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1 Quarterly Informer
Quarterly Inf rmer
Apr i l , May, & June 2019 Edi t ion
Who we Are …What we Do!
Susan Riehn
Director
Cynthia Brown
Bookkeeper
Wallace Johnson Education Support Specialist
Mylinda Elliott
Program Manager, LaCAN Leader & Senior Education
Support Specialist
Beryl Cook
Education Support Specialist
Davelyn Patrick
CSHS Parent Liaison
China Guillory
Early Steps COS
Carla Chenier
ImCAL HSA DD Facilitator
Nicole Jones
I&R/Clerical Assistant
FHF SWLA Board of Directors
Chair Leslie Knox
Vice Chair Mona Timpa
Secretary Elaine Harmon
Treasurer Bernadette Courville
Leah Fuselier
Molly Morgan
Howard Foreman
Kimberlee Gazzolo
Khaja Moinuddin
Cynthia Tomlinson
FHF SWLA Mission:
Our mission is to enable and empower individuals with disabilities and their
families by providing information, referral, education, training, peer
support and advocacy skills.
Like Us
On Facebook
Want to keep up to date with FHF of SWLA?
Like our Facebook page!! You will receive event
information and other bulletins about what is
going on in the SWLA region!
HUGE THANK YOU to all of our Sponsors, Volunteers and Dash
participants for making our 2nd Annual Dash for disABILITIES
a SUCCESS!!!
Many thanks to everyone on our Dash Committee—Kimberlee Gazzollo our fearless chair, Monette Kilburn, Carol Campbell, John O’Donnell, Julie Johnson,
Leslie Knox, Kari Bushnell, Carla Chenier, Davelyn Patrick, and all the other FHF Staff and board who helped the day of the event and long before.
We are planning next year’s Dash already!! Save the Date 3.7.20!!
2 Quarterly Informer
Families Helping Families has a loan closet with equipment for individuals with
disabilities. If you or someone you know need some type of equipment or diapers, call us at
(337) 436-2570 or [email protected]
We may be able to help
Lending Library
Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids -
This essential book provides the up-to-date information that will enable readers to fully understand what their
child's doctor is recommending, and what their options are. With loads of real-life examples, answers to
frequently asked questions, and helpful tables and charts, Harvard University researcher
and practitioner Dr. Timothy Wilens explains which medications may be prescribed for children, and why; examines effects on
children's health, emotions, and school performance; and helps readers become active, informed managers of their
child's care.
Written in an easy-to-read Q&A format, The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book helps parents understand their child's diagnosis and develop a
plan for success.
It is estimated that more than 10 percent of children
deal with some form of sensory processing disorder
(SPD), a neurological disorder characterized by the misinterpretation of
everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. For
many children, SPD can lead to academic struggles,
behavioral problems, difficulties with coordination,
and other issues. The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book is a reassuring, authoritative
reference, providing sound advice and immediate answers to your most pressing questions about SPD.
The Office for Citizens with Developmental
Disabilities (OCDD) has four developmental
disability home and community based waivers,
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW), Residential
Options Waiver (ROW), Supports Waiver and
Children’s Choice Waiver have now been
operationalized to a tiered waiver system of
service delivery, which will allow for individuals
to be supported in the most appropriate
waiver.
To learn more, click here. After you click on
the link, scroll down the webpage and look for
“Phase 3 - Tiered Waiver System!”
3 Quarterly Informer
Important Information about Your Medicaid Eligibility
Healthy Louisiana members need to make sure their information stays current to ensure their Medicaid coverage. You can make changes to your address and your financial and employment information online
at https://sspweb.lameds.ldh.la.gov/selfservice/. You will need to create an account to make changes online.
Medicaid is now checking eligibility more than once a year, so it is important that your information and your address is current.
If you get a letter from Medicaid asking for more information or asking you to verify your income, be sure to respond as soon as
possible. If you do not, your case may be closed and you may lose your Medicaid coverage, even if you are still eligible
EarlySteps Regional Interagency Coordinating Council (RICC)
PARENTS Needed!!! Please call to attend!!
Dear Family Members, Providers and other Interested Community Members,
It’s time for the next Regional Interagency Coordinating Council (RICC). Just to remind you, the RICC meets
periodically to discuss early intervention strategies for the Southwest Louisiana area. The goal of these meetings is to work to improve the early intervention system in our region.
The meeting will be held Thursday, May 16th, from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Calcasieu
Parish Health Unit auditorium located at 3236 Kirkman Street (the corner of Kirkman and Prien Lake Road).
