Does Your Child Have a Learning Disability? Try the Arts! By Patrick Young


This blog post is a guest post submitted by Patrick Young of Able USA. (Website for AbleUSA is https://ableusa.info/ )

About Patrick Young

Patrick Young is an educator and activist. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances—the outside world often either underestimates them or ignores their needs altogether. He created Able USA to offer helpful resources to people with disabilities and to provide advice on navigating various aspects of life as a person with disabilities.

Patrick said he wanted to share an article idea I believed would be an excellent fit for this website, focusing on personal and career development and finding motivation and passion to improve.

The topic concerns the advantages of engaging children with learning disabilities in artistic activities and practical strategies to facilitate their involvement.

Patrick’s article resonates with an article posted on this website in September 2023 titled “Does art reach out to the artist or result from reaching in to find it?” which begins by saying: Art can change, inspire, and make us see the world differently. Each work of art created by the individual artist reflects a particular time periodparticulari particular, a particular context, and a stage in his life. Thus, in their works of art, the artist can see the development of his identity through time.


Patrick’s Article

Does Your Child Have a Learning Disability? Try the Arts!

By Patrick Young


Children with learning disabilities face unique challenges regarding learning, socializing, and expressing themselves. The good news is that your child can significantly benefit from the arts!

Crafting, music, painting, theater, and dancing can provide a safe and stimulating outlet for kids with learning disabilities to develop new skills, express themselves, and build self-esteem.

Today, Connected Events Matter looks at the many benefits the arts can yield for kids and how you can support your child’s artistic interests and talents! These ideas show how art can change, inspire, and make us see the world differently.

Benefits of Crafting.

Crafting is fantastic for many kids with learning disabilities because it helps them develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Arts and crafts also help children to express themselves and cope with difficult emotions. Moreover, your child might find that crafting activities help them regulate emotions and build self-esteem. Give your child simple materials like paper, glue, scissors, and markers, and encourage them to experiment with different textures, shapes, and colors.

Creating a multipurpose room for your kid.

Craft projects can spark children's creativity and help them see the world differently. A special room or just dedicated space will help foster focus and concentration to promote experimentation and collaboration; creative spaces play a critical role in helpingassisting artistsassisting artists to unleash their creativity and bring their works to life.

Benefits of Music

Music can have profound effects on children with learning disabilities, particularly in the areas of communication, language, and socialization. Vivvi notes that kids who listen to music or learn to play an instrument can improve their auditory processing, speech production, and social skills.

You can also use music as a communication tool because it helps children express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in ways they might not be able to through speech. Consider exposing your child to music lessons, instruments, and opportunities to participate in performances or music groups.

Cleaning Up

Art projects with your child are an excellent way to foster creativity, though they can often lead to quite a mess. Paints, glues, and other materials can easily find their way onto surfaces and clothing. However, you can minimize the stress of cleanup by preparing in advance with DIY cleaners made from common everyday household products. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be combined to create effective, non-toxic cleaning solutions that tackle everything from paint spills to glue residues.

This approach keeps your home and child clean and introduces an eco-friendly practice into your routine, making post-art session cleanups easier and safer.

Benefits of Painting

Painting can be a fun and accessible method of expressing creativity and developing motor skills while exploring different colors, textures, and techniques. It can help your child build self-esteem and confidence in the process. Painting is also a fantastic way for your child to engage with their surroundings, learn new concepts, and express their understanding of the world. Create an environment where your kid can paint with different tools, surfaces, and mediums.

Art and Business

Encouraging your child’s interest in art can be fun and educational, especially when exploring art-based business ideas together. This collaborative effort nurtures their creativity and introduces them to basic entrepreneurial skills. For example, you could brainstorm starting a custom greeting card business where your child designs and sells their artwork on cards for various occasions.

Another idea is creating and selling digital artwork or prints online, tapping into a market of art lovers looking for unique pieces. Lastly, consider a service-based business like art classes where your child can teach other kids basic drawing or painting techniques. Each of these ventures allows your child to express creativity while learning valuable business and social skills.

Benefits of Theater and Dancing

Theater and dancing are two dynamic art forms through which children with learning disabilities can cultivate their creative and social skills. In theater, kids learn to develop their dedicated space, which will help foster focus and concentration to promote experimentation and collaboration; creative spaces play a critical role in assisting artists in speaking, listening, and nonverbal communication skills while experiencing different characters and stories.their dedicated space, which will help foster focus and concentration to promote experimentation and collaboration; creative spaces play a critical role in assisting artists in

Children who take dancing often grow in coordination, timing, and physical expression as they work with different movements and rhythms. Both disciplines can help kids build self-confidence, form friendships, and learn to work collaboratively as a team.

