You Do Have A Talent To Share!!, A lecture/workshop and 5K Run for Sports Plus--all are invited!!

Sports Plus  invites you to the Germantown 5 miler/Sports Plus 1K, May 19, 2012, at 8AM.  This event is brought to you by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club and the Spagnvola Chocolatier.  This race benefits Sports Plus.  There is also a 5K that begins at 8:30AM.  This race is fully inclusive, with Sports Plus staff on hand to encourage and accompany runners on the course.  Register at www.germantown5miler.com.

You've Got Talent!!  B'MoreAbilities Special Arts Center is seeking Special Artist, Musician, Dancers, Vocalists, Writers, and Comediens, at the World of Possibilites Expo, on May 19, 2012, from 1:30-2:30PM.  RSVP at bmoreabilities@gmail.com, www.basac.org, or 443-769-0507.


Lecture by Rebecca Rubin of Disability Support Solutions will discuss residential models for individuals eligible for DDA funding in Maryland.  Residential Models for Individuals Eligible for Maryland DDA Funding workshop, will be presented on May 29, 2012, from 7:30-9PM, in Bethesda, MD.  Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=idtuvbdab&oeidk=a07e5vxp00x308e54f3

All Events take place in a FEW days! Please review quickly!

Please join us for a Support Group for parents/caregivers who have children and adolescents with mental health issues.  The next meeting is this Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 3-4:30PM, at the NAMI MC, 11718 Parklawn Drive in Rockville, MD.  (Behind the Karpet King)

For Our Kids, For Ourselves, presents What to Do With Worry: Helping Kids Handle Anxiety, May 6, 2012, from 2:45-4:30PM, in Chevy Chase, MD.  This lecture will describe four aspects of anxiety and how to best support children in managing each one.  Recognize the signs of anxiety   in your child.  For more details and for reservations, please email adhdparentsforum@yahoo.com.  $12 by reservation, $15 at door.

Brought to you by Certifikid, Special Needs Deal: $11 for Urban Pirates Adventure Special Needs Family Cruise Ticket on May 20. 2012 (50% off). 
http://www.certifikid.com/special_needs

Parent Academy Session for Middle School Parents:

Bright Futures for Students with IEPs

Families and schools can work together to help students with IEPs make a successful transition to high school. Learn about high school choices that will help your student transition to employment, postsecondary education and independence.  This lecture will be held on May 9, 2012, at the Brooke Lee MS in Silver Spring, MD.  For details, contact the MCPS Transition Services Office, 301-649-8008.  (Sent by Karen Leggett)

 

Interactive Classical Concert and Summer Programs for Juniors and Seniors with Disabilities preparing for College or Employment

Music for Autism Concert   May 6, 2012, at the Ivymount School, in Rockville, MD.  This fabulous afternoon feature the Capitol Woodwind Quintet, in an interactive, autism friendly concert.  Excerpts include Peter and the Wolf, narrated by the National Symphony's Holly Hamilton.  Concert is free but reservations are requested.  Webpage:  musicforautism.org

(The following info is provided by Kathy R.)
The Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers three summer programs helping high school juniors and seniors with disabilities prepare for college or employment:

• Mastering a Successful Transition (MAST)-A program for students with learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders who are interested in attending college.
• All About College Exploration (ACE)-A program for students who are blind or who have a significant vision loss who are interested in attending college.
• Work and Volunteer Experience (WAVE)-A program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing who are not planning to attend college.

Students with the appropriate disabilities must be registered with DORS to participate. Those already registered may be referred to a program by his/her DORS counselor; to register your child, contact your local DORS office, http://www.dors.state.md.us/dors

For info on DORS' Workforce & Technology Center, which administers these programs:  

http://www.dors.state.md.us/NR/rdonlyres/8EE30C8B-0467-4C33-8F61 9AB7C4624F55/0/WTC_2011.pdf or call 410-554-9442/888.554.0334, TTY/TDD 410.554.9411 or email dors@dors.state.md.us.

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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