Larimer Loop Spring 2010

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What’s inside the Loop A Picture Perfect Day Page 2 Sponsors Page 3 FSSP Staff Page 3 Support Groups Page 4 Online Resources and Support Page 5 Bulletin Board Page 6 Neurology Clinics Page 7 Healthy Kids Club Page 7 HCP Staff Page 7 Unified Play Group Schedule Page 8-9 A Honor and A Privilege Page 10-11 Who’s Who at the Loop Page 11 Medical Home Brochure Insert

“The Possibilities Never End in 2010” was this year’s slogan for the 2nd Annual Flying Pig Charity 5K Run/Walk. Scores of sponsors, contributors, volunteers, runners/walkers and spectators gathered at Spring Canyon Park Sunday, April 11th to prove that there is no end to what this community can accomplish. 285 runners/walkers completed the route and qualified for an array of fabulous prizes. Over 40 children under 10 yrs participated in the “Piglet Walk”. Each received a goody bag filled with toys, gift certificates, and a “flying pig” decorated cookie. Numerous volunteers donated their time and efforts before, during and after this event to ensure its success. 17 major sponsors and 16 other sponsors financed the race, and provided food and beverages for the post run/walk brunch. Several organizations donated items and gift certificates used for the prizes awarded age group winners and winners of the random drawing. Foot of the Rockies set up the course, organized field marshals and finishing line volunteers, and tracked the finishing times of each runner/walker. All Occasions Catering served the delicious brunch. Community members offered emotional support to families and friends of race participants as well as the Family Support Services Program at Foothills Gateway Inc. We would like to thank each and every one of our sponsors, contributors, volunteers, runners/walkers and all other community supporters for making this event a tremendous success! Enjoy the photo montage of race day on page 2 of this newsletter. Please take note of our sponsors listed on page 3. Whenever you visit one of these businesses thank, them for supporting the 2nd Annual Flying Pig 5K Run/Walk. See you next year! -Family Support Services Program Council


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Special Thank You to all of the Sponsors of The 2nd Annual Flying Pig Charity 5K Run/Walk

Foothills Gateway Inc. Children’s Case Management Coordinator/Part C Coordinator Sondra Lee (970) 266-5424 sondral@foothillsgateway.org Children’s Case Managers Bri Wronski (970) 266-5422 briannaw@foothillsgateway.org Paige Sorensen (970) 266-5426 paiges@foothillsgateway.org Susan Higgins (970) 266-5395 susanh@foothillsgateway.org Pam Miller (970) 266-5409 pamm@foothillsgateway.org Timarie Bashor (970)266-5437 timarieb@foothillsgateway.org Katie Dockery 266-5425 katied@foothillsgateway.org Emily Balch 266-5418 emilyb@foothillsgateway.org Matt Cloven 266-5445 mattc@foothillsgateway.org Christie Sebesta 266-5411 christies@foothilllsgateway.org Francine Bush 266-5394 francineb@foothillsgateway.org Joan Sugarman 266-5439 joans@foothillsgateway.org Family Support Services Program Council Members Brenda Tuttle (Parent)-Chair Cheryl Pugh (Parent)-CoChair Libby Stoddard (Parent) Kristen Deakin (Parent) Mindi Pryce (Parent) Trista (Tree) Roecker (Parent) Tina Boyer (Community Member) Gayle Timm (Parent) Jarah Grashorn (Parent) Kim Walkenhorst (LCDHE –E.P.S.D.T.) Debbie Lapp (Foothills Gateway Inc.) Sondra Lee (Foothills Gateway Inc.)


