Pass the National Background Check Bill
The Arc of Massachusetts has asked that everyone share this important message. In part, it reads:
“Please act on this alert for HB4125 An Act to Require National Criminal Background Checks (for Staff who work with individuals served by the Departmental of Developmental Services - DDS)
Right now only Massachusetts criminal background checks are conducted for those working with individuals served by DDS…If someone lives in Rhode Island, New Hampshire or other neighboring state we have no way of knowing if they have a record in that state or in another state from which they recently moved.
Passage of this bill is important to protect a vulnerable population from sexual or other serious abuse…"
To find out more and submit a message to your lawmaker, visit the Arc of Massachusetts National Background Check Bill page.
Sharon Marie
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A Miracle for Justina
The case of Justina Pelletier is the nightmare that any special-needs parent fears.
Justina is the 15-year-old from West Hartford, Connecticut that is being held against her family’s wishes at a Boston hospital since February 2014.
There is way more to the story than can be related in this short blog. However if you visit www.justiceforjustina.com you will see her parents side of the issue and case for bringing her home. A more newsworthy view can be found by just searching Justina’s name in the internet.
No matter how you find information, it is important that as a parent you educate yourself on what a worst case scenario can look like when parents and doctors disagree.
I hope that Justina goes home to her family soon. And I hope this never happens again.
Sharon Marie
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Next Stop
“Mom, where I am I going next?”
For most teens, an answer from a parent may be “to your room to finish your homework", or “stop texting your friends and I’ll tell you.”
However this question came from my special-needs 19-year-son. He wondered what his disability supports will be when he graduates from his out-of-district school.
I don’t know.
The DDS says no even though he was in their system since age 3, supported by diagnostic reports taller and thicker than Manhattan phone books.
The DMH says no, even though those same reports document that his OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and other co-morbid issues must be addressed by a comprehensive mental health support system.
Seems they think that the DDS should take him. Or I should look elsewhere.
And when I explore other disability organizations, they usually won’t accept someone not funded by the DDS or DMH.
No wonder so many people fall through the cracks in our system.
For any state agency legislator that may happen to read this blog, please tell me how these roadblocks are supposed to help the very people you are designated to serve?
My young adult, and many other young adults need your help. Today.
Sharon Marie
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Amazing
Many wonderful visitors to this site call the content amazing and thank me.
And I tell them that what’s truly amazing is where the content comes from.
Dig deeper into any event here, and you will find dedicated parents, teachers, grant writers, grass roots organizations, community activists, early interventionists, family partners and medical professionals.
They are the ones who conceive ideas, find money, create resources, and give birth to programs and events that help our families. They are the ones that are amazing. Without them this website doesn’t exist.
The next time you meet up with one of these folks, make sure you extend a holiday thanks for making an amazing difference in your child’s life. In this season of blinking lights and non-stop commercialism, they will surely appreciate it.
A Peaceful Holiday to All
Sharon Marie
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"How Do
You Do It?"
Raise a hand if a friend or family member has said to you “I just don’t know how you do it.”
They mean well. They have watched you and your child struggle through finding specialists and the correct diagnosis, be frightened by reactions from prescribed medications, and spend lots of money on therapies and medical equipment.
They've watched you fight the denial of services from insurance companies and schools, or deal with unstable mental health behaviors or hospitalizations for your son or daughter's own safety.
My answer to them is always the same; "How can we not do it? He's our child, and he needs our help to have a better future." Even if it’s hard. Even if it’s for a lifetime.
And I tell them if it were their child, they would do the same.
Sharon Marie
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The Crazies
Summer is winding down but the back-to-school crazies are just beginning.
Besides all the running around to find the right shoes, clothes, notebooks, and updated schedules, special-needs parents get to have a little extra crazy time.
We add in the IEP or 504 (signed?) documents, track down guidance counselors, have to update yet another new round of aides, therapists, and teachers, coordinate therapies with classroom schedules, figure how you will get to all the specialist appointments after school hours, then off to the nurse’s office with this year’s medications and paperwork. Get it all right with no mistakes...again. The Crazies.
When the dust finally settles give yourself a pat on the back. It’s done until next year. And we’ll be happy to wait and deal with that set of The Crazies in 2014.
