MAKE THE CHOCOLATE TREAT AND EAT IT!! CAMP OF ARTS AND LECTURE

The Sports Plus Awetism Awareness Day, will be held on April 28, 2012, from 11AM-3PM, at Spagnvola Chocolatier located in the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Md.  Admission is free.  This fun time will include goodies to eat, a chocolate treat making class, tours of the factory, live music and comraderie.  Register to attend the chocolate treat making classes, at sportsplus@comcast .

(Info given by Kathy R.)  The Technology Program, sponsored by the Bethesda Library, in Bethesda, MD,  present "Got Grammer Woes?  Grammer Solutions and Tools for Struggling Learners.", on April 28, 2012, from 1-3PM.  Led by Kamran Rasul, this discussion will include software packages which may improve grammar and writing skills of middle and high school students with learning disabilities or who are in ESOL.  Please call 240-777-0960 for details.

(B'moreAbilities Special Arts Center) BASAC Art Camp presents  a full day or half day summer camp at two locations:  Baltimore County and Harford County.  Eight sessions are available from dates June 18-August 10, 2012, for ages seven to 21 years old.  This camp is opened to all special needs.  The fun includes painting, pottery, musical expression, dance, music theater, visual arts, musical speech therapy, art therapy, television/media, and craft makers.  Register on
http://www.basac.org/camp.html

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!! Good stuff!!

Celebrating Autism Awareness Month with goodies and giveaways at the "Dining out at the Tower" event!!

This fun time will be on April 24, 2012, from 5-8PM at the Main Tower Restaurant in Bel Air, MD.host a night of dining out with other families that understand your unique situation in a setting that accommodates your family's needs. And 10% of the night's proceeds goes directly to Pathfinders for Autism for resources and free family fun events.  The Main Tower Restaurant will provide: 

• gluten and casein-free menu items (Mario will make these special diet items any night for you if you call in advance)
• reduced background music  
• a quiet area in case of need

• a restaurant staff trained in autism sensitivity     

     Please call 410-838-8007 for details.

Building a Support Community or Families Dealing with Autism - presentation and book signing by author Ann Palmer, will be held at the Bethesda United Methodist Church in Bethesda, MD, on April 25, 2012, at 7:30PM.  For details, call 301-652-2990 or www.washmorefeet.org.

I've made two new friends who are dealing with Muscular Distrophy and Retts. Here are two encouraging articles on research for these disorders.

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

 

-Special Needs Matter-

MDA/ALS (Muscular Distrophy Association/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Article:  Neuralstem Phase 1 Stem Cell Trial Shows Safety, Possible Efficacy
Transplantation of stem cells into the spinal cords of 12 people with ALS has proven safe and well-tolerated, with no long-term complications.

http://alsn.mda.org/news/neuralstem-phase-1-stem-cell-trial-shows-safety-possible-efficacy

International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF)
Article: Developmental Disease is Re-created in an Adult Model

http://www.rettsyndrome.org/content/view/809/976/

Man with NO Arms Performs For The Pope!!! (Look At The 5th Event Down!!) Also Two Webinars, Going To The Movies, And Dance Classes

Bounce U Sensory Bounce!
Every first Monday of the month, Bounce U offers Sensory Rebound Bounce time the first Monday of every month at the Clarksburg and Rockville locations, from 6-7:30 p.m.  At these special bounce times, there will be no loud music as well as limited attendance in a supportive environment.  Reservations are required to prevent overbooking. Next session is on April 2, 2012.  Call the Rockville location at 301-340-1311 and the Clarksburg location at 301-515-5665.

