RAK magazine Special Needs Resource Fair Booklet 2017

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RAISING ARIZONA KIDS MAGAZINE'S

RESOURCE FAIRFAIR 2017 RESOURCE

2017

A day of discovery, learning and support for families with special needs!

Saturday, August 26, 2017 • 9am–1pm Halle Heart Children's Museum • 2929 S. 48th St., Tempe

THERE IS NO UNIVERSAL TEACHING CODE THAT UNLOCKS EVERY MIND. OUR TEACHERS WILL HELP DISCOVER YOUR CHILD’S UNIQUE LEARNING COMBINATION. New Way Academy is Arizona’s premier independent K-12 school specializing in students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD and executive functioning difficulties. Small class sizes, individualized instruction and on-campus therapists empower learning in the classroom. Our large campus with sports and numerous after-school activities promotes building friendships and learning outside the classroom. Schedule a tour today.

5048 E OAK STREET PHOENIX, AZ 85008 | T: 602 389 8600 | NewWayAcademy.org

Meeting the Unique Planning Needs of Individuals and Families throughout Arizona At the law firm of Emily R. Taylor, Attorney PLLC, we are committed to helping individuals and families protect assets and benefits for loved ones with special needs.

OUR AREAS Of PRACTICE • Special Needs Planning • Guardianships and Conservatorships • Long-Term Care Planning (“ALTCS”) • Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning For information about your options, and to schedule a consultation, please call us at

480-699-3145

If you are interested in learning more about our firm, please visit

www.EmilyTaylorLaw.com

Welcome to the third annual

Special Needs Resource Fair!

This event was designed to put parents in direct contact with local experts, organizations and support systems that serve children with special needs — specifically those with developmental, medical, behavioral or emotional challenges that affect their ability to learn and thrive.

Like our Camp Fair AZ (held in February) and our Education Fair AZ (coming up Nov. 4), this event was a logical offshoot of our mission as a 27-year-old magazine devoted to helping parents find local resources, learn from local experts and find support from other local families that share their journey.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors — Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), Emily R. Taylor PLLC, New Way Academy, SilverTree Special Needs Planning and The Touchpoint Solution — for investing in this project.

Thanks also go out to Halle Heart Children’s Museum for hosting this event for

the third year in a row. This is a perfect (and perfectly charming) environment in which all of us can learn, grow and meet positive, inspiring people who are out there making a difference in our community.

Our staff believes that every human being is a unique combination of special abilities and challenges — that we all have both inherent strengths and “stuff” we must work on to be our best selves. We created this event to help families find the right combination of supports, services, schools and strategies to help children overcome struggles, explore their gifts and experience lifelong success.

Karen Davis Barr, Publisher karen@RAKmagazine.com

Everyone who registered for today’s event will be getting an email with a request to fill out a (very short!) feedback questionnaire. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts so we can continue to improve upon this event in the years to come. If you prefer, you can write to me directly.

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Parenting Made Easy Say goodbye to homework fights and sleepless nights!

Help your child tackle homework by quickly shifting the brain into rational processing and help them fall asleep by activating the calm nervous system.

TouchPoints™ are the wearable answer to your parenting woes.

TouchPoints™ basic for $99 Use discount code PREORDER through August 31st

press and destress ilovetouchpoint.com hello@thetouchpointsolution.com 877-77-TOUCH

Speaker lineup

All presentations take place in the Goldman Legacy Theatre.

Seating is limited; plan to arrive a few minutes before the start time for sessions that interest you.

9:15-9:45 a.m.

TouchPoints: A Wearable Solution to Anxiety and Stress Anxiety, distractibility, and sensory overload can hamper kids’ performance, sleep and the ability to cope at home and school. Cutting-edge research by local neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin and the vision of local entrepreneur Vicki Mayo led to the development of TouchPoints™, which are pulsating wearable devices that calm the wearer down and allow for better focus and performance. During this session, we’ll hear the story of these visionary game-changing women, learn about the science behind the devices, and discover how these simple wearables, which can reduce stress by 71 percent in 30 seconds, have already helped thousands of families.