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call: China Guillory at FHFSWLA (337) 436-2570
Please consider visiting the Children’s Special Health
Services website for helpful resources and Transition
Planning information.
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/CSHS
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Awareness Month
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions
characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive
behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in
the United States today. We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes,
most influenced by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum
disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of
strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with
autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from
highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
Stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Stroke is not just an older person’s disease. Risk fac-tors for stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesi-ty, and diabetes are happening at younger ages. Risk factors may not be recognized and treated in younger or middle-aged adults. There are steps you can take at
any age to lower your risk for stroke.
Know the signs. Stroke can look different for everyone. Numbness,
confusion, trouble seeing, and trouble walking are just a few indi-cators that you or someone you know may be having a stroke.
Knowing the common stroke warn-ing signs and symptoms can help save someone’s life—maybe even
your own. Act F.A.S.T. Every minute
counts when you or someone you know is having a stroke; that’s why it’s important to act F.A.S.T. and call 9-1-1 right away. Call an am-
bulance so that medical personnel can begin lifesaving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
June is National Great Outdoors Month as
proclaimed by President Obama through the
American Recreation Coalition. National Great Outdoors Month in June
reminds us to explore our nation’s
abundant wildlife refuges, parks, and natural beauty.
Whether we hike or bike the trails, kayak or canoe the
many rivers and canyons or pitch a tent in the forest or on
a hillside, No matter our preferred
mode of enjoying the great outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking to name a few –
nature is calling. Pursue the beauty and majesty of the big skies and open spaces
the outdoors offers. This month also raises
awareness of the accessibility of the great
outdoors.
New Rules For ABLE Accounts The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is making an effort to remind individuals with disabilities of the
opportunity to save money without losing out on Social Security, Medicaid or other government
benefits. According to an article found here written by Michelle Diament of Disabilityscoop.com, there are
many new rule changes to the ABLE Act, also known as a the 529 ABLE or 529A account, that will take
effect this year providing individuals with disabilities more favorable options.
Diament provides that individuals living in the United States are able to deposit an additional $12,140 in
income, which means that individuals with disabilities in the workforce can possibly save $27,140 in an ABLE
account this year. ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save up to $100,000 with out risking
eligibility for governmental benefits.
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The Edible Corner The edible corner will be simple and easy recipes for busy
working parents, who may not have a lot of time for cooking. If you would like to feature a simple recipe please post them
to the FHF Facebook page or send to [email protected] attention China!
Chicken & Rice Casserole
4 chicken breasts 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked 1 1/2 cups water 1 package onion soup mix or use
homemade 10 oz can cream of mushroom
soup condensed
DIRECTIONS:
*Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. *Spray 9×13 pan with cooking spray. Add chicken breasts and season with salt & pepper. *Pour uncooked rice over chicken. Sprinkle with onion soup mix. *Combine mushrooms soup and 1 1/2 cups of water. Pour over chicken. *Cover and bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
The strongest bone in your body is the
femur (thighbone), and it’s hollow!
It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes
open.
Ryan McKinney
Voted Mardi Gras King at ImCal Dance
7 Quarterly Informer
Louisiana Department of Health Office of Citizens with
Developmental Disabilities
From the “Tiered Waiver Fact Sheet”
“The Louisiana Department of Health’s (LDH) Office for Citizen’s with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) is
introducing an innovative system, called the Tiered Waiver System, to ensure that more Louisiana residents seeking home and community-based services receive the appropriate level of service to meet their needs.
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Louisiana who are on the request for Services registry, which is commonly referred to as the New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) waiting list, you can expect three
major changes involved in the move to the tiered waiver system.
1. Waiver offers will no longer be made on a first-come, first-served basis as they have over the course of the last 20 year; waiver offers will now be made based on a person’s urgency of need and their registry date.
2. Additionally, the tiered waiver system will now have only one waiting list/registry, and when a person receives a waiver offer, they will participate in a needs-based assessment to determine the most appropriate waiver to meet
their needs.
3. The age limit for the Children’s Choice Waiver has increased to 21 years of age.
For more information or to receive a copy of this fact sheet, or to ask questions,
please call Families Helping Families at (337) 436-2570 or 1-800-894-6558.
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LEAP 2025 State Testing
April 1, 2019 to May 3, 2019
Former Families Helping Families
employee and mom, Denay Hooks,
has recently published her first
book! The book is inspired by her
daughter, Hannah, who has Rett
Syndrome, as well as a need she
saw for the discussion of inclusion
with children.
