News

6 Questions About Spectrum Press

In a recent email chat with Mark McNease, publisher and editor of New York based www.lgbtSr.org, we got talking about Spectrum Consulting - Collaborative; Learning; Research; Press and at Spectrum Society. Mark, impressed by the work we do, asked me to be a part of their 6 Question interview series.

lgbtSr.org is a site that "...embraces age and celebrates life over 50, with all the ups and downs of living long enough to tell about it. You’ll find news, interviews, opinion, the occasional insight, and a thing or two to hold up to the light." 

Here is the interview. Take the time to check out the rest of their website as well. They really have a lot to offer. "The mission of lgbtSr.org: to give voice to the pleasures of life in maturity; the challenges, experiences, answers we have found and the many questions we still have."

Jim R.

Special Offer for Family Support Institute and PLAN Members!

Exciting News!

Family Support Institute and PLAN members now enjoy a 20% discount on all Spectrum Press products for orders at the book tables we set up at various conferences and workshops. Let us know that you belong to one of these organizations when you make your purchase. Discounted purchases have to be paid for by cash or cheque.

Please Note: we are not able to discount on-line purchases at this time. 

This offer is for Spectrum Press books only. Inclusion Press and Createspace books are marked next to the titles in our web store and are not included in this promotion.

Any questions?

Email us at spectrumpress@spectrumsociety.org

Phone us at 604-323-1433

Our office is at

  • 3231 Kingsway
  • Vancouver, B.C.
  • V5R 5K3

 

 

The ABC's of Ability - A Reading at the Vancouver Public Library

On Monday, November 18th from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Siobhan Harris, Cheryl Fryfield and Susan Powell will be reading from the Spectrum Press publication The ABC's of Ability. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

About the book:

"Consultant Susan Powell and photographer Larry Wells, both master educators, gathered together a team of adults with developmental disabilities to create a labour of love -- an ABC primer that reflects their experiences of work, play and contribution, with their families, friends and co-workers. Photographed in their own homes and neighbourhoods, this singular little book reflects the contemporary experience, joys and challenges of people with disabilities living in the community.

In plain language for both children and new literacy learners the book is a clear and celebratory message to the communities they belong to about their lives."

Susan, the creator, and Siobhan and Cheryl, two of the models and collaborators for this book, will be reading at the:

  • Vancouver Public Library                                                                                                       
  • Harvey Southam Room
  • Children's Library
  • 350 West Georgia Street

Phoenix Perennials and Spectrum’s Inclusive Learning, Research and Press

Phoenix Perennials is my favourite nursery and it's the go-to place for anyone who loves gardening and is interested in finding a huge selection of great quality plants.   Their plants are, like the work we do at Spectrum's Inclusive Learning and Research, and Spectrum Press, much loved and treasured and focused on diversity.   They're concerned with education and it's one of the few garden stores I go to where people can answer any question.   So far the only time I've stumped them is when I asked "Which Hellebore should I buy?"  So we were thrilled to be chosen to be one of their charities this year, in the Community Building section for May 25th and 26th (put this in your schedule now!).   Here we are with other community building organizations:

Community Builders   
South Van GoGos
Spinal Cord Injury BC
Gilmore Elementary, Grade Seven Students‘ Quebec Trip 2014
Richmond Family Place Society
Inclusive Learning and Research, a division of Spectrum Society for Community Living
ONE TO ONE Literacy Society
The Community Arts Council of Richmond
CircusWest Performing Arts Society

So here's how it works - during the Saturday and Sunday of a Charity Shopping Weekend 25% of each purchase made by a customer who mentions us (Inclusive Learning and Research, a division of Spectrum Society for Community Living) will be donated to be used in our work.  This is a great example of the kinds of partnerships we're focused on, between community, entrepreneurs and our social enterprise.   Since 2004 Phoenix Perennials has raised over $12,200 for local charities!

Helping self advocates tell their stories and clarify their ideas, and turning them into books and pictures they can share, is our passion but it all costs money.   In just the last few months we've worked a lot, but we've also donated about 300 hours to various excellent causes, facilitating groups, helping with planning for individuals and groups, and through graphic facilitation.   We're thrilled with the responses to our work and dedicated to continuing it, and this is a great opportunity if you want to help out and if you love great plants.  They have excellent perennials, but also really select vegetable, annuals and rare plants.

If you prefer to donate directly, check out this link: http://www.spectrumfriends.ca/donations/  If it is our work you are specifically interested in, around literacy, story-telling, empowerment, communication connections, interdependence and leadership - make a note to direct your donation to us.    Please do forward this to garden loving friends!

Thanks so much - Aaron, Barb, Cheryl, Ernie, Jenny, Jim, Judy, Jules Shelley and Susan!

If you're looking for a great deal on a workshop, by the way, check out this link to a Phoenix Perennials Groupon coupon.