Children Programs, Programs

WeDo2 Lego Spring Class Builds Robotics Knowledge at FCSN

In the spring of 2023, Team Alphabots, a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, hosted a series of 8 weekly Lego robotics classes to introduce FCSN students to engineering and programming skill sets. With the mission of spreading awareness of STEM fields to young and underprivileged students in the Bay Area, Alphabots’ nonprofit organization, Alphabots4All, reached out to FCSN hoping to assist special needs students in developing an interest in robotics. In Alphabots4All’s lessons, students use the Lego WeDo2 sets, software, and instructional manuals to build projects and learn to code.  Continue reading WeDo2 Lego Spring Class Builds Robotics Knowledge at FCSN

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Clients, FCSN Stories, Parents, Special Interest, Work & Job training

Supporting Branden Through the Self Determination Program (SDP)

Two years ago, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) introduced the Self-Determination Program (SDP) through Person-Centered Planning at an open house. Susan and Yong were quick to sign up for the pilot program, as their son Branden was in the last year of the Young Adult Program at the time. Although Branden was able to keep up with his academic workload, his autism manifested as extreme shyness that prevented him from communicating with others. Susan realized that if Branden were to graduate and enter the real world, he would struggle to survive on his own. In light of this urgent situation, Susan and Yong saw that the Person Centered approach of the new SDP could help Branden achieve independence and become an active member of the community. Continue reading Supporting Branden Through the Self Determination Program (SDP)

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Children Programs, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs

Biology For Curious Kids

Originally starting as our passion for biological sciences, Biology for Curious Kids has since blossomed into a virtual enrichment program to help kids with special needs learn about biology and its applications to the real world. Through cartoons and thoughtful explanations, the class focuses on engaging students and aiding them in discovering the ever-changing world. We try to make this class as interactive as possible by having the students compete in kahoots, answer questions, or just talk about their day.  Continue reading Biology For Curious Kids

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Announcements, News, News/Events

2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is an award given by the President to reward volunteers for devoting hours to community service. Since 2014, FCSN has been participating in this program as a certifying organization to incentivize our volunteers to participate in more activities and serve their communities. In the past year of 2022, 31 FCSN youth volunteers earned the PVSA young adult and teen awards for bronze, silver, and gold categories. Continue reading 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)

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Children Programs

Breaking Down the Wonders of the Human Body: A Neurodiverse-Inclusive Approach to Biology Education

The complexity of the human body makes it both a fascinating and a challenging subject to comprehend, particularly for special needs individuals. The terminology and concepts used to describe human anatomy can also be overwhelming and frustrating, making it difficult for special needs individuals to grasp the subject and limiting their access to educational resources in the medical field. To bridge this gap, Med-ucate, a student-run nonprofit program, provides free healthcare education by employing interactive teaching styles to help students of all learning abilities understand subjects such as anatomy and physiology.  Continue reading Breaking Down the Wonders of the Human Body: A Neurodiverse-Inclusive Approach to Biology Education

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Children Programs, Performing Arts, Remote/Virtual Programs

Unlocking the Power of Music and Dance: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for Special Needs Individuals

Special needs individuals thrive in an education environment tailored to their individual needs. Verbal communication may be a challenge for them, but music can provide an effective means of expression, allowing them to communicate through sound and visual images. To ensure the success of the Virtual Music and Hip-Hop program, we created interactive, tailored courses in different subjects to introduce special needs individuals to the wide array of stimuli that can spark their curiosity. Continue reading Unlocking the Power of Music and Dance: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for Special Needs Individuals

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Children Programs, FCSN Stories, Sports, Volunteers

Sairisheeth’s Journey in Creating FCSN Tennis Camp

“When I first found out about FCSN, I wanted to bring something I was passionate about to this special community,” FCSN Tennis Program Founder Sairisheeth Venkat said. Sairisheeth learned about FCSN when he was searching for volunteer opportunities online and was fascinated by the close-knit community and numerous opportunities offered by the organization to help special needs individuals.  Continue reading Sairisheeth’s Journey in Creating FCSN Tennis Camp

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FCSN Stories

New Development at FCSN Voices

Founded with the purpose of amplifying the voices of the special needs community and instilling a sense of community within FCSN’s united families, FCSN Voices has evolved from a printed newsletter in 1997 to a fully-fledged online publication carrying all the strengths of the digital age. Today, the publication features more than 250 articles, accumulating more than 40,000 views and reaching readers across 10 countries. Over the years, FCSN Voices has seen significant growth as a publication and undergone changes in leadership, format, and direction, but has always remained true to its mission of informing readers on issues important to the special needs community.  Continue reading New Development at FCSN Voices

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