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Time to Show Up
Every day information about many disability events appear in my email box, crying out for attention and attendees. And I'm happy to post them on this website, as there are so many darn good ones and not enough people are getting the word.
But the event sponsors, whether they are The Federation for Children with Special Needs or your local school district's SEPAC, need you to show up. Many of the organizers themselves are the parent of a child or children with disabilities and are now giving back to their communities.
So let's get out to show the non-profits a little love and meet some terrific people. They've been there for us, let's be there for them.
Sharon Marie
Wanted:
Disability Funds
Few things boil my blood more than when I read about certain recipients of the federal stimulus plan money given to Massachusetts.
According to The Boston Globe, about $1.5 million is designated to fix a lighthouse on an uninhabited island, almost $95,000 went to UMass to study Icelandic Pollen, $9 million is for a pedestrian bridge at Gillette Stadium, and $100,000 went to Harvard for a "high-end" microscope.
If the goal of the stimulus funds was to create jobs and stimulate the economy, why didn't Massachusetts instead use these funds to rehire laid off DMH/DDS workers? These people were already employed and paying taxes, and didn't need to create faux work. They had work - helping the disabled population live and work in our communities.
I question our administration's accountability, priorities and common sense when it comes to dispersing stimulus funding to the disability community. And, sadly, the answer that comes to mind is taxpayer-sponsored boondoggles.
Sharon Marie
Disability Organizations Will Continue to Hound Governor Patrick
The vigils, emails, letters and phone calls to Governor Patrick asking his administration to either halt or limit cuts to the disability budgets have worked. This time around cuts to remaining programs were mostly spared. Now the many disability organizations involved in planning the protests want us to communicate our appreciation.
But legislators are already talking about further cuts due to alarming low tax revenues taken in by the state. So let's both thank and remind our law makers that we continue to wait, watch and vote.
The Arc of Massachusetts www.arcmass.org has prepared a "thank you" link to send to the governor, along with an email to detail your family's disability situation and concerns. Please take the time to visit The Arc and send your personalized link to the Patrick Administration.
And remember to tell them -- we watch, and we vote.
Sharon Marie
Dodging Another Bullet
The disability community may be getting a holiday present.That's because further disability program budget cuts may be delayed due to unexpected increased tax revenues for Massachusetts.
Hey I'll take it. During these volatile financial times, even a temporary reprieve is something to be thankful for.
So my New Years wish and hope is for a continuing recovery from this horrible recession, and a complete restoration of the programs and services for everyone in the disability community.
A Happy New Year to all
Disability Vigil Takes on the Senate and Speaker
On Monday, October 26, through Wednesday, October 28th, the The Arc of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) are moving the vigils to protest planned further cuts to the disability budget to the offices of the Senate President and Speaker.
The vigils hours are 9:30 a.m.to 4 p.m., except on Wednesday, when the vigil ends at 3:30 p.m. The Arc and MFOFC hope to make loud and clear the importance of the legislature in budget and policy decisions.
According to Susan Nadworny of the MFOFC, " further cuts into disability programs will destroy the Commonwealth's safety net for the most vulnerable people in the state, causing them to lose residential, Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services, employment, transportation and family supports." The Arc and MFOFC expect Governor Patrick to announce details of his 9C cuts on October 30th.
To arrange attending the vigils, which will be held on the at the Speaker's and Senate President's Offices on the 3rd floor of the State House, please RSVP to advocate@arcmass.org or call 781-891-6270
Sharon Marie
Heroes
Just when your faith in philanthropy begins to fade, heroes step forward to prove that giving to the special needs community is alive and well. I'm talking, of course, about Nancy Lurie Marks and the Wellesley Foundation.
You may have read the Boston Globe article that described Mark's and her family foundation's incredible $29 million gift to Massachusetts General Hospital. Mass Gen plans to use this money to create programs that provide specialized care to adults with autism, as well as expand and grow child autism research, services, advocacy and physician training.
There are other wealthy foundations and individuals in the Massachusetts area who may still be keeping their wallets in their pockets, waiting for brighter economic times to come. It is easier to wait for a booming economy and bulging bank accounts to return before offering up new donations.
But the time to be a hero is now, when the chips are down, and distressed people need you most.
That is what Nancy Lurie Marks and the Wellesley Foundation have done. And they are what I call heroes.
Sharon Marie
Paying For Summer Camp
The annual summer-camp Parent Panic is now in full swing.
Besides facing the difficult problem of finding the proper program to accommodate your child's disability, there is also calculating in family vacations, parent work schedules, drop-off/pickup times and the expenses of keeping kids safe and involved over a long season.
To keep costs reasonable, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
 Always ask about camp scholarships. Check with your desired camp, your local Lions Club, Rotary Club, local community groups and city and state disability programs.
Ask about discounts for referring a friend.
Offer a skill or service for a discount or even free tuition. Can you teach swimming, CPR, arts and crafts, web design, a sport or obtain equipment and supplies for your chosen program?
Attend in late summer. Many families take vacations around this time, and camps have a harder time filling their bunks.
Have a fund-raising project such as a garage sale.
I hope these tips help you chip away at some of the costs and get your child into the program of your choice.
Sharon Marie
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Massachusetts' Disability Events - All
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2010 Camp Fairs/Listings for Special Needs and More: In Worcester, Littleton, Beverly Farms and Sudbury, our camp page has times and dates.
 Visions of Community Conference: March 13, 2010, Boston. Sessions will cover Early Childhood, Special Ed., No Child Left Behind (NCLB), The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Health Care for Children with Special Needs, Social/Recreation Opportunities, Adults Transitioning and more. Many topics will be presented and/or translated in Spanish, Portuguese, and Cantonese. Co-hosted by The Federation for Children with Special Needs and other Massachusetts Disability Organizations. Disability providers/vendors will also be there. www.fcsn.org/conference2010/visions.php.
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Assistive Technology and Inclusion: February 11, 2010, 7-9 p.m., hosted by the Framingham SEPAC. An education consultant and assistive technology specialist from the Shriver Clinical Services Corp, will speak about assistive technology to help kids with special needs integrate into inclusive classrooms. Free and open to the public.. Teachers attending may get PDPs (Professional Development Points). Attendeess may receive a Certificate of Attendance. For more information contact info@f-sepac.org.
Siblings and Families of Children with Special Needs Seminar: Free. February 11, 2010, Northbridge Middle School, Whitinsville, MA, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. All area PACs are welcome to attend. This workshop is designed to offer strategies to parents around how to meet the needs of each child, especially when one more than one child has special needs and balance your time without wearing yourself out. RSVP to npac@live.com by February 9th, 2010. For more informatio regarding the Northbridge Special Education Parent Advisory Council, contact Kathy Lyons at KathyL1@verizon.net or visit www.northbridgesepedpac.org.
Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind Day: February 23rd, 2010, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Boston Great Hall's Grand Staircase. Hosted by the Disability Policy Consortium. Groups will be set up by regions, attend programs and meet with legislators in the afternoon. Look up your State Representaive and Senators, and RSVP with their names to Nini Silver by February 16th. Go to www.wheredoivotema.com to find out who they are. All groups will be given interpreters. For Communication Access Requests, contact State House ADA Co-ordinator Carl Richardson carl.richardson@state.ma.us by February 16h. For more information contact nsilver@dpcma.org or visit www.dpcma.org.
New Family Resource Center on the North Shore: The ARC OF Greater Haverhill-Newburyport Family Resource Center has opened a Family Resource Center in Newburyport. Information on navigating the system, understanding government agencies and benefits, future planning are unique to the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families, 1:1 consultation, support groups, trainings and workshops will be available. For more information, contact 978-373-0552.
