Nick's Law Update

To all Parents, Grandparents, friends, and concerned citizens.

Nick’s Law is alive and well! Senators Gumm and Anderson decided on Thursday, Feb 21st,not to present SB 1537 – Nick’s Law - in the Senate Insurance Committee, for fear that it would be voted down. Senate rules prohibit the language of any bills that were voted down in committee from being used in other bills for the rest of the year. The deadline to hear Senate bills in committee was Thursday, so technically, SB 1537 is dead. But our Senate authors have vowed to find other germaine bills in which to insert the language contained in SB 1537. So Nick’s Law will now be sent to the entire body of the Senate as an amendment on another insurance bill.

The senators’ decision gives the language of Nick’s Law several more options for passage out of the Senate. The actual bill or bills that Nick’s Law will be amended into will be determined in the next several days. We have 3 weeks to vote the bill out of the Senate (deadline – March 13th).

Nick’s Law in the House, HB 2459 by Rep. Colby Schwartz is still alive as well. Currently, it awaits a hearing in the House Economic Development Committee. We have until March 6th to have Nick’s Law reported out of this committee.

We are still planning on the next Parent’s Day at the Capitol for Tuesday, March 4th. We will be concentrating on the House. It is appearing that our first trip created a lot of interest and opened the eyes of a lot of legislators. We need to keep up the pressure on our legislators. Keep the letters, emails, and phone calls going to your legislator. Also remind your neighbors and friends to do the same.

More information will be announced later this week as the specifics are determined.

Update provided by the Nick’s Law Steering Committee
www.nickslawok.blogspot.com

The end of "Information Overload"

Do you ever feel like you have so many ideas and so much information crowded into your head that it may just explode at any second? Whenever I'm working hard on a research project or just trying to figure out all my options so I can make an "informed" choice, I always reach a point where I just hit overload. A technique that can help avoid that feeling is called mind mapping. Because it's very visual it's sometimes recommended to kids and adults with ADD when they are planning projects. But even if you don't consider yourself a "visual learner", don't miss out on this technique. It's also great for those of us who are just on constant "information overload".

Here's how it works:

A mind map is a simple paper and pencil way of capturing your thoughts and getting them down on paper, without having to agonize over organization and prioritizing. It encourages your mind to roam freely on a subject, without boxing yourself into a structure that you find tedious or constricting. You simply draw a circle in the middle of the paper and jot your topic inside. Then you begin to draw spokes coming out of the circle with phrases related to your topic. Each spoke can then sprout additional lines as ideas and thoughts occur to you. You don't have to organize or prioritize -- you just capture everything in one place. Once all your thought and ideas are before you, you can begin to make decisions or identify a direction to proceed.

When to use a mind map -- the beauty of this kind of tool is that you can virtually use it for anything ......

• Helping your child plan a school project
• Creating a new IEP or deciding how to revamp an old one
• Developing an action plan to help your adult child with job-hunting
• Plotting a discussion with your child's teacher
• Writing a personal research plan to learn more about your child's diagnosis
• Developing a personalized futures plan with your child
• Outlining a disability awareness campaign in your community

For example:

If you want to make an mind map to help you effectively advocate for your child with Asperger Syndrome you might start with the phrase Asperger Syndrome in your center circle. Coming out on the spokes you might identify a variety of symptoms that your child is experiencing. They could be related to educational issues, social issues, physical needs, self care skills -- what ever your family is experiencing. From each symptom you could then bring out a smaller line to jot down possible strategies you've read about (or those you've tried if you want to use the map to document your efforts). A second map could even be developed to keep track of where you are finding information. Use AS Info as your central circle and then spokes might include people, books, websites, organizations, etc. Each spoke would then sprout smaller lines with specific resources that you want to remember or explore.

Intrigued?

You can learn more about Mind mapping using these resources:

• Mapping Inner Space: Learning and Teaching Mind Mapping by Nancy Margulies - Not only does this book contain the basics of mindmapping® techniques pioneered by Tony Buzan, it presents something that many of us are lacking -- stroke by stroke exercises in drawing simple iconic figures that can be quickly mastered and incorporated into your mindmaps®...as someone who is "graphically challenged" I particularly appreciated these drawing lessons!
• The Power of Mind Mapping! by Marcus Ingemann. This PDF guide shows how to use mind maps to boost your creativity, achieve faster success, greater results, and develop winning ideas at the speed of thought!
• Just want to take a peak and see what I'm talking about? Click here to view some examples (these aren't related to special needs topics, but you'll get the idea.)
• Want to give a try at zero-cost? While there some really good mind map software programs out there, many are somewhat costly. If you want to give it a whirl on the cheap, try Bubbl. This web-based software lets you develop mind maps, save them as images and then print or email them to share with others.

