More information at https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/event-cal/celebrating-autism-at-bay-beach/
Bay Beach is just over three hours away from Marquette. It makes for a great day trip. I like it as it has both quiet spaces and noisier spaces. Stay clear of the bathrooms in the main lodge are very loud if you have a child who can't stand loud echo-y places and head for the ones in the green spaces.
Wildlife center across the road is also great free fun for kids.
Just a word of caution if you are at the farmers market and are asked to sign a petition in support of special education scholarships as tax deductions. This is not a helpful proposal!
Petitioner I spoke with did not know what IDEA was and told me she does not live in Michigan and was here to work as a petitioner. I crossed my name out and came home to get more information. Found this blog post from the department of education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2022/06/15/state-board-of-education-urges-voters-to-not-sign-ballot-initiative-petition
Sally Beauchamp, our regional U.P. parent representative for Michigan Alliance for Families will be presenting.
This free workshop explores skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability.
• Understand your child's disability
• Know your school district
• Know your rights and responsibilities
• Clear and effective communication
• Understanding the special education process
• Know the dispute resolution process
If
you need an accommodation to attend this event, please send your
request to info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org two weeks prior to the
event.
Happy Groundhogs Day!
Several days ago I heard there are plans underway for a family camp weekend at Bay Cliff, April 8-10. Last week, I spoke with the camp director, Seth Rowles, and he was able to answer some of my questions. The target age range is 5-17 and the plan to is to try to keep it fun and keep it structured yet flexible to meet the needs of individual families. Bay Cliff has offered family camps for other groups in the past and they have some ideas of how to do this, but this will be a first for the autism community. One of the features Seth said he was planning on was a breakout opportunity for siblings.
If you would like to know more, Seth will be hosting a google meet on Thursday, February 17 from 5-6 pm:
Virtual Q&A for Autism Family Camp
Thursday, February 17 · 5:00 – 6:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/pfq-pwko-hzz
Or dial: (US) +1 502-309-4351 PIN: 152 780 397#
Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and learn more details.
If you would like to call the camp directly, here's the number I used: 906-345-9314
Early bird registration closes on Friday.
I went to this conference about a decade ago on the advice of another parent. My daughter was in first grade and I got a lot out of it. I am going again this year with my teenager. I think she will get a lot out of it too.
