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Disabilities, Death and Acceptance
As parents of children with special needs, we often become wrapped up in the grieving and acceptance process. That process takes a lot of emotional endurance, physical energy and time. I think that sometimes we put so much energy into it, that we forget that others face difficult challenges as well.
That perspective came back into focus in January, when Julie, a friend, neighbor and mom to one of my son’s best pals, sadly passed from a fast and aggressive cancer.
Since that time, I’ve been thinking every one of us has had to struggle with a painful acceptance, whether it’s a loved one’s disability, the passing away too soon in life of someone close, or not being able to forgive a personal failing of those who have let you down. Eventually, we have to accept the person or situation the way they really are.
And perhaps, in our lives, acceptance is the biggest challenge of all.
Sharon Marie
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Warm and Fuzzy
The You Tube video link below was taken during Disability Day at Fenway Park. A young autistic man became flustered while singing the national anthem, and the crowd stepped into help him along. The video is only about 1:50 minutes long, and is well worth watching to the end.
You'll be glad that you did.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r20TKu3Mgc
Sharon Marie
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Stealing
It’s a sordid tale of power and greed, with our tax dollars, meant for our kids.
John Barranco, head of a non-profit in the Merrimack area, has been accused of manipulating a $11.5 million dollar transfer of taxpayer monies from the Merrimack Spec-
ial Education Collaborative to Barranco’s organization.
Federal prosecutors and more than six Massacusetts Agencies allege that Barranco used these funds on huge salaries for himself, associates,
and to support a lavish lifestyle.
More about this alleged theft
can be found in last Sunday’s
BostonGlobe. You may end up shaking your head,
saying "our money, our kids,
and our loss."
Sharon Marie
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Disability Fraudsters
We often hear how certain charities solicit funds, yet end up keeping the money for alleged salaries and expenses.
One such suspicious organi-
zation, called the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) was recently highlighted in the Minneapolis StarTribune.
The Tribune's article found that despite hauling in over $1.2 million in 2009, the ASDF reported to the IRS a negative year-end balance, with no evidence of donating to any organization.
The Tribune article also offers some excellent links to check the legitimacy and history of any charity.
In the meantime, if a representative from the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation contacts you and asks for money, ask THEM for proof of where the money goes - and tell them you read the Tribune's article.
Sharon Marie
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Budget Happy Dance
Chapter 766-approved schools and the families of the children who attend them, are celebrating Deval Patrick's FY '12 budget approval for cost inflation and tuition rate adjustments.
But before we all do a happy dance, I want you to thank Patrick. Many of the schools and disability organizations lobbied him consistently with the hard facts that they need basic increases to survive and serve disabled children. They were persistent and dedicated in conveying this important message.
Thank you Governor Patrick, for listening to those voices. They represented those that cannot speak for themselves.
Sharon Marie
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Your Voice Counts!
Tell our Senators to restore the millions they plan to cut from the disability budget.
The Arc of Massachusetts and ADDP are asking them to adopt the priority amendments that will restore critical funds to:
Family Support and Respite
Day Habilitation
Community Residential
Family Preservation Support
Employment Services
Adult Foster Care Rate Stabilization
You can send an instant email directly to ask them to support these amendments right now at this Take Action Link. Your voice DOES count.
Sharon Marie
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Billionaires Club
Bill and Joyce Cummings - we salute you.
Because even though you are in the billionaires club, you have chosen to sign the "Giving Pledge", and share your good fortunes with folk's right here in Massachusetts.
The Giving Pledge, by the way, was established in 2010 by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates, to encourage the Mega Wealthy to donate more to worthy causes.
Now the Cummings already quietly donated for years through their Cummings Foundation. But by joining this elite pledge group, they have set a step-up-to-the-plate challenge for the Massachusetts wealthy to give more.
When that happens, I'd like to see some of that generosity directed towards the many disa-
bility organizations that make the Commonwealth a better place to live. They could use this support now more than ever.
But in the meantime, we salute you Bill and Joyce Cummings, for showing us that where there are big bank accounts, there are also big hearts.
Sharon Marie
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Who's Obeying The Law?
