INCLUSIVE SNOW TUBING – MARCH 6
Outdoors for All, the Tzu Chi Foundation and Multicultural Families join to invite you and your family to a day of snow tubing at The Summit at Snoqualmie, $15 per person, $10 per child under 5 years old, one free caregiver per individual with special needs, RSVP required. Light lunch provided. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Meet at Seattle Goodwill, 1400 S. Lane St, Seattle 98144 at 9:00 AM or Highland Center, 14224 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue at 9:00 AM. Contact gingerk@multiculturalfamilies. org to RSVP.
STORY BOOK THEATER PRESENTS THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES – MARCH 7
Special performance for families with children with special needs. No worries if children need to walk around or talk during the performance. Sunday, Mary 7, 11:00 AM, one hour performance, Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), 2700 24th Ave E, Seattle. Tickets $9/person. Call (877) 827-1100 to order or buy tickets at the door.
OXFORD AND LONDON JOURNEY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ASD
Travel with a group of 15 young people to London and Oxford, July 9-18, 2010, $5190 includes round-trip, supervised group flight from JFK Airport in New York. Program led by Dr Beverly Daley of USC (bdaley@chla.usc.edu) and Jill Hudson, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence. For complete information, contact Putney Student Travel (802) 387-5000 or info@goputney.com. Applications are encouraged by March 15, 2010.
DOES YOUR GROUP OFFER A SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM?
Autism Speaks through their Baker Summer Camp Scholarship Program is offering funding, up to $5000, to qualified summer camps offering programs for individuals with autism to give scholarships to campers with autism based on financial need. For more information about this program including how to apply, visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/press/baker_camp_program.php
SUMMER COMMUNICATION CAMP – Apply by FEB 26
The University of Washington Speech and Hearing Clinic is offering Communication Camps during Summer (June - August). This is an intensive, summer program designed to help children develop and strengthen their speech, language, listening, literacy,
and social interaction skills for successful communication and participation
in life. Please note that families must complete and submit an application by
February 26, 2010. More information is available online:
http://depts. washington. edu/sphsc/ communicationcam ps/ or contact Terra Boulse-Archaro, MA, CCC-SLP, (206) 685 - 7450, tboulse@u.washingto n.edu
ASPIRING YOUTH 2010 SUMMER PROGRAM – enrollment process starts in FEBRUARY
The Aspiring Youth Summer Program (formerly Ryther Outdoor Leadership Porgram) is scheduling enrollment meetings throughout February. Returning campers enroll March 2, and open enrollment begins March 8. The summer program is comprised of three camps:
Explorers-ages 9-12-2 week camps-$950; Teen Crew-ages13-17-4 week camps-$1900; Delphi Summer Internship-ages 18-24-2 week internships-$700. All three camps combine service-learning, team building and fun activities to create a memorable summer experience that accelerates personal and social growth. Contact Ben Wahl, MSW, at (206) 517-0222 or benw@ryther.org, or visit www.aspiringyouth.net
SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP FOR TEENS WITH ADHD AND AUTISM SPECTRUM
Blue Compass helps teens with Autism, Asperger’s and ADHD learn to face some of their greatest challenges in a fun, adventurous and safe environment. For details, visit www.bluecompasscamps.com
DRUM LESSONS
Ned Smith, Bellevue, (425) 577-4777 or visit www.nedzeppelin.com
Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue, (425) 747-6145 or visit http://www.bennettdrums.com/
OUTDOORS FOR ALL (formerly SkiForAll)
Outdoors for All provides year round instruction and equipment in a variety of sports for people with physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities and their families. For a complete list of activities, visit http://www.outdoorsforall.org or contact (206) 838-6030 or by email info@outdoorsforall.org
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
A new program has started at the YMCA in SeaTac. Created to bring together youth and young adults with and without disabilities, this weekly class will present a variety of recreational activities for participants to explore. Ranging from sports and games to Zumba and fitness or cooking classes. 3595 South 188th Street, SeaTac, Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 PM. Call Matt Griffin at (206) 244-5880 for information.
AUTISM ON THE SEAS
Autism on th Seas provides cruising vacation options for adults and families dealing with autism and related disabilities. Group and individual travel in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International. Contact (800) 516-5247 or visit www.AutismontheSeas.com
SPOTLIGHT DANCE CENTER IN RENTON
Samantha Sullivan, owner of Spotlight Dance Center in Downtown Renton, is starting dance classes that accommodate special needs. Contact Samantha at (425) 241-3388 or (425) 235-7033 or spotlightdancecompany@yahoo.com or visit www.spotlightdancecenter.net
CARE.COM
Helps families find special needs child care resources and respite care. Contact Stephanie Manzo at membercare@care.com or visit www.care.com/special-needs-p1049-seattlewa-qxc|Seattle|s|WA|id|SPCLNEEDS|p|1.html
FIND THE PERFECT BABYSITTER, DOGWALKER, TUTOR, ETC.
At www.sittercity.com you can search for babysitters, tutors, dogwalkers, and much more, specify your location, and other specifications. They make recommendations and do the background checks. Fee based. (Recommended by a parent on AutismKing)
NEW BABYSITTING EXCHANGE
A parent associated with the Seattle Special Education PTSA is interested in starting a babysitting exchange for special needs kids. She has experience with a similar exchange. Please contact Jenny at jennycochrane@gmail.com to discuss.
SPECIAL NEEDS GOLF
An avid golfer and autism father is interested in connecting with other parents who would like to be involved in getting a junior golf league for special needs kids. If you are interested, please email Kaoru Ohta at ohtakaoru@gmail.com
BABY POWER / FOREVER KIDS
Free parenting classes geared for newborn all the way to teens; children’s programs for newborns up to age 8 years; screenings for children 5 years to adults, including HANDLE screens; Mom’s day out drop off for ages 1-7 years. Preschoool Programs; After-School Tutoring; Special Needs Preschool. FREE weekly parent information and tools session. And, they do birthday parties! Contact Becky Blake at (425) 493-5303 or visit http://babypower.com/everett/
RECREATION/DROP-OFF RESPITE PROGRAM
FEAT of Washington has begun a South Sound Super Saturday Program at the Evergreen Primary School in University Place. Parents need to pre-register their children, ages 5-12. Program is designed as respite for parents for three hours per month. Children on the autism spectrum or similarly aged neurotypical siblings can be dropped off at 9am and picked up by noon. Phone Ruth Burks at (253) 232-4493 or email featsouthsound@earthlink.net to participate.
SPECIAL NEEDS MOVIE IN ISSAQUAH
The North Bend Theatre in Issaquah has a monthly Special Needs movie. They don’t play the sound too loud, lights are kept on, and the audience is understanding of kids who move around and make noise. Email them at specialneeds@northbendtheatre.com or visit http://www.northbendtheatre.com/specialneeds.html
SPECIAL NEEDS MOVIE IN KENT
The ASA has started working with AMC Theaters across the country to have sensory friendly show-times for ASD children. AMC Kent Station 14 will be showing at 10am at 426 Ramsay Way in Kent. Tickets $5 adult and child. The lights will be up and the sound will be down. The “Silence is Golden” rule will not be enforced. Outside snacks okay.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL IN ISSAQUAH
Special Olympics Basketball for ages 8 and up. Practices held at noon every Sunday at Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd S, ISSAQUAH. All skill levels are welcome. Contact Megan Hemingson, King County Sports Manager, (206) 362-4949 ext 212 or MHemingson@sowa.org or Susie Arnold, King County Adm. Assistant, (206) 362-4949 ext 208 or SArnold@sowa.org
RECREATION CALENDAR
Visit http://www.arcofkingcounty.org/guide/events/rec/ for the latest information about recreational activities for all ages in the Puget Sound area. This is a very valuable service provided by the Arc of King County.
LEGO CLUB – NOW ON SUNDAYS AND NEW LOCATION
The Arc of Snohomish County Lego Club for children with disabilities, siblings, friends, neighbors, etc, All ages. Third Sundays, 1:00-3:00 PM, Everett Firefighters Hall, 2411 Hewitt Ave, Everett. Legos provided. Parents must be present with their children. Contact Tracie Diemert at Tracie@arcsno.org or (425) 258-2459 ext 111
THE BOUNCY PLACE
A new, fun place for kids in South King County. Special Needs event the last Thursday of each month, drop in price is $5 for each child. Parents accompanying children are free. Check their website or call first. The Bouncy Place, 22647 72nd Ave So, Kent (253) 872-2155 or www.thebouncyplace.com
ONLINE ASPERGER BOOK CLUB
You are invited to join a new book club. The discussion will be held online at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AllThingsAspergers/ Read more about the club at www.AllThingsAspergers.com . All are welcome.
FRIENDSHIP ADVENTURES
Friendship Adventures is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities through recreational, educational and leisure opportunities. Visit http://www.friendshipadventures.org for details.
SPECIAL NEEDS GYMNASTICS CLASS – SUMNER
Roach Gymnastics in Sumner is offering gymnastics classes for children and young adults; qualified gymnastics coach; no other classes going on during these classes; 11,000 square feet of gym; trampoline, bubbles, parachute, and music. Parent or therapist required at all times. Siblings may register as typical peer models. Seven week sessions. Saturdays, 11:00 AM-Noon. Roach Gymnastics, 1627 – 45th St E, Bldg #D-103, Sumner. To register, call Sumner Parks and Recreation at (253) 891-6500.
EMERALD BALLET THEATER EXCEPTIONAL DANCERS
The Emerald Ballet Theater is offering an “exceptional dancers” class for special needs children age 3-8 on Thursdays, 6:00 to 6:45 PM. The teacher is Sarah Jacobsen, sarah@sicasm.org or sarahj@emeraldballet.org Okay to just show-up. Dress code is bare feet with black yoga pants/sweats and white t-shirt. Contact teacher or (425) 883-3405 or visit www.emeraldballet.org
SPECIAL DANCE AT KIRKLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BALLET
Dance classes called “Into the Arts” for youth up to age 21 taught by Jody Fridenstine, OT. Visit www.interballetschool.com
DANCE AND CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Dance and creative movement for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Allegro Dance, 1209 Central Ave S #101, Kent, (253) 813-9630.
SWIM LESSONS
Susan Steckler, susan@schooloffish.net , (425) 747-6769
Linda Riggins, swim@lindariggins.com , (425) 823-0177, www.lindariggins.com
Tiger Mountain Aquatics, www.tigermtaquatics.com, (425) 392-4302, vivgene@aol.com
Northwest Center adaptive aquatic instruction for special needs adults and children, www.nwcenter.org, several locations
Harriet Ott, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Aquatic Therapist, www.cisaquatics.com
Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island, www.sjcc.org
Bothell Pediatric and Hand Therapy offers swim therapy http://bpandht.com
Seattle Children’s Hospital therapy pool, adaptive swim lessons in 93 degree water, $15-$22/lesson, (206) 987-2000
ATHLETES FOR KIDS
This group matches kids with special needs with high school athletes willing to volunteer as role models and mentors. Visit www.athletesforkids.org or call Teresa Bretl at (425) 260-2109 or teresabretl@athletesforkids.org
SPECIAL SATURDAY CLUB
Camp Fire USA’s Special Saturday Club provides recreation for children of all abilities, children with disabilities ages 4-12, and children without disabilities ages 4-10. Each session is staffed by an adult program manager and 2-4 teens trained in Camp Fire USA’s Special Sitters Program, Saturdays, 10am-3pm. Contact (206) 461-8550 ext 308 or visit www.campfire-usa.org/specialsaturdayclub/index.htm
MUSIC CLASS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Let’s Make Music Class for children, 3-6 years, with special needs. Designed to promote communication, music and social skills for children with autism and ASD. Call Connecting through Music at (206) 999-6840 or visit www.connectingthroughmusic.com
MY TURN YOUR TURN CD HELPS CHILDREN LEARN SOCIAL SKILLS
Cathy Bollingers of Charlottesville, VA, and her husband have produced a children’s music CD said to be revolutionary in teaching basic turn-taking, appropriate emotional expression, and basic social skills. The CD is currently available online at www.rivannamusic.com , www.cdbaby.com , and various other online retailers.
GIRL SCOUTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
Ruth Bacha is working with Girl Scout troops in King County to include special needs girls in troops with specially trained interns. For more information contact Ruth at rbacha99@comcast.net
BOY SCOUT TROOP 12 – TUMWATER
New troop for special needs boys, ages 11-17 (or those who have completed 5th grade). Meetings will take place every Tuesday at 7pm at Tumwater Middle School, 6335 Littlerock Rd SW. For details call David Richter at (360) 236-9641 or (360) 888-0733.
BOY SCOUT and CUB SCOUT TROOP 419 - RENTON
Troop 419 boys enjoy the experiences, routines and camaraderie of scouting at their own pace. Boys ages 12+ (over 18 welcome) of all abilities are welcome. Meets 7 PM on first and third Tuesdays during the school year at New Horizon School, 1111 S Carr Road, Renton. For more info call Keith Adams at 425-271-2229. For Cub Scouts, ages 7-11, contact George Tibbits at adgtwft@yahoo.com
ROYAL RANGERS PROGRAM
Royal Rangers is a Christian-based scouting program for boys and girls that meets on Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm at the New Life Church in Maple Valley, 15711 152nd Ave SE, Resource Room, Renton. Visit http://royalrangers.ag.org/about/programs.cfm for details about Royal Rangers. Contact Jeannie at jemerypec@yahoo.com with questions.
JUNIOR GIRL SCOUT TROOP
This troop serves girls with special needs and their typically developing sisters in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Meeting in the Wedgwood neighborhood of Seattle. Leaders have experience working with a variety of cognitive, emotional and physical needs. Contact Kathy at (206) 526-2425 for more information.
ADVENTURESOME
AdventureSome offers fun and challenging outdoors experiences for special needs children. Contact adventuresome@hotmail.com or Jonathan Wood (206) 634-9439.
PERSONAL TRAINER for children with Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders. Reach your goals for improved fitness and well-being or for sports-specific assistance. Marianne Jackson (206) 870-2755 or mariannewjackson@msn.com or visit www.fitness-to-go.com
TRIPS INC.
Travel opportunities for adults of various abilities in a safe, respectful, and fun atmosphere. Contact KC Sanders for a brochure and more information kc@tripsinc.com or 206-399-3955
WE'RE OUTTA HERE TRAVEL
Individually designed vacation plans for your special family. Make sure all special needs and accommodations are taken care of. Contact Sandy Silveria, owner, (360) 607-8007 or sandy@woh-travel.com
WEE LIL FRIENDS DAYCARE in Auburn
Childcare in a daycare setting. Care provided by Kelly Roach, mother of a young child with high functioning autism and experience with special needs children. Call (253) 852-2454 for more information.
NORTHWEST`S CHILD – year-round program for children age 8-21 years with moderate to severe special needs while their parents are at work and when school is not in session. Eligible for childcare subsidies; located at 85th N just north of Greenlake. For more information please call Darcy at (206) 526-2493 or email darcyh@earthlink.net or visit www.northwestchild.com
AIM HIGH is a child home day care program dedicated to serving the needs of school-aged children on the autism spectrum. For more information call Marya Laviste at (206) 417-8357 or marya@aim-high.us
YOUTH ADVANCEMENT THROUGH MUSIC AND ART (YATMA) offers one-on-one and small group instruction in music and art to help students learn positive communication and build self-esteem. Contact (206) 523-9167 or visit www.yatma.org for more information.