Come join Bug and Boo on their
amazing adventure under the sea!
Bug has Rett Syndrome and uses a
wheelchair, but when her and her
brother go on adventures her body
has no limitations. They swim with
guppies, find an old pirate ship,
and still make it home by dinner.
The Adventures of Bug and Boo- Under the Sea
inspires fun and adventure for ALL children! It
also comes with a FREE printable teacher’s
guide so that it can be used in the classroom to
aid in the discussion of inclusion and spreading
kindness.
www.theadventuresofbugandboo.com
And follow us on Facebook!
A portion of every book sold goes to research to find a cure.
9 Quarterly Informer
Awesome Affordable Staycation Ideas Ah vacation. How many of us don’t sometimes wish we could escape the hustle, bustle, & day-to-day responsibilities of our normal lives for a week of fun and relaxation somewhere far, far away?
The truth is that for many of us a traditional vacation is not always in the cards. Between restaurants, hotels, and transportation, travel costs can add up fast especially when those costs are multiplied for a family. And even when the cost isn’t a factor, sometimes health concerns or work obligations prevent us from leaving town anytime the urge strikes.
But that doesn’t mean when Spring Break or summer vacation time rolls around and the kids are home from school that you can’t still have a great time! This year, why not plan a vacation in your own backyard? A true Staycation is more than just a week at home, it is an intentional time of fun and relaxation for your whole family. It does take a little effort to do it right, but can ultimately be just as satisfying as going somewhere far away.
Set some ground rules
The point of a Staycation is to make it feel as much like a real family getaway as possible, without leaving the comfort of your own home. Thus, to make sure the whole family is on the same page, it is good to start with some ground rules that everyone can agree on. Start with deciding exactly when your vacation at home starts and ends, and then set a few guidelines for what your family may and may not do during this time. These could include all or some of the following:
No smart phone
No email
No computer or video games
No television
No working from home
No worrying
No fighting
Family time only—no independent activities or outside plans
No cooking
No cleaning
No laundry
PLAN for fun!
Just like a real vacation, the more you plan for fun, the more successful your Staycation is likely to be. Start by setting a reasonable, realistic budget for your week of fun at home. Set some money aside for activities, eating out, and perhaps even paying for a splurge or two such as paying for a house cleaner or treating yourself to a massage or pedicure at a local spa.
Next, take the time to figure out just what you will do on your Staycation. If your kids are old enough to have an opinion, hold a family meeting to discuss your ideas and to get a feel for what everyone wants to do. (The list below is a great start!) If you like spontaneity, consider putting everyone’s ideas into a jar, then picking one activity each day. Or, if your family prefers more structure, use your ideas to develop an itinerary for the week.
Be sure to also spend some time prepping your home and kitchen to make things as easy—and neat—as possible for your relaxing week at home. Gather menus to all the local restaurants that offer takeout and delivery or, if eating out every day is not an option, plan a freezer cooking session ahead of time to prepare a week’s worth of easy stress-free meals. You might also want to consider using disposable dishes and serve ware to cut down on dishes. Make sure to caught up on laundry before your week begins, and, if possible, do a family power-cleaning session the day before your Staycation starts. Get Creative
Chances are there are dozens of fun things to do in your own hometown that you either never have time for, or don’t even think about because they are so close by. Here are 25 fun and creative ideas to get you started: Try Geocaching-According to the official Geocaching website, “Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.”
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Continued from page 9
Take a Virtual Museum Tour-Several amazing museums throughout the country and the world offer “virtual” tours. You can choose from the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Miami Children’s Museum, or even visit the Louvre in Paris or even the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in Rome. Pretty cool!
Try Paintballing or Laser Tag-Invite a few other families to join yours and battle it out for the title of Most Awesome Family. There are paintball or laser tag facilities almost everywhere—use Google to find one nearby. Visit a Nearby National Park-National parks truly are one of our country’s greatest treasures, and most NPs have a variety of awesome family friendly activities to choose from. After finding a park in your area, first visit the Ranger Station to pick up a Junior Ranger kit, then complete the required number of activities to receive a badge. You can also purchase a Passport to National Parks at any NP gift shop, then collect passport stamps at every park you visit. Most park fees are nominal, but you can also check out this page to find free entrance days. Enjoy Your Local Theater-Check the local newspaper or theater website to see what plays, musicals, concerts, or family-friendly comedy shows will be playing during your planned Staycation time, then book tickets and plan for an evening at the theater.
