Ben's blog

Recent Downtime

Posted September 4, 2014 - 9:38am

Hi Everyone,

I want to take a few minutes to explain our recent stability issues and downtime.

On Saturday 8/30, we attempted to upgrade our server and bring some improvements to the site. As can happen in the wonderful world of technology, this didn't go as planned and the site became unstable. From Saturday afternoon onward, our credit card processing system no longer functioned and there were several usability issues with the site. For this I am VERY SORRY!

Many of you are returning to the site after the summer and needed to resubscribe in order to be able to get work done, so I temporarily opened up PageBuilder to all registered users. 

To finally fix the problems, we took the site down for maintenance last night from 10:30pm EST and work completed at 8:45am EST. As far as I can tell, everything is functioning as it was before Saturday. All data was preserved in this process. If you notice any problems, please send a note from the contact form.

Many of you are very invested customers that have been with the site for several years. I love you guys and what you've made with our tools! PageBuilder is vitally important to you especially as the new school year starts. As a small gesture for this downtime, please enjoy a free month Subscription. Here's how to get it:

Free 1-Month Subscription Instructions
 

  1. Write down this coupon code now: MrsRileyLovesYou2014
  2. Below is the link that will take you through a checkout process as if you are going to pay. The code will make the order free.
  3. When you get to the checkout page, in the "Discounts" box, enter that code: MrsRileyLovesYou2014
  4. Ok, now Visit this link and follow the instructions.

This will give you a free 1-month subscription or extend your current subscription by one month. The code will not work on 4 or 12 month subscriptions. If you have any questions just contact me. This code expires at the end of September and is good for one use per user.

Thank you for using MrsRiley.com! 

-Ben

 

Article on How to Use Visual Supports and Schedules

Posted May 6, 2009 - 1:14pm

 Just found this great how-to article written by the folks at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of Florida/Gainsville:

http://card.ufl.edu/resources/visual-supports/

Although the use of visual media has been shown to be effective for communicating with persons who have disabilities for some time, their use with persons who have autism has become very popular recently. This web site will help you to become more familiar with the uses and benefits of visual supports

 

 

Amazing Blog Post

Posted May 3, 2009 - 10:40pm

No, my blog post is not amazing, but this one is:

Visual Schedules, Picture Cards, Chore Charts, and More.....Oh My!!

I've been meaning to put together a page that shows all the uses of PageBuilder, but this is far better than anything I could have come up with because it is being used with success in a home. It has pictures, examples, and just rocks.

Seeing things like this makes working on Mrs. Riley unbelievably fulfilling. Thanks to the author for posting it!

 

 

A Nice Writeup on Creating Visual Schedules

Posted May 2, 2009 - 12:12am

This writeup is well done. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/education/visualSchedules.html

From the intro:

There is clear research evidence regarding the benefits of using visual schedules with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (e.g., Mesibov, et al, 2002; Massey & Wheeler, 2000; Bryan & Gast, 2000). Additionally, a wealth of anecdotal evidence exists. For example, a parent was asked to share the most helpful thing that she had tried with her son (a 15 year old with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism). She replied that a visual schedule has been the key to increasing his independence and managing his anxiety. She reflected that she wished more parents knew about the difference this would make for both their lives and for that of their child. This article will therefore outline both a rationale for using schedules at home with individuals across the autism spectrum (ASD) (both children and adult children) and the steps parents can take to do so.

 

Blogs are here!

Posted March 24, 2009 - 5:32pm

It's always been a goal in building Mrs. Riley for the site to not only provide tools but also a community. We bring together so many different types of people who have a lot in common that it just makes sense.