Social Skills

If you missed the program last week – here are the minutes with all the program info thanks to Shauna Mattson

1) Jill Castle, President of SEPACS, gave the introduction. Our web-site is www.sepacs.org. People can sign up here to receive emails from SEPACS. We are changing from Constant Contact. Current subscribers will receive an email about how to sign up for our new email system.

2) Barb Ross from the Parent Information Network was introduced. She is with the Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services. Barb is a resource to help parents of children with special needs regarding education and other issues they may face. She can be reached at 480-607-3030. Go to www.azed.gov/ess/pinspals to get additional information.

3) FRIENDS Program, presented by Linda Kraynak and Karen Donmoyer.
Linda Kraynak lkraynak@susd.org
Karen Donmoyer ktdonmoyer@mindspring.com 480-993-6006

The FRIENDS program was begun by SARRC. There is a booklet with information about how to begin one of these programs at your school. It has a menu of steps in order to build friendship groups for elementary school students during lunch, recess, LRC, or any other time. LRC students can be involved to help as peers. It can be done indoors or outdoors.

This program is currently in place at Copper Ridge Elementary School, which was the pilot program. It has cut down on lunch-time referrals to the office for behavior problems among the general population. In the beginning, a lot of data and reports were gathered to track the success. The para-educators and the psychologist were trained on how to make the program self-sustaining and perpetuating. It has been in place about four years there.

The program involves organized activities that are fun and get the children engaged. They follow the lead of the students who are involved. They base the activities on what the children like to do. Children are not forced to participate in the program; it is an option. Some days they may be very excited to do the activities, and some days they may not.

How much money does it cost to get started and keep running? They can’t really say. It depends on the school. Some schools already have the groundwork laid to get it started. A parent should request a social skills program in their student’s IEP and then work with the school to get it going. Parents need to collaborate with the school and the district. Staffing can be a problem. You need to find people who are willing and appropriately trainable. Staff may need to be moved around to accommodate the needs.

The program involves non-competitive, supportive, and relaxed activities. Start by focusing on your child and what they need. Put it in their IEP. It may not be a formal FRIENDS program that gets put in place. Talk to the school psychologist as the initial contact.

If you become the SEPAC representative for your school, you could then send out flyers to find other parents at your school who would like to have a social skills program in place for their child. You can also partner with parents of students in regular education. They may have many of the same concerns as you do for their children. The program can benefit all students. You could contact the Parent Teacher Organization at your school and get their support.

4) Best Buddies, Peer Leadership, and the Lookout Club. Danette Imafidon from Chaparral High School brought students from these programs to speak to the group. Danette can be reached at dimafidon@susd.org, 480-484-6586.

Best Buddies International is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for on-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a result of their involvement in Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live independently, and make life-changing friendships. In turn, Best Buddies volunteers develop a higher sense of self-worth and an increased commitment to community service.

The Best Buddies program is used in colleges and in high schools around the world. The program pairs one general education student with one student in special education. There is a mixer for the two groups of people to meet and determine who would be good together as buddies. The buddies get together several times per month. They may go bowling, have pizza, or just hang out together. Once per month there is an activity on the school campus.

There are currently Best Buddies programs at Chaparral and Coronado High School. It is the largest club at the Chaparral campus. The programs can be started when someone on the campus determines there is a need for it and asks to get it started. There needs to be a teacher to sponsor the club.

A program similar to Best Buddies can also be started at a school. The Best Buddies program requires that schools apply to become members. There are a limited number of programs allowed. Therefore, if there is a need and a desire for a social program at a high school or a middle school, it can be created without becoming an actual Best Buddies program.

At Chaparral, there is also a Peer Leadership class. This is like reverse mainstreaming. Students from the general population come into the special education classes to help and create friendships. The peer stays with the special education student for that period and attends whatever class that student goes to.

The Lookout Club is a club that connects students in special education with each other. They are in charge of the club, have their own president, etc., and plan their own activities. They have many events and perform community service.

If your school does not have a club or program such as these, ask for them. It takes someone to request it and someone to sponsor it to get it started. Look on your school’s web-site for a list of the programs that are available and who to contact.

