I enjoyed not logging in to Facebook and Twitter for more than the period allotted for the Communication Shutdown.
I did several things during this time: lazed around in the house, did a bit of laundry washing, origami and made a multi-colored volcano erupt. Not the real thing of course but one made of baking soda, liquid dishwashing detergent and vinegar. Multi-colored because we used several colors of left-over modeling clay for this small Science experiment.
Origami proved to be a bit tricky because of the colored art paper we used. I used a box cutter (couldn’t find the paper cutter) to make the 9 x 12 paper a square. We made anorigami star and an origami flower.
The children go back to school tomorrow. It was such a short but sweet 2-day (4days including weekend) semestral break. We are now looking forward to having that Christmas break so we can sleep till our eyes drop and wake up only when we have had enough sleep.
Communication Shutdown is happening on November 1, 2010 and this aims to raise awareness about Autism in several countries all over the world.
Communication Shutdow also aims to have funds to help more than forty Autism Awareness groups in raising awareness about Autism. Here in the Philippines, the Autism Society of the Philippines is the beneficiary.
What is the essence of Communication Shutdown?
With around 4.5 billion social media users doing online things like chatting, updating status using 140 characters or more, blogging, playing online games with real and virtual friends, commenting on websites, and making thoughts and ideas known in the virtual world, communication has been easier, faster and more exciting than ever.
But have we ever paused to wander how people who have difficulties communicating with others feel like?
Have we ever wondered how the simple expression of needs are difficult to expressed?
Have we ever encountered people, children and adults diagnosed with autism, and wondered how they, with their limited social interaction skills and difficulties in communicating with others cope in the day to day demands of school work, home life and work situations?
On November 1, 2010, more than 40 autism charities and people worldwide encourage everyone to experience the world in a different way—through the eyes and ears of people with autism.
How to join Communication Shutdown:
Communication Shutdown which aims to raise awareness and funds for autism charities in over 40 countries challenges everyone to shutdown their social media and communication networks starting November 1 12mn till 11:59pm.
We used to live without Twitter and Facebook so I guess one day of not logging in won’t make any difference.
“Most people can’t imagine what life would be without my Facebook or Twitter account!” says Ms. Cristina Estampador, Project Manager of Autism Society of the Philippines. “But then, that’s how life is for those with autism. They aren’t connected to the world—and theirs can be a very small world indeed—the way we take for granted. Disconnecting from my Facebook or Twitter accounts just for one day is a small sacrifice I can make, just to be able to help and support the campaign.”
The livestream channels for the Emmy’s were blocked this morning so I was not able to watch the event. I only read about the wins of Temple Grandin’s biopic in the Emmy Awards a while ago, just after I wrote the last post and I was about to turn off this gadget.
Yep, this extra-ordinary woman named Temple Grandin has definitely captured the hearts of many families and individuals who are looking for hope for their loved ones who have been diagnosed with autism.
Congratulations to you, Temple Grandin and to the cast who made this biopic possible for us to view
Yes, my youngest daughter is being bullied in school, unlikely to happen to my elder daughter but that is another story.
First it was the classmate with Autism who managed to tear a page off her book. I would have passed that off since I am supposed to understand her situation. But when this classmate threw a heavy wooden chair which hit another classmate on the face and pushed another one causing scratches on the knee and elbows, I got alarmed. Problem solved for now since the girl’s mom is now staying with the girl the whole time. Plus most of the time, this girl stays with the special ed teacher and only goes to their class for non-academic schedule like recess, electives and lunch time.
Then there is this other classmate, a boy. (This boy is causing me to feel white hair popping out and wrinkles appearing and I may have to look for wrinkle cream reviews soon) continue reading this entry »
Eric Duquette has been diagnosed with autism. He however graduated as Class Salutatorian at the Smithfield High School in Rhode Island. In a class with under 200 students, he got the second-highest grade point average. He plans to study Biology at the Rhode Island College comes fall.
He proudly delivered his commencement speech at his High School graduation with his classmates cheering him on. This was really amazing especially from someone like Eric who had not spoken a word until he reached five years old.
Eric Duquette is a prime example that support from parents, teachers and the school are very important to be able to achieve one’s goals and dreams.
So there, for those who do not have any diagnosis that need to be given special education services, they should put in more effort to their studies and not on their playstation 3 games. When these happen, perhaps it is time to put more effort in teaching the importance of time management.
Congratulations to you Eric and we are sending you virtual hugs from our little corner of the world.