Therapro Workshops: Free. The Therapro Showroom in Framingham will offer free professional development workshops, this spring:
February 6, 2010: Positive Discipline - Part 2
March 6, 2010: Sensory Diets: From Assessment to Implementation
May 8, 2010: Considering Assistive Technology for Written Output in the Schools
Call 800-257-5376 or email info@theraproducts.com to register
Social Pragmatics Class in Boston: FREE. Boston College and Northeastern University Researchers are sseeking 10-11 Year Olds who need to develop proficiency in Social Pragmatic Language Skills. Candidates include children with Aspergers Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Learning Disabilities and PDD-NOS. Children will receive Social Pragmatics skills instruction in a small group setting. 12-14 clinic sessions to be held January - May 2010, Parent involvement required. For further information and/or to apply, please contact 617.552.6209 or email: adept@bc.edu.
ADHD Parent Training. Children's Hospital, Boston, January 25th to March 29th, 2010. The Program of the Developmental Medicine Center at Children's Hospital in Boston will hold Parent Training Groups for parents of ADHD children, ages 5 -12. This program requires attendance and homework assignments. For more information, contact Mei-Lin Hanrahan, 617-355-5208, or Mary.Lee-Hanrahan@childrens.harvard.edu. Some insurance companies may cover the costs of this parent group.
Intro to Sign Language Workshop and Sign Language Class: Norwood MA. Workshop is Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., cost $15.00. Sign Language Classes will held on Tuesdays, February 2010 to March 2010. Fee: $150. To register for the workshop or class, call 781-255-5501 or send an email to mmahoney@letsmotorskills.
Dyslexia Seminars-Free: January 29, February 23, and April 1, 2010, in Amesbury. If you or your child have difficulties with reading, decoding, hand writing, spelling, phonemic awareness, math, or attention deficits, explore if Dyslexia could be the cause. Pre-registration is required. Please call 978-337-7753, email info@ne-dyslexia.com, or visit www.ne-dyslexia.com for more information or to register.
Winter fun of adapted sport programs such as skiing, kick sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating and more with The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Universal Access Program. The DCR offer free instruction, adaptive equipment and assistance in state parks for visitors of all abilities at the following locations:
Weston Ski Track: Feb 7, Feb 14. Call Stavros 413-259-0009 to sign up.
Mt. Tom State Reservation in Holyoke: Feb 17, Feb 27. Call 413-527-8980 to sign up.
Wendell State Forest/Western Massachusetts. Feb 13, Mar 13. Call 413-527-8980 to sign up.
Ice Skating: Brockton: Assisted skating using ice sleds and skate walkers. Feb 28. Call 413-527-8980 to sign up.
Power Chairs on Ice: In development at the Cronin Rink in Revere. Call Universal Access at 413-545-5353 for more info.
Visit the Universal Access Program www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access/a_events.htm
Sled Skate on Your Own: Use ice sleds on your own during public skating hours at state rinks in the following cities and towns: Auburn, Boston, Brighton, Brockton, Cambridge, Franklin, Greenfield, Holyoke, Hyde Park, Medford, Milton, Newburyport, North Adams, Plymouth, Quincy, Revere, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester. Call Universal Access at 413-545-5758 for information about rink locations or visit www.mass.gov/dcr/skating.
SPED WATCH Workshops in Your Community:
Current Schedule (subject to change):
Basic Rights-Denied: February 13, 2010, 10 a.m - 12 noon, Natick.
SPED Advocacy 101: February 11, 7 - 9 p.m., Natick.
Basic Rights: February 27, 2010, 10 am. - 12 noon, Holyoke
For more information visit www.spedwatch.org.
Workshops From The Federation For Children With Special Needs: Workshops are free but registration is required. www.fcsn.org or email register@fcsn.org.
The Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA) new, state-of-the-arts headquarters in Marlborough, offers sports programs to those with intellectual disabilities sports programs. The new facility includes:
- High-tech training rooms for coaches, volunteers, athletes, medical professionals.
- A full court gymnasium and athletic fields.
- Space for public and private special events.