Special Education Parent Advisory Council

2010 Summer Camp Fair

 

SEPAC neither sponsors nor endorses the businesses listed below.  We are providing this information as a service to the community.  The details listed below were provided to SEPAC by the programs themselves.  All families should conduct their own inquiries to determine whether to make use of these programs

 

 

Arizona Magic of Music and Dance

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20047, Fountain Hills, AZ  85269

Phone: 480-296-3034, or 602-481-2697 Web-site: www.azmagic.org

Day camp, co-ed, special needs focused

Age range: 8-25 years.

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

AZAUnited

Address:  5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 212, Phoenix, AZ  85034

Phone: 602-773-5773 Web-site: www.AZAunited.org

Arizona Autism United provides: habilitation, respite, attendant care, behavioral habilitation, skills and behavior assessments, ABA programs and training.  AZA United is a qualified vendor with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Camp AZDA (American Diabetes Association)

Camp Address:  Friendly Pines, Prescott, AZ

Phone: 888-DIABETES x7094 or 602-861-4731 x 7094

Web-site: diabetes.org/adacampazda

Camp Director: Sarah Watson

Age Range: 8-16 years.

Our campers explore the great outdoors and enjoy traditional camp activities; discover new things about themselves and how you can manage diabetes; connect with other kids and adults living with diabetes; and have fun at summer camp-just like any kid.  Physicians, nurses, and other health care providers are there to provide around-the-clock medical supervision.  Registered dietitians plan meals and snacks, and manage all special dietary needs.  Counselors are trained to recognize specific diabetes care needs and help kids adapt to the camp environment.

Camp Civitan

Camp Address: 5008 N. Civitan Road, Williams, AZ  86046

Mailing Address: 3509 E. Shea Blvd. #117, Phoenix, AZ  85028

Phone: 928-635-2944 Website: www.campcivitan.org

Camp Director: Dawn Trapp

Camp Civitan’s longest running and most beloved program offers week-long camp sessions throughout the summer, and weekend adventures once 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.

 

Camp Not-A-Wheeze (American Lung Association)

Camp Address: 933 Friendly Pines Road, Prescott, AZ 

Mailing Address: 102 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ  85003

Phone: 602-258-7505 Fax: 602-258-7507 Web-site: www.lungarizona.org

Camp Director: Kelly Szymanski

Residential, co-ed, special needs focused.

Age range: 7-14 years.

Arizona’s only summer camp for children with asthma.  Exploring the great outdoors has never been easier for children with asthma.  Seven to fourteen year old children 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.  Nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, physicians and pharmacists provide around-the-clock supervision for the campers during all activities and cabin time.  Camp Not-A-Wheeze takes place in Prescott, Arizona at Friendly Pines.

Camp Runamuk-SEEK Arizona

Camp Address: 1400 Paradise Valley Road, Prescott, AZ  86303

Mailing Address: 1830 S. Alma School Road, Suite 130, Mesa, AZ  85210

Phone: 480-902-0771 Fax: 480-967-0804 Web-site: www.SEEKArizona.org

Camp Director: Jessica Irwin

Residential, co-ed, special needs focused, general camp with inclusion.

Age range: 0-100.  Family Camp.

Camp Runamuk is a camp for families who have children with special needs.  At Camp Runamuk, families get the total camp experience from bunk beds to campfires for 4 days and 3 nights, while they participate in family and individual activities geared for campers with special needs, their siblings, and their parents.  At night, each family will turn-in to their own room in a suite-style log cabin, each room complete with its own bathroom and shower.  This camp is especially geared for special needs campers with developmental disabilities.

City of Scottsdale Summer Teen Connection

Camp Address: 8102 E. Jackrabbit Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85250

Mailing Address: 7430 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ  85251

Phone: 480-312-2218 Fax: 480-312-2301 Web-site: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/adaprec.asp

Camp Director: Neal Hallihan

Full day, co-ed, special needs focused.

Age range: 12-22 years

The Summer Teen Connection is designed to serve and accommodate teens with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.  Camp activities, games, sports, etc. are designed to accommodate a variety of needs and the camp’s focus is participation by all.  Activities include indoor and outdoor games, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, cooking, music/dance therapy, guest speakers, excursions, and a talent show.

The Clubhouse

Camp Address:  4600 East Shea Blvd, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ  85028

Phone: 602-368-8601 Fax: 602-368-8605 Web-site: www.theclubhousecenters.com

Camp Director: Crystal Brooks

Full day; half day; co-ed; special needs focused.

Age range: 3-12 years

Camp Chit-Chat-Children will have fun and improve their language skills in an intense 8 week program, music therapy included.

Camp Write On-Clean up that messy handwriting with an intense 8 week program with our OT.

Camp Reading Rocks-Reading is fun!  Come improve decoding and comprehension skills with our literacy team.

Camp Move and Groove-Our OT and PT team create lots of fun with sensory and motor activities for everyone.

Highlands Church Vacation Bible School

Camp Address: 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Phone: 480-348-9191 Fax: 480-348-5988 Web-site: www.highlandschurch.org

Camp Director: Missy Farrington

½ day, co-ed, general camp with inclusion.

Age range: 5 years and older

A week long camp which includes music, drama, arts and crafts, games, and more to help children learn about God and experience the joys of His community.  This year’s theme is “High Seas”.  We serve various physical, mental, and multiple disabilities.  Children should be able to handle interaction with typical children with the help of an assistant.

Joni and Friends Family Retreat

Camp address: 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs, Murrieta, CA  92563

Mailing address: 5025 E. Washington, Suite 106, Phoenix, AZ  85032

Phone: 602-275-2568 Fax: 602-275-2691 Web-site: www.joniandfriends.org

Camp Director: Delinda Carr

Age range:  Families

At Family Retreats, “Everything Under the Son” is provided for the comfort and care of families affected by disability.  Best of all, at week’s end, moms, dads, sisters, and brothers head home with a newfound joy to press forward in His strength, cheered on by the whole new family of loved ones who stand with them.  From adaptive water skiing to the flying zip-line, Family Retreats shower blessings from A to Z.

 

KEEN Phoenix

Camp address:  6601 N. 27^th Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85017

Mailing address:  PO Box 45186, Phoenix, AZ  85064

Phone:  602-508-3939 Website: www.keenphoenix.org

Camp Director: Johanna Bookbinder

Co-ed. Special needs focused.

Age range: 4-21 years.

KEEN is a national non-profit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.  KEEN’s mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.

 

Kris’ Camp

Web-site: www.kriscamp.org

Camp Assistant Director: Leidy van Ispelen, 801-733-0721

Kris’ Camp currently focuses on children with autism or with autistic-like challenges.  Ages vary according to sessions and availability, however, the average age range is 4-15 years.  Kris’ Camp is a non-profit organization that provides a special place for unique children and their families.  The camp is motivated by three mutually enforcing goals: 1) to provide intensive therapy; 2) to provide respite and support for the families of special kids; 3) to provide theoretical and hands-on education and training to students, caregivers, and professionals working in the field of autism and other developmental disabilities.

Lion’s Camp Tatiyee

Camp Address:  5283 White Mountain Blvd, Lakeside, AZ

Phone: 480-202-7062 Web-site: www.arizonalionscamp.org

Camp Director: Pam Swanson

Residential, co-ed

Age range: 7-21 years, 22 and older Adult Sessions

This camp is for physically challenged, multi-challenged, mentally challenged, developmentally delayed, deaf and blind in peer sessions.

New Way Learning Academy

Address:  1300 North 77^th Street, Scottsdale, AZ  85257

Phone: 480-946-9112 Fax: 480-946-2657 Web-site: www.newwayacademy.org

The mission of New Way Learning Academy is to educate children with learning differences to fulfill their potential.  New Way Learning Academy offers a daily multi-sensory academic curriculum in addition to the two social skills programs.  The different programs are designed for older and younger children, and focus on social communication and positive self-image.  Through engaging group activities, students will grow in maturity and self-esteem.

Reading and Math Clinic Summer Intensive Interventions Camps

Camp Address:  1860 E. Warner Road, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ  85284

Phone: 480-456-0500 Fax: 480-456-1617 Web-site: www.AZreadingclinic.com

Camp Director: Dr. Pamela Rupprecht

½ day, special needs focused.

Age range: 5-18 years

Boost your child’s reading and math skills with one-to-one intensive instruction.  Using Lindamood-Bell and Math-U-See, we obtain extraordinary results with elementary to high school students who struggle with dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD.  Group camps include computer programming, web page design, essay writing, test prep, spelling/comprehension, and math reviews.  We serve students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and students who have co-morbid diagnoses such as dyslexia and ADHD.

S-Club

Camp Address:  Various community locations across Maricopa County, focusing close to attendees and community activities.

Mailing Address:  9052 N. 48^th Drive, Glendale, AZ  85302

Phone: 602-471-0346 Fax: 623-218-1819 Web-site: www.AzAdvocatesteam.com

½ day, co-ed, special needs focused, general camp with inclusion.

