SEPAC General Meeting Minutes

March 1, 2009  Topic:  Camp Fair for Kids with Special Needs

SEPACS does not sponsor or endorse the organizations listed below.  We are providing this information as a service to our families.  All families should conduct their own due diligence to determine if an organization is right for their child or family.

The information below is taken from the brochures and flyers provided by the groups themselves.  They are listed in no particular order.  Please contact the organizations directly for more information about them.

KEEN:  Kids Enjoy Exercise Now

P.O. Box 45186

Phoenix, AZ  85064

602-508-3939

Website:  www.keenphoenix.org

Email:  info@keenphoenix.org

KEEN provides free recreational and sports programs for children and young adults with more profound and severe mental and physical disabilities.

KEEN serves individuals with such diverse disabilities as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and various developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Because KEEN’s activities are noncompetitive and inclusive, we offer opportunities for athletes who have not been able to access or find happiness in other programs.

Lions Camp Tatiyee

P.O. Box 6910

Mesa, AZ  85216

480-380-4254

Website:  www.ArizonaLionsCamp.org

Email:  ArizonaLionsCamp@cox.net

The mission of Lions Camp Tatiyee is to provide a camping experience for challenged individuals among their peers that encourages independence and self confidence.

Camper age range is 7 years and up.  Our sessions are divided by age, with special sessions for physically challenged, mentally challenged, deaf and blind.  Disabilities have included but are not limited to spinal injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amputees, deafness, blindness, and mildly mentally challenged.

Joni and Friends Family Retreats

Disability Empowerment Center

5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 106

Phoenix, AZ  85034

602-275-2568

Website:  www.joniandfriends.org

Email:  dcarr@joniandfriends.org  (Delinda Carr, Program Manager)

For families who shoulder the daily pressures of disability, Family Retreat is a jam-packed, joyous combination of incredible, fully accessible activities and accommodations, warm and wonderful friendships, empowering truth from the Word of God, heart-to-heart sharing, hilarious adventures, and the life-changing knowledge that in our Father’s arms is all the strength needed for the journey.  Everything under the Son is provided for the comfort and care of families affected by disability.

Grand Canyon State Fencing Foundation

480-288-7834, 480-227-6443

Website:  www.gcsff.org

Email:  info@gcsff.org

The Grand Canyon Fencing Foundation is bringing seated fencing to the valley.  Men, women, and children of all ages are welcome.  If you would like to play, compete, or redefine yourself as an athlete, not is your time to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.  Be a part of an exceptional team and a great community.

Baio Enterprises, Inc., Developmental Therapies

1745 S. Alma School Road, Suite 145

Mesa, AZ  85210

480-963-3634

Website:  www.baioenterprises.com

Baio Enterprises, Inc. is dedicated to providing Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies, as well as Social Interaction Groups.  We respect the individuals and families that we provide service to.  Parents and care givers are a vital part of our therapy team.  We feel it is critical to provide ongoing support groups where parents can share their joys, sorrows, concerns and triumphs.

Baio Enterprises has a 6 week summer camp for 4 years to 9 years old.

Scottsdale Unified School District Special Needs Summer Camp

Scott Karcz, Head Teacher

skarcz@susd.org

Cell:  480-250-5561

Veronica Leiper, Camp Director

vleiper@susd.org

Cell:  480-600-0026

Contact them for a registration packet and get details about the camp dates and locations.

Scottsdale Bible Church

Website:  www.scottsdalebible.com

Steve:  480-824-7268, email slee@sbcaz.org

Special Ministries provides church services for children and adults with special needs.  They also have parent network groups, such as:

Autism Family Network

Dads 4 Special Kids

Mom 4 Special Kids

Civitan Foundation

3509 E. Shea Blvd, Suite #117

Phoenix, AZ  85028

602-953-2944

Website:  www.campcivitan.org

Civitan’s longest running and most beloved program offers week-long camp sessions throughout the summer, and weekend adventures one a month the balance of the year.  Camp Civitan is a 15-acre wheelchair accessible facility for developmentally disabled children and adults located in the cool pine country of Northern Arizona, in the town of Williams. This program offers campers a variety of enriching and fun experiences that promote positive self-esteem, teamwork, socialization, and healthy activities.

