Spectrum Educational Services

Karen Sudom speaks to the beauty and challenges of her experiences navigating this crazy yet wonderful world. She began as an Autism specialist and has widened her spectrum of topics to include her lived experience in community discussions, decisions and delivery. Not just about: Authentic! Karen doesn't just speak about Autism, but also what it is like to be Autistic. She doesn't just  speak about social supports and community inclusion, but also her experiences of delivering, needing and accessing help. She shares with educators, parent groups, students, churches, businesses, health professionals and other services providers. Karen's work has found her behind the scenes and behind the microphone. Pre Covid Karen  led weekly after school groups for preteens and teens with mainstreamed Autism called  ASDreams . She  served on the City of Medicine Hat's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and Social Development Advisory Board. Karen moved to Calgary in 2023. 

I'm not involved with this event, but it seems like a great learning opportunity.

My article "Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder" appears in the summer edition of  Bridge magazine . Scroll to page 13 to find a readable version of the thumbnails below. Save Save

I was thankful to take part in IDPD again this year. Shaw TV Medicine Hat captured highlights of the events. One minute into the video they focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. I had the privilege of being interviewed. The interview took place in the foyer at the end of the school day just as parents were arriving to pick up their children. My "robotic" voice reveals that I'm using a significant amount of my brain for self regulation. Tools I used to manage myself during the interview: I focused my eyes on Leslie Jerry , a familiar face from the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues . Before being interviewed I asked the interviewer what questions she would have for me. I remembered that any part of being Autistic that I couldn't hide from the camera could become another avenue for ASD awareness. The comments from students demonstrated that IDPD increases inclusion. The sessions increased the level of students' understanding of different disabilities. I

Celebrate the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2014 to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The UN has gathered information on disabilities which you can read here . The article highlights barriers that people with disabilities face. " These obstacles can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment, or those resulting from legislation or policy, or from societal attitudes or discrimination." I'll be doing my part to remove obstacles by giving two classroom presentations to grade five students on Autism Spectrum Disorders at St. Pat's school.

Unfortunately November 14 was a typo on the Linking Together brochure. The group was held November 12. If you set aside the third Wednesday, November 19, for Linking Together, you now have a free evening. There will be no group in December. We meet again on January 21, 2015. The group is still welcoming new members. So far this year we have enjoyed  Wendy Johnson explain what criteria are used to formally diagnose Autism. Todd Samuelson and Nicole Stein from  CHHS shared ways to communicate your child's needs with school as well as different options for completing high school. Ruth Isaac demonstrated sensory strategies and gave a tour of a children's gym downtown.

It is a privilege to represent the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues at the ceremony on Wednesday. Each link below takes you to a picture of the features of the waterpark and playground. It has been designed to be accessible and fun for children, parents, and caregivers with and without disabilities ( Braille clock , drums , teeter totter , swings ). Surfacing  - is a resilient recycled tire solid surface that is level with the walkway.  The surface is firm, stable, slip-resistant, and provides outstanding shock absorption. Equipment - offers a mix of both accessible and more  demanding features that will appeal to and challenge a variety of children and abilities.  The ramps, accessible stairs and platforms use colour to indicate elevation changes.  The  safari bus allows children using a mobility device to experience the movement and bounce of a safari bus trip with their peers.   Water Playground - Seasonal (May long weekend - September long weekend).  Fully accessible