Sharon Marie
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"We will not let this tragedy define her life"
The tragedy was the horrific school massacre in Newtown, CT. The her the quote refers to was a little girl named Joey, also known as Josephine Grace Gay. Sadly Joey was killed that day.
Joey was also autistic and non-verbal. Yet her devastated parents took a higher road than many of us could ever manage. They did this by quickly setting up the "Joey Fund" with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
On the Flutie's Joey Fund page, Joey's family states "We will not let this tragedy define her life. Instead, we will honor her inspiring and generous spirit. We have established Joey's Fund in her name through the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The proceeds of this fund will help families raising autistic children. It's our way of dealing with this pain and never letting go of her love."
What an inspiration for all of us. The entire message and fund information from the Gay Family can be found on wwwflutiefoundation.org/Donate-Joeys-Fund.asp or Joey's Fund Page.
Thank you Bob and Michelle Gay, for showing us your special way of remembering Joey, and using it to help others with Autism.
Sharon Marie
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Peace & Peace
Wishing you all a happy and joyous holiday season is a little tougher this year. We know that for the families and friends in Newtown, CT, there are broken hearts desperate to make sense, find any joy at all.
As someone who has lived most of my life in the next town over from Newtown, and still have friends and family there, this event feels pretty personal. How to get through it? I wish I knew.
For this year, our tidings of peace, joy and relief from this tragedy go out to Newtown and each other. It's at least a start on a very long road of healing for so many suffering hearts.
Peace and Peace
Sharon Marie
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Mixed Emotions
We want so much for our children to reach life's milestones. Whether it's their first step or first driver's license, we watch with mixed emotions as they navigate life.
For those of us with special kids, it can be hard to watch their "typical peers" hit those milestones; sports teams, dating, college, jobs. It can be hard to digest that these milestones may have a different time frame for our kids. Their hopes and dreams are modified, yet hard-won achievements that others take for granted are celebrated.
I'm stilling planning a celebration for my own son, who, instead of reaching the milestones of college or vocational school, will move to a modified program to assist him reach for some of these same goals. Just at a different time frame.
The emotions are definitely mixed, but we're pretty sure he will get there. That is a good reason for us - and him - to celebrate
Sharon Marie
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More Blogs
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Massachusetts' Disability Events
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Statewide Transition Conference for Parents
September 20, 2014, Hogan Center at
Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA
For families of children with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 22
who are transitioning from school into the adult world
For more information visit the Conference Page
For workshop descriptions visit the Workshops page
Early Bird Registration by August 15 is $75.00 per person
To register, visit the Registration Page
 Americans with Disabilities Celebrations in Boston & Gardner
Boston: July 24, 2014, Noon - 3 p.m., City Hall Plaza. The Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities A.D.A. Celebration Day is for children, families, and individuals of all abilities. Enjoy food, music, info, t-Shirts, and more - no registration required
* For accommodations contact 617-635-3682 or disability@boston.gov or visit the City of Boston Disability Page or email felicity.lingle@gmail.com
Gardner: July 25, 2014, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., ADA Day Celebration at Dunn State Park. Enjoy adaptive sports, live music, food and more. Sponsored by DCR's Universal Access Program and the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council. For more information contact 413-545-5353 voice; 413-577-2200 TTY
Special-Needs Adoption Party: August 10, 2014, Andover. Join children & teens with special needs, their social workers, and friends for a day of horseback riding at this invitation-only event for in process families interested in adopting children & teens with some degree of physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities. Network with other prospective adoptive parents and experienced families and learn about different resources in the community available to children with special needs. RSVP by August 8th to 617-542-3678 ext 135 or 1-800-882-1176 or victoria@mareinc.org or visit www.MAREinc.org
Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Beaches Summer 2014
 
Accessible Pools - Outdoor Swimming Pool Lifts are at all of the State Parks and Recreation's pools. The pools are free. Accessibility and contact details is on the DCR Massparks Accessible Pool Page.