Arizona Autism United

Robert Ni, Community Representative

5025 E. Washington Street, #212

Phoenix, AZ  85034

602-773-5773

Website:  www.AZAunited.org

Email:  Robert@AZAunited.org

ASU Summer Program for Early Literacy and Language

ASU, Tempe Campus, Coor Building

ASU, West Campus, Calssroom Annex

480-965-2373

SPELL is a research and educational program designed to boost the oral language and early literacy of 4 and 5 year olds through fun and interesting teaching activities.  Classes are taught by certified teachers or speech-language pathologists and graduate students from the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at ASU.

SEEK-Specializing in the Education of Exceptional Kids

1830 S. Alma School Road, Suite 130

Mesa, AZ  85210

480-902-0771

Website:  www.SEEKArizona.com

Email:  info@SEEKArizona.org

SEEK is committed to providing superior therapies and direct care services to children with developmental disabilities, specializing in children with Autistic Spectrum Order (ASD).  Through developmentally appropriate interventions, tailored to the strengths and needs of each child, child-specific provider training, and a dedication to providing family support and resources; we will help each child reach their full potential in both their family and community.

Camp Runamuk-SEEK Arizona’s Family Camp

October 9-12, 2009, Prescott, AZ

Join us this Fall 2009 in beautiful Prescott, Arizona.  Families will get the total camp experience from bunk beds to campfires, for 4 days and 3 nights while they participate in family and individual activities, all geared for campers with special needs, their siblings, and parents.

Contact SEEK as listed above for additional information.

The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance

602-653-8702

Website:  www.azmagic.org

The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance Camp is a program for children and young adults with physical or mental disabilities that prepares them to stage a wonderful theater production that is written and choreographed especially for them.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers

480-922-5675

Website:  www.LindamoodBell.com

Email:  lblpscottsdale@lblp.com

Be our guest and learn about our researched-based programs for reading, comprehension, and math.  We will have presentations, refreshments, activities for children, and a chance to observe students in session. Call or email to reserve your space.

Thursday, March 26.  Presentation times:  10 a.m. and 6L30 p.m.

10617 N. Hayden Road, Building B, Suite 101

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sunrise Sidekicks

American Cancer Society

1-800-ACS-2345

Website:  www.cancer.org

Arizona Camp Sunrise is the first one-week residential overnight camp in Arizona for children with cancer.  It is designed for children from ages 8 to 16, who have, or have had cancer.  Along with canoeing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, archery, and swimming, campers might choose to build a birdhouse, participate in science experiments, learn to cook, or even write a newsletter.

Sunrise Sidekicks is the only camp for siblings in the state of Arizona.  In a camp environment, Sunrise Sidekicks gives brothers and sisters of cancer patients a chance to share friendship and laughter with others who are living with similar cancer-related experiences.

Camp AZDA-American Diabetes Association

Sarah Watson

602-861-4731 x7094

Website:  diabetes.org/adacampazda

Email:  swatson@diabetes.org

Camp AZDA, a program of the American Diabetes Association, is help in the beautiful Friendly Pines Camp Facility, located in the tall pines of Bradshaw Mountains.  As any camping experience, our camp will provided fun and adventure, companionship and opportunity to make new friends with diabetes and learn new skills in outdoor living.  The aim of Camp AZDA is to provide the children a memorable recreational and educational experience.  Age range is 8-16 years.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation

7340 Scottsdale Mall

Scottsdale, AZ  85251

480-312-7957

Website:  www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov

Adapted Recreation Services:  480-312-2218

Many programs are available.  Contact them for a list of programs, locations, dates, and times.

