Florida Crossroads Feb/March 2011 by Crossroads Communications, Inc.

INFORMATION + INSPIRATION + INCLUSION

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

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2 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

Feb/Mar 2011 10

BE MINE

Get the recipe for some Valentine’s treats sure to warm everyone’s heart.

ON THE COVER 11 Are Over-The-Counter Medicines Safe For Kids? New recommendations are out for OTC medicines and kids under 4. 13 Smooth and Seamless Planning and preparation make the move from Part C to Part B an easy experience. 16 World Awareness Join the global campaign to shine the spotlight on people with Down syndrome.

COVER STORY INFORMATION

+ INSPIRATION

Lillian Kwarciany

+ INCLUSION

Age: 3 years

ARCH 2011 FEBRUARY/M adsOnline.com

Lilly is a loveable three-year-old with arthrogryposis multiplex congentia. Read more about her story on page 21.

FloridaCrossro

19 Active Lesiure for Life The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association promotes recreational activities for all ages and abilities. line.com 1

FloridaCrossroadsOn

23 What Makes a Marriage Work? Protect and strengthen your marriage by learning how to live life together. 31 Spring Break Fun Ten creative tips to make the week at home a time to remember.

If you would like your child to be considered for Cover Story, go to FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com and click on Cover Contest or email us at promotions@FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com Photographed by: Mike and Carol Gibson, Versatile Photography

Send us your feedback and share your ideas at FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

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Feb/March 2011 FROM THE ROAD

5 Editor’s Letter

6 Crossroads Online

6 Happy Faces

MIX ‘N MATCH

7 Top O’ the Mornin’ Here’s a few new ideas to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Curating an art show is just one of the fun things to do this Spring Break.

Never Miss an Issue! Get all 6 for just $7.50

Use this form to start your subcription. Yes, I want to receive Florida Crossroads Magazine— filled with parenting tips, resources and moral support for special needs families. Please send me 1 year (6 issues) of Florida Crossroads for $7.50* Name (Please Print) Address

8 Mixed Bag

10 Be Mine Valentine’s treats to share with your special ones.

REAL TALK

18 Child Care Deductions It’s almost tax time so make sure you have claimed all the deductions you can.

PROFILE 21 Daddy’s Girl Lillian Kwarciany

FEATURES

28 Everyone Can Play A 16-year-old’s vision becomes a fun time for everyone

WHAT’S UP?

34 Upcoming Events

City State Zip E-mail

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Seach for Florida Crossroads Magazine and stay up with events, contests and important links.

From the Road Siblings Are A Gift

EDITOR’S LETTER

his Christmas I got a very special gift. My five-year-old and my three-year old started to like each other. I had often dreamed about the day when they would realize they are not just stuck with each other, but they can have fun with each other Travis and Emily enjoying too and I am so happy it is finally happening. a laugh together. I first noticed it when a few days after Christmas I heard them conspiring in the other room. They were being very quiet, and had it not been for Emily’s soft giggle and Travis’ enthusiastic YES! I would not have known anything was going on. The next thing I knew, they walked past me with determination and tried to dismiss it with a polite “excuse us, mom.” “What are you doing?” I asked. They went on to explain the plan they had cooked up, which was a really imaginative pretend trip to the store. I still was not sure whether to be suspicious or proud. I opted for proud. With my blessing, they went on their trip and had a wonderful time playing with each other. I immediately had flashbacks to all the crazy things my sister and I played when we were kids, and I was so happy that my kids were now experiencing the same. I pray it continues and develops and they will one day see that they can be best friends as well as brother and sister. For those of us who are blessed to have a sibling, we know that our brothers and sisters can be our most vocal cheerleaders and an excellent source of support and encouragement. They can be our teachers, and sometimes our students. I would like to write an article about the power of sibling connections in an upcoming issue of Florida Crossroads and I encourage you to share your story. Please email it to me at Christy@ FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com. In closing, I just want to say a quick word about our sponsors. I want to officially thank our advertisers in this issue (and the ones in the past) who have believed in what we are doing and want to support our families. With the help of our advertisers we are able to provide you with this magazine, which I hope you have come to find as an entertaining resource in your parental journey. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to read their message, or even visit their websites through our special “Partners” section at FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com. Blessings,

Christy Taylor Editor Mike Ellenburg Managing Editor Alisha Enright Social Media Director Bill Rodriguez Web Master Mission Statement The mission of Florida Crossroads is to provide special needs families with a publication that is informative and inspiring and creates an inclusive environment of support, understanding and acceptance. Presenting life-changing opportunities through informative articles, inspiring stories and illustrative photography and graphic art, Florida Crossroads is committed to helping each family find the right path for their child. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: 407.494.0619 advertising@FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

Florida Crossroads magazine is published bi-monthly by Crossroads Communications, Inc. © 2010. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine or of the trademarks of Crossroads Communications without written permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Florida Crossroads magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. Opinions expressed by Florida Crossroads magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Neither the publishers nor advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein, and the publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in ads. Crossroads Communications, Inc. reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Crossroads Communications, Inc. is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

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From the Road

READER POLL How will you spend Valentine’s Day?

80% WITH THE KIDS 20% WITHOUT THE KIDS Join in the fun and take our reader poll at FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

February Madison Bunsen Aixa Perez March Avery Adkins Liam Dorst Davinci Morgan Aubrey Paige Stone Sign up for our Birthday Club today at FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

HAPPY FACES

Raquel, 7 Orlando, FL

Michael, 18 Casselberry, FL

Katie, 9 Lakeland, FL

Send us your picture: Happy Faces @ FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

6 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

Boy with heart: ©Lauriey/Dreamstime.com, Opposite Page: ©Denise Kappa/Dreamstime.com

We’re looking all over the state for some happy faces. Here are a few of the smiles we found this month:

TRENDS + TIPS + TOOLS

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ St. Patrick’s Day is one of the first holidays of Spring. Think outside the shamrock with some fun activities that might also bring you a little luck. RAINBOW IN A CUP Try this colorful treat for a party or the kids at school: Make a batch of red Jello and pour it into the bottom of clear plastic cups. Once it sets, add a layer of orange, then yellow, green blue and purple. It’s a simple treat to make, but can take some time so start a few days ahead of time. CATCH A LEPRACHAUN Get out your old cereal boxes, paper towel tubes, oatmeal canisters and more. Let your kids design and decorate their own leprachaun trap. Bait it with gold sequins, coins or whatever else they think attracts a leprachaun. On the night before St. Patrick’s Day, set the traps out and replace the gold with a sweet treat and a note that says: Thanks for the gold! IRISH HOT POTATO Sit everyone in a circle and hand one child a potato. Explain that when the music starts, pass the potato to the person on your right. When it stops, if your left holding it you’re out. Keep going until there’s only one player left.

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Mix & Match

Anyone with a smarthpone is certainly aware of the new QR code craze sweeping electronic and print media. If you have a barcode reader app on your phone, you just scan the code when you see it and you will be instantly connected to a website or video that provides more information. Starting with this issue of Florida Crossroads, you will find these colorful tags throughout the copy offering additional resources and information. To use, go to http://gettag.mobi and download the free app. Once installed, you’ll be able to start cracking the code!

TAG IT: Download the tag reader at gettag.mobi

The iPhone has provided hundreds of apps that are designed to help special needs kids. Here are a few free ones that you should add to your list:

A Golden Opportunity Autism Awareness took center stage when actress Claire Danes was awarded a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the title character in Temple Grandin. The movie highlighted Grandin’s contributions in the fields of autism advocacy and animal welfare. Grandin did not say her first words until the age of four years old, and as she grew older was constantly teased for word repetition. Ultimately, Grandin went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology, and both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Animal Science. Grandin is a bestselling author, inventor, designer, consultant, and professor at Colorado State University. In her acceptance speech, Danes thanked Temple, who was in the audience, for her contributions to autism awareness.

