September 18th meeting minutes

There were four of us in attendance last Sunday-- me, Rebecca, Jen W., and a new mom to the group of a 17-year-old at Marquette High.

I actually put together an agenda this time.  The meeting started with announcements about a lot of the things I've posted here in the last couple of weeks:

• There will be the sensory friendly movie on October 14.  Rebecca suggested we leave to closed-caption on as a lot of kids who are more visual learners follow the words better than the spoken dialog.  
• I mentioned the SPEAKS workshops coming up.  There seemed to be particular interested in the IEP workshop at MARESA on October 16.
• We discussed the YMCA classes.  Some were turned off by the cost.  The swim class, as initially scheduled was seen as too short, but it has been rescheduled to last an hour.  I think as this is an pilot program, we can hope it will just improve as more people voice their preferences.  
• I gave another plug for the Lakestate program.  Jen, who is a major force behind getting them up here, was there to elaborate.
• Jen also mentioned Kim Kee and her cranial sacral work.  She'll be talking at an upcoming Down syndrome meeting-- I'll let people know about that when I have a date for it.  I mentioned to Qigong massage I've been trying with my daughter.  I'll write a more extensive post on that when I better know what I think about it. 
• I also mentioned the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk.

Most people had to leave after an hours so we didn't have a whole lot of time to get into new business, but I have a few ideas churning in my head that I'd like to see if I can make happen.  Lately I've been playing around with the idea of hosting or maybe co-hosting an autism summit.  As I was going through the diagnostic process and trying to identify all the resources in the community it seemed that many of the experts I talked with had only a partial understanding of who and where I could receive help.   What if we got all the people in this community who really "do autism" for a living in one room together?  We could put together an agenda and maybe pin point some key areas where the community as a whole could use more help and do a little problem solving.  So the idea is half formed right now, but if you have thoughts to add or names for the invitation list (self nomination is fine), do let me know.  Maybe the beginning of autism awareness (April) month could be a goal for implementation.

SEPAC Minutes

I attended the SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Comittee) meeting last week at the MARESA building. 

The highlight of the meeting was a highly engaging presentation by Cheryl Ohman of Lakeside Industries of Escanaba.  Their company employs well over a hundred people who would otherwise have barriers to employment. 

Cheryl has been wanting to expand their business into Marquette for some time and it looks like the wheels are in motion to make it happen at this time.  There is someone interested in providing space, now they need to raise the rest of capital to provide the equipment needed.  In the past they have had good luck with getting some useful donations.  They need things to equip a wood shop, a van or two for transporting items, a forklift.  Money. 

There will be a meeting at 1:00 pm tomorrow at Peter White Public Library for those interested in helping to make this happen.  If you can't make the meeting, but are still interested in getting involved, call or e-mail Cheryl at 906/786-9212 or cherylo@laketateindustires.org .

Other items discussed at the meeting included the upcoming newsletter that is about to go to press and upcoming speakers for future meetings.  Next month's meeting will be Ocotober 20; the speaker will be Stacy Maijala of SAIL who will speak on the Gliding Stars program which helps special needs kids learn to ice skate. 

Luanne Peterson, Special Education Coordintor for MARESA announced the three new Special Education Coordinators:  for MAPS it's Sandra Barnes, Kellie Boase in Negaunee, and Tania Perry in NICE. 

Cool article about tech company who's entire staff is on Autistic Spectrum

My husband found this today on Talking Points Memo: 

Software Testing Startup's Autistic Workforce Seeks to Change Business Culture

First ever sensory friendly film for Marquette

At 1:30 pm on Friday, October 14 (teacher in-service day), the Peter White Public Library will show Toy Story 3 in the Community Room.  The sound will be at a moderate level, some lights will be left on, a cerrtain amount of restlessness and vocalizing will be tolerated, and the closed caption will be turned on.  Thanks go to Pam for suggesting we bring sensory friendly films to Marquette.  (And thanks to the friends of the Peter White Public Library for paying for the public performance license.)  Yes, there's no charge for this event.

Three workshops coming to Marquette from SPEAKS Education and Michigan Family-to-Family

SPEAKS Education and Michigan Family to Family Health Information and Education Center are paired in bringing three workshops to the Marquette area that focus on special needs topics.

Individual Education Program (IEP): The basics
Thursday, October 6, 10 am to 2 pm (lunch included) at Marquette – Alger RESA, Conference Room C, 321 East Ohio Street.  Free.

How to navigate the system:  Rights and responsibilities
This workshop is for anyone who wants a better understanding of rights, responsibilities, timelines, and complaint procedures and what someone could expect during the processes under:
• Children’s Special Health Care Services
• Community Mental Health Services/Hospital Mental Health
• Medicaid
• Special Education Services
Basic information will be provided on the purpose of each system, who is eligible, how to gain access, and what to expect in the process.
November 2, 2011, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, at MARESA.  The cost is $10 and includes lunch.

Transition planning:  Helping young adults reach their hopes and dreams
Families, service coordinators, case managers, and others who work with young adults will learn from
representatives of state and community organizations how to help them plan for their future education, health care, and mental health needs. Tools and resources from the “Helping Young Adults with Disabilities Reach Their Hopes and Dreams Toolkit” will be shared.
November 3, 2011, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Peter White Public Library, Shiras Room.  The cost is $10 and includes lunch.

 To register for any or all of these workshops, visit www.bridges4kids.org/f2f or call (800) 552-4821.

Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

The Upper Peninsula Down Syndrome Association is holding a Buddy Walk to raise funds for their group and to honor Maximilan Kolbe newcomb.  The walk will take place at noon, October 1, at the Al Quaal Recreation Area.  More information can be found at http://www.buddywalk.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=131&walk_id=7255&Itemid=66 .  Or email UPDownsyndrome@gmail.com for a copy of the registration form. 

Lakestate Industries rep speaking at SEPAC Meeting Thursday

Sorry for the late notice, but there will be a SEPAC (Special Education Parent's Advisory Committee) meeting this Thursday at the MARESA Building on Ohio St. in Marquette from 7-9 pm.   

Parents of older children on the Spectrum may be especially interested in the guest speaker.  

Cheryl Ohman from Lakestate Industries in Escanaba will give a presentation on the possibility of getting our own Lakestate Industries in Marquette. Lakestate Industries employees people with barriers to employment. She will be speaking for about 60 minutes at the beginning of the meeting.

Kids got to jump!

There will be over 30 bouncy houses at Mattson Park at the lower harbor in Marquette next Saturday, September 17, 12-7:00 pm.  I plan to bring my little sensory seeker and hope to run into some of you there. 

The event is called Party in the Park and will include live kid friendly entertainment, art, music, food, and a nature corner.  Wrist bands are on sale now at the culdren's museum and cost $10 for kids and $5 for adults.  Proceeds of the event go in support of the U.P. Children’s Museum and Marqette General Hospital Women and Children Center.

Pediatric OT and speech/language may move to Peninsula Medical Center

The board of the Peninsula Medical Center on Fair Avenue will be voting on September 21 as to whether or not they will allow Bell to move their pediatric OT and Speech clinic to their facility.  As the bulk of clinic's clientele is currently driving from Marquette all the way out to the Teal Lake facility once or twice a week (we've been doing this for about two years now), I think this could be good news for a lot of us. 

If you have an opinion on this matter, I invite you to contact the board before they meet on the 21st. 

Written letters can be addressed to:

Peninsula Medical Center

Attn: Board of Directors

1414 West Fair Avenue

Marquette, MI  49855

Or, letters can also be email to: Mr. Miller  hmiller@penmed.com