Spectrum College Transition Program, Gateway Academy

7655 E. Gelding Drive, Suite A-3

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-443-7331

Website:  www.gatewayacademy.us

Spectrum 101, a residential summer program, is made up of two-4 week sessions, focusing on helping students learn how to prepare for their entry into college life.  Students must have an average to above verbal IQ.  Students face challenges in the areas of:  social integration, emotional control, communicative and social language development.

Camp Wamatochick, Arthritis Foundation

Camp Cruz

1313 E. Osborn Road, Suite 200

Phoenix, AZ  85014

Taryn Norley  602-212-9912

Email:  tnorley@arthrtis.org

Camp Fire USA

2345 East Thomas Road, Suite 400,  Phoenix, AZ  85016

602-954-7544

Website:  www.campfireaz.org

campwamatochick@campfireaz.org

Camp Wamatochick is located on 80 acres in the Prescott National Forest, just outside of Prescott, Arizona.  It focuses on a smaller samper community to create an unparalleled camping experience.  The program is designed to build caring, confident youth, and future leaders, along with having a lot of fun.

SARRC-Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

300 N. 18^th Street

Phoenix, AZ  85006

602-340-8717

Website:  autismcenter.org

Email:  sarrc@autismcenter.org

SARRC’s Teen Camp at Whispering Hope Ranch

HC2, Box 162-V

Payson, AZ  85541

602-218-8173

Overnight teen camp for individuals with autism disorders (ASDs) and typical peers.  The ranch also serves as a home for animals born with physical differences or rescued from difficult circumstances.  Their interaction with special needs guests is nurturing and calming, and promotes well-being.

Dads 4 Special Kids

Scottsdale Bible Church (Room 102)

7601 E. Shea Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

Website:  www.dads4specialkids.org

Mailing Address:  P.O. box 73182

Phoenix,, AZ  85050

602-909-5463

Dads 4 Special Kids is committed to men and their families who have a child with special health-care needs.  Established by fathers looking for peer support, we dedicate our time, talents, and resources to better the quality of life for other men through their unique journey of raising their child.

To accomplish this we host monthly meetings, offer workshops that provide knowledge and practical skills for cultivating healthy communication within the marriage and family, and provide information on resources within the valley of the sun.

Empowering our Children

Rhonda Cerny

913-485-8513

Eamil:  rpcerny@aol.com

Website:  www.empoweringourchildren.com

Empowering Our Children is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 educational foundation and radio program established to focus on the guidance of children and adolescents with physical, neurological, behavioral, and social issues.  National mental health experts provide education, guidance, and resources on topics such as:  anxiety, asperger syndrome, autism, adhd, bipolar disorder, bullying, depression, discipline, eating disorders, learning problems, nutrition, ocd, self-esteem, substance abuse, and tourettes.

Camp Not-A-Wheeze

American Lung Association of Arizona

102 W. McDowell Road

Phoenix, AZ  85003

602-258-7505, 1-800-586-4872

Arizona’s summer camp for children with asthma.  Exploring the great outdoors has never been easier with asthma.  At camp Not-A-Wheeze, 7-14 year old with moderate to severe asthma experience the same exciting activities found in a typical summer camp, but at a pace geared to their needs.  Volunteer medical professionals team up in cabins with 6-8 children.  They provide around-the-clock supervision for the campers during all activities and cabin time.

Reading Clinic Summer Program

1860 E. Warner Rd., Suite 101

Tempe, AZ  85284

480-456-0500

Website:  www.azreadingclinic.com

If your child doesn’t respond to reading programs at school, the Reading Clinic’s scientifically proven approach may be exactly what he or she needs.  The Reading Clinic’s valuable menu of services includes:  testing to diagnose reading problems, treatment of dyslexia and reading difficulties caused by attention deficit, AIMS test preparation, spelling programs, and writing instruction using highly effective Step-Up-to-Writing program based on the State’s six traits.