IEP CHECKLIST MY EPILEPSY DIARY MODEL ME The Parent Educational An app for both iPhone GOING PLACESTM Advocacy Training and Android, My Model Me Going Places™ Center’s (PEATC) IEP Epilepsy Diary keeps is a great visual teaching Checklist iPhone app track of seizures, side tool for helping children helps parents of students effects, mood change learn to navigate with special needs and more. Also keep challenging locations become better-informed in the community. Each track of mediciations advocates by making and dosages for all location contains a photo medications and vitamins IEP information easier to slide show of children and set up email or text access. Features include modeling appropriate active links to federal reminders to take them. behavior. Locations regulations; allows users Print out a report of the include the hair salon, to record the IEP meeting data collected to give mall, doctor’s office, or record notes; and has playground, grocery store to your doctor on your the capacity to print next visit. This app was and restaurant. The app out notes and click on created by the Epilepsy includes audio narration a checklist as requested Therapy Project and and descriptive text of items are discussed. epilepsy.com. each photo.

8 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

Crack the Code

meetourkids.org For over 20 years, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has been right here in Central Florida caring for kids. We’ve watched them grow. Celebrated birthdays. And holidays. Happy days, sad days—we’ve been here through it all. That’s why we’re more than just a hospital. We’re a part of the community. And our kids are more than just patients. They’re part of our family. And we’d like you to meet them.

Support our kids. Purchase tickets today at

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Mix & Match: BE MINE

Strawberry Roses 12 strawberries 12 wooden skewers 1 pkg vanilla almond bark 1 pkg chocolate almond bark styrofoam 1 Melt chocolate according to package directions. 2 Place strawberry stem-side down onto wooden skewer. 3 Dip and swirl into melted chocolate. 4 Push skewer into styrofoam to stand and harden. 5 Repeat for remaining strawberries. 6 Tie ribbons at base of strawberries on stems and arrange in a vase. KITCHEN TIP: Turn this recipe into a gluten-free treat by using GF chocolate. Nestle’s chocolate chips are an easy-to-find ingredient that are gluten-free.

Lollipop Mouse Lollipop Construction Paper Glue Stick Tape or Staples 1 Cut out a 5” heart from the construction paper and fold it in half.

2 Staple or tape the bottom of the heart together. 4 Cut out small white ears and glue on either side of the mouse’s ear. Take a marker and draw small eyes and whiskers.

10 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

Send us your gluten-free, kid-friendly or texture-sensitive recipes to editorial@FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com.

Opposite Page: ©Nicky Blade/iStockphoto.com

2 Glue or tape a lollipop inside, with stick peeking out of the back, like a tail.

EDUCATION + ADVOCACY + ISSUES

ARE OVERTHE-COUNTER MEDICINES SAFE FOR KIDS? The Consumer Healthcare Products Association has new recommendations for kids under four. BY C H A R L E S A . W E L B O R N , M D, M P H , FA A P, FA C E P M edical D i re ctor, Af ter H ours Pediatr ics U rgent Care

any parents have questions about the countless over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications that line the shelves of drug stores and supermarkets. Not only are there so many varieties and combinations of these medications, but many now have labels that specifically state they should not be given to children under the age of four years, except on the advice of a physician. Parents are left scratching their heads when trying to sort out which, if any, medications they should be using for their children. There are hundreds of viruses that cause upper respiratory infections (URI). These viruses will cause a runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever

and cough. The runny nose starts clear and then turns darker (cloudy, yellow or green) for a few days. This is entirely normal and not a sign that your child has an infection that requires antibiotics. These symptoms will last three to seven days, followed by about a week of congestion and lingering cough. Currently, there is no cure for the common cold (URI): it simply must run its course. While the common cold is not a medically significant illness, it does cause discomfort. Parents want to help their children when they are ill and naturally turn to medications to decrease their child’s discomfort. Cough medicines rank high on many parents’ list as a coughing child has greater difficulty sleeping at night – and keeps everyone in the house FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com 11

We’re looking for kids who make that diﬀerence. If you know an amazing kid who has reached out to help others, visit

everychildmakesadiﬀerence.com

and tell us their story. Help us create a star out of c a young hero with a big heart.

Presented by

Products Association, at the urging of the FDA, instituted the voluntary ban on OTC cough and cold medications for children under the age of four years. Since this started two years ago, there has been a 50% decrease in visits to an emergency room involving the adverse effects of these OTC medications. One interesting finding of this study is that two-thirds of the emergency department visits occurred when an unsupervised child ingested too much of the OTC medication. So what is a parent to do? Talk to your child’s doctor about what medicine, if any, would be appropriate to help alleviate your child’s discomfort when they have the common cold. Follow the recommendation for dosing and dosing intervals strictly. Only use a graduated measuring device to measure and administer a liquid medication – not a household spoon. Keep all medications tightly sealed in childproof containers and out of the reach of your child.

Got a medical question? Go to floridacrossroadsonline.com and submit your questions for our new “Ask A Doctor” section.

For nominations visit:

everychildmakesadiﬀerence.com 12 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

Opposite Page: ©Ekaterina Monakhova/iStockphoto.com

 Now acceptin Spring g Nomina tions!

up as well. There are basically five types of ingredients in most cough and cold medications that are targeted to treat fever, cough and congestion. OTC medications may contain one or a mixture of several of these medications. None of these medications cure the cold. They only provide relief from some of the symptoms of a cold for a very short time. As soon as the medication is metabolized by the body, the symptoms return. All of the medicines can have serious side effects when given in too high of a dose. These include decreased levels of consciousness, convulsions, rapid heart rates and death. According to the FDA, there has never been a study in children that shows these medicines work well. Perhaps more importantly, there have been no scientific studies that accurately determine what the proper dosing of these medications is for infants and children. You can now see the problems associated with OTC cough and cold medications: they don’t cure the cold; they can only alleviate the symptoms for a short time; they have never been proven to work in children; we don’t really know the proper dose; and they can have very serious side effects if too much is taken. This is why the Consumer Healthcare

©Brad Killer/iStockphoto.com

AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN EVERY DAY!

Real Talk: HEALTH

Real Talk: EDUCATION

Smooth and Seamless The move from Part C services to Part B can be overwhelming for parents, but with a little preparation it can be an easy experience. BY L AU R E N M O R R I S

ransitions are a natural part of life. We grow older, go off to college, get married, and have kids. When our kids have a disability there are even more changes in store. One of the most daunting is the transition that happens when your child turns three and is moved from Part C to Part B. While it can be intimidating, this transition can be easier for the family and child with some planning and preparing. From birth to three a child and their family become part of the Part C or “early steps” program. The term Part C stems from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which is comprised of many statutes and regulations. There are five components to IDEA: Part A, B, C, D, and E. Part A deals with general provisions. Part B addresses assistance for education of all children with disabilities, concentrating on children ages 3-21 and includes regulations and statutes including eligibility requirements, evaluations, placement, and procedural safeguards. Part C focuses on infants and toddlers with disabilities, which in Florida is known as “Early

Steps.” Part D addresses national activities to improve education of children with disabilities and Part E concentrates on a national center for special education research. The Part C program has unique features that are centered around family involvement and education. The services and interventions provided under Part C are brought

to the child in a natural learning environment rather than fitting the child into the service. Part C provides the family many options in regards to service decisions and actively encourages the family to be an equal partner in the therapeutic process for their child. Parents really feel that they are part of the process in helping their FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com 13

Real Talk: EDUCATION

STEP

PREPARE EARLY

When your child turns two-and-a-half start to prepare for the transition out of Early Steps. Determine what school your child is zoned for and will attend. This could be a different school than the one you think you are “zoned” for since not all public schools have a pre-school program. The best approach is to call the ESE district office directly and ask where your child will attend pre-school. Once you have

14 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

STEP

determined the school, make an appointment with the principal. During this meeting ask for a tour of the school and for a tour of the campus and the Pre-K classrooms, preferably while class is in session. Try to schedule time to meet the pre-K teachers and any support staff such as speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists as well. Bring a list of questions with you so that you will not forget to ask what you want to know. If possible bring a support person with you such as a spouse, friend or a current therapist. It is best to do this while you are awaiting evaluations to take place on your child. Previewing the school’s program and meeting the staff can help you feel comfortable with the transition and help you get your child ready.