• Agawam: Gerald J. Mason Memorial Pool
• Attleboro: George Spatcher Pool
• Brockton: Frank Manning Memorial Pool
• Brighton: Artesani Playground Wading Pool
• Chicopee: Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Pool
• Clinton: Philip Weihn Memorial Pool
• Fall River: Veteran's Memorial Pool
• Fitchburg: Gustave Johnson Memorial Pool
• Holyoke: Feldman Pool (temporarily closed)
• Jamaica Plain: Johnson Playground Spray Deck,
• Lawrence: Geisler Memorial Pool & Lt. Col. Edward J. Higgins Pool
• Leominster: Leominster State Pool
• Lowell: Raymond Lord Memorial Pool
• Ludlow: John J. Thompson Memorial Pool
• Mattapan: Ryan Wading Pool
• Milford: Sen. P. Eugene Casey Memorial Pool
• Southbridge: Andrew J. Petro Memorial Pool
• Springfield: John Thompson Memorial Pool
• Stoneham: Hall Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool
• Worcester: Bennett Field Pool & Dennis Shine Memorial Pool
Floating Beach Chairs on Cape Cod! SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) has donated 64 floating beach wheelchairs to 58 public beaches on Cape Cod. These wheelchairs can roll from the parking lot, across the sand, and right into the water — allowing anyone with special needs to access the beach. To find out more or to discover the beaches SMILE Mass plans to donate to next please visit The SMILE Mass Beach Project or email info@smilemass.org
Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs: Free to use the chair but bring someone to push. Reservations are required. Find out how to contact and RSVP on the DCR Massparks Accessible Beach Page.
• Artesani Park - for use at spray deck
• Beartown State Forest
• Beaver Brook Reservation - for use at spray deck
• Blue Hills Reservation/Houghtons Pond
• Borderland State Park - for trail use
• Bradley Palmer State Park - wading pool
• Breakheart Reservation
• Carroll Holmes Recreation Area
• Carson Beach
• Castle Island
• Cochituate State Park
• Constitution Beach
• D.A.R. State Forest
• Demarest Lloyd State Park
• Dunn State Park
• Erving State Forest
• Ft. Phoenix State Reservation
• Halibut Point
• Hampton Ponds State Park
• Harold Parker State Forest
• Hopkinton State Park
• Horseneck Beach State Reservation
• Malibu Beach
• Massasoit State Park
• Maudslay State Park - for trail use
• Myles Standish State Forest
• Nahant Beach Reservation
• Nantasket Beach Reservation
• Nickerson State Park
• Pearl Hill State Park - for trail use
• Quinsigamond State Park (Regatta Point)
• Pleasure Bay
• Revere Beach Reservation
• Salisbury Beach State Reservation
• Sandy Beach
• Scusset Beach State Reservation
• South Cape Beach State Park
• Spectacle Island
• Stony Brook Reservation- for use at spray deck
• Walden Pond State Reservation
• Watson Pond State Park
• Winthrop Beach
• Wollaston Beach
Constructed Wheelchair Accessible Sites:
• Ashland State Park
• Bradley Palmer State Park
• Dunn State Park
• Erving State Forest
• Lake Wyola State Park
For further information please contact the Universal Access Program office 413-545-5353 voice; 413-577-2200 TTY.
Find more Massachusetts Recreation on our Recreation Page
ARC Summer Intensives Adoption Conference - Adoption on the Edge: July 7-8, 2014. For professionals, parents (birth, adoptive, foster, etc), adult adopted people, and others to discuss the many emotional and psychological elements of adoption. Features Keynote address of Does It Get Better?
Other topics include:
• Strategies & Skills that Both Help & Hurt: How to make a difference.
• Speaker Susan Harris O’Connor: her work & thinking on racial identity
• Use of Narrative in Adoption
• Use of Expressive Therapies in Adoption
• Birthmother/Birthparent and Adoptive Parent Panels
• and much more.
For more information visit the ARC Summer Intensives page, or contact eakinnect@gmail.com or 617-547-0909
 
Inclusive Camps & Activities in Massachusetts for 2014: From Ayer to Boston to Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester and more, camps and programs to help your special child stay busy, engaged and included by enjoying movies, sports, recreation, outings and social activities. See the Camp Page for listings.