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10-10:30 a.m.

Smart Planning for the Future: Is a Special Needs Trust Right for My Child?

Many parents of children with special needs misunderstand the value of estate planning. Perhaps the child is the beneficiary of an estate (whether intentional or not), IRA, 401(k) or life insurance policy. Maybe relatives would like to contribute to the child’s well-being. The receipt of an inheritance may impact eligibility for needs-based benefits, such as SSI (after age 18), AHCCCS, ALTCS/DDD, SNAP, or Section 8 housing. On a more practical level, the special needs child may need assistance managing his or her inheritance. Other important questions to address: Who will take care of my child if something happened to me? What would that person need to know about my child? Where will my child live? Failing to plan or excluding that child from your estate plan altogether brings certain risks. Charlotte C. Johnson, Esq., from the Phoenix law firm of Emily R. Taylor, Attorney, PLLC, will provide general estate planning guidelines and alternatives to ensure protection and financial security for your child’s future, such as Special Needs Trusts or guardian provisions in your Last Will and Testament.

10:45-11:15 a.m.

ABLE Accounts and Other Strategies for Special Needs Planning ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families. Because it’s such a new financial vehicle, questions about ABLE accounts abound: How do they work? Who is eligible to use them? How much money can be put into an ABLE account? Who can contribute? When can you or your child tap these funds? We’ll get answers to these questions and more from Nathan Buckles of SilverTree Special Needs Planning, one of the firms that helped draft and get the ABLE Act passed in Arizona. Buckles also will explain how creating an ABLE account can integrate with your planning for a Special Needs Trust.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Special Needs lineup Resource Directory Speaker

11:30 a.m.-noon Setting Students Up for Success: It’s All in the Details!

Educators from New Way Academy in Phoenix will share several tips to help make your student's study space optimal for learning. New Way encourages teachers to design classrooms with specific elements in mind and these same tips should be considered when setting up a comfortable workspace at home. Learn how to use seating, specific color selections, lighting, fidgets and the organization of materials to improve productivity at home. Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a Hokki stool and an under-desk elliptical — both of which are wonderful options for helping keep students focused!

12:15-12:45 p.m.

Why is My Child Doing That? Understanding the Reason Behind Your Child’s Unusual or Challenging Behavior Behavior often substitutes for communication, especially for children who lack the ability to fully articulate their needs. It can be difficult for caregivers to manage some types of behaviors, particularly when it is unclear why they are happening. Learning to “read,” or understand the reasons behind, a child’s behavior can help defuse emotions and allow parents to respond appropriately and effectively. In this session, Debbie Mulder, M.A., BCBA, LBA, will offer clues for decoding a child’s puzzling or concerning actions. Mulder is a licensed, board-certified behavior analyst who serves as a clinical supervisor for the The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD), one of the world’s largest organizations using applied behavior analysis (ABA) for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

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We Care • We Listen • We Guide OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • Consultation and Planning • Special Needs Trusts

• Guardianship/Conservatorship Filing • Financial Planning/Budgeting • Government Benefits Eligibility, Analysis and Preservation • Letter of Intent • Professional Training • Continuing Education

We can provide you with a plan to help ensure that the future of the person with special needs is safe and secure.

866.949.6202

SilverTreeSNP.com Scottsdale | Thousand Oaks | Pasadena Studio City | San Diego | Las Vegas Securities and Investment Advisory Services Offered Through Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. Member SIPC. Legal services are not given on behalf of Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. and are offered through SilverTree Special Needs Planning. SilverTree Special Needs Planning is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. 31196167_319D

Special Needs Resource Directory

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GOLD SPONSOR

New Way Academy

Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)

5048 E. Oak St., Phoenix 602-629-6850 • newwayacademy.org K-12 private school for children who are smart, motivated, curious and fun-loving but have difficulty learning in a traditional school setting. Caters to children with dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder and executive functioning difficulties. Uses multi-sensory teaching techniques, evidence-based curriculums and specialized interventions to help students progress academically. Speech, language and occupational therapy are provided on site, as well as art, PE, social skills training and numerous after-school activities.

