January 2017

HOMEOWNERSHIP

PARTNERSHIP 4 SAFETY

Advocacy & Family Support

January 2016 Newsletter

The

Page 1

A newsletter for programs

of The Arc of Spokane:

SPOKANE COUNTY

PARENT COALITION

(SCPC)

PARENT 2 PARENT

Submissions

To submit material for the

A & FS Newsletter, please

send information by the

15th of the month to

Brian Holloway at:

The Arc of Spokane

320 E. 2nd Ave.

Spokane, WA 99202

(509)328-6326 bholloway@arc-spokane.org

Mailing List

To be added or removed

from our print mailing list

contact Suzette Wilson at:

(509) 328-6326 or

swilson@arc-spokane.org

To receive the A&FS

Newsletter via email, send

an email to Brian

Holloway at bholloway@arc-spokane.org.

INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY

ACCESS 4 ALL

Volume 12, Issue 1

MUSICAL TRAINING CREATES NEW BRAIN CONNECTIONS IN CHILDREN (Source: The Radiological Society of North America, press release)

Taking music lessons increases brain fiber connections in children and may be useful in treating autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study (being) presented November 27-December 2 at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, Illinois, USA. “It’s been known that musical instruction benefits children with these disorders,” said Pilar Dies-Suarez, M.D., chief radiologist at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez in Mexico City, “but this study has given us a better understanding of exactly how the brain changes and where these new fiber connections are occurring.” The researcher studied 23 healthy children between the ages of five and six years. All of the children were right-handed and had no history of sensory, perception or neurological disorder. None of the children had been trained in any artistic discipline in the past. The study participants underwent pre– and post– musical training evaluation with an advanced MRI technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain. “Experiencing music at an early age can contribute to better brain development, optimizing the creation and establishment of neural networks, and stimulating the existing brain tracts,” Dr. Dies-Suarez said. The brain’s white matter is composed if millions of nerve fibers called axons that act like communication cables connecting various regions of the brain. Over the course of life, the maturation of brain tracts and connection between motor, auditory and other areas allow the development of numerous cognitive abilities, including musical skills. Previous studies have linked autism spectrum and ADHD with decreases in volume, fiber connection and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the minor and lower forceps, tracts located in the frontal cortex of the brain. This suggests that low connectivity in the frontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in complex cognitive processes, is a biomarker of these disorders. After the children in the study completed nine months of musical instruction using Boomwhackers—percussion tubes creating musical scales—DTI results showed an increase in FA and axon fiber length in different areas of the brain, most notably in the minor forceps. “When a child receives musical instruction, their brains are asked to complete certain tasks,” Dr. Dies-Suarez said. “These tasks involve hearing, motor, cognitive emotional and social skills, which seem to activate these different brain areas. These results may have occurred because of the need to create more connections between the two hemispheres of the brain.” The researchers believe that the results of this study could aid in creating targeted strategies for intervention in treating disorders like autism and ADHD.

January 2017

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Jan. 4 Dads Only Trivia Night--6 to 9 p.m. The Bar @ Pizza Pipeline, 1403 N. Division St., Spokane. Meet other dads who have a child with special needs. Not a support group structure; it’s casual, for dads to unwind and hang out. Complimentary pizza provided by The ISAAC Foundation. Contact: Krysten Carl at (509) 325-1515

Jan. 5 Spokane Autistic Social and Support Group (SASS)—6 to 8 p.m. at Marycliff Hall, 701 W 7th Avenue, Suite 280, Spokane. Group is for higher functioning individuals seen as having Asperger. Welcome to those who are self-diagnosed. SASS provides a social setting and is also a peer-to-peer support group. Parents and caregivers are asked to not attend. Also meets Jan. 12, 19, and 26. Contact Andrea at: aspie.sass@gmail.com

Jan. 5 Teen Movie Night (ages 16-21)—6 to 8:30 p.m. The Arc of Spokane Community Center, 320 E. 2nd Ave.,

Spokane. A safe and fun place for teens to meet up with old friends or make new friends. Snacks provided. Sponsored by The Partnership for Safety. Contact: Theresa Fears, (509) 328-6326. Free.