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Support Groups EMPOWER Colorado/DREAM EMPOWER Colorado/DREAM is a nonprofit organization created by parents and families to support, educate and advocate for parents and families of children with mental health issues (brain disorders). Contact: Libby Stoddard (970) 227-7196 www.empowercolorado.com

Fort Collins Support Group Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month,6:00 - 8:00 pm Summitview Community Church 1601 W. Drake Daycare provided at both groups. For more information, contact Josh Rabe at 970.622.7311

Mile High Down Syndrome Larimer County Autism Support Group New Parent Group Autism Society of Larimer Focus: birth to 5 years old County Community Education Meets on the 3rd Friday of Meetings each month from 6:30-8:30pm First Monday of the Month 6:30 Plymouth Congregational to 8:30 p.m. Church, Respite Care Inc., 916 W. Prospect Rd, 6203 S. Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins. Contact: Meeting Schedule: Mindi & Kirk Pryce 6:30 to 7:30 pm - Presentation (970)226-8674 7:30pm to 8:00 - Question & or Megan & Rodolfo Valdez Answer (970) 482-3782 8:00pm to 8:30pm - Breakout for specific information and Networking www.mhdsa.org Contact: Phyllis Zimmerman At dzerman@yahoo.com Northern Colorado Circle of List Serve Address: Friends Community Group for FortCollinsAspergers_Autism families of children with Down @yahoogroups.com Syndrome ages 5 to 12 who live in the Greeley, Windsor, Ft. Federation of Families Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Supports families of youth, who Red Feather Lakes, Wellington have emotional, behavioral and and Berthoud areas . We plan a mental disorders. social activity in the Summer Call Libby Stoddard for dates and Fall (~July and October) and and times at have a mix of meetings with and (970) 223-9162 without formal presentations to www.coloradofederation.org allow us to get to know one another and share information Parents of Asthmatic & about how our kids are doing. Allergic Children (September, January, February, Meetings quarterly-call for and May) We meet the second dates and times Saturday of the month from Cindy Coopersmith 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at (970) 495-8153 Crossroads Church, 5420 N. Taft Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. For Grandparents Raising more information, contact Grandchildren Support Group Bernie Connell (970-221-3758) Loveland Support Group or send an email to circle.of.friends.mhdsa@gmail.co Meets the 4th Monday of every m month,5:30 – 7:30 pm Lifespring Covenant Church, 743 S. Detsero

Thompson Autism/Asperger’s Parent/Community Support Group Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month during the school year. 6pm-8pm Thompson School District Administration Building 800 Taft Ave Loveland, CO Contact: Margi Scoufis (970) 613-6771

NEWLY FORMED GROUPS

You're Never Alone Multi-disability Support Group for families of children with special needs Sponsored by Larimer County Autism Society Third Tuesday of each month 6:30pm-8:00pm Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church 4501 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO D.I.S.H Dietary Intervention FREE Childcare by reservation at Support and Hope (970) 980-7527 provides personal one on one For further information please FREE consultations and contact: individual meetings. These Tina Boyer at(970) 980-7527 or services are open to anyone who Brenda Tuttle at is inquiring, starting out or is a (970) 267-8705 or by email at veteran of the gluten-free, brendatuttle@comcast.net casein-free diet and biomedical interventions. Larimer County Contact: Phyllis Zimmerman Epilepsy Support Group Ph: 970-206-4979 Provides support for people Email: dzerman2@yahoo.com with epilepsy, their family and community members. 2nd Tuesday of each month CIRCLE OF PARENTS! 7:00pm-9:00pm Informal "get together" for Mandolin Cafe parents to meet and discuss 210 East 4th st. parenting questions and Loveland, CO concerns. Parents and For further information contact kids attend on a drop-in basis Heather Schichtel we've learned that most parents www.samsmomattend once and can't stay heathers.blogspot.com away. Here, you will find parents www.epilepsycolorado.org supporting and encouraging each other without judgment. Moms Night The group provides friendship Support and friendship for and an opportunity to learn Northern Colorado Mothers of from one other. Children with and without Who: Families with children 3 – special needs. 8 years old Meets the second and fourth When: Tuesdays, 4 – 5p.m. Tuesday of each month 7-9pm Where: Fit for Fun Family Fun Locations vary. Please contact Center,4103 So. Mason St. Brenda Tuttle at Fort Collins, CO (970) 267-8705 or email (Cost: Free for parents; $3 brendatuttle@comcast.net charge per family for kids. It is recommended that parents call to RSVP for their first visit contact :Betsy Baier 970 232-1163 or betsy.baier@lfsco.org