Opened 1968; accredited by AdvancED and the Arizona Association of Independent Schools; approved by the Exceptional Student Services Division of the Arizona Department of Education.

6 Arizona locations (5 in metro Phoenix, 1 in Tucson) centerforautism.com The world’s largest provider of evidence-based autism treatment services. CARD treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. Founded in 1990 by leading autism expert and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D, CARD uses these research-based, proven methodologies to design and implement an individualized treatment plan that meets the unique needs of each patient. CARD’s goal is to help individuals affected by autism achieve their academic, behavioral, social and vocational goals and give them the tools they need to fulfill their potential.

SILVER SPONSORS Emily R. Taylor, Attorney, PLLC 2001 E. Campbell Ave. #102, Phoenix 480-699-3145 • emilytaylorlaw.com Law practice specializing in special-needs planning, benefits planning and estate planning to provide a framework for establishing and maintaining long-term financial resources and care for a family member with unique needs. Services include but are not limited to: creating special needs trusts that protect benefits and resources for individuals with special needs; establishing guardianships and conservatorships for adults and for children approaching age 18; guiding trustees through the trust-administration process without disruptions in benefits; and assisting families with understanding the application process and qualification requirements for DDD, ALTCS and SSI.

Silver Tree Special Needs Planning 20865 N 90th Place #110, Scottsdale 480-264-0211 • silvertreesnp.com A full-service special needs planning firm focusing on individuals, professionals and families caring for a loved one living with disabilities or other special needs. Helps families coordinate all aspects of a loved one’s life. Areas include, but are not limited to: special needs planning, special needs trusts, guardianship filing, government benefit eligibility analysis and preservation, investment, estate, retirement, education, insurance and business-continuity planning.

The TouchPoint Solution 877-77-TOUCH • ilovetouchpoint.com Non-invasive neuroscientific wearables that use patent-pending neuroscience to relieve stress, encourage a calm state of mind, improve focus, manage anger, enhance performance and improve sleep. Developed locally by neuropsychologist Dr. Amy Serin and entrepreneur/child advocate Vicki Mayo.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Special Needs Resource Directory EXHIBITORS

AZ Aspire Academy

Ability360 5025 E. Washington St. #200, Phoenix 602-256-2245 • ability360.org Offers peer support, self-advocacy, monthly workshops on independent living skills, home care services, home modifications and more. Works to change systems to make them more user friendly and responsive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

2150 E. Southern Ave., Tempe 480-420-6630 • azaspireacademy.com Offers one-to-one instruction, social skills classes and comprehensive special education programming for K-12 students affected by ADD/ADHD, autism, behavioral disorders, developmental delays, dyslexia, giftedness and learning disabilities as well as those who are emotionally or medically fragile or severely disabled.

Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center

Behavior Support Solutions

5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix 602-386-4566 • ability360.org Two full-size sport courts, indoor suspended track, 35-foot rock-climbing wall, fitness center/ weight room, group fitness room, aquatic center.

Basketball, sit volleyball, power soccer, quad rugby, other team sports. Wheelchair-accessible exercise equipment, lap pool, therapy pool, spa.

Pools accessible by chairlift. Lap and therapy pools provide entry by elevator. Lap pool has lowered bench for transferring athletes directly from wheelchair to water.

behaviorsupportsolutions.com Provides 24/7 applied behavior analysis services in home, at school and in community settings for individuals ages 2-20+ diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Only uses positive behavior supports that are research-proven and considered best practices in the field.

ACCEL 10251 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix • 602-995-7366 1430 E. Baseline Road, Tempe • 480-755-9379 accel.org Academic, behavioral, therapeutic and vocational programs for students ages 5-22. The BISTA Center provides therapy for individuals with autism, ASD, Asperger’s syndrome and PDD-NOS. The Adult Services day program provides lifelong education and vocational training for individuals over 18 with developmental disabilities.

