Competitions/unique opportunities for children with special needs

MYLF - Missouri Youth and Leadership Forum
High school juniors and seniors age 16-21 with a disability will have a unique opportunity this summer to learn leadership skills and experience life at the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Qualified students can apply now for the sixth annual Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) scheduled for July 27-30, 2008. Youth delegates will learn about leadership principles, assistive technology, resource sharing, development and achievement of career goals, independent living, developing advocacy skills, and the disability experience.  The program is available to the student delegates at no cost except transportation to Columbia. The Governor's Council on Disability and Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities are currently accepting applications for this event. The application is available at: http://www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/2008ylf.shtml. If you have any questions, please contact the Governor's Council at 1-800-877-8249. The deadline for submitting the application is May 15, 2008.

Recurring Weekly/Monthly Events/On-line Seminars

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) - Training Curriculum - On Line - www.nichcy.org/training/contents.asp - FREE

Special Education Webstream Training Series - http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/wsintro.html This website includes Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Model Forms, U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) with resources related to IDEA and its implementing regulations, Part B Federal Regulations for assistance to states for the educatin of children with disabilities, Missouri State Plan for Special Education, Missouri State Performance Plan, Annual Performance Reports, Standards and indicators manual with State Performance Plan (SPP), the Special Education Process, and the Eligibility Criteria Categories for an educational diagnosis to receive special education.  It also has webstream presentations on Special Education Process and changes in IDEA 2004, Postsecondary Transition, The Special Education Complaint Process, Administration of Special Education Programs, Discipline for Children with Disabilities, Special Education Data Collection and Reporting Overview, Finance of Special Education and Response to Intervention/Early Intervening Services.  FREE

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Monthly Webstream http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/mnthlywebstrmHAL.html  Monthly information on different subjects relating to special education - If you would like to submit a question or topic for a webinar, please send it to lina.browner@dese.mo.gov (indicate "Webinar" in the subject line of the e mail).  Please ensure your questions are not specific individual children questions, but rather are more systemic in nature. 

Parenting Asperger's Mini-Course - An online course that believes that a multi-disciplinary approach to parenting aspergers children is of extreme importance.  This means combining the approaches of a wide variety of disciplines involved with aspergers children and their parents such as social workers, nurses, teachers, doctors, psychologiest, psychiatrists, couneslors, and speech therapists.  This information is written for the purpose of sharing educational inforamtion gathered from the experiences of the author and other people in the area of scientific, educational, social, and medical fields.  None of the information is intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure aspergers.  www.ParentingAspergers.com, info@parentingaspergers.com Dave Angel Parenting Asperger's Information Online, PO Box 789, Portsmouth, P01 9DY United Kingdom.

Sibshops - Workshops for siblings of children with special needs.  Sibshops are an opportunity for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs to get peer support and education within a recreational context.  Sib may join at any time during the year.  Annual registration fee $35 - scholarships available.  For more information, contact Meghan Stewart at Mstewart@stlarc.org or (314)817-2275.

Monday - Friday 2-6pm Afterschool Care  6554 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 314-645-5556 www.catchafallingstar.org FEE

Monday 6pm - After School Social Hour Age 9-12 Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264  Located at444 Sovereign Ct, Ballwin, MO 63011 FEE

Monday 6-8 pm Girls Night at Catch a Falling Star, 6554 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 314-645-5556 www.catchafallingstar.org FEE

Monday 6pm (Every third Monday except for holidays or inclement weather)  Eastern Missouri Autism Project (EMAP) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) - A committee of famioy members who advise the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Regional Center as to what families need and what the Project should fund, etc.  Open to the public.  Judevine Center for Autism, 1101 Olivette Executive Parkway, Saint Louis, 63132 (314)432-6200

Monday 7pm (Every second Monday except holidays or inclement weather) Saint Louis Asperger Adult/Young Adult Group - a social opportunity for young adults and adults with Asperger's Syndrome to meet.  This group is run by the members and not a professional facilitator.  The organizer will have a small sign on the chair back that says "AS".  Border's Bookstore Cafe, 10990 Sunset Hills Plaza, Saint Louis, Mo - The group sometimes goes to Crazy Bowls and Wraps next door for dinner.  Contact Beth Ampleman at opensysbma@yahoo.com for more information or to RSVP. 

