Exceptional Family Resource Center



[pic]

Community Connections November 9, 2012

The Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) provides services to families of children with disabilities/special needs across the life span and the professionals who assist in providing support. It is EFRC’s goal to provide emotional support and empower families with information and resources to improve life outcomes related to education, health, employment, life skills and community inclusion.

EFRC Staff

EFRC family support staff are peer-parent mentors (parents of children with disabilities or special needs) who have completed formal training on family support dynamics, communication skills, health/education services, public benefits, local, state and national resources, and system navigation.

EFRC Services

Accessing EFRC services is simple and affordable (no cost). Contact us via the toll free phone line at 800.281.8252, or . Our experienced and skilled family support staff will assist you with your specific need, provide customized resources and/or refer you to the appropriate agency that may provide services which will benefit your child or family.

EFRC offers family centered services which underscore parent choice, confidentiality and collaboration. Through local, state and federal partnerships and projects, EFRC remains current on relevant legislation, research, policy and practice impacting the families we serve.

EFRC Project Highlight

EFRC is one of fourteen Family Empowerment Centers in California. FECs provide services to families of children with disabilities who are between the ages of 3 and 22 to ensure that parents, guardians, and families of children and young adults with disabilities have access to accurate information, specialized training, and peer-to peer support. EFRC is part of a statewide council that coordinates and promotes local, state and national system change and advocacy efforts. Read the Family Empowerment Centers on Disability Fact Sheet for more information.

EFRC/DSA FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS:

11/09/12 Grupo de apoyo – National City 9:30am – 11:30am

11/13/12 Down Syndrome Support – Oceanside 6:00pm – 8:00pm

11/14/12 Grupo de apoyo - Imperial 10:00am – 2:00pm

11/15/12 Down Syndrome Support – Imperial County 11:00 – 1:00pm

11/15/12 Down Syndrome Support – Central San Diego 6:30pm a 8:30pm

11/15/12 Apoyo Síndrome de Down - San Diego Central 6:30pm a 8:30pm

12/10/12 Grupo de apoyo autismo – Chula Vista 6:00pm – 8:00pm

A detailed listing of all local Support Groups can be found at

Check Out the EFRC Community Calendar

for up-to-date information on local, state and national events, workshops, conferences, webinars, etc. at

Viernes 7 de diciembre del 2012: 9:30am a 1130am National City

De blanco y negro a colores: Entendiendo la depresión

Para más información por favor comuníquese con Laura Cervantes, del Centro de Recursos para Familias Excepcionales: (619) 470-5227.

Save the Dates:

February 1, 2013: Wright's Law Conference

The San Diego Autism Society will present a one-day conference by Pete Wright, Esq. at the Catamaran Resort and Spa on Mission Bay.  Mr. Wright is an attorney who represents children with special needs, and is a recognized expert in his field. He has argued before the Supreme Court of the United States. Learn more about Special Education Law, Rights and Responsibilities, Tests and Measurements, Smart IEP's, and an introduction to Tactics and Strategies for Effective Advocacy. Target audience: Parents and caregivers of any child with an IEP, special education teachers and district administrators who seek a better understanding of IDEA and how this legislation affects students receiving special education services.

Conference Details l Register Online l Scholarship Details.

March 23, 2013: 2013 Involved Exceptional Parents’ Day Conference

“Strength in Partnerships: Building Stronger Relationships in the Home and Community”

Join us for the 30 Year Anniversary Celebration at the Handlery Hotel. First held in 1983, Involved Exceptional Parents’ Day (IEP Day) continues to play a vital role in the San Diego County special needs community. The conference was originally launched by San Diego Unified School District, Parent Facilitators, whose goal was to create the first and only forum of its kind for learning and support for families of children with disabilities and/or special needs. Now in its 30th year, a committee of parents and 15 professional agencies carry on the tradition of providing parent and student resources, learning opportunities, and hope. Visit or View the Save the Date flyer

--------------------------------------------------------

HEALTH:

Healthy Families Program Transition to Medi-Cal

Assembly Bill 1494 provides for the transition of Healthy Families Program (HFP) subscribers to the Medi-Cal program to start phasing in on January 1, 2013. HFP, administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB), currently serves over 863,000 children with health, dental, and vision coverage. Children enrolled in the HFP will be transitioned into the Medi-Cal program, administered by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), where they will continue to receive their health, dental, and vision benefits. Read Details

Children with neurologic disorders

A disproportionately high number of children with neurologic disorders died from influenza-related complications during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a study by scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report in the journal Pediatrics underscores the importance of influenza vaccination to protect children with neurologic disorders. CDC is joining with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Families Fighting Flu and Family Voices to spread the message about the importance of influenza vaccination and treatment in these children. READ MORE

Sleep Apnea in Kids

New Guidelines released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The AAP recommends kids who snore should be evaluated for sleep apnea.

READ ARTICLE

--------------------------------------------------------

RESOURCES:

The new YMCA CRS newsletter highlights “Disaster Preparedness in Your Child Care Program”. Read at



Independent Living Services

Xcite Steps Adults has been approved for Independent Living Services funding through Regional Center. Families interested in this service will have the opportunity to receive the high quality service and personalized approach that Xcite Steps is known for. By switching to XciteSteps, you will have access to adult social, recreational and fitness clubs, and job development programs. Contact Drew at drew@.

Rental Medical Equipment for Visitors

Special Care is a long time San Diego medical equipment company that has partnered with the San Diego International Airport to supply rental medical equipment to people during their stay in San Diego.  They also offer FAA approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators for in flight use and can ship them to the traveler's point of origin anywhere in the United States (for use in flights to any destination). Call Special Care Travel Program at (800)794-4076 or visit .

Learning Early, Adventures in Parenting Workshops

Healthy Development Services LEAP (Learning Early, Adventures in Parenting) Workshops are offered as a four week series at no-cost in English and Spanish at Community Locations throughout the North Inland San Diego area. Developmental Screening is provided to all children. Child watch and transportation assistance are available. Parents call 877-504-2299 to Register. Palomar Health Developmental Services, 975 S Andreasen Dr, Escondido, CA  92029. 760-796-6873. View Details.

Self Advocacy website

The Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC) at The University of Minnesota and The Arc have partnered to support an innovative website specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to help them advocate for themselves and take charge of their lives. Self-Advocacy Online is a content rich, accessible online educational and networking tool developed by the RTC and promoted by The Arc.

New Dads Resource in San Diego

Basic Training for New Dads (BTND) is a San Diego-based class for expectant and new fathers in which the teachers are fathers with their newborn children. BTND is two separate “guy-friendly” classes, each targeting the different questions that dads-to-be and new dads tend to have. The classes are “dads-only,” and dads can choose to take part in one or both classes.

New Autism Support Group

Empowering Autism Now! San Diego Young Adult Group. Make new friends, discuss issues that relate to young adults, and have fun with other people on the autism spectrum! Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Access to Independence, 8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 131, San Diego, CA 92108. Please RSVP at valeriechiappone@ or call (619) 750-8231 for more information.

Low Cost Hearing Aid Resources

Read our newly updated list of low cost hearing aid resources.

myadmin/files/Low%20Cost%20Hearing%20Aid%20Resources.doc

Deaf-Blind Resources

Children who are Deaf-Blind (a federal category for disabilities) there is this wonderful resource for them and their parents! Please circulate it far and wide! Please note that every child in CA who is DB needs to be referred to the CA DB Association.