Art can be a powerful tool for kids with learning disabilities to excel in life. Whether through painting, drawing, crafting, music, theater, dancing, or any other art form, your child might significantly benefit from expanding their horizons and learning new disciplines. Be sure to provide access to any art supplies, materials, lessons, and opportunities your child needs to engage in the arts. And encourage them to try new and creative activities that can drastically improve their lives and prospects!


Source: https://connectedeventsmatter.com/special-...

Sunil Pandey & Brent M. Jones - Catching Up →

Brent Jones Catching up with Sunil Pandey






About Sunil Pandey

In January 2020, I met an International Student, Sunil Pandey, who was spending time with his family in our neighborhood. They were from Nepal, and he asked me to help his father and offer insight on his LinkedIn profile.

Sunil Sunil was then a PhD candidate at George Mason University in Manassas, Virginia, where his educational focus is Microbiology & Infectious Disease. We have stayed in contact, and he now has his PhD and works as a microbiologist at a well-known lab. He also has plans to start a tutoring school focusing on math and science.

About Sunil Pandey

Microbiologist, career comprising continuous academic distinction and recognition for performance excellence; expert in GMP production, process development, scaleup, and improvements to commercial GMP processes; skilled in resolving complex issues where analysis of situations and data requires an in-depth analysis of process data gained from multiple sources; experienced in various USP testing and reporting; consummate technical writer, facility operations, and internal process leader in establishing metrics and making recommendations to the management team; practiced in training and mentoring superior teams that consistently produce successful results; accomplished in fostering lasting, trusting relationships with high-performing, cross-functional teams; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Laboratory Information management systems (LIMS); adept in managing multiple projects in fast-paced, dynamic biopharma environments.


Key Competencies & Skills:
• PCR, Cloning, Gel Electrophoresis Expertise
• OOS Investigation & CAPA
• Team Building & Training
• USP methods <51>, < 61>, and <62> Testing
• Microbiology, Molecular Biology, & Lab Mgmt
• Relationship Building & Management
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• Strong Listening & Communications Skills
• Results‐Driven Management
• Process & Continuous Improvement
• Superior Internal/External Project Mgmt Skills
• Strong Thinking/Problem Solving
• SOPs, Quality & Regulatory Documentation
• Process Design & Scale‐Up
• Excellent Organizational Skills
• GMP, EPA, and USP Compliance
• Team Mentoring & Management
• Regulatory Audit Support

Asya Blue Design LLC - New York City →

Asya Blue design is based in New York. By 2023 Aya had contributed ideas and thoughts for both this website and for some of my books. Her Guest Post below was a 1st step to guest posting. The site has received a variety in communication about the overall subjects included on the site and in the site author’s books. Asya’s comment, “My love of the creative process is only rivaled by the relationships I have cultivated”, resonates with me. As the site author, book publisher and author I too have a love of the creative process needed for this work but have found that people like Asya are a treasure and those who help in this process are so important and offer a great deal of meaningful input.

-Brent M. Jones

ASYA BLUE CATCHING UP WITH CONNECTED EVENTS MATTER

NEW YORK-BASED: CREATIVE DIRECTOR, ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER, VISUAL IDENTITY • ADVERTISING PUBLISHING • PACKAGING • ENVIRONMENTAL • EXHIBIT • SOCIAL MEDIA

Hello, Connected Events Matter followers. My first name may appear tricky (pronounced Ah-Sha), but my design philosophy and approach to every project are simple, straightforward, and client-centered. I bring a thoughtful, organized, multi-discipline background to the creative process. There is no logo refresh or book project too small nor brand launch or multi-media campaign too large for my team and me to manage and execute at the highest level. I not only lead and design, but I author a creative narrative that helps to evoke the emotion of a brand or project. I constantly strive for my clients to feel listened to, and I wear my crown for being the “consummate communicator with record-breaking response times” very proudly.

My love of the creative process is only rivaled by the relationships I have cultivated. A collective of clients who are now friends, friends who have become colleagues, and former students who are collaborators. From designers to developers to copywriters, I invest in and surround myself with people who share a common purpose: work hard and do good. I enjoy taking on pro-bono projects that are particularly meaningful to my close-knit creative family. I also love the time I spend each week in the classrooms of local colleges and universities, helping to build the knowledge, passion, and portfolios of the next generation of art and graphic design professionals.