Visit a Nearby Amusement Park-While Disney World may not be in the cards this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a blast at a nearby theme park. Check out this list to find an amusement park in your own state or town.
Visit a Local Children’s Museum-If you’ve got younger kids it can sometimes be hard to find activities that the whole family can enjoy, but a great Children’s Museum can definitely fit the bill! Most have a variety of fun and interactive activities that can keep you busy the whole day. Check out the Association of Children’s Museums website to find one in your area, and consider purchasing a Family pass—you can usually get your money back in just two visits.
Visit the Zoo or Aquarium-Who doesn’t love seeing animals? Check out the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to find an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium in your area, then be sure to also check what special programs your zoo has available. Some offer Junior zookeeper programs or opportunities to feed the animals, while some others even allow you to spend the night in the zoo! Be sure to pack a lunch to save on pricey zoo fare! Check out the Local Library-Most libraries have family-friendly events and activities happening every weekend, and sometimes even daily during spring break and summer vacations. Check your local library website for details. Major or Minor League Sporting Event-While major league events are a lot of fun, they can get pricey quickly, especially for a family. Luckily almost every city has a minor league team these days, which can give you (almost) the same experience for a fraction of the price! Be sure to check out which days include special events, such as free caps or fireworks for added fun!
Host a Family Board Game Tournament-Invest in a few new board games, then set up snacks and drinks for a marathon board game tournament! For game ideas, check out my family’s favorite board games here, or else just look at Amazon’s current bestsellers.
Go Bowling-If your kids are small, try bumper bowling; for older kids go at night during “glow bowling” times! Many bowling alleys around the country even participate in a free bowling program that allows kids to bowl free and parents to join them for just a few dollars more. Camp in Your Own Backyard-Why not enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard? Set up a tent and sleeping bags, build a fire (or use the grill) to cook s’mores, and take turns telling ghost stories. Then download the Night Sky app (make sure your device is GPS-enabled first!) to identify stars, planets, and even satellites in the sky. Tour a Local Factory or Brewery-Is there a large manufacturing facility near your town or city? Most offer tours and even samples of their goods. Check the company website for details!
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Continued from page 10
Visit a Nearby Tourist Spot-Is there an area nearby that always draws the crowds? Even if you normally avoid the tourist traps, every once in a while it is fun to become a tourist in your own town. Make all the cheesy stops and take pictures along the way!
Theme Restaurant or Dinner Theater-Make dining an event! Depending on where you live there may be theme restaurants, dinner theater, or even a murder-mystery dinner train or cruise
Go Paddle boarding or Canoeing-If there is a river, lake, or ocean nearby, chances are pretty good there is also a paddleboard or canoe rental facility nearby as well. Both are a fun way to enjoy the water and test your skills!
Create Your Own Art-Spend an afternoon getting creative at a nearby paint-your-own pottery facility. Not only is it fun, you’ll have your own gorgeous dishes to take home when you’re done.
Get Wet-Spend the day at a local pool or waterpark, or just head to the beach! If that sounds like too much effort, simply set up a slip & slide in the backyard and have a family water day at home.
Tackle a family project-Have the kids been begging for a tree house or wanting to redecorate their rooms? Consider spending your week together working on something to improve your home. You’ll not only bond while painting and building together, but at the end of the week have something concrete to show for your time!
Host Your Own Film Festival-Pick a theme, allow each family member to pick a movie, then get comfortable for a day of movies. Be sure to provide plenty of snacks, and take breaks to discuss and rate each film.
Give Yourselves a Makeover-Do hair and makeup at home, or take a day to go to the local spa or beauty parlor. Complete the new look with a new outfit!
Find a Local Festival-Check your local newspaper or chamber of commerce website to find out what is happening in your town or towns nearby the week of your Staycation. Depending where you live there are often events happening almost every weekend!
Go Golfing-If dad is into real golf, consider spending an afternoon doing a family golf lesson; otherwise, stick to mini golf at a local novelty course!
Play Outside-Go fly a kite, take a walk, go for a bike ride, or take a hike–most state and national parks have at least a few walking, hiking, or biking trails to choose from. Do a little research to find one that fits your family’s athletic ability, then head out to enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t forget to pack snacks and water for your trek!
Relax and Enjoy!
For most people—and moms especially—the hardest part of trying to “relax” at home is letting go of the all the everyday obligations and distractions that bombard us in our own homes. But the key to having the best Staycation ever ultimately has nothing to do with the activities you choose, but with your own attitude and commitment to making your week a time of fun and relaxation. Let the chores be for a week and instead give yourself permission to kick back and enjoy the moment. Laugh and talk with your kids and spouse and create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. This is your time…..make the most of it!
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $55,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation
with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Recognizing that economic stability is a major barrier to independent living, seven years ago, New Horizons Independent Living Center (NHILC) began collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service to prepare free
income taxes for working, low income taxpayers with disabilities through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The NHILC VITA program is now open all year to serve the community as well as people with disabilities. NHILC is unique in that the organization is able to provide needed accommodations for taxpayers with
disabilities. New Horizons is one of three Louisiana Centers for Independent Living and serves the 29 parishes of north Louisiana.
Please click here to locate the various VITA locations statewide.
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2019 Dash For disABILITIES
Dentists No Longer Permitted To Turn Away Patients Due To Disabilities
People with developmental disabilities may find it easier to get dental care after a national board
changed its ethics policy to be more inclusive. The American Dental Association recently revised its
code of conduct to prohibit denial of care to patients with physical, developmental or intellectual
disabilities. In cases where a dentist does not have the equipment or expertise to meet a particular
person’s special needs, the code now requires them to refer the patient to an appropriate dentist
rather than simply turning them away. “We recognized that addressing this
and including this in the code of conduct helps to ensure that we are
providing justice and equity for individuals with disabilities.” Members of
the dental association are required to abide by the code of conduct, which
also serves as the standard for state laws.
https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/american-dental-association-social-media/social-media-code-of-conduct
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Getting and Keeping Your First Job – Getting and then keeping a job for someone with a disability can be tough. This training will go over why work is important, challenges for youth, the labor market, disability disclosure, accommodations and more. Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019 Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students. Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/y3obkebe Special Education FAQ – Can the school send home my child’s IEP for me to sign without a meeting? Can the school suspend my child with an IEP? What happens if I disagree with the IEP team? Can the school keep calling me to pick up my child due to meltdowns? Get answers to these questions, and more in our Special Education Frequently Asked Questions training. Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Time: 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm Late Night Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students. Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/yxbwata5 Anatomy of an IEP – Like a biology student, this presentation will dissect the parts of the IEP document and examine their functions individually, learning their meanings and application. It will provide constructive and practical tips to help create an IEP that supports all of the student's needs. We will explore the parent’s role in the IEP process and learn the basics of their child’s right to special education services, the process of developing special education plans, and the parent’s role. Date: Saturday, May 11, 2019 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students. Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/y2mzufxq No More Summer Slide – No More Summer Slide - Summer is the perfect time for students of all ages to relax, but it’s also a time when summer learning loss can occur. This learning loss is called the “summer slide,” and happens when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months. This training will provide you with strategies and fun activities you can do over the summertime to help prevent the summer slide. Date: Thursday, May 23, 2019 Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students. Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/y3gecd3k
To access or participate in the online webinars you need to have the "GoToWebinar" app on your smartphone, ipad, tablet, or just use your desktop/laptop computer!
"GoToWebinar" app can be downloaded for FREE from
google play store or itunes app store.
If you have questions on how to access or how you can
participate in the online webinars contact
Wallace at (337) 436-2570 1-800-894-6558 [email protected].
Join us for Free Webinars on topics related to Special Education!
16 Quarterly Informer
June 1, 2019, through November 30, 2019.
Hurricane Hazards While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be
devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and
high surf and rip currents.
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves
can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from land falling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often causes flooding hundreds of miles
inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated. Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and
other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes. Tornadoes can accompany land falling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands
well away from the center of the storm. Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal
residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.
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A Better Way To Get You Information That Matters
The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council (LaDDC) and its grassroots advocacy network, LaCAN, are improving the way you will receive Action Alerts, Info Alerts, and the LaDDC News.
Voter Voice is our new and improved system.
If you would like to continue receiving LaCAN Alerts and the LaDDC News, you MUST make sure your correct information is linked to Voter Voice. (The information collected will be used for these purposes only).
If you are already a member, in the next two weeks you will receive an email with a link to verify your
information.
