Summer Fun Play Dates—Mark Your Calendar

Support, Resources and Information for Special Needs Families in Island County

June 2018 ISLAND COUNTY PARENT TO Tiffany Wheeler- PARENT NEWSLETTER Thompson (360)632-7539 Summer Fun Play Dates—Mark Your Calendar

 Movie Fun: Incredibles II Monday, June 25th Time to be determined The movie comes out June 15th and Oak Harbor theater have not released their times. We would like to go June 25th. Time will be determined once we receive confirmation from the Oak Harbor Theater. Ticket Prices: $11 Adults, Children (3-11): $8.75, Child Matinee: $8, Military: $9.75, Matinee (before 4:30 pm): $9

 Fort Nugent Park Picnic in the Park Monday, July 2nd FREE! Noon-2pm 2075 SW Fort Nugent Ave, *Oak Harbor’s Castle Park* Bring your own picnic and enjoy the outdoors. This park is not enclosed but not near any streets.

 Bowling Fun Wednesday, July 11th 2:30-4:30 RSVP Great fun for all ages and all abilities. $2.25 per game, $2.50 shoe rental. Don’t forget to sign up for “Kids Bowl Free” to get 2 free games everyday during the summer. www.kidsbowlfree.org

 South Whidbey Community Park Picnic in the Park Tuesday, July 24th FREE! Noon-2pm 5495 Maxwelton Road, Langley *Langley’s Castle Park* Bring your own picnic and enjoy the outdoors. There are nearby baseball fields, trails and skate park.

 Bouncin’ - Bounce House Tuesday, August 7th 1:00pm-4:00pm (or longer) 390 NE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor $10 per person jumping (wear socks) Waiver will need to be signed by adult.

 Outdoor Swimming Monday, August 20th Noon-2pm (or longer) Camp Casey Pool is an outdoor pool. There is a shallow pool and a deep pool. Lifeguards on duty at all times. If there is a storm/lightening, they close down the pool. $5 per swimmer, under 3 free. You can bring your own food. Don’t forget the sunscreen. 276 Engle Road, Coupeville. Near the ferry.

 Parent to Parent End of Summer BBQ Sunday, August 19th FREE! Noon-2pm We had great fun last year, we hope you can make it this year. BBQ, Playground, Baseball, open fields for fun. Great way to end the summer. Rhododendron Park, Coupeville.

Always check your email or our Facebook Page for updates, especially for outdoor events. Events are subject to change or cancellation. To RSVP or if you have any questions, contact Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson (360)632-7539 [email protected]

Page 2 Sensory Friendly and Family Activities

Seattle Pacific Science Center: Exploration for All: Autism Early Open. On the second Saturday of each month, through December, all families affected by autism spectrum disorder are invited to explore Pacific Science Center during a special FREE morning visit from 8:oo- 10:00am.– before we open to the general public. Experiences our exhibits without heavy crowds when we have softened general lighting and decreased the noise level and visual stimulation on interactive exhibits wherever possible. June 9, July 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8 Please call to verify dates and times. (206)443-2001

AMC Sensory Friendly Films. Want to experience a family movie without worrying about what others might be thinking or saying about your kiddo that can’t sit still, or isn’t quiet. AMC Sensory Friendly Films are made just for you. You will be surrounded with families just like you. Kiddos are encouraged to sing along, move around and enjoy. Limited previews, dimmed lights and sound turned down for our sensory kiddos. They now offer family movies as well as older viewer movies. Cascade Mall Theater—Mount Vernon Show- times are 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10:00am and 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7:00pm Dates & films are subject to change. Call ahead to verify (360)707-2727 www.amctheaters.com/sff Upcoming scheduled movies: rated R and family films available. Deadpool 2 (May 22), Show Dogs (May 26), Solo: Star Wars (June 9 & 12), Incredibles 2 (June 23), Jurassic World (June 26), Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 10 & 14), Mama Mia (July 24), Hotel Transylvania 3 (July 23)

Children’s Museum of Skagit County This is not a special needs event but is family friendly. OPEN DAILY Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun- day 12:00pm-5:00pm Plus: Toddler Tuesday 8:30am-10:00am Cascade Mall Bur- lington Admission: $6.25 per person /12 months and younger are free! CALL: (360) 757-8888 Community Free Day: Second Tuesday of every month

Kids Bowl For Free

Registered Kids Receive 2 FREE GAMES Of Bowling Every Day All Summer Long, Valued At Over $500 Per Child! Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Sign up now! Oak Bowl & Convergence Zone are participating. Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations. www.kidsbowlfree.com June 2018 Page 3

There is still time to sign up for camp. Great directory through the Chil- dren with Special Health Care Needs website. http://cshcn.org/pdf/ summer-camp-directory.pdf How to Find a Summer Camp or Pro- gram: You can search the camp directory by any individual characteristic or multiple characteristics. Search by region, condition, or month – or all three. Most camps accepts IFS Waiver funds for payment. Call your DDA Case manager to see if you or the camp qualifies.

Washington State Father’s Network Camp Out - Father’s Day Weekend Friday, June 15, 4pm – Sunday, June 17, 12pm, Washington Park, Anacortes, WA Join us for our annual Father's Day Campout. As the event gets closer more information will be sent to our mailing list and posted on our website. Contact Louis Mendoza, 425-653-4286 or Lou- [email protected] for questions or information. Come for the weekend or just the day. Great way to meet other families. You do not need to be a father or have a father in the picture. All family members are welcome to enjoy the weekend with others in our state. County DD Coordinator, Mike Etzell, has attended several times over the years. He is a great resource for questions (360)678-7883

5 Special Accessible Vacation Spots Smugglers’ Notch Resort, VT. This resort is hailed as America’s Family Resort. They offer a host of activities for everyone including scheduled “Special Vacation Spots” activities and a wealth of both indoor and outdoor recreational options. The Smugglers Notch Adaptive Program (SNAP) offers nineadaptive ad- We’ve put together a list of seven special accessible vacation spots for venture activities including swimming, hiking, horseback riding, ca- families whose children have special needs. With noeing/kayaking and wall climbing. They also offer an inclu- these resources, you’ll be able to plan your getaway sion program in their daily children’s programs to help inte- and get ready to travel. There are many fun family grate children with special needs into group activities. The vacation options waiting for you and your family. resort is open year round and has adaptive indoor and out- Enjoy planning your getaway. Parenting Special door recreational activities and adventures specific to each Needs Magazine season. www.smuggs.com

Splore, Moab and Salt Lake City, UT This not-for- Shared Adventures, Santa Cruz, CA. This is a non-profit profit organization is focused on adventure and inclu- organization with a variety of programs throughout the year sion. Splore is open all year round and activities vary depending on the for children and adults with special needs. In July they host an annual season, but include snowshoeing, rafting, horseback riding, rock/wall Day on the Beach which offers adaptive or assisted kayaking, outrigger climbing and canoeing to name a few. They offer scholarships to those canoeing, scuba diving, and beach wheelchair rides. The day is replete with financial need. Their mission is to bring together people of varying with live music, entertainment and free food. Their web site contains an abilities for adventures that empower them to connect with Utahs great Accessibility Guide to Santa Cruz for special needs accommodations in outdoors and experience the dignity of risk. The Office of Tourism re- the area. www.sharedadventures.org leasedAccessible Utah, a guide to places and activities for travelers with special needs.www.splore.org Park City Mountain Resort, UT. This resort works with the National Ability Center to make adaptive skiing and tubing a whole family experi- Winter Park Resort, CO This family friendly resort has lots of activities ence. They have trained instructors, specialized equipment and offer for people of all ages and abilities including scenic chairlift rides, snowcat snowboard and ski lessons for people with any type of disability. All in- and snowshoe tours, ice skating, NASTAR racing and free guided moun- structors are specially trained in the adaptive techniques of 3-track, 4- tain tours. They offer a variety of different adaptive lessons including track, mono-ski, bi-ski, guiding skiers who are blind, and teaching people skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, etc. They also offer a service that allows with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The revamped lift, with your child to go with a trained volunteer for the day on a support/push rubber and wood platform, enables tubers to sit on their tubes on the ski outing (adaptive skiing, riding on a ski sled and more) and/or take lift. www.visitparkcity.com them to the kids club for the day. www.winterparkresort.com

Summer Time Fun & Recreation

Special Olympics of Washington http://specialolympicswashington.org/ Olympics programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities who love sports and want the challenge of competing with their peers. The programs run year round offering competition in several sports. The goal is to provide a physical fitness with an emphasis on sportsmanship, friendships, and FUN!

