Question and Answer Session with Dr. Gary Catalani, SUSD Superintendent.  Following the session, there will be a Tribute to Lois Healey recognizing her wonderful efforts for Special Education at SUSD.  Dinner will be provided.  See you there!

Date:  Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Time:  6:30pm – 8:30pm 

Place:  Mohave District Annex,  Kachina Room

               8505 E. Valley View Road

               Scottsdale, AZ 85250              

The AZ Arts Collective located at  138 W. Main St. Mesa is starting a new fine art class for children over 6 yrs or children and adults with disabilities to be held in April & May on Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.   For more information call 480-844-7520.  

Please read below the Art Newsletter from one of the instructors at the AZ Arts Collective:

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Edgar Degas

Hello everyone! I hope you all are enjoying this Springy April. There’s color everywhere and it is truly inspiring, telling us to make the most, to seize the day! What you see at the top there are some of the paintings done by my students at Arts Collective. I have been enjoying teaching these classes and working with the kids to create something beautiful. The children, who attend, get to learn some basic art techniques and tap into their world of imaginations, but more importantly, they teach me so much! They teach me the art of simplicity, innocence, letting go, determination and patience. One of the kids once said, “I want to draw the sun, a huge sun.” I said, “It might not really look good if it’s huge, try painting it smaller.” He was so determined to draw his huge sun, that he went ahead and did it and I didn’t have the heart to stop him. After all, this is about expression! After he was done, he showed it to me and said, “Look. It’s big, red and powerful. Just like my dad’s car.”

Arizona Arts Collective Art Classes

Midge White runs a lovely art gallery/ workshop called “Arizona Arts Collective” in Mesa exhibiting and selling art work done by special needs adults and children. There are several classes held there for all kids (with and without disabilities) and adults. If you have children or know any children who would enjoy a laid back, fun-filled art class, please send them this way. The classes I’m volunteer teaching are:

What: Basic Art Classes for children, 6 years and older

When: Saturdays, 2 to 4pm

Where: Arizona Arts Collective, 138 W Main St, Mesa, AZ (Map)

How much: $10, goes towards supplies, electricity and rent.

________________________________

Gilbert Global Festival

“Gilbert’s Global Village Festival is a multi-cultural celebration for all ages. The festival brings neighbors together in a friendly, educational way to learn more about each other. The world is at your doorstep with ethnic food and art and international gifts for sale. This family event highlights some of the traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music, children’s activities, arts & crafts and ethnic foods from countries far away on the green open spaces of the Gilbert Civic Center North Campus. Our mission is to create opportunities for individuals and communities to celebrate, share and sustain the arts and the rich cultural traditions of countries from around the world.”

My very talented artist friend, Joan McConnell, and I will be exhibiting our paintings at this festival that aims at brining together the diverse art forms of the world. So, come on down and say Hi!

What: Gilbert Global Village Festival

When: Saturday, April 17, 10 to 4pm

Where: 50 E Civic Center Drive (Southeast corner of Gilbert and Warner Roads), Gilbert, AZ (Map)

Festival Website: http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/parks/gvf.cfm

You can go to my Events page, to see details. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to those who might be interested.

________________________________

ETSY Shop ~ artmatai.etsy.com

Special Education Parent Advisory Council

2010 Summer Camp Fair

SEPAC neither sponsors nor endorses the businesses listed below.  We are providing this information as a service to the community.  The details listed below were provided to SEPAC by the programs themselves.  All families should conduct their own inquiries to determine whether to make use of these programs

Arizona Magic of Music and Dance

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20047, Fountain Hills, AZ  85269

Phone: 480-296-3034, or 602-481-2697 Web-site: www.azmagic.org

Day camp, co-ed, special needs focused

Age range: 8-25 years.

The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance Camp is a program for children and young adults with physical or mental disabilities that- in just one week, prepares them to stage a wonderful theater production that is written and choreographed especially for them.

AZAUnited

Address:  5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 212, Phoenix, AZ  85034

Phone: 602-773-5773 Web-site: www.AZAunited.org

Arizona Autism United provides: habilitation, respite, attendant care, behavioral habilitation, skills and behavior assessments, ABA programs and training.  AZA United is a qualified vendor with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Camp AZDA (American Diabetes Association)

Camp Address:  Friendly Pines, Prescott, AZ

Phone: 888-DIABETES x7094 or 602-861-4731 x 7094

Web-site: diabetes.org/adacampazda

Camp Director: Sarah Watson

Age Range: 8-16 years.

Our campers explore the great outdoors and enjoy traditional camp activities; discover new things about themselves and how you can manage diabetes; connect with other kids and adults living with diabetes; and have fun at summer camp-just like any kid.  Physicians, nurses, and other health care providers are there to provide around-the-clock medical supervision.  Registered dietitians plan meals and snacks, and manage all special dietary needs.  Counselors are trained to recognize specific diabetes care needs and help kids adapt to the camp environment.

Camp Civitan

Camp Address: 5008 N. Civitan Road, Williams, AZ  86046

Mailing Address: 3509 E. Shea Blvd. #117, Phoenix, AZ  85028

Phone: 928-635-2944 Website: www.campcivitan.org

Camp Director: Dawn Trapp

Camp Civitan’s longest running and most beloved program offers week-long camp sessions throughout the summer, and weekend adventures once a month the balance of the year.  Camp Civitan is a 15-acre wheelchair accessible facility for developmentally disabled children and adults located in the cool pine country of Northern Arizona in the town of Williams.  This program offers campers a variety of enriching and fun experiences that promote positive self-esteem, teamwork, socialization, and healthy activities.

Camp Not-A-Wheeze (American Lung Association)

Camp Address: 933 Friendly Pines Road, Prescott, AZ 

Mailing Address: 102 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ  85003

Phone: 602-258-7505 Fax: 602-258-7507 Web-site: www.lungarizona.org

Camp Director: Kelly Szymanski

Residential, co-ed, special needs focused.

Age range: 7-14 years.

Arizona’s only summer camp for children with asthma.  Exploring the great outdoors has never been easier for children with asthma.  Seven to fourteen year old children with moderate to severe asthma experience the same exciting activities found in a typical summer camp, but at a pace geared to their needs.  Volunteer medical professionals team up in cabins with 6-8 children.  Nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, physicians and pharmacists provide around-the-clock supervision for the campers during all activities and cabin time.  Camp Not-A-Wheeze takes place in Prescott, Arizona at Friendly Pines.

Camp Runamuk-SEEK Arizona

Camp Address: 1400 Paradise Valley Road, Prescott, AZ  86303

Mailing Address: 1830 S. Alma School Road, Suite 130, Mesa, AZ  85210

Phone: 480-902-0771 Fax: 480-967-0804 Web-site: www.SEEKArizona.org

Camp Director: Jessica Irwin

Residential, co-ed, special needs focused, general camp with inclusion.

Age range: 0-100.  Family Camp.

Camp Runamuk is a camp for families who have children with special needs.  At Camp Runamuk, families get the total camp experience from bunk beds to campfires for 4 days and 3 nights, while they participate in family and individual activities geared for campers with special needs, their siblings, and their parents.  At night, each family will turn-in to their own room in a suite-style log cabin, each room complete with its own bathroom and shower.  This camp is especially geared for special needs campers with developmental disabilities.

City of Scottsdale Summer Teen Connection

Camp Address: 8102 E. Jackrabbit Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85250

Mailing Address: 7430 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ  85251

Phone: 480-312-2218 Fax: 480-312-2301 Web-site: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/adaprec.asp

Camp Director: Neal Hallihan

Full day, co-ed, special needs focused.

Age range: 12-22 years

The Summer Teen Connection is designed to serve and accommodate teens with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.  Camp activities, games, sports, etc. are designed to accommodate a variety of needs and the camp’s focus is participation by all.  Activities include indoor and outdoor games, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, cooking, music/dance therapy, guest speakers, excursions, and a talent show.

The Clubhouse

Camp Address:  4600 East Shea Blvd, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ  85028

Phone: 602-368-8601 Fax: 602-368-8605 Web-site: www.theclubhousecenters.com

Camp Director: Crystal Brooks

Full day; half day; co-ed; special needs focused.

Age range: 3-12 years

Camp Chit-Chat-Children will have fun and improve their language skills in an intense 8 week program, music therapy included.

Camp Write On-Clean up that messy handwriting with an intense 8 week program with our OT.

Camp Reading Rocks-Reading is fun!  Come improve decoding and comprehension skills with our literacy team.

Camp Move and Groove-Our OT and PT team create lots of fun with sensory and motor activities for everyone.

Highlands Church Vacation Bible School

Camp Address: 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Phone: 480-348-9191 Fax: 480-348-5988 Web-site: www.highlandschurch.org

Camp Director: Missy Farrington

½ day, co-ed, general camp with inclusion.

Age range: 5 years and older

A week long camp which includes music, drama, arts and crafts, games, and more to help children learn about God and experience the joys of His community.  This year’s theme is “High Seas”.  We serve various physical, mental, and multiple disabilities.  Children should be able to handle interaction with typical children with the help of an assistant.

Joni and Friends Family Retreat

Camp address: 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs, Murrieta, CA  92563

Mailing address: 5025 E. Washington, Suite 106, Phoenix, AZ  85032

Phone: 602-275-2568 Fax: 602-275-2691 Web-site: www.joniandfriends.org

Camp Director: Delinda Carr

Age range:  Families

At Family Retreats, “Everything Under the Son” is provided for the comfort and care of families affected by disability.  Best of all, at week’s end, moms, dads, sisters, and brothers head home with a newfound joy to press forward in His strength, cheered on by the whole new family of loved ones who stand with them.  From adaptive water skiing to the flying zip-line, Family Retreats shower blessings from A to Z.

KEEN Phoenix

Camp address:  6601 N. 27^th Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85017

Mailing address:  PO Box 45186, Phoenix, AZ  85064

Phone:  602-508-3939 Website: www.keenphoenix.org

Camp Director: Johanna Bookbinder

Co-ed. Special needs focused.

Age range: 4-21 years.

KEEN is a national non-profit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.  KEEN’s mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.

Kris’ Camp

Web-site: www.kriscamp.org

Camp Assistant Director: Leidy van Ispelen, 801-733-0721

Kris’ Camp currently focuses on children with autism or with autistic-like challenges.  Ages vary according to sessions and availability, however, the average age range is 4-15 years.  Kris’ Camp is a non-profit organization that provides a special place for unique children and their families.  The camp is motivated by three mutually enforcing goals: 1) to provide intensive therapy; 2) to provide respite and support for the families of special kids; 3) to provide theoretical and hands-on education and training to students, caregivers, and professionals working in the field of autism and other developmental disabilities.

Lion’s Camp Tatiyee

Camp Address:  5283 White Mountain Blvd, Lakeside, AZ

Phone: 480-202-7062 Web-site: www.arizonalionscamp.org

Camp Director: Pam Swanson

Residential, co-ed

Age range: 7-21 years, 22 and older Adult Sessions

This camp is for physically challenged, multi-challenged, mentally challenged, developmentally delayed, deaf and blind in peer sessions.

New Way Learning Academy

Address:  1300 North 77^th Street, Scottsdale, AZ  85257

Phone: 480-946-9112 Fax: 480-946-2657 Web-site: www.newwayacademy.org

The mission of New Way Learning Academy is to educate children with learning differences to fulfill their potential.  New Way Learning Academy offers a daily multi-sensory academic curriculum in addition to the two social skills programs.  The different programs are designed for older and younger children, and focus on social communication and positive self-image.  Through engaging group activities, students will grow in maturity and self-esteem.

Reading and Math Clinic Summer Intensive Interventions Camps

Camp Address:  1860 E. Warner Road, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ  85284

Phone: 480-456-0500 Fax: 480-456-1617 Web-site: www.AZreadingclinic.com

Camp Director: Dr. Pamela Rupprecht

½ day, special needs focused.

Age range: 5-18 years

Boost your child’s reading and math skills with one-to-one intensive instruction.  Using Lindamood-Bell and Math-U-See, we obtain extraordinary results with elementary to high school students who struggle with dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD.  Group camps include computer programming, web page design, essay writing, test prep, spelling/comprehension, and math reviews.  We serve students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and students who have co-morbid diagnoses such as dyslexia and ADHD.

S-Club

Camp Address:  Various community locations across Maricopa County, focusing close to attendees and community activities.

Mailing Address:  9052 N. 48^th Drive, Glendale, AZ  85302

Phone: 602-471-0346 Fax: 623-218-1819 Web-site: www.AzAdvocatesteam.com

½ day, co-ed, special needs focused, general camp with inclusion.

Camp Director: Elaine Berkley and Kim Yamamoto

Age range: 9-12 and 13-17 years

A summer camp for kids “on the Spectrum”.  Children and teens with high functioning autism, Aspergers, ADHD, NVLD and other diagnosis often leave parents struggling to find a summer program that can accommodate and support them.  S-Club’s summer camp will improve your son/daughters social interaction skills while learning the enjoyment of peer interaction.  We invite your child to join us for facilitated social skills building and social coaching in a fun and natural environment.  Two highly qualified providers and  small groups.

SEEK Arizona

Camp Address: 1830 S. Alma School Road, Suite 130, Mesa, AZ  85210

Phone: 480-902-0771 Fax: 480-967-0804 Web-site: www.SEEKArizona.org

SEEK Arizona’s summer camp is a fun way to spend the summer working on habilitation goals, while making friends and participating in cool activities.  This program will be held at SEEK Arizona’s clinic and targets habilitation skills in a social group setting.

Scottsdale/Paradise YMCA Adventure Camp

Camp address:  6869 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ  85254

Phone: 480-951-9622 Fax: 480-951-9663 Web-site: valleyymca.org

Camp Director: Marcia Leach

Contact: Lori Vincent (602) 680-8250, lvincent@autismcenter.org

Full day camp; co-ed; general camp with inclusion

Age range: 5-13 years

The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) will be working with the YMCA to support individuals with an ASD at the Y’s Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix camps.  The focus of this program will be inclusion in summer camp activities and appropriate social engagement with peers.  Individuals with an ASD will have additional support as needed.

Scottsdale Unified School District Special Needs Camp

Camp Address:  10203 E. McDowell Mountain Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85255-8600

Mailing Address:  9313 N. 95^th Way, Scottsdale, AZ  85258

Phone:  480-484-8614 Fax: 480-484-8669 Website:  SUSD Community Schools

Camp Director: Veronica Leiper

Day camp.  Co-ed.  Special needs focused.  General camp with inclusion.

Age range:  6-12 years old (will take older students if appropriate.)

SUSD Special needs camp is a traditional camp experience with modifications for children with special needs.  These modifications include:  low teacher/student ratios with aides that provide a 4/1 ratio; individual profiles for each child to design individual programming to meet their needs; teacher and aide awareness and attention to sensory needs; and a facility that provides many options and resources to meet sensory needs.

 Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) is holding public meetings around the state to get consumer input regarding the needs of high school students and young adults with disabilities with regards to transition and health care.  

The Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Women’s & Children’s Health and the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs invite you to participate in a discussion about the health of women and children and the most important needs in your community.  Your input will help shape the Federal Title V Maternal Child Health Block Grant for the next five years.  

Four public input sessions will be held at the following locations:

April 6, 2010

Tucson   1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Pima County Health Department

Abrams Health Center

3950 S Country Club Rd, Room 1106/08

April 19, 2010

Flagstaff   1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

North Country HealthCare

Learning Center Conference Room

2920 N 4^th Street

April 22, 2010

Mesa  3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Banner Desert Medical Center

Rosati Education Center

Saguaro Room

1400 S Dobson Rd

April 28, 2010

Phoenix  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

St. Mary’s Food Bank Volunteer Center

2831 N 31^st Avenue

Here is an opportunity for us all to express our concerns and review this important 5 year plan. Please review and respond appropriately!

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) 

The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) was established on September 3, 2009 by Executive Order of Governor Brewer. This is the successor organization to the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities which was sunsetted by the State Legislature and disbanded on July 1, 2009.

The purpose of the Council is to engage in advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities is the federal administrating agency.

A primary activity of the Council is to develop a five-year State Plan. After conducting comprehensive research and analysis on issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities, the State Plan summarizes how services and programs (e.g. employment, health, housing, recreation, child-care, etc.) should be structured within the State of Arizona.

The essence of the Act is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.

A survey has been created and posted to the DDPC website in order to gather public comments on the newly revised Five Year State Plan.  As required by the DD Act, the survey will remain active for 45 days (the last day will be April 8, 2010).

Links to the plan and survey can be found here: www.azgovernor.gov/DDPC. A direct link to the survey can be found here:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PJBT35J

Have questions about transition planning in the IEP? Plan to attend this training and learn about the process and options available to students with disabilities.  This training will be presented by Barb Ross, Parent Information Network Specialist, Arizona Department of Education.

Hosted by

Scottsdale School District

April 14th and 22nd

6:30-8:30 p.m.

4/14 – Mohave District Annex

8505 E Valley View Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85250

4/22 – Desert Mtn. High School

12575 E. Via Linda
Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Spanish Translation Available

SEPAC  of Scottsdale is pleased to announce that Dr.Gary Catalani, SUSD Superintendent will be speaking at our April 28, 2010 meeting.  He will be available for Questions from 6:30 pm – 7:00pm.  Following our Question and Answer session with Dr. Catalani,  SEPAC of Scottsdale will also be hosting a dinner to honor Lois Healey, SUSD Special Education Administrator, for her untiring service to our SPED students. Please come for an engaging chat with our superintendent and an enjoyable time celebrating afterwards.  

Date:  Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Time:  6:30pm – 8:30pm 

Place:  Mohave District Annex,  Kachina Room

               8505 E. Valley View Road

               Scottsdale, AZ 85250              

The SUSD Governing Board has been presented with two budget proposals – one with the sales tax increase to be voted on in May and one without. Both detail significant cuts. To view the proposals go to www.susd.org and click on “see proposed information” under Governing Board Presented Preliminary Budget.

For special education the proposal recommends realignments of two administrative support positions, two curriculum positions, and one clerical position. It also recommends no contracted services, a reduction in bilingual stipend and a reduction in outside placements. In the classrooms, special education teacher-student ratios will be adjusted in LRC and speech services. There will be more students per teacher in these areas.