If you are not a member please call Mylinda Elliott, Region V LaCAN Team leader, to join at
(337) 436-2570. It is free and provides lots of information for you. Thank you!
https://laddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/LaDDCNews_A_Better_Way_to_Get_You_the_Information_that_Matters.pdf
Self Advocate Corner Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for
people with special needs ages 14 and older. February 8, 2019, Night to Shine celebrated its fifth anniversary! On one night, 655 churches from around the world came together to
host the event Night to Shine for approximately 100,000 honored guests through the support of 200,000 volunteers! The prom was really fun, I rode in a limo walked the red
carpet, got my hair and makeup done. I was ready for an eventful night that I would never forget. I would encourage any and every one to come and enjoy a night of fun. The
next date for the prom is February 7th 2020 at Christ Community Church.
https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine
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Painting for a purpose to benefit FHF!
Register at: http://bit.ly/2Uh7Yct
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Literacy Apps - Note: Please be aware some apps may cost and some apps may be free!
Apps are fun and motivating for kids! Let Reading Rockets help you find the very best educational
apps that provide practice with essential skills in print awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary,
comprehension, and writing. We've also included apps for children with dyslexia, ADHD, and
autism spectrum disorder that support organization and goal-setting, language and
communication, and emotional regulation.
Phonics
Apps that help young children practice basic phonics skills. including recognizing the
letters of the alphabet, learning upper case and lower case letters, and word building.
Storytelling
Digital tools have expanded the range of ways students can now tell their stories. The
great digital storytelling apps and sites on this list run the gamut: from traditional
storybook creation tools to more recent visual storytelling and presentation tools
influenced by social media and blogging. You'll find our favorites, all of which
empower kids to find their unique voices as storytellers, creators, orators, and
individuals.
Writing
By getting kids writing early and often, we prepare them to succeed across all subjects.
As writing abilities improve, students will be able to communicate knowledge learned
and demonstrate mastery of skills. Whether they're practicing storytelling, reflecting
on a prompt, or peer editing, students will be working on essential self-expression and
social skills. Give your students a leg up with these great picks that'll get them writing
and sharing.
For more go to: http://www.readingrockets.org/literacyapps
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/apps-and-websites-build-literacy-skills-top-picks-common-sense-education
A few Literacy Apps… from
22 Quarterly Informer
News From LaCAN The Legislative Session will be starting on Monday, April 8, 2019. I am pleased to report that we have already achieved one of the items on LaCAN’s Legislative Agenda. The Louisiana Department of Education recently posted monitoring reports and corrective action plans related to special education compliance for the past 3 years. Parents and professionals can now look if their school system has had any findings and what is being done about it. If you would like links to these reports please contact us at the Families Helping Families office.
We will still be having regular Yellow Shirt Days to go to Baton Rouge and speak to Legislators about TEFRA, Individual and Family Supports, SPAS, and cameras in the special education classrooms. Watch your emails for the Voter Voice alerts and let me know if you would like to ride with me. As always we continue to attend BESE and SEAP meetings about special education issues. If you would like to discuss the current issues at those meetings feel free to call me.
We are continuing to sign people into the Voter Voice system so you can get the most current information. If you missed your email to sign up I can help you with that. It is easy to sign up and you get an email that will link you directly with your Senator and Representative.
Thank you for all you do!
Mylinda Elliott
23 Quarterly Informer
Families Helping Families of SWLA
2927 Hodges Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: 337.436.2570
Fax: 337.436.2578
Toll Free: 1.800.894.6558
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fhfswla.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fhfswla
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Opinions contained herein do not necessarily represent those of the funding source, and no endorsement should be inferred.
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FHFSWLA is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit agency that relies on donations to meet the needs of our agency’s mission and vision. By donating to FHFSWLA you are investing in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. If
passion paid, we would be the richest nonprofit in SWLA. Unfortunately, passion alone does
not fully support our organization.
Please consider making a contribution so families who are touched by disability can be
assured this one of a kind, family directed resource center is always here when they
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Contributions can be made to:
Families Helping Families of Southwest LA
2927 Hodges Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Apr 1 to May 3, 2019 - LEAP 2025 State Testing
Apr 9 - Get to Know the Advocacy Center
Apr 13 - Lake Charles Residential Trash Bash
Apr 11- Webinar: Getting & Keeping Your First Job Apr 16 - Act 378 Community & Family Supports Work-
shop
Apr 19 - FHF Office Closed for Good Friday
Apr 24 - Webinar: Special Education FAQ
May 1 - Disability Services Day
May 11 - Webinar: Anatomy of an IEP
May 16 - EarlySteps RICC Meeting May 19 - Painting for a Purpose Fundraiser to Benefit FHF
May 23 - Webinar: No More Summer Slide
May 27 - FHF Office Closed for Memorial Day
Jun 21 - Community Dance
