News

October 16, 2023

Boo! A Sensory Friendly Halloween

Join Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 21, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for a sensory-friendly family event.

Trying Together and other Pittsburgh organizations will participate in this themed event for children, adults, and families who benefit from expanded accessibility and sensory accommodations.

Children under two years of age are able to attend.

Activities Include:

  • Silent Disco in the Garage
  • Pumpkin Painting and Spiderweb Weaving in the Art Studio
  • Maker Activities in Makeshop
  • Waterplay and the Nursery will be open

Trick or treating with local organizations to create your own sensory kit (no candy treats – treats are first come, first served):

  • Assemble
  • Family Links
  • HealthyCHILD
  • PFLAG
  • Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
  • Trying Together
  • Sensory Superpowers
  • Wesley Family Services

News

May 26, 2021

Sensory Strategies for Early Learners

Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to learn about the most common developmental delays in children, aged birth through five years.

This session will share strategies for supporting children with developmental delays. Presenters will identify activities, strategies, and Library resources that can generate positive sensory experiences for all young children. This virtual workshop will be hosted on Zoom. Attendees will receive 2 hours of PQAS credit.

Register on the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh website.

News

September 9, 2020

Connections and Conversations: Infant Sensory Experiences

Are you interested in learning about the importance of sensory development in infants and toddlers? Join Trying Together on September 16 for our online session, “Connections and Conversations: Infant Sensory Experiences.”

About

Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are biweekly interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants engage in virtual discussions with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. Sessions offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be provided.

This session will define and explore the processes of sensory integration and the importance of sensory development in infants and toddlers. Participants will receive an overview of infant sensory development and ways to contribute to children’s learning within classroom settings as well as adaptations that can be made for students with behaviors due to the way they process sensory experiences differently. Participants will be lead in creating various developmentally friendly sensory toys with objects found in their own homes.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Wednesday, September 16  |  6 – 7 p.m
    • Instructors: Jennifer McKain and Alicia Sebastian
    • CKC: Child Growth and Development
    • CDA Subject Area: Principles of Child Growth & Development
    • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 15

Registration

To register, visit the course PD Registry page. Space is limited.

Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

Session Rules and Guidelines

These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants.

    • Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively.
    • Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic.
    • Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression.
    • Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session.
    • Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator.
    • Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share.
    • To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number.
    • Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations!

More Information

For questions or more information, please contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

June 19, 2020

Adaptive Dance | Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Hosted by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Adaptive Dance is an online class series intended for children ages six and up with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other sensory sensitivities.

About

The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) emphasizes creative movement principles and modified ballet technique in a welcoming and structured studio environment. Classes are taught by PBT School instructors experienced in adaptive dance and are limited to 15 students. Live music/percussion accompany each class. Caregivers may observe and/or participate in classes if they wish.

This class is for children ages six and up. All classes will be held on Zoom. Each student that registers for the entire semester will also receive an adaptive dance kit to bring even more of the studio experience to their home. Session costs five dollars each or you can buy purchase all six sessions for 25 dollars.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre website.

More Information

For questions about the class or registration, email accessibility@pittsburghballet.org.

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News

April 27, 2020

Exploring the Outdoor World Through Our Senses

The outside world shapes children’s development through everyday, hands-on experiences. In this free online session, participants will explore ways to facilitate sensory experiences in outdoor play including natural materials in the outdoor environment, reusable loose parts, and classroom materials. Participants will discover the benefits of learning through the five senses and explore meaningful ways to encourage sensory learning with young children.

Course Information

    • Timeline: May 4 – 24, 2020
    • Trainer: Katie Gullone
    • CKC: K2.4C2
    • Keystone STARS Alignment: SQ. 3.4.9
    • CDA Subject Area: Planning a safe and healthy learning environment.
    • Three PQAS and Act 48 hours available.

Registration

To register for this course, please visit the event registration page. All registrations must be submitted by May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. Limited spots are available.

More Information

For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

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News

May 13, 2019

Lunch & Learn: Sensory Learning & the Autism Spectrum

Join Parents in Toto Autism Resource Center, Seneca Valley School District, and Remake Learning to discuss the importance of sensory learning for youth on the autism spectrum, benefits of this learning, and the parent resources that are available.

About

Educators, administrators, community organization leaders, and parents are highly encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation surrounding differently-abled youth in the region. Lunch will be served. More details and accessibility will be noted in an email closer to the event.

For any dietary restrictions or requests, email Allie at allie@remakelearning.org. The deadline for restriction requests is June 19, 2019.

Registration

This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, visit the event webpage.

For questions about the event or accessibility, email Allie at allie@remakelearning.org.

News

April 11, 2019

Sensory Friendly Saturday: Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is celebrating National Autism Awareness month by hosting four Sensory Friendly Saturdays throughout the year.

About the Event

During Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the museum will open 90 minutes before it opens to the public to allow families with members of the autism spectrum or those who experience sensory overload to visit the museum in a more controlled environment. Museum experts will give tours of the exhibitions and be on hand to answer questions throughout the morning. Designated quiet zones will allow visitors to decompress and experience the museum at their own pace.

Sensory Friendly Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Available Dates

  • April 27, 2019
  • July 13, 2019
  • October 5, 2019
  • December 28, 2019

Registration

Advance registration is required for each person attending.

Register online to save your spot!

Ticket Costs

Sensory Friendly Saturday includes specialized pricing:

  • Children Under 2: Free
  • Children 3 – 18: $5.95 per ticket
  • Adults: $9.95 per ticket
  • Adults 65+: $7.50 per ticket
Discounted Pricing
  • Access Card Holder – Adult: $1.00
  • Access Card Holder’s Child: $1.00
  • Access Card Holder – Senior: $1.00

To learn more about the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, visit their website.