LEAP-Language Enrichment & Acquistion Program

8422 E. Shea Blvd, #103

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-636-1920

Email:  kari@listening-ears.com

The LEAP is a language program for children ages 3-6 years of age.  Speech-language pathologists develop programs and activities which integrate speech and language intervention with play and everyday activities.  LEP is for both typically developing children and children with speech and language impairments.

Updated: 10/24/09: 

The new reach info for LEAP is:

Lynn Carahaly, MA,CCC-SLP

Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Owner and Director of Foundations Developmental House, LLC. (FDH)

Phone: 480-219-3953

Fax: 480-219-4203

lynn@fdhkids.com

http://www.fdhkids.com

Foundations Developmental House, LLC is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinic and Learning Center for children birth through 18 years of age. Our Speech-Language Pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each child’s speech therapy needs.

ASAP-Autistic Spectrum Addressing Pragmatics

8422 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 103

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-636-1920

Email:  kari@listening-ears.com

ASAP is an intensive summer program that addresses pragmatic language for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and PDD between the ages of 3-8.  Each child’s needs are unique, therefore, delayed pragmatic skills need to be individually assessed and addressed.  The program is designed and run by Certified Speech-Language Pathologists and other specialists who tailor each child’s program to meet his/her unique needs.  ASAP is run in tandem with our LEAP program to ensure that opportunities to interact with typically developing children as peer models are created.

Updated: 10/24/09: 

The new reach info for this ASAPis:

Lynn Carahaly, MA,CCC-SLP

Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Owner and Director of Foundations Developmental House, LLC. (FDH)

Phone: 480-219-3953

Fax: 480-219-4203

lynn@fdhkids.com

http://www.fdhkids.com

Foundations Developmental House, LLC is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinic and Learning Center for children birth through 18 years of age. Our Speech-Language Pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each child’s speech therapy needs.

Just wanted to let you know about an upcoming workshop for professionals and parents presented by Rick Lavoie, a well-known authority in children who learn differently. You can get information at www.lexisprep.com/lavoie. This is an amazing opportunity for all of us….I hope you take advantage of it.

Twice Exceptional (2e) Parent Group twoeparents@yahoo.com

Laura Holgate, Chair 
Affiliated with Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted (SSG)
http://azgifted.org/ and SEPACS http://sepacs.org/

Presented by Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit

January 26th at 6:30pm

Mustang Library Auditorium

Parents!! Tell your teachers that they will get professional development credits when they attend this seminar!

Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit is a highly respected and well-known advocate for gifted children, their parents and teachers. As the author of five books, including the popular “Perfectionism and Gifted Children,” and “Twice-Exceptional Kids”, Rosemary has presented both nationally and internationally throughout her extensive career.

With more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, professor and step-parent of gifted children, Dr. Callard-Szulgit combines her professional and personal experience with gifted children into dynamic and creative staff development workshops.

SSG News – October 12, 2008

SSG welcomes all families and educators to join us at the events listed below. Come meet new families, see old friends. Update your knowledge on current issues regarding best practices for gifted children. All SSG events cost $5.oo per family and are free to educators. Attendance certificates available to use for professional development requirements.

“GIFTED but…” Marlo Payne Rice Thurman
OCTOBER 16, 2008 Thursday 6:30 to 8:30 Mustang Library Auditorium

Is your child gifted but with learning issues? The founder of the famous Brideun Learning Communities in Colorado will present ideas on how to successfully educate gifted and twice-exceptional students. Parents and professionals welcome!

Note: The previous night, 10/15, Marlo will be speaking to people interested in a school based on the Brideun model which is scheduled to open in Scottsdale in Fall 2009. For more information, go to www.az2e.org.)  