STEP

child in the Part C program. There is constant contact with providers and a sense of comfort in the scope of treatment. Moving to Part B can be very difficult for a family because there is a sense of unease and parents feel they have so much to learn. Suddenly the family is dealing with terms such as IEP, IDEA, LRE and so many more acronyms they have yet to decipher. The IDEA requires a six month transition period for families moving to Part B, where evaluations and meetings take place. During those six months, families have the opportunity to understand the new dynamic between family, child, and school. What can be most troublesome for parents is leaving the natural environment model of treatment and care and adjusting to a school-based model. The family should expect the following to happen during the transition phase: they will meet the county and school officials for which they are zoned; they will have the evaluation process explained as well as the various programs available for their child; and the district will explain the staffing process and what to expect for the near future. It is up to the policies of the school district for how the evaluation results and placement are handled. Some schools have the evaluation results explained, determination of eligibility and placement and the writing of the IEP in one session. Some schools break these components up into different teams and different meetings. The best way to find ESE LINKS: Scan this tag for out how your district handles ESE Policies and Procedures this approach is to call the ESE for all Florida districts. department and ask about the process. The experience can feel like a whirlwind, and even harder to keep up with if unprepared. Here are some things parents can do to take an active role in the Part B transition and feel more confident and in control:

CHOOSE YOUR SCHEDULE

This is a pre-school based program and thus it is not mandatory that the child attend every day or for the full day. If the child is young and/ or has never been in a school or daycare setting, you may want to consider only sending them for three days a week, or for only part of the school day. The school may not present you with this option during the IEP process, but you are well within your rights to opt for it. Also, remember the goal of the pre-school program is to prepare your child for school, just like Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) and traditional preschool programs. As with any child, sometimes easing them into this process is a better approach.

RESEARCH AND REVIEW

One of the biggest, and most intimidating steps of the entire tranisition, is developing your child’s first IEP (individualized education plan). Typically, IEP meetings are attended by any school staff that will be involved with the care of your child, such as guidance counselors, therapists, teachers and even the principal. Walking into a room filled with people you don’t know might be easier if you bring someone for support to this meeting. Your spouse, a friend, a fellow parent, a current therapist, or even an advocate make a great line-up of moral support. Prior to the meeting, make a request to see all reports and drafts of the IEP. To save time, the school has already drafted an IEP for your child, and being able to read it ahead of time gives you the opportunity to digest the information, rewrite or add goals you want for your child and think about any questions you might have. Keep in mind, you want your child’s goals to focus on social and self help skills in a school

Real Talk: EDUCATION

KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN

When school starts for your child, you want to make sure you stay in contact with the teacher and any support staff who will be working with your child. Going from a very parent-focused environment into an environment that focuses on learning in an educational setting can be culture shock for many parents. Coming from an environment of constant communication with providers and therapists to only hearing about progress every nine weeks can be frustrating. It does not have to be that way. You can insist that the teacher and support staff remain in contact with you on an ongoing basis. It can be written in the IEP and it can be as simple as the teacher sending you an email once a week letting you know what your child has been working on and how they are doing. Do not accept “doing great” as a form of input. Make sure that the communication and input provided is geared toward the measurable goals that are stated in the IEP. For example, if one of the IEP goals is working on color recognition you want the

teacher to let you know that your child was able to recognize the color blue two out of five trials this past week. The teacher has to record this information and should be able to share it with you. Knowing exactly what progress your child is making is information you can really use, and helps you feel more involved. Keep all records of communication in a folder so that you can monitor your child’s progress. STEP

STEP

environment including fine motor, gross motor, communication, social skills, and school readiness.

SEEK OUT SUPPORT

You are not alone! Try to meet the families of the other students in your child’s class. If this is not possible then find a support group you can share experiences and good ideas with. Learning from other parents who have “been there, done that” can be very helpful on both a practical and emotional level. Knowing that there are others that have come before you and having people to lean on can go a long way to help you with this process. Lauren Morris is the founder of MyChild’s Advocate, Inc., providing educational consulting and child advocacy services for parents whose children have special needs. Reach her at Lauren@my-childsadvocate.com

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Real Talk: AWARENESS

Join Down Syndrome Interational and local Downs support groups to raise awareness and advocate for people with Down Syndrome.

16 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

ÂŠMikolaj Tomczak/Dreamstime.com

Worldwide M Awareness

arch 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and organizations around the globe will organize and participate in events to raise awareness of Down syndrome. The date was selected by Down Syndrome International, a United Kingdom based charity that has members all over the world committed to ensuring the quality of life and human rights for all people with Down syndrome. The date 3/21 signifies the uniqueness of Down syndromeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s triplication of the 21st chromosome. The Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, Inc. in Palm Beach County will be celebrating with a special 5K RUN/Walk at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. Twenty percent of all registrations, and a percentage of any proceeds raised from the event will be donated

on behalf of the organization to two area food pantries. Executive Director Terri Harmon says the event is a way to promote awareness and do something good for the community. “We wanted to show others that people with Down syndrome are giving back,” Harmon said. The Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization has been supporting families in and around Palm Beach County for over 30 years. In addition to providing resources and support to families of newborns, GCDSO has a number of programs for young children through adulthood designed to compliment their mission to promote inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in all areas of life, emphasize their abilities and advocate their human and civil rights. As an affiliate of The Learning Program, a program developed by California’s Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County, the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization is helping teach kids ages two to twelve how to read and increase literacy through individual teaching strategies and customized materials. Harmon says the program greatly enhances a child’s formal education experience. “When you can send a three or four-year-old to school who is already reading, it really changes the way they can access education. We’re trying to show parents and teachers that children can learn, to believe they will learn and how to help them learn,” Harmon said. Harmon, who has been involved with the organization for over 20 years, is also excited about the progress Gold Coast is making in providing services to young adults and adults with Down syndrome. By participating in The Next Chapter Book Club (nextchapterbookclub.org, a project of The Nisonger Center at Ohio State University), adolescents and adults are able to get together to read, talk about books and make friends in an inclusive, community setting.

