Sunday, February 5, 2012

Maryland Events for February 2012

Resources for our students with special needs  
and their families.
specialneedsmatter.blogspot.com

OUT and ABOUT!
·         Let’s Go To The Movies!: THE  SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY ~
playing on February 25, 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.
ACTION AND INFORMATION
·         Free Download :  of the Direct Instruction Funnix Beginning Reading Program.  Direct Instruction is a body of curriculum based on scientific principles of human learning with 40+ years of research validation in producing excellent student outcomes. 
From now through February, 16, 2012, the Funnix Beginning Reading Program will be free for download.  You will receive the entire 220 lessons downloaded onto your computer and daily workbook activities and guides.  funnix.com
·         Discussion on Bipolar Disorder and Depression:   At this FREE presentation, Dr. Adelaide Robb of the Children’s National Medical Center will discuss Bipolar Disorder and Depression in children and adolescents.  This meeting will be held on February 9, 2012, @ 7:30PM, in Rockville, MD.  For details, email dbaylinson@namimc.org.
·         GT/LD  Network:  presents FREE Speakers Series.  On February 16, 2012, from 7:30-9PM, the presentation will be held in Walter Johnson HS in Bethesda, MD.  The speaker will be Charles Moseley, M.D.  He practices Integrative Psychiatry in utilizing both standard psychiatric, as well as innovative nutritional and metabolic strategies.  Dr. Moseley will discuss the role of nutrient supply to the brain, with emphasis on the role of energy production and utilization.  For more details, go to gtldnetworkmc.org. 
·         Summer Opportunities Fair for Special Needs Children:  held at Ivymount School on February 26, 2012, from 1-3:30 PM, in Rockville, MD.  Explore sleep-away camps and local options for exceptional children.  Call 301-469-0223.
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, Associates.  Next meeting will be on February 9, 2012, from 7:30-9:30PM, in Kensington, MD.  For details, email sanci@rcn.com or 301-656-5811.
·         Autism Society Parent Support Meeting ~  will hold its next support group on February 9, 2012, from 7:30-9PM, in Rockville, MD.  Call 301-924-2211.
·         Family Support Group ~ This free, monthly group 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.  The next meeting will be on February 21, 2012, from 7:15-9PM., in Rockville, MD.  Pre-registration is required, 301-610-8355. 

Friday, February 3, 2012

Walking with other parents that could use your support!

Parent to Parent (P2P) is looking for support parents for the following families in the Maryland area:

1) Mom of a 17-month old boy with profound sensory dysregulation.  This little boy currently does not walk, talk, or respond to anything but his name.  Mom is originally from the country of Georgia and would ideally prefer to speak Georgian, but she also speaks Russian and would welcome a match with a Russian speaker, as well. 
2) Mom of a 5-month old daughter with Down Syndrome.  This mom would prefer to connect with a Spanish-speaking mentor who also has a child with Down Syndrome. 
3) Mom of a 6-month old son with a possible mitochondrial disorder.  There is no official diagnosis at this time, but the little boy has low tone and is receiving early intervention services.  Mom speaks Cantonese or Mandarin and would prefer to be matched with someone who shares a common language and cultural background. 
P2P is a free and confidential peer mentoring program for parents of children with special needs.  If you think you can provide emotional and informational support to any of these parents, please consider becoming a support parent. 
For details, please email kmiddlebrooks@seeconline.org or call 240-472-7363.
Website:


Workshops in Rockville and Bethesda, MD

Understanding SSI/Medicaid & SSDI/Medicare Workshop-sponsored by the M&L Special Needs Planning, LLC
Government benefits of SSI/Medicaid & SSDI/Medicare are discussed in a language that one can understand.  Learn in detail what the govt benefits and programs are, their importance, when to apply, how to apply, how to qualify, and how much money the individual w/ disabilities could receive.  Discussion also includes info of when SSA moves an individual from SSI to SSDI and keeping Medicaid and/or without the govt benefit of SSI or SSDI.  This workshop is being held on February 7, 2012, from 7-830P in Rockville, MD, and February 21, 2012, from 7-8:30P in Bethesda, MD.  Call 202-2487113.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Swimming Lessons and Meeting with Legislators, both in Maryland

Sportsplus 
is beginning new swim programs starting February 25, 2012, at both Quince Orchard Swim and Tennis Club in Gaithersburg, Md., and Georgetown Prep School in Bethesda, Maryland.  To register, access the website at  www.playsportsplus.org or 301-452-3781.


Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
February 21, 2012

This event is for people with disabilities, families, providers and advocates to go to Annapolis and meet with legislators about critical disability issues.

Visit The Arc of Maryland for more details about this day.

Support and Events in Virginia

(Continued from previous Blog below regarding McLean Bible Church)

Support for Parents
(held at MBC Tysons)
 
For parents of children or adults with special needs to share in a time of healing and encouragement through fellowship, scripture, prayer, and support.
INFO: Isabelle Brugere, 703-639-2000 x3434
CHILDCARE: Jackie Janssen, 703-770-3438

Access Moms' Small Group
A place for moms to grow in God's Word while connecting with other women who have children with special needs. Meet other moms for study and fellowship 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Connect Room, 1605, on the first floor of the Tysons Campus. Childcare is not provided for this group.
 
Access In-Home Care Referral Network
 
This network is an informal group consisting of a list of Soaring Over Seven Summer camp staffers and volunteers that may be willing to work with your children / young adults at home when you need it.
INFO: Mary Hasson, 703-770-8654
 
Seeking ASL Interpreter
MBC Tysons is looking for qualified American Sign Language Interpreters to provide services to deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in a variety of MBC events. If interested or for any questions, please contact Phyllis Rogers at mom48kidz@yahoo.com.


For more information about Access Ministry, please visit the
MBC Tysons or MBC Loudoun websites.
 

Events and Support in Virginia

McLean Bible Church in McLean, VA, Offers Tremendous Support and Love for those with Special Needs and Their Families.
I know this personally because my family and I have gone to MBC for nine years.  It takes us about 30 to 45 minutes to drive there but it's so well worth it.  This was the first church I encountered that gave and showed my autistic son, Jordan and my family genuine love, acceptance, and support.  The head Pastor is Lon Solomon.  He too has a Special Needs child.  Because of this, he feels that God put it in his heart to start a Special Needs Ministry.  Your Special Needs family member is so welcomed.  MBC has 'Sunday school' for our loved ones.  With a full-time RN on premises during every service (Saturdays and Sundays), we can comfortably pay attention to church service while our precious children are so well taken care of.  By the way, Jordan loves church and becomes very upset when we miss church!
You do NOT have to be a member of McLean Bible Church in order to benefit from these terrific programs.

McLean Bible Church provides the following services for our kids and us:
Weekly Classes
Friendship Club A weekly Sunday School community where adults aged 16+ come together for fellowship and learning. (held at MBC Tysons)
INFO: Brian Rice, 703-770-2985
Beautiful Blessings Weekly Sunday School for children aged 2-15 years.
INFO: Jackie Janssen, 703-770-3438 (Tysons)  INFO: Wendy Melcher, 703-770-8661 (Loudoun)
 
Monthly Programs
Programs, such as Breakaway and Break Out, designed to give parents much-needed breaks from the constant care of their children with disabilities; typically held twice a month. Siblings-Only events, for siblings of children with disabilities, are held monthly.  INFO: Mary Hasson, 703-770-8654 (Tysons)   INFO: Wendy Melcher, 703-770-8661 (Loudoun)