Jan. 7 Sibling Spotlight—2 p.m. ISAAC’s Sibling Spotlight events are designed specifically for neuro-typical children

who have a sibling touched by autism. It is a chance to connect with peers who can relate to these circum-stances. Sponsored by The ISAAC Foundation. Contact: Krysten Carl at: (509) 325-1515

Jan. 10 Sensory Friendly Movie—10 a.m. AMC Theatre, River Park Square, 808 W Main Avenue, Spokane. 2nd and 4th

Tuesday and Saturday of the month; featured presentations are listed at the AMC theater website. Sponsored by The Autism Society of Washington, Spokane Chapter.

Jan. 11 Spokane Fathers Network—6:00 p.m., The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave. A chance to eat pizza and connect

with other dads of kids with special needs. Contact: Brian Holloway, Director of Advocacy and Family Support at bholloway@arc-spokane.org or (509) 328-6326.

Jan. 14 Sensory Friendly Movie—(see details from 1-10-17)

Jan. 18 Parents 4 Life Support Group—Meets the third Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave. For any parent of a child with a developmental disability or other special health care need who is older than age 18. Contact: Jennifer Lee, Parent to Parent Coordinator, at jlee@arc-spokane.org

Jan. 19 Mom’s Evening Out —5 to 7 p.m. Black Label Brewing, 19 W. Main Ave., Spokane. A great opportunity

to get out, unwind, and connect with other moms who have children touched by special needs. Evening has the light feel of a comfortable book club among friends, but without having pressure to read a book! Contact: Krysten Carl at The ISAAC Foundation, (509) 325-1515

Jan 22 Asperger’s Social Group—1 to 3 p.m. Shadle Library, Meeting Room 2111 W. Wellesley Avenue, Spokane. Bring

a board game or card game such as Uno or Scrabble, but not a role playing game, as time is limited. Sponsored by The Autism Society of Washington, Spokane chapter.

Jan. 24 Sensory Friendly Movie—(see details from 1-10-17) Jan. 28 Special Olympics Young Athletes—10:15 to 11:15, West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt Street,

Spokane. Young Athletes is a unique sport and play program for children with and without disabilities that develops motor skills and hand-eye coordination. An introduction to sports and the word of Special Olympics. Contact: The Northwest Autism Center at (509) 328-1582 for more information.

Jan. 28 Sensory Friendly Movie—(see details from 1-10-17)

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 2017

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SAVE THE DATE—ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE Takes place Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. WHO SHOULD ATTEND: People with disabilities, families, residential staff, school staff, employment agency staff, Community Advocates, and anyone interested in this fascinating topic! WHAT: “From the PERSON to the PRACTICAL to the POSSIBLE” is our theme as we delve into how people with disabilities and their supports can access technology, assess what is pertinent for them, fund it, train to use and maintain the technology and increase independence in all domains of life. WHY: Technology is evolving at a rapid pace and will substantially increase quality of life for not only people with disabilities but all of us. Come learn what is happening, the enormous impact it is having on the lives of people just like you and how you can take part in this future as it unfolds. Cost is $65 per person. Sponsored by Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE). For more information go to: jim@gowise.org or call Jim Corey at: (206) 391-8172

Advocates for Neurodiversity and Unique Empowerment (ANUE)—A volunteer association that serves the autism community and others in Northeast Washington. We provide an informational and educational website promoting self-advocacy of neurodivergent individuals who are or may be autistic and who may also have coexisting conditions, such as mental health concerns and learning disabilities. Formerly known as the Autistic Network of Unique Eccentrics in Spokane in 2013 as a volunteer membership association, our mission has now evolved to focus particularly on assisting individuals to learn self-advocacy and to navigate existing services, as well as to provide programs to educate those working associating with the autistic individual about the realities of living with autism. ANUE seeks to build a bridge of understanding and respect that can reveal the hidden jewels of contribution every person can make to their community, including the character of their unique neurology. ANUE strives to provide assistance in the form of peer support and advocacy as well as to provide opportunities to allow autistic voices to be heard. We follow the motto “Nothing About Us Without Us!” Visit: www.anueadvocates.com or email: anueadvocates@gmail.com Bal-A-Vis-X—This is a series of Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises of varied complexity, most of which are rooted in rhythm and require full-body coordination and focused attention. Bal-A-Vis-X can benefit: Learning Disabled-Improved cognitive integration Behavioral/Attention Deficit Disorders-Decreased impulsivity, increased attention Gifted/Talented-Improved physical coordination and diminished stress Typical Learners-Improved academic success yet requires less effort Contact: Northwest BAVX, 12412 East Desmet Ave., Spokane Valley, WA. Go to: www/nwbavxgrp.org or call: (509) 954-5114