With 21 associations dedicated to providing support for families affected by Down syndrome there are many resources around the state to get involved with. Here’s the list: Acton Up with Downs, Inc., actonupwithdowns.com Broward Gold Coast DSO, bgcdownsyndrome.org DS Support Okaloosa and Walton DSA of Central Florida, dsacf.org DSA of Jacksonville, dsaj.org DSA of Miami, dsaom.org DSA of NW Florida DSA of Tallahassee, dsatallahassee.org Feds of Brevard, fedsofbreverd.org FRIENDS- Support Inc., friendssupport.org Fun Coast DSA, funcoastdownsyndromeassociation.com Gold Coast DSO, goldcoastdownsyndrome.org Manasota B.U.D.S. Bringing Up Down Syndrome, manasotabuds.org North Central Florida Playgroup, groups.yahoo.com/group/ncfl_playgroup PODS Angels, podsangels.org Reaching Down’s of NW Florida SW Florida PODS Angels, podsangels.org Treasure Coast DS Awareness Group, tcdownsyndromeag.org Up with Downs of Pinellas, downsyndromenetworkofpinellas.com Upside 2 Downs of Pensacola, upside2downs.org DSA of Polk County, dsapolk.org

The Learning Program: Teaching With High Expectations The Learning Program, founded by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (California), focuses on parents as first-teachers for their children to give them a jumpstart on education. It is designed to supplement traditional education in literacy and math with the hope of strengthening the educational potential for children with Down syndrome. Since it began in 2004, it has been customized and adapted in programs all over the country with over 5,000 families, teachers and therapists involved. On its website (dsfoc.org/learning_program.htm), The Learning Project offers parents free downloads of curriculum material and detailed activity guides to use at home as well as links to other free websites that offer interactive games and supportive materials.

READING RESOURCES: Scan for more on The Learning Project.

FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com 17

Real Talk: FINANCES

Child Care W Deductions

This article contains general tax information for taxpayers. Please seek professional advice for all tax situations. (National Association of Tax Professionals, natptax.com) 18 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

©Ana Abejon/iStockphoto.com

Tax time is here. Don’t overlook your child care expenses as a potential deduction.

hen trying to cut costs during these hard economic times, it is unlikely that your child care expenses can be reduced. Luckily there is the credit for child and dependent care expenses offered on your individual tax return. The credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses, depending upon your adjusted gross income. In order to be eligible to receive the credit for child and dependent care expenses, the person receiving the care must be a qualifying person—either your dependent child under the age of 13 or certain other individuals who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care. Also, you must be the custodial guardian for the qualifying person, even if you do not claim them as an exemption. The care must have been provided while you (and your spouse) are either working or looking for work. If you are married, you must file a joint return in order to file for the credit. In order to claim the credit, you (and your spouse) must have earned income from wages, salaries, tips, or net earnings from self-employment. One spouse can be exempt from having earned income if he or she were a full-time student or were physically or mentally unable to care for him or herself. Another qualification that must be met in order to receive the credit is that the dependent care must have been provided by a qualified caregiver. Spouses, dependents, and children under 19 are not qualified caregivers. At the end of the year, most caregivers will provide a statement with their federal employer ID number (EIN) or social security number (SSN), full name, address, and amount paid. All of this information is necessary for your tax return. If you do not receive a statement at the end of the year for this information, you should request this information prior to bringing your information to your tax preparer. If your employer provides a dependent care benefit, the amount of dependent care expense claimed must be reduced by the benefit amount. If you pay someone to come to your home and provide care, you may be considered a household employer. Please contact a tax professional for guidance.

AGENCIES + ORGANIZATIONS + INDIVIDUALS

Active Leisure for Life The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association promotes fun, recreational activities and resources for all ages.

physical disability, developmental delay or other special need should not be a barrier to enjoyment and participation in leisure activities. With the progression of technology, increasing options of adaptive accessories and expanding inclusive programs there are multiple opportunities for everyone to get active and there is one Florida organization whose goal is to make it happen. “Active Leisure for Life” is the motto of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), a non-profit group committed to enriching lives through accessible, inclusive recreation. The FDOA was formed in 1990 through the vision of David Jones. Jones was injured in a hunting accident that left him permanently paralyzed in his left leg and no use of his left hand. During his rehabilitation, which took him from wheelchair to walker to unassisted walking, Jones became increasingly aware of the important role recreation plays in rehab and in personal development. Through FDOA he hoped to share that vision with others and help them overcome their own challenges and get active. For the past 20 years, FDOA has created programs and events for all ages and abilities to overcome challenges and sample a variety

of sports and recreation interests. One of the largest events FDOA hosts is an annual multi-day event called SportsAbility. This year’s SportsAbility conference will take place on April 14-17 in Tallahassee. The kick-off Active Leisure for Life Banquet will feature a keynote address from Sarah Reinertsen, the first female above the knee amputee Ironman. Friday’s Indoor Recreation and Disability Resource Expo will give participants the chance to try activities like sit volleyball, adaptive golf and martial arts. On Saturday, families can attend the outdoor day at Ochlockonee River State Park and participate in sit waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, pontoon boat rides, horseback riding, archery and swimming. Sunday’s schedule includes a Power Soccer Clinic for power wheelchair players, an all ages-all abilities baseball game and lawn games that are open to everyone. There is no fee to attend the recreational events and activities. There is also no need for athletic experience of any kind. Volunteers and support staff will be on hand to coach and teach each event and activity, and advise on the proper assistive devices or techniques that might be needed to fully participate. Families, and kids, are welcome at the event which is expected to bring in over 1,000 people throughout the four days. The Ochlockonee River State Park

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PROFILE: FLORIDA DISABLED OUTDOORS ASSOCIATION hosts also an accessible campground, so a true outdoors vacation could be made for anyone who wanted to enjoy it. “The goal of SportsAbility is for people with disabilities to try new activities, to see what they can do,” Lesa Evans, FDOA Communications Specialist said. With encouragement and assistance, FDOA hopes attendees will find new interests they can pursue throughout the year and make contacts that will help them do it. The Resource Referral Network is another complimentary service FDOA provides that can help cultivate interests into lifelong activities. FDOA has created

in your area, sometimes they can also suggest other people in the community who are interested in pursuing the same activity and help you develop your own club. “Everyone needs to strive to be LET’S PLAY physically active SportsAbility through recreation offers a sampling and active leisure, of accesible but especially sports. people with an ever-growing database of disabilities,” Evans said. “If you can products, programs, destinations dream it, anything is possible with and events throughout the state the right adaptive equipment that can give families assistance and maybe a little assistance. in finding an active outlet in their Remember Active Leisure for Life!” own area. Whether it is locating a To find out more about beach wheelchair rental or finding FDOA and to pre-register for the a Miracle sports team, FDOA SportsAbility event, visit the FDOA can help find the resources and website at FDOA.org or call them at contacts you need to get started. (850) 201-2944. When there are no teams or groups

20 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

PROFILE: LILLIAN KWARCIANY

Daddy’s Girl Lillian Kwarciany has stolen the heart of her mom and dad and taught them what love is all about.

Mike Gibson/Versatile Photography

f a person’s eyes are the true window to their soul than threeyear-old Lillian Kwarciany is full of life, happiness and curiosity. One glimpse into her dark brown eyes leaves you smiling and wanting to find out more about who she is. Watching her for a moment or two, you can add a few more descriptions to her personality list including determined, secure and resilient. She weighs less than 50 pounds, but ounce for ounce she probably has more spunk and goodheartedness than someone twice her size. Lillian, or Lily as her mom and dad call her, has arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a condition that caused her joints to be stiff and crooked at birth, and essentially locked in place. Jennifer and Ken were told early on in the pregnancy that Lily may have AMC and spent their time reading a lot about the diagnosis, scouring the internet for information and taking solace in online support groups. When Lily was born at 34-weeks, the Kwarciany’s were not only new parents but new patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Florida Hospital South in Orlando. Lily had been whisked away from

them almost immediately to receive assistance for respiratory distress and to be monitored for other issues related to AMC and her prematurity. NICU life is stressful, to say the least, and Ken remembers in detail nearly all of the 91 days his daughter spent there. He recalls one day, specifically, that not only proved to him how strong Lily was but also the evidence that God was taking care of them. “It was the 78th or 79th day in the NICU and one of the doctors had pulled us aside to

