#Speech Therapy Programs for Children

[beelievepediatrictherapy]

Best Speech Therapy Clinic In Fort Worth

Beelieve Pediatric Therapy offers specialized Speech Therapy in Weatherford & Benbrook to support and enhance communication skills for children’s development.

Visit for more : https://www.beelievepediatrictherapy.com/speech-therapy

[educationcambodia]

Speech and language development play a critical role in a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and build relationships. Early intervention, particularly speech therapy, can significantly impact children with speech delays or disorders. Addressing these issues early improves communication skills and boosts confidence, making it easier for children to integrate into school and social settings.

[beardedmrbean]

Despite having put five of her kids in Chicago Public Schools, Blaire Flowers said once her eldest daughter graduates high school, she may have to make the difficult decision of moving her children to a school district in the suburbs.

“It’s not worth the fight,” Flowers said. “My son is missing out on too much. You want me to sit here and wait while (teachers) scream and holler about wanting more money, and I’m still not getting the basic services my son should be getting from CPS.”

Following months of turmoil that has consumed the district, some parents say they have had enough of the constant battling between the three groups leading the public school system. With district CEO Pedro Martinez’s firing in December, upheaval on the school board, and a four-year Chicago Teachers Union contract in its ninth month of negotiations, some parents say their students have become an afterthought.

The district has ignored various services her children needed, Flowers said, leading her to believe that contract talks have blinded the district and CTU. She believes it’s difficult for parents to have a voice.

Growing up in the Austin neighborhood, Flowers said the Chicago Teachers Union was trying to protect students and educators. Now, sending her children to CPS, she feels the district and CTU disrespect parents, and the union, whose contract expired in June, is attempting to make parents “obsolete.”

“It seems like CPS and the teachers union is like parents are down here … under our shoes, and everyone else is up here,” Flowers said, making it difficult for parents to have a voice in their children’s education. Her children have been asking for various services that have been sidelined because the district wants to solve the CTU problem first. Meanwhile, the union, she said, is “whining” only about what they want.

Her son, who has an individualized education program, or IEP, was set to begin receiving speech therapy through the district at the beginning of this year. However, she was told they were unable to find a vendor to start the service and no update has been provided.

With Mayor Brandon Johnson, CTU and Martinez fighting, “We don’t know what’s going on,” Flowers said. “Services are being canceled left and right for our children, and we are the ones that are being left to … keep moving forward while everyone else is just breaking down in front of our eyes. It just doesn’t seem like any of them care about the families that all of this fighting is affecting them.”

While these concerns mount, Flowers and some other parents said they are left wondering how long their children’s needs will fall by the wayside while the district and union continue their battles.

In a statement to the Tribune, the CTU said its members, many of whom are also CPS parents, are eager to settle this contract.

“We know that parents want fully staffed schools, the ability to teach the truth, protections for our vulnerable students, and a robust and rich school day,” a CTU spokesperson said Jan. 21, “We continue to bargain, while the CEO has been busy in court, they added, referring to Martinez’s lawsuit seeking to prevent the school board from stripping him of his duties.

CPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

CTU and CPS have held regular press conferences with updates on the bargaining process, typically during business hours (and often within minutes of each other), available via live stream or televised live on local channels. CTU said it would hold a public update on their proposals on Jan. 22.

It goes to figure that emotions are running high among school district stakeholders — parents, teachers and administrators — nine months into negotiations, according to Eunice Han, Ph.D., an associate professor of economics at the University of Utah who has written extensively about the impact of teachers’ unions. “It’s so critical to have the support of parents and neighbors,” she said. “If the negotiation process is too long, it just becomes personal to everybody,” Han said, adding that the longer the process, the more pressure and mental stress for those involved.

‘We are being used’

Other parents shared a similar sentiment to Flowers’: Without a contract deal in sight and no clear idea of all of the sticking points, it appears the district, as well as the union, are attempting to push parents out of conversations they said they’ve been excluded from.

Norma Lopez, a CPS parent and longtime Local School Council member, said she disagrees with the union attempting to create teacher committees that she believes would essentially take over Local School Councils. She believes if the union is successful in creating this group, it will destroy local councils and remove parent input entirely.

The union has proposed a committee of teachers having a role in approving school budgets, weighing in on the school’s improvement plans as well and evaluating principals, all things that LSCs do.

“Parents who work on (LSCs) voluntarily and are committed to our students’ education, they’re taking our opinion and our work and our input out of the schools,” Lopez said. “This is the way I’ve been able to support my kids’ education, to support my family, and to know how to navigate the system … to help my kids. I think this negotiation will negatively impact my family and families like mine.”

After the 2019 teachers strike, the second strike she witnessed, Lopez said she was no longer able to support the union. While she was happy that they were able to win what they had fought for, she said she didn’t appreciate her children being used essentially as pawns to achieve it.

“I realized that while they are presenting to the public (certain) information, the negotiation between closed doors has information nobody’s sharing,” Lopez said. “We are being used for political purposes and I don’t agree with that.”

Since then, Lopez said she has been unable to trust the union. With what’s occurred in recent months, she said the current turmoil seems to be more for power over CPS rather than bettering education for students and meeting their needs.

Other parents raised concerns about the union’s listed contract proposals. Maria Owens, a Chicago native and grandparent to several CPS students, opposes CTU’s proposals to increase teachers’ preparation time, as well as ending the current method for evaluating teachers. She believes neither proposal translates to something more beneficial for students.

“Students are already not all getting the appropriate amount of rigor and attention to detail that needs to be done for them to be successful,” Owens said. “To not hold us responsible for their performance to me is a very big mistake. Our success needs to be tied to their success, no doubt about it.”

Having attended Julian High School several years ago, Owens said the current district is a “different world” from when she attended. As a student, she got the feeling that teachers cared about their jobs and that your performance as a student mattered.

Today, Owens’ perception has changed, and she’s frustrated.

“They don’t have the same vigor for the job,” Owens said. “It’s an us vs. them mentality with so many of them. It seems as though CTU is more concerned about their benefits than students’ outcomes. ,They’re always an afterthought.”