South Whidbey Coordinator –Mike Etzell (360)678-7883 (Basketball)

North Whidbey Coordinator – Chris Becker (360)320-2549 [email protected] (Bowling, Basketball, Track, Cycling, Soccer Skills) Stanwood Regional Coordinator - Punkie Doyle [email protected]

Challenger Division Baseball: North Whidbey Little League offers special needs baseball (T-Ball rules for all abilities) but waivers available for south end families. Ages 5-21 experience the joys of baseball. Learn the fundamentals at your own pace. Baseball season has already started but you can swing by and check it out every Friday at 5:30 at Windjammer Park. Call Erin (Team Mom) for more info: (360)682-6151

Washington State Park Discover Pass http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/131/Exemptions Did you know foster parents, disabled veterans, seniors with limited income and people with permanent DISABILITIES can apply for FREE passes to use our beautiful state parks system? More info at: https://parks.state.wa.us/205/Passes Disability placards or license plates- The Department of Licens- ing issues Washington state disability permits and license plates, and holders of these are exempt from needing the Discover Pass on State Parks lands. Washington State Parks offers passes that reduce or waive camping, moorage, watercraft launch fees and day use for limited income senior citizens, disabled veterans, foster parents and people with disabilities. Qualified individuals may apply for more than one type of pass, although only one pass may be used at a time. These passes are valid only at Washington state parks. Holders of these permits and plates will need the Discover Pass to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR. Free WA State Park Days include: New Year’s Day, Mar- tin Luther King, Jr. Day,, March 19 — State Park’s 105th birthday, Earth Day, June 2 — National Trails Day, Aug. 25 — National Park Service 102st Birthday, National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day, Autumn day

ADA Access: Accessing Washington’s Outdoors for Persons with Disabilities www.wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/ Washington State is recognized for its wide array of outdoor recreational activities and wildlife. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) encourages all persons with a disability to experience recreation in Washington's wonderful outdoors. Numerous opportunities are offered for hunters and anglers with disabilities through legislative mandates, statues, and poli- cies complying with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We have Trustland Trails, which is ADA Compliant. Trustland Trails located is near the intersection of Hwy 525 & Craw Rd Fishing License www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/disability_apps.html The following are eligible for a combination fishing license (fresh water, salt water, and shellfish) and/or hunting license(s) at a discounted rate. Resident who permanently uses a wheelchair as certified by the doctor, blind or visually impaired, developmental disability as determined by DSHS authority or physicians signature.

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm Access Pass for free admission to National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for U. S. Citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities The pass may be obtained in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail using the application form on their website

The Center for Children with Special Needs Summer Camp Directory (206) 987-3736 http://cshcn.org/resources-contacts/summer-camp-directory The Summer Camp Directory for Children with Special Healthcare Needs is available in an interactive online version or you can download the PDF version. The online version has the most current information. Over 90 Camps available for the 2018 Summer Season. There is still time for some of the camps. Don’t delay.

Art as a Way Carol Way Art Therapist (360)730-1135 Art classes and Workshops. Teaching life skills through art. DDA respite funds accepted. [email protected]

South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District (360)221-5484 Offers a variety of sports, events & activities through out the year.

Oak Harbor - Senior Center/Camano Center Offers support, resources and a variety of classes and events throughout the year. At Island Senior Resources, we help seniors and adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers sustain their independence, dignity, resilience, and the ability to thrive. Some of the sites offer the Time Together Program. The Time Together Adult Day Program is a home away from home for adults and seniors who are isolated or have cognitive or physical disabilities. Participants enjoy a social, fun, engaging program that is designed for everyone to experience “successful moments” in a comfortable and safe environ- ment. All staff and volunteers are trained in Positive Approach to Care. We serve residents of Island County: Camano (360) 387-0222 Anacortes (360)293-7473 OH (360)279-4580 S Whidbey (360)321-1600 You may be eligible for financial support through Respite, COPES or DDA contact Mel Watson and arrange a time to come and visit the program. Mel’s contact information is phone 360-321-1623 and email [email protected].