Sunil Pandey with Dr. Koirala →

Had an opportunity to meet Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, Roshan Lal Shrestha daju. Dr. Koirala is dedicated to bring quality healthcare for children in Nepal. He is in the states to share his plans and ideas with us. Lets support whatever we can to make it success. In my opinion its not just a fundraiser but also an awareness program in importance of child health in country like Nepal. I wholeheartedly support his ideas to build non profit hospitals in several provinces of the country. For more information please visit: https://www.kioch.org.np/

How Acceptance Is Prerequisite to Happiness Delineating expectations versus wants →

How Acceptance Is Prerequisite to Happiness Delineating expectations versus wants

by Nate Owens

Too many of us are caught in a false notion that if only such-and-such were so and so-and-so was such, then all would be well in the world. The reality is that this is not how life works. We don’t get to choose what we want most of the time — and that’s a horrible fact if you frame your wants as expectations.

Expectations versus Wants

Most people I’ve met in my career confuse wants with expectations. It’s OK to ‘want’ something: a promotion, a piece of Neapolitan ice cream cake (put it in my face hole NOW!!), that dog to stop barking, whatever… It’s natural to want. Where we run into problems is when we start expecting things……………………..

The language you use to describe your circumstances determines how you see, experience, and participate in them. It dramatically affects how you deal with your life and confront big and small problems.― Gary John Bishop

An Organized Approach to Applying for Jobs in the Public Sector

Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA

Questions

·      Are you looking to get employed in jobs in the public sector, like government offices, state facilities, or school districts? 

 ·      Are you looking for some tips and advice on how to go about applying to increase your chances of landing a position?

If you answered yes to these questions, keep reading!

 

Public Sector Jobs

Public sector jobs are otherwise known as “government” jobs.  These include:

 ·      School positions (teaching and non-teaching)

·      Emergency services

·      Park maintenance

·      Armed forces

·      Post office operations

·      Safety – police and fire

·      Regulatory agencies

·      City operations

·      Civil Service

·      Tax-related services

·      And more

If you have ever dealt with the IRS, Department of Motor Vehicles, the court system, Social Security Administration, the Sherriff’s Department, you have received services from someone who is working for the public sector.

Unlike the private sector, public sector jobs are not revenue-driven.  They are funded by tax dollars.  The jobs are for businesses that are owned or controlled by the government, whether it’s federal, state, or local. 

Generally speaking, public sector jobs do not pay as well as private sector jobs.  In other words, the salaries are lower.  However, the benefits packages that they offer make it worthwhile to look for employment opportunities.  Public sector jobs are also more stable.  While profit-based companies are prone to closures and layoffs due to reduced revenues, public sector jobs are more stable because they are backed by the government.

To get into a position within local, city, state, or federal government facilities, there are certain things you must consider before applying.  For example, it takes time to land a position.  You might have to wait up to 3 months to hear back about a position you applied.  Your application must meet the minimum qualifications for the job posted on the job description.  If not, your application will be screened out.  There are tests to take for almost every position to see if you meet minimum requirements.  Also, background checks will be required for these positions. 

 

Applying for Jobs in the Public Sector:  8 Tips and Ideas

1.     Ask yourself questions.

 Here are some examples:

 ·      Am I getting enough satisfaction from my current job?

·      Is my job what I always wanted to do?

·      Am I living with purpose?

·      Am I unhappy with my body image?

·      Are my personal finances making me unhappy?

·      Am I upset with myself for not having obtained more education?

·      Would I be happier if I moved out of where I am currently living?

·      Is there someone I admire and wish to emulate?

·      For those whom I look up to, what do they have that I want to have?

 

            Take time to truly understand what aspects of your life you want to change to be happier, and more content.  This process might take a few months.  However, do not keep questioning and questioning yourself without your questions leading to any solutions.  Be decisive and take charge of your life to make improvements!

 

An Organized Approach to Getting a Job in the Public Sector

To increase your chances of success with landing a job in the public sector, keep these ideas and tips in mind.  Remember, you will increase your chances of finding employment if you are organized, thorough, consistent, and efficient with the process!

 

1.    Look for jobs in 1 to 3 search engines consistently.

 Mark your calendar to visit these sites every 3 days to search for new opportunities that get posted.  This is how you will build consistency.  Write down your usernames and passwords for easy access.

