Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc.
Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc.
PCDA Press Releases
The Mayor of Pasadena visits PCDA!
Pasadena, CA
March 28, 2013
Bill Bogaard, the mayor of Pasadena, made an appearance at PCDA's Open House to learn about our programs and services for children with special needs and their families. The mayor (far right) is joined by board member Normand Leduc, Creative Arts Head Melissa St. John, Development Associate Julia Scheibmeir, and Executive Director Dr. Diane Cullinane.
Pasadena Child Development Associates Receives $20,000 grant from The UPS Foundation
Pasadena, CA October 12, 2012
Pasadena Child Development Associates (PCDA) received a $20,000 capacity building grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used to optimize the nonprofit’s effectiveness through high-tech upgrades.
PCDA serves children, from birth to 18 years of age, who have, or are at risk for, behavior and developmental challenges due to premature birth, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, genetic conditions, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, complex medical conditions affecting feeding or eating, and sensory processing disorders.
For over 15 years, PCDA’s experienced and resourceful child development specialists have offered innovative, scientifically-based therapies centered on the DIR®/Floortime approach. Children achieve great success through this comprehensive team approach.
“This grant from UPS will not only help improve the overall operations, but will also enable us to use cutting edge technologies that strengthen our therapeutic abilities to benefit our children,” said Dr. Diane Cullinane, PCDA’s executive director.
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety, and environmental sustainability.
In 2011, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $45.3 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations like PCDA and provide support for building stronger communities.
“The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that makes a meaningful difference in our communities—so we are proud to support PCDA’s efforts to serve children with special needs,” said Keith Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.
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Contact: |
Diane Cullinane, M.D. |
(626) 793-3750 |
Pasadena Child Development Associates Honors Congressman Adam Schiff
Pasadena, CA September 25, 2012
On Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the home of Nick and Laura Agakanian,700 Forest Green Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena Child Development Associates, a nonprofit group serving children with special needs, will honor U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).
Rep. Schiff has been a strong supporter of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) which requires states and localities to provide free and quality education for students with disabilities. In the 109th Congress, he cosponsored the Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers Act, which would have provided full funding for IDEA.
“We are so happy to recognize Rep. Schiff for his positive impact on meeting the challenges of improving the lives of children with special needs,” said Dr. Diane Cullinane, executive director of Pasadena Child Development Associates.
The celebratory evening called “La Bella Luna” will feature live music, gourmet foods and wines, art, jewelry, and home décor auctions. Hosted by media executive, Steve Tobia, and local business owner, Laura Agakanian, the special event will offer an opportunity to meet Rep. Schiff and to learn about the programs and services provided by Pasadena Child Development Associates.
Tickets for the “La Bella Luna” event cost $125 per person; all proceeds from ticket sales and auctions will benefit Pasadena Child Development Associates.
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For inquiries about the event or PCDA, please contact: |
Kelly Orellana |
Pasadena Child Development Associates Receives $8,000 grant from The UPS Foundation
Pasadena, CA September 12, 2011
Pasadena Child Development Associates (PCDA) received an $8,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used to purchase needed therapy supplies for the Interdisciplinary Feeding Services at PCDA. Here children, from infants to teens receive help when they have difficulties with eating. Some children have autism and have highly selective diets; others have difficulties with coordination of chewing and swallowing due to Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities. PCDA is able to help children with a wide range of medical conditions which create challenges in their abilities to eat. PCDA is unique in that their team includes a pediatrician, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health counselors and dieticians- who all work together to provide a comprehensive treatment for each child. Families receive help in home like kitchens where the focus is on enjoyable mealtime experiences. PCDA also offers programs for the typical ‘picky eater'
who has no other developmental challenges, and offers a weight loss program. Dr Cullinane, Executive Director, remarked “We are all very excited to be able to purchase up to date instruments and equipment for our work.”
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, the UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In 2010, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as PCDA. “The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities- so we are proud to support PCDA's efforts with their Feeding Services,” said Ken Sternad, President of the UPS Foundation.
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For more information, contact: |
Diane Cullinane, M.D. |
400 Attend Family Fun Day at Griffith Park!
Pasadena, CA April 10, 2011
Music, games, activities, beautiful weather, good food and terrific speakers were all part of the day at the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California's Family Fun Day at Griffith Park on Sunday, April 10th. More than 400 people attended the event to celebrate children with disabilities and learn more about DIR®/Floortime programs for children and their families.