ANNOUNCEMENTS

January 2017

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Community Center Days with Spokane Police Department

The Spokane Police Department is beginning a community outreach program with The Arc of Spokane to build relationships with people with intellectual and developmental disability. This program will enhance the Spokane community by facilitating positive interactions between the officers and persons with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. This program is being coordinated through the Partnership 4 Safety’s Community Organizer Trainer Educator (COTE). The first visit from SPD on November 29th brought in a total of 10 law enforcement officials. Spokane Police Department spent a total of 4 hours with The Arc’s downstairs Community Center members, participating in games, art projects and conversation. To see pictures from the event and stay updated on this program, visit the P4S Facebook page. Thank yous to: Major Kevin King, Captain Brad Arleth, Captain Tom Hendren, Detective Ty Snider, Detective Bob Mosman, Officer Keith Cler, Officer Dion Mason, Officer Sandy McIntyre and Officer Jenn DeRuwe. A special thank you to Lieutenant Matt Cowles for coordinating this program with SPD! -Megan

Partnership 4 Safety

RESOURCES Fidget Cubes—Originally a Kickstarter project, these small vinyl cubes are meant to keep your fidgety energy channeled into this nifty little palm-sized bundle. Each side of the cube has a different activity, such as buttons, switches, tumblers, rolling ball bearing, and more. They are available on the web from multiple sources (Google it) and come in a variety of colors. The Fidget Cube ranges in cost from about $5 to $12. Stimtastic Jewelry and Toys—Stimtastic is “affordable stim toys, chewable jewelry and fidgets for autistic adults and teens, as well as individuals with SPD, ADHD/ADD, dyspraxia...everyone who stims! Run by an autistic person, Stimtastic celebrates stimming as a natural part of our lives.” Also, 10% of proceeds from sales at Stimtastic.co go back to the autism community in the form of charitable donations and direct giving. Go to: www.Stimtastic.co (Note: the web address is Stimtastic.co no “m”) C.A.R.E. Box—You may have noticed that there are subscription services for just about everything– makeup, clothes, wine, games. Now there is a Subscription service designed for children on the autism spectrum. Each box contains a combination of sensory toys, products, and educational activities customized for your child’s level of development, ages 13 and under. Go to: www.spectrumtoystore.com Sensory Theraplay is another sensory toy subscription service. These boxes are meant for kids age 4 to 8, and in-clude textured tactile toys, putty, fidgets, and more. Go to: www.sensorytheraplaybox.com

January 2017

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Spokane County Parent Coalition New Years has always been a time for reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the coming year. It’s a time to make changes. What will your 2017 resolutions be? Spending more time with friends and family? Starting a fitness routine? Losing weight? Why not consider committing to The Arc’s advocacy efforts? Now more than ever, your elected officials need to hear from you. From our state’s CARE CRISIS to protecting our federal lifelines [Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)], there is an issue that could affect you or a member of your family. It is simple, really. The first step is staying up-to-date and ready to act by signing up for local, state and federal ACTION ALERTS (complete and send in the form at the bottom of the page/email Darci Ladwig the information to dladwig@arc-spokane.org). The next steps are up to you:

Email your legislators Write a Letter to the Editor Attend an Advocacy Day in Olympia Testify at a House or Senate Hearing Make a donation to the Supported Living Advocacy Day Campaign

Please let us know how we can assist you to be successful in keep your advocacy resolution. “In 2017, don’t ask me how I’m doing, ask me what I’m doing.” -Senator Patty Murray

Sign up for The Arc’s Disability Advocacy Network (Federal Legislation) Action Network (State Legislation) and The Arc of Spokane’s Rapid Response Network by filling in the information below: First & Last Name Street Address City State Zip Code Email Address Phone Parent Self Advocate Provider Mail to: The Arc of Spokane, Attn: Darci Ladwig, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99202

January 2017

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Parent to Parent & Parent Training

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA We had a great time at Breakfast with Santa last month. We enjoyed pancakes with Santa and the kids enjoyed fun activities as well. Thanks to everyone who came for the fun and also thanks to all the people who made the event possible, especially Mr. and Mrs. Clause who took time out of their busy schedules to join us.

