpkins! Kids love to pick out their “special” pumpkin and help to carve them for Halloween. Please visit: http://schenectady.macaronikid.com/article/1335194/pumpkin-picking-2016 to view a list of pumpkin patches in our area. Other fun things to do at the pumpkin patches are highlighted .
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Fall Fun

As we enter the Fall season, our area is filled with fun activities to do with kids. Visit http://www.albany.com/fall/apple-orchards.cfm for a list of apple orchards in the Capital Region. Most orchards offer not only apple picking, but in season produce, apple cider, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, petting zoos and yummy cider donuts.
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SenseAble Science

SenseAble Science is a sensory friendly science center experience for those with autism and other sensory needs. SenseAble science is a special time for visitors with sensory needs to experience the museum with their families. Guests can enjoy miSci’s interactive exhibits, quiet space and a special “We Choose Space” planetarium show at 11:00. The next
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Big Red Safety Box

The National Autism Association is accepting applications for their Big Red Safety Box. Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and are at a risk for wandering can qualify while supplies allow. The Big Red Safety Box includes: education materials and tools, 2 GE wireless door/window alarms, engraved shoe ID tag, 5 adhesive STOP signs for
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Kid Friendly Hikes

Are you looking for outdoor fun for the whole family? Our area is filled with great family friendly hikes! Make sure to pack a picnic lunch, water, suntan lotion and bug spray! For a list of local kid friendly hikes visit: http://www.capitaldistrictfun.com/more-fun/capital-district-family-friendly-hikes/
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Hippotherapy

  Positively Playful Occupational Therapy, PLLC, located in New Scotland NY, offers occupational therapy based Hippotherapy services. This intervention can address a variety of symptoms including decreased balance, endurance and strength as well as poor sensory modulation (just to name a few).  For more information about Hippotherapy and the possible benefits for your child, visit http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org
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Water Safety

Now that summer weather is here, water safety is critical for children with special needs. Many kids are drawn to water and some are unable to understand the dangers associated with it. Tips for keeping kids safe around the water      1. Start Early It is important to expose children to water and to
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Playgrounds to Check Out!

Going to the playground can be one of the best things you can do with your child this summer. When you expose them to a variety of different playgrounds, you challenge your child’s motor planning skills and help the brain to grow and develop. Always remember that children need close supervision at a playground, especially
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New York State Access Pass

The weather is getting nice, so it’s time to get out and enjoy it! New York State residents with disabilities can get a permit for free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities operated by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
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Yogibo for Sensory Needs!

Have you seen the Yogibo store in Crossgates Mall? Yogibo products are fun to sit in but can also help kids with sensory processing problems. Their bean bags provide proprioceptive sensory input which can promote body awareness and help organize the brain for learning. They can also work as a compression tool to provide calming
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All About Apps!

Want to buy apps to help your kids learn but have no idea where to start? There is a website out there to help! Apps for Children with Special Needs is a website which lists apps based on categories and does video reviews! These reviews help you determine if an app would be good for
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Special Olympics- Young Athletes Program

The Special Olympics Young Athletes program is an all inclusive sports program that offers organized play and sports skills development for children with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 2-7. This special opportunity is offered in our area! The dates are April 20, May 18 and June 8, 2016 from 5-6 p.m.  It is located
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Learn Baby Sign Language

Baby Sign Language.com is a website for parents teaching infants and preschoolers early communication skills. Their philosophy is that early communication sets the foundation for accelerated learning, reduced frustration and a closer relationship between child and caregiver.  This website contains a basic sign dictionary of over 600 common signs which include a video, visual and
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Sensory Friendly Films

The Regal Entertainment Group features “My Way Matinees”. They are sensory friendly films with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. This provides viewers with sensory issues a way to go to the movies and enjoy themselves. People are encouraged to cry, sing, dance and just generally be themselves.  Regal Colonie Center, Albany,
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Adapted Clothing for Kids

  Runway of Dreams is a nonprofit organization working with fashion companies to adapt clothing for the differently-abled community. They partner with top designers to create modifications for clothing that make dressing an easier process. Adaptations such as modified closures, adjustable waistbands and pant legs give kids and adults alternative options for easy dressing and
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Guided Access for Apple Devices

  Do you have a child who is more interested in hitting the home button on your iPhone or iPad, than playing with an app? Apple has developed Guided Access for all iOS devices. This provides 3 important features to help kids get the most out of an app.   The home button can be
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Sensory Play

Children need to touch and play with a variety of textures to develop normal tactile processing. Sensory play stimulates and focuses children’s senses which help them learn about their environment. Sensory play also supports language development, cognitive growth, fine/gross motor skills, problem solving and social interactions.  Make some dough, oobleck, GAK or slime for a
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