Jennifer, Ken and Lily Kwarciany enjoy a day at the park. say if she doesn’t get any better with her breathing, we’re probably going to have to do a trach,” Ken said. “Almost immediately, Lily’s breathing improved and she never had another problem. Call it whatever you want, but someone was definitely looking out for her.” After three months in the hospital it was time for the Kwarciany’s to head home. They packed Lily safely in her car seat and secured her heart and apnea monitors beside her. As any parent will tell you, those first moments

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explained. “The doctor came out and asked us if we wanted the good news or the really good news. He said they ended up not having to do the surgery. When they took the cast off they discovered the hip was exactly where it needed to be. The cast was putting the hip out of place, so she didn’t have to have the surgery and she didn’t have to wear the cast.” Ironically, Lily did have to wear a cast soon after the hip surgery when she broke her left femur bone. Fragile bones are common with AMC as the muscles surrounding the bones are limited and weak. Ken says Lily’s bones are like that of an 18-month-old, even though she is three, because her limited mobility keeps the muscle from developing and adding extra cushion and protection FOR MORE SUPPORT to the bone. Her leg broke when it accidentally got caught in an awkward Arthrogryposis position for her. Even through the five Multiplex Congenita home are exhilarating and terrifying at the weeks of the cast, though, Lily kept Support, Inc. is an same time. Ken says, it was no different for smiling. excellent resource him and Jennifer. “ That cast was itchy, bulky and “We were so happy to get her home, for parents of kids uncomfortable and she had to lay but scared to death,” he remembers. He and with AMC. Log on to down most of the time, but she took it Jennifer took shifts sleeping those first few amcsupport.org to find all like a trooper,” Ken said. weeks so that someone always had their eyes out more. Like most kids with a physical disability, on Lily. Lily has participated in weekly therapy It is very common for kids with AMC to sessions for as long as anyone can remember. She’s have multiple surgeries and casts as children. Lily was made a lot of progress and can now sit up, unassisted, born with club feet and had to have surgery and serial for 15 minutes. That is a huge accomplishment, for a casting to correct them as well as a heel chord extension girl that doctors were not sure would ever be able to. to give her more movement in her ankles and feet. She “We were ecstatic when she did it, because she can also was born with a dislocated hip and just last year only get better from here,” Ken said, swelling with pride. had to have surgery to repair it. The hip surgery, Ken Everyone in the family, including Jennifer, admits said, was one of the lowest points in the journey for him that Lily is the quintessential daddy’s girl. The very but still true to Lily’s spirit, there was a silver lining. sight of her dad makes Lily squeal with joy and smile The surgery itself seemed to go well and the her wide, toothy grin. Watching his daughter push doctors were pleased with the placement of the hard in physical therapy to work-out her muscles and pin that they used to hold Lily’s hip together. After asking her to show-off her new found ability to give recovery they bandaged her up and put on a hip spica kisses, Ken says Lily has taught him what it means to be cast, a bulky, uncomfortable cast that starts at the chest strong and determined. goes around the waist and hips and continues down “We have faith and believe God has a purpose and the leg to keep the hip immobilized while it heals. The a plan, even if I don’t understand it. When I look at Lily I next day, an x-ray showed the hip had slipped out of understand, and I realize maybe we take a lot of things place and would need to be fixed by surgery. A second for granted,” Ken said. “I can’t even find the right words surgery was completed and a second cast put on, and to describe her. She’s a heck of a kid, and she surprises the next day another x-ray showed again the hip was us everyday. No matter how frustrated you are with dislocated. Frustrated and emotionally spent, Ken work or life or whatever, she gives you one smile, and and Jennifer watched Lily undergo her third surgery all that stuff is gone.” in less than a week and prayed for God’s mercy. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. We want to hear about your child’s journey. Go to “We were about as bottom as we could get,” Ken FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com and “Share Your Story.” 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

©Gines Valera Marin/iStockphoto.com

PROFILE: LILLIAN KWARCIANY

What Makes a Marriage Work? BY C H R I S T Y TAY LO R

Sometimes, a happy marriage can be a hard thing to manage. It’s not because we do not love our spouse, or that they do not love us. It’s because we are all individuals and we have our own thoughts, needs and views on how to do things— like parenting our children.

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Spending quality time together is crucial for a relationship.

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having enough time to get to the grocery store can start a lively debate. So, are marriages affected by raising a child with a special need? Absolutely. The better question is how are they affected? Or, maybe more importantly what can you do to preserve and protect your relationship? There is no doubt that there are things parents of a child with a disability have to face that typical families do not. Ongoing medical appointments, expensive therapies, fewer childcare options, physical and emotional demands of being a caregiver are all stressors that a parent of a child without a disability does not have to deal with. “Raising any child has its challenges and stressors,” said Dr. Andrew Daire, an associate professor in the Counselor Education Program at the University of Central Florida. “For families of children with special needs there are additional factors. Financial burdens of medical treatments and therapies become a stressor. Behavior challenges become a stressor. Lack of time to spend with each other becomes a stressor.” Dr. Daire is also the co-founder and executive director for the UCF Marriage and Family Research Institute, an organization which conducts research and evaluation on marriage education programs and other couple-based services. He has been surveying and studying special needs families for over 10 years and believes the way couples deal with these unique responsibilities of parenthood has a great impact on the happiness of their marriage. The first obstacle comes in the basic differences between genders. Usually, women are the ones that go out and seek services and treatments for their child. Men are more inclined to take a step back and try to “package” the situation into something they can handle or control. No place is this more apparent then in those early days of a child’s diagnosis. Daire has nick-named it the “huddle/no-huddle offense.” With the news of a child’s disability, women often times seem to skip the huddle with their spouse and jump right in to seek guidance and support for their child. They become fully engaged in the child’s progress and development and forget to look back to see where the rest of the team is. Men, in contrast, prefer to huddle and think through the situation looking for a way to understand what is happening and develop a strategy. The problem with these different approaches is when the wife looks back and sees her husband not participating in the child’s treatment. The husband looks at how far ahead his wife is and finds it difficult

©Nathan Hall/Dreamstime.com

re marriages affected by raising a child with a special need? That was the question I wanted to answer when I started researching and writing this article. After talking with experts, reading stacks of research papers and interviewing real-life couples I quickly found this was probably not the right question to ask. The better question is how are they affected? There are a variety of things that can affect a marriage. We are human beings. We have emotions, and many times those emotions can be triggered with even the slightest hint of stress. Financial burdens, differences in parenting styles and unmet expectations might top the list, but if we are honest, sometimes little things like forgetting to take out the trash or not

to jump in. Without the right communication, partners can lose their respect for each other’s approach and start to put up walls of resentment. Mark and Debbie Episcopo can see where this scenario could lead to tension in a marriage, but have been able to escape it themselves. Married for 15 years and parents of two children, the Episcopos have always been good communicators. They found that ability to talk to each other about anything was especially essential when their youngest son, Ryan, was born with a rare birth defect. Debbie took the lead when it came to learning about the condition and seeking the treatment and therapy services for her son. “Women, by our nature, are usually more of the caregivers. It’s just what we do,” Debbie said. The instinct to protect her young spurs a woman into the mindset of taking action while that may not always be the man’s first response. “It’s not necessarily wrong, it’s just different,” Debbie said. “There are things he thinks about that I haven’t considered.” Rose Mary Lumm agrees. After struggling with infertility for years, Rose Mary and husband David were blessed with their first son. Two years later, they welcomed twins into their family, one of which has spina bifida. Rose Mary, like many other mothers in similar situations, was the one to take on the overall education of what the disability was and how to treat it while David concentrated on providing for the family. Accepting that difference has helped them both give their best to their children. “Sometimes the weight of responsibility on my shoulders feels crushing,” Rose Mary said. “Yet having the help of someone so opposite of me, whose strengths are often my weaknesses, who loves our children so much, keeps us moving forward to provide our children the best we have to give.” Dr. Daire would call these relationships examples of good coping skills. The way husband and wife handle their differences are what keep them together through the good times and bad. “Couples need healthy mechanisms to stay connected,” Dr Daire said. Though it can be hard to arrange, he says that being able to spend time alone with one another is one of the best ways to reconnect and resolve conflicts. As any parent of a child with special needs knows, finding time alone is a feat that can feel nearly impossible. Dr. Daire emphasizes the importance of “date nights” and time together as an essential part

