Volume 12 Issue 5
THREE YEARS OF
HOPE, GROWTH & COMMUNITY
FREE
After School Activities & Programs
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Inspiring
Knowledge As our exceptional kids return to school, we believe education is for all ages!
Our experienced respiratory therapists are ready to help you graduate to the next level of respiratory care education. We want to help your family feel confident in your ability to care for your child using their respiratory equipment. Are you feeling inspired this school year? To learn more about what we can teach you, give us a call at 866.935.9283.
We provide ventilator-based care in the home for pediatric patients, as well as nutritional supplies and support. WaveHealthcare.com
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A Place That Feels Like Home
CELEBRATING THREE YEARS THROUGH ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY
T
he front door opens, and a 7-year-old in
shiny pink boots and a bright smile steps inside with her family.
Louisa Villareal was the very first client to walk through the doors of Autism Community Network after the organization after the organization renovated their new Harvey E. Najim Campus in 2023 As ACN celebrates three years in its new home,
For more information on our services and 2026 Summit please visit www.acn-sa.org
Louisa, her parents, Linda and David Villareal, and her baby sister, Quetzali, returned to reflect on the journey that began the day they first arrived. THE BEGINNING
INNOVATION AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Linda and David first began noticing developmental
As the Villareal family's journey with ACN continued, new
diferences when Louisa was just six months old.
opportunities emerged. In an effort to support 15-month-old
By the time she was two or three, they felt ready
Quetzali, the family was offered the chance to participate in
to pursue a formal autism evaluation.
iBASIS Inklings, a groundbreaking, evidence-based social
Faced with uncertainty, David Villareal wondered,
communication program for babies newly introduced in the
"What is the future going to look like?"
United States. Thanks to the generosity of the Texas Pediatric
- David Villareal
RECEIVING ANSWERS
After completing the diagnostic process at ACN,
Society, the Villareals became the first family in the nation to take part in the program-continuing a relationship with ACN built on trust, innovation, and hope. FINDING COMMUNITY
Two years later, the Villareals found themselves back at ACN-this
Louisa received her medical autism diagnosis at
time for something entirely diferent. In 2025, Louisa enrolled in
age four, just before starting school. Linda recalls
Camp AUsome: WePlay, opening the door to a new kind of
the experience with deep gratitude, praising ACN
support: community. For David, one of the greatest surprises was
Chief Medical Officer and Developmental-
connecting with other families walking similar paths.
Behavioral Pediatrician Dr. Del Angel for the
“It’s going to be OK.” - David Villareal
compassion and reassurance she provided throughout the process.
Louisa found something special, too. She made friends at camp
"She was so sweet and reassuring. I am very happy it was her."
and continued growing through Camp WeACT, where her
- Linda Villareal
FOCUS ON EDUCATION
With a diagnosis in hand, the family's focus shifted toward ensuring Louisa had the educational supports she needed. Linda shared that having a medical diagnosis helped streamline the educational evaluation process, making it easier to access the services that would help Louisa thrive. OPENING DOORS FOR OTHERS
As the first child in their family to receive an autism diagnosis, Louisa helped open conversations, deepen
confidence blossomed and her personality shined. Today, whenever ACN hosts a camp or Fam Jam, Louisa's response is immediate:
2023
“Yes! When am I going?” - Louisa A BIT OF HOME Three years after becoming
the very first family to enter ACN's Harvey E. Najim Campus, the Villareals remain connected, not only through services, but through the relationships they've built along the way. Reflecting on their experience, Linda and
understanding, and encourage others to seek answers.
David describe Autism
Because of Louisa's diagnosis and her family's commitment
as
to learning, her cousin was able to be diagnosed too.
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Community Network simply
““aa bit of home.”
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Volume 12, Issue 5 Volume 12 Issue 5
THREE YEARS OF
HOPE, GROWTH & COMMUNITY
FREE
After School Activities & Programs
Publisher: Exceptional Kids, LLC Owner & Managing Editor: Kameron Chicoine Graphic & Art Design: Valor Design, Inc. Website & Logo Design: Red Rattler Creative
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For advertising information or copies of Exceptional Kids contact: Kameron Chicoine 210-867-7202
CONTENTS Three Years of Hope, Growth and Community 4 Back to School Word Search Resource Directory
5 7-11
After School Activities & Programs for Students with Disabilities 12-13 Halloween Word Search
14
kameron.exceptionalkids@gmail.com Exceptional Kids Magazine is published periodically. Exceptional Kids® is registered in US Patent & TM Office., Exceptional Kids, LLC, San Antonio, TX. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the express written consent of Exceptional Kids, LLC. Neither the publisher nor the advertiser are responsible for errors, misprints, omissions or any misinformation
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If you have upcoming events, add them to the Exceptional Kids Event Calendar so we can help spread the word! This is a free service!