“If the students’ best interest so happens to align with the teacher’s best interest, it’s great,” Owens said. “But so many of the things that they’re proposing are opposite of what’s best for the kids, and that concerns me.”

With salary increases on the table, Owens said that teachers have to deserve it to receive a raise.

“If we’re going to give teachers a raise, which I firmly believe they deserve … there ought to be a connection to how well they perform to the raise you get,” Owens said. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with rewarding really, really good teachers and holding those who are not meeting standards to account. I don’t think that the union is concerned with that type of system.”

While she understands what the teachers are fighting for, Katrina Adams, a mother of three, said if the union’s salary demands are met of a 5% raise annually for the first two years of the contract and 4% to 5% in the following years, she expects the students to reap the benefits. With higher compensation, academic test scores and student performance should improve as well, she said. “If you give (them) these raises … we can expect our kids to thrive … and expect more than 30% (of students) to be at grade level.”

Meanwhile, the University of Utah’s Han said data shows that there’s a strong correlation between teachers’ pay, teachers’ morale, and student performance. Teachers’ raises should be at the minimum in line with inflation and the rising cost of living, making a 4% annual raise “the minimum you should aim for,” she said. “It’s very reasonable to pay teachers more if the goal is to keep those teachers in the long term,” Han said. “We have a teacher shortage now and we’re going to have teacher shortages in the future.”

Yet, in recent months, Adams said she feels politics has taken over the district.

“I feel like politics is taking over our children having the best education (and) things just flowing smoothly in the school,” said Adams, adding that the students are the only ones suffering.

“Everything is about Pedro being fired … about the CTU contract, but I don’t hear anybody talking about how 30% of the students are reading at grade level,” Adams said. “I don’t hear any talks about plans on bringing them up academically, plans on preparing them to thrive for the future. That has just been put on a back burner … and that’s not fair.”

[muniimyg]

Hiii this is my first time here! im a huuuge fan of all ur work!!! I wanted to say that its very rewarding to see how u improve with each fic. Idk I noticed today with your latest fic, I mean I'm not an expert but I enjoy reading, and I think that in this last work, the rhythm was sensational—VERY, almost hypnotically, SPOT ON. It was HOTTTTTT enough to get u horny, but also tense 😳😳like I was SO mad (in a good way) that it finished like that!! also I really love how you make the characters and their personalities like maybe u have just TWO FICTIONAL CHATS but it is enough to get to know the character and their construction.

This is probably something you've already answered before, but I assume that you are studying smth, what is that? And what are your influences like favourite books? Films?

sorry for my english and the long msg lol SEND YOU KISSES AND HUGS AND ALL THE LOVE!!!!

hi hi :) pls never apologize for ur english ,, !!! even if u send an ask in a diff language,, i will translate it myself <3

thank u for loving n supporting my work !!! thank u for acknowledging my growth ,, truly means so much to be seen . also ,, HAHA love the way u phrase the tension :')

i finished flight school (diploma in flight attending and tourism management) ,, i'm currently finishing up my ece specializing in diverse/special needs (early childhood education) and am a full time preschool teacher ,, however i am transferring to a different program and extending to the child and youth care (social working) ... i want to get my masters in ece when i complete my degree and (hopefully) create a curriculum/program that helps asian families navigate through stigmas and resources for their child/children with diverse/special needs... such as speech therapy, bi work, and parental educational purposes

influences... my own shitty love life lore <3 a lot of the fics i write are literally situations i'm projecting !!!

ie: your universe myg - oc is a preschool teacher ie: bbydaddy yoongi - my friendgroup vibe ie: bed chem jk - jk is based off my friend lol + oc's personality is a lot like mine irl

books; haven't been reading lately but when i was young i really liked jenny han (tsitp) and think i really project my love for cold/quiet/mysterious fictional men cos of conrad fisher LOL

movies/tv shows/kdrama; hard to say... i think i watch just about everything so idrk... i will say tho that i think my early work was inspired by niki/keshi a lot and as of late it's been very sabrina coded ... always ari coded <3

thanks for ur ask !!! this was a cute little get to know me moment ahahaha

mwa !

[cedar-glade]

Hey yall BIG TW for this rant post: modern dehumanizing politics. Don't read if you don't like the news already.

Wild thing undoing disability acts, trying to remove yourself from WHO and trying to dismantle the dept of edu.

The other order asserts that "a child born in the U.S. is not a citizen if 1) the mother does not have legal immigration status or is in the country legally but only temporarily and 2) the father is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order forbids U.S. agencies from issuing any document recognizing such a child as a citizen or accept any state document recognizing citizenship." like what the fuck, federal courts trying to do stuff to prevent this, its wild that the new order politicians and tech and healthcare ceo's are all for destroying what this country was founded on supposedly.

im low key waiting for trump to start picking off trans and disabled people after hes done fucking over children and immigrants. all i got to say is you can't uncrack an egg and you definitely cant uncrack and egg if its fried. converstion therapy doesnt work and will never work and cracked eggs would soon rather become the radicalized version of the movie chicken run and utilize a few amendments that prevent facism then let someone touch them.

Paris Climate agreement is back again on the non participation list, very wild, and an attempt to not associate with eu and un is wild.

As for international trade, im fucking shooketh'd

btw tariffs are silly for people that import to the country imposing them, like very silly, like currently its a "WHY WOULD I PAY YOU TO IMPORT MY THINGS WHEN YOU OFFER NO BENEFITS?" kinda fight

">Begin review of U.S. trade dealings with China to consider new or increased tariffs. As a candidate, Trump threatened Chinese tariffs as high as 60%.

• Order review of fentanyl flows into the U.S., specifically from Canada, Mexico and China, and make recommendations, including potential tariffs and sanctions.

• Direct the commerce and trade secretaries and the U.S. trade representative to consolidate multiple reviews and assessments. Trump ordered consolidated reports by April 1.

• Suspend U.S. participation in the Global Tax Deal, an international agreement intended to set a minimum corporate tax globally to prevent multinational corporations from avoiding taxation altogether.

• Pause the U.S. ban on TikTok for 75 days, specifically barring the attorney general from enforcing the law Congress passed in 2024 to allow the new administration to assess national security concerns and seek a potential American buyer for the popular digital platform.

• Bar U.S. government officials from pushing social media companies to combat misinformation and disinformation. Trump’s order states that such previous efforts “infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens” and “advanced the Government’s preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate.”

• Give executive branch departments and agencies 60 days to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including all “chief diversity officer” jobs, “equity action plans” and “environmental justice” positions. Require departments and agencies to give the White House Office of Management and Budget an accounting of previous DEI efforts, including names of relevant DEI contractors and DEI grant recipients. Terminate a 60-year-old executive order setting anti-discrimination requirements for government agencies and contractors.

• Streamline other fossil fuel extraction in Alaska with a command to “rescind, revoke, revise, amend, defer or grant exemptions from any and all” regulatory actions relevant in the state. Specifically, Trump is restoring any suspended fossil fuel leases within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

• Deny a pending U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service request to create an indigenous sacred site within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge."

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hi there! My friend is going to be opening a toddler / child “play place” and she wants to develop a sensory room to help give a safe space to autistic or other neurodivergent children. She’s enlisted my help, but since I was diagnosed in my early 20’s, I really am not sure what would help autistic children. Not to mention the wide variation of symptoms!

So now, I’m gathering information. I know it’ll never be a “one-size-fits-all” type of thing, but we want to get as close and as inclusive as possible. Do you have experience with places like this? Or, would you have any suggestions? Thanks in advanced <3

Hi there,

I found an article talking about how to build a sensory room. According to this article:

How do you set up a sensory room?

Before designing the room it is important to consider:

1. The individual needs of the clients who will use the room. What are the ages, abilities, and needs of the individuals who will use the room?

2. How many individuals will need to use the room at the same time?

3. How the room will be used. Will the room be a calming area? Will it be used for therapy sessions including occupational therapy, speech, sensory integration therapy, or one on one instruction? 

4. Keep in mind the long term use of the room. If all of your equipment is static, students can become bored. A good goal is to create a flexible space that allows you to create different scenes or moods depending on the emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the students. How will the room be adapted to meet changing needs and keep it interesting?

Common Components of a Sensory Room

* Bubble tube

* Fiber optic sprays, or lighting

* Beanbag chairs

* Interactive Wall Boards

* Rocking chairs 

* Stereo or MP3 Player with Headphones

* Therapy balls

* Lighting/projector that can display various colors & patterns

* Weighted blankets or weighted lap pads

* A flowing water fountain

* Bins with assorted sensory activities

* Aromatherapy diffuser kit

The full article will be linked below, as it goes into more detail:

I also found another article on what items to include in a sensory room:

What Items To Include in Your Sensory Room

Large crash pillows or mats

Bean bag chair

Body sock

A net swing or therapy sensory swing

Fidget items that allow for a repetitive moment

Weighted blankets or vests – the blankets and vests I linked to here are handmade by a fellow Occupational Therapy Assistant with a small business on Etsy.

Tunnel

Therapy balls

Sensory break cards

Books to read

A stuffed animal or favorite toy – the Soothing Sammy dog and program is a great option for preschool and kindergarten-aged children

Calming, alerting, and organizing activities for kids – free printable included to hang in your sensory room

The article will also be below if you want to read it too.

I hope these help. Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ❤️

[ashokamarketing]

Autism School in Hyderabad

Autism, formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person thinks, interacts, and experiences the world. It encompasses a range of symptoms and severity levels, making each individual’s experience unique. Understanding autism and providing appropriate educational support is crucial for helping autistic children thrive. In Hyderabad, one institution stands out for its exceptional approach to autism education: Bodhi Special School.

Autism is a complex and varied condition that requires tailored educational strategies to support the unique needs of each individual. In Hyderabad, Bodhi Special School shines as a beacon of excellence, providing a holistic and individualized educational experience for autistic children. With its focus on personalized learning, multidisciplinary support, and inclusive environment, Bodhi Special School is not just a place of education but a nurturing community where autistic children can thrive.

What is Autism?

 Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and a narrow range of interests. The spectrum nature of autism means that individuals can present with varying levels of ability and need. While some may have significant intellectual disabilities, others may have average or above-average intelligence but still face challenges in communication and social interaction.

Autistic individuals might exhibit behaviors such as:

Repetitive Actions: Engaging in repetitive movements or routines.

Communication Challenges: Difficulty in verbal or non-verbal communication.

Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory inputs like sounds, lights, or textures.

Social Interaction Difficulties: Struggles with understanding social cues and engaging in typical social interactions.

Despite these challenges, autistic individuals often have unique strengths and talents, including heightened focus, attention to detail, and creative problem -solving abilities.

Education for Autistic Children

Education is a fundamental right for all children, including those with autism. Traditional schooling environments may not always cater to the diverse needs of autistic students, making specialized educational institutions crucial. In Hyderabad, several schools and organizations are dedicated to providing tailored educational experiences for autistic children.

Specialized schools for autism offer:

Individualized Learning Plans: Customized educational strategies to meet each    child’s unique needs.

Therapeutic Support: Access to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy.

Sensory-Friendly Environments: Classrooms designed to minimize sensory overload and promote focus.

Life Skills Training: Programs that help autistic students develop essential life skills for independence.

Among the schools offering specialized education for Autistic children in Hyderabad, Bodhi Special School stands out as a premier institution. With a mission to provide comprehensive support and quality education, Bodhi Special School has garnered recognition for its exceptional approach to autism education.

Bodhi Special School is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children with autism and other special needs. The school’s philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing each child’s potential, ensuring they receive the education and support necessary to thrive approach to autism education.

[paperboy-pb]

"Willful Ignorance" [Life Story]

[Written in August, 2023]

A parent reminded me why I make PB the other night.

For those of you who don't know, I'm a very young creator. 20 in October. And I had one of my co-writers for a different comic ("Weirder Than Usual") over at my place for the weekend. And being the youngest of a hispanic family, my parents have no plans to let me move out anytime soon. When I do leave, it will likely be without their blessing.

I let one parent drive my co-writer back home for the night. I knew I wouldn't be much fun to have in the car that late (I fall asleep pretty early,) and that we wouldn't be free to discuss creative affairs with that parent there, anyway.

I don't like to be myself with this parent around. We are distant. And I keep that distance for a reason.

And despite my absence, this parent reminded me why. Because guess what my cowriter texted me not too long after!

Some hours later, I can't help but think to myself... it's so funny how she stresses my late speech so much. Because now that it's here, it's as if my words don't matter at all.

I will admit my family doesn't know everything that our Special Ed program put me & other children through. But I will ALSO say that that's their own fault. Because as I grew up, I used to tell them every awful thing that I found important. And it was their lack of response that made me stop.

The driver of that car is clueless. She's "forgotten" about the violence that surrounded me in there. Desks crashing to the ground after an adult's angriest shove. Sweaters stretched out and destroyed from middle school fights that nobody broke up.

She's "forgotten" about every time I told her that we weren't learning what we needed to know, insisting that every class must've been doing 3rd grade worksheets in 7th if we were.

She's "forgotten" her 11-year-old asking if he was on the spectrum; how she put on the confused performance of a lifetime as she told me no. But miraculously, she remembers sitting somewhere in the spring of 2005, being told so by professionals.

And she "doesn't remember" us yelling on the phone in 2022. How I spent 80 dollars on an Uber just so we wouldn't share state grounds. And how I screamed for the millionth time, in no uncertain terms, "I AM NOT MAD AT YOU FOR PUTTING ME IN A PROGRAM THAT PROMISED US HELP. You believed them! I know you believed them, they promised you I'd be okay! The problem is that THEY BROKE THAT PROMISE! And every time they did, you just looked the other way!"

Whether she is or isn't being truthful doesn't matter. It's bad on her either way.

Because I know she remembers my dentist reporting bruxism to her when I still had loose teeth. How they would ask her about my environment, or if she knew whether or not anything was stressing me out. And that she chose to question nothing as it continued nightly into my teens. Damaging my adult teeth and concerning all who would sleep in the same room as me. They could hear me all the time. Sometimes my sister would even wake me up.

I know she remembers marking her little one's height against the wall, and seeing the space under his eyes grow darker and darker across the 6th grade.

I know she remembers making leave Autism themed group chats, because to her, my name & that word should never be in the same sentence.

I know she remembers going through his journals and sketchbooks, finding concept art for our Matthew B. And how just one look was enough to make her enroll me to therapy when I was 13.

And she knows that I remember how she hates that boy. Matthew Boston, I mean. And at least one part of her hates everything that he is; disabled, creative, expressive, and headstrong.

I know because she hates those traits in me as well.

Since I spend a lot of time in disability spaces, I try not to assume somebody isn't trying to understand. Comprehension doesn't come easy to everyone. And I especially suspect that she's neurodivergent as well.

But I've tried everything with this one, and I'm truly at the end of my rope. I've tried visuals. I've tried keeping it short and sweet and simple. I've tried having complex and mature conversations where I don't skip a single detail.

I've even tried therapy with her in the room.

Nothing works. And unless this is the convenient work of an undiagnosed memory condition, there's no reason for that.

My Autistic voice matters so little to her that she insists on prying information out of my friends when I'm not in the room; asking the allistic all these questions I've answered myself one thousand times.

She doesn't want to understand. She doesn't want to question her own ableism. Or work past it. And that's why I don't show her "PAPERBOY" at all, and likely won't until years and years from now.

Because PAPERBOY is for the people who do understand. For people who do understand, and everyone who wants to.

[harperthomas]

Here is Harper. She is 33, a mother of one 7 year old and profoundly deaf. Harper uses ASL and does not use much speech. She can lip read to an extent and uses technology to support communication. She is Courtney's sister and has lived locally for 5 years.

Name: Harper Simpson Faceclaim: Sandra Mae Frank Gender & Pronouns: cisfemale she/her Age: 33 Birthday: 20/07/1991 Place of birth: North Carolina Occupation: owner of Belle Blossoms Neighborhood: Cresthill Meadows Time since arriving in Kismet Harbor: 5 years

Full Biography:

Harper Thomas was born premature, so small she could almost fit in the palm of your hand. She was a fighter though, even from that first day. She spent the first four months of her life in the NICU before finally being allowed home where she was smothered with attention. Her developmental milestones were delayed but she progressed along them as expected for a baby born so early. All seemed fine until Harper was three and her parents noticed that she wasn't responding to her name as easily. A hearing test showed that she had less than 50% of her hearing and as time went on and it continued to fade. By the age of 5 Harper was clinically profoundly deaf.

As soon as they realised that her hearing was only going to decline her parents set about learning what to do. Doctors suggested cochlear implants and speech therapy but they sought out opinions from deaf adults and what they heard was the complete opposite. They decided to do a mixture, saying no to surgery but enrolling Harper in speech therapy whilst also learning ASL as an entire family. The children picked it up the quickest but her parents worked hard, wanting to do whatever was best for their daughter.

Harper could talk but as time went on she chose not to use her voice, relying predominantly on ASL. Her parents were worried that she would feel alone in the world so they sought out a deaf community to surround their daughter with. She went to a general elementary school but for middle school she was moved to a deaf program where she didn't have to just rely on a translator for every lesson.

During a work experience placement Harper fell in love with flower arranging, it was quiet and peaceful but she could tell a story without saying a word. She got herself a job at a local shop in her hometown, it wasn't a huge paycheck but it was enough and they put in the few accomodations that Harper requested.

In ASL Harper was loud and charismatic, she was silly and joyful, but when she had to rely on lip reading and technology she never quite felt like herself. That was probably why when she was in her twenties and she met Harry, a CODA who could sign fluently she immediately picked him as her person. They moved fast, settling into an easy routine, comfortable with one another. They were in love, or at least Harper thought so at the time, but nothing is ever that easy.

