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The NNY Early Childhood Direction Center at SUNY Potsdam will be closing its doors as of June 30th, 2010, due to a regional realignment of the Early Childhood Direction Centers in New York State in the recent state bidding process, . As of July 1st, 2010, technical assistance services for Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence Counties will be provided by Capital Region/North Country Early Childhood Direction Center. Phone:(518) 464-6377; Fax:(518) 464-6369; E-mail: eburns@gw.neric.org (Ellen Burns, Director).

The new North Country Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Group is ready to hold its first meeting and is looking for individuals and families interested in taking part.

The group, formed in association with Adirondack Arc, looks to aid individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families by giving them opportunities to meet with others who understand the impact an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis can have on a family. The group also hopes to help families learn about the services available to them, and host social activities where individuals with Autism and their families can have fun in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

The North Country Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Group also hopes to educate North Country residents about Autism Spectrum Disorders through awareness events and workshops.

The group will host its first meeting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, at Children¹s Corner, West Street, Malone. Childcare will be provided. Please call or e-mail ahead to indicate how many children you will be bringing.

Because the meeting will run through dinner hour, pizza will be provided, as well.

For more information, call 483-8497, ext. 368, and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also e-mail ncautismgroup@gmail.com

The Child Care Council envisions that parents and caregivers will raise children who flourish and grow to enrich their community. We provide support with creative dynamic programs, services and resources.  To view current activities which include play groups and parent activities at Family Connections (Plattsburgh), Family Matters (Tupper Lake) and Families R Us (Malone), Families First (Elizabethtown), ROMP (Keeseville and Rouses Point) follow this link:  http://www.ccccnc.org/Calendars.htm

Medicine Horse, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Center Member.  (NARHA)
        Certified by NARHA,  Medicine Horse offers Therapeutic Services to individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities to promote Physical Wellness and Emotional Healing. The Center offers an Unmounted Vocational Training Program that is coordinated with schools and community agencies to offer alternative learning tracks in an agricultural setting.   Medicine Horse offers a Therapeutic Riding Program to a variety of age groups.  Medicine Horse has successfully served individuals with physical limitations, neurological disorders, hearing or vision impairments, ADHD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and Sensory Integrative Disorders.  To contact Medicine Horse for more programming information please call Marie at 518-566-7217, email mpostdupell@charter.net or mail inquires to 38 Lizzies Lane, Morrisonville, NY 12962. 

Network of Care for Behavioral Health
This Web site is a resource for individuals, families and agencies concerned with behavioral health and developmental disabilities.  It provides information about behavioral health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other features. Regardless of where you begin your search for assistance with behavioral health issues, the Network of Care helps you find what you need - it helps ensure that there is "No Wrong Door" for those who need services.

For Franklin and Essex Counties  http://franklin.ny.networkofcare.org/mh/home/index.cfm

Funding Available for Assistive Technologies
    Sunmount DDSO has announced the availability of funding for Assistive Technologies including environmental modifications and adaptive technologies for people with developmental disabilities residing in the counties of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson and St. Lawrence.  The focus is projects which address health, safety, egress and accessibility.
     Contact your Medicaid Service Coordinator for more information or Assistive Technology Proposal Manager, Kay Pauquette at 518-359-2962.   

Adirondack Stride for Pride Provides Fun and Friends
        Adirondack Stride for Pride is a group of North Country families with children ages 5-21+  who have a physical or developmental disability and want to get together with and/or make friends, to participate in some fun activities, such as bowling, game night, ice skating, dancing or what ever else we can think of that is fun for all!  It is a great way for kids to get to know each other and for families to get to know each other!  
         If you would like more information on Adirondack Stride for Pride, e-mail Mike Hannon and he will make sure you receive more information strideforpride@hotmail.com

NYS OMRDD Offers Free Training and Development Programs
         NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities offers free training and development programs on an ongoing basis throughout the state.  People with developmental disabilities and family members/advocates are encouraged to register for any sessions of interest.  For a complete listing, more information, or to register, please visit www.omr.state.ny.us and click on “OMRDD’s Training and Development Catalog” or phone (518) 473-1190.

Advocate -Sunmount DDSO Family Support Services Consumer Council Needs You.
       Parents of children with a developmental disability are needed to participate on the Family Support Consumer Council to develop and monitor family support services for the 6 counties in the Sunmount region.  The Council meets one evening per month in Tupper Lake. Mileage expense is reimbursed for Council members.  
        The Family Support Consumer Council works in partnership with the Sunmount DDSO to develop and monitor policies, services and supports to enhance a family's ability to provide in-home care to their family member with a developmental disability. Services range from counseling and training, respite, recreation, to family reimbursement for the purchases of goods and services.
        For further information, please call Kay Pauquette at 518-359-2962.
 

ADIRONDACK AREA EVENTS

For more information about any of these events, call the Adirondack Office of Parent to Parent of NYS at 1-866-790-2555 or the individual contacts for each item.

Rural Mobile Outreach Playgroup (ROMP)
Every Tuesday
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Saranac Town Hall
Route 3
Saranac, NY 12981

Parents and children of children between 0-6 years of age are welcome to attend a free educational and social learning experience that will include games, crafts, circle time, snack and free play.  Every child attending the first playgroup on 9/16 will receive a free book.  For more information please call Juliette Lynch at Family Connections at 518-561-4999