Updated For
April/May 2011
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) is responsible for monitoring local school district compliance with special education law. Each public school district in Massachusetts receives a comprehensive Coordinated Program Review every six years (CPR). ESE will be in the school districts listed below to conduct reviews.
If you know of a child who is not receiving the special education services to which they are legally entitled, you may communicate with the appropriate ESE contact person, or visit the ESE page or the Mass Department of Education.
March 21, 2011
Gardner Public Schools - Thomas Hidalgo 413-858-4591
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocation Technical High School - Nathan Lemmon 781-338-3720
March 28, 2011
Pembroke Public Schools -Nancy Hicks 781-338-3714
Ralph C. Mahar Regional - Lynn Summerill 781-338-3761
April 4th, 2011
Nauset
Orleans
Pentucket
Wakefield
Wellfleet
April 11th, 2011
Masconomet
April 25th, 2011
South Shore
May 5th, 2011
Milford
Monsoon
Sharon Marie
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Massachusetts' Disability Events - All Ages
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 Disability Family-Resource Fair for All Ages: Free & Open to the Public: February 12, 2012, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Bennet-Hemmenway Elementary, Natick. Special-needs resources available to Boston, Metrowest and Eastern Massachusetts families, Camp and Recreation programs, Child, Teen & Adult Support Services, Medical Programs, Yoga, Schools, Therapists, and Educational Services. Visit http://naticksepacvendorfair.eventbrite.com or contact NatickSepac@gmail.com
Special-Need Camp Fair and Expo, Workshop covering state and local Inclusive & Specialized Summer Programs, plus Camp Fairs For All Ages and Abilities on our Camps/Camp Fairs Page.
Potty Power-Toilet Training Young Children with Autism & Disabilities on February 9, and Literacy and Children with ASD on March 8th, on the Autism/Aspersers Page.
Visions of Community Disability Conference: March 10, 2012, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston MA. The Federation for Children with Special Needs conference will feature Keynote Speaker Dan Habib, the creator of the films Including Samuel and Who Cares About Kelsey? Workshops topics cover: Insurance, School Discipline Protections, Special Ed. Law, Cases, and Regulations , Anxiety in Young Children, Behavior, Transition to Adult, Stress, IEPs, Bullying Protections, Advocacy, OCD, iPad Technology for Social Skills and Language Development, Siblings and more. Some available in Spanish and Portuguese. Vendor area will feature local and statewide support and resource agencies, 766-approved schools, higher-education organizations, assistive technology, and more. Limited partial scholarships are available, childcare and interpreters can be arranged with advance notice, Registered participants get free bus transportation from Lawrence, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester. For more information contact 800-331-0688, email fcsninfo@fcsn.org, or visit www.fcsn.org
 
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Conference: March 17th, 2012, DCU Center, Worcester. The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress's Annual Conference will offer parents, family members and professional's information and workshops about how to help individuals with Down syndrome acquire skills to lead fuller, healthier, more independent lives. Young adults with Down syndrome will have an opportunity to network and share experiences, strengthen their self-advocacy skills, learn about leading a healthy life and building meaningful relationships. Siblings of people with Down syndrome will hear how other brothers and sisters experiences of being a sibling and the importance of advocacy. Education Workshops will offer teachers and parents best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom, and the benefits of inclusion for all. For more information about the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Conference, visit mdsc@mdsc.org or call 781-221-0024.
Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss -"Focus" On Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference: March 14th, 2012, Norwood. For clinicians, family members, service providers, nurses and advocates for individuals with intellectual disability and vision loss. See our Assistive Technology and Physical Challenges Page.
ADHD - How To Help Your Child At Home & School: January - March 2012, Norwell, MA is on our ADD/ADHD Page.
Discover All of Easter Seals' Services For Your Family - Free & Open to the Public: February 2nd, 2012, Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School, Upton, MA, 6:30pm to 8:00 p.m. Workshop covers Asst. Technology, Camps, Child Development CTRS, Job Training, Physical Rehabilitation, and many more of the Easter Seals' services that help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. Easter Seals Advocate Colleen Flanagan, and Vice President of Programs and Services, Cindy Aiken, will discuss how Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families for nearly 90 years. Register to The Blackstone Valley Tech Special Education Parent Advisory Council, or email to BVTPAC@charter.net or call 508-234-4828. For more information about the Easter Seals, please visit their website at www.eastersealsma.org.