Autism Society of Greater Phoenix phxautism.org Provides information, resources and support to families affected by autism and helps families who have just received the autism diagnosis by providing information on effective treatments.

Bonita Dental/Dr. Diana Batoon 11111 N. Scottsdale Road #130 480-776-0643 • bonitadental.com A full-service dental practice offering general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry and Early Start orthodontics.

Works with children who have underlying health issues including restless sleep, snoring, bedwetting, nightmares, daytime drowsiness, chronic alleries, mouth breathing, ADD/ADHD and more.

Cookie Cutters Haircuts For Kids 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. #F01A, Phoenix • 480-419-2900 (Scottsdale 101 complex, west of Harkins Theaters) 1275 E. Baseline Road, #111, Gilbert • 480-433-0770 haircutsarefun.com Stylists are skilled in cutting hair for all children, and provide that extra special touch for those with special needs. Provides a caring, comfortable, funfilled environment, from the slide in the waiting area to the TVs, video games and fantasy chairs on the cutting floor. A loyalty program allows you to earn points each time you visit and redeem them on future services or retail products.

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Preparing your child for kindergarten, one step at a time.

• Inclusive kindergarten readiness program for children with and without disabilities.

• Doctoral level supervision of teachers and assistants.

• Applied behavior analysis approach used to teach academics, social skills, play skills, and socially appropriate behavior.

• Teachers trained to use interventions to target learning, language, and play/social skills deficits.

• Insurance and ESA accepted *Terms and conditions apply.

480.410.4060 scottsdaleci.com

info@scottsdaleci.com

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Special education intervention can begin early

By RAK Staff

Concerned that your child may have a developmental delay requiring special education support? Your local school district will screen children beginning at age 2 years, 10½ months to determine eligibility for services.

Children ages 3 to 5 who qualify for special education services may be eligible to attend a district Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program, also known as a developmental preschool.

Screening and evaluation are free. ECSE services are provided at no cost to parents through federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and state general revenue funds.

Charter schools have the same obligation to provide screenings for school-age children. If your children attend a private school, contact a principal in the district in which the private school is located.

Learn more at azed.gov/specialeducation/parents/az-find.

Find additional special-needs resources: www.raisingarizonakids.com/special-needs-resources-arizona

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Now Open!

Monday through Saturday. Visit our website for hours!

The Halle Heart Children’s Museum is a program of the American Heart Association.

An extraordinary, hands-on, interactive experience that empowers visitors of all ages to embrace heart-healthy living.

2929 S. 48th St., Tempe, AZ 85282

602.414.2800 www.hhcm.org SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Exits

Activity Center

Activity Center

Emergency Exits

Sponsors:Emergency

CARD

Restrooms

Restrooms

Exhibitors

Exhibitors

9-1-1 Theater

9-1-1 Theater

Check-In Table

Check-In Table

Kitchen Cafe

Kitchen Cafe

Emergency Exit

Emergency Exit

Halle Heart Exhibits

Halle Heart Exhibits

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

& Emergency Exit

Front Desk

TOUCHPOINT

Stay on Course

Check-in

All Creatures Great & Small

Follow Your Heart

EMILY TAYLOR

Marketplace

Male Restroom

Female Restroom

SILVERTREE

The Beat Goes On

NEW WAY

AED (defibrillator) & Fire Extinguisher

Library

Board Room

Goldman Legacy Theatre

Emergency Exit

Special Needs Resource Directory (continued from page 10)

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona 602-944-6222 • devereuxAz.org A nonprofit behavioral health organization that provides in-office and in-community training and counseling programs to help children and families with mental health problems, including those at risk of suicide. Prevention services build skills to increase the safety and wellbeing of children, youth and families. Offers a variety of programs where trained staff conduct home-visits designed to provide the support and encouragement that children, parents and/or the entire family need in order to help their family develop and grow.

Devereux Arizona’s Residential Treatment Center & Day School 6436 E. Sweetwater Ave., Scottsdale 480-998-2920 • devereuxAz.org This residential treatment center provides 24-hour clinical care on a 10-acre campus that includes an accredited K-12 therapeutic school for youth ages 5 to 17 who are experiencing emotional, mental, behavioral and/or substance-abuse challenges.