·      USAJOBS.gov

·      Edjoin.org

·      USA.gov

·      State jobs (depending on the state):  jobs.mo.gov for Missouri, calcareers.ca.gov for California, twc.texas.gov for Texas, and more.  Type “public sector jobs in ___________” whichever state you are in to see what search engines come up.

 

2.      Apply for jobs for which you meet minimum requirements. 

 Many institutions, both in the public and private sector, use software programs that scan applications and resumes automatically to screen out those who do not meet minimum requirements.  If a position asks for 5 years of driving experience, for example, you must actually write that in your application or resume.  If you do not, you’ll be screened out.  Be as organized as possible when it comes to meeting the minimum job requirements to increase your chances of being selected for the next step in the process.

 

3.      While you are applying, start preparing for the next steps.

Once you submit an application, you are waiting to receive a call or an email telling you that you need to take a test or have an interview.  Be as proactive as possible.  Start preparing for interviews.  This is especially important if you have not interviewed for a while.  Search for types of interview questions they might ask and get ready with possible answers.  The more you practice, the better you will become!

 

4.      Work on self-development to increase your chances of landing a position.

 Self-development means increasing your skill set or education.  For example, if the job you want asks for a bachelor's degree, go back to finish your degree.  If it asks you to know graphic design, take classes at the community college where you can earn a certificate.  Remember, the more you have compared to everyone else who is trying to apply for the same job, the higher your chances will be for getting employment.

 

5.      Monitor your progress with each application.

            Have a tracking system to know how many jobs you have applied for each week, how many interviews, and how many tests you have been invited to take. 

 

6.      Have someone look at your resume and printed application for possible mistakes and errors.

If you are one of 50 people who has applied for a job and only 10 are being called for an interview, your application and resume will be looked at in detail.  If you have spelling and punctuation errors that you overlooked or did not realize you made, your chances of being screened out will be higher.  For example, if you wrote, “I insure that reports are correct before submitting them,” is wrong.  The proper phrase should be, “I ensure that reports are correct before submitting them.”  Many people make these types of mistakes unknowingly.  Have someone who has strong language skills look at your resume and application for possible errors. 

 

7.      Get your references and letters of recommendation in place.

Depending on the job for which you are applying, you might be asked to provide references and letters of recommendation.  Collect up to 3 letters of recommendation from people you have worked with, even on a volunteer basis.  Also, contact 3 people with whom you have worked to make sure they know you are putting them down on your applications as references. 

 

8.      Research three to five sites each week to improve your job-seeking skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

 

Searching for a job in the public sector could be time-consuming and cumbersome.  Use an organized approach when applying to become more efficient and consistent with the process.  Here is a checklist you can use.

 

https://efficiencyandorganization.com/career

 Remember, it takes time and do not give up.  Just get better and better at the process.  Work on your areas of where you need to improve.  Also, keep in mind that if you do not get positions after you interview, it may be that someone from within the organization got promoted.  This can be disheartening to you as an outside applicant but again, do not give up.  There will be an opportunity presenting itself to you when the time comes!

How to Reinvent Yourself Using a Systematic and Positive Approach

By Ruzanna Hernandez, Ed.D.

Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels

Questions

  • Are you ready to make some big changes in your life but not sure how and where to start?  

  • Are you feeling like you are not getting enough joy, value, or satisfaction out of your life?

  • Do you wish you can stop what you are doing and start all over again by reinventing yourself?

If you answered yes to any or all these questions, this article may be just what you need to get started!  

How to Reinvent Yourself Using a Systematic and Positive Approach

As adults, it’s common for us to stop and reflect upon our lives.  When there is a feeling that something is missing, or we are not living according to our true purpose.  We are not getting enough value out of our lives, and we know we want and need things to change.

How should we reinvent ourselves?  How do we start from scratch? Here is a systematic and positive approach you can use to get going!

  1.  Ask yourself questions.

Here are some examples:

  • Am I getting enough satisfaction from my current job?

  • Is my job what I always wanted to do?

  • Am I living with purpose?

  • Am I unhappy with my body image?

  • Are my personal finances making me unhappy?

  • Am I upset with myself for not having obtained more education?

  • Would I be happier if I moved out of where I am currently living?

  • Is there someone I admire and wish to emulate?

  • For those whom I look up to, what do they have that I want to have?