Skagit Adult Day Programs (360)293-4466 Anacortes Gentry House, (360)755-1235 Burlington Bradford House. A supervised daytime program where adults with special needs can participate in a supportive group setting with friends.

Stanwood Camano Aktion Club Brian Toshner (360)722-1907 The Aktion Club of Stanwood Camano is sponsored by the Kiwanis and Camano Resource Center. We are the only service club for adults with disabilities with 11,000 members worldwide. The Club meets Thursdays 3:30-4:30. Contact Brian for more information.

Clinton Beach Park– May through October, Wheelchair Access Go check out the remodeled Clinton Beach Park at the Ferry. It that offers restrooms, dirt hill with toys, wheelchair beach access, 2 ADA parking spots and a view of the ferry. For more information, visit their website http://www.islandbeachaccess.org/ The Special Olympics USA part of the USA Games action by participating in the FREE Young Athletes Festival. All children registered before June 6 Games 7/1-7/6: Seattle 2018 will receive a t-shirt and 2 tickets (1 child & 1 parent) to the Pacific Science Center and will also be entered into a raffle The USA Games staff run all the for a Strider 14x bike. Learn more about this free festival events including opening ceremony- and other activities taking place during the Summer Games. you can find all the details here. https://usagames.showare.com/ The USA Games take place every four years with previous The 2018 Special Olympics USA host cities being: Ames, Iowa (2006); Lincoln, Nebraska Games will be held in Seattle, WA (2010); and Lawrenceville, New Jersey (2014). Now, in its July 1-6, 2018. More than 4,000 fourth running, the next Special Olympics USA Games will athletes and coaches representing take place in Seattle this July. From July 1-6, 2018 more than 50 state Programs and the District of Columbia, along with 4,000 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the District the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and specta- of Columbia will descend upon Seattle and the surrounding tors, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual region. 14 sports will be offered including swimming, flag sports. football and soccer. 10,000 volunteers will be recruited to support the Games. 10,000 family members and friends and Law Enforcement Torch-run representatives nationwide car- 70,000 spectators are expected to attend. ry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope that will light the cauldron at the Venues include the University of Opening Ceremony (June 28th-July 1st Washington, King County Aquatic 2018) The Opening Ceremony for the Center, Seattle University and Cele- 2018 Special Olympics USA Games bration Park. The Special Olympics will be a once-in-a-lifetime event not to USA Games will be the biggest be missed! Spectators will be immersed sporting event to hit the Seattle area in the spirit of the Pacific Northwest in more than 25 years. In addition to while witnessing ceremonial traditions showcasing the awe-inspiring abili- such as the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the Special ties of thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities, the Olympics Flame of Hope. The festivities will also feature 2018 USA Games in Seattle will model the ideals of inclusion music and entertainment by some of today’s hottest artists, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics including Allen Stone, Ann Wilson of Heart, Massive movement. The 2018 USA Games will serve as a catalyst for Monkees and more. A 2,018-member choir, one of the larg- the City of Inclusion initiative and will showcase the work est vocal ensembles in Washington State history, will serve as Seattle area businesses and organizations are doing to create a living backdrop to the show. Join us for an inspiring after- a community where people with intellectual disabilities are noon and prepare to #RiseWithUs. meaningfully and fully welcome and valued. If you would like to know more about Whidbey and Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony Camano/Stanwood Island will comply with Husky Stadium clear bag policy. Special Olympic Sports, Sunday, July 1 Doors:11:00am Event start: 12:30pm details are on page 2. The Special Olympics USA Games is a premier, national (Ages 8 & up) sports competition that showcases the power and joy of sports at the highest levels. Special Olympics Young Athlete's Festival at Summer Games: Children ages 2-7 and their families are invited to be Travel Training, Have you heard about it?