Envision Therapeutic Horsemanship 480-262-3434 • envisiontherapy.org Therapeutic riding, equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities including amputations, autism spectrum disorders, multiple sclerosis, stroke, visual impairment, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or Down syndrome. Also offers sibling and parent/caregiver programs and educational classes.

Family Involvement Center 5333 N. 7th St. #A100, Phoenix 8766 E. State Route 69, Suite G, Prescott Valley 602-288-0155 • familyinvolvementcenter.org A nonprofit organization founded and staffed by parents, for parents of children with disabilities

and other special healthcare needs. Supports and services are delivered by trained parents who have lived the experience and who understand the unique challenges these children and families face. Provides free parent-to-parent support groups, parenting classes and advocacy training; assistance navigating children’s systems and a toll-free, statewide warm line that offers technical assistance.

Hacienda Healthcare haciendainc.org Hacienda HealthCare is Arizona’s leading provider of specialized health care services for medically fragile and chronically ill infants, children, teens, and young adults as well as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Hacienda Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s second, free-standing, non-tertiary care children’s hospital providing non-emergency, non-surgical, step-down medical care to children and hands-on training to each parent in a tranquil, family-centered atmosphere.

• Hacienda Skilled Nursing Facility provides roundthe-clock care to children and young adults (age 45 or younger) who require long-term, short-term, respite or palliative care tailored to meet their needs.

• Hacienda’s Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF-ID) is Arizona’s only private all-inclusive residential care facility for long-term, transition-to-home and short-term respite care. A key component of the programming is “active treatment” designed to enrich the lives of residents and maximize each individual’s fullest developmental potential.

• Los Niños Hospital, on Thomas Road in Phoenix, provides families with an intimate, home-like setting in which they can focus on their child’s health and the hands-on training they will need to care for their child at home.

• Hacienda Healthcare also provides home-based respiratory care, home-based nursing services, day treatment and training for adults, and residential medical or non-medical group homes for individuals

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Stressed? Confused? Overwhelmed?

You’re Not Alone.

We offer parents:

Support/Understanding Parent Educa�on Informa�on/Referral Support Groups Help Loca�ng / Counseling Naviga�ng Services Respite Care

Advocacy Training

Contact us at (602) 288-0155 or info@familyinvolvementcenter.org.

Our staff have personal, lived experience raising a child with behavioral or physical health, educa�onal, developmental and other needs. We support other parents by sharing what we learned on our journeys. Call to connect with parents who have been where you are and know how to help.

Parents Helping Parents: It’s Who We Are and What We Do

Aurora Day School is a specialized private K-12 academic program integrated within a resiliency based therapeutic environment for students with the following eligibility criteria: • Autism • Emotional Disability • Developmental Disability • Speech Language Impairment • Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disability • Orthopedic Impairment • Other Health Impairment • Specific Learning Disability • Multiple Disabilities

8155 W. Thunderbird Rd., STE. 101A, Peoria, AZ 85381 623-209-1000 | www.auroradayschool.com SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Arizona law helps schools identify and help students with dyslexia

By Sheri Smith According to Read Better Be Better, which formed in 2014 to address the state’s literacy problem, 72 percent of Arizona’s third graders could not read at grade level.

The reasons for the high illiteracy rate are many and include poverty, English as a second language, developmental delays, low attendance rates, lack of funding, family issues and a profound teacher shortage. But there’s another substantial reason that is often ignored: dyslexia. Exact statistics are difficult to pinpoint, but the scientific community estimates as high as 15-20 percent of the population experiences dyslexia to some degree.

It’s not that dyslexics can’t learn to read or write. It’s just that they need to receive instruction in a way that works for the unique construction of their minds. If the appropriate methods are not provided, dyslexics will experience high levels of anxiety, frustration and shame.

The student labeled the “problem child” in the classroom may actually be struggling with dyslexia. Dyslexia is actually more common than ADHD, and many children experience both. Yet schools often miss or even deny signs of dyslexia.