www. ExceptionalKidsTexas .com Walk-ins are welcome 24/7 for children and teens experiencing a mental health emergency.
accepts kids in crisis all day, every day claritycgc.org | 210-616-0300 | 8535 Tom Slick San Antonio, TX 78229
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com ◆Donate◆
ABA THERAPY
AUTISM SCREENING & DIAGNOSTICS
Autism Community Network 210-435-1000 535 Bandera Rd info@acn-sa.org www.acn-sa.org
Cover, 4 & 6
Autism Community Network 210-435-1000 535 Bandera Rd info@acn-sa.org
Cover, 4 & 6
www.acn-sa.org
Blossom Center for Children 210-415-9626 14235 Blanco Rd info@blossomcenterforchildren.com www.blossomcenterforchildren.com
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE Clarity Child Guidance Center 210-616-0300
Centria Autism 210-293-7714 1920 Grandstand Drive www.centriahealthcare.com info@centriahealthcare.com
Pg 6
8535 Tom Slick
info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
Mindcolor Autism 833-646-3222 8507 Culebra Rd Suite 101 info@mindcolorautism www.mindcolorautism.com
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Wave Healthcare 866-935-9283
Pg 3
121 Interpark Blvd #300
Shelby May Behavioral Consulting 210-239-7181 shelbynunn@maybehavior.com www.maybehavior.com
www.wavehealthcare.com
ACUTE/SKILLED CARE LifeSpan Home Health 877-434-3153 6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
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ADAPTIVE SPORTS (COMPETITIVE & RECREATIONAL) ◆Kinetic Kids 210-748-5860 11931 Starcrest Dr info@kinetickidstx.org www.kinetickidstx.org
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You can find more resources on our website at www.exceptionalkidstexas.com If you would like more information about how you can be listed in the resource directory, contact us at kameron.exceptionalkids@gmail.com Please Say You Saw Us In Exceptional Kids
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESOURCES uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm 210-577-6500 150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
San Antonio Food Bank 210-337-3663 5200 Old Hwy 90 West Society of St. Vincent de Paul 210-225-7837 WIC Program 210-207-4906
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
Autism Community Network Cover, 4 & 6 210-435-1000 535 Bandera Rd info@acn-sa.org www.acn-sa.org
CDS in Texas 210-798-3779 Toll Free 866-675-7331 www.cdstexas.com
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CLASS - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
www.unitedwaysatx.org
DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658
2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123 6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
City of San Antonio - Utility Assistance 210-207-7830 Hill Country MHDD Centers 358 Landa Street, Suite 300, New Braunfels 888-315-3277 http://www.hillcountry.org Kerr County MH Center 955 Water Street, Kerrville 888-445-5232 http://www.hillcountry.org Clarity Child Guidance Center 210-616-0300 8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
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DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658 Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123 6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
Pg 6
Project Warm - Bexar County Dept of Community Assistance 210-335-3666 Salvation Army 210-226-2291 226 Nolan St
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu Williams Syndrome 800-806-1871 www.Williams-syndrome.org
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658 LifeSpan Home Health 877-434-3153 6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
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MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com San Rafael Healthcare Inc 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
Texas Home Living Waiver 210-832-5020
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Children's Home Health 806-367-6612 1612 S Van Buren - Amarillo www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
American Red Cross 210-224-5151 Cerebral Palsy Foundation ucp.org 210-520-1686 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 800-572-1717
Children's Home Health 361-204-2198 301 Texas Trail Suite 1, Corpus Christi www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), SA 210-734-3349 National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org Scleroderma Foundation www.Sclerodema.org Spinal Bifida Association Texas Chapter 972-238-8755
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING Children's Home Health 915-955-9797
1250 East Cliff Dr 5C - El Paso www.childrenshha.com
amelia@childrenshha.com
915-955-9797
5225 S Loop 289 Suite 126, Lubbock www.childrenshha.com
amelia@childrenshha.com
972-661-3737
901 Waterfall Way Suite 105, Richardson amelia@childrenshha.com Children's Home Healthcare
210-530-1098 / 737-320-5887
8418 Fountain Circle, San Antonio/Austin www.childrenshha.com
amelia@childrenshha.com
903-348-9020
293 W Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne www.childrenshha.com
512-532-4800
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MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
2921 Steck Ave A-120, Austin www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care 7929 Brookriver Dr Suite 640, Dallas
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 15 210-447-1650 4502 Centerview Dr, Suite 233, San Antonio www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 15 254-935-0450 2027 S 61st Street, Suite 121, Temple www.entrustedphc.com