Public Hearing For Early Intervention Services - February 2012: Members of families with young children, professionals who serve young children and families, and officials from any state agencies with responsibilities for services to children and families are encouraged to come and speak on the upcoming changes or on any other related concerns. Early Intervention changes are planned for: Child Find; Evaluation & assessment; IFSP Development: Transition; Procedural Safeguards and Accessing private insurance, etc.
Hearing Dates:
February 6, 2012: DPH Western Regional Office, Northampton, MA, 11AM - 1PM
February 9, 2012: Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, Marlboro, MA, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
The hearing sites are accessible and sign language interpreters will be present upon request. This announcement can be viewed at http://eiplp.org/documents/Publichearingnotice2012.pdf. Call Early Intervention Services at the Department of Public Health for more information or if you need assistive devices/services to participate at 877.353.4757.
Free Museum Night for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum: January 28th, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Discovery Museums in Acton, MA, is on our Autism/Aspergers Page.
Friendly's "Cones for Kids" Supports Easter Seals Camps: January 2nd - February 13th, 2012. Friendly's Ice Cream Corporation annual "Cones for Kids raises funds in support of Easter Seals summer camp programs. Friendly's customers who make a $1 donation will receive five Valentine's Day cards, each redeemable for a free Friendly's Kid Cone. Easter Seals Camp provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities, such as boating, swimming, archery, campouts and sports. For more information about camp locations, visit Camp Friendly. To find a Friendly's restaurant near you visit www.friendlys.com.
Athletes-4-Autism Mentoring Program in Boston, featuring track, lacrosse, crew, ice hockey, soccer, swimming, track and field, baseball, softball, tennis, and wrestling, is on our Autism/Aspergers Page.
Sensory Friendly Films - Tintin: January 7th, 2012: Braintree, Burlington, Framingham, Tyngsboro, Dartmouth and Methuen, The AMC Movie Theatres and The Autism Society of America provide Families with autism and many other disabilities an opportunity to enjoy fun films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members may get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. For more information contact the AMC Movie Theaters or the Autism Society of America. For times and movie listings in Hadley, contact Cinemark Theatre - Hadley , MA (Hampshire Mall). Hadley ticket price: $5.25. Visit the Cinemark Theatre at the Hampshire Mall or contact iveegirl76@yahoo.com.
Free Parent Workshops - Winter 2012:
An IEP for my Child:
- January 24th, Marlborough
- February 9th, Quincy
MCAS, Access & Achievement in Special Education
- January 25th, Westford
- February 7th, Cohassett
Basic Rights
- January 19th, Attleboro
- (en espanol), January 26th, Springfield
- February 6th, Lynn
- February 8th, Peabody
Effective Communication and the IEP
- January 12, 2012, Tewksbury
Transition 101
- January 11, Acton
504 Plans
- TBA
Turning Three Essentials
- February 2nd, 2012, Lanesborough
Understanding My Child's Learning Style
- February 7th, Canton
To register, contact The Federation For Children With Special Needs in Boston, Massachusetts,
or register@fcsn.org, or 800-331-0688.
Adaptive Winter Fun for All Ages and Abilities. Accessible and Adaptive Ice Skating, Ice Sledding, Snow Shoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Indoor Adventure Games and More. Parks and forest across Massachusetts, from Auburn to Boston, Holyoke to Jamaica Plain, and Worcester to Springfield/West Mass, offer the DCR Universal Access Program. Also look for activities such as adaptive kicksledding, winter explorations, and campfires. Most are free or low cost, but often require a reservation or confirmation due to weather conditions. For more information visit The DCR Universal Access Program or call 617.626.1294 for Eastern MA, or 413.545.5758 for Western MA.
