Creating a Colorful Difference Issue#5 Page | 1

Message from our Executive Director:
Doesn’t it feel like the summer is flying by? I can’t believe we are posting the August newsletter already.
Nonetheless, there is still so much to do, especially with the Kaleidoscope team. Hopefully, you will join us
on the shore and camping trips, as well as the many activities that take place all week long. And, as you
celebrate summer Kaleidoscope style, we are busy working with our shared community and agency
stakeholders to ensure successful programming for all who utilize our services.
With sunny wishes,
Dr. TaraColleen Macatee
Another great Thursday Night
Activity Group at the park!
We are truly unified!
States Pressed to Increase Competitive Employment
States are being asked to develop programs and policies that
better support integrated employment for those with significant
disabilities. A letter was sent to the governors of each U.S. state
encouraging them to create legislation that fosters the policies
known as “Employment First.” This is based on the concept that
everyone, regardless of their disabilities, can succeed in some
type of fulfilling, competitive employment if offered appropriate
accommodations. Contingent upon a positive response, this
proposal can change the direction that the competitive market is
moving with regards to the amount of individuals with disabilities
in the workplace. Thus, both the consumer and the employer can
benefit from a combined initiative that matches competent
workers with open jobs. It’s a win-win for all involved.
Source: Disability Scoop
Game nights foster
teamwork and promote
independence in the
community.
Kudos to the Commonwealth
Massachusetts ranks in the top 15 states in the U.S. for offering
services to people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Moreover, based on an analysis by United Cerebral
Palsy and Medicaid services, each of the top 15 states have a
strong focus on promoting independence and productivity, as well
as keeping families together. Another area of strength is within
competitive employment. Massachusetts is one of the 10 states
that have more than one-third of their residents with disabilities
working. According to the analysis, 317,000 people with
disabilities remain on waiting lists for services. As the
demographics may vary from state to state, the importance of
increasing services remains a priority.
You can read the full report on the United Cerebral Palsy website
under “Case for Inclusion.”
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Kaleidoscope Photo Album
Can it be that Simple?
It seems that the smarter I get, the more
complicated things become. Where at one time, I
was able to easily break down a problem, I now
tend to overthink things – make mountains out of
molehills, as they say. The other day, I
experienced a beautiful display of personal
discomfort in a client with autism, and it made me
think … if only I could express myself with such
ease. Is it possible that all we need to know about
handling life’s complex challenges can be found
with the young, the elderly and most
appropriately, in this venue, those with
developmental disabilities?
The scenario occurred at a department store
where my client became upset about an
unexpected change of plans. At first, she
attempted to argue her point in order to get her
way or change our minds. After just a short time
of negotiating, she realized that a compromise
was inevitable. Reluctantly, she looked into my
eyes and said, “I have the compromise blues.”
How profound! How often have we felt the exact
same way without the simple words to express it?
A song my client often sings is from Mr. Rogers,
and it is called, “What do you do with the Mad
That You Feel.” See the back page of this
newsletter for the lyrics. Maybe they can help you
with a difficult emotion or your own “compromise
blues” today.
Newfound
Independence
Fun at Clementon Park!
Creating a Colorful Difference
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions in Western PA had a
great turnout for our 3rd Annual Picnic!!! We
enjoyed a beautiful and sunny day together at
Settler's Cabin Park and Wave Pool.
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Free Friday Flicks at Hatch Shell Boston
Accessible Hiking
Jul 27 – Oct 10
Summer 2015. Across all of the many major state parks in
Massachusetts. Take a gentle hike with Stavros Outdoor
Access and the DCR Universal Access Program. Teamwork
and assistive equipment, such as the Terra Trek mountain
wheelchair, for people of all ages and abilities! Bring a lunch
and enjoy activities like scavenger hunts, nature talks, and
letterboxing. Sighted guides available.
July 31, 2015 – August 28, 2015
Free Friday Flicks at DCR’s Hatch Shell on the
Esplanade in Boston. Many of the movies will have
Closed Captioning available. Family-oriented feature
length movies all summer long at DCR’s Hatch Shell in
Boston. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and
watch a movie with family and friends on Friday night
for free. Movies begin at sundown, arriving early is
suggested. * August 7th, “The Wizard of Oz”
* August 14th, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No
Good Very Bad Day”
* August 21st, “Guardian of the Galaxy”
* August 28th, “Maleficent”
Adaptive Kayaking
Jul 26 – Sep 3
Sensory Friendly Films
When: Saturday, Aug 22, 2015
Summer 2015, Concord, Hopkinton, Goshen, Waltham, and
Worcester. Accessible and adaptive kayaking for all ages and
abilities with the DCR Universal Access Program at DCR’s
Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, Hopkinton State
Park, Goshen State Forest, Quinsigamond State Park in
Worcester, The Charles River in Waltham, MA.
Adaptive Cycling for All Ages & Abilities
Jul 27 – Sep 17
“Underdogs”
AMC Dartmouth Mall 12, 140 North Dartmouth Mall North
Dartmouth
AMC Framingham 15, 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham
AMC Tyngsboro 12, 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro
AMC Loews Methuen 20. 90 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen
AMC Braintree 10, 121 Grandview Rd. Braintree
AMC Burlington Cinema 10, 20 South Ave. Burlington
Special features:
The lights are turned up, the sound is turned down and
guests may walk around, dance or sing during the film.
Summer 2015. Brighton and Hadley. Adaptive and assistive
biking for all ages and abilities with the DCR Universal
Access Program. Adaptive bikes for adults and kids,
including hand cycles, trikes, tandems, and recumbent bikes.
At Artesani Park, Brighton and Norwottuck Rail Trail in
Hadley.
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Find this
yummy
summer
recipe at:
http://w
ww.thirt
yhandma
dedays.c
om/2015
/03/rainb
ow-fruitsaladparfaits/
Julia at home learning how to
bake healthy sugar cookies
for the first time!
Like our page on Facebook to
stay abreast of KFS updates and
happenings. We are always
making news!
www.facebook/kfscares.com
KFS is now on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/
kaleidoscope-family-solutions-inc-
Happy Birthday in August!
Kody.: 6th
Neil : 12th
Hosea.: 17th
Zachary: 18th
Jonathan.: 19th
Brett.: 22nd
Ryan.: 25th
Suneet.: 28th
Brian.: 31st
Creating a Colorful Difference
233 Needham St. Suite 512
Newton, Ma 02464
P: 877-384-1729
F: 610-527-8672
www.kfamilysolutions.org
www.facebook.com/KFSCares
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