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Online Resources and Support sos4psk@yahoogroups.com Special Online Support for Parents of Special Kids is a list serve for parents who reside in Northern Colorado. To join email sos4psk-subcribe@yahoo.com or contact: Brenda Tuttle brentuttle@yahoo.com or (970) 267-8705. www.p2p-co.org Parent-to-Parent of Colorado A non-profit organization committed to quality Parent to Parent support across Colorado to families of children with special healthcare needs. Provides emotional and informational support, resources and matches parents seeking support with another parent. www.peakparent.org PEAK Parent Center . 800-284-0251 The mission of PEAK Parent Center is to provide training, information and technical assistance to equip families of children birth through twenty-six including all disability conditions with strategies to advocate successfully for their children www.arclc.org The Arc of Larimer County advocates for all individuals who have developmental disabilities to have opportunities and choices for inclusion and involvement in all aspects of life within our communities. www.autismcolorado.org Autism Society of Colorado promotes the quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families. FortCollinsAspergers_Austim@yahoo groups.com A group for parents, caretakers, teachers, of children on the au-

tism spectrum to share information in the Larimer County, Northeastern Colorado areas. www.uchsc.edu/atp Assistive Technology Partners 800-255-3477 Device exchange program, data base of potential AT funding resources. Make and Take directions on various low cost AT adaptations and devices. Community based demonstrations, annual conference www.ccdconline.org Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (303) 839-1775 Information and assistance on disability rights issues for youth and adults. Advances legislation and public policy impacting the disability community www.cde.state.co.us/index_spec ial.htm Colorado Department of Education-Exceptional Student Leadership Unit (303) 866-6694 Website resources on special education law/school/district programs etc. FAST FACTS on a variety of topics. Information on educational specialists, parentprofessional partnerships www.citizensforpatientsafety.org Citizens for Patient Safety (303) 226-5526 Patient safety information and referral. Advocacy training for those who have family members in the hospital. Support for families/individuals dealing with legal issues in the medical system www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd Division for Developmental Disabilities (303) 866-7450 Provides various services to individuals with developmental

disabilities. Administers children and family program, adult programs. Information on CCBS (Community Centered Boards) www.eastersealscolorado.org Easter Seals Colorado (303)233-1666 x237 Respite, including Discovery Club, weekend programs and summer camp. Warm water therapy and aquatic programs. Employment services/support, transition trainings, transportation assessments.

Information and referral on guardianship, including volunteer guardianship matching program. Information and training for those wishing to become a guardian for a family member who is 18 yrs or older. www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/P EP.asp Parents Encouraging Parents (303) 866-6846 Free conference including lodging and meals, heal twice per year at various statewide location (apply early as waiting lists occur frequently). Brings together parents and professional for education on supporting your child in school and the community

www.eicolorado.org Early Intervention Colorado 888-777-4041 Connects families with early intervention services to help infants and toddlers under age www.thelegalcenter.org three grow and develop as well as help their families in the proc- The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People ess 800-288-1376 Advice on the legal rights of peowww.elgrupovida.org ple with disabilities. El Grupo Vida Publishes: “Everyday Guide to (303) 904-6073 Special Education Law” Information, referrals and support groups for Spanish speaking families of children with spe- Parenting Newsletter cial needs. Annual free conferElectronic Newsletters ence. FREE valuable resource for parents of children prenatal through www.empowercolorado.com age 5 (with links to additional Support, education, advocacy for information for parfamilies of children/youth with ents/providers working with mental health issues. Support school aged children and teen groups throughout the state. parents). These newsletters are Statewide listserve available in both English and Spanish. Other features include www.familyvoicesco.org podcasts, “Ask and Expert” and Advocacy for children with spevideos. cial health care needs. Assists To sign up simply go to families in navigating health www.extension.org/parenting systems including Medicaid, scroll down and look on the right Medicaid waivers and private for “parenting newsletter”. insurance For further information please contact Dr Ann Bruce at www.guardianshipallianceof annbruce@cahs.colostate.edu colorado.org or (970) 491-7608 Guardianship Alliance of Colorado (303) 228-5382