Free Disability Education & Leadership Training in Massachusetts: January - April, 2012. The Mass Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) Northeast and Metro Boston Regions through Riverside Community Care 2012 Family Leadership Series (FLS) is for those who have loved ones eligible for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
- January 20 & 21 - Initiative and Leadership
- March 2 & 3 - Creating A Vision
- March 30 & 31 - Policy Making at the Local, State and Federal Level
- April 28, 2012 - Taking Care of yourselves (One day)
Participants must commit to all sessions. For details and applications, visit MFOFC or contact snadw@aol.com
Westborough/Central Massachusetts:
- February 10 & 11 - Initiative and leadership.
- March 16 & 17 - Creating a vision for the future of our children and family members.
-May 4 & 5 - Policymaking at the local, state and federal level.
For more information email fl@HMEA.org
Free "NAMI Basics" Course for Parents & Caregivers of Children & Teens with Behavioral, Mental Or Emotional Challenges. January 14 - February 18, 2012, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Leominster, MA
And...
Free NAMI Parent-to-Parent Courses: For those with family members and caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses that discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope effectively.
Winter and Spring 2012 dates and places include:
Cambridge
Holyoke
Jamaica Plain
Lexington
Pittsfield
Weymouth
Woburn
For both details both NAMI programs, visit our Mental Health Page.
TOPSoccer: The Outreach Program for Soccer - Is a learning/playing program for youths with physical or mental disabilities. The following Massachusetts communities offer programs : Acton/Boxborough, Avon/Holbrook, Belchertwon, Blackstone/Milville, Braintree, Bridgewater, Clinton, Hamilton/Wenham, East Bridgewater, Fairhaven, Fall River, Hingham, Holden, Lexington, Middleboro, Millbury, Norwood, North Andover, Quincy, Somerville, South Hadley, Stoughton, Taunton, Tewksbury, Westford, Wilmington, Winchester. To learn how to start a TOPSoccer program in your town, or for more information, visit the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, 978-466-8812, contact the Massachusetts TOPSoccer's website or visit the National TopSoccer Website.
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Disability Transition Services & Job Skills Training Open House: Feb. 8th, Springfield, Feb. 9th, Worcester. New England Business Associates will share information about Transition Services, Job Skills Training, Individualized Employment , etc. Worcester - 40 Southbridge Street, Suite 300, Springfield - 66 Industry Ave, Suite 11. RSVP to jeannine.pavlak@nebaworks.com or 413-821-9200.
Transition, Day & Employment Options for Ages 18 - 22. Free: February 9, 2012, Whitinsville, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Northbridge Special Education Parent Advisory Council, Alternatives of Whitinsville and The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) will share information, handouts and a Q&A session about Transition, Day and Employment options for those with disabilities aged 18 - 22. Contact www.northbridgespedpac.org or KathyL1@verizon.net 508-234-6244.
Planning a Life - Making the Most Out of High School Transition Conference: February 3 & 4, 2012, Charlestown, MA. This Federation For Children with Special Needs conference is free for families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield through the Transition Works! Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission grant. This conference tells you "what you need to know, when you need to ask, and who you need to go to for answers" about Massachusetts transition planning information and resources for students in special education ages 14-22. Registration is required. Scholarships are available through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) or 617-770-7676 (You must register for the conference first). Download the conference brochure at FCSN's website or contact 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org.
Housing and Support Services for Adults with Disabilities: February 5, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or March 7, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Waltham. Betsy Closs, Director of Services for People with Disabilities at JF&CS Services for People with Disabilities, will orient families to the world of adult services, with a special emphasis on supported housing options, how to begin the housing search and explore options for supported living. The workshops are geared for parents of transition aged children and beyond, but families who have children of all ages are welcome to attend. RSVP to sslavet@jfcsboston.org
Personal Safety and Self-Advocacy Training for Youth with Disabilities. January 17th - February 7th, 2012, YWCA, Boston, MA. Wheelchair accessible. The IMPACT:Ability Training, which is sponsored by Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC), is for any eligible youth with disabilities between the ages of 16-23. IMPACT:Ability participants gain the ability to identify unsafe situations, respond decisively to unsafe threats, and develop self-confidence and power. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions. $20 total fee per young person covers all four IMPACT:Ability Trainings. For more information, call 617-396-4925, email info@epicleaders.org or visit Triangle, Inc's IMPACT: Ability Page
Choral Group for Young Adults with Developmental Delays - Braintree, Quincy, Hingham Area Group Now Added: January 2012. The South Shore Conservatory Community Voices, which rehearses in Duxbury, MA, has now added a Braintree, Quincy, Hingham Group. This program provides an opportunity to sing in an ensemble setting for ages 16 and older for those with developmental delays. SSC Community Voices also provides opportunity for high school students to earn community service hours through peer model and mentoring with the chorus. For more information, contact 781-934-2731, x20, or email e.montague@sscmusic.org or visit www.sscmusic.org. Fees apply.