Finding Time For Each Other You know you need to find time to spend with your spouse, but making it happen is not always that easy. Even if you have an opening in your busy schedules and neverending to-do lists, finding someone knowledgeable and capable to watch your child makes you nervous. Marie Kuck, founder of Nathaniel’s Hope, understands and started a respite care program designed to give caregiver’s a break and strengthen marriages by allowing couples an opportunity for time together. Buddy Break events pair “VIP” kids up with a Buddy friend for one-onone attention as everyone has fun playing games, hearing and seeing great children’s stories, videos, music and more. Siblings are welcome to join in the fun, too. With locations all over the state (see below) you might find a convenient location to participate, and if not maybe you can start a chapter in your area. Go to NathanielsHope.org to find out more. NATHANIEL’S HOPE LOCATIONS: CAPE CORAL Grace Baptist Church LAKELAND North Lakeland Presbyterian Church ORLANDO Calvary Assembly Casa del Alfarero / The Potter’s House Church in the Son First Baptist Church or Orlando First Baptist Church Windermere First Baptist Sweetwater First United Methodist Church Journey Christian Church Markham Woods Assembly Northland, A Church Distributed South Orlando Baptist Church SARASOTA Venice Presbyterian Church TAMPA BAY AREA Idlewild Baptist Church Wesley Memorial UMC

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of a healthy marriage. Knowing that most parents, particularly mothers, have a hard time shifting focus from their child to themselves Daire uses the analogy of an oxygen mask to make the point. “When you fly, the flight attendants do their preflight instructions and they explain what to do when the oxygen mask falls as a result of the change in cabin pressure. The question is, who do you put the mask on

first—you or your child? The answer is you, so that you will be able to then help your child. The same is true for your relationships,” Daire said. In today’s society, commitment and the sanctity of marriage are not always given importance. Daire says a lack of positive, functional marriage role models in Hollywood and beyond makes it hard for couples to learn by example. Couples who seem to understand

10 Tips For Keeping It Together

COMMUNICATE YOUR NEEDS Under stress, our needs are often times lost in communication. Take some time to self-reflect and identify what it is you need and try to clearly communicate that need.

FIND TIME FOR COUPLE TIME TOGETHER You may be surprised, but research suggests that decreased time together is a larger contributing factor in marital dissatisfaction for men than women. Make time for each other.

LISTEN TO YOUR PARTNER It can be difficult for you partner to communicate and, sometimes, difficult to recognize their needs.

GET SUPPORT FROM OTHERS Utilize formal or informal support groups, counseling, and other opportunities to obtain much needed support from other parents who have been there and done that.

Being the parent(s) of a child with special needs presents the couple and family with many unexpected challenges. Sometimes, these challenges can place a significant amount of strain on the individuals, couple, and family unit. With a divorce rate above 70% in families with special needs children, couples are in need of strategies to help “keep it together” in order to preserve the marriage and family. Here are a few things Dr. Daire suggests: KNOW HOW YOUR PARTNER COPES Women tend to have a “no-huddle offense” style where they jump right in and use behavioral approaches to seek guidance and support. Men, on the the other hand, tend to use a “huddle offense” where they tend to use cognitive attempts to understand and develop a strategy.

2 3 4 5

YOU ARE ON THE SAME TEAM Under stress, we can see or treat our partners as adversaries. Remember you are on the same team. Externalize the problem and work side-by-side to address (or even attack) the problem, not each other. DON’T FORGET ABOUT DAD Just as women are ignored at car dealerships, men are ignored in a healthcare setting with their child, particularly when the child has a special need. Involve dad! Make dad a partner in the caregiving process.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT SIBLINGS Siblings, particularly same-sex siblings, are more vulnerable to maladjustment due guilt and other emotions. This can be complicated with feelings of being ignored whether or not they understand that their sibling requires more attention. Take time out for siblings and involve them as much as you can.

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LEARN COPING STRATEGIES Counseling, groups, and books can be invaluable in developing well needed coping strategies to better face the challenges ahead. YOUR OXYGEN MASK HAS FALLEN On a flight, attendants instruct you to place the oxygen mask on yourself first, then your child. If your relationships “cabin pressure” has changed take time to rejuvenate yourself for the future of your family.

Dr. Andrew Daire is an Associate Professor in the Counselor Education Program at UCF and Co-Founder and Executive Director for the UCF Marriage & Family Research Institute (www.mfri.ucf.edu). 26 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

and uphold their vows seem to make it work. “We’re still together because of our commitment,” Rose Mary said. “We’ve never threatened to leave each other.” Many times, the affect of parenting a child with special needs has a positive impact on a marriage. Sharing in the joys and triumphs of a child reaching milestones, big and small, can bring couples together in ways they never imagined. Living it together, the good and bad can create a bond that is hard to break. “We seem to find that when one of us is broken, the other is strong,” Rose Mary said. “Your mind is in a new perspective; your spouse is in a new light. You rely on your spouse for things that other families don’t,” Debbie said. Debbie’s husband, Mark agrees. He says parenting a child with a disability is like riding a motorcycle. It will always get you where you need to go, but it takes a lot more skill to get there. Learning to balance the emotional, mental and physical skills of special needs parenting not only can help your marriage, but help you grow as a person. “It’s going to change you, and make you stronger,” Mark said. “I can’t change what happened, but what can I do? I can make the best of it, learn more about it and help other people with the same challenges.” Rose Mary gives the same advice to other couples that she gave to her husband earlier this year: “We have to remember, our children are learning the most about how to treat other people by how we treat each other.”

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EVERYONE CAN

PLAY! When 16-year-old Owen Sarwatka brought his vision to life, every kid was included.

aseball has long been a sport loved by all ages and abilities. The rules are easy to understand, the sportsmanship is admirable and the devotion of its fans is unmatched. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a game that brings people together, welcoming them in to a nonjudging, open-arms family Owen Sarwatka, a 16-year-old from Lutz, Florida, has a deep love for the game. He is a fourth-generation Yankee fan and a member of his schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball team. Watching the 2010 All Star Game with his mom, Owen saw a story that sparked a vision that turned into a reality. The segment he watched was about the Major League Players interaction with a local Challenger team, the specialneeds division of Little League baseball that enables boys and girls with physical and mental challenges to enjoy the game. Owen decided he would like to get involved with the program and dreamed up a big project. The initial idea was to organize a one-day skills clinic for Challenger League kids in the Tampa area that would allow them to have fun and learn more about the game. Owen pitched the idea to the head baseball coach at Tampa Catholic High School Pat Russo and explained how he would need the

28 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS

participation of the whole team to pull it off. Without hesitation, Coach Russo said he would help. “You can count on us, we are in,” he told Owen. With the coach’s, and the teams’, blessing Owen began the planning stage for the event, which he called Everyone Can Play. He contacted the national headquarters of Little League in Williamsport, PA and was directed to a local liaison for the Northside Little League Challenger Division, Frank Reyes. Frank has coached Challenger teams for 13 years. He got involved when his son, Michael, was younger and looking for a chance to play the sport like his older brother and sister. Michael has Down’s syndrome and in Frank’s mind deserved the same access to a baseball team as any other child. Challenger teams are set up according to abilities, not age. They can be played as t-ball games, coach pitch, player pitch or a combination. Each player gets a chance at bat and coaches make modifications for any child who needs it, in order to help them play at their best. The teams play other teams within their regions and sometimes get to attend statewide tournaments and games. Frank was excited to be a part of the Everyone Can Play event because it gave his team, and the other special needs athletes who participated, an opportunity to play and feel like a regular kid. Over the next seven months, Owen worked to organize the event by securing a location, raising funds, finding participants and developing the details. Though there were some roadblocks and detours along the way, he kept at it and worked all

the way up until the day of the event on January 15. The event was going to work by separating the participants into age groups and assigning them to four fields that concentrated independently on hitting, fielding and throwing. The TC baseball team would be the player’s buddies and help teach them new skills and provide suggestions on how to improve their game. The TC player buddies ranged in age from freshmen to seniors, and all had varying degrees of involvement with special needs kids. The mood was nothing short of electric as the team prepared and looked forward to meeting their new friends. “The guys were a little nervous, but mainly just excited,” Owen said, about his teammates. To prepare, Frank addressed the team prior to the event and gave them a brief training in disability awareness and modified baseball. Rather than bog them down TEAM with details of PLAYERS the different Owen with diagnosis coaches Pat they would and Paul encounter, Russo. he tried to motivate the team by concentrating on the similarities between them and the kids. “I told them, these kids are their brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles—people you know in your life. They are more like you than different from you,” Frank said. The TC players took those words to heart and were ready to go on the day of the event. At the scene, Challenger players and TC players were quickly paired up

and left to get acquainted. What happened next was nothing less than a nearly perfect example of inclusion at its finest. Beky Avery’s son Emery was one of the players on the field that day. The quiet 10-year-old was excited to participate, but a little nervous at the same time. His buddy, Matthew Darrigo was able to put him at ease and help him really get into the game and enjoy himself. For Beky, the genuine connection between her son and his buddy was extremely moving. “As parents, not to have to worry about our children’s disabilities at that moment, and for our kids to not have to worry about their disabilities and being sidelined, was amazing,” Beky said. “For them to donate their time

and their love of that game to our children…that is something that really stirs the soul.” Twelve-year-old Dalton Readdy has been playing baseball for two years and was excited to attend Everyone Can Play. Paired up with Ian Ham, Dalton was able to share in the excitement of baseball as well as make a new friend. Dalton’s

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The genuineness of the smiles and laughs shared by the players and the buddies were a perfect snapshot of kids just having fun. “The exposure that these young men from Tampa Catholic had to our kids was more beneficial than anything else,” Frank said. “The smiles and interactions, the laughs and the kidding were so typical and normal. It was just kids playing ball and having fun.” Everyone Can Play started out as an Eagle Scout project for Owen, but he became so involved and excited about it that he hopes to do it again next year. One day, he would even like to see it become a statewide event. “It was a great thing to see; watching everyone have fun and

PLAY BALL: Watch video from Everyone Can Play.

A total of 40 kids participated with a buddy at Everyone Can Play

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make friends and try something new,” Owen said. To help spread the word, and keep everyone updated, Owen created a website at EveryoneCanPlay.org. Right now it includes photos and comments from the participants, but as plans are made for the next event they will be announced on the website. Tampa Catholic is also trying to organize a Challenger night at their field and invite all of the kids who participated in the event to come as guests to one of the home games in the spring.

Find a League For Your Child The Challenger Division of the Little League of America is for kids with mental and physical challlenges, ages 4-18. littleleague.org The Miracle League has over 240 organizations around the country serving over 200,000 adults and children with disabilities. miracleleague.com Buddy Baseball is a noncompetitive recreational league for boys and girls with special needs in Tampa, FL. Each player is paired with a “Buddy” to assist the player as needed. Buddy Baseball is offered through the Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation department. buddybaseball.org

dad, Charles was proud his son had the opportunity to be involved. “It’s very hard for kids with on the autism spectrum to socialize and to feel included,” Charles said. “It was a good feeling to see him be able to get out, get some exercise and socialize with new friends.” Dalton enjoyed the game so much that for his birthday he asked for an at-home batting machine to practice his hitting. He’s also hoping to attend some of Iam’s games this season and see his new buddy in action. Those new friendships made on the field that day were a positive outcome of the event. Challenger coach Frank Reyes says that the attention and specialguest treatment the kids received at the tournament outweighed the technical skills they learned.

Spring Break Fun 2 I f the thought of a week off from school is already making you nervous, don’t worry help is here. With a little creativity and a willing spirit you can stop boredom in its tracks and turn spring break into a week your kids will always remember.

WHIP UP SOME FUN Most kids love to help in the kitchen. Talk about ideas of what you could make together. Finding items from the shopping list at the store and following step-by-step directions are excellent “real life” experiences you can practice while having fun. Go one step further and get out some old aprons the kids can decorate and wear.

MAKE A MINI-ME If you have a small roll of butcher paper, art paper or a couple of pieces of poster board on hand, you can have fun creating a life-size puppet to play with. Have your child lay down on the paper and trace their outline from head to toe. Break out the crayons and markers and have fun decorating your mini-me. When it’s finished, cut it out and hang it on a door, or make two outlines, staple them together and stuff with newspaper.

HAVE A DANCE PARTY It’s time for some music appreciation. Pull out the songs you grew up with and have a rockin’ good time teaching them your best moves.

GET YOUR GREEN THUMB ON What says springtime better than planting a garden? Find a good spot in the backyard and stake it out. Take a sensory trip to your local nursery and talk about all the sights, sounds, smells and textures you see. When picking the plants, consider an herb garden. They are fairly easy to grow and offer a lot of sensory input with strong smells and tastes like mint, rosemary and basil.

TAKE A DAY TRIP If you take a minute to look around, there are probably plenty of activities in your own hometown to experience. Maybe there is a planetarium, a local history museum or even a factory that offers tours. Don’t forget about a trip to the zoo, either!

IT’S GARDEN TIME: Let the kids start their spring garden with seeds in potting soil-filled styrofoam cups so they can watch the progress every day.

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CURATE AN ART SHOW If your kids love to draw, paint, make things with play-dough or just be creative, a spring art show would be a lot of fun. Place their completed collages, paintings, sculptures and art pieces gallery style in your house and invite family and friends over to view their creations.

HOME ON THE RANGE Whether it’s an indoor fort in the living room, or a tent in the backyard an at-home camping trip will be just as fun as the real thing. You can still cook camping food and even enjoy some s’mores in the microwave. The best part about it—the option of sleeping in your own bed!

ON THE HUNT It’s always a good time for a scavenger hunt. Make a list of things for your kids to locate, like a green leaf or a white rock, and set out to find them. A few small prizes to reward a job well done will make it even more special.

MAKE IT FUN EVERY DAY Pick a new theme for every day of the week. Monday can be Opposite Day where everything you do is backwards. Eat dinner food for breakfast and scrambled eggs for dinner. Tuesday could be Dinosaur Day and you can dig for fossils in the sandbox. Let your kids use their imaginations and dream up the most fun adventure they can. EXTREME MAKEOVER After the spring cleaning is done, give your kid’s bedroom a new look. Give them old magazines and catalogs to use for inspiration. You just might like what they come up with.

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re compiling a list of summer camps all over the state and we need your help. If you have a favorite camp, please send it to us. Go to FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com and follow the links to Summer Camp Round-Up.

For camps that would like to be included in our statewide directory call (407) 494-0619 or email info@FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com

Nominate the people who have helped your child the most!

Teachers Therapists Doctors and Nurses Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all experienced it. When someone who works closely with our child goes above and beyond to help them reach their dreams. So many times we want to thank them, but we just are not sure how. Recognize the hard-working professionals who are making a difference every day. Go to FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com and make a nomination. Your nominee could be featured in an upcoming issue.

FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com 33

What’s Up? NORTH

March 2011

THE MOTIVATION BREAKTHROUGH: 6 SECRETS TO TURNING ON THE TUNED OUT CHILD Feb. 19, 2011 • 12:30am - 4:30pm Tallahassee Community College Mr. Rick Lavoie, a national expert for students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD will share. JudithBarrett@ability1st.info

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARNESS DAY March 26, 2011 • 11:0am - 2:00pm Dunedin Community Center FREE Children’s Week local event with activities like Hanging of Hands Ceremony, bounce house and parachute play, story time with the Dunedin Public Library and Dunedin Fire Department “Touch a Truck.” tblackburn@fndusa.org

February 2011

March 2011 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARNESS DAY March 23, 2011 • 8:30am - 3:30pm Florida Capitol Join FDDC and the Arc of Florida for meet with legislators, visit exhibitors and lunch and entertainment. vandab@fddc.or

NORTH CENTRAL

February 2011

THE LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA’S ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE Feb. 23-26, 2011 Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Join speakers Dr. Don Deshler (University of Kansas), Bambi Lockman (Florida Special Ed Director), Dr. Robert Brooks (Harvard University) and others as they focus on parenting, education, adult challenges, advocacy and more! ldanatl.org/conference/index.asp

NORTHEAST

April 2011

EARLY STEPS 2ND ANNUAL SPRING FLING/EASTER EGG HUNT April 10, 2011 • 2:00 - 4:00pm Losco Regional Park, Jacksonville Relax, play games, meet the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg Hunt and enjoy your family while also receiving information about community resources at the same time. For more information, contact Kimberly Belzer at kimberly.belzer@jax.ufl.edu

CENTRAL

February 2011 THE 5TH ANNUAL HEART & HOPE STATEWIDE FAMILY CONFERENCE Feb. 12, 2011 • 9:00am - 4:00pm Southwest Middle School Orlando, FL A FREE full-day event that is designed to help bring individuals who are at risk, families who have children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them awareness of their options

and rights that are available to them within the school system and beyond. fndfl.org/categories/99/ EXTREME COUNTRY BOWLING Feb. 12, 2011 • 1:00 - 4:00pm Boardwalk Entertainment Center Orlando, FL Bowling tournament to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Find out more and register at k92fm.com SPECIAL OLYMPICS ROCKS! Feb. 19, 2011 Gaylord Palms, Orlando, FL Enjoy a rock and roll themed night of fun, entertainment, great food, open bar, incredible silent and live auctions, a live concert and surprises throughout the night. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day weekend plans - here’s a night out that has it all: dinner, drinks, dancing, fun AND you’ll be helping a great cause! Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available. This is not a stuffy black tie affair: wear your best party/rock chic attire. specialolympicsflorida.org AN EVENING AT THE PALACE Feb. 26, 2011• 5:30pm - 10:00pm Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa Lake Buena Vista, FL Join UCP of Central Florida to celebrate 55 years of serving children with and without special needs in the Central Florida community. This highly anticipated event offers participants a unique opportunity to gain visibility and interact with some of Orlando’s top business leaders. ucpgala.com

March 2011

INEXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVES 2ND ANNUAL ORLANDO CHILI TO ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT & COOK-OFF SPECIAL CLINIC FOR SPECIAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Feb. 26, 2011 • 11:00am PEOPLE March 10, 2011 Blue Jacket Park, Baldwin Park March 5, 2011 • Appt. Only UCP Holloway Center, Orlando Orlando, FL Howard Phillips Center for Infants Examples, take homes and fun, easy This year’s event will have about 70 and Children inexpensive ideas for every child chefs (which equals something like Orlando, FL will be provided! Come prepared 75,000 chili samples), live bands all day, The 17th Annual free medical and a kids zone. Foodies and families screening clinic for children and adults to talk about your child’s needs and get help in selecting appropriate alike are welcome! Tickets are just $7 with Down syndrome of ANY age. and inexpensive toys and aides for in advance and $10 at the gate and all Call: Elizabeth at 407-317-7430 x2168 your child’s use in the home and proceeds benefits Special Olympics community. Contact Rose Mary Lumm Florida. orlandochilicookoff.com n es atio Colds Fever s u nfection r l h F d c t y at 407.3117.7430 or Rose.lumm@ i I Deh g Flu hroat u Cold ing St Bones u Ear Fever l F a l t n T g n i m orlandohealth.com for info. a St tin ke eS sth s F nes ore t A ns Bee tion S n Bone tion Be es Bro s Bee S Asthm ken Bo s a o r h Th old Bro ting Bur r Infec Broke ehydra Stitc urn olds Sore Cuts lu C Bee S s B Flu C itches g D Ea ches t F n u i t C a s t s S r t e S s ns m ie Feve ts Injur ing Sti t Asth ns Bee Fever n Bone ration en Bon ts Bur hma s e k t r d r n a u o k S o y o o u C r Ast en Bone es eh s B Sp ee re Thr ts B nfecti s Bro s r D B e d n l v k o e o a s e h o B C Fe ro Cu rI Burn olds S Fever ies Ea Stitch Asthm g Stitc ction g Flu tion B Broken e t r a C n n n f i r i a u Flu ration rts Inj ydratio e Thro Bee St Ear In Bee St Dehyd titches er ionPAIR TO REMEMBER o h v s S atA yd or Deh ting Sp ma De lds S Burns Injurie Burns Asthma ction olds Fe Dehydr Sting o C S fe s ts th e Feb. 25, 2011 • 11:00am - 2:00pm ts Bee oat As Flu C er Cut s Spor er Cu Throat Ear In g Flu Asthma ns Be v r v n r s s e i Tampa Yacht and Country Club Fe Fe Bu Th Cold Sor jurie one oat e St Sore oken B dration Flu ydration Colds orts In rns Be ore Thr r Cuts olds This ultimate girls’ luncheon and s r p B Dehy Bone u 5npm Bu & Holidays s S1 pmn- 11 Fpmeve Flu C ing FlMon-Fri DehDAY g -S11 pm,utWeekends d OPEN EVERY s l i n s t o a a e t e S C k m C m S n fashion show celebrates the arrival of es n tio Asth es Bro at Asth ken Bo ns Bee Fever es Flu ar Infec en Bon s Bee Infectio t spring and the hottest new trends. ro n E - www.AfterHoursPediatrics.com ur tio3nSouth Florida roa Stitch5 Orlando Ear Brok Burn ThroLocations, s B 4 Tampa n Bo Locations a s BLocations, ies Your support will help Easter Seals’ Sore Stitche er Cut Dehydr Broke ts Injur titches r Cuts Injuries Colds s lu Fever or ion S Feve ports a ev e F a p F h m S m c mission to serve children with special h t S Stit Ast Asth ydra fection h t e a needs in the Tampa Bay community. D ar In Thro s E Sore e fleasterseals.com i r u s Inj t r o Sp

Less Wait. More Smiles.

WEST

February 2011

SOUTHEAST

April 2011

What’s Up In Your Area? Send your upcoming events, support group meetings, and other happenings to editorial@FloridaCrossroadsOnline!

3RD ANNUAL TREASURE COAST WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS April 2, 2011 • Port St. Lucie Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. walknowforautismspeaks.org FloridaCrossroadsOnline.com 35

36 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 FLORIDA CROSSROADS