March Madness-A lot of stuff to do!

"Speak Up For Those
Who Cannot Speak For Themselves"
      ~Proverbs 31:08

 

-Special Needs Matter-

 

Resources for Our Students with Special Needs  

And Their Families.

specialneedsmatter.blogspot.com

OUT and ABOUT!

·         Let’s Go To The Movies!:  DR. SUESS’ THE  LORAX ~

playing on March 10, 2012, at the AMC Loews Theaters at Rio Cinemas 18, in Gaithersburg, MD.  This 10 A.M. showing provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment.  Lights will be dimmed up, the sound turned down, and the audience will be invited to get up, walk, dance, shout, or sing!  301-948-6763.

·         The 3rd Annual, Carnival for Children with Special Needs!March 24, 2012, from 1-4 PM, at the Our Lady of Good Counsel H.S., in Olney, MD.  This carnival is geared to pre-school and elementary age kids and their family.  The FUN includes arts and crafts, music, moon bounce, snacks, and, yes, more!  This carnival will be held indoors, rain or shine.  Please register, projectchange-md.org. 

·         Haven Universe ~ brings you “Saturday Night Alive”, March 24, 2012, from 5-7PM, in Rockville, MD.  This time of community is geared to special needs kids, 15 years old and under, and their families and caregivers!  This fabulous and fun time will have games, arts and crafts, sports, and pizza!  $7 per person.  For details and to register, email lpoznanski@havenuniverse.org or 301-841-7412.

ACTION AND INFORMATION

·         A Board of Education Candidates’ Forum   ~ sponsored by the Montgomery County Civic Federation, March 15, 2012, at 7:30 PM, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.  Moderators will include the editors of Silver Chips, the Montgomery Blair H.S. online and print newspaper. 

·         Resource Fair – An Informative and Fun Day for Families of Children with Special Needs  ~ Taking place on March 17, 2012, from 10AM-2PM, at Rock Creek School, 191 Waverley Drive, in Frederick, MD.  Aside from FREE Family-Fun Activities, exhibits will provide information on various available services, including: summer activities, workshops on social skills, self-determination and the correlation between vision and learning, and conflict resolution.  For details on more programs and for interpretive services, call 240-236-8744 or email  by March 12, 2012, susan.donoghue-rick@fcps.org .

           Apps for Autism Workshop  ~ Held on March 23, 2012, from 9:30AM-3:30PM, in Columbia, MD.  Category areas will include but are not limited to communication, behavior management, sensory integration, learning, and social communication. This session is appropriate for parents and professionals.  The instructor will be Lisa Brodjieski, Executive Director, M.S., CCC-SSP.   Quickly register please, space is limited.  http://www.matcoop.org/Pmt_AppsAutism032312.html

·         Parent Empowerment Conference~ Held on March 24, 2012, from 9:30AM-3:30PM, in Hyattsville, MD.  This FREE conference offered by Pathfinders for Autism, is geared to parents with autistic kids.  A combination of topics will be provided in this one-day event: ‘Looking Ahead, Preparing Today’, ‘GF/CF/SF/EF Diets- How to Start, Where to Shop and What to Buy’, ‘Guardianship’, and ‘What is Special Education for Your Child?’  For more details, call 301-618-8385.  Childcare provided. 

·         Pathfinders for Autism presents:  ‘What Special Education Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Child’ ~ Offered on March 29, 2012, in Columbia MD, from 1-2:30PM.  Participants will gain knowledge of special education laws, and how they play out in local school systems. Emphasis will be on working with your child's team to develop effective partnerships when developing strategies for success for your child in the inclusive academic environment.  For details call 443-330-5341 or email tkane@pathfindersforautism.org

SUPPORT GROUPS:

·         Montgomery County Parent/Caregiver AD/HD Support Group 

At these meetings, parents and caregivers of children and teens with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, give and receive support, ideas, and encouragement. Sharing is facilitated by experienced clinicians affiliated with Alvord, Baker, and Associates.  Meetings are from 7:30-9:30PM, in Kensington, MD.  For details and schedule, email sanci@rcn.com or 301-656-5811.

·         Autism Society Parent Support Meeting ~   support groups are from 7:30-9PM, in Rockville, MD.  Call 301-924-2211 for details and schedule.

·         The Parent Connection Support Group ~ This free, monthly meeting is presented by the LDAMC, and focuses on building a support network, connecting with your community resources and learning to balance your own needs with those of children with special needs.  Meetings are held from 7-8:30 PM, in Rockville, MD.  Pre-registration is required please.  For details and schedule, call 301-610-8355.