Take time to truly understand what aspects of your life you want to change to be happier, and more content.  This process might take a few months.  However, do not keep questioning and questioning yourself without your questions leading to any solutions.  Be decisive and take charge of your life to make improvements!

 Decide what you are going to change and make a vision board.

The vision board does not need to be anything fancy.  It can include images or just words.  What is more important is the decisions you make about what you want to change.  Do not select more than five.  Here are some examples:

  • I want to have a different image of myself.

  • I want to live in a slightly larger home with less people.

  • I want to finish my bachelor’s degree once and for all.

  • I want to be financially independent.

  • I want to change my job and work in another field.

  • I want to earn more money.

  • I want to be in a supervisory/managerial role.

  • I want to start a side business that involves my passion.

  • I want to travel and see more places.

  • I want to have a family.

  • I want to have pets.

  • I want to be in a career where I can truly make a difference in other people’s lives.

Once you have decided on what you want, see yourself achieving success!  That vision of success will motivate you to keep fighting for your dreams and aspirations!  If there are multiple things you want, be sure to only focus on no more than five.  Any more will cause you to feel overwhelmed.  Remember:  Once you fully realize one major change for the better, you can start working on another!  Take one step at a time.

 Set specific goals that are attainable.

It is not enough to simply visualize and ask for things in your life to be different.  In order to reinvent yourself, you must write specific goals.  Here are some examples:

  • Within the next 24 months, I will finish my bachelor’s degree.

  • Within 18 months, I will obtain a job promotion to earn more money.

  • In order to travel more, I will go on 2 small trips, or one big trip each year.

  • For the next 2 years, I will start seeing a counselor or a therapist at least once every week to improve my mental health. 

  • I will spend $1,000 to remodel the room of my house where I spend the most time during the day. 

  • Within the next 3 months, I will adopt a new dog.

  • I will be in a managerial position within the next 18 months.

  • I will start volunteering at a local church for 2 hours every month.

If you look at each of the goals listed, they have a specific timeline and deadline.  Each one takes a vision, and makes it more exact and precise, in nature.  They are actually doable and attainable.  They are specific.  They are also measurable; in other words, you can look back and see if you did what you set out to do.

 Set action plans to achieve each goal.  

Once specific goals are written (and they must be written to improve your chances of actually obtaining them), set specific action plans for how you are going to achieve the goal.  This is where you want to have a planner and a calendar handy so you can start scheduling specific things you need to do.  Here are 2 examples:

Goal:  



  • Within 18 months, I will obtain a job promotion to earn more money.

Some of the Action Plans:

  • Write a 2-page thorough resume.

  • Get 3 letters of recommendation.

  • Ask to get 3 people to be references for you.

  • Read at least 3 job descriptions of positions that you are seeking to make sure you meet qualifications.

  • Look for 10 or more interview questions and practice answering each.

Goal:  

  • In order to travel more, I will go on 2 small trips, or one big trip each year.

Some of the Action Plans:

  • As soon as I get my tax refund money, I will quickly book a trip.

  • I will look at my budget to see how much I can afford to pay for a possible trip.

  • I will create a specific savings account that is only for saving for trips.

  • I will make a list of places I want to visit in the next 5 years.

  • Once a week, I will spend 30 minutes researching places to visit that interest me.



  •  Monitor your progress.

Since your goals are written down, you have to decide how often you can revisit them to make sure you are on track with achieving them.  For example, if you have a goal that is going to take you three years to achieve, do you want to check in with yourself every 3 months or every 4 months to monitor if you are on track?  If your goal is to be achieved within 3 months, do you want to check in with yourself each week or every few days?

Monitoring goals involves taking 5 to 10 minutes to actually look at the goal you wrote and asking yourself whether or not you are on track.  If not, this is your chance to “get back on the horse!”  If you are meeting the goal, give yourself a little celebration (getting a little desert, going on a small afternoon getaway, purchasing yourself a small gift, etc.)  By celebrating, you are rewarding yourself for pushing forward!

Photo by Andre Furtado from Pexels


Conclusion

It is not easy to reflect upon where you are in life.  You have to be honest with yourself, and that can be overwhelming.  To reinvent yourself, you also have to develop clarity by asking questions – thinking about what would make you happier and better off than where you are now.  Just remember that you deserve more!  You deserve better!  You deserve to make positive changes!  
It is all about mindset, self-discipline, and an organized, systematic plan to change your life. The path you take to reinvent yourself will inspire others around you to do the same! You owe it to yourself, and those around you, to live the life you desire.