When Harper was 25 she became pregnant with her daughter Willow. Becoming a mother wasn't exactly planned but Harper took to it naturally, though there were some challenges to being the deaf parent to a hearing child. Willow didn't always understand that Harper needed her to sign, but as the years went on the little girl became pretty good at adapting. 5 years ago they up and moved to Kismet Harbour, they did it for Harry's job but when they moved to town they found that Belle Blossoms was up for sale, it really felt kismet, he got his new job and Harper took on ownership of the shop, her dream job.

4 years ago Harper met a friend who would come to change her life. It started innocent, just close friends who enjoyed spending time with one another. However over time it became more than that, it was never physical but Harper fell in love with her, and that's when she realised that what she had with Harry wasn't love, it was just friendship.

About nine months ago Harper cut ties, worried that she was crossing a line, blowing up her family over a dream. Willow needed stability, she needed two parents and things with Harry were fine, they were happy, they just didn't have that spark. Harry noticed the change in his wife though and eventually it all came out. Harry was angry but he couldn't stay angry, he loved Harper too much for that. They decided to amicably part ways, deciding on shared custody in an attempt to make things as easy for Willow as possible. Now Harper is 5 months into divorce proceedings and she has no idea what to do next.

Wanted Connections:

Best Friend: This person would've known Harper for at least a year or two. They'd also have to know how to sign, either before they met Harper or because they met Harper. Parent Friends: Harper has a 7 year old daughter called Willow so she needs her parent support group for sure. Flirationships: Harper has been separated for 5 months now and is starting to explore what that means. Signing Friends: If you know ASL Harper will instantly love you. Regulars: Harper owns the flower shop so it'd be nice to have some regulars.

[jackiiiiiii]

unfriendly reminder that ADF is currently funding the defunding of public schools and actively attacking separation of church and state (tw anti-LGBT stuff)

Apparently punishing people who sexually assault pregnant youth and LGBT youth "threatens freedom of speech" and perpetrators shouldn't "be punished for speaking freely" because apparently it should be ok to scream fag in a middle school because free speech. they also claim it attacks "real" women's rights, even though their definition of "real" women are women with functioning uteruses, which means they could get pregnant.. which is who is being protected by this change.. almost as if they're secretly against women having human rights...

They also hate the Johnson Amendment because it makes it illegal for tax exempt organizations to promote politicians, and are claiming it infringes on religious freedom because Christianity is actually about Ron DeSantis, not Jesus and God you silly goose!

They also hate public schooling, and that's shown BY THE 1000+ CASES THEY HAVE AGAINST PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.

They advocate for voucher schools, which according to the NEA "There is ZERO statistical significance that voucher programs improve overall student success". Many voucher schools are promoting the fact they are racially segregated, have no LGBTQIA students, have conversion therapy available, or have no special need students, because the left are snowflakes but extreme far-right people will have a temper tantrum like a 3 year old if they see a wheelchair accessible parking spot. These voucher schools take money that would be sent to public schools, because these voucher schools are still publicly funded, which prevents public schools from getting adequate funding.

The ADF is also behind Amy Coney Barret and Mike Johnson and fund their political campaign and give them "gifts" aka bribes. They also fund Promise to America's Parents Coalition, who fund No Left Turn, Parents Defending Education, and Moms for Liberty. Moms of Liberty and the ADF are currently on SPLC's watchlist due to their extremist and hateful nature.

The main reason that the ADF wants to get rid of separation of church and state is due to the fact it prevents them from advertising to kids in public schools, and because they are pushing very hard for the denial of good and services to LGBTQIA people to the point LGBTQIA people die because they are literally denied everything, and they also advocate for the nonconsensual sterilization of trans women and men who could have had children, which is sorta illegal in the U.S. They also claim groups like ACLU and HRC are "attacking religious freedoms". They also want to claim the "seven mountains", which is the term for family, religion, education, media, arts & entertainment, business, and government. They want complete control over every aspect of Americans lives because it will maximize the amount of religious people and that will maximize the green in their pocket and the power in their hands.

[xceptionallearningindia]

Distinguishing between mischievousness and ADHD in children

Weekends are one of the most awaited days of the week we all await eagerly . We all look forward to detoxing ourselves of all the stress and taking some time out for ourselves. Read More: https://xceptionallearning.com/2024/11/01/distinguishing-between-mischievousness-and-adhd-in-children/

[lboogie1906]

Dorothy Cotton (June 9, 1930 - June 10, 2018) was a civil rights activist and leader, known for being the only woman in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s inner circle. She was the highest-ranking woman in King’s SCLC. She ran SCLC’s Citizenship Education Program for twelve years, which helped empower disenfranchised African Americans to register to vote. She helped organize student involvement in the 1963 Children’s Crusade in Birmingham. She traveled with King to Oslo, Norway when he won the Nobel Peace Prize, and she was in the room next to King’s the night before his assassination.

Born Dorothy Lee Foreman in Goldsboro, North Carolina, her mother, Maggie Foreman, died when she was three, leaving her father, Claude, to raise her and her three sisters.

She enrolled at Shaw University, before transferring to Virginia State. She earned a BA in English and Library Studies and earned her MA in Speech Therapy from Boston University.

She married George Cotton, who worked in the motor pool in Fort Lee. They separated when she left Petersburg to work for the SCLC, but they never divorced.

Her life as an activist began at Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg where Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker was the pastor; he was the leader of the local branch of the NAACP, and she became his secretary. She organized protests against segregation in the public library and the whites-only lunch counter at the local Woolworth’s. She met Dr. King. When King extended an invitation for Dr. Walker to become the new executive director of the SCLC, she went along with her boss to Atlanta.

She organized the SCLC’s night marches in Saint Augustine, Florida, she took a dozen local children for a “wade-in” to protest a segregated beach. This ended in a horrific beating by local police, she suffered permanent hearing damage in her left ear.

