Zoom Webinar
Live Presentation Date
June 3, 2020
4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Watch the Recording here:
Disclaimer:
The Hangout Spot takes no official position on mask wearing. This webinar was created as a result of an outpouring of family requests for tips and strategies on how to teach children to be more comfortable with mask wearing, for parents who decide that is the best choice for their family.
Governor Ned Lamonts Executive Order 7BB states “any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable to or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering.” This order also includes mask wearing exemptions for individuals whose health conditions do not allow it, for children under the age of two, and for people for whom wearing a mask poses a risk to their safety. For more information on the details of this order you can read it here.
It should be noted that the tips and strategies outlined here are general in nature. The process of desensitizing a loved one to mask wearing is slow, requires patience, and repetition. If you decide that mask wearing is the right option for your family, and your loved one exhibits severe problem behaviors in response to mask wearing, we recommend seeking professional assistance on the best ways to keep your family and loved ones safe.
Description:
In an effort to protect those around us during this pandemic, we have all had to quickly adjust to the discomfort and awkwardness of wearing a mask in public. For our children with special needs, wearing something that covers their nose and mouth and impacts their ability to communicate and breathe can be frightening Depending on their needs, they may require preparation and practice to be able to wear a mask even for short periods of time. Justyna Balzar and Meghan Cave will share strategies to help parents work through this challenge.
Meghan and Justyna are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts with master’s degrees in education. Together they created a behavior analytic social skills development center using the fundamentals of science to teach social smarts. They have a combined 28 years of experience working with diverse learners up to 18 years of age in the home, school and community
Justyna Balzar, MEd, BCBA and Meghan Cave, MEd, BCBA
Co-sponsors:
SoNo Branch Library and Wilton SEPTA