Daily Living Skills For Tweens & Teens: January 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 2012, 5:30 p.m., in the town of Harvard, MA. Pre-Teens and Teens 11-16 kids will learn about Safety and Being Home Alone, Clothing Care, Meal preparation, Nutrition, Grooming/Appearance, and Manners. Social skills coaching will occur throughout the program as needed. Attendees must be able to meet the programs guidelines to participate. Fees apply. Contact 978-764-2758 or nbriggs@socialsmartkids.com.
Transition Workshops for Parents of ASD Teens. January 10th & 17th, 2012, 7 p.m., Watertown, MA. Presented by Terri McLaughin, Transition Specialist from the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Work, college, driving, cooking, shopping, balancing a checkbook--will your teen be ready to lead an independent adult life after graduating from high school? Students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are entitled under the law to receive services during their high school years to prepare them for lives that suit their talents and preferences. This workshop explains how to work with your teen and your teen's educational team to help your teen articulate a vision for his/her life after high school. Assess your teen's abilities, readiness, and challenges, create individualized transition goals for the IEP, and identify courses, activities, or programs that will help your teen meet those goals. Fees apply. For more information, visit www.aane.org or call 617- 393-3824.
YouthCare Rock Band Group: Fall 2011. YouthCare is offering two Rock Band-based groups for adolescents and young adults ages 13-22, for both beginners and advanced. . Participants will need to bring their own instrument and amplifier, although some equipment will be available. A goal for each group will be to include a recital, but more importantly will involve the fun and satisfaction from playing together. Prospective group members will need to submit an application and meet with the group leader with their instrument prior to the start of the groups. Tuition fees apply. For more information, contact 617-726-0062 or visit www.mghyouthcare.org
The MassAccess Housing Registry is a Massachusetts database for affordable housing with a features that highlights homes for people with disabilities that need accessible or barrier-free housing. Search for apartments, homes, a specific accessibility or adaptability need, income-based or subsidized, or by state region. Visit MassAccess Housing Registry for more information, or email massaccess@chapa.org.
Click here for more Mental Health help for children and teens in Massachusetts
The Teens' Recreation and Activity Choices (TRAC) Study Foundations of Learning in Children with and without Developmental Disabilities: A research study to develop and/or improve on educational procedures for individuals with developmental disabilities. Enrolling typically developing children and adolescents, and those with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities & Down syndrome between the ages of 3 and 22. Study visits can take place in your home or at the Shriver Center in Waltham, MA. Compensation for your time and participation. Contact 781.642.0020 or shriver.recruit@umassmed.edu.
Best Buddies Massachusetts: Boston, MA.Toll Free: 866-33-BUDDY (28339) Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Alternatives to Hospital Emergency Rooms -Emergency mental health and/or substance abuse services in your community: Who Can Receive Emergency Service Provider (ESP) Services? People of ALL AGES with:
- No Insurance
- All MassHealth (Medicaid) plans
- Medicare
- Many ESPs also contract with commercial insurance companies.
Every ESP provider answers its toll-free 800 # and provides services 24 hours per day/7 days per week/365 days per year. To get the Toll Free Number for your local ESP: call the Statewide ESP Toll Free # 877-382-1609, and enter your zip code to get the toll free # for your local ESP program.
For more information, visit www.masspartnership.com/esp. |
"Advocates in Motion" Social Program: This Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress program provides fun, inclusive, interactive events and fosters social relationships for young people with Down syndrome, ages 13-22, one Sunday per month in Waltham. Activities offered include fitness and healthy lifestyles, community service experiences, job/career skills, arts, sports 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 www.mdsc.org or 1-800-664-MDSC.
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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