I have learned so much in my journey of raising a kid with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Three learnings came out on top. It takes love and patience. Mastering a concept may take Derek years. Training him or correcting a behavioral issue would take months… Continue reading A Village, A Community, And Teamwork
After joining FCSN as a construction team volunteer in 2004, Stanley Woo has helped build all 3 of FCSN’s centers (East Bay, South Bay, and Osgood). He shares his journey from engineering student to construction team member, as well as all of the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. Continue reading Laying FCSN’s Foundations: Stanley Woo’s FCSN Journey
Between supervising Family Gatherings, attending FCSN Voices meetups, and overseeing other efforts to help out the special needs community, adult volunteer Wei-Jen Hsia has become a vital part of FCSN’s volunteering team. Since joining in 2008, she has become a dedicated adult volunteer for numerous programs, most notably FCSN’s newsletter, FCSN Voices, and the semesterly Family Gatherings. Continue reading Interview with Wei-Jen Hsia: An Adult Volunteer’s Journey
In a harmonious blend of rhythmic movements, colorful flags, and joyful spirits, the Blue Devils Special Needs Color Guard demonstrates a story of growth and inclusivity. Annette Odello, the team’s passionate coach, launched the Blue Devils special needs color guard program in Fremont. A visit to one of the Blue Devils’ rehearsals reveals both Annette’s devotion to her students and the team’s enthusiasm to learn. Continue reading Blue Devils Color Guard Rehearsals: Navigating Life’s Lessons for Special Needs Students
Imagine someone you love is in need of support from their community, but that support is just not there. Imagine how helpless that might make you feel as you witness your loved one struggle. Would you wish to find a haven where your loved one felt like they belonged? For many, Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is that haven. Founded in 1996 by ten families, and now serving over a thousand families in the Bay Area, FCSN’s mission is to help individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. I spoke to one of the co-founders, Linmei Chiao, to find out more about the heroes running this organization. Continue reading Volunteering At FCSN
Dr. Jennifer Carauddo describes her journey toward establishing the Health-Physical Therapy Class, a program designed to improve clients’ coordination, athleticism, and strength. She shares the inspiring stories of her clients’ progress as the class helps them grow beyond previous limitations. Continue reading A Journey to FCSN’s Health-Physical Therapy Class
Along with many educational and recreational programs offered at FCSN, the organization has recently introduced its own Math Fun-damentals program. Math Fun-damentals, which launched in 2021, is an online tutoring class in which children with special needs can learn the basics of algebra and other varying topics. Continue reading Spotlight on Math FUN-damentals Program
Opened by FCSN in 2004, the South Bay Adult Day Program (ADP) offers adults with developmental disabilities a joyful, supportive environment that facilitates personal growth, community interaction, and a healthy, meaningful life. Annabelle Foz, the Program Manager, shares an insider’s-look into the program’s purpose and services, as well as her favorite experiences from over 12 years of involvement. Continue reading A Look into the South Bay Adult Day Program with Annabelle Foz
Food and Nutrition Series #8
FCSN Voices has initiated a series of interviews with Dr. Lucy Qiao on topics related to food and nutrition for individuals with special needs. In this interview, Dr. Qiao discusses the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) issues in individuals with special needs. She breaks down the three major types of GI issues and explains why they are so common within the special needs community. She also shares intriguing discoveries from current research on the gut-brain axis, a topic found to have strong links to autism and special needs. Continue reading Interview with Dr. Lucy Qiao: Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues in Individuals with Special Needs
For many families with children with special needs, the question of care, especially as parents age, is paramount. As many special needs adults transition into independence, Supported Living Services, or SLS, assists them with developing the skills and obtaining resources they need to live on their own in the community. The program helps adults over 18 years old with independent living skills such as hygiene, communication and socialization, safety, nutrition, household maintenance, and more. The program also helps clients find housing and sign up for resources like section 8 housing voucher and IHSS ( In Home Support Service ). Beyond that, the program helps clients build up living skills so that they can live independently within the community with support. Continue reading Empowering Independence: Inside FCSN’s Supported Living Services
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