She traveled extensively with King in his final years. She held several positions at various community organizations before moving to Ithaca to work as the Director of Student Activities at Cornell University. She opened a consulting firm in Ithaca. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[educationcambodia]

Ambassador Williams was warmly welcomed by our team, who were excited to share the transformative work being done at OrbRom Center. From our speech therapy programs to occupational therapy and special needs intervention, the tour provided a comprehensive view of how we are making a difference in the lives of children with diverse needs.

[worldstopstuttering]

Unlocking the Power of Speech: A Revolutionary Approach for Kids

Every child deserves the gift of clear, confident communication. For those grappling with speech challenges, the journey to fluency often involves traditional Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). However, a groundbreaking alternative has emerged, promising not just therapy but a holistic transformation. Welcome to the world of World Stop Stuttering Association (WSSA), where innovation meets compassion to create a new paradigm in speech therapy for kids.

The Landscape of Speech Therapy for Kids

Speech therapy is a crucial intervention for children facing speech impediments or stuttering. Traditionally, SLPs have played a vital role in diagnosing and treating these challenges. While many SLPs bring expertise and dedication to their work, the conventional approaches may not resonate with every child. The need for a more personalized, empowering method has led to the rise of WSSA.

Why WSSA for Kids?

1. The Human Touch: WSSA stands out by offering a personal touch that extends beyond traditional therapy. Its community is founded on individuals who have successfully navigated their stuttering journeys, creating a support network that transcends the clinical setting. Kids, being inherently receptive to positive influences, find inspiration in stories of triumph over speech impediments.

2. The Neuroscience Method: At the heart of WSSA’s success is the Neuroscience Method, a revolutionary approach crafted by individuals who have not just studied stuttering but have lived it. This method doesn’t just address the symptoms; it delves into the core of speech challenges, offering a transformative journey toward fluency. For kids, this means not just managing stuttering but overcoming it with a newfound sense of confidence.

3. Peer Support: The WSSA community is a treasure trove of shared experiences. Kids can connect with others who have walked the same path, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. In this supportive environment, children learn that their struggles don’t define them; rather, they become part of a larger narrative of triumph.

4. Certified Coaches: WSSA boasts Certified Coaches who have successfully transitioned from stuttering to fluency. These coaches offer personalized guidance, ensuring that each child’s journey is unique and tailored to their needs. The mentorship goes beyond conventional therapy, providing insights that only those who have conquered stuttering can offer.

5. Holistic Development: WSSA recognizes that speech challenges often intertwine with broader aspects of a child’s well-being. Its approach goes beyond stuttering, addressing the mental and emotional facets of the journey. By nurturing resilience and a positive mindset, WSSA empowers kids to not just speak fluently but to embrace their unique voices.

6. Cost-Effective Solution:��In a world where healthcare costs can be a barrier, WSSA breaks down financial barriers. The entire program is designed to be accessible, offering a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality. For parents seeking comprehensive speech therapy without breaking the bank, WSSA provides a game-changing option.

The Call to Action

For parents navigating the often challenging terrain of speech therapy for their kids, WSSA emerges as a beacon of hope. It’s a call to embrace a method crafted by those who have not just studied speech impediments but have conquered them. The Neuroscience Method, coupled with a supportive community, transforms speech therapy from a clinical necessity to an empowering journey.

In a world where every child’s voice deserves to be heard clearly, WSSA stands as a testament to the power of innovation, community, and the unwavering belief that every child can triumph over speech challenges. The journey to fluency begins not just with therapy but with a revolutionary approach that understands, empowers, and transforms the lives of children facing speech impediments. “

[vodika-vibes]

Find Yourself part 1

So. I had an idea, and I decided to write it. I'm not 100% sure how this is going to end, since I don't plan anything in my life, but that's okay. I tried to proof read this since some parts were written in present and some were written in past tense, but I doubt I caught it all, lol.

tagging: @starrrgazingbunny and @kiss-anon

The Clone Wars changed a lot of things in the Galaxy.

There was the obvious one, of course. The genocide of the Jedi, and the overthrow of the Republic into an Empire. Something that affected the life and livelihoods of millions of people across the galaxy.

But there were also smaller changes.

On Naboo, people suddenly realized that they could make it so their ruler had identical decoys. They considered, for a time, cloning potential rulers, but quickly ruled it out as far too expensive.

And then someone mentioned that Genetic modifications existed, and that it was a relatively safe procedure. Not to mention surgical modifications. And with Bacta therapy, the young decoys wouldn’t even have any scars to show that they had been altered in any way.

The theory was bounced around for over a year, and then it was signed into law.

Due to the young age of the Queen, or King, of Naboo, training began young. Which meant the selection process began even earlier. Potential sovereigns were interviewed and selected and sent to diplomatic training. And, at the same time, families across Naboo would be approached by members of the Royal Household. 

Families were offered massive monetary compensation if they signed their child over to the Decoy Program. They were also promised that if the potential sovereign wasn’t elected, the child would be returned to them, slightly altered, but still their child.

No one ever denied them.

Handmaiden Ceté had been one such child, once upon a time. Chosen due to the fact that she had the same fair skin-tone as the Queen Elect, as well as the fact that the Queen Elect knew Ceté, she was the first Handmaiden chosen.

The first to go through the genetic manipulation to change her hair and eye colors. The first to undergo the surgeries to make sure that she remained as dainty as the Queen Elect.

The first to lose her name and identity as a Nubian citizen.

The first Fragment of Eté.

And now, almost 20 years later, Ceté had nothing that made her any different from her sisters. She ate what the Queen ate. Spoke like the Queen. Styled her hair and wore her clothes like the Queen.

She had no individual likes or dislikes, as they weren’t allowed. She had no hobbies that weren’t the Queen’s first. She was a fragment of Eté. It was just how it was.

She wasn’t happy. Or content. But neither were her sisters, so her guess was that this was just a way of life.