Disorders of the Corpus Callosum Conference: July 18 - 20, 2014, Burlington. Presented by the National Organization for Disorders of the Corpus Callosum (NODCC). DCC is a birth defect in which the band of nerves that joins the two hemispheres of the brain is not formed properly, or is absent altogether. Children diagnosed with a DCC experience developmental delays and disabilities, language and speech impairments, and other neurological and behavioral problems. This conference support parents of recently diagnosed children and shares the latest scientific and medical information. For more information contact 714-747-0063 or visit www.nodcc.org info@nodcc.org
Boston Museum of Science Disability Prototype Testers: Spring & Summer 2014. The Boston Museum of Science is seeking visitors with all disabilities to test new exhibit prototypes, explore the museum, and give feedback to help improve their accessibility.
Testing includes free admission to exhibit halls for the day and free parking in the Museum's garage. To participate and give the Museum feedback fill out their Boston Museum of Science on line form or contact 617-589-4438 or siacovelli@mos.org
Adaptive Recreation Across Massachusetts: With the DCR’s Universal Access Program:
Viewing deck at the Summit House atop Mount Holyoke at Skinner State Park is now be wheelchair accessible with the ramp opening scheduled for mid-June, for a spectacular view of the Connecticut River Valley.
Mount Tom State Reservation has a new accessible trail leading to a viewing bridge on Lake Bray.
Mt. Greylock State Reservation has several new accessible interpretive and signage exhibits open.
Scusset Beach has a new accessible boardwalk over the dunes and two new beach wheelchairs that roll into the water
More information can be found on the on the State of Massachusetts DCR Universal Access Program Page.
Sensory Friendly Films are now on the Recreation Page.
Free Disability Parent Workshops in Massachusetts - From the Federation For Children with Special Needs:
Basic Rights
Effective Communication with the IEP
Suspensions & Discipline in Special Education
To register, contact The Federation For Children With Special Needs in Boston, Massachusetts, or register@fcsn.org, or call 800-331-0688.
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SPED Child and Teen is not responsible for any listed events' contents, or changes in content, times, dates, fees, or speakers. Please check with event host to verify details.
SPED Child and Teen does not endorse any event, listing or product on this site, and all content is for information purposes only.
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Teens and Young Adults
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Abuse Training for Disabilities -Free: August 21st, 2014, Weymouth. "Awareness and Action: Recognizing, Reporting and Responding to Abuse" For ages 18 and over, developed and taught by persons with disabilities and others. Training includes:
• Educational and interactive techniques
• A DVD that includes stories of abuse, with persons with disabilities and others as actors.
• A backpack containing reporting brochure and cards, keychain, responding activities, local resources, certificate of attendance, a take home video and workbook to reinforce the training. Pre-registration is required to www.soshoresupport.org or 781-331-7878 ext. 19
Summer Self-Determination Transition Outings: July & August 2014, Reading. For ages 16-22 years old
July 23 Job Search Scavenger Hunt
July 30 Job Site Tour
August 6 - Bank Tour and Money Management
August 13 - First Aid Training
August 20 - The Career Place, Building a Resume
You may attend all sessions or sign up for single days. To RSVP contact 781-587-2223 or jstewart@theemarc.org
Garden Growers Club for DDS Eligible Adults: Saturdays, July 19 – October 4, 2014, Woburn. Join EMARC of Reading and Malden for a free program to nurture crops and reap a harvest. Includes transportation from EMARC's location at 20 Gould Street, Reading and Malden High School. Participants must have completed DDS eligibility, be aged 22 or older, and live at home in the Metro North area (Everett, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham and Wakefield). For more information James Carnazza at 781-587-2352, Jcarnazza@theemarc.org
Face Forward Summer Conference: July 17 - 20, 2014, Ashland. A free Next Step conference for young adults ages 16-24 with genetic conditions, or who have been diagnosed with PKU, Metabolic, NF, Mitochondrial, or other genetic conditions. There will be clean facilities and medical staff on site. Young adults will be able to plan what is next while looking at their illness and beyond by mapping out plans for the future with a supportive community of peers and Next Step staff and patients.
Registration is required to kepler@nextstepnet.org or call 617.864.2921 or mal@nextstepnet.org. This Next Step conference is a collaboration between Massachusetts General Hospital, hospitals and agencies from around the country.
