 A couple of weeks ago I got a behind-the-scenes look the SensoryAbled Kids Gym, a new Sensory Gym opening in Virginia Beach this weekend!! Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, has been hard at work organizing and planning the opening and it's all set to roll out on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am. Disclosure: I have no affliation with SensoryAbled Kids or the owner or the manufacturers of the products featured here. Though I plan at some point soon to start a Parent-led Social Skills Play Therapy Group that will meet at the gym. More on that soon. Grand Opening on Saturday!The opening starts at 10:00 am this Saturday and Tashia plans to be open for open play Wednesday through Sunday each week from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. There will be door prizes and giveaways. Oaktree Counseling plans on donating a few sensory items as door prizes as well. There is also a giveaway to a special Invitation Only Sneak Peek on Friday night, before the grand opening (details at the end of the post). Why Do We Need A Sensory Gym?
But, at the time, there was nothing like it anywhere in Hampton Roads. She spent the last year researching, thinking, seeking out funding and then jumped in head first and quit her job. Tashia said, "I wanted to fill this need for my son and also the community at large. Plus, I think a family owned business is a good model for my children and allows me to be more active in their life vs working for someone else." New Photos of SensoryAbled Kids Sensory Gym!
P.S. Tashia and I aren't the only ones who see the need for more sensory play experiences for our kiddos. I also encourage you check out the open play hours at Brick Headz, another great resource in our area with sensory play equipment, ages 1 to 12. As well as Cloud9, an amazing trampoline park. And Green Bean, a new indoor play center, children 6 and under.
Hampton Roads is finally getting a Sensory Gym! Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, plans on opening the SensoryAbled Kids in Virginia Beach on Holland Road, August 12th, if all goes according to plan.
Her rates are totally reasonable and... AND... she's offering a discount for any additional siblings who tag along! (keep reading for more details).
(Can you tell I'm excited?! I have nothing to disclose, I am not affliated with the gym or any of the websites or manufacturers mentioned here. Neither Tashia nor SensoryAbled Kids is compensating me for this post in any way.)
by Nikki Schwartz
The Crood's family's motto is "Never Not Be Afraid." When their cave is destroyed, they've got to set out for something new. I think this is a great lesson for kids and can provide some great teaching moments after the movie. Another Surprise!
How to Win TicketsIf you'd like to win the tickets, leave two comments:
We'll send the winner an email on Thursday (June 7th) at 8pm. The winner will need to respond by 10pm Thursday evening to claim the tickets. The tickets will be left in the winner's name at the box office.
NOTE: Neither Nikki Schwartz, Spectrum Psychological Services, nor Tidewater Autism Society of America, endorses providers listed. All information is for informational purposes only. Please make sure to do your own research regarding providers, techniques and therapies.
If you have a child with autism or know someone with Asperger's or another Autism Spectrum Disorder, this is a great place to find out what is going on. If you'd like to add an event to the calendar, send Suzi an email and let her know. We'll be hosting this Autism Events Calendar permanently on our site. You can also check out our resources page for a local providers directory.
Drop Caitlyn Hylinski at Cinema Cafe a Facebook message and let them know you love the idea of Sensory Friendly Shows and you want to see more shows in the future.
Would you be interested in a seeing a Sensory Friendly Show with tickets for $2.50? Cinema Cafe has considered offering a second-run movie showing for the Autism Community at Pembroke Meadows or Greenbrier. Let me know in the comments what you think of the idea. P.S. Stop by our blog next month, I'll be giving away tickets to the next sensory friendly showing at Cinema Cafe!
The Spectrum Parents group is made up of local parents of children on the Autism Spectrum. The group is "closed" or private, which means you'll need to request an invite from the group moderator, Suzi Noyes. I know many parents who are able to build supportive relationships with others, even though everyone is so busy with life. You'll find links to resources, websites, blogs, events calendars, and, most importantly, other parents to connect with.
One of the group's goals is to remain positive and helpful, which means that you can turn to other parents, without the fear of being judged. If you're a parent in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads with a child on the spectrum, I'd really encourage you to check out the Spectrum Parents group.
Teachers and Parents Stores (TAPS) are Closing in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton and Richmond11/27/2012   I was visiting one of my favorite stores in the area, the Teacher and Parents Store, a.k.a. TAPS, a store that serves carries a variety of quality educational materials for teachers and parents. They are sometimes the only place in our area to purchase specific items for special needs children. I was disappointed to learn they are closing all of their locations in two weeks, unless a buyer is found. Their website states, "Due to economic conditions beyond our control, we must close our store locations. We want to thank you for supporting us and for allowing TAPS to serve your educational needs for the last 26 wonderful years." According to staff, TAPS owner is retiring from the business. I wanted to say thank you to TAPS for serving our kids during the last 26 years and providing quality items for teachers, families, homeschoolers, and those with special needs. You will be missed!
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I am so excited about being able to give away two pairs of tickets, Courtesy of Cinema Cafe, to the Sensory Friendly Movie Showing of Wreck-It Ralph this Tuesday, November 13th, at 6:30 pm, good for the Kemps River or Hampton locations. CONTINUE READING
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