Latest news with #ISU
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Communication is magical': Camp Bruce at ISU helps young people with significant needs
Four-year-old Karson Morge got to work his magic during Camp Bruce at Indiana State University. Magician Jason Brewer needed an assistant, and Morge stepped up to the task on Thursday. At first, Brewer showed his audience that his 'magic coloring book' was incomplete because all the pages were blank. But when Morge took some special wands, and did a little magic dance, the coloring book had colored pictures in it. Later, with Morge's assistance, the pictures disappeared —like magic. Morge was one of 16 children participating this week in Camp Bruce, which is for individuals with significant communication needs. Many of the campers are nonverbal and received assistance from ISU graduate students on how to better use communication devices. The theme for this year's Camp Bruce, which completed its 14th year, was 'Communication is magical.' The four-day program took place at ISU's Bayh College of Education. It is conducted by camp director April Newton, who also is a speech pathologist for the Vigo County School Corp. and teaches a graduate class at ISU called augmentative and alternative communication or AAC. For the graduate students, the camp provides a hands-on experience for them toward the end of the course, Newton said. Nineteen graduate students assisted with Camp Bruce this year. Campers benefit in many ways, as well. 'It's such a great experience for those kids, and they really benefit by seeing other kids using communication devices,' Newton said. 'They may be the only one in their school that uses it.' In addition, the campers 'make friends. They make connections,' Newton said. The kids rotate through different stations planned by the graduate students. This year, it included a magic room with science experiments; arts and crafts; and games. On Thursday, campers enjoyed a glow room that offered glow-in-the-dark bowling, hop scotch and ring toss; they also could receive tattoos that glowed in the dark. Among the campers this week was Caroline Barnett, age 5, who attended Camp Bruce for the first time. She received assistance in how to better use her communication device, an Accent 1000 eye gaze. Eye gaze technology uses specialized cameras that enable those with physical disabilities to control a computer using eye movements. Her mother, Madalyn Barnett, said, the camp 'has been amazing. She's had a great time and definitely gained some friendships and great experience learning with her tablet. They also have parent programs where we can learn more about their devices as well.' Thursday, the culminating day of camp, was also sibling day and Caroline's brother, Noah, participated in activities — and he was another who helped during Jason Brewer's magic show. It was Karson Morge's first year at Camp Bruce, said his grandmother, Rose Marie Morge, who was present for Thursday's culminating event in which campers received certificates and watched a video that highlighted their week at camp. 'I think it's a great resource for families to help with children work with these devices,' she said. Karson has looked forward to camp each day. Erica Barker, an ISU graduate student in speech language pathology, has worked closely with Karson during Camp Bruce. 'It's really awesome. We're obviously helping the students with their AAC devices and from my perspective as a graduate student, we are currently in an AAC class as well, so it's been really nice to take the information we are learning in class and apply it here in camp,' Barker said. Also, 'It's so rewarding to be making an impact on the children here by helping them use their devices,' said Barker, who is from Richmond. Veteran Camp Bruce camper Jack Magnuson proudly showed his glow-in-the-dark tattoos and shared that one of his favorite parts of camp was an interactive good-bye song at the end of each day. The program is funded through ARC of the Wabash Valley.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pretoria teen overcomes injury and triumphs to taste national skating glory
The 2025 Advanced Novice High-Performance National title was never a certainty for 15-year-old Tristané Schmulian. The Pretoria east resident said nationals almost didn't even happen due to injuries. Plagued by injuries for much of the season and forced to adjust training, routines, and expectations, Schmulian entered the nationals with the resolve of someone who had fought just to make it to the competition. 'There's an element of surprise in winning this title,' she said. 'This season was really tough. So, there's definitely a huge feeling of gratefulness, especially for all the support I received from my family, coaches, the medical team, sport psychologists, friends, and fellow skaters.' She said she feels fortunate because she knows how hard every other skater also worked. Her skating journey has been defined by a mix of humility and determination. Schmulian added that winning the national title is an acknowledgement that if you keep pushing and don't quit, anything is possible. 'I learnt that I do have perseverance and determination. This title isn't just mine. It belongs to everyone who supported me. 'I'm just the one who got to wear the medal,' she said. Behind the scenes, it took a team effort to get her to the finish line. Since November 2023, injuries have disrupted her jump work and forced frequent changes to her training regimen. 