Island Transit is a great option for many of our events. They have Saturday and later day services. Do you know someone that wants the independence of riding the bus? You can be trained by Island Transit to learn the routes that best suit your needs, lessen the anxiety of transit travel and personally show you the way to independence. Travel Training puts you in control of your schedule, your time, your life.

Island Transit’s Travel Training Program is designed to eliminate your concerns so you can enjoy the convenience and independence of reliable and safe public transportation. Travel Training is an Island Transit Program that helps seniors per- sonals with disabilities and those unfamiliar with our bus service program gain more independence by as- sisting them in becoming fixed route users. We familiarize you with how the system works, most im- portantly, how the system can work for your specific needs. If you are hesitant to ride the bus, Travel Training will give you the confidence you need to be comfortable and in control of your schedule and your life. There will be an initial meeting, one on one training tailored to the needs of each rider, group training and follow through. Our trainers meet you at your home to show you how to get to and from your desired destination safely. Trainers even ride by your side, walking with you to the bus stop and riding along on your actual routes.

Contact Island Transit for more information. (360)678-7771 (800)240-8747

Just a reminder….. Many Support Groups take a hiatus during the summer months. Before you head out, call and verify date and times. Coffee and Conversations will not be meeting in July or August. We meet in Langley and Oak Harbor monthly. Contact Tiffany for more details (360)632-7539

PAMI - Padres Apoyando Motivando Informado (Spanish Support Group) - Meets the 1st Tuesday of the Month at Aptitude Habilitation Services. Contact Laiza for more details (787)529-6788

Whidbey Functioning Autism Social Group WFASG - Meets twice a month. Geared towards teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Contact Todd for more details (360)221-7785

The South Whidbey Parenting Group and Friends Helping Friends are not longer meeting. Whidbey Family Connections is a new group that offers quarterly events with fun and education built in. Contact Jaemee for more details (360)679-1039 Next one is October 18th - Back to School Transitions Support and Resources for Special Needs Families What is Parent to Parent? Parent to Parent is a nationwide program that offers local ISLAND COUNTY PARENT TO supports and resources. Learning your child has special PARENT COORDINATOR TIFFANY WHEELER - THOMPSON medical needs or a disability can be a traumatic experience. You 105 NW 1ST STREET may have questions or concerns regarding how to deal with your COUPEVILLE, WA 98239 ( 3 6 0 ) 6 3 2 - 7539 CALL/T EXT child’s needs and/or your personal feelings. Parent to Parent T.WHEELER - offers emotional support, insight and understanding to parents [email protected] who learn their child has special needs or whose child is going Check out our through a transitional period. Facebook Page The Parent-to-Parent program provides information and referrals www.facebook.com/islandcountyparent2parent to community resources, services, support groups, state support Just a reminder, many support groups take a hiatus programs, and others as well as events and support groups to during the summer months. If you are not sure, give bring families together and gain relationships. me a call.

Resources I Find Useful Informing Families: www.informingfamillies.org Useful tools and publications for the life span.

Island County Special Needs Resource Guide - Developed in 2017 as a guide for local and regional resources, supports and information for Island County families. To request a copy, contact Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson at Parent to Parent (360)632-7539 [email protected] or visit our website Island County Human Services under developmental disabilities.

Within Reach/Parent Help 123: Information on health coverage, food assistance programs and other services for families of children with special health needs. Developmental screenings, connections to early learning and family supports. Call Family Health Hotline (800)322-2588 or visit www.withinreachwa.org

Resource Guide for Children with Medical, Developmental, Mental or Behavioral Health Condition - Produced by Seattle Children’s Hospital. This guide provides a list of resource and information on a number of topics related to caring for your child. Topics include: support, health insurance, assistive technology, growth and development & recreation.

First 100 Days Kit - A tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis. https://www.autismspeaks.org/docs/family_services_docs/100_day_kit.pdf

Autism Response Team members at Autism Speaks are specially trained to help families with the day-to-day challenges of living with Autism. Contact ART with questions about resources, support and information. (888)AUTISM2 or email- [email protected]