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BULLETIN BOARD The weekend retreat is for any family with a child who is deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired or deaf/blind. This is an opportunity for families to meet other We also have a new Special Friends Youth Group for middle families while networking, learning and having fun toschool, high school & young adults. It is on Saturday’s from gether. Check-in and dinner begins Friday June 4th, 5:00 6:15 to 8:15 pm in the Youth PM-7:00 PM and ends by 12 Building’s Club 45 Room. The Advocate Education Grant upcoming dates are: June 5th, on Sunday. $25/adult & Family Support Services ProJuly 17, August 14, September $20/child gram (FSSP) Council at Foothills Gateway has limited fund- 11, October 9, November 6, ing available to assist Larimer December 4th Understanding Special EducaCounty families enrolled in tion: IDEA and IEP’s. Family Support Services proJune 10 and 17. Understanding Autism Specgram or on the waiting list for trum Disorders: A Multidiscipli- 5:30-8:00 p.m. with dinner and services. This grant entitled childcare. Advocate Empowerment Grant nary Perspective. Location TBD. For information, June 1, 2010 (AEG) is designed to enable Community Parent Resource 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Location people with developmental disabilities and their families to to be determined. For informa- Center at 303-365-2772 or www.denvermetrocprc.org. take advantage of the opportu- tion, 303-465-4042 or anFREE. nie@milehighclimbers.com. nities, experiences and information they need to empower Responding to Challenging The Great Behavior Breaktheir lives. Behavior: The ABC’s of Positive For further information please down. Guidance. contact your Foothills Gateway June 3, 10, 17 and 24. June 12. 10:00-11:30 a.m. Case Manager 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lifescape Counseling, Boul(970) 226-2345 Lakewood. der. To register, www.postinstitute.com/gbb/fre To register, 303-423-1026 or Help Beat Autism www.relationshiproots.org. e/. FREE (with purchase of Music Festival to Benefit: book and workbook). Autism Society of Larimer $99 County Statewide Assistive Technology *Includes free workbook May 23, 2010 Symposium. Save $10 each when register3-7pm Family Friendly June 14-15. ing a group of two or more! 7-9pm Supervision required Adams 12 Conference Center, Avogadro’s Number Thornton. For information, Family Learning Retreat 2010 303-315-1276 or 605 S Mason St. Fort Collins, CO www.assistivetechnologypartne Friday, June 04, 2010 Performances by FALE, Fort rs.org. 5:00 PM Collins Drum and Dance, and Colorado School for Euforquestra. Behavior Management StrateInteractive Music Booths the Deaf & Blind gies for Children with Au33 North Institute St. tism. June 15. 6:30-8:00 p.m. RESPITE Nights Colorado Springs CO 80903 at Southridge Recreation CenSpecial Friends Club Contact: Diane Covington ter, Highlands Ranch. For Crossroads Church more information, 303-985719-578-2225 5420 N. Taft Ave 1133. FREE. Loveland dcovington@csdb.org FREE Respite Nights for famihttp://www.csdb.org/home lies of children with special Attention Families receiving Family Support Services! Quarterly expense forms are due July 5, 2010 Foothills Gateway Inc 301 W Skyway Dr Fort Collins, CO 80525 Fax: (970) 267-3497

needs June 19, July 24, August 28, September 18, October 16th, November 13th, December 4th

National Brain Injury Employment Conference. June 16-17. Red Lion Colonial Hotel, Denver. Standard Registration: $225.00 Brain Injured Survivor, Person with MS: $50 Requesting Scholarship-BI Survivor (Civilian or Veteran) or Family Member: $5-$0 Full time student with ID number or Family Member: $75 For information, 303-636-5734 rthoson@denveroptions.org or www.CBICS.com. The Longest Day of Golf Fundrasier for Autism Society of Larimer County On June 21, 2010, four men will set out to attempt 16 hours of “speed” style golf with the goal of completing at least 200 holes in one day! It is easy to help! Participants collect pledges from donors. Pledges can be made per completed hole or on a flat pledge basis. For more information visit www.AutismLarimer.org Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Annual Conference. June 24-27. Denver Marriott City Center. To register,

www.parentprojectmd.org/ Fees apply

What’s With This Kid?: Understanding Temperament to Decrease Challenging Behavior. June 26. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lakewood. To register, 303-423-1026 or www.relationshiproots.org. Fees apply