Monday 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.  Easter Seals FOCUS Martial Arts Program - Individuals with disabilities or other special needs and their siblings/family members $50/month ($25 for additional family member) 636-227-6300 www.mo.easterseals.com

Tuesday 4 pm (age 4-5)  and 5:15 pm (age 6-8) After School Social Hour - Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264  Located at444 Sovereign Ct, Ballwin, MO 63011 FEE

Tuesday 6-8 pm  Boys Night at Catch a Falling Star 6554 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 314-645-5556 www.catchafallingstar.org FEE

Tuesday 7 - 9pm (Every first Tuesday) - Parent's Nutritional Support Group, - This group supports parents who are combining strategies for recovering their children (dietary, nutritional, secretin, Fast Forward, AIT, ABA, socialization, sensory integration and other speech therapy interventions. Contact Chris Diekman, OT 314-963-7901.  Meets at Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, 8823 Ladue Rd, Clayton, MO.  FREE 

Wednesday 6-8pm Game Night at Catch a Falling Star 6554 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 314-645-5556 www.catchafallingstar.org FEE

Thursday 4pm - Handwriting - Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264  Located at444 Sovereign Ct, Ballwin, MO 63011 FEE

Thursday 4:45 (age 6-9) and 5:30 (age 10 and up) Yoga Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264  Located at 444 Sovereign Ct, Ballwin, MO 63011 FEE

Thursday 6-8 pm Art and Music at Catch a Falling Star 6554 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 314-645-5556 www.catchafallingstar.org FEE

Thursday 7 - 8:30pm (Every 3rd Thursday)  Christian Support Group for parents and caregivers of children with special needs.  Guest speakers are scheduled occasionally to talk on various programs available in our community at King Of Kings Lutheran, Chesterfield, MO www.kokstl.org  FREE

Thursday 6:30 - 8:00pm Saint Charles County Autism Support Group - meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Leaps and Bounds, 324 Jungermann Road, St. Peters, MO 63376 (636)928-5327 www.sccasg.org

Friday 7 - 9pm (Second and Fourth Friday)  - Different locations throughout the Saint Louis area - see information below for the location for the next meeting - Our kids (usually age 5 - 13) can socialize and the parents can talk, Contact David Craig at stlaspergers@yahoo.com  Cost: FREE (except for the activity we do)

Friday 6-10pm Catch A Falling Star Friday Night Fun  6554 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 314-645-5556 www.catchafallingstar.org FEE

Saturday 8 - 8:50 (Open Gym) or 9-9:50 - Class - Cardinal Power Kids Gymnastics - Class for children who are developmentally delayed or physically challenged - Team Central Gymnastics www.teamcentrao.org/id17htm, 2675 Metro Blvd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 314-291-0101 FEE

Saturday 8 - 9am Saint Louis Gym Centre, 315 West Pacific Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119 (314)968-9494 age 2-10 years old with special needs. www.stlgymcentre.com FEE

Saturday 8:30 - 10:00 (Every third Saturday) Dads autism support group - Dads with children on the autism spectrum discuss issues and challenges with having a child on the spectrum  at Judevine Center for Autism.  For more information, email stlaspergers@yahoo.com FREE

Saturday 9:15 am (Age 9-12), 10:30 am (age 6-8), and Noon( Age 4-5) - Saturday Social Hour Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264  Located at444 Sovereign Ct, Ballwin, MO 63011 FEE

Saturday 1:15 (age 6-8), 2:30 (age 9-12) Facilitated Playgroups Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264  Located at444 Sovereign Ct, Ballwin, MO 63011 FEE

Saturday 5-10 pm (Every second Saturday) - Comprehensive Learning Institute for Challenged Kids (CLICK) Babysitting 6 months - 13 years 5-10pm www.makeitclick.org 314-882-2264 FEE

Sunday 2 - 3pm and 3:15 - 4:15 (Every other Sunday) Kids Enjoy Exercise Now - One on one recreational activities for children and young adults with disabilities - Meets at SLU HighGym 4970 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis; Reservations required www.keenstlouis.org 314-259-5980 FREE

