| VIRGINIA ASANV is sponsoring this Watermine/water safety event again this year on August 3rd from 2-5 pm. The event is free, if you sign-up. Please send an email to executivedirector@ asanv.org with Watermine in the subject header with your name, phone and number of people attending. You will receive a confirmation email. When you arrive make sure to check in outside the park at our table to receive your passes. We will have Pavilion F reserved and there will be folks from Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Aquatics programs and the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund as well as information from the Red Cross Water Safety Program to provide you with resources. We hope you can come and have fun with us! Parents Of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA) Information and Support Group Meeting on Saturday, 16 August 2008 from 1 to 4:30 pm for our annual "Back to School" meeting for parents of children with autism in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). FCPS special education staff will present on the current status of the programs for our kids in the self-contained, non-categorical and mainstreamed classrooms for all the preschool through secondary grades. They include Becky Crissey, Preschool and Elementary Grade ABA Program Manager; Flo Bosch, Secondary Grades ABA Specialist; and possibly Tina Wilkerson, ABA Coach. There will time to discuss your options for your student with autism. This meeting will be at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA (http://www.jccnv.org). From the Capital Beltway (495), take exit 52A for Little River Turnpike West, also called Route 236 West. The JCCNV is located on the right-hand side, 1.5 miles west on Little River Turnpike, at the intersection of Guinea Road). We hope to see you at this meeting for a discussion on the enhanced autism programs within FCPS for the upcoming school year. FCPS is seeking students with autism to participate in their hands-on teacher training classes for preschool and elementary school grade students on: 5-8 August at Willow Springs Elementary School for elementary school grade teachers. If your child with autism is available for any of these time frames please fill out the appropriate attached file and send it to or contact Becky Crissey at 571 423-4110. Please be part of the process in getting better training for our FCPS teachers. Autism Awareness Night - Bowie Baysox Date: August 8, 2008 Time: 7:05 PM Location: Prince George's Stadium For every ticket purchased for that game, the Baysox will donate $2 to the organization of your choice. Orders must be placed with Lindsay Johnson - e-mail ljohnson@baysox.com or call 301.464.4853 to be eligible for the $2 donation. Also, ticket orders must be placed 48 hours prior to the game. The Sixth Annual OAR Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference is scheduled for October 24-25 in Arlington, VA. This year's conference will be another high-quality offering featuring keynote addresses by Dr. Ami Klin from the Yale Child Study Center, Dr. Joanne Gerenser from the Eden II programs, and Dr. Roy Richard Grinker, author of the book Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism. Tracks will include OAR Sponsored Research, Research into Effective Practice, Social Skills/Adaptive Behavior, and Life Outside the Classroom. I do believe that this year's roster of speakers is one of the best we have ever assembled and I am looking forward to a record turnout. Not only is this the only national autism conference focused solely on current research leading to evidence-based and effective intervention, at $125.00 for two full days it is among the least expensive. For more info, go to www.researchautism.orgnews/conference/index.asp. Please contact (703) 243-9710, toll free (866) 366-9710, or e-mail conference@researchautism. org for more information. PARENT PARTNER VOLUNTEER TRAINING Are you raising a child with special needs? Are you knowledgeable with and able to talk about your child’s disability? Do you feel ready to provide information and support to other parents with newly diagnosed children with similar disabilities, developmental delays or chronic illnesses? Then join us! Parent to Parent Telephone Matching Program A Program of The Arc of Virginia Family Involvement Project Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Time: 9:30AM – 11:30AM Location: Infant & Toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls Church, 3750 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. On the backside of the Joseph Willard Health Department, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/itc/ITC-FFC%20Map.pdf Free childcare available in our fun playroom! Reservations Required by Sept. 12 Contact: Andrea Adelmann, Family Resource Coordinator Infant & Toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls Church 3750 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030 Direct 703-246-5351, Fax 703-246-7307 andrea.adelmann@fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty. gov/service/ csb/ITC/itcmain. htm JSSA Announces Summer 2008 Maryland and Northern Virginia Child, Teen, Parent and Family Programs Children and Teen Workshops JSSA—Teen Therapy Group In this interactive therapy group, adolescent boys (ages 14-17) will use didactic and process-oriented strategies to develop and enhance skills for making and keeping friends, increasing self-esteem, improving social interactions, and managing negative feelings. Group meets on Mondays, June 23-August 25; 4:30-5:30 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD. Please call 301-816-2633 to register. Family and Parenting Programs NEW!!! JSSA—Autism Family Coordination Program JSSA’s Family Coordination Program provides support for the whole family (parents, siblings, and other family members) empowering them to make informed decisions and access needed services that maximize the quality of life, development potential, and functioning of their loved ones and the entire family as a unit. JSSA’s highly skilled professional staff, guided by a professional advisory committee of renowned local experts provide: identification and assessment of child and family needs; development of an integrated plan of care; service coordination; ongoing monitoring, support and advocacy; specialized counseling and support for parents and more. For further information, please call 301-816-2633. NEW!!! JSSA—Collaborating Couples Program JSSA’s new Collaborating Couples Program enables individuals, couples and families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, strengthen decision making and enhance intimacy. JSSA’s nonsectarian Collaborating Couples Program provides needed assistance through times of challenge and transition—before, during and after marriage. JSSA’s team of highly skilled clinical staff, specially trained in mediation and collaborative law and headed by Lori Gunner Kolle, LCSW-C, provides a broad range of tailored counseling, mediation, collaborative coaching and family services including: pre-marital, marital and divorce counseling; counseling for couples with special needs children; addressing issues of conflict, intimacy, faith/religion, finances and parenting; separation, divorce and children of divorce support groups and more. For further information, please call 301-816-2633. JSSA—Parents of Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome and Related Disorders This monthly group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources and balancing one's own needs with those of adult children with special needs. Group meets on Wednesdays, July 23 and August 27; 7:00-8:30 p.m. at JSSA, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, VA. Please call 703-204-9100 to register. This monthly group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources and balancing one's own needs with those of adult children with special needs. JSSA—Parents of Children with Asperger’s, Autism, PDD-NOS Share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks, and gain support. Two groups will be offered. No charge. Group meets on Monday, August 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Tuesday, August 5; 7:00-8:15 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD (both groups). Please register monthly: 301-610-8361. JSSA—Family Support Group In this ongoing monthly group, parents and family members of children with disabilities share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms and strategies for living for today and planning for the future. No charge. Group meets on Tuesday, August 19; 7:30-8:45 p.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: 301-610-8371. JSSA—Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for young adults diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or related disorders. This club provides social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment with guidance from professionally trained staff who work with participants on improving social skills and overall comfort in social situations. A variety of outings (including parties, bowling, dinners, miniature golf and museum tours) will be scheduled from June through December. For a schedule of events, costs and more information, please call 703-204-9100. JSSA—Support Group for Bereaved Parents Ongoing group for parents grieving the death of a young or young adult child. No charge. Group meets monthly at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Dates, times TBA. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2683. JSSA—Support Group for Newly Widowed Spouses Ongoing groups for those bereaved within the past year. Prospective members are requested to wait to join until 2 or 3 months have passed since the death. No charge. Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2658. JSSA—Support Group for People with Early Memory Problems This eight-session support group is designed for people who have been diagnosed with early memory problems. Discussion topics include: the causes of memory problems, how to cope with memory changes, and ways to improve relationships with family and friends. Make new friends and explore ways to keep life fun and healthy. Interested participants will meet with the group leader for a brief assessment before the group begins. Group meets on Tuesdays, July 8-September 2; 1:00-2:30 p.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Please call 301-816-2633 to register. JSSA—You and Your Aging Parents Monthly support group for adult children with aging parent issues: coping with illness, sandwich generation, balancing your own needs, worrying about frail parents living alone. Group meets at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Dates TBA; 7:30-9:00 p.m. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2634. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Groups JSSA—Support Group for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Grieving the Loss of a Parent This seven-session evening group is for deaf or hard of hearing adults ages 25+ who are grieving the death of a parent within the past two years. Limited to 8 participants. Group meets on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200. JSSA—Deaf Adults Support Group: Lifetime Relationships, Lifetime Lessons Support group for adults (ages 25+) to share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms, and strategies for improving relationships. This group will also focus on mental health issues affecting relationships. Learn how to live for today and plan for the future. Limited to 8 participants. Group meets on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200. About JSSA JSSA has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social, and physical challenges for more than 100 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. Our wide range of counseling, educational, in- home support, hospice and nursing care and social services assist over 15,000 people a year. 200 Wood Hill Road Rockville, Maryland 20850 Contact: Gary Axelrod, 301-610-8309, gaxelrod@jssa.org, www.jssa.org Fall Events at Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center 21197 St. Louis Road, Middleburg, VA 20117, www.goldendreamsriding.com Yee- Haw! It’s a Ho-Down! Break out your cowboy hat and boots for the Golden Dreams Hoe-down! Date: Sunday Sept. 7th Time: 1-3pm! Everyone is welcome. Come join us as we celebrate another year of riders, volunteers and donors. There will be a demonstration by our riders, food and music.So what are you waiting for Partn'r-put on your cowboy hat, or boots and shuffle down our way. Bring a friend and come join the music, food and fun! Community Day to celebrate you our neighbors! Come see what we've been up to on St. Louis Rd. Meet our riders, watch them ride and understand why we are proud to be a part of the "Middleburg Family!" Date: October 18, 2008 Time: Check our website for times. MARYLAND JSSA Announces Summer 2008 Maryland and Northern Virginia Child, Teen, Parent and Family Programs Children and Teen Workshops JSSA—Children of Divorce Through four interactive group sessions, children (ages 11-14) will learn that they are not alone in the divorce process. Art, role-playing, letter- writing, self-esteem exercises and verbalization of feelings provide the tools for them to remain hopeful and positive. Parents will meet separately for two sessions to learn how to identify distress signals and better help their children through this process. Group meets on Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28; 5:00-6:00 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD. Please call 301-816-2633 to register. JSSA—Teen Therapy Group In this interactive therapy group, adolescent boys (ages 14-17) will use didactic and process-oriented strategies to develop and enhance skills for making and keeping friends, increasing self-esteem, improving social interactions, and managing negative feelings. Group meets on Mondays, June 23-August 25; 4:30-5:30 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD. Please call 301-816-2633 to register. Family and Parenting Programs NEW!!! JSSA—Autism Family Coordination Program JSSA’s Family Coordination Program provides support for the whole family (parents, siblings, and other family members) empowering them to make informed decisions and access needed services that maximize the quality of life, development potential, and functioning of their loved ones and the entire family as a unit. JSSA’s highly skilled professional staff, guided by a professional advisory committee of renowned local experts provide: identification and assessment of child and family needs; development of an integrated plan of care; service coordination; ongoing monitoring, support and advocacy; specialized counseling and support for parents and more. For further information, please call 301-816-2633. NEW!!! JSSA—Collaborating Couples Program JSSA’s new Collaborating Couples Program enables individuals, couples and families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, strengthen decision making and enhance intimacy. JSSA’s nonsectarian Collaborating Couples Program provides needed assistance through times of challenge and transition—before, during and after marriage. JSSA’s team of highly skilled clinical staff, specially trained in mediation and collaborative law and headed by Lori Gunner Kolle, LCSW-C, provides a broad range of tailored counseling, mediation, collaborative coaching and family services including: pre-marital, marital and divorce counseling; counseling for couples with special needs children; addressing issues of conflict, intimacy, faith/religion, finances and parenting; separation, divorce and children of divorce support groups and more. For further information, please call 301-816-2633. JSSA—Parents of Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome and Related Disorders This monthly group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources and balancing one's own needs with those of adult children with special needs. Group meets on Wednesday, August 27; 7:00-8:30 p.m. at JSSA, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax. Please call 703-204-9100 to register. This monthly group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources and balancing one's own needs with those of adult children with special needs. JSSA—Parents of Children with Asperger’s, Autism, PDD-NOS Share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks, and gain support. Two groups will be offered. No charge. Group meets on Monday, August 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Tuesday, August 5; 7:00-8:15 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD (both groups). Please register monthly: 301-610-8361. JSSA—Family Support Group In this ongoing monthly group, parents and family members of children with disabilities share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms and strategies for living for today and planning for the future. No charge. Group meets on Tuesday, August 19; 7:30-8:45 p.