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Neurology Clinic June 24, 2010, Dr. Paul Moe, Board Certified Pediatric Neurologist From: The Children’s Hospital, Denver To register contact: Cindy Bradrick RN, BSN with the Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs at Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 498-6747

Healthy Kids Club is a community outreach program, sponsored by Poudre Valley Health System, to promote health and wellness in local elementary school students. Since its founding in 1998, Kids Club has served thousands of elementary-age children with programs that emphasize health, exercise, safety - and fun! Healthy Kids Club partners with schools and agencies that serve youth in Fort Collins, Windsor, and Loveland, to provide year-round health and safety education. Healthy Kids Club Goals

• • • •

To promote healthy physical activity and wellness in the schools To raise awareness of the benefits of healthy behaviors To encourage healthy choices

To promote positive character development and citizenship Current Healthy Kids Club Programs Fit Families on the Move! This popular program sponsored by Healthy Kids Club, Poudre Valley Health System, is designed to keep families moving and active during the summer months. Registered families received t-shirts, a Fit Family activity calendar, and all all-access pass for over 60 free/low-cost summer activities! Healthy Kids Run Series. Register now for the 12th annual Healthy Kids Run Series! The series includes nine free, local, 1-mile fun runs for children ages 5-12. Participants get a punch card and prizes for running in four or more races. Fit.Teen Run Series. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to participate in the 3rd annual Fit.Teen Run Series. The series includes nine local 5K runs. Teens earn prizes for participating in five or more races (registration and/or fees may be required for each race). For further information or to obtain registration forms contact Laurie Zenner, Healthy Kids Club Manager, lhz@pvhs.org or 970-495-7511 or visit : https://vic.pvhs.org/portal/page?_pageid=333,429685&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTA L&pagid=137

Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Mailing Address and Phone Number: Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970) 498-6732

Larimer County Staff Team Leader/Community Health Services Director Averil Strand, RN, MSN (970) 498-6760 Nursing Coordinator Cindy Bradrick, RN BSN 498-6747 Program Coordinator Ginger Hillyard, BSW (970) 498-6732 CO-HEAR Regional Coordinator Annette Landes, SLP (970) 217-9532 Family Regional Consultant Brenda Tuttle (970) 267-8705 Nutrition Regional Coordinator Donna Uhlrich, RD (970) 498-6732 OT/PT Regional Coordinator Caryn Stanwyck, MS, PT (970) 691-1223 Social Work Regional Coordinator Anne Chaisson, MSW (970) 498-6733 Audiology Coordinator Nancy Alexander, MA, CCC-A (970) 586-6812


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Unified Play Group A playgroup for kids of all ages and abilities Summer 2010 Schedule

Friday Play Dates May 28 10AM-12PM Beginning of Summer Pizza Party Chuck E Cheese, 105 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, (970) 221-2122 June 4 2PM-4PM

Inspiration Playground, Spring Canyon Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO

June 11 2PM-4PM

Bowling at Sweetheart Lanes,2320 North Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538-3207 (970) 667-3510

June 18 2PM-4PM

Toy Story 3 (2D), Time is estimated. Please RSVP by June 17, Brenda Tuttle (970) 218-0362 Cinemark Fort Collins, 4721 S Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO

June 25 2PM-4PM

Lee Martinez Farm, 600 North Sherwood Street, Fort Collins

July 2

Happy Independence Day! No meeting this week.

July 09 10AM-12PM City Park Pool. 1599 City Park Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, (970) 484-7665 July 16 10AM-12PM The Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center, 200 Mathews St., Fort Collins, Colorado July 23 10AM-12PM Glowgolf in Fort Collins, Colorado At Foothills Mall, in the Southeast Corner of the Foothills Mall. July 30 10AM-12PM Inspiration Park, Spring Canyon Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO Aug 6 10PM-12PM

Horsetooth Reservoir, Inlet Campground, Fort Collins, CO Join us for a fun morning of sand and sun.

All children must be supervised by a Personal Care Provider at all times. A “personal care provider� is defined as a person who accompanies the child and assists the child with all necessary daily living skills. Please note that this is not a respite group.

. *Ending times are approximations.


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Family Play Dates June 19 10AM-12PM Bounce, 1020 S. Lincoln Ave (Hwy 287), Loveland, CO 80537 July 17 10AM-5PM

Water World, 1850 W 89th Ave, Denver - (303) 427-7873. RSVP by July 15 for discount tickets, Brenda Tuttle (970) 218-0362

Aug 14 10AM-12PM Tie Dye Party, Inspiration Park, Spring Canyon Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO

Moms’ Night Out Join Northern Colorado mothers of children with and without special needs for support and friendship. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 7pm-9pm. 2nd Tuesday of each month is a chat and craft night at Catalyst Coffee, 3501 South Shields Street Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 223-9035. Don't craft? No problem join us for support and friendship. Upcoming dates are: June 8, July 13 and August 10, 7-9pm 4th Tuesday of each month is dinner and socializing at local restaurants Upcoming dates and locations are: June 22

7-9pm

Island Grill, Fort Collins 2601 S. Lemay (Scotch Pines Village) 970-266-0124

August 3 7-9 pm (Makeup date for July)

Woody’s Woodfired Pizza 518 West Laurel Street Fort Collins, CO 80521-3602 (970) 482-7100

August 24

Stonehouse Grill 125 S. College Avenue Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado (Old Town) (970) 498-0873

7-9pm

10th Annual BACK TO SCHOOL BRUNCH August 27 10M-1PM Potluck Brunch, Brenda Tuttle’s House, 1445 Wakerobin Ct, Fort Collins, CO, (970) 267-8705


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An Honor and A Privilege By Gayle Timm I am honored and feel very privileged to be the first person inn 2010 to have received funding from the Advocate Education Grant (AEG). I utilized these grant funds to attend the PEAK 2010 24th annual Conference on Inclusion Education: Igniting the Promise of Education in Denver, Colorado. These funds allowed me to participate and experience the whole 3 day conference. As you all know who have expenses associated with special needs children personal funds can be very strapped. This grant provided the opportunity for me to go to Denver, have the convenience of staying at the hotel where the conference was held, arrange for my littlest one, Max, to stay at Respite Care Inc. during those 3 days and engage fully in the entire conference. The PEAK conference really was a wonderful experience. The time and planning that goes into such an event is truly tireless. I was able to attend many workshops, in the 3 days, that enlightened me in many areas of PEAK and their involvement with children and the educational future. Especially in the areas of special needs children and the integration with the public school systems. I was able to develop my parental advocacy skills and learn ways to empower my child. I improved by knowledge of IEP’s (Individual Education Plans) and how to utilize them successfully. The information was endless that was available to me over those 3 days. Some of the hot topics in 2010 were: Autism IDEA 2004 Parent Involvement Progress Monitoring Response to Intervention (RTI) Peer Support Highly Qualified Teaching Person Centered Planning Accommodations & Modifications Advocacy Differentiated Instruction Early Childhood Literacy & Reading Paraprofessionals Positive Behavior Supports System Change Transitions… and many more!

