Important contacts and a visual calendar for the holidays from the Specialist Services Team

               A Visual Resource for Supporting Changes in Routine

Students who have difficulty communicating, may also have difficulty understanding what is happening outside of their regular daily routines. They may find it difficult to talk about things that have happened in the past, and things that are going to happen, but are aware of changes in routine and important people in their environments.

Why use a visual calendar resource?

A lot of early communicators can be upset by changes in routine, what’s happening now, next, when a favourite thing will happen, and when they will see a favourite or familiar person again. They likely cannot communicate effectively about these things and may use behaviours, including appearing upset, to let people know “something’s wrong”.

You can help an early communicator begin to understand what is happening and when by showing them using visual supports such as a visual calendar like the September holiday one attached.

This simple monthly calendar supports understanding through colour coding and symbol use. Each day may be filled with your young person's particular activities. 

Ways to use this visual calendar resource:

Visual calendars can be placed on the refrigerator, a bulletin board in a common area, or on a wall in a hallway, bedroom, or another space where it’s able to be frequently viewed and referred to. They can be used during particularly tricky times like the school holidays, or when someone has gone away and will be returning at a later date.

Some families refer to the calendar each day and tick off the day just before bedtime or the following morning with the child, saying something like “yesterday was….” “today is….” “yesterday is finished”, (tick it off with a pen together), “today is a school holiday” or “home day”. Some people prefer to use a regular calendar and modify it to suit their child’s needs. Others may want some extra visual supports such as colour coding, photos, symbols, and a simple layout to help support their child’s understanding. Some people like to mark the day they are on with a small Post It flag along with marking off the days that have passed.

                          Important Contacts for the Holiday Period

Mental health services:

If you require emergency mental health services for a child or adolescents up to the age of 18 years, call the Child Adolescent and Family (CAF) Emergency Service on 0800 218 219 (press option 2).

For students over the age of 18 call the Adult Mental Health Crisis Team on 0800 920 092.

For non-emergency assistance with mental health your GP is your first port of call.

Communication systems and devices:

If you have any concerns about your student’s Ministry of Health funded communication system over the school holidays, please contact The TalkLink Trust, TalkLink South Island, Christchurch, on 03 374 9222.

Vehicle harnesses and transport safety equipment:

Please ensure home and school harnesses are clearly labelled. At times the students utilise different means of transport and it is vital for their and others safety, that they have the correct harness.

Please keep track of accessories such as pen release tools, angel and buckle guards etc, as the transition to holidays and back tends to be when things go missing.

Mobility Equipment (frames and wheelchairs etc...)

If any repairs are required, please phone one of the following Enable Technicians who will visit you at home to carry out the repair/s required:

Rehab Enterprises - Owen Henwood

Cell: 027 230 5974

Email: owenhenwood@live.com

Tec Services - Ian Lappin

Cell: 021 801 902

Email: ian@tecservices.co.nz

Personal Mobility Systems

Ph: 03 366 8815

Email: admin@mobilitysystems.co.nz

Please see both the contacts sheet and holiday calendars attached.