Special Needs - Local Events Dec 2020

Events provided by : Brittany Lowe - Event Executive

Important Note: Prior to attending any events please be mindful of any COVID-19 restrictions. Please review the state mask covering executive order. There are exemptions within the order that include children under 2 years of age should not wear a face coring due to risk of suffocation; and any person with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability which prevents wearing a face covering. Since COVID-19 is still among us there is a possibility that the events listed and places to go could be canceled, rescheduled, or closed. Please confirm event status and below listed details before going from contact info provided below in case-specific event details have changed since posting.

Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows for families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit the Children’s Museum and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit, for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. Qualifications include the following: - Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women, and children)

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Apply Here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours/ access-pass

A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY

Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 22, 23 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri.-Sun. Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Rd. Fishers, IN 46038 https://www.connerprairie.org/event/merry-prairieholiday/2020-12-04/ Advanced tickets are required. No purchase at the gate. - Welcome center fully accessible to handicapped guests. - Free wheelchairs first-come, first-served basis - wheelchair assistants - interpreters for the deaf receive half-price general admission - stone paths may be difficult for wheelchair travel - buildings that are not wheelchair accessible, staff will bring experience to you - handicapped parking available close to welcome center - online quiet spot guest maps - quiet spots include weighted blankets, soft sensory toys - online sensory-friendly tip sheet

RESOLVING DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOLS: DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION Save the Date! Dec. 1

http://insource.org/training/webinars/save-the-date/ The presentation will review formal and informal options that may help parents and schools resolve disagreements.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Sat., Dec.5, 9:30am-10:30am, 11:30am-12:30pm Sun., Dