It's Who We Are...It's What We Do!!
|
|
|
We are a family directed resource center for all individuals with disabilities and their families.
Providing information, referral, and support through a network of services and assistance throughout Region 7.
Serving: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster Parishes
|
|
|
To Any Special Needs Parent Who’s Having One of Those Days
By Autism Speaks staff Kerry Magro
Dear Parent,
I know some days are tough. You are beaten down. Your child is having a meltdown. Your teenager is having challenges at school and your young adult is desperately trying to be placed in a job or find somewhere to live.
No matter what the obstacle is, we’ve all been there, special need parent or not. We want to run away at times because we wonder to ourselves, “Will it get better? CAN it get better?" Your son can’t be bathed because of the texture of the water. Your daughter hasn’t said her first word and she’s just turning four years old.
The spectrum of disability is so wide and with each individual diagnosed comes some struggle for that individual's parents.
It’s a struggle that I’ve never had to deal with from the parent side of the spectrum, but as someone who helps talk parents through these challenging times, I often tell them about my own personal journey...
My journey began 23 years ago when I was diagnosed with autism. For me, between sensory issues, emotional challenges, motor delays, cognitive issues, not speaking for the first three years of my life, being scared to show affection to my loved ones with the fear of going into overload, my parents definitely had THOSE days while trying to help me succeed.
It can be really easy to tell yourself it’s something that YOU did. To say that YOU are not doing everything you can to help your child.
When that time comes though I want you to take a second…and pause.
You see everything in life is not always black and white. Not all of us are going to be math geniuses (i.e. Rain Man) and some will need more help than others along the way. My own personal journey has taken me from one side of the spectrum, where nothing seemed possible for my future, to a point where I could graduate from college, get a full time job and now speak professionally about growing up with autism.
My personal advice is to take those little successes as they come and cherish each and every day you are blessed enough to have with your loved ones. If you need to scream every once in a while, do it...Cry along the way too. Sometimes, more than anything, we need to remember we’re human…
And that’s okay…
Regardless of where the road takes you, travel it by knowing that we’ve all been through our own challenges in life. Hope is coming. It may not be today or tomorrow, but as long as we have “community,” we will never be alone. Learn to embrace the stories of those around you and live a life where we can pick each other up in our times of need.
After you’re done reading this and the next time one of THOSE days hits you right in your face, I hope that you remember one thing. Whether your child is able to tell you or not…
You’re making a difference…
|
|
Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals, and maybe even a new school! In order to help you and your child with special needs be as successful as you can be, we've put together a list of eight helpful back-to-school tips that we hope will make the transition into a new school year a little easier for you and your child.
Organize all that paperwork
In the world of special education, there are lots of meetings, paperwork, and documentation to keep track of. Try to keep a family calendar of school events, special education meetings, conferences, etc. Setting up a binder or folder to keep your child's special education documentation, meeting notices and IEPs in sequential order can also help you stay organized.
Start a communication log
Keeping track
of all phone calls, e-mails, notes home, meetings, and conferences is important. Create a "communication log" for yourself in a notebook that is easily accessible. Be sure to note the dates, times, and nature of the communications you have.
Review your child's current IEP
The
IEP
is the cornerstone of your child's educational program, so it's important that you have a clear understanding of it. Note when the IEP expires and if your child is up for reevaluation this year. Most importantly, be sure that this IEP still "fits" your child's needs! If you're unsure, contact the school about holding an IEP review meeting.
Relieve back-to-school jitters
Just talking about the upcoming year and changes can help reduce some of that back-to-school anxiety! Talk to your child about exciting new classes, activities, and events that they can participate in during the new school year. If attending a new school, try to schedule a visit before the first day. With older students, it is sometimes helpful to explain the services and accommodations in their IEP so that they know what to expect when school begins.
Keep everyone informed
It's important that
routine
that will happen once school starts. You can even begin practicing your new schedule, focusing on morning and evening routines, and begin implementing them well in advance of the first day of school.
Stay up-to-date on special education news
Being knowledgeable about your child's IEP and their disability can help you become a better
advocate
for your child. Try to keep up-to-date on new special education legislation, news, and events. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to navigate the world of special education and successfully advocate for your child!
Attend school events
Take advantage of
Open House
,
Back-to-School Night
, and
parent-teacher conferences
to help you and your child get a feel for the school and meet the teachers, other staff, students, and families. Share the positives about working with your child, and let the teacher know about changes, events, or IEP concerns that should be considered for children in special education.
**For more information about starting the year off right, please contact Comeaka King at (318)226-4541/877-226-4541 or email her at
cjames@fhfregion7.com
.
|
Face Mask Available
Families Helping Families Region 7 has FREE face mask available. If you have a disability, caregiver of an individual with a disability, elderly, or have a preexisting health condition and in need of face masks please give us a call at 318-226-4541 during business hours to schedule a pick-up time. Let’s stay safe and fight the spread of COVID together.
|
IEP Facilitation - Webinar
The webinar is to inform/educate individuals and their families with disabilities, school districts, and professionals: What/who is an IEP Facilitator, How to request an IEP Facilitation, Can a district deny an IEP Facilitation, and What is the process if district denies an IEP Facilitator.
Registration Link
|
|
What is the Northwest Louisiana Human Services District
Developmental Disabilities Division?
|
The Northwest Louisiana Human Services District
provides Mental Health, Addictive Disorder and Developmental Disability Services to the residents of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster Parishes.
For Developmental Disability Services the disability must:
- Be present before the age of 22
- Likely continue indefinitely
- Cause substantial limitations in three or more of the following seven areas:
* Self-Care
* Mobility
* Language
* Self-Direction
* Learning * Capacity for Independent Living
* Economic Self Sufficiency (for persons 18 and older)
Some of the conditions that may result in a developmental disability are:
*Intellectual Disabilities
* Spina Bifida
* Cerebral Palsy
*Down Syndrome
*Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder
*Prader-Willi
*Autism
*Traumatic Brain Injury
NLHSD-DD OFFERS:
Flexible Family Fund
Individual and Family Support
Residential Placement
Supports Waiver (SW)
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
Children’s Choice Waiver (CC)
Referral and Intake
Anyone in the community can make a referral to the regional Human Services District office. For example, a parent, teacher, doctor or other professionals can call the local office at 318-741-7455, or stop by in person to
3018 Old Minden Rd., Ste. 1211, Bossier City, LA 71111.
For more information about NWLAHSD call Comeaka King at Families Helping Families Region 7 at (318)226-4541/877-226-4541 or email her at
cjames@fhfregion7.com
.
|
News From EarlySteps
EarlySteps is transitioning home/community-based service delivery to the
exclusive use of teletherapy, effective March 24, 2020
and will continue as long as necessary, to ensure the health and safety of early interventionists and families.
If families’ income has been affected by this COVID19 event, please contact your Family Service Coordinator to discuss options for Family Cost Participation.
Divine Case Management
318-683-3553
Shoulders of Strength
318-848-7143
Even though the State of Louisiana entered into Phase 2 of the re-opening plan EarlySteps will continue the use of teletherapy. The first 3 years of life is a critical time for your baby’s development. EarlySteps is still accepting referrals for families’ of children birth to three that may be experiencing a developmental delay or who have a qualifying medical diagnosis. Referrals can be made by anyone; a parent, family friend, relative, or a doctor.
If you have concerns about your child’s development call for a referral today.
System Point of Entry (SPOE)
318.226.8038
EarlySteps Community Outreach Specialist (COS), Monica Stampley
318.588.7225
|
Options for Special Education Dispute Resolutions Webinar
This webinar will examine the dispute resolution options for children with exceptionalities, and identify some of the most common/frequent dispute issues. Participants should be able to navigate through the dispute process better, specifically by using some of the less adversarial dispute options.
Registration Link:
|
|
Families Helping Families Region 7 Parent Support Group
|
Raising a special needs child can be stressful at times. Having others around to talk to and share your experience with can be a great way to reduce stress. Parents and family members of children with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to come, share, and learn with other parents. Our parent support group meets once a month at different locations around the city.
Please contact Monica Stampley at (318)226-4541/877-226-4541 or email her at
monica.stampley@la.gov
to find out more information about meeting location and time.
|
Shop at AmazonSmiles and giveback to Families Helping Families Region 7
Support Families Helping Families Region 7 by starting your shopping at
smile.amazon.com
.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know and love. Same products, same prices, and same services.
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Families Helping Families Region7 whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
|
Krogers Neighbor to Neighbor Donation Program
Families Helping Families Region 7 is proud to announce their participation in the Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Donation Program. If you shop at Kroger and use a KrogerPlus Card this is an easy and fast way to donate money to Families Helping Families Region 7 without coming out of your pocket. Kroger will donate money Families Helping Families Region 7 every time you use your card.
You must have a registered KrogerPlus card account to link to FHF Region 7. If you do not have a KrogerPlus Card, cards are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger. If you are a new online customers, you must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.
You can sign up for a Kroger Community Rewards Account by entering your zip code, clicking on favorite store, enter your email address, create a password, and agree to the terms and conditions.
·You will get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
·You will click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
·You will click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
·You will update or confirm your information.
· You will enter our
NPO number AW522
or our
name Families Helping Families Region 7
, or select
Families Helping Families Region 7
from list and click on confirm.
To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see Families Helping Families Region 7 name on the right side of your information page.
REMEMBER, purchases will not count for Families Helping Families Region 7 until after member(s) register
their card(s).
LET THE DONATING BEGIN!!
|
|
What is Hanging with Friends?
|
Hanging with Friends aka HWF is Families Helping Families support group for self-advocates over the age of 18. Hanging with Friends was birthed out of the idea that all people should have friends as well as being active and included in their community.
HWF meets monthly to have fun, meet new people, and participant in community activities. Some activities include bowling night, movie night, eating out at local restaurants, community festivals, and holiday celebrations plus much more.
As a group we are serious about self-advocacy issues, but we also want to make you laugh and feel good about life. Join us to celebrate the strengths of self-advocates.
Most of all, let’s work together to help people live the life they want with the support they need.
All HWF activities can be found on our Facebook page or you can contact Comeaka King at 318-226-4541/877-226-4541 for location and time.
|
Encouraging Child Learning in Everyday Activities
Intentionally including, or “embedding,” learning opportunities in everyday activities at home or in your community is one way you can help your child learn new things. Embedding learning opportunities in everyday activities involves identifying what you want your child to learn, selecting the everyday activities that provide opportunities to learn things, and using brief “teaching” sessions with your child to help him or her become a more capable participant in his or her daily life.
Planning and Using Embedded Learning Opportunities
• Start by watching your child while he is involved in activities at home or in your community. Notice the things he already does when involved in the activities and think about what new behavior would be useful for doing things without help in the activities. Choose things your child could learn that would help him participate better in everyday activities.
• Think about the activities and routines you and your child do at home (e.g., play activities, looking at books, mealtime, etc.) and in your community (e.g., running errands, going on a walk, etc.). Identify the activities that naturally would provide opportunities for your child to learn new behavior. Plan to embed learning opportunities in the activities that could be of interest to your child.
• Give your child plenty of opportunities to be involved in the activities you selected. Arrange toys, materials, and other things in the activities in ways that would encourage her to do the new behavior. For example, putting a favorite toy within your child’s sight but slightly out of reach would encourage her to do something to request the toy.
• Pay attention to your child while participating in the activities. Help your child stay involved in the activity by joining what he is doing and by taking turns with him. When your child shows interest in an object or action, help him know to use the new behavior. Use a cue like pointing to what you want your child to do and asking him to use the behavior (e.g., pointing to a picture in a book and naming the object in the picture).
• Help your child be successful doing the new behavior. Show her how to do the behavior or physically help her do it. Draw your child’s attention to what you want her to do by pointing to or tapping an appropriate object. Wait long enough so that your child has enough time to try doing the new behavior. Give her only as much help as needed. As your child learns the behavior, provide less and less help.
• When your child tries doing the new behavior, respond positively to his attempts. Praise your child, let your child have the toy or material that is interesting to him, or provide for continued participation in the activity. Give your child lots of opportunities in different activities throughout the day to use the new behavior.
You’ll know the practice is working when…
• Your child stays involved for longer periods of time in activities at home and in the community.
• Your child does new things while involved in home and community activities.
• Your child is more able to do things without help while participating in activities at home and in the community.
This practice guide is based upon the following DEC Recommended Practices: Instruction 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 The DEC Recommended Practices are available at http://dec-sped.org/recommendedpractices Access this practice guide and other products at http://ectacenter.org/decrp Copyright © 2018 ECTA Center
|
|
A Message From Your LaCAN Leader Mimi Rankin Webb
|
March 29, 2020
A Tribute to Chair April Dunn
July 6, 1986 - March 28, 2020
It is with great sadness that the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council announces the passing of our Chair, April Dunn. She was an incredibly strong advocate for people with disabilities and dedicated Chair. The Council is forever grateful for her beautiful life and disability work; it is without a doubt that her legacy will remain within the disability community long after her passing. As the Council and the state of Louisiana both mourn her passing and celebrate her impactful life, we ask that you keep her mother, Joanette, and grandmother, Gloria, in your thoughts and prayers. Below are expressions of April's life and legacy from Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Incoming Council Chair Randall Brown.
Governor John Bel Edwards:
Today with deep sadness, I announce the passing of 33-year old April Dunn, who succumbed to complications from COVID-19. April was a dedicated staff member who served in the Governor's Office of Disabilities Affairs and a tireless advocate for people with disabilities.
On behalf of First Lady Donna Edwards and my entire administration, it is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our dear April. She brightened everyone's day with her smile, was a tremendous asset to our team and an inspiration to everyone who met her. She lived her life to the fullest and improved the lives of countless Louisianans with disabilities. April worked hard as an advocate for herself and other members of the disability community.
She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, and when I created the State As A Model Employer Taskforce, April told me how much she wanted to be part of it because of her struggles to find meaningful employment. I was proud to have an advocate like April on the task force and on my staff. She set a great example for how other businesses could make their workforce more inclusive. I ask the entire state to join us in prayer for April's mother Joanette and her grandmother Gloria.
Incoming Council Chair Randall Brown:
Once in a great while a person crosses your path that just by knowing them you are made a better person for the experience. In my case and in the case of Louisiana's entire disability community that person was April Dunn. A tireless advocate who saw injustices and wanted to set them right not tomorrow, not some day in the future but right now!
She taught me to see not a policy or a law but the people behind it...the people who needed it. She also taught me the value and joy of unconditional love.
She always asked me how I was as soon as we would meet to begin our work together before EVERY meeting, and in four years there have been many. She always asked how my family was. When I told her my boss had cancer she would always ask how was he doing? She knew your birthday, from memory, and would say I hope you have a good one, every year. When she looked at you the love in her eyes was as visible as the sun in sky.
She was a person who didn't simply love. She was the living personification of it. It poured out of her every day, everywhere she went. She had every reason to dislike me, in the past year, and I wouldn't blame her if she had, but you know what? She chose to love me harder and my love for her grew too.
The Council we serve put us together as their leadership team. It's a gift I am most grateful for tonight. To serve with and under her was a great joy and privilege that will forever be etched in my heart and mind as one of the best lessons in leadership and love I will ever know.
Tonight our hearts are broken, and we must mourn her loss, our loss, but every time we work together, every time we choose to love each other, especially when it's not easy to do, every time we fight for what's right for the voiceless April will be there. And tonight that is the only true comfort many of us have.
Madam Chair, good and faithful friend, Louisiana and her people are better because you lived. Rest well, and watch over us. Job well done. Life was better with you in it for us all. Coronavirus took your body but will never take your legacy or your love. God bless and keep you forever in the peace that only he can give.
Love always, your vice chair and fortunate friend...
Randall
This session, Representative James filed HB848 which stated that Act 833 which provides for alternative pathways for grade level promotion and graduation of certain special education students, shall be known and may be cited as the "April Dunn Act" which did pass becoming Act 1 in honor of April Dunn.
To see all of the bills that the Council tracked this session as well as their current status,
CLICK HERE
.
This session was very different from any other one we've had with the pandemic and all of the changes. We found ourselves unable to advocate in person safely, so the Council got together with LaCAN and we held a virtual disability rights day to share our situations with our policymakers and to thank them for understanding how important and integral the funding for all of our services are. You can see the footage
HERE
if you missed it.
Watch your emails for future LaCAN updates as we begin planning our member meeting for either late July or early August to begin working on the issues for next session. Our meetings will most likely be via ZOOM being that in-person activities are still currently suspended due to Covid-19. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe!
Remember, if you are not yet a LaCAN member you can always
CLICK HERE
to join so you can stay updated on ALL the issues and goings on!
I hope to see you at our meetings, soon! And remember, you can always reach me at any time via email if you need to talk:
mwebb@lacanadvocates.org
.
|
|
215 Bobbie St. Ste. 100
Bossier City, La. 71112
|
|
Board of Directors:
Aundrea Emerson - Chair/Parent, Kimberly Graham - Secretary, Michael Gould - Treasurer/Parent, and Shawanda Lee - Board Member
Board Meeting are held the last Monday of the month from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at our center or via ZOOM. Dates are subject to change. Please call our office to confirm meeting dates and location prior to attending.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