GENIUS COACHING -Guiding Your Child with Careful Listening and Effective Language
NOVEMBER 20 2008 6:30 to 8:30 Mustang Library Auditorium

Join Otto Siegel, M.Ed and Susanna Lange, authors of “Yes, You Are a Genius – Whether You Know it or Not” for a presentation on communicating effectively with your child. Learn to find the words that will motivate and encourage your child instead of creating barriers and conflict. Empower your child and yourself to overcome challenges created by giftedness.

Please feel free to contact me with any ideas you might have regarding information you would like me to include in my emails to you all in the next few months (i.e. information about certain diagnoses or questions you might have and want more information about). In addition, I am working on a website that can be connected with the 2E parent group so you can access information on a regular basis regarding programs in the area, resources, and conferences/seminars. I would love to hear your input!

Here’s how to contact Laura:

Laura Holgate, Chair
Twice Exceptional (2e) Parent Group  – Affiliated with Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted (SSG)
http://azgifted.org  and SEPACS http://sepacs.org 

twoeparents@yahoo.com

Our last 2E meeting for the year will be this Saturday May 17th from 10-12pm at the Mustang Library in the Book Discussion Room and the topic will be:

Discipline, resolving behavioral issues, and creating a predictable environment to help children flourish.

Barb Ross (parent information network specialist) will be there to help me facilitate this meeting. We will watch the video “When the Chips are Down” by Rick Lavoie

Hopefully this will help you prepare for a summer with your child at home.

Hope to see you all there!

Twice Exceptional (2e) Parent Group twoeparents@yahoo.com

Laura Holgate, Chair
Affiliated with Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted (SSG)
http://azgifted.org and SEPACS http://sepacs.org

You are invited to meet and share your experiences on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Coronado High School, OR on Saturday May 17, 2008, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Mustang Public Library Auditorium, 10101 N 90th St in Scottsdale.

If you are unable to attend but have thoughts to share, feel free to contact a representative:

Ms. Patty Perez
303-844-4540
Patty.L.Perez@ed.gov

Mr. Andres Ramirez
303-844-4488
Andres.Ramirez@ed.gov

Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII
U.S. Department of Education
1244 Speer Blvd, Suite 310
Denver, CO 80204 http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Gifted students with disabling conditions such as Asperger’s, ADHD, deafness, learning disabilities, etc. remain a major group of under-served and under-stimulated youth. Focus on their disabilities often precludes recognition of their giftedness. Too often, gifted students with learning challenges are not challenged cognitively, they are bored in school.

There is a 2E program in Scottsdale that meets the needs of these students. The 2E classroom setting provides these students with strength based instruction with adaptation, accommodations, and special instruction that empowers them to access rigorous curriculum. The program allows these students to work at their pace, appropriate for their ability level in a smaller setting than the typical classroom.

If you have any questions regarding this program, contact Dr. Denise Cooke (School Psychologist specializing in the 2E population) at dcooke@susd.org  or either of the teachers (Heidi Oshin, elementary teacher at hoshin@susd.org; Jan Gilbertsen, middle school teacher at jgilbertsen@susd.org).

Happy New Year to all!

I am sure you are all waiting with bated breath to find out what new topics I have in store for you this Saturday. I thought we could start the year off with a little social gathering– we haven’t done that in a while. Let me know if you are interested in attending this Saturday’s meeting. Same place, same time. We can share our trials, tribulations, joys, information, successes, and curiosities regarding our twice exceptional children. Bring something to drink (coffee, tea, or whatever your pleasure) and maybe something to eat…..and we can share our stories– successes and failures. You might want to bring your address books and phone numbers to share with others what has worked for you– doctors, programs, schools, groups, seminars, etc. Please also come prepared with some suggestions for topics you would like to see covered for the coming months.

I hope we can get to know each other and provide support for each other in positive ways. It is often very difficult to manage these children but with support you can find new ways to go about approaching your child(ren).

RSVP to:

Laura Holgate, Chair
Twice Exceptional (2e) Parent Group twoeparents@yahoo.com

Affiliated with Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted (SSG) http://azgifted.org/ 
and SEPACS http://sepacs.org/