Sunday 4:30-6pm Disabled Athlete Sports Asociation (DASA) Swim Team.  For more information go to www.dasa.sports.org.  DASA Sports is located at 1236 Jungermann Rd. Suite A, St.Peters (636)477-0716

May

Saturday May 3 8:45am - 4:00pm - Autism and You Free Parent Conference put on by the Children's Behavioral Health Coalition of St. Louis - Conference is located at Edgewood Children's Center, 330 North Gore Avenue, Webster Groves (314)968-8308 For more information go to http://child-behavioralhealth.org/sitempa.aspx

Monday May 5 Disagreement Resolution Processes sponsored by MPACT, located at Special School District, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO.  To sign up contact Ann Stackle, Parent Mentor, MPact, 636-349-3212 FREE

Tuesday May 6, 8:30-3:30 - Implementing a Response to Intervention Model - held at Marriott
St. Louis Airport, 10700 Pear Tree Ln, 63134.  Cost is $234. For more information go to www.meds-pdn.com and choose the Continuing Education block.

Tuesday May 6, 7-9pm - Orientation for Parents to Special Education and the IEP Process - Presenter is Joann Noll, this will be held at SSD Central Office Room 57at 12110 Clayton Rd, Town and Country 63131, phone: 314-989-8100.  All participants will receive a Parent Handbook and an IEP Guide for Parents.  FREE

Wednesday May 7, 6:0-8:30pm - Parents Speakers Series: The Early Years, Raising a Child with a Disability (birth to age 7) - This will be held at SSD Central Office Board Room at 12110 Clayton Rd, Town and Country 63131, 314-989-8100.  Child care is offered with advanced registration. 314-989-8100.  FREE

Wednesday May 7, 7-8:30pm - Positive Behavior Management for Home and School - Speaker will be Linda Peters.  This will be held at Immanuel Lutheran School St. Charles, 115 S. 6th St. 63303.  Contact Anita Hesse at 636-949-2165 for more information.

Friday May 9, 6:30 - Kid's Meetup Group at Whitecliff Park, Crestwood.  Located at 9245 Whitecliff Park Ln 63126, (314) 729-4860.  We'll meet at the playground.  For more information email stlaspergers@yahoo.com

Thursday May 15 - Special Education Law & Advocacy Training sponsored by MPACT Linn, MO (Jefferson City area) Speaker: Pete Wright from Wrightslaw - a special education law and advocacy organization designed to meet the needs of parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and health care providers who represent children with disabilities.  More information to come later. 

Thursday May 15, 7pm - Assistive Technology and Autism - Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment and Autism Speaks Co-hosts.  Location to be determined.  For more information, visit  www.mo-feat.org

Saturday May 17, 8:30-10am - Dad's Autism Support Group - held at St. Louis Bread Co. located at
46 Four Seasons Shopping Center (near the Dierbergs at the corner of Olive and Woodsmill Rd, Chesterfield).  The phone is 314-878-7373.  Contact  stlaspergers@yahoo.com for more information.

Monday May 19, 9am - Noon or 6 - 9pm - Concepts of Functional Behavioral Assessment & Positive Behavior Supports/Intervention for Parents - Learn to think differently about behavior, perform Functional Behavior Assessments and Functional Behavior Analysis, support students through problem behaviors, influence change in problem behaviors or behaviors that impede learning.  Located at Down Syndrome Assoc, 8420 Delmar Blvd Suite 504, Saint Louis, MO.  To sign up contact Ann Stackle, Parent Mentor, MPact, 636-349-3212  FREE

Tuesday May 20, 7-9pm - Orientation for Parents to Special Education and the IEP Process - Presenter is Joann Noll, this will be held at SSD Central Office Room 57at 12110 Clayton Rd, Town and Country 63131, phone: 314-989-8100.  All participants will receive a Parent Handbook and an IEP Guide for Parents.  FREE

Wednesday May 21- Sunday May 25, 2008 Autism One 2008 Conference - brings together the most recent research and treatments in the most crucial biomedical areas underlying the potential for children with autism's recovery www.autismone.org 