With the combined efforts of various organizations — including the Arizona Department of Education, the Wellington-Alexander Center, First Things First, Decoding Dyslexia Arizona and several parents — Rep. Jill Norgaard, R-Phoenix was able to get a dyslexia bill (HB 2202) passed and signed into law this year.

The components of the law are: early identification and intervention, a refined definition for dyslexia (and permission to specify dyslexia rather than Specific Learning Disability) and a helpful handbook for parents and educators (azed.gov/mowr/dyslexia). An earlier bill passed in 2015 prevents dyslexic students from being denied promotion to the next grade because of their reading difficulties.

Norgaard says the initiative passed in large part because of the children who testified.

“The kids were the most persuasive part of getting the bill passed,” she says, adding, “We’re going to keep looking at new initiatives. We’re not just going to walk away.”

Read the full story, “Dyslexia: The elephant in the classroom,” in RAK magazine’s digital August issue or online.

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Providing specialized health care services to children and families for 50 years Every year our programs and services enrich the lives of more than 2,500 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities as well as those with complex medical needs.

Autism Programs & Services Hacienda Pre-Vocational/Vocational Training for individuals with an ASD

In-Home Nursing Care & Home Medical Equipment Los Niños Innovative Home Health Care | Los Niños Home Medical Services

Intermediate or Long-Term Care Hacienda Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF-ID) Hacienda Skilled Nursing Facility

Pediatric Care & Services Hacienda Children’s Hospital | Hacienda Skilled Nursing Facility Los Niños Hospital | Los Niños Synagis® Clinics

Residential Services & DTA Medical & Non-Medical Group Homes | Hacienda Day Treatment & Training for Adults

Respite Care Pediatric and Adult Respite Care Program

HaciendaHEALTHCARE.org p: 602.243.4231 f: 602.218.3270 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Special Needs Resource Directory (continued from page 16)

with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A respite-care program provides families and caregivers with a short-term “break” from the 24/7 demands of caring for their loved ones. Hacienda also offers group-home living and pre-vocational/ vocational training for young men and women diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Harvest of Arizona 710 W. Elliot Road #102, Tempe • 480-777-2100 15190 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale • 480-948-3737 harvestofaz.com Medical marijuana dispensary for qualifying patients with a written certification from a medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath or homeopath licensed to practice in Arizona. Qualifying conditions include cancer, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, severe nausea, severe muscle spasms, seizures and epilepsy. Harvest also hosts support groups including one for pediatric epilepsy.

Lexington Life Academy 9132 E. Southern Ave., Mesa • 480-630-1507 1555 S. Gilbert Road #111, Mesa • 480-359-4723 7080 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix • 480-826-1463 lexingtonservices.com PreK-12 school educates children with autism spectrum disorder, providing the key components for every student to develop academic, behavioral and social skills to their highest potential in an environment tailored to each child’s needs. Also provides an after-school program, adult program and a summer program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Members can take advantage of several types of therapies in a centerbased or in-home environment. Transportation may be available in the Phoenix, Mesa or Show Low locations.

Lindamood-Bell 10617 N. Hayden Road, Building B #101, Scottsdale 480-922-5675 • lindamoodbell.com Programs focus on developing the sensory-cognitive processes that underlie reading and comprehension

versus content instruction.

Milestone Pediatrics 2175 N. Alma School Road #A-106, Chandler 480-855-0474 • milestoneaz.com Speech therapy, occupational therapy, evaluations, respite care and habilitation services for children with developmental disabilities. Services are clientcentered and focus on helping children reach their full potential. Therapists have worked with children with many types of disabilities including Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, genetic disorders, communication disorders, attention disorders, sensory processing disorder and many others.

Miracle League of Arizona 11130 E. Cholla St. #I-110, Scottsdale 480-686-8137 • mlaz.org Provides a safe, successful and enjoyable baseball experience for children, teens and adults with disabilities or special needs. Ages 4 and older are placed in a league based on age and skill level and are matched with “buddies” (one-on-one friends/helpers).