SOMA will also to continue to offer in all areas of Massachusetts year-round sports training and athletic competition for all persons with intellectual disabilities, including equestrian activities, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading and flag football. To find a program in your part of the state, visit:
- www.specialolympicsma.orgy/north
- www.specialolympicsma.orgy/south
- www.specialolympicsma.orgy/west
For more information about SOMA, please contact 508-485-0986 or visit www.specialolympicsma.orgy.
TOPSoccer: The Outreach Program for Soccer - Is a learning and playing program for youths with physical or mental disabilities. For participating Massachusetts communities, visit www.mayouthsoccer.org/pages/95_top_soccer.cfm or call 978-466-8812.
Sensory Friendly Films: Framingham. AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society offer families affected by autism and other disabilities a monthly opportunity to enjoy films in a safe and accepting environment with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. Movie auditoriums will have their lights up and the sound turned down, families may bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown. Audience members may dance, walk, shout or sing. Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event. www.amctheatres.com/promos/sensory/
Autism Resource Center Facebook page. The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts now has a Facebook page for promoting, communicating, and organizing social networking efforts. Learn how to become a 'fan of the Center' by visiting www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-Resource-Center-of-Central-Massachusetts/121788106030?ref=nf
The Arc of Massachusetts now has two Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid+61422009792 for sharing your personal stories. www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59186921773 to Save Family Support Services in Massachusetts. You must be signed into Facebook to join. For more information, contact Tracey Reilly Ingersoll, Riverside Community Care, 781-246-2003, ext. 6521.
Therapeutic Martial Arts for ADD, Aspergers, and Other Related Non-Verbal Developmental Disabilities. Summit Academy School, 800-442-5753, or www.summitacademies.com.
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Transitions to Adulthood Seminar: February 25, 2010, 1 – 4 p.m., Newton, No registration fee. For parents and educators seeking information about transtioning a youth with disabilities in Massachusetts. Speakers will discuss the financial aspects of transition planning, special education laws regarding transition, guardianship and disability advocacy. RSVP to jbm@margolis.com or Jamie Marshall at 617-267-9700.
Teen and Parent Aspergers Workshops: Feb- March, AANE Offices in Watertown. Parents attend workshops about raising a teen with AS or a related condition while teens socialize. Feb 28th: Bullying, March 21st Emotional Regulation and Anger Management , April 25th Preparing Your Teen for Independent Living, May 23rd: Self-Knowledge and Self Acceptance. Parents can attend without their teen. Regististation required. Teens will participate in a social group facilitated by a LifeMap Coach and a psychology intern. Activities will include board games, video games, and small projects. Fees apply.
Physical Activity and Recreation Program For Teens: Research Study - "Supporting Physical Activity and Recreation in the Community (SPARC)" is a no-cost, walking and physical activity program for Autism Spectrum Disorders teens, 12 -17, with moderate needs. SPARC includes support and supervision provided by trained staff, an individualized SPARC plan, and an opportunity to meet new people and have fun. Two locations:
Malden, February 21, 2010 - June 10, 2010, Sundays and Wednesdays
West Newton, Sundays and Thursdays.
For more information about SPARC, and to see if your child qualifies for participation, please call Renee at 781-642-0259; or email: shriver.study@umassmed.edu.
"Planning A Life: Making The Most Out Of High School" Conferences: From the Federation For Children With Special Needs. FREE for families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield. Feb. 5 & 6, 2010 and April 9 & 10, 2010. Find transition planning information and resources for students in special education ages 14-12. Conference brochure http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php or contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Berkshire Transition Series: Winter 2010, Dalton, MA.
-Transition Planning 101, Self Advocacy and Guardianship: Completed.
-Service Providers For Self Advocacy February 23, 2010. Meet representatives from local support providers to answer your questions about home, work, community, guardianship, and estate planning.