amelia@childrenshha.com Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
Pg 15
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 15 832-280-8500 24624 Interstate 45 N Suite 241, Spring www.entrustedphc.com
Children's Home Healthcare
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Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 15 469-827-7500 275 W Campbell Rd, Suite 255, Richardson www.entrustedphc.com
www.childrenshha.com
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Entrusted Pediatric Home Care 682-450-2495 2001 Beach St, Suite 102, Fort Worth www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care 956-449-1818 6826 Springfield Ave #204A, Laredo www.entrustedphc.com
Children's Home Healthcare
www.entrustedphc.com
Pg 15
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 15 713-597-1230 2626 South Loop West Suite 325, Houston www.entrustedphc.com
Children's Home Healthcare
469-753-4901
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care 915-343-7744 1790 Lee Trevino Dr Ste 202, El Paso www.entrustedphc.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com ◆Donate◆
PHYSICAL THERAPY CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com San Rafael Healthcare Inc 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
STATE ORGANIZATIONS Customer Service Line (Ombudsman) 877-787-8999 www.hhsc.state.tx.us Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services NOW Texas Work Force www.twc.state.tx.us
San Rafael Healthcare Inc 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CARE CENTER (PPECC) Sunshine Pediatric Day Center 210-759-9720 5802 Medina Base Road www.sunshinepediatricdaycenter.com
SPECIAL EDUCATION/504 ADVOCATE ◆Holy Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm 210-577-6500 150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
North Field Office 210-561-8600 12000 Network Blvd #210 West Field Office 210-522-8010 5309 Wurzbach, Suite 102 Northeast Field Office 210-590-5740 10303 Nacogdoches South Field Office 210-927-8300 1011 Ada St
SPECIAL NEEDS ADULTS ◆Marbridge Foundation 512-282-1144 2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca TX info@marbridge.org Marbridge.org
SPEECH THERAPY CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Go to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com for an updated list of Pediatricians
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After School Activities and Programs for Students with Disabilities As our children get older, we remember the things we liked to do when we were their age. Things like football games, school plays, the student clubs we were in, and the times we spent with friends. After school activities have social and academic benefits while also building confidence and skills in all children, including those with disabilities. After school activities can help everyone in them work together, learn from each other, and build friendships. Before Getting Started • Consider your child’s interests and passions. Think about what makes their eyes light up, or what makes them smile or laugh. If your child isn’t sure where to begin, give them specific ideas and choices. This might be a process of trial and error, but it helps start the conversation, narrow the choices, and find the best possible activity. • Consider your child’s strengths and challenges. Sometimes, a certain activity helps your child with areas they find challenging. For example, scouting organizations can offer great social support to children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. • Consider your child’s feelings about new things. Remind them that it’s okay to try something – even if they want to move on to another activity later. As adults, we learn a lot by taking chances and trying new things. Our children can grow from these same experiences. Getting Started with After School Activities • Start by seeing what types of clubs, sports, and organizations your school has to offer. • Explore the different community and neighborhood activities that are available. Often the local YMCA, library, or faith-based organization have after school activities all children can join. Page 12
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• Talk to other parents whose children participate in these activities. • Check out national organizations that are accessible to children with disabilities like the Girl Scouts of the USA, 4-H club, and others. Things to Keep in Mind • If your child participates in a schoolsponsored after school activity, it is important that you and the school district staff communicate and collaborate so that your child is supported – and set up for success. You know your child’s abilities better than anyone, and you might need to talk to the person in charge of the after-school program to make sure they also know about your child’s abilities. • It can create a better outcome for everyone if you help the activity leader understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges. You can explain a few things, like how your child reacts best to certain challenges or how their assistive technology works. • Think about what kind of accommodations or modifications (like adaptive and assistive devices and technology) could help your child participate in this activity or event. Programs run through your child’s school might be required to offer these things.
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• Accommodations are not just for classroom learning. If you need help explaining this to the coach or activity leader, maybe a teacher who knows your child can come along. Working as a team can help your child succeed. • Check with your child and make sure they understand the activity’s goals and how it works. In order to participate, your child might have to memorize things, follow certain rules, complete activities on time, and more. Consider asking for modifications, if needed. For example, a runner might be allowed to have visual aid cones on the track, or a drummer might use a more comfortable grip for their drumsticks. • Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) should include the appropriate aids and services they need to have an equal opportunity to take part in their activities. • Not all after school activities are purely academic, but the other benefits of joining a program are likely to help your child get skills that can help them with their classes or grades too. What Can I Expect?
After school activities are run by school districts and other organizations in the community. The programs that your child’s school runs must take steps so that your child has an equal opportunity to take part in these activities. After school activities outside of your child’s school (or run by other organizations on school grounds) – like scouting organizations, the YMCA, and others – usually can’t discriminate against people
with disabilities either. It’s important to understand that they might not offer the same types of accommodation, modifications, and services as the public school district would. If Your After School Activity Is Run by the School The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 require school districts to take the steps necessary to be sure children with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in after school activities run by the school. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it must include the aids and services your child needs to take part in the activity. If Your Child’s Activity Is Not Run by the School Your child might be interested in joining a youth group, sports team, or another club that isn’t sponsored by or associated with the school district. Sometimes a nonprofit organization like the Boys & Girls Club has a program on school grounds, but the school does not run the program. When it comes to these activities, the rules about accommodation are different. Your child’s rights are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but not protected by IDEA or Section 504. The ADA says that public buildings, community organizations, and almost all other programs need to make accommodations and be accessible. Religious organizations are an exception – if they don’t get funding from the government, they don’t need to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you feel like your child’s needs aren’t being met, talk with the activity leader or someone from the program. If you still feel like your child is being discriminated against outside of school, you can write a complaint to the Department of Justice. There’s no one-size-fits-all guideline to your child’s rights to an after-school activity. You can learn more about your child’s rights at Disability Rights Texas. https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/ education-schools/after-school-activitiesprograms-for-students-with-disabilities
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exceptional kids activity page
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PLACE YOUR TRUST IN US
Providing Private Duty Nursing Services for infants, children, and adults across Central Texas. Entrusted Pediatric Home Care is the leading provider of pediatric nursing services in Texas. Our clinical team works with physicians and case managers to ensure children transition safely home from the hospital. Whether it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or a few &hour shifts per week, we have you covered. Our comprehensive approach to care includes coordinating with your team of medical professionals to implement the best possible outcomes for your child.
Call one of our locations today!
San Antonio 210-447-1650 Dallas-North 469-827-7500 Dallas-South 469-753-4901
Fort Worth 682-450-2495 Austin 512-532-4800 Houston-North 832-280-8500 Houston-South 713-597-1230
Temple 254-935-0450 El Paso 915-343-7744 Laredo 956-449-1818
"You guys make an amazing team and are changing families' lives for the good! We could not be more thankful for all the effort you put in to making the transition to Entrusted go so smoothly. Not only that, but y'all hit the ball WAY out of the park finding us excellent nursing staff. Thank you for all of the many hours in the office and on call that it takes to make our lives better. We couldn't be happier to call Entrusted our family." -Erica S
www.entrustedphc.com Please Say You Saw Us In Exceptional Kids
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disABILITYsa’s disABILITYsa s
Saturday, Saturd day O October ctob ber 3 3, 2 2026 026 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Travis Park
FREE & FREE & OPEN OPEN TO TO THE THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Celebrating 20 Years of Disability Pride, Access, & Inclusion
Live Entertainment • Community Resources Adaptive Activities • ASL Interpreters Sensory Room • Universal Changing Station Lots of Seating • Shade Trees • Wheelchair Charging Acccce esssA sAbiili litty y Co on nffe erre encce e NE EW W iin n 2026
val urce Festi The Reso PM 10 AM - 2
ources nity Res u m m o •C ities ive Activ t p a d A • s erpreter • ASL Int
• Educational Sessions • Community Planning • Inclusive Lea dership
abilitySTRONG a abilit bilitySTRONG STR RONG ONG March March 9:00 AM
A community walk celebrating disability as a natural and beautiful part of the human diversity.
FREE & FREE & OPEN OPEN TO TO THE THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Y
March. Learn. March. Learn. Connect. Con Connect. nn nectt.. Celebrate. Celebrate. 210-704-7262 info@disABILITYsa.org
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