NorthBridge College Success Program 7000 E. Shea Blvd. #J-262, Scottsdale 480-991-3686 • northbridgeaz.org NorthBridge was founded on the principle that college-age young adults with learning differences can excel in postsecondary education with specialized and individualized support. Provides students with a multi-layered support system prior to and during their college experience that focuses on both academic success and personal development.

Raising Special Kids 5025 E. Washington St. #204, Phoenix 800-237-3007 • raisingspecialkids.com A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support and information for parents of children, from birth to age 26, with a full range of disabilities and

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AST Learning Center

For over 15 years, AST has helped children with autism succeed in school and life.

• Clinic–Based Services • In–Home ABA Therapy throughout the greater Phoenix area • Intensive Early Intervention

866.727.8274 | autismtherapies.com SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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The journey to Julia

By Margaret Beardsley Phoenix mom Stacey Gordon made history this spring when she joined the cast of “Sesame Street.”

Gordon is the puppeteer behind Julia — a new Muppet with autism that debuted on the show during National Autism Awareness Month in April. Gordon has a son with autism, as does the writer of the show, Christine Ferraro. The women say their experiences helped them bring the character to life in a meaningful way.

“I cried when I read the script, because as a parent of a child with autism, it was exactly what I wished he’d had growing up,” says Gordon, who performs with the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. She also owns Puppet Pie in downtown Phoenix, where she crafts her own puppets and hosts puppetry and puppetmaking workshops for kids and adults.

Last year, friends who were already performing on Sesame Street landed Gordon an interview. Julia the Muppet has big green eyes and loves to play tag and sing. Gordon, who is 5-foot-2 and petite, has the same green eyes and red hair as 4-year-old Julia, and can produce a photo of herself at age 4 with a strikingly similar bob and bangs. It’s completely coincidental, because Julia was designed years before Gordon got involved, but it was yet another sign that this seemed meant to be.

Gordon spends about a month of the year taping Sesame Street episodes in New York.

She admits the opportunity to be Julia’s puppeteer would have been difficult when her son was younger; he’s now 13. But she wishes her son had been able to grow up knowing Julia.

“For typical kids and adults, it’s teaching them compassion and acceptance,” Gordon says. “For kids with autism, it offers them representations. I think they recognize that; I know my son does.”

Read the full story in R aising Arizona K ids magazine’s August issue.

Find recent articles about raising a child with special needs: http://www.raisingarizonakids.com/article/special-needs-article

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Providing services to people with a wide array of disabilities and diagnoses so they can one day reach their full potential and

live a life without limits SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

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Special Needs Resource Directory (continued from page 20)

special healthcare needs. Experienced staff lend an understanding ear and assist families in identifying and locating appropriate resources. Workshops offer training in a variety of skills including advocacy, effective communication and collaboration techniques.

Programs are offered statewide, at no cost to families, and are available in English and Spanish.

(habilitation, respite and attendant care). Programs include: The Early Learning Center (a developmental preschool), Life Skills Academies for participants 8-18, BRIEF: an intensive ABA program for children ages 0-5, group counseling and variety of family and professional training opportunities.

Sierra Academy of Scottsdale Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) 300 N. 18th St., Phoenix 602-340-8717 • autismcenter.org Support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Programs include the Community School (see next listing); school-based services supporting students in inclusive education programs and/or transitioning from special education to general education placements; Vocational & Life Skills Academy helps maximize the independence, productivity and quality of life of young adults and adults with autism and related developmental disorders.

SARRC Community School 300 N. 18th St., Phoenix • 602-340-8717 975 E. Warner Road (St. James Episcopal Church) • 602-340-8717 autismcenter.org/community-school An inclusive preschool model providing intensive, ABAbased programming for children with autism spectrum disorder and high-quality early childhood education for typically developing children ages 18 months to 5 years.

S.E.E.K. Arizona 1848 N. 52nd St., Phoenix 480-902-0771 • seekarizona.org Specialized home and clinic services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, including autism and behavior disorders. Pediatric therapy (speech and occupational therapists); counseling (individual, group, and family); behavior analytic services (assessment, behavior plans and coaching/direct support); and HCBS services

17800 N. Perimeter Dr. #110, Scottsdale 480-767-8659 • sesi-schools.com Hands-on multisensory teaching for children and young adults ages 5-22 who face learning, language and social challenges — especially those with autism spectrum disorders. Offers interactive rotational tutorials, small class sizes, personalized attention to individual needs, customized researchbased programming, social-emotional skills, fundamental life skills and post-graduation career counseling/job training.

SOHO Dental AZ 4901 N. 44th St. #101, Phoenix 480-779-0227 • sohodentalaz.org A nonprofit dental clinic established specifically to provide dental care for children and adults with special healthcare needs. Provides educational, preventive and restorative dental care in an adaptive setting designed to be comfortable for patients and their families.

Southwest Human Development Children’s Developmental Center 2850 N. 24th St., Phoenix 602-468-3430 • swhd.org • cdcenter@swhd.org Operates more than 40 programs to support families with children from birth to age 5. The Children’s Developmental Center provides integrated, teambased care for young children with complex developmental delays or disabilities. Care is coordinated by a transdisciplinary team of pediatric specialists that includes a pediatrician, psychologist, pediatric dietician and speech-language,

24 raisingarizonakids.com | SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

From birth through school-aged years and beyond, individuals with Down syndrome and their families face a wide-range of challenges and find themselves immersed in an ever-changing, often complicated journey to learn how to best support and nurture their loved ones.

GET CONNECTED. RESOURCES | FRIENDSHIPS | INFORMATION | SUPPORT

480.759.9150 | info@dsnetworkaz.org | www.dsnetworkaz.org

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

| raisingarizonakids.com

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Special Needs Resource Directory occupational and physical therapists who collaborate to provide comprehensive evaluations, expert assessments and individualized plans. The Children’s Developmental Center also offers a Feeding Program for infants and young children who struggle with feeding problems and disorders.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) A community-based program designed to meet the needs of children and young adults that have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. The program, geared toward player development rather than competition, is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to anyone age 5 or older who has a mental or physical disability. TOPSoccer offers a modified version of the game, specifically altered to allow full participation and enjoyment for each athlete.

For more information, contact Arizona Youth Soccer

Association Technical Director Austin Daniels at 602433-9202 or aysatd@aol.com

We Rock the Spectrum Scottsdsale 4848 E. Cactus Road #820, Scottsdale 480-466-9200 • werockthespectrumscottsdale.com All-ages gym has swings, crash mats and pillows, tunnels, zip line, trampoline, indoor play structure, sensory-based toys, motor-play toys and equipment, arts & crafts area. Camps, parties, classes, open playtime.

SHARE THIS BOOKLET WITH OTHERS! This Special Needs Resource booklet is available as a digital edition.

Visit our digital library at raisingarizonakids.com

26 raisingarizonakids.com | SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR 2017

Raising aRizona Kids magazine’s

2017 Saturday, nov. 4, 2017 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. new Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix

loc

atio n

!

the Valley’s second annual event for families navigating school choice!

One day, one place ... and a chance to meet representatives from more than 75 Valley private, public and charter schools!

• Ask questions • Pick up brochures • Hear from local experts • Gain peace of mind about school-choice decisions!

Sponsored by

Plu sPeciA s: A l su guest rPrise from

FRee to families! Register at

educationFairaZ.com

R a ising

a Rizo

15 th Annna Kids magazine's iversar y 2018

EAsy summEr plAnning!

Saturday, February 24, 2018 • 10am - 3pm Rancho solano Preparatory academy 9180 e Via de Ventura, scottsdale, az 85258

meet with day and overnight camp representatives from around the Valley and across the country.

Visit our website to check out the camps that will be there. Plus, be sure to register to receive updated information.

CampFairAZ.com Have a camp? Become an exHiBitor.

SponSorSHip opportunitieS are alSo availaBle!

RAISING ARIZONA KIDS WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR EVENT SPONSORS!