Camp Director: Elaine Berkley and Kim Yamamoto

Age range: 9-12 and 13-17 years

A summer camp for kids “on the Spectrum”.  Children and teens with high functioning autism, Aspergers, ADHD, NVLD and other diagnosis often leave parents struggling to find a summer program that can accommodate and support them.  S-Club’s summer camp will improve your son/daughters social interaction skills while learning the enjoyment of peer interaction.  We invite your child to join us for facilitated social skills building and social coaching in a fun and natural environment.  Two highly qualified providers and  small groups.

SEEK Arizona

Camp Address: 1830 S. Alma School Road, Suite 130, Mesa, AZ  85210

Phone: 480-902-0771 Fax: 480-967-0804 Web-site: www.SEEKArizona.org

SEEK Arizona’s summer camp is a fun way to spend the summer working on habilitation goals, while making friends and participating in cool activities.  This program will be held at SEEK Arizona’s clinic and targets habilitation skills in a social group setting.

Scottsdale/Paradise YMCA Adventure Camp

Camp address:  6869 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ  85254

Phone: 480-951-9622 Fax: 480-951-9663 Web-site: valleyymca.org

Camp Director: Marcia Leach

Contact: Lori Vincent (602) 680-8250, lvincent@autismcenter.org

Full day camp; co-ed; general camp with inclusion

Age range: 5-13 years

The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) will be working with the YMCA to support individuals with an ASD at the Y’s Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix camps.  The focus of this program will be inclusion in summer camp activities and appropriate social engagement with peers.  Individuals with an ASD will have additional support as needed.

 

Scottsdale Unified School District Special Needs Camp

Camp Address:  10203 E. McDowell Mountain Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85255-8600

Mailing Address:  9313 N. 95^th Way, Scottsdale, AZ  85258

Phone:  480-484-8614 Fax: 480-484-8669 Website:  SUSD Community Schools

Camp Director: Veronica Leiper

Day camp.  Co-ed.  Special needs focused.  General camp with inclusion.

Age range:  6-12 years old (will take older students if appropriate.)

SUSD Special needs camp is a traditional camp experience with modifications for children with special needs.  These modifications include:  low teacher/student ratios with aides that provide a 4/1 ratio; individual profiles for each child to design individual programming to meet their needs; teacher and aide awareness and attention to sensory needs; and a facility that provides many options and resources to meet sensory needs.

SEPAC of Scottsdale is hosting a Summer Camp Expo! The programs presented are designed for and/or inclusive of children with Special Needs. Please come to this wonderful event! You do not have to be a student of SUSD to attend. ALL ARE WELCOME! Some of the programs that will be represented are: Camp Civitan, KEEN, SEEK, City of Scottsdale Teen Connection and many more!

Here is the information:
Sunday, March 21st
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Paradise Valley United Methodist Church
4455 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 85253

SEPACS is getting ready for our annual Summer Camp Fair for children with special needs.  If you are a camp, or if you know of a camp, please contact us.  We are looking for camps or summer programs that are for children with special needs of all types, or for any camps that are inclusive and can accommodate children with special needs.

If you have any information, please contact us, and we will contact the camps/summer programs to see if they are interested in attending our Camp Fair.  The Fair is free to participate in and attend.  Shauna Mattson 480-661-0471, shauna@sepacs.org.”

Please come to our next SEPACS Meeting.  This will be a most informative meeting and will be presented by Dr. Pamela Murphy.

 

Puberty, Sexuality and Social Awareness

In Children with Special Needs

Speaker: Dr. Pamela Murphy, Pediatrician

Join us as Dr. Murphy shares her insight and vast experience
with children and teens with special health care needs

Wednesday, April 22nd

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Mohave District Complex
Kachina Room

8505 E. Valley View Road, Scottsdale 85250-6768

 

Every child can succeed with positive direction and care.  This a wonderful opportunity to help prepare our young adults  for their lives after high school.  Register Now!

For more details, please visit the website for the conference:  www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html

Read below for the conference schedule.