Autism Housing Pathways Housing Workshop: June 21st, the Autism Support Center, Danvers. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and work!. The goal is to end the day with an idea of what benefits your family member may be eligible for, what you can afford, and what models might be applicable to your situation. Completing questionnaires, worksheets, and Section 8 applications that will not be shared and are for your private use. Please RSVP to Cathy Boyle at ccampboyle@comcast.net or visit Autism Housing Pathways
Peer Employment Training Classes: July & August, 2014, in Worcester and Lowell. The Peer Employment Training recognizes that there is no better person to inspire hope in an individual new to mental health recovery than someone who has "walked the same path." . There are only 20 seats available in each class. For more information contact Robert Walker, MA Department of Mental Health Office of Recovery and Empowerment, robert.walker@state.ma.us to request an application and to get additional information Or see the Flyer at the DMH website.
Disabilities' Poetry Slam & Art Exhibition. July 23rd, 2014. To celebrate the 24th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New England ADA Poetry Slam and Art Exhibition will host preselected poets and artists with disabilities to present at 7:00 p.m. at the Institute for Human Centered Design in Boston. To RSVP or for more information visit the New England ADA's Poetry Slam page or call 800-949-4232.
"Transition Talks" Parent Groups: May 29th, 2014, Seven Hills Family Support Center, Sturbridge, 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Transition Specialist Robin Foley will discuss the special needs journey and transition for ages 14-22. Topics include student visions, post secondary opportunities, etc. For more information call 508-796-1954. For the Fitchburg Seven Hills Family Support Center dates and times call 978-632-4322
Planning A Life Making the Most Out of High School: TBA in Boston., Springfield and Worcester. For parents of students with disabilities aged 14 to 21. Topics cover: Creating a VISION, Person Centered Planning, Portfolio Development, Transition Requirements of IDEA 2004, Assessments, Transition goals into the IEP, Employment & Job Development, Work Supports.
For more information contact tmclaugh@fcsn.org 617.236.7210 - ext 336 or registration info at 800-331-0688 or wmorton@fcsn.org or visit www.fcsn.org
NEXT STEP: College Success & Independent Living program: May 10 2014, Boston. For students, grades 9-12, who present with a social language deficit, Aspergers Syndrome, NLF, or related learning differences, and are serious about attending college after high school.
NEXT STEP gives students a chance to hone executive functioning, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills that are necessary for living with other students on a college campus. For more information, contact nextstep@jbcc.harvard.edu or 617-278-4119
Transitions to Work, for ages 18 - 35 with a Disability: March 2014, Dedham, MA. Employer-based program focused on creating new employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities.
• Students must have completed high school, can travel independently and can work up to 20 hours per week.
• Internships in Customer Service, Culinary Arts and Housekeeping.
For more information contact Mwenzel@jvs-boston.org or 617-399-3241, or CScibelli@jvs-boston.org or 617.399.3220. Information can also be found at the Jewish Vocation Services Website www.jvs-boston.org or the Transitions to Work Program
School-to-Career for Disabilities: Triangle's School-to-Career Job Club is for ages 16-29 with disabilities looking for a job, Mondays from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Triangle in Malden. Free to attend but all attendees are expected to present themselves professionally and fully apply themselves to the job search. For more info or to RSVP contact 781.388.4324 or jbrowning@triangle-inc.org
Easter Seals Massachusetts - Youth Leadership Network: Boston, Worcester, New Bedford, & Springfield. For youth and young adults between the ages of 14 to 26 disabilities. The Network is a place for these individuals to increase their independence by learning how to develop a personal leadership plan, along with working to spread disability awareness and help decrease bullying through the Don’t disABILITY campaign. It is also an opportunity to build friendships and receive mentorship from others in the disability community. For more information contact dforte@eastersealsma.org 617-226-2855
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"Advocates in Motion" Social Program: This Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress program provides fun, inclusive, interactive events and fosters social relationships for teens and young adults ages 13-22. AIM participants develop leadership and self advoacy skills, form meaningful relationships with peers and build their self-confidence in an encouraging environment. AIM members meet one Sunday afternoon per month from September to May. There are a variety of social, recreational and volunteer activities throughout the year. Contact cendres@mdsc.org or 781.221.0224 or visit www.mdsc.org .
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