Ron Ostrow, a well-known actor, served as MC and spoke about his own personal experience of using DIR/Floortime with his son. Among the other speakers were Erik Linthorst, a local Southern California filmmaker and Floortime dad. He described his journey with his son, Graham, which is captured in the award-winning documentary film, “Autistic-Like: Graham's Story”. Jim Lantry, a national advocate for the rights of the developmentally disabled, informed the crowd about legislative progress for parent choice., Autism Speaks representative and Floortime parent, Pam Eisenberg, also shared her story on the way DIR/Floortime helped her daughter. Actors for Autism performed songs from their upcoming musical show.
Dr. Diane Cullinane, chairperson of the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California and Executive Director of Pasadena Child Development Associates, kicked off the event and explained the purpose of the day by saying, “This is a fun day for children to enjoy with their families, and for parents, a day to learn about resources for their children. The DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California is a group of parents and professionals from throughout California who have come together to promote parent choice in treatment options for their children.”
Resources were available for parents, including books and training materials from the Interdisciplinary Council of Developmental and Learning Disabilities, booths staffed by area autism treatment experts, and a professional panel question and answer session which engaged parents in a discussion about treatment choices for their children. Many non-competitive games and activities were available including a water balloon group parachute toss, noodle badminton, bounce house marathon, and a Home Depot planting project in which company volunteers assisted each child, proudly wearing a Home Depot orange mini-apron, in planting their own individual flowers in a pot to take home.
Dr. Andrea Davis, event organizer, commented, “It was exciting to see what we had created together, especially to enjoy the atmosphere of inclusion of kids and teens with special needs in an event that offered something fun for everyone. We will definitely hold this event again next year!”
Special thanks are in order to Arrest My Sister, Dave Taylor Music, Outback Catering, Henry's Market, Trader Joe's, Fresh and Easy Market, Home Depot, Actors for Autism, Demand Media, Steel Deck, IndulgeYourself.com, CircleStretch.com, Rustic Canyon Restaurant, ICDL, and the many family members, therapists, students, and friends who volunteered to help make this inaugural event a big success. For more information, please visit the coalition's website at www.dirfloortimecoc.com.
Parent Choice in Autism Treatment - Day of Answers for Parents, Fun for Kids
Pasadena, CA March 25, 2011
Summary
The DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California, an advocacy group working for parent choice in treatment of autistic children to host a day of answers for parents and fun for children at Griffith Park April 10th from 1 – 5pm at Shane's Inspiration Playground.
Detail
“Decisions being made at the State level will impact the lives of all families in California affected by autism spectrum disorders. Families must join voices now to protect our right to informed consent and keep others from making our decisions." Josh Feder, M.D. Parent and Autism Specialist.
Leading professionals in the treatment of Autism, concerned parents, and legislative activists from the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California will host a day of answers for parents and fun activities for their children at Griffith Park, Shane's Inspiration Playground, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, L.A. 90027, from 1 – 5pm on Sunday, April 10th. The event is free and parking is free at Carousel Lot 3. The Coalition is a non-profit organization that advocates across the state for parent choice in the treatment of autism. Currently treatment is often decided by regional centers, insurance companies, hearing boards, the legislature, or school boards, thereby denying parents a choice among treatment alternatives.
Leading local treating professionals as well as local parents who are authors, actors, and filmmakers will share information about innovative developmental treatment approaches, and will be available for question and answer sessions. Activities for children and teens will include non-competitive games staffed by volunteers, music provided by Arrest My Sister and children's musician Dave Taylor, and access to the nearby playground. Food by Outback Steakhouse will be available for purchase. Funds for further state advocacy will be raised through raffle prizes and opportunities child sponsorships in the non-competitive games.
Register for the free event at http://floortimefamilyfunday.eventbrite.com.
“Watching a child struggle with symptoms of autism or other developmental challenges can be heartbreaking for parents”, said Andrea Davis, Ph.D. “Grief and worry naturally follow. Parents of special needs kids need their numerous questions answered and they need a community of support from understanding parents and informed professionals. On April 10th, we aim to provide parents with hope and information about how to become an integral part of helping their child reach his or her highest potential.”
The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime) Model is an evidence-based treatment approach built upon decades of developmental psychology theory and research. It helps clinicians, parents, and educators conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a comprehensive intervention program tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or other developmental challenges. The objectives of the DIR®/Floortime Model are to build healthy foundations for robust social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing on isolated skills and problem behaviors.
Dr. Diane Cullinane comments, “DIR®/Floortime provides a powerful approach for helping children to become curious, creative, and warmly engaged in the world. It is important that parents have the opportunity to learn about this highly effective way to support their child's development.”
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Contact: |
Andrea Davis, Ph.D. Josh Feder, M.D. Diane Cullinane, M.D. |
(626) 795-7910 (858) 509-0523 (626) 793-3750 |