Autism Awareness vs. Autism Acceptance: How Self-Advocate Groups are Challenging the Tragedy Model of Disability WEBINAR
presented on April 3, 2012, from 2-3PM, eastern time.  "Speaker Andee Joyce, chapter leader for Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), will present this webinar focused on autism acceptance." 
Register online at:  https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/showReg?udc=5ycn48krjfl8

Autism 101 Webinar  presented on April 5, 2012, from 2-3PM eastern time.  "Speaker Amy Goodman, co-director of Autism NOW, will present this webinar about the definition of autism and the common characteristics found in individuals of different age groups. She will also provide an overview of the possible causes and risk factors associated with autism."  Register online https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/showReg?udc=j6yoorf1zfy7 

Let’s Go To The Movies!:  MIRROR MIRROR~playing on April 7, 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 Fourth Annual Conference on Faith, Deafness and Disabilities Conference Presents: The Down Syndrome Research Workshop
on April 21, 2012, from 8:15AM-4:45PM, at the Blessed Sacrament School in Washington, D.C.   Featured speakers are:  Nancy Lee, Ph.D., clinical psychologist working at NIMH, Kathy Myers, chair of the New Family Outreach from the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC), Mark Bradford, Executive Vice President of the National Catholic Bioethics Center and parent of a son with Down Syndrome, and performance by world renowned Tony Melendez, born with no arms but plays guitar with his feet!  He does world-wide tours and even has performed for the late Pope John Paul II.  Child care for Special Needs kids is avail.  Fee is $20.  Register online http://adwspecialneeds.eventbrite.com/ . More info online http://site.adw.org/special-needs .  Book child care online specialneedsministry@adw.org or 301-853-4560.


Spring Dance Class From the MC Dept of Recreation
Below is a schedule provided by Sue Green dance instructorof different dance classes being offered.  And all classes below is currently in progress.
Fun, Rhythm, and Roll (Course # 327131)

Engage in playful rhythmic movement for fitness and coordination.  Includes line dances, circle dances, folk dances, and just plain fun dances.  Designed especially for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Movements are also adapted for individuals who use wheelchairs.  Participants should be able to indicate basic wants and needs and follow one and two-step instructions.

Ages 15 and up, with disabilities

Course # 327131
10 Forty-five minute sessions    10:00 am - 10:45 am  Note:  no class on 4/7 and 4/14

$75.00

Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton , MD   20906

E-Z Hip Hop (Course # 327129)

Introduction to fresh and exciting dance moves to the beat of hip hop music.  Designed especially for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.  Movements are adapted for individuals who use wheelchairs, too.  participants should be able to follow two-step instructions.

Ages 15 & Up with disabilities

Course # 327129
10 Forty-five minute sessions    Note:  no class on 4/7 and 4/14 11:00 am to 11:45 am 

$75.00

E-Z Hip Hop (Course # 327128)

Introduction to fresh and exciting dance moves to the beat of hip hop music.  Designed especially for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.  Movements are adapted for individuals who use wheelchairs, too.  participants should be able to follow two-step instructions.

Ages 15 & Up with disabilities

Course # 327128
8 Forty-five minute sessions    11:30 am to 12:15 am

$60.00

Mid County Community Center , 2004 Queensguard Road , Silver Spring , MD 20906  

E-Z Hip Hop for Kids (Course # 331434)Join the fun and exciting dance moves to the beat of hip hop music. Designed especially for kids with developmental disabilities. Movements are adapted for kids who use wheelchairs too. Participants should be able to follow two-step instructions.
Ages 7-12 with disabilities
Course # 331434
6 Forty-five minute sessions  9:00 am - 9:45 am
$45.00
Holiday Park Senior Center , 3950 Ferrara Drive , Wheaton , MD   20906

For more details and registration information, please contact the following:

For classes at Holiday Park Senior Center :  contact Angela Luskey, Recreation Specialist at the Montgomery County Department of Recreation. angela.luskey@montgomerycountymd.gov (240) 777-6878

 

  

For classes at the Mid-County Community Center :  contact Charlie Butler, Recreation Specialist at the Montgomery County Department of Recreation.  charles.butler@montgomerycountymd.gov  (240) 777-6884