For more information or to register for this series, contact Rhonda Ward at (413) 529-2428 x 117, or wardr@theassn.org
The Housing Group for Special Needs has monthly workshops to help families find successful and affordable residential settings for people with disabilities. These workshops will helpful family members who cannot be gainfully employed, and are not likely to receive full residential support from the Dept. of Developmental Services. (Formerly the DMR). Workshops will provide information about possible subsidies, how to access them, and how short and long term strategies can be created to provide affordable opportunities and continued independence. Families with children of all ages are welcome. Jewish Community Center, Newton, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Wednesdays, 2/24/10, 3/24/10, 4/21/10, 5/19/10. To attend, please RSVP to MichaelWWeiner@finsvcs.com.
Merrimack Valley Self Advocacy Group: Meet new friends and learn how to speak up for yourself. Self Advocates learn that with the right to manage their supports comes the responsibility of follow-through. With the individual at the center of the planning process, the group focuses on focus on self development, making choices, taking leadership and achieving dreams. Group meets the 4th Wednesday of the month, starting October 28th ,6:30 -8:00 p.m., Merrimack Valley YMCA (formally the North Andover Y)Everyone is welcome. Contact Barbara Pandolfi 978 373-0552 x 206
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"Advocates in Motion" Social Program: Hosted by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the 2009/10 AIM program provides fun, inclusive, interactive events and fosters social relationships for young people with Down syndrome, ages 13-22, one Sunday per month, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., at the Waltham YMCA, unless otherwise noted. Activities offered include fitness and healthy lifestyles, community service experiences, job and career skill building, the arts, sports such as low and high ropes course with Outdoor Explorations, Zumba dance lessons, a holiday dance, Compelling Fitness, a musical theatre workshop provided by Access to Theatre, the annual MDSC Buddy Walk, and a Halloween Celebration. Contact Laurie Maranian lmaranian@mdsc.org or 617.462.6355.
"Making Healthy Connections": Youths ages 14-22 with disabilities and/or special health care needs, may apply to Making Healthy Connections (MHC), a program of Partners for Youth with Disabilities. Participants can meet new friends with similar disabilities, learn about independent living and fitness, talking with their health care providers , adaptive driving, and enjoy adaptive sports and recreation activities. There is a parent group component as well. Pre-registration appointments are required.
-Boston MHC meetings will be two Friday evenings per month, 7-9:30 p.m., beginning in October 2009. For more information call 617-556-4075, x20, or email dchinappa@pyd.org.
-Springfield MHC meetings be two Saturday afternoons per month, 1-4 p.m., beginning in January 2010. For more information call 413 584-0455 or email snicastro@pyd.org.
For more information about Partners for Youth with Disabilities, please visit www.pyd.org
Music, Social and Career Programs For ASD Teens and Young Adults: Starting in October, The University of Massachusetts Lowell is offering programs for high functioning adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Scholarships are available. Choices include: SoundScape Music, Horizons College Preparation Mentoring, Caf? Career Chat Employment Skills and Aspirations Social and Vocational Skills Support. For more information visit http://faculty.uml.edu/ahillier/ or contact Dr. Hillier at: ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu or 978-934-2930.
Talking With Your Doctor and Healthcare Professionals: This website has tips and strategies to help youth and young adults with chronic health conditions communicate more effectively with Health Care Providers. www.hctransitions.ichp.edu/gladd.
Post-High School ASD Transition Interview: For ASD students, their parents or Adults with Autism who have been out of high school between 1 and 10 years. Share your experiences with the Massachusetts Medical School and help them gain a deeper understanding of the transition process. Participants who are interviewed will receive a $30 stipend. Contact 781-642-0052 or Elaine.Gabovitch@umassmed.edu.
Share Your Transition Experience: The Federation for Children with Special Needs recently developed a brief, online ttransition survey to gather information on the Transition experiences of students who were ages 14 - 22 during the 2008-2009 school year. If you are the parent or advocate for one of these students, or if you are yourself a student of Transition age, please follow the link below to the survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229EYL5EHJN
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