Have fun exploring this fun strategy & never get stuck with brain overload again!

Introducing AutismSpot

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. In the United States, 1 in every 94 boys born will be diagnosed with Autism. Every twenty minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism. There is currently no known cause or cure for Autism but there is hope.

AutismSpot is Empowering the Autism Community. AutismSpot.com is a FREE online resource for the global Autism Community. AutismSpot uses streaming video to provide the latest in education and information to the global Autism Community. In the first 90 days, AutismSpot has changed lives in more than 20 countries and is growing daily. This is the first unbiased, complete online community providing expert videos, blogs, forums and the latest news dedicated to the Autism Community.

If you would like AutismSpot informational material to distribute, contact Jeffrey Smith, the Director of Partnership Marketing for AutismSpot at: jeff@autismspot.com or call him at
888.317.8074 x 701

New parent support groups coming to Garfield County

Two new parent support groups are currently in development.

1) Our local Systems of Care project (Chisholm Trail Systems of Care) has started a parent support group in partnership with the Oklahoma Federation of Families. Becky Coffey, the Family Support Provider, is developing the group. Currently the group is meeting in one of the family homes, once a month, usually around 8:30 p.m. The focus on the group is supporting families raising a child with complex emotional and behavioral issues although Becky would like to see the group grow to support a broader range of families if possible. To learn more about this group, contact Becky at 231-7433

2) Parents Helen Lazcano and Theresa Sharp are developing a support group for family members and caregivers touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger Syndrome, Rhett's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders), Sensory Processing Disorders and ADHD. This group will be conducted by parents- for parents and have a focus more on interactive support between parents and less on guest speakers offering education/training. They hope to have their first meeting in April and will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church (2418 W. Randolph, Enid). A structured children's group for those ages 5-12 will also be offered and nursery services will be available by request. For more information on this group, contact Theresa at 977-7479 or Helen at 370-5081.

What do families need most in Garfield County

We Need YOU! Sooner SUCCESS is conducting a Needs Assessment Survey and we need you to participate if you are raising a child with special needs in Garfield County or supporting families whose children have special needs.

Give us 5 minutes and you could win $50
To encourage lots of participation in this year's survey we are holding a special drawing after the survey closes on March 1st.

Just complete the online survey available here (it should take you just 5-10 minutes) and if you include an active phone number or email address at the end, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card.

It's that simple, but so important. Please tell us which issues are most important to you and those you care about!

How Sooner SUCCESS Coordinators support service providers:

Sooner SUCCESS is not exclusively for parents. We also support Garfield county service providers as they work with families. We work regularly with teachers, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, therapists, employement specialists, and others whose work frequently brings them in contact with families raising children with special needs.

To meet the unique needs of our local providers we offer:

• A monthly opportunity for providers to: discuss the needs of the children they serve, share information about existing services, identify needed services and explore ways to bring additional services to the county. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Bass Pavillion Conference Room. All are welcome to attend!
• Research assistance .... I find the individualized resource and referral information that is needed so that providers can pass it directly to individuals in need.
• A regular survey of county stakeholders to identify service gaps and critical areas of unmet need.
• An information network. I help spread information about upcoming events, announcements related to children and youth with special needs, and new service availability via our email list and through this blog.
• Time & Input. Part of my responsibility as the Garfield County Coordinator for Sooner SUCCESS is participating in community groups focused on youth and children’s issues to offer the special needs perspective.

If you are a provider who has not yet connected with Sooner SUCCESS, we'd love to have you! Join us at our next coalition meeting, subscribe to this blog to hear the latest, or contact me by phone to get our help with your latest challenge!

How Sooner SUCCESS Coordinators help families in Garfield County:

As a Sooner SUCCESS coordinator I offer 2 primary services:

#1 - I work one-on-one with individual families providing information, referrals to help them access services, and coordination to help eliminate service duplication.

So when I talk to a family member I might help by:

• Telling them about available resources that fit the family's needs.
• By providing a Garfield county resource guide of available services and supports.
• Offering assistance as they complete application forms or prepare for meetings with service providers.
• Providing written information about their child's diagnosis or a behavior/symptom they are struggling with related to his/her condition.
• Providing materials and guidance to create a Care Notebook for health/education information.
• Providing contact and eligibility information for support programs such as the Respite Voucher System, Medicaid, Sooner Start, TEFRA, etc.

If you live in Garfield County, Oklahoma and are raising a child (0-21) with developmental disabilities, a chronic health condition, an emotional or behavioral condition, or consider your child "at risk", contact Lisa at Sooner SUCCESS for assistance. You can reach me at 603-1580.

Important information available from the ODDC

The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council has recently updated their website. They now offer several excellent publications in PDF format that can be downloaded or printed directly from their website.

Here are 3 don't miss items:

The Consumer Involvement Fund - The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council annually sets aside funds to assist advocates in the field of developmental disabilities to participate in conferences and short-term educational programs. That means that parents who want to attend educational workshops and conferences can apply for financial assistance to help cover the cost. Check out the brochures for all the details.

Watch Your Words - If you've ever gotten frustrated because someone spoke about your child or student with special needs in a disrespectful way ......this is the educational tool you've been looking for. Click here to find this basic tutorial on Person First Language.

Tips for First Responders - This file contains a set of cards designed specifically for police, fire and emergency medical personnel for use in their vehicles. The cards contain helpful information about how to recognize and respond appropriately to people with disabilities. This may be life saving information for someone you love....do the first responders in your community know what to do? Click here to print them a copy

How Family-Friendly is your service agency?

Northwest Oklahoma is known for being warm and welcoming ---- a great place to raise a family.

The question is .....if you provide services to families raising children with special needs is your business family-friendly?

Do family members get to:

• help decide what services you offer
• help decide how the services will be offered
• help evaluate how things are going

The term family-friendly applies to how and to what extent organizations involve, welcome, and value the participation of family members in every aspect of the organization.

The Ohio Family Support Council has developed two Family Friendly Check Lists:

• one for families
• and one for staff in organizations.

The checklists can help organizations determine if they have adopted family friendly practices and may give their staff ideas for improving family friendly approaches in specific areas. Organizational administrators can even compare staff perceptions to family member responses.

If you're ready to put your agency to the test, you can download PDF copies of each checklist at:

Agency checklist:
http://olrs.ohio.gov/Other/checklistagency.pdf

Family member checklist:
http://olrs.ohio.gov/Other/checklistfamily.pdf

Parent Support in Garfield County

The Garfield County Sooner SUCCESS Coalition will meet next Thursday,February 14, 2008 at Bass Integris Hospital. All interested providers and family members of those with special needs are invited to attend.

TIME: Noon to 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Northeast Conference Room, Bass Hospital

This month we'll be talking about:

1. Completing our Needs Assessment Survey ..... what services are missing or inadequate in Garfield County?
2. Supporting 4RKids...do you have an hour or 2 to share at the Home & Garden Show – 4RKids will have a booth
3. Discussion: Learn about new Parent Support Groups forming in Enid
4. Planning for Play Matters 2008....do you know a child with special needs who would enjoy a week of summer fun & learning?

Come & join us! We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. We have a lunchtime meeting format. Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch or purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria to
enjoy during our meeting.

I look forward to seeing you next week!
Lisa
--
Lisa Simmons
Garfield County Coordinator
Sooner SUCCESS

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008

"You Need to Know Me"

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008

Thursday, March 5th,

10 a.m.State Capitol, south steps

N.E. 23rd St., Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City

Join people from around the state for a rally on the south steps of the State Capitol to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma. This is the day that people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, professionals and providers join together to make their voices heard. It's a great showing of strength and unity and a time to meet with your legislators about the issues that are important to you.

The day begins with speeches and a rally on the south steps at 10 a.m. Then you're off to visit with your legislators. It's a good idea to call your legislators now and encourage them to attend this event or schedule an appointment to visit with them sometime during that day. If you do not know who your legislators are, call your local county election board or visit http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/ and choose "Find Your Legislator".

Accessible parking is located at the base of the south steps of the capitol. Public parking includes the south lot of the capitol, a parking lot east of the capitol (across Lincoln Blvd. at 23rd St. and Phillips Ave) and at the neighboring Jim Thorpe Building. For more information on this event, call the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division at (405) 521-3571.

Special security precautions to be observed:

• Please be aware that our state capitol may be placed at an increased level of security at any time. When entering the capitol building, you will be required to pass through a metal detector and run all purses and other bags through an x-ray scanner.
• You may also be asked to show a government issued photo I.D. For people who do not have a photo I.D., the I.D. of the group leader or personal assistant will suffice.
• Picket signs are allowed outside the capitol building but cannot be brought inside.

Supporters and participants in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day are:

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division, The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment, Oklahoma Community-Based Providers Association, Oklahoma Network of Community Options and Resources, Oklahoma People First, TARC, and the Tulsa Community Services Council Alliance on Disabilities.

This will be a wonderful chance for families to be heard. Please share this event with other families in your area that may not be aware of it. And if Sooner SUCCESS has touched your lives, please mention it to your legislators. Only 9 counties in Oklahoma currently have a Sooner SUCCESS coalition and their are many more families across our state in need of support!