Here are just a few:

Walk Now for Autism Speaks:

This week on Thursday there is a Kickoff Event for Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The event will be at the Limited Brands headquarters from 6-8pm. You can RSVP online.  Jody will be there volunteering, you’ll see her walking around meeting people, collecting raffle tickets, and helping out in any way she can. Please see the link below to learn more about the event!

It promises to be a great night! Click here to learn more!

On 10/10/10 the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event will take place. Columbus has held a walk event for 2 years now, this year being the 3^rd. This year there are over 450 walkers registered & they’ve already raised $180,000!  Imagine what will happen by October 10^th!!! We’re planning to walk the event as a team. Register for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks by clicking here!

Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day:

Another great event is happening this Thursday as well at all local Dairy Queens.  Dairy Queen is donating $1 from every Blizzard sale to their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. Since 1984, Dairy Queen has raised over $81 million for this cause!  Amazing!  Learn more by clicking here.

CASANA Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech

September 25^th marks the 2^nd annual CASANA Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech in Columbus.  CASANA (Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America) is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia so that each child is afforded their best opportunity to develop to their full potential. They raise awareness & money to help families across North America. They’ve raised about $5000 up this point this year, and last year were able to raise $25000.  Check out the site for more information on how to register for the event or donate: CASANA Walk for Apraxia of Speech

Buddy Walk:

On October 3, 2010 the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio will host the 9^th annual National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk in Columbus. The walk will take place at Crew Stadium. The Buddy Walk^® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk^® program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.  To register or learn more, click here.

We hope to see you out there!!!

Common causes of acoustic trauma include:

• Loud music, such as live musical performances and home, auto, or portable stereo systems. Hearing loss is usually temporary but can be permanent.
• Industrial sounds, such as traffic, sirens, jet engines, power tools, chain saws, jackhammers, or hydraulic machinery.
• Physical injury to the ear. Severe injury can rupture the eardrum. Physical injury can be caused by:
  • A blow to the side of the head.
  • An explosive burst of sound close to the ear, such as when an air bag is set off during a motor vehicle accident.
  • Rapid changes in environmental pressure, such as from underwater diving or descending in an airplane.

Most people stop hearing high-frequency sounds, such as bells and chimes, first. Later, it becomes harder to hear lower-frequency sounds, such as voices.

Because of this danger, “safe listening” is important for children and adults. Thankfully, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) started a campaign called “Listen To Your Buds” to help increase awareness and to inform people of the appropriate listening levels and when to take breaks from listening to preserve hearing.

Follow this link to learn more: http://listentoyourbuds.org

The Hanen Program ® for Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

More Than Words ® is a family-focused program that gives parents of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) practical tools to help their children communicate.

The program includes:

• 8 small group classes for you, the parent, lead by a Hanen Certified speech-language pathologist
• A pre-program consultation for you and your child/children with the speech-language pathologist
• 3 individual visits for you and your  child/children with the speech-language pathologist
• Individual video feedback sessions of you and your child interacting, so you can see what’s working
• A copy of the More Than Words ® Guidebook (a $54 value)

You will learn:

• How your child communicates and the next steps to take
• What motivates your child to communicate
• How to turn everyday activities into opportunities to communicate

For more information about schedule, costs, and/or to register your family for the class please call Jody at Columbus Therapy Associates at 614-595-9037 or email jody@ColumbusTA.com.

The practice began as an idea that formed in January 2010 between Jennifer Doane & Jody Cane, who had been discussing opening a pediatric practice on & off for a few months. In January, the idea seemed like a good one.  The two immediately started writing promotional material, searching for office space, and creating wish lists of things they’d need to buy. The two spent countless hours discussing their ideas & coming up with a game plan to get the practice up and running by June 2010.

After the initial excitement, Jenn & Jody sat down to come up with a name for the company. The two probably discussed 40-50 different options, learning some were similar to those in the area, some were a little too technical, and some were just silly. Finally, after several discussions & lists of names were reviewed & thrown out they decided on Columbus Therapy Associates.  It was short, could be made into an acronym, & sounded just right.

The two realized somewhere into their planning that in order to have a really solid pediatric practice there was a definite need for an occupational therapist. Jenn suggested discussing the idea of a partnership with an occupational therapist they both knew named Julie Tufano. Julie was excited to join the partnership. Jenn & Jody worked to catch Julie to up to speed with all they’d been able to accomplish in 3 short weeks!

The three then starting working on getting the practice open.  There were lots of meetings, emails, and phone calls to get everything going!  Along the way the three met some great people who helped them immensely! The realtor, accountant, & attorney were of invaluable help. Jody’s dad was also a huge help from the start getting the company set up with a website (http://www.ColumbusTA.com), email addresses, a blog, and many pieces of advice on how to run a business and where to look for help.

With each person taking on one piece of the puzzle, the pieces started to fall into place.  By June things were well underway! In 5 short months, the idea had become a reality!

Stop by & visit anytime!