Oh, but if she had a choice, Ceté would wear shorts and tank-tops and cut her hair to her chin and dye it pink or blue or green or-. She would dance and laugh and sing and explore the stars. She would wear pinks and yellows and both at the same time. She would lay under a tree for hours, lazily whittling the hours away by watching the clouds. She would dance in the rain and jump in mud-puddles.

If she had a choice, she would choose to be happy.

But her right to have a choice was taken when she was four years old.

“What do you think the Queen has decided?” Jordé asked Ceté as they stood at the side of the room, watching as the Queen prepared for her speech.

“Something awful, I’m sure.” Ceté murmured back with an unamused smile, “Like every other decision she’s made.”

“They haven’t all been bad.” Jordé tried to defend, “I mean…she made the child services system-” She trailed off, “The food drive for widows-” She trailed off again, “What about-...hm…”

“Like I said,” Ceté replied dryly.

“We have a strong military now.” Jordé said weakly.

“A military made up of the children who she shunted into the care system,” Ceté countered under her breath, “Not exactly paragons of Nubian Loyalty, sister.”

Her sister hummed her agreement, “Well, maybe this will be a good announcement.” She murmured, straightening as their other sisters and the Queen finished what they were working on and approached them.

Eté seemed to look through Ceté and Jordé, something that she’s been doing for almost 20 years now, “How are things looking outside?” She asked.

Ceté bowed her head respectfully, “The people have gathered for your speech, your majesty. Everything is prepared for you to begin your speech at the top of the hour.”

The Queen nodded, once, “And the weather?”

“Sunny and humid, Majesty.” Jordé answered promptly, “We have made arrangements to ensure that the podium where you will be giving your speech is shaded with an appropriate cover. There is a chance of rain later this afternoon.”

“Nothing that will interrupt my speech?” The Queen asked.

“No, your Majesty.”

“Good.” She brushed past them without so much as a second glance. Jordé and Ceté waited until their sisters slipped past them as well, and then they fell in line at the end of the procession.

Hopefully the speech would be something warm and uplifting.

It wasn’t.

Ceté kept her face carefully placid, something that long years of experience helped her with, as she listened to the people of Theeds cheer over her Queen’s words. 

She tried to ignore the disgust coiling in her gut, but that was much harder for her to ignore.

How could they agree to this?

The Gungan people were, are, the native people to Naboo! The Republic named them sentients ages ago. Queen Amidala III did not have the authority to overturn that-

Ceté took a steadying breath and gratefully accepted the cool drink that one of the servants offered her.

Her sisters were acting like all was well, hell, even Jordé had looked pleased with the Queen’s announcement that she was beginning a military campaign to exterminate the Gungan people.

Ceté’s grip around her cup tightened, and then she carefully loosened her grip and took a sip of something cool and sweet. A juice made from a fruit harvested here on Naboo. It was the Queen’s favorite, and so it was Ceté’s favorite.

Ceté had put up with a lot in the name of being one of Queen Amidala’s fragments. Years of training, genetic and physical alterations, not having a past or a family, or even a future that wasn’t tied to the woman her parents bound her to.

But this-

She couldn’t accept this.

Wouldn’t accept this.

If no one on Naboo would help her, and, judging by some of the comments she was hearing, none of them would, then she would find help for the Gungan people elsewhere.

Reaching out to the Gungan people themselves was out of the question. As one of the Queen’s fragments, they would likely just kill her on sight. And Ceté couldn’t blame them.

No. She would have to look elsewhere.

She wasn’t sure where, just yet.

But she had always been adaptable, years of training had ensured that.

Ceté leaned against a wall, and sipped her drink, her face calm, even as she started building an escape plan in the back of her mind.

A ship would be leaving Theeds the following morning, heading towards Outland Station, a space station that acted as a hub for spacers, bounty hunters, and pirates.

Ceté would be on that ship, whether anyone liked it or not.

*****************

Kix looked up from where he was doing inventory in his med-bay when the door slid open, and one of the pirates he worked with bounded in with a wide grin on their face.

He didn’t remember their name, he didn’t care enough to remember.

“Hey Doc!”

It was valid since they didn’t bother to remember his name.

“We’re about to be rich!”

Kix turned back to his inventory, “Is that right.” He didn’t care. Doesn’t care.

Apparently the interloper in his med-bay didn’t get the memo, as they plopped themselves on a medical bed, and leaned in towards him, as if to gossip. “Yup, Boss captured one of the handmaidens of the Queen of Naboo. We’re going to ransom her back to them for a massive amount of credits.”

Kix stilled, a lifetime of memories flashing through his mind. He shook off the melancholy as best as he could, and pinned the pirate with an annoyed look, “Did you hurt her?”

“Eh, she might be a little banged up,” They sounded unconcerned, “Nothing to be worried about.”

Kix stood and grabbed his medical kit, slinging it over his shoulder, “I’ll go and see, just to make sure.” He didn’t trust them to seriously hurt her if it meant that she wouldn’t be able to run.

Plus, there was a little voice in the back of his head that sounded a lot like Rex at his Dad-est, telling him that checking on the hostage was the right thing to do. 

He wondered if he would ever stop hearing the ghosts of his brothers. 

“Come on, doc! I said she’s fine!”

“And I remain unconvinced. Where is she?”

The pirate made a disgusted noise, “She’s in one of the holding rooms.” Kix didn’t wait for him to say anything else, he just brushed past him and left the room.

She was pretty. That was the first thing Kix noticed about her. Long black hair tied in a bun, a slender frame, and a stubborn set to her lips. She had bruises on her cheek and temple, ugly bruises that were already turning red.

“Those look painful.” Kix noted, “Would you let me treat them?”

She gazed at him evenly, “Do I have a choice?”

“You always have a choice,” Kix replied.

“Then let me go.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not one of your choices.” He countered as he folded his arms and regarded her curiously. She was remarkably unafraid for someone who had been captured by pirates. “Your options, from me, are letting me treat your injuries, or not letting me treat your injuries.”

Her lips pursed, and her gaze darted around the cell, likely looking for a possible escape.

“Look, the Captain is already reaching out to Naboo.”

