Despite some early trepidation, we are happy to report lots of smiles and successes! “Outdoors for Everyone” at AOEC While some participants came ready and excited to don the climbing harness and begin climbing, others needed to overcome their fears and face this new challenge. With the support of specially trained staff and volunteers from MaineBound and the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC), and the encouragement of UMaine Student MEA volunteers, participants from 4 to 27 years old used their strength and determination to make their way upwards. (October 26th, 2019) Saturday, October 26 th, was a special day inside the MaineBound Adventure Center at the University of Maine as MAIER Family Partnership (MPF) families gathered to test their courage on the indoor climbing walls. Courage and Success for MAIER Families at the MaineBound Adventure Center! Thanks to an on-going partnership between the MDM and the Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research (MAIER) at the University of Maine, more than 30 families experienced the excitement and joy of visiting with Santa in an environment designed to support children on the autism spectrum on their own terms. (December 8, 2019) It was a special day at the Maine Discovery Museum MDM) in Bangor as Santa’s Village came alive for children attending the sensory-friendly “My Day to Play” on Sunday December 8 th. Our thanks to the UMaine students who helped families enjoy the afternoon, the Emera Center for opening their doors to our group, and most of all, to all our families and friends who made this event a fun, playful, and educational afternoon! MAIER Families Visit with Santa at the Maine Discovery Museum A vision of the current night sky, led by Emera Director Shawn Laatsch, topped off the afternoon. Polaris featured a friendly polar bear and penguin duo that led the younger group on a space mission to explore the earth and nearby planets, while To Space and Back, took the older group on a journey highlighting the technology that makes space exploration possible while also touching our day-to-day lives on earth. (Not to mention the spontaneous light show that arose from our glow-in-the-dark bracelets!) While some kiddos were drawn (and drawn, and drawn) to the interactive exhibits and visual displays in the lobby, others were fascinated by the darkness of the planetarium dome that came to life for two separate showings. ![]() While visiting the Emera Center may be a challenge for families that include a family member on the autism spectrum, Saturday’s shows were especially planned to offer everyone a time to let down their guard, be themselves, and learn about space, at their own pace and in their own style. (February, 2020) The Universe became a fascinating place to visit for those attending MAIER’s Family Partnership event at the Emera Astronomy Center at UMaine last Saturday. ![]() The Universe comes to life for MAIER Family Partnership families! Participating families received a monthly SMILE box filled with fun activities and engaging videos to promote physical activity, social skills, and sensory exploration. SMILE Boxes are designed to support families that include a member on the autism spectrum in exploring new ways to connect with one another through prompts and guided activities. ![]() (December 2020) This fall the Maine Autism Institute’s Family Partnership partnered with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC) to bring more than 75 SMILE Boxes to Maine children and teens on the autism spectrum. Visit our Community Events Calendar for up-do-date information on upcoming events! SMILE Boxes Brighten the Lives of MAIER families
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