All-Abilities Water Sports Recreation Event in the 1000 Islands July 2008

North Country Access 2008 is an all-day all-abilities water sports recreation event taking place at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY, July 19, 2008. Children and adults with mobility impairments, sensory limitation or other disabling conditions will have the chance to fully participate and are encouraged to register for this rare opportunity in a world that is not designed with disability in mind.

Water sports and educational clinics will take place throughout the day Saturday, July 19 including rowing a traditional St. Lawrence skiff, sailing solo or with an experienced instructor or kayaking the quiet waters of French Creek. For those anxious to try waterskiing appropriate equipment will be available and for those just wanting to stay landbound, fishing off the dock is an option. 

How about a speedboat ride? Bring a secure hat and hold on to your camera while thundering down the River in a gleaming mahogany triple-cockpit runabout from the Museum’s fine collection of wooden boats. On Sunday, July 20 a rafting trip on the Black River will be offered to those interested. Advanced registration is required for the rafting trip. A registration packet and complete event details will be made available at www.ncaccess.org as it becomes available. This event is sponsored by North Country Access Cycling, Northern New York’s chapter of Disabled Sports, USA.  

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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

Spirit of Independence Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
        The Center is certified by Sunmount DDSO as a medicaid provider agency. Services are provided to individuals from preschool to adult with developmental disabilities. The Center offers grooming, on ground work and driving. This program runs from April 1 to November 30. For additional information, call 518-597-3516 or email porterspirit@cptelco.net.

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.

Family Champions Parent Support Group
1st and 3rd Friday of month-meetings
2nd and 4th Friday of month-family fun night (children included)
6:30-8:30 p.m.
58 Prospect St.
Tupper Lake, NY
        This support group is a resource and information clearinghouse which offers help to families of special needs children who may need assistance finding programs and outreach groups in their area. Karen Pioli is currently writing a book which will be free to special needs parents. The book will list programs and agencies that can be used as a resource, as well as definitions, advocacy, support groups in the area, and other bits of wisdom and support.   For more information, call Karen at 359-9066

Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.-12 noon
58 Prospect St.
Tupper Lake, NY
        For more information, call Karen at 359-9066

Mental Health Assoc. Parent Support Group
1st Thursday of every month
6-8 p.m.
Family Matters-Holy Ghost Academy
Marion Ave
Tupper Lake, NY
        For more information, call Nanette at MHA 891-0504 or 800-776-9992.

NAMI of Champlain Valley Craft Night
Third Friday of Each Month
7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
NAMI of Champlain Valley
14 Healey Avenue, Suite D
Plattsburgh, NY  12901 
            National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Champlain Valley hosts a craft night every third Friday of the month.  Bring a project that you want to work on or pick one up at the office.  You’ll meet some great people and have a chance to gab and socialize.

Parents Anonymous
Every Tuesday
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Family Matters Resource Center
Tupper Lake, NY
             Parents are invited to come and spend some quality time with other parents to discuss parenting issues, develop friendships and learn about community resources.  Pizza is served.  Bring your kids.  For more information call (518) 359-8167.

Parent Night Out-- How to Interpret your Child’s Neuropsychological Evaluations.
April 3, 2008
6:00-8:30 pm
St. John’s Church
7 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Dr. Michael J Small, Ph d, will review sample evaluations and answer any questions parents may have about test results and testing procedures.  He will review evaluations presented by parents to answer specific questions regarding their child’s evaluation, if time allows. Parents Night Out is an opportunity for families of people with a disability or special health care needs to meet other families, engage in social activities, gain information on various topics, and learn about resources available.  For more information please call 518-324-5732 or 1-866-790-2555.

Parents Night Out-- AUTISM AWARENESS
NEXXUS Program & Autism Awareness Walk Committee
May 1, 2008
6:00-8:30 pm
St. John’s Church
7 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Dr. Patricia Egan will present the accomplishments of the NEXXUS program and also discuss what the future holds for participants and others.  The Autism Awareness Walk Committee will be presenting on the success of the Autism Walk and future programs for children with Autism.  Parents Night Out is an opportunity for families of people with a disability or special health care needs to meet other families, engage in social activities, gain information on various topics, and learn about resources available.  For more information please call 518-324-5732 or 1-866-790-2555.

The Special Education Process: How the Regulations Can Support the Work that Parents Do!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
6:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Family Matters Resource Center
HGA, Marion Avenue
Tupper Lake, NY

Participants will be given the tools they need to become a more effective advocate in the Special Education process.  Many parents are somewhat familiar with the Special Education process.  However, during this training, participants will get an opportunity to step back and take a closer look at the 5 steps of special education.  By doing this, they will gain a better understanding of how the New York State Regulations can be a support to them in working effectively with CSE members.  Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation process, which is a crucial first step for an effective IEP.  There is no charge for this workshop, but pre-registration is required.  To register, contact Denise Skiff at Family Matters 359-8167 or Diane Lagree at Parent to Parent 359-3006.

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Parents Night Out:  Celebrating Caregivers Spaghetti Dinner
June 5, 2008
6:00-8:30 pm
St. John’s Church
7 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Parent to Parent will be hosting a Celebrating Caregivers Spaghetti dinner in appreciation for what caregivers do all year through.  Parents Night Out is an opportunity for families of people with a disability or special health care needs to meet other families, engage in social activities, gain information on various topics, and learn about resources available.  For more information please call 518-324-5732 or 1-866-790-2555.

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) for Families - Getting the Most from your Child's Program

Are you getting the most from your child's service coordination program?  Do you understand what your rights are under MSC?  Do you know what to look for when choosing a service coordinator?

MSC for Families is designed to inform families about how MSC works and to explain their rights under the program.  By being informed, you and your child's service coordinator can become partners in advocating for and gaining access to necessary services and supports for your child. 

Family members who wish to register for this class may do so by calling Mary Jo Hebert at 1-800-305-8817.  In addition, we are also available to present trainings on MSC at conferences, support groups, or meetings.  Call today to schedule a training for your group or organization.

Now Available By Video Conference at your local Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in the city or town indicated in the list below:

June 2, 2008
10 - 12

Bernard Fineson - Queens
Western NY - Perrysburg
Sunmount - Plattsburgh
Long Island - Commack
Finger Lakes - Rochester
Central NY - Rome
Broome - Oneonta
Taconic - Poughkeepsie
Capital District - Schenectady
Staten Island - Staten Island

Summer Inclusion Institute
August 3-6, 2008
Minnowbrook Conference Center
Blue Mtn. Lake, NY

How do we move inclusion from a good idea to everyday life?  How do we build community partnerships that really work? The Institute will cover person centered planning, inclusion, and community organizing. The Adirondack Arc will support attendance by parents from Sunmount region.  For more information, contact Patti Littlefield at 518-359-3351, ext. 120 or Les Parker at 518-891-6565, ext. 114 or email inclusion@adirondackarc.org.

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