Talk'N Tumble to aid preschoolers with developmental disabilities

Talk 'N Tumble is a new preschool gymnastics program that is offered at the Halton Hills Gymnastics Club for children with identified developmental disabilities (including those with Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Down Syndrome and other Developmental Delays). Through partnerships with Halton Hills Speech Centre, Reach Therapy Services and Community Living North Halton, the Talk 'N Tumble program will utilize the expertise of certified gymnastics coaches as well as speech-language pathologists, communication disorders assistants and occupational therapists. Talk 'N Tumble will allow children with special needs to develop a sense of self esteem and accomplishment as well as promoting physical well being. Along with learning physical skills associated with gymnastics, children will also learn important social and communication skills such as sharing, turn taking, group participation, social interaction skills, following a routine, and communicating with others. Children who are between the ages of 3 to 5 years old and live within the Halton Region are eligible for the program. Talk 'N Tumble is offered to children within the Georgetown, Acton and Milton area as well as children within the Halton Region at large. Because of generous funding from the Halton Healthy Community Fund, the cost to participants is only $15 to offset the Ontario Gymnastics registration fee. The start of the first session is September 18. Registration deadline for the first session is September 11. Please contact the Halton Hills Gymnastics Centre at 905-877-4330 or the Halton Hills Speech Centre at 905-873-8400 for more information or forms.