That got a reaction. She jerked as though he just slapped her, and all of the color drained from her face, Kix had never actually seen that happen before, though he knew it was possible.

Kix regarded her through half-lidded eyes. Her face was ashen, and her gaze was suddenly darting left and right, as though looking for an escape. And then her gaze met his, and something deadly calm crossed her features. "Once your Queen pays your ransom," Kix said quietly, (Stars how low has he fallen?) "You'll be returned to Naboo, unharmed." 

She lifted her chin, and for a moment, Kix saw a hint of Senator Amidala in her bearing, which made sense, he figured. "My Queen will never pay ransom for one of her shards. And if she did, my life would be forfeit the moment I stepped foot on Nubian soil."

"Shards?" 

"I am a decoy. Nothing more than a fragment of Her Majesty. Fleeing as I did is tantamount to treason. If you return me, you return me to my death."

Something cold ran down Kix’s spine.

He was no Jedi. He had no way to determine if someone spoke the truth or not, but he did know people. He knew how people reacted when they were afraid, and she was terrified.

“Why?” Kix asked, he needed to know. Needed to understand. Naboo was a peaceful planet, or it was during the Clone Wars-

“My Queen has ordered the extermination of the Gungan people.” Her voice was quiet, and her hands, clasped over her stomach, were shaking, “I cannot, will not, allow it to happen. So I’m looking for help.”

She wasn’t lying, Kix realized with a sinking heart.

“Let me go, or a lot of people are going to die.”

Kix stared at her, his mind racing. And then he made a split second decision. “Alright. But I’m coming with you?”

Something cold crossed her face, “Why, so you can get your own ransom?”

He scoffed, and unlocked her cell, “Just because the GAR doesn’t exist anymore doesn’t mean that I’m not still a part of it.”

She blinked at him, startled, “You’re a Clone?” She asked, shock crossing her face. Likely doing the math and realizing that he should probably be dead.

“The last one,” Kix replied with a humorless smile.

She stepped out of the cell, she was tiny, the top of her head level with his shoulder, maybe it was a Nubian thing. “My name is Ceté,” She finally said, “Is there a ship or something?”

“Follow me,”

In the lower part of the pirate ship was a small shuttle, big enough for two people, but only just. “Who does this belong to?” Ceté asked as Kix helped her on board and then climbed up after her.

“The Captain stole the ship from Corsec,” Kix explained as he slipped around her and into the pilot’s seat, “There’s no tracking on it, which makes it good for our escape, but it’s not the best on fuel, so we’re going to want to ditch it somewhere and get a different ship.”

Ceté sank into the copilot’s seat, and absently started helping with the preflight checks, “You have a plan?”

“Not yet,” He glanced at her, and then back at his panel, “Let’s get out of here, and then I’m going to need some information.”

“I’m going to have some questions for you too,” Ceté warned.

Kix released a humorless laugh, “Fair. A question for a question.” There’s silence for a long moment, though it isn’t uncomfortable, as the pair work in tandem to get the shuttle on and off the ship without too much trouble.

They remained silent as Kix pushed them into Hyperdrive, and then he turned and focused his gaze on Ceté, “We’re heading to Takodana, Maz will help us. Or, at least, she won’t hurt us.”

“Alright,” Ceté agreed with a slight incline of her head. “You have questions?”

“Yeah.” Kix paused, likely thinking of all the questions he had, “First, you called yourself a shard. What does that even mean?”

Ceté hesitated for a moment, and then she turned in her chair to look at him, “It’s a long story.” She warned.

“Tell me anyway.”

“Alright.” She leaned back in her seat slightly, “You know how the Sovereign of Naboo has their decoys, five or six young people who take the sovereign's place when they need to be elsewhere, or if they might not be safe.”

“Yes, I’m familiar with the practice.” Kix replied.

“Right, well. The Clone Wars changed things,” Ceté paused, “To be more specific, the Clones changed things. People suddenly realized that they could have exact doubles of their sovereign, rather than just close enough.”

“...you’re a clone-?”

“No. Not like you, at least.” Ceté’s smile is slightly bitter, “Cloning is expensive, you see. Genetic alterations and plastic surgery are much cheaper.”

Kix stared at her, hard, “What did you originally look like?”

“I don’t remember. I was four when my parents got the offer for me to join the Decoy program. I underwent surgery and genetic alterations before I was five. Then they took my name and gave me a more suitable one. And before you ask, I don’t remember my name either.”

Kix stared at her silently for a moment, “That sounds…really fucking familiar. Do you have anything that makes you distinct from your Queen?”

“No. I don’t even know what things I like or don’t like, because I had to be a perfect reflection of my Queen.”

“...I never thought I would ever think this, but you somehow had it worse than me and my brothers,” Kix said flatly, completely unimpressed with Naboo. “At least I was able to pick my own hairstyle, and my own name, and how to decorate my armor.”

He drummed a rhythm on the armor covering his thigh, and then he stood, “Do you want a haircut?”

Ceté blinked at him in surprise, “I don’t…I never thought about it.” She stood as well and followed him out of the cockpit.

“It’s just hair, it’ll grow back if you don’t like it.” Kix pointed out as he dug through his kit and pulled out a pair of scissors.

Ceté stared at the scissors for a moment, and then she hesitated, “Maybe…” She gestured to her shoulders, “Shoulder length hair?”

Kix grinned, “Excellent. Have a seat and I’ll get you all sorted.”

Ceté sat on an open chair and Kix stood behind her, carefully cutting her hair to the length that she wanted. His mind was racing. A non-clone Clone. Someone who never had any choice in her life, rather like him, only worse since she existed for a single person.

Kix’s gaze focused on the back of her head. He needed to protect her. She deserved to be protected.

She also deserved to have a choice in her life, maybe he could help her find herself while helping her save the Gungan people.

Maybe she would be able to help him become him again.

Long hair fell to the floor around his feet as he cut her hair, and a small grin crossed Kix’s face. For the first time in, what felt like, forever. He no longer felt haunted by the ghosts of his brothers. 

Yes. This would lead to good things. He was sure of it.