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: 301-610-8371. JSSA—Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for young adults diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or related disorders. This club provides social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment with guidance from professionally trained staff who work with participants on improving social skills and overall comfort in social situations. A variety of outings (including parties, bowling, dinners, miniature golf and museum tours) will be scheduled from June through December. For a schedule of events, costs and more information, please call 703-204-9100. JSSA—Support Group for Bereaved Parents Ongoing group for parents grieving the death of a young or young adult child. No charge. Group meets monthly at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Dates, times TBA. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2683. JSSA—Support Group for Newly Widowed Spouses Ongoing groups for those bereaved within the past year. Prospective members are requested to wait to join until 2 or 3 months have passed since the death. No charge. Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2658. JSSA—Support Group for People with Early Memory Problems This eight-session support group is designed for people who have been diagnosed with early memory problems. Discussion topics include: the causes of memory problems, how to cope with memory changes, and ways to improve relationships with family and friends. Make new friends and explore ways to keep life fun and healthy. Interested participants will meet with the group leader for a brief assessment before the group begins. Group meets on Tuesdays, July 8-September 2; 1:00-2:30 p.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Please call 301-816-2633 to register. JSSA—You and Your Aging Parents Monthly support group for adult children with aging parent issues: coping with illness, sandwich generation, balancing your own needs, worrying about frail parents living alone. Group meets at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. Dates TBA; 7:30-9:00 p.m. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2634. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Groups JSSA—Support Group for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Grieving the Loss of a Parent This seven-session evening group is for deaf or hard of hearing adults ages 25+ who are grieving the death of a parent within the past two years. Limited to 8 participants. Group meets on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at JSSA, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD. Pre-registration required: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200. About JSSA JSSA has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social, and physical challenges for more than 100 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. Our wide range of counseling, educational, in- home support, hospice and nursing care and social services assist over 15,000 people a year. 200 Wood Hill Road Rockville, Maryland 20850 Contact: Gary Axelrod, 301-610-8309, gaxelrod@jssa.org, www.jssa.org Abilities Network Family Empowerment Network presents upcoming events: All Workshops are held at: 8503 LaSalle Road, Towson, Maryland, 21286, 410-828-7700, Toll-Free 1-800-492-2523 Contact: Kelly Dunning, 443-562-4772, kdunning@abilititesnetwork.org, www.abilitiesnetwork.org July 26 - August 1, 2008 Boundless: An Outward Bound Course for Youth with Epilepsy August 6, 2008 Summer Education Series: School Readiness: Preparation for Kindergarten August 13, 2008 Summer Education Series: Child Care: Early Intervention, Inclusion and Special Education October 23, 2008 Advances In Epilepsy Management: Challenging Issues and Challenging Populations [Abilities Network] Family Empowerment Network Invites your family to…. A Back to School Ice Cream Social Date: Saturday, August 16th 2008 Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm Location: Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723 Come celebrate the last few weeks of summer vacation and enjoy a good, old fashion, ice cream social. Meet new friends, maybe see some old friends. R.S.V.P. August 14, 2008 to Kelly Dunning at (443)562-4772 or e-mail kdunning@abilitiesnetwork.org, www.abilitiesnetwork.org The Family Empowerment Network creates opportunities for individuals and families to support each other and learn about resources that will help them to participate fully in their communities. This event is designed to provide fun for the whole family and an opportunity to meet and network with other families. August open house dates for the College Living Experience are scheduled for Fridays August 1st and 22nd from 10:00 am -12:00 noon. The College Living Experience is a support program for students with disabilities. To review our website, go to www.ExperienceCLE.com or contact Todd Kaudy, Admissions Coordinator at (240)399-4279 ext. 204. Local colleges and universities include Montgomery College , Johns Hopkins-Montgomery Campus, and Universities at Shady Grove-USG. ARE YOU A TEEN WITH HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM OR ASPERGER SYNDROME? DO YOU WANT HELP PREPARING FOR COLLEGE? What is this project? Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Supporting Transition in Vocation and Education (STRIVE) is an innovative, skill- building resource designed specifically for late adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 21 with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high functioning autism (HFA) as they transition from high school to postsecondary education or work. Three 90-minute STRIVE group sessions are being tested in July and August 2008 to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the curriculum and to gather feedback about its format and content. What will I have to do? If you participate in this evaluation, you will be asked to: Attend three 90-minute STRIVE sessions in a group with approximately eight other teens/young adults with HFA/AS. Complete a few brief surveys about your impressions of the program and your knowledge about how to make decisions concerning college and how to apply to college. When are the sessions? There will be two sets of three 90-minute sessions Group 1 will be held on July 17, 31, and August 14 at 7- 8:30 pm Group 2 will be held on July 24, August 7, and 21 at 7 – 8:30 pm Where will the sessions be held? Group 1 of the STRIVE sessions will be held in Silver Spring, MD. Group 2 will be held in Rockville, MD. Who is eligible to participate? Eligible participants include adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 21 with AS/HFA who are considering pursuing postsecondary education (college, university, vocational/trade school, etc.). Will I get anything for participating? Participants will receive $75 total for their participation ($25 per session). How do I sign up? Contact Tina Thomas (240) 645-1121 or tthomas@danya.com to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact us today if you are interested in participating! A MOVIE OPPORTUNITY FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS! What? Space Chimps Three NASA chimps are sent to a galaxy far, far away. Two chimps have 'The Right Stuff,' and the other, a good natured goofball, has 'The Wrong Stuff.' Together all three find themselves on a strange, uncharted planet, where they embark on a fantastical journey to save its inhabitants from a tyrannical leader. Movie is rated G. When? Saturday August 2 at 9:30 am Where? AMC Theatres Columbia Mall Purchase tickets at the door. Tickets are $6/person Doors open at 8:45. Movie will start promptly at 9:30 with no trailers. The volume will be kept down and the lights will be kept up. Sensory breaks are encouraged. All families and friends with special needs are welcome. Please note: AMC has extended its apologies for the glitches at the July movie. The new general manager is fully committed to ensuring that things run smoothly for subsequent movie showings. Presented by: The Howard County Autism Society and AMC Columbia 14 www.howard-autism.org WASHINGTON, DC Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities In partnership with Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. Spring Leadership Training Sessions The Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GU-UCEDD) will conduct training activities for Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN). A list of relevant resources will be developed and disseminated for each training session, to include web sites, organizations, community agencies, etc. Training Locations: Male Caregivers Advocacy Support Groups (MCAS) Date: (Third Wednesdays) Time: 7 p.m. Location: Martin Luther King Outreach Center (MLK), 2124 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, SE, Washington, DC HSC Pediatric Center (HSC) Date: (Third Saturdays) Time: 11 a.m. Location: 1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE, Washington, DC Parents Advocate Leaders (PALS) Date: (Third Saturdays) District of Columbia Autism Society of America and AMC Loews Georgetown 14 present A MOVIE OPPORTUNITY FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS for families with special needs who seek a sensory- friendly movie experience of "Space Chimps". When a $5 billion NASA probe disappears into an intergalactic wormhole, the agency recruits Ham III, grandson of the first chimpanzee in space, to help retrieve the wayward craft. But Ham is a free-spirited circus performer more interested in zero-gravity hijinks than living up to his illustrious heritage. The simian slacker becomes a reluctant hero and learns the true meaning of courage as he and his crewmates, the fearless Lt. Luna and their uptight commander, Titan, risk everything in an effort to save the peaceful inhabitants of a distant planet from the evil dictator Zartog. Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008 Location: AMC Loews Georgetown 14, 3111 K Street N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Purchase tickets at the door. Tickets are $6/person. Doors open at 9am. Movie will start promptly at 9:30 with no trailers. Lights and sound will be adjusted and sensory breaks are encouraged. Mark your calendars for more movies in our sensory-friendly movie series. Central Parking right next door to the theatre. Cost: $7 for four hours with validation from theatre. |
UPCOMING EVENTS
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