Helping Parents As the parent of a child with a disability/special health care need, I’m sure you have had the opportunity to learn a great deal. You probably have come to understand the emotions behind the diagnosis, deepened your values with regard to children with disabilities, learned about community resources, and strengthened relationships with others. Would you like to share what you have learned with new parents? Parent to Parent Support is looking for parents who are interested in reaching out to others. You could also benefit from being a helping parent. Sometimes it helps to talk to other people about their problems to work out your own. Please consider becoming a Helping Parent. If you are interested please contact me, Jennifer Lee, at (509) 789-8323 or by email at jlee@arc-spokane.org. Support Groups Support groups are very important, and I am interested in getting other support groups started. Here is an excerpt from an internet article by Melissa Thompson, Family Support Specialist, TSBVI Outreach: “Having worked with families who have children with disabilities, I have seen how families experience great emotional turmoil and deep chasms of pain. A lot of families suffer, but they may not all have the strength to do something about their needs. As is human nature, there may be fear in acknowledging the need to themselves. To me, a family demonstrates its strength and caring by reaching out to others. Numerous books point out that a healthy family trait is recognizing the need for help and seeking it out. Fact is, everyone will at some point need help—everyone needs support from a spouse, a mother, brother, friend, Rover, Father John, etc. The social worker in me also remembers how one of the basic human needs is the need for socialization. This is especially true for parents of children with disabilities. One powerful outlet of support to help meet this need is a parent group.”

Another advantage is the variety of functions a group can serve. The Parent Support Groups module developed by the California State Department of Education lists the following functions of a Parent Support Group: Provide on-going support Help in time of crisis Reinforce positive coping behaviors Help focus anger and use its energy in positive ways Share information, ideas and resources Provide training for parents to increase skills Help in dealing with educational, medical and other service agencies Give an opportunity to relieve loneliness and form new friendships If you are interested in creating a Parent Support group please contact me. Jennifer Lee, at: (509) 789-8323 or email: jlee@arc-spokane.org

January 2017

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Let’s say it’s time to buy a new or used car. You get to decide on the color, features, age, and condition of the car before you commit. If you don’t find one right away, you adjust your preferences but not necessarily your needs. And don’t you think you’ll want to try it out—sit behind the wheel, take it for a test drive, maybe take it to a mechanic for an inspection? Of course, these are the normal steps you take. You have tools to find out if it’s been involved in accidents or had insurance claims against it. CarFax is one such tool for the buyer.

Why would we treat a house purchase any differently? Did you know you can ask the sellers to provide the history of any insurance claims filed on the house? You can, and it’s easy. A website called C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) can provide the owner of the property a free yearly list of claims made against their property, you can ask the sellers’ agent for a copy.

Want to know the yearly energy usage by that house? Avista will provide the owner a statement of energy usage going back the last couple of years—something else you can ask for.

During your final walk-through, (which you do WILL DO right before you take ownership) you can also ask to see copies of permits from the seller for additional work you may notice has been done on the home.

Some questions you may ask: if the house was built prior to 1970, is there any record of sewer work done; or has the sewer been scoped? If so, the seller should have the video.

What about lead-based paint tests? Or asbestos testing, especially if there are popcorn ceilings or old tile floors? Septic system records matter and these should be made available to you.

You can avoid higher insurance costs by knowing exactly what the house has been through; a house with lots of claims will cost you more to insure.

Happy New Year! -Theresa and Polly

Home Ownership Opportunities

Non-Profit

Organization

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PAID

Spokane, WA

Permit #223

The Arc of Spokane

320 E. 2nd Ave

Spokane, WA 99202

SAVE THE DATE—COMMUNITY SUMMIT Wenatchee 2017 “Impact Our Futures!” June 13th-15th, 2017

Location: The Wenatchee Convention Center 121 North Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 662-4411 Contact: Monica McDaniel at: monica@gowise.org (253) 307-7475 Registration opens in early 2017. The Community Summit is primarily sponsored by DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Roads to Community Living Grant. Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE)