Linkages Spring 2010 Edition
Linkages is a newsletter for professionals who work with children who have ongoing health conditions or disabilities
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any resource or website in Linkages does not imply endorsement.
| Volume 16, No. 2 |
Spring 2010 |
In This Month's Newsletter: Health Reform, Summer Recreational Opportunities, Professional Education and Resources
- Health Care Reform - Summary and Timeline
- Recreational Opportunities for Children/Youth with Behavioral and Emotional Challenges
- Keeping Children with Special Needs Safe at Home
- Online Education and Training Videos
- Starting Point and Guia para Padres Resource Guides Updated
- Online Story Network for Families
- Help Us Better Serve Families By Circulating the Information Needs Survey
Health Care Reform - Summary and Timeline
Questions about health care reform, but don’t want to read through hundreds of pages? Here are three useful summaries to scan for quick information and timelines on all aspects of the legislation including public health programs, access, educational programs, insurance reforms, Medicaid, quality improvement, tax reform, prescriptions, prevention and wellness, workforce issues and more.
- American Association of Maternal Child Health Programs' (AMCHP) What Health Reform Means for Maternal Child Health
- Kaiser Family Foundation Summary of the New Health Reform Law
- Kaiser Family Foundation Health Reform Implementation Timeline
Recreational Opportunities for Children/Youth with Behavioral and Emotional Challenges
With the approach of summer, families may be looking for recreational opportunities especially for their child/youth with behavioral or emotional challenges. In addition to the Center for Children with Special Needs online summer camp directory, the list below lists opportunities parents might explore. The inclusion or exclusion of any recreational opportunity on this list does not imply endorsement or disapproval.
Western Washington
AdventureSome
AdventureSome offers fun and challenging outdoors experiences for children with special needs. Contact Jonathan Wood via email or call (206) 634-9439.
Aim High
Aim High is a Seattle-based child home day care program dedicated to serving the needs of school-aged children on the autism spectrum. For more information, email Marya Laviste or call (206) 417-8357.
APPLE Summer Programs for Children and Youth on the Autism Spectrum PALS! Peer Groups Summer 2010 July 12 – Aug 6
Topics include:
- Inclusion Preparation
- Social Skills
- Friend Groups Educational Services for Autism Spectrum & Related Disorders.
Telephone 206-437-5412 or 425-765-5761, email, or visit their website.
Aspiring Youth Summer Program
The Aspiring Youth Summer Program (formerly Ryther Outdoor Leadership Program) is comprised of three camps: Explorers (ages 9-12) two week camps-$950; Teen Crew (ages13-17) four week camps-$1900; Delphi Summer Internship (ages 18-24) two week internships-$700. All three camps combine service-learning, team building and fun activities to create a memorable summer experience that accelerates personal and social growth. Contact Ben Wahl, MSW, at (206) 517-0222 or email, or visit their website.
Blue Compass Summer Adventure Camp for Teens with ADHD and Autism Spectrum
Blue Compass helps teens with Autism, Asperger’s and ADHD learn to face some of their greatest challenges in a fun, adventurous and safe environment. For details, visit their website.
Camp Korey—Special Session for Children/Youth with More Severe Autism
Camp Korey is a non-profit organization in Carnation, WA that provides therapeutic recreation to children and families affected by life-altering conditions and diagnoses. As part of the Hole in Wall Family of Camps, founded by Paul Newman in 1988, their mission is to provide camping experiences for children with complex health care needs.
This summer, Camp Korey will partner with the Seattle Children’s Autism Center to offer a 5-day overnight summer camp session for children aged 7 – 17 who are affected by autism (August 23-27, 2010). This session will focus in particular on children, more severely affected by autism, who have been unable to enjoy the joy of summer camp and recreation experiences due to the severity of their condition. This is the first year they will offer such a program, and will recruit children through a nomination process by staff at Seattle Children’s Autism Center and the University of Washington Autism Center. Our medical and program staff will carefully review camper applications to ensure the proper fit before offering a camper space during the Camp Korey session. For questions telephone Hillary Carey at 425-844-3225.
Community Care Summer Camp for Children/Youth with Behavioral and Mental Health Challenges
Community Care has two recreation facilities in West Seattle that provide a therapeutic day camp during school holiday and summer breaks for children needing specialized care due to behavioral difficulties. The camp is designed for children with behavioral issues, mental health diagnoses, developmental disabilities, or for those in special education. The camp features fun, physical, and therapeutic activities in a recreation space and in the greater West Seattle community. Staffed by trained Behavior Specialists, the camp is open for children ages 6-18 (or those still enrolled in school) who live in King and Pierce County. Camp runs during holiday, mid-Winter, Spring and Summer Break, and transportation is available.
Northwest’s Child
Northwest’s Child is a Seattle-based year-round program for children age 8-21 years with moderate to severe special needs while their parents are at work and when school is not in session. Eligible for childcare subsidies; located at 85th N just north of Greenlake. For more information please call Darcy at (206) 526-2493, email, or visit their website.
Outdoors for All (formerly SkiForAll)
Outdoors for All provides year round instruction and equipment in a variety of sports for people with physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities and their families. For a complete list of activities, visit the website, contact (206) 838-6030, or email a request.
Playgarden Kids Camp
This is a summer program distinguished by their staff to child ratio capped at 1:3, certified special educators and therapists experienced working with children with special needs. Located at 1740-23rd Ave South, Seattle, 98114. Contact Liz Bullard at (206) 227-5458, email, or visit their website.
Recreational Program for People with Special Needs
A new program has started at the YMCA in SeaTac. Created to bring together youth and young adults with and without disabilities, this weekly class will present a variety of recreational activities for participants to explore. Ranging from sports and games to Zumba and fitness or cooking classes. 3595 South 188th Street, SeaTac, Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 PM. Call Matt Griffin at (206) 244-5880 for information.
Recreation Respite Program
FEAT of Washington has begun a South Sound Super Saturday Program at the Evergreen Primary School in University Place. Parents need to pre-register their children, ages 5-12. The program is designed as respite for parents for three hours per month. Children on the autism spectrum or similarly aged neurotypical siblings can be dropped off at 9am and picked up by noon. Phone Ruth Burks at (253) 232-4493 or email to participate
Wee Lil Friends Daycare
Located in Auburn, Wee Lil Friends is child care in a daycare setting. Care provided by Kelly Roach, mother of a young child with high functioning autism and experience with special needs children. Call (253) 852-2454 for more information.
Youth Advancement through Music and Art (YATMA)
YATMA offers one-on-one and small group instruction in music and art to help students learn positive communication and build self-esteem. Contact (206) 523-9167 or visit their website for more information.
Central and Eastern Washington
C.A.S.T. for Kids Programs
Free of charge. Sponsored by C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, located in various regions throughout Washington, serving children 6-18 years. Camp Description:
- Pre-register for a morning of fishing on a boat
- Receive a rod, reel, tackle box, t-shirt and hat that are yours to keep
- Learn angling techniques and environmental stewardship
- Learn skills to maintain a lifelong outdoor hobby
Contact Ashley Kaiser at (425) 251-3202 or e-mail.
Camp Prime Time
Free of charge. Sponsored by Prime Time, Inc. Located in Central Washington at Clear Lake near White Pass Ski Resort, serving children of all ages. Camp Description:
- For families who have children suffering from serious illness or various disabilities
- A volunteer supported, recreational camping facilities
- Camper families come from everywhere in the northwest
- Cabins and lodge can hold 100 campers
- Activities include boat rides, horseback riding, accesible treehouse, fishing, playground, and hiking
Contact Diane Eilmes by phone at (509) 248-2854 or e-mail.
Camp Stand By Me Family Camp and Camp Stand By Me Weekend Respite Program
All ages camp and/or respite weekend located in Vaughn, Washington (Central Washington), sponsored by Easter Seals Washington. Camp Description (costs $150/person or $500/family):
- Great activities in which all family members will be able to fully participate
- Enjoy spending time and relaxing together
- Parents take time to sit, relax, and socialize with other parents while our staff lead activities with your kids
Weekend Respite Camp Description (costs $200):
- Weekend respite camps provide camping opportunities for individuals with disabilities all year long while giving parents a much needed break
- Campers participate in traditional camp activities as well as seasonal favorties
- Weekends begin Friday at 6:30 p.m. and end Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Contact Ellen Stone by phone at (253) 884-2722 or e-mail.
Camp Sweyolakan "You Bet I Can!" Day Camp or Overnight Camp
Located in Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for ages 6-12 years, $225/week, sponsored by Camp Fire USA Inland Northwest Council. Camp Description:
- Build skills, try different activities, gain self-esteem in an outdoor environment by focusing on what you CAN do
- Differently-abled youth mainstreamed into camping activities based on different age and ability
- Activities may include: hiking, singing, crafts, archery, swimming, fishing, outdoor skills and cooking, nature and boating
- Transportation route included
- Prescreening required
Contact Peggy Clark by phone at (509) 747-6191 ext 10 or (800) 386-2324 ext 10 or e-mail.
Funshine Day Camp
For school age children, costs $109/week, sponsored by City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, located in Spokane’s Mission Park. Camp Description:
- Activities include water, games, music, field trips, crafts and sports
- Monday-Friday from 10am-3:30pm
- 1:4 ratio. Respite workers are encouraged to come if campers need extra assistance
- Family respite money from DDD accepted
Contact Alice Busch by phone at (509) 625-6245 or e-mail.
Keeping Children with Special Needs Safe at Home
Safe Kids and the MetLife Foundation partnered to create a series of safety videos highlighting how families can take precautions at home to keep children with special needs safe. The videos offer information on fire and burn prevention, drowning, choking and falls prevention. Viewers learn safety guidelines and step-by-step instructions geared toward making safety improvements in the home. Learn ways to prevent injuries to children with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities.
Online Education and Training Videos
View pediatric nursing videos when it works for you! Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs and the Washington Department of Health partner to support the Health Consultation Program which includes a free online video library of diverse educational and training videos for health professionals who serve children with ongoing health conditions. Watch videos presented by faculty from Seattle Children’s Hospital, sharing evidence-based practice reviews and case study discussions of pediatric nursing practice. Recent additions to the library include:
- The Ins and Outs of Infant/Pediatric Transports
- Closed Head Injury/New Guidelines
- Bladder Health: Dysfunctional Voiding-Tools for Families
- Communication Strategies That Impact Quality and Safety of Care
- Drug Affected Infants
- Nourishing a Lifestyle Approach to Weight Management for Kids, Teens and Families from Seattle Children’s Obesity Action Team (COAT)
Upcoming conferences available through Seattle Children’s Outreach Education:
- May 12: Children with Autism: Promoting Independence and Readiness to Learn
- May 22: Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery Conference for Health Providers
Videos from the conference will be posted on the online video library. For more conference information, please visit Seattle Children's Education Calendar at a Glance.
Starting Point and Guia para Padres Resource Guides Updated
Starting Point and Guia para Padres 2010 now available! If children and youth you care for have complex health needs, Starting Point may be the perfect resource to assist their families. Updated 2010-11 editions include information about numerous agencies and organizations throughout Washington State that serve children with special health care needs. The guides include tips from parents on how to get help. Guia para Padres is a guide to services and information for Spanish-speaking families.
How to find Starting Point and Guia para Padres:
- Call Seattle Children’s Resource Line at 1-866-987-2500 or 206-987-2500.
- PDF copies available on our website's Download Forms and Documents page.
- For bulk copies contact Patty Centioli.
Online Story Network for Families
Spring and especially summer are perfect times to take a moment and be inspired by online stories and poems written by families who have a child or youth with an ongoing health condition. The Story Network on CSHCN.org is an online community for sharing positive stories of living well with an ongoing health condition. Submissions are reviewed by a Parent Review Group who themselves have children or youth with special health care needs. Sit back, tour the “stories”, and encourage families you know to jot down their own short stories and poems. The Story Network is an ever-changing tapestry of great spirit and ideas.
Help Us Better Serve Families by Circulating the Information Needs Survey
What type of information do your families who have a child or youth with an ongoing health condition need? The Center for Children with Special Needs and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Children with Special Health Care Needs would like to hear from families who have a child or youth with an ongoing health condition about family information needs.
Please help us spread the word by emailing and tell your families to share their suggestions at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SS389QC. The Center and DOH will use the survey findings to plan programs and web-based informational content.
Produced by the Center for Children with Special Needs, a program of Seattle Children’s with support from the Washington State Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program.