'An injury is also not just physically hard; it takes a huge mental toll as well.' Despite the setbacks, she delivered a performance at the nationals that showcased not only technical strength but also emotional maturity. 'I'm really proud of my short programme.' She said when she started her skating career, she used to skate with her head down, focusing only on the ice. Schmulian now loves performing. 'I also landed both of my double axels. After struggling with my jumps all season, that was a massive achievement for me.' Off the ice, her schedule is just as intense. Most days begin before dawn with early morning practice, followed by school, hockey, revue rehearsals, and late-night study sessions. 'It's a balancing act,' said Schmulian. 'However, I've learnt valuable time management skills, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.' She admitted that there are moments of exhaustion and days when it all feels a bit too much. However, skating is her passion, and the drive to improve keeps her grounded. 'I love this sport. Even though it's demanding, it's worth all the hard work.' To unwind, she loves spending time in the kitchen. 'I make flawless pancakes every time,' she shared. She also escapes into watching television series. 'I've watched every episode of Friends multiple times.' She added that Joey is her 'spirit animal', and she doesn't share food either. Looking ahead, her goals remain ambitious. She's focused on achieving the ISU international qualifying score in Advanced Novice. When she is ready, she hopes to move into Junior Ladies, once she's nailed the required jump elements. 'I'll follow my coach's advice in this regard. I was unfortunately not able to work on triples this season due to injuries.' What she is very sure of is that she wants to stay in the sport for the long haul. She's already begun shadowing a coach through a Teaching Assistantship Program she is part of and hopes to one day give back to the community that's shaped her life. 'Skating has taught me to work hard, be resilient, humble, and confident. It's part of who I am.' Her message to other young skaters is to keep going. She added that even small steps move you forward. 'Believe in yourself. Listen to your coach. Work hard, on and off the ice. And never, ever give up on your dream.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Migrants turn from small boats to yachts
Border Force is struggling to keep up with the increasing number of migrants entering the country by yacht, a leading union has claimed. People smugglers are coming up with new ways to get migrants across the English Channel into the UK ahead of a change to the maritime rules in France that will allow border police and gendarmes to stop boats from leaving waters within 300 metres of their coastline. Private boats and trawlers are growing in popularity as an ' easy and low-risk' route for bringing illegal migrants to the UK. Some 17,817 migrants have arrived so far this year, up 40 per cent on last year and the highest to this point in the year since the first arrivals in 2018. Lucy Moreton, from the ISU, which represents Border Force staff, said there simply is not enough resources to keep up with demand. 'It is a growing issue as the small-boat route becomes more challenged. It's something we have started monitoring more, but we simply do not have the staff to do everything,' she added. 'Most of the ports in the UK do not have a Border Force officer working at them so it comes down to the local police and the public. The system of boat ownership is very hard to monitor.' In April, Border Force officials intercepted a yacht off the Cornish coast and discovered 20 people hiding below deck. The 19 men and one woman, all thought to be Albanian nationals, were trying to enter the UK illegally. They were detained pending deportation, the Home Office said, and three men were arrested. About 437 migrants crossed the Channel on Friday in seven small boats, Home Office figures revealed. The number of migrants who have crossed the Channel this year now far surpasses that of previous years. By June 20 2024, 12,313 migrants had made the journey, compared to 10,518 in 2023 and 11,690 in 2022. The figures come after The Telegraph reported migrants had vowed they would 'never give up' trying to reach Britain, despite the stricter measures set to come into force in France. Jamal, a 24-year-old Sudanese man, said: 'If the police stop us in the water when we try to reach the boats, then we will go back to the beach the next day or the next week. We'll never give up.' Until now, the French have refused to intervene in the water because they claim maritime laws prevent them from taking action that could put lives at sea at risk. But the new strategy will see 'taxi boats' packed with migrants intercepted in shallow waters off Channel beaches. When The Telegraph visited Calais on Friday, there were signs that French police were taking a more interventionist approach in the migrant crisis, in response to criticism by the British Government. On Tuesday, No 10 admitted that the migrant crisis was 'deteriorating'. A spokesman said: 'Migration should be a key focus given the deteriorating situation in the Channel, they confirmed, adding that they should continue to work closely with other partners to find innovative ways to drive forward progress.'
