The Special Needs and Moving On Projects provide resources and support for workers at the post office whose children have disabilities. The projects are available to members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Union of Postal Communications Employees (Public Service Alliance of Canada). The Special Needs Project is geared to families with young children; the Moving On Project is for adult sons and daughters with special needs. Life is more demanding when you work and have a child with special needs. Learn more about our Special Needs and Moving On projects.
Dear members of CUPW/UPCE-PSAC,
I am very mu
ch looking forward to interacting with you in the very near future! Our disability supports portal, in conjunction with 211s across the country, is in the very final stages of development now and we hope to be able to launch in December or early in January. At that point the website portal will be available to you, and I will be available to assist you in navigating the site and finding disability support resources for you should you need it.
During the last Special Needs and Moving On projects interviews members were asked what resources they thought their child/adult child needed. I will be contacting those members who identified that they would like some support finding resources. As there are hundreds of requests, and I have just gained access to this information, please know that I am working to follow up on every one of them and will be in touch with you.
In my role as Support Navigator, I will be available 3 days a week – in general that will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am-5 Pm AST – and I can be reached by phone at 902-295-1645 or by email at
Please feel free to contact me directly if you wish. It will be my great pleasure to research the resources, support and information you and your child are looking for and provide the referrals you need.
With kindest regards,
Isabelle Tanner
CUPW-UPCE Support Navigator Special Needs and Moving On Projects
Anx
ious feelings are normal and expected in children and teens returning to school, changing schools, or for first-timers starting kindergarten. This transition can be stressful and disruptive for the entire family.
In the days leading up to school, your anxious child may cling, cry, have temper tantrums, complain of headaches or stomach pains, withdraw, plead or bargain, and become irritable or angry.
Worries are Common. Anxious children and teens worry about many different school-related issues, such as teachers, friends, fitting in, and/or being away from their parents. Some common worries include:
Children and teens may not recognize that what they have been experiencing is anxiety. Some youth think the way they are feeling and acting is normal or expected. Often, overly studious or perfectionistic youth believe it is reasonable to study for hours on end, to keep their bedroom as neat as a pin, or to wash their hands excessively after every activity. Other youth think there is something “wrong” with them.
Children may focus on the physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g. stomachaches). Teens may think they’re weird, weak, out of control, or even going crazy! These thoughts might make them feel even more anxious and self-conscious. Providing accurate information about anxiety can reduce confusion or shame. Explain that anxiety is a common and normal experience, and it can be managed successfully! You can do this in 3 clear steps. Once your child understands this information, he or she will feel more motivated to address his/her anxiety.
Start by describing a recent situation where you observed some signs of anxiety in your child.
“Yesterday, when Sarah came over, you seemed very quiet and you just sat beside me. It seemed you might have been a bit nervous about having a visitor in our house. What was that like for you?” Or, “I’ve noticed you’ve been hanging home on weekends, and don’t seem to want to go out like your brother does. What’s up?”
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