Career Planning for Individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders
April 2-3, 2009

After several years of planning, Spectrum Training is delighted to announce that our two day Autism Career Planning conferences are now ready. After much dialogue with career planners, transition teachers, parents and other ASD concerned persons we planned these conferences to meet those specific, critical needs.
This high caliber career planning is the key to a successful future with positive long-term outcomes and is ESSENTIAL for:
* Career counselors, job developers/job coaches, rehab administrators, vocational coordinators
* Special education administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, case managers, therapists
* Students, parents, caregivers, young adults with ASD (16+)

Date and Location

April 2-3, 2009 Phoenix, AZ

Topic Schedule
Conference Schedule Day One:

Career Planning
A. Communication Skills in the Initial Interview
B. Interview Communication Graffiti Activity
C. Structuring the Interview Environment
D. Interview Structure Activity
E. Theory of Mind
F. Building the Career Portfolio
G. Career Portfolio Development Activity

Career Assessment
A. Creating the Evaluation Plan
B. Assessment Processes for Job Seekers With ASD
C. Skill/Interest Testing
D. Assessing Social/Communication Skills
E. Career Assessment Activity

Workplace Supports
A. Workplace Problems
B. Natural Support Development
C. Take Workplace Supports
D. Minnesota Work Adjustment Theory
E. Work Values Graffiti Activity

Conference Schedule Day Two:
Social Communication in the Workplace
A. Basic Self-Advocacy
B. Asking for Help Activity
C. Sins of the System Overview
D. Sins of the System Graffiti Activity
E. Courtesy Rule Card Activity
F. Social Skill Supports
G. Workplace Visuals Graffiti Activity
H. Workplace Social Story Make/Take

Implementing the Career Plan
A. Career Strategies in Action
B. Working with the Business Community
C. Final Wrap Up – Q & A Session

Presented by Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.

spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com

(920) 749-0332 

Come one, come all to a Special Needs Exercise class at Pump It Up!   The next session will be every Wednesday from 4-5pm starting on April 29th at the Pump It Up on Bell Rd.  The children will have a great opportunity to play and socialize,  as well as exercising too!  Please contact Laura Holgate at   480.451.6525 or 602.738.5457 or  holgatebl@q.com

She will be able to provide more details regarding the program as well as adding interested persons to the mailing list.

This is an addendum to the previous post for the Sports League for HFA/Asperger Kids. 

Here are the links for more information on the Sports League as well as  a link to obtaining registration forms.  Also find below flyer information on the Sports League.  If you have any further questions, please contact HFA Sports directly. 

hfasports@gmail.com

www.phoenixautism.com <http://www.phoenixautism.com/>

Registration packet is:
http://phoenixautism.com/Files/Sports_league_registration_packet.pdf

 

 

 

There’s a new team in town! 

 

Come join a new and different sports league 

for kids with HF Autism/Aspergers* and their siblings.  

Finally a game in town for THEM! * 

 

( *Grades K-12, Easy payment plans too, some families may be able to use DDD habilitation hrs) 

 

8 wks from April 9th-May 28th  ea. Thurs.  4-6 p.m. 

 

Scottsdale Bible Church Town Centre  

their air conditioned gym (East side of campus) 

7601 E Shea Blvd in Scottsdale 

 

    Sports program/goals: 

  1. Have a non competitive sports league where HFA/Asperger kids have fun   

   2. Gain expertise in sports to help them adapt successfully with others  

   3. Help with social skills/ dispute resolution while playing games/ sports 

   4. Work on improving  motor skills to accomplish sports 

   5. Improve self esteem by gaining proficiency 

   6. Make friends that understand and accept them 

  Get the complete registration packet two ways:       

 

1. email:   hfasports@gmail.com 

2. copy and paste this web address (exactly) – the packet is online: 

 

http://phoenixautism.com/Files/Sports_league_registration_packet.pdf 

sponsored by  

 

Phoenix HF Autism/Asperger Family Network 

www.phoenixautism.com      Email: hfautism@cox.net 

Come hear Joseph A. Gentry, Ph.D. from the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center “SARRC” talk about…

The FRIEND Playground Program

The FRIEND Playground Program is a school-wide social skills program for children who have trouble joining in activities on the playground, making friends and initiating play and conversation with peers appropriately. Learn about this program which is being implemented in several schools in the Phoenix area.

When: January 22, 2009

Where: Horizon High School Media Center

5601 E. Greenway Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Laura Bistrow, Director of Special Education for the Paradise Valley Unified School District, will be introducing Dr. Gentry.

RSVP: Allison Cahill, Special Education Committee Chairperson at aecahill@cox.net  

Presented by Paradise Valley United Parent Council’s Special Education Committee – www.PVUPC.org