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Urgent warning issued over growing number of migrants paying huge sums to enter UK aboard yachts
Border Force lacks the resources to deal with an increasing number of migrants coming to Britain illegally on yachts, motorboats and trawlers, officials have warned. Growing numbers of migrants are entering the country irregularly by private vessels rather than aboard small boats, a borders trade union said. Lucy Moreton, of the ISU union which represents Border Force staff, said: 'What we are seeing more of now is small yachts being used to transport people. 'They can start from the Brittany coast in France and then sail into one of the small ports around the UK or get dropped off in the water.' The Daily Mail reported last week how a £70,000 six-berth yacht, Tacoma, was hired at a French marina by a man who claimed to be Austrian. He told the owners he planned a pleasure cruise along the Brittany coast – but then headed for Cornwall. The £70,000 six-berth yacht, Tacoma, was hired at a French marina by a man who claimed to be Austrian. He told the owners he planned a pleasure cruise along the Brittany coast – but then headed for Cornwall - with 17 Albanians aboard The Tacoma's owners – monitoring it on a tracker - alerted the UK Border Force who pounced on the yacht as it reached the mouth of the Helford River, near Falmouth, on April 13. Hiding inside the cabin were 17 Albanian migrants, including one woman, hoping to slip illegally into Britain. Ms Moreton said: 'It is now more of a growing issue as the small boat route becomes more and more challenging. 'It's something we have started monitoring more closely, but we simply don't have the staff to do everything.' She went on: 'The problem is, most of the ports in the UK do not have a Border Force officer working at them so it comes down to local police forces and members of the public. 'And the system of boat ownership is very hard to monitor, small boats have transponders switched on to avoid getting hit by bigger boats but they can always switch them off. 'All the unmanned ports have posters which say 'if you see anything which looks suspicious call this number', but that's about it when it comes to security. 'What's happening with small yachts now speaks to the desperation of the people trying to cross the Channel and the pull the UK has.' Fees paid to smuggling gangs to enter the UK on a yacht will be far higher than the amounts charged for a place in a dangerous and ovcercrowded dinghy. Entering Britain clandestinely in a yachts or other small vessel will also be attractive to foreign nationals with a criminal record. Those who have previously made a failed asylum claim here, or have been deported, may also wish to avoid detection by the authorities. Albanian nationals, such as those found aboard the Tacoma, face fast-track removal measures back to their home country under an agreement signed by former home secretary Priti Patel in 2022. In another case in September last year, nine Iranian passengers were caught illegally attempting to enter the UK on board a pleasure boat near Brixham, Devon. Some criminal gangs have been caught in the act attempting to use yachts to cross the Channel by the National Crime Agency (NCA), dubbed 'Britain's FBI'. A Georgian national, Igor Romanovi, was jailed in France in 2023 following an investigation by the NCA and French authorities into an organised crime group suspected of using pleasure boats to smuggle migrants across the Channel. A boat operated by the group was involved in a smuggling run which saw 11 migrants brought to shore in Rye, East Sussex in February 2022. And, in 2021 a different gang was jailed for planning to smuggle 69 Albanian migrants into the UK on a fishing vessel. They had planned to bring in 50 more every week. Small ports and airfields were first identified as a potential weakness in Britain's border security measures as long ago as 2002. Lord Carlile of Berriew KC, then the government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, warned they were the 'soft underbelly' of Britain's war against terrorism. Concerns about the vulnerability of Britain's coastline were raised in two reports in 2010 and 2011 by John Vine, the then independent inspector of borders. Both found small ports were at risk from people smuggling. The warnings were repeated by terror watchdog David Anderson in 2017. An NCA spokesman confirmed the 'clandestine manner' of entering Britain may appeal to those with criminal pasts. 'We have seen cases where organised crime groups have used larger maritime vessels, such as fishing boats and yachts, to facilitate entry for migrants,' he said. 'Often these are used by those who may be prepared to pay more to avoid contact with law enforcement, in contrast to small boats where migrants and their smugglers seek contact to enter the asylum system. 'The NCA, alongside our law enforcement partners, have undertaken a number of operations which have seen people involved in this form of people smuggling arrested and prosecuted. 'Bringing people to the UK in this way remains dangerous and also risks our border security. 'Tackling organised immigration crime in all its forms remains a priority for the NCA, and we would ask anyone who lives or works around the coast or in a maritime environment to report suspicious activity to the police.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'We will stop at nothing to dismantle vile people-smuggling gangs, which is why our new maritime directorate within Border Force is explicitly focused on general maritime security to uphold the integrity of the border. 'Through close collaboration across agencies, Border Force will have access to better intelligence, joint operational activity and better engagement with international partners. 'This will ultimately enhance our approach to dealing with irregular migration, including illegal activity involving yachts, and further help to tackle people smuggling gangs.' end
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dad and sons play catch to 'Handle Hard Better'
ITS A NORMAL SUMMER EVENING AT THE ANKENY BASEBALL FIELD. BUT FOR CORY WIEDERIN, THIS NIGHT MEANS SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE. SOT: 'JUST WAKE UP AND STAY POSITIVE.' CORY GETS TO THROW OUT THE FIRST PITCH…OR MAKE THAT 2 FIRST PITCHES, TO HIS SONE KELLEN AND BECKETT. A WELCOME DISTRACTION TO THE LAST 15 MONTHS OF LIFE. CORY STARTED MID MARCH OF 2024 PAINLESS SEMATURA, BLOOD IN URINE I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A KIDNEY STONE. WENT TO MY PRIMARY GOT A CT SCAN SCHEDULED. THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. WE WERE HEADING TO KC TO WATCH ISU WRESTLING AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHPS. WE FOUND OUT ON THE WAY I DID NOT HAVE A KIDNEY STONE I ENDED UP HAVING A VERY LARGE TUMOR ON MY KIDNEY, LEFT SIDE. CANCER…LIFE FOR THE WIEDERIN'S HAD JUST BEEN FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. SOT: CORY 'WE WERE DEVASTATED YOUNG HEALTHY GUY. DON'T EVEN GO TO THE DR FOR A REGULAR VISIT. SO WE WERE SHOCKED AND DEVASTATED IT WAS TOUGH TO HANDLE.' BRITTANY 'COMPLETE SHOCK, KIND OF THE WHY HIM. YOU ASK ALL THOSE WHY QUESTIONS. OR HOW IS THIS HAPPENING? ' LIFE CONTINUES ON, BUT STAYING POSITIVE CAN BE A CONSTANT STRUGGLE. BRITTANY 'EVERY SINGLE DAY. YOUR MIND SPIRALS. BUT YOU HAVE TO STAY POSITIVE.' CORY: 'YOU ASK YOURSELF WHY ALL THE TIME BUT DOING THAT ISNT GOING TO HELP ME GET FORWARD, THINKING BACKWARDS. IM THINKING POSITIVE AND MOVING FORWARD EVERYDAY TRY NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE WHYS BUT WHATS NEXT. ' CORY HAD SURGERY TO HAVE THE KIDNEY REMOVED. BUT THE CANCER IS A RARE, AGGRESSIVE FORM, MEANING URGENCY IS NEEDED. CORY 'WE DON'T KNOW WHATS IN STORE FOR ME YET AS FAR AS TREATMENT. IN A CLINICAL TRIAL RIGHT NOW AT MAYO. WERE ON MY 25TH TRIP UP THERE AND WILL HAVE MY 22ND SCAN, IN 15 SHORT MONTHS.' THE WIEDERIN'S HAVE ADOPTED A SIMPLE MESSAGE. HANDLE HARD BETTER. BRITTANY 'IT TURNED IN TO OUR LIFE MOTTO, ITS REALLY HARD TO HANDLE HARD BETTER. KNOW THERES REALLY TOUGH DAYS AND SOMETIMES THEY GET THE BEST OF YOU. GET THE BEST PF ME SOMETIMES YOU BREAK DOWN AND THEN YOU BUILD BACK UP. WHEN WERE TOGETHER YOU KEEP MOVING.' CORY 'IT'S A CUTE CATCH PHRASE UNTIL ITS ACTUALLY TIME TO PUT YOUR WORK BOOTS ON AND HANDLE HARD IT MEANS A LOT TO US I THINK ANYBODY CAN RELATE TO IT.' SEARS: THE CANCER DIAGNOSIS WAS OBVIUOSLY A MAJOR SHOCK TO THE WIEDERIN FAMILY. BUT CORY DECIDED HE WASNT GOING TO JUST SIT AROUND AND LET THE CANCER COMPLETELY TAKE OVER HIS LIFE, SO HE MADE A SIMPLE PROMISE TO HIS BOYS. FOR THE NEXT 365 DAYS, FULL CALENDAR YEAR, THEY'LL PLAY CATCH. A FATHER AND HIS SONS, EVERY DAY. NO MATTER WHAT. CORY 'ITS JUST MOMENTS TOGETHER EVEN JUST OUT THERE TALKING, NO OTHER OUTSIDE NOISE. JUST US THROWING THE BALL AROUND PLAYING CATCH HAVING A CONVERSATION, SILENT.' KELLEN ' I LOVE PLAYING CATCH WITH MY DAD.' AND ON THIS NIGHT…THE WIEDERIN BOYS TOOK THE FIELD AT ANKENY TO HAVE A CATCH. BRITTANY ' SEEING THE 3 OF THEM PLAYING CATCH, HAVING FUN, IT WARMS THE HEART BECAUSE ITS JUST THE SIMPLEST THINGS RIGHT. JUST A BALL AND A GLOVE, YOUR BROTHER AND YOUR DAD, YOUR SON. ITS JUST INCREDIBLE I LOVE IT.' CORY 'We started on March 25th playing catch every day 365 days, so today will be day 75..' AS THE CANCER JOURNEY CONTINUES FOR CORY AND THE WIEDERIN'S IT'S ALL ABOT THE PRICELESS MOMENTS CREATED AS A FAMILY. BRITTANY 'EVERYTHING…I LOVE THESE BOYS, I LOVE CORY, SO FAMILY TIME IS PRICELESS. WORK CAN WAIT ALL THESE OTHER THINGS CAN WAIT. ITS ALL ABOUT THE 4 OF US AND WHAT WORKS FOR THE 4 OF US WHAT THE BEST FOR THE 4 OF US.' CORY: 'IT WAS VERY HARD IM ONLY 43 YEARS OLD IVE GO A LOT LEFT TO DO A LOT LEFT TO TEACH.' JOHN SEARS.. CORY 'EVERYDAY YOU JUST TRY AND STAY POSITIVE.' WHO 13 SPORTS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