June

Friday June 6,13,20,27 10-11am  5-7 year olds Learning in Motion - focuses on getting the wiggles out - movement based activities such as games, ball and balloon play, music motor play and increasing body awareness.  Located at Sensory solutions, LLC 10560 Old Olive St. Rd Suite 100, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 (314)567-4707 www.sensorysolutions.org ($100 plus $25 registration fee)

Monday June 16 - Friday July 20 8am-5pm Disabled Athlete Sports Asociation (DASA) WECANDU Camp.  For more information go to www.dasa.sports.org.  DASA Sports is located at 1236 Jungermann Rd. Suite A, St.Peters (636)477-0716 
  
July

Wednesday July 9 -  Saturday July 12 Autism Society of America National Conference in Orlando, Florida featuring keynote speakers Temple Grandin,ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O., and James Ball, Ph.D., BCBA.  for registration and conference schedule go to www.autism-society.org/conference $150 - $220 Early Bird Registration.  Respite Childcare is available.  CEUs are available. 

Friday July 11,18,25 10-11am Messy Monsters 5-7 year olds - led by a team of experienced pediatric occupational therapists.  The session includes sensory based activities with specific focus on daily tactile "MESY" play, crafts and testures.  Located at Sensory solutions, LLC 10560 Old Olive St. Rd Suite 100, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 (314)567-4707 www.sensorysolutions.org ($100 plus $25 registration fee)

Thursday July 17 & Friday July 18 - The Mid America Super Conference on Autism/Asperger's Syndrome located in Dixon, IL- Featuring Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Temple Grandin.  Register at 1800-489-0727.  Fees range from $70 - $180. For more information go to http://fhautism.com/conferences/dixon.htm  Located at The Dixon Historic Theatre, 114 South Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021l.  This seminar is also available on line.

Monday July 28 12:30 - 4:00pm Saint Louis Through the eyes of a chuild with a disability Variety Program at Missouri Botanical Gardens - This program enables children to visit St Louis public attractions for a day of learning, socializing and fun.  It provides an opportunity for families to network and chuildren to meet others in a stress-free environment.  For more information, please contact Barb Kramer at (314)453-0453 ext 115 or e mail her at barb@varietystl.org


August

Monday - Friday August 4-8, 12:30-4pm - St. Louis ARC Summer Camp - Each day will be filled with recreational adventures to the Science Center, Zoo, Sky Zone and a local Water Park.  Fee is $175.  Contact Rhonda Hembree at 314-817-2245 or rhembree@slarc.org or www.starc.org  for more information.
 
Friday August 8- Saturday August 9 Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) 2 day seminar - The goal of the RDI Program is to provide the majority of people on the autism spectrum with the potential to attain a true quality of life.  www.rdiconnect.com 

Tuesday Augut 12 Time is TBD  Saint Louis Through the eyes of a chuild with a disability Variety Program at Busch Stadium - This program enables children to visit St Louis public attractions for a day of learning, socializing and fun.  It provides an opportunity for families to network and chuildren to meet others in a stress-free environment.  For more information, please contact Barb Kramer at (314)453-0453 ext 115 or e mail her at barb@varietystl.org

September

Saturday September 6, October 4, November 1 8:30am - 3:30pm  Fred Saigh Parent Leadership Institute- focuses on helping you develop a vision for your child and positive parent-school collaboration.  Applications are due soon!  For an application, see http://www.ssd.k12.mo.us/enews/2007_2008/feb_2008/pli.html or contact Nancy Matin, Special School District Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (314)989-8194 or nmartin@ssd.k12.mp/us

Thursday September 25- Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment (MO-FEAT) presnets Michelle Garcia - Winner's workshop on Social Thinking Across the home and School Day at the University of Missouri St. Louis.  For more information, visit  www.mo-feat.org.

October

Saturday October 11  Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism Upper Muni Lot, Forest Park, Saint Louis, MO www.walknowforautism.org

Wednesday October 15 - Thursday October 16 Classrooms Designed for Success - Missouri Summit on Inclusive Education - sponsored by The Missouir Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities 800-500-7878 www.mpcdd.com Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia, Missouri.  More information to come.