Restraints & Seclusion Homework Culture Assistive Technology Curricular Adaptations Individualized Education Plans Post-Secondary Inclusion Dropout Prevention

The keynote speakers were amazing. To hear from their real life experiences… the good and the bad experiences. My heart was moved by how their personal stories have led them to great accomplishments, personal success and the direction they live daily. Continued on page 11


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“An Honor and A Privilege” (continued from page 10) These are the stories that inspire my to do what I do everyday. • To see the difference it may make. • To set the example, for my children and others, to become self advocates and be who they are in this world. • To give back… We live in a truly blessed community where special needs is embraced and two of these main players are Foothills Gateway Family Support and PEAK. Since attending the 2010 conference is has led me in the direction of becoming even more involved with PEAK and Foothills Family Support Council by seeing their vision and dedication. I have been inspired by seeing so many families and professional gather together who truly are vested in the good of children, families and community. Thank you Foothills Gateway/Family Support, The AEG grant and PEAK. I hope to pay forward all I have learned through this wonderful experience. I am truly grateful and feel very privileged for having had this opportunity. Thank you Larimer Loop for allowing me to share my story. To contact Gayle Timm Please feel free to call: 970-689-0823 or email: Gayle@autismlarimer.org Gayle Timm is the Mother of 3 children; Mikal 17, Mitchell 14 and Maxwell 4. She and her family have been residents of Fort Collins for the past 16 years. She owns a local small business, The Drake Parlor Salon where she works as an active stylist, provides natural nail services and skincare services. Gayle is the Parent Liaison for the Autism Society of Larimer County. She is deeply involved with the special needs community and passionately advocates for special needs children and their families. Currently to strengthen her Parent Leadership skills she is enrolled in the in the Larimer County Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI) class of 2010. FLTI is partnered with the CSU extension office, Civics Design Team and Human Services of Larimer County. Gayle Timm is the first person in 2010 to receive the Advocate Education Grant (AEG Grant) from Foothills Gateway. The Advocate Education Grant Family Support Services Program (FSSP) grant is designed to enable people with developmental disabilities and their family to take advantage of opportunities, experiences and information they need to empower their lives. For more information please contact your Foothills Gateway Case Manager 970-226-2345.

Who’s Who at the Larimer Loop Newsletter Editor: Brenda Tuttle, HCP Family Consultant and FSSP Council Co Chair (970) 267-8705 brendatuttle@comcast.net Newsletter Review Team: Ginger Hillyard, HCP Program Coordinator (970) 498-6732 Kim Walkenhorst, EPSDT Coordinator and FSSP Council Member (970) 498-6755, Sondra Lee Children’s Case Management Coordinator at Foothills Gateway Inc (970)266-5424 Tim O’Neill Executive Director at Foothills Gateway Inc. (970) 226-2345 Debbie Lapp Director of Resource Coordination and Development at Foothills Gateway Inc. (970) 226-2346 Averil Strand, RN, MSN HCP Team Leader/Community Health Services Director (970) 498-6760 Libby Stoddard Parent (970) 227-7196 Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 498-6732 Foothills Gateway, Inc. 301 W. Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: (970) 226-2345


Larimer LOOP C/O Brenda Tuttle Family Support Services Program Council Foothills Gateway Inc. 301 W. Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 267-8705 brendatuttle@comcast.net

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fort Collins. CO Permit No. 483

Have you received two copies of this newsletter? Would you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically or in Spanish? Please contact Brenda Tuttle at (970) 267-8705.

Welcome New FSSP Council Members Family Support Services Program Council (FSSP) is happy to welcome three new members: Tina Boyer. Trista (Tree) Roecker, and Gayle Timm. All three ladies are parents of a child or children with special needs and are committed to helping other parents in their journeys. • Tina Boyer, facilitates “You Are Never Alone” support group, is a board member of the Autism Society of Larimer County and is currently enrolled in the Larimer County Family Leadership Institute Class of 2010. In addition Tina is a working mother of 5 children. • Trista “Tree” Roecker volunteers in Poudre School District and is a stay-at-home mom to two children. • Gayle Timm, is the Parent Liaison and board member of the Autism Society of Larimer County, and is currently enrolled in the Larimer County Family Leadership Institute Class of 2010. Gayle is local small business owner and mother of 3 children. • Jarah Grashorn is a Medical Social Worker for North Colorado Medical Center and a mom of one child Thank you to all Family Support Services Program Council Members past and present for your dedication and commitment to Larimer County families.

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