Melisa Matthews, Author at ConnectCenter

Empowering Independence: Cultivating Essential Travel Skills

Child opening a door and walking outside while using a white cane

Childhood is a time of wonder, exploration, and rapid development. Children undergo an incredible transformation from the moment they take their first steps to the time they enter adulthood. The ability to navigate the world around them enhances a child’s mobility and promotes cognitive development and social interaction. You play a crucial role in fostering […]

OpticAware: Support Changing Behaviors

Posted on November 21, 2023 - 11:05 am by Melisa Matthews

A youth smiles while wearing a slim black rubber bracelet similar to a Fitbit with a metal face plate.

Working to break a habit can be challenging, especially when trying to help your child break a habit. Have you heard of HabitAware? APH and HabitAware, maker of the OpticAware band, have partnered to create a device to help children change their pattern of eye poking and pressing behavior. OpticAware Band OpticAware is a smart […]

Developing Independent Travelers One Ride at a Time

A child using a white cane gets on a school bus

Children need to start developing navigation and travel skills from a young age. When traveling with your child, knowing the available support options is important. Utilizing the support resources together can help you transfer the responsibility of independent and safe travel to your child more easily. Traveling by Ride-Share Services Ride-share services, such as Uber […]

What is the Chameleon 20?

Posted on November 14, 2023 - 1:23 pm by Melisa Matthews

Part of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is Assistive Technology, which is ever-changing and evolving. Knowing and understanding what technology your child uses and how to help outside school will further their confidence. While knowing existing technology and what is available to your child may seem overwhelming, we can simplify this by sharing resources and […]

 Yes, Your Child Can Learn to Code!

Posted on October 27, 2023 - 12:17 pm by Melisa Matthews

Three students sitting at at classroom table working with the code jumper.

If you’ve heard your child or your child’s school talk about coding and aren’t sure what they’re talking about, don’t worry. Coding is a skill that many children are learning in school today, even when they are very young. While it may seem overwhelming or outside of your knowledge base, it’s important to remember that […]

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