Preventing Abuse

“Risk reduction” is another term used to describe activities or actions one could do to reduce the risk of abuse of people with developmental disabilities. What can each individual with a disability and their family members do to reduce the risk that abuse will take place? Read about abuse education at



California Medicaid Facts for Kids

Medicaid is a critical health care program for millions of low-income children and children with special health care needs, covering 32 million children nationwide. To see why Medicaid is important to kids, view a California fact sheet on Medicaid and kids from the American Academy of Pediatricians and The Children's Hospital Association at

Young Life Capernaum

Young Life Capernaum gives young people with mental and physical disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities. Begun in San Jose, Calif., in 1986, Young Life Capernaum Ministries is a program of Young Life especially for kids and young adults with disabilities. View short video clip of San Diego area program.

Work Incentive Seminars

Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security benefits?

If you are interested in learning about the Ticket to Work Program or Work Incentives, you can attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar.

WISE webinars are online events held for beneficiaries to learn about the Ticket to Work Program and available Work Incentives through accessible learning opportunities. WISE webinars are hosted on the fourth Wednesday of each month.



--------------------------------------------------------

COMMUNITY INPUT REQUESTED:

Autism Insurance Survey

Area Board XIII - Office of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities has a face-to-face meeting with the Department of Managed Health Care scheduled for next week and they are going to use the opportunity to talk about what families are experiencing statewide. In order to do that, they need to hear from you! Please take a moment to respond to this brief online survey if you and your family have had challenges in receiving ABA services through your health insurance plan.

2012 Voting Experience Survey

The National Council on Disability (NCD), in collaboration with the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and EIN SOF Communications, Inc., wants to hear about people with disabilities voting experiences during the 2012 General Election. Through a brief, open-ended questionnaire, NCD and our partners are collecting information about voter’s experiences, including any physical, attitudinal, or other barriers they may have faced when attempting to exercise their constitutional right to vote. They will issue a report based on the findings of the questionnaire in early 2013.

. 

Online Survey of Mothers who are Disabled

Are you a mother with a physical disability? Do you have at least one child 3 years of age or younger? Through the Looking Glass and The National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families is conducting a national survey of mothers with physical disabilities who have at least one child 36 months of age or younger.   You must be 18 years of age or older.   Eligible participants who complete the survey will have a chance to win a $250 gift certificate.  The Deadline for completing the survey is DECEMBER 17, 2012. For details, call 800-644-2666, visit or email survey@. Survey link: . If you prefer, you can request a survey be mailed to you.

--------------------------------------------------------

EDUCATION:

Crisis! Emergency! Help!

Every day, Wrightslaw receives dozens of emails from parents (and teachers) that begin with the word Help! Most parents do not need an attorney - they need a plan. In the most recent issue of the Special Ed Advocate you will learn how to handle a parent-school crisis, what to do if you think your child's rights have been violated, and how to avoid power struggles with the school. You may damage your child's case by reacting emotionally, acting impulsively, or believing you must DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW! “Crisis Management - Step by Step” is written by Pete and Pam Wright for parents who are in crisis. It is a "must read" for parents who want to avoid a crisis.

--------------------------------------------------------

RECREATION:

Camp CaHiTo

Don't Miss Out on Camp Fire Thanksgiving Camp in Balboa Park for children ages 3 – 18 years. Wholesome and fun camp experiences are what make Camp CaHiTo one of the most popular camps around. Activities include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, games, sports and more. For more information contact info@ or call 619-291-8985. Register Now and Save $5 Off Each Session (enter Coupon code: Gobble12 - offer expires 11/14/12). View details at

-----------------------------------------------

FORWARD TO A FRIEND

Exceptional Family Resource Center

efrc@projects.sdsu.edu



800-281-8252

Exceptional Family Resource Center does not promote or recommend any therapy, treatment, institution, etc. and does not espouse any particular political, educational or religious views. Inclusion of information or resources does not necessarily imply promotion or recommendation by EFRC. Content is provided for informational purposes only.

El Centro de Recursos para Familias Excepcionales no promueve o recomienda ningún tipo de terapia, tratamiento, institución, etc. y no está ligado a ningún tipo de opinión de  partidos políticos en  particular, educativos o religiosos.  La información incluída o recursos, no necesariamente implican promoción o recomendación por medio de la agencia EFRC.

Text:

Exceptional Family Resource Center

Community Connections

November 9, 2012

The Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) provides services to families of children with disabilities/special needs across the life span and the professionals who assist in providing support. It is EFRC’s goal to provide emotional support and empower families with information and resources to improve life outcomes related to education, health, employment, life skills and community inclusion.

EFRC Staff

EFRC family support staff are peer-parent mentors (parents of children with disabilities or special needs) who have completed formal training on family support dynamics, communication skills, health/education services, public benefits, local, state and national resources, and system navigation.

EFRC Services

Accessing EFRC services is simple and affordable (no cost). Contact us via the toll free phone line at 800.281.8252, or . Our experienced and skilled family support staff will assist you with your specific need, provide customized resources and/or refer you to the appropriate agency that may provide services which will benefit your child or family.

EFRC offers family centered services which underscore parent choice, confidentiality and collaboration. Through local, state and federal partnerships and projects, EFRC remains current on relevant legislation, research, policy and practice impacting the families we serve.

EFRC Project Highlight

EFRC is one of fourteen Family Empowerment Centers in California. FECs provide services to families of children with disabilities who are between the ages of 3 and 22 to ensure that parents, guardians, and families of children and young adults with disabilities have access to accurate information, specialized training, and peer-to peer support. EFRC is part of a statewide council that coordinates and promotes local, state and national system change and advocacy efforts. Read the Family Empowerment Centers on Disability Fact Sheet for more information at

EFRC/DSA FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS:

11/09/12 Grupo de apoyo – National City 9:30am – 11:30am

11/13/12 Down Syndrome Support – Oceanside 6:00pm – 8:00pm

11/14/12 Grupo de apoyo - Imperial 10:00am – 2:00pm

11/15/12 Down Syndrome Support – Imperial County 11:00 – 1:00pm

11/15/12 Down Syndrome Support – Central San Diego 6:30pm a 8:30pm

11/15/12 Apoyo Síndrome de Down - San Diego Central 6:30pm a 8:30pm

12/10/12 Grupo de apoyo autismo – Chula Vista 6:00pm – 8:00pm

A detailed listing of all local Support Groups can be found at

Check Out the EFRC Community Calendar

for up-to-date information on local, state and national events, workshops, conferences, webinars, etc. at

Viernes 7 de diciembre del 2012: 9:30am a 1130am National City

De blanco y negro a colores: Entendiendo la depresión

Para más información por favor comuníquese con Laura Cervantes, del Centro de Recursos para Familias Excepcionales: (619) 470-5227.



Save the Dates:

February 1, 2013: Wright's Law Conference

The San Diego Autism Society will present a one-day conference by Pete Wright, Esq. at the Catamaran Resort and Spa on Mission Bay.  Mr. Wright is an attorney who represents children with special needs, and is a recognized expert in his field. He has argued before the Supreme Court of the United States. Learn more about Special Education Law, Rights and Responsibilities, Tests and Measurements, Smart IEP's, and an introduction to Tactics and Strategies for Effective Advocacy. Target audience: Parents and caregivers of any child with an IEP, special education teachers and district administrators who seek a better understanding of IDEA and how this legislation affects students receiving special education services.

Register Online



Scholarship Details



March 23, 2013: 2013 Involved Exceptional Parents’ Day Conference

“Strength in Partnerships: Building Stronger Relationships in the Home and Community”

Join us for the 30 Year Anniversary Celebration at the Handlery Hotel. First held in 1983, Involved Exceptional Parents’ Day (IEP Day) continues to play a vital role in the San Diego County special needs community. The conference was originally launched by San Diego Unified School District, Parent Facilitators, whose goal was to create the first and only forum of its kind for learning and support for families of children with disabilities and/or special needs. Now in its 30th year, a committee of parents and 15 professional agencies carry on the tradition of providing parent and student resources, learning opportunities, and hope. Visit or View the Save the Date flyer at

--------------------------------------------------------

HEALTH:

Healthy Families Program Transition to Medi-Cal

Assembly Bill 1494 provides for the transition of Healthy Families Program (HFP) subscribers to the Medi-Cal program to start phasing in on January 1, 2013. HFP, administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB), currently serves over 863,000 children with health, dental, and vision coverage. Children enrolled in the HFP will be transitioned into the Medi-Cal program, administered by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), where they will continue to receive their health, dental, and vision benefits.

Children with neurologic disorders

A disproportionately high number of children with neurologic disorders died from influenza-related complications during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a study by scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report in the journal Pediatrics underscores the importance of influenza vaccination to protect children with neurologic disorders. CDC is joining with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Families Fighting Flu and Family Voices to spread the message about the importance of influenza vaccination and treatment in these children. READ MORE at

Sleep Apnea in Kids

New Guidelines released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The AAP recommends kids who snore should be evaluated for sleep apnea.

READ ARTICLE at

--------------------------------------------------------

RESOURCES:

The new YMCA CRS newsletter highlights “Disaster Preparedness in Your Child Care Program”. Read at



Independent Living Services

Xcite Steps Adults has been approved for Independent Living Services funding through Regional Center. Families interested in this service will have the opportunity to receive the high quality service and personalized approach that Xcite Steps is known for. By switching to XciteSteps, you will have access to adult social, recreational and fitness clubs, and job development programs. Contact Drew at drew@.

Rental Medical Equipment for Visitors

Special Care is a long time San Diego medical equipment company that has partnered with the San Diego International Airport to supply rental medical equipment to people during their stay in San Diego.  They also offer FAA approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators for in flight use and can ship them to the traveler's point of origin anywhere in the United States (for use in flights to any destination). Call Special Care Travel Program at (800)794-4076 or visit .

Learning Early, Adventures in Parenting Workshops

Healthy Development Services LEAP (Learning Early, Adventures in Parenting) Workshops are offered as a four week series at no-cost in English and Spanish at Community Locations throughout the North Inland San Diego area. Developmental Screening is provided to all children. Child watch and transportation assistance are available. Parents call 877-504-2299 to Register. Palomar Health Developmental Services, 975 S Andreasen Dr, Escondido, CA  92029. 760-796-6873. View Details at



Self Advocacy website

The Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC) at The University of Minnesota and The Arc have partnered to support an innovative website specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to help them advocate for themselves and take charge of their lives. Self-Advocacy Online is a content rich, accessible online educational and networking tool developed by the RTC and promoted by The Arc.

New Dads Resource in San Diego

Basic Training for New Dads (BTND) is a San Diego-based class for expectant and new fathers in which the teachers are fathers with their newborn children. BTND is two separate “guy-friendly” classes, each targeting the different questions that dads-to-be and new dads tend to have. The classes are “dads-only,” and dads can choose to take part in one or both classes.

New Autism Support Group

Empowering Autism Now! San Diego Young Adult Group. Make new friends, discuss issues that relate to young adults, and have fun with other people on the autism spectrum! Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Access to Independence, 8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 131, San Diego, CA 92108. Please RSVP at valeriechiappone@ or call (619) 750-8231 for more information.

Low Cost Hearing Aid Resources

Read our newly updated list of low cost hearing aid resources.

myadmin/files/Low%20Cost%20Hearing%20Aid%20Resources.doc

Deaf-Blind Resources

Children who are Deaf-Blind (a federal category for disabilities) there is this wonderful resource for them and their parents! Please circulate it far and wide! Please note that every child in CA who is DB needs to be referred to the CA DB Association.

Preventing Abuse

“Risk reduction” is another term used to describe activities or actions one could do to reduce the risk of abuse of people with developmental disabilities. What can each individual with a disability and their family members do to reduce the risk that abuse will take place? Read about abuse education at



California Medicaid Facts for Kids

Medicaid is a critical health care program for millions of low-income children and children with special health care needs, covering 32 million children nationwide. To see why Medicaid is important to kids, view a California fact sheet on Medicaid and kids from the American Academy of Pediatricians and The Children's Hospital Association at

Young Life Capernaum

Young Life Capernaum gives young people with mental and physical disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities. Begun in San Jose, Calif., in 1986, Young Life Capernaum Ministries is a program of Young Life especially for kids and young adults with disabilities. View a short video clip of the San Diego area program at .

Work Incentive Seminars

Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security benefits?

If you are interested in learning about the Ticket to Work Program or Work Incentives, you can attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar.

WISE webinars are online events held for beneficiaries to learn about the Ticket to Work Program and available Work Incentives through accessible learning opportunities. WISE webinars are hosted on the fourth Wednesday of each month.



--------------------------------------------------------

COMMUNITY INPUT REQUESTED:

Autism Insurance Survey

Area Board XIII - Office of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities has a face-to-face meeting with the Department of Managed Health Care scheduled for next week and they are going to use the opportunity to talk about what families are experiencing statewide. In order to do that, they need to hear from you! Please take a moment to respond to this brief online survey if you and your family have had challenges in receiving ABA services through your health insurance plan.

2012 Voting Experience Survey

The National Council on Disability (NCD), in collaboration with the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and EIN SOF Communications, Inc., wants to hear about people with disabilities voting experiences during the 2012 General Election. Through a brief, open-ended questionnaire, NCD and our partners are collecting information about voter’s experiences, including any physical, attitudinal, or other barriers they may have faced when attempting to exercise their constitutional right to vote. They will issue a report based on the findings of the questionnaire in early 2013.

. 

Online Survey of Mothers who are Disabled

Are you a mother with a physical disability? Do you have at least one child 3 years of age or younger? Through the Looking Glass and The National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families is conducting a national survey of mothers with physical disabilities who have at least one child 36 months of age or younger.   You must be 18 years of age or older.   Eligible participants who complete the survey will have a chance to win a $250 gift certificate.  The Deadline for completing the survey is DECEMBER 17, 2012. For details, call 800-644-2666, visit or email survey@. Survey link: . If you prefer, you can request a survey be mailed to you.

--------------------------------------------------------

EDUCATION:

Crisis! Emergency! Help!

Every day, Wrightslaw receives dozens of emails from parents (and teachers) that begin with the word Help! Most parents do not need an attorney - they need a plan. In the most recent issue of Special Ed Advocate [] you will learn how to handle a parent-school crisis, what to do if you think your child's rights have been violated, and how to avoid power struggles with the school. You may damage your child's case by reacting emotionally, acting impulsively, or believing you must DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW! “Crisis Management - Step by Step” is written by Pete and Pam Wright for parents who are in crisis. It is a "must read" for parents who want to avoid a crisis []

--------------------------------------------------------

RECREATION:

Camp CaHiTo

Don't Miss Out on Camp Fire Thanksgiving Camp in Balboa Park for children ages 3 – 18 years. Wholesome and fun camp experiences are what make Camp CaHiTo one of the most popular camps around. Activities include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, games, sports and more. For more information contact info@ or call 619-291-8985. Register Now and Save $5 Off Each Session (enter Coupon code: Gobble12 - offer expires 11/14/12). View details at

-----------------------------------------------

FORWARD TO A FRIEND at



Exceptional Family Resource Center

efrc@projects.sdsu.edu.



800-281-8252

Exceptional Family Resource Center does not promote or recommend any

therapy, treatment, institution, etc. and does not espouse any particular political,

educational or religious views. Inclusion of information or resources does not

necessarily imply promotion or recommendation by EFRC.

Content is provided for informational purposes only.

El Centro de Recursos para Familias Excepcionales no promueve o recomienda ningún tipo de terapia, tratamiento, institución, etc. y no está ligado a ningún tipo de opinión de partidos políticos en particular, educativos o religiosos. La información incluída o recursos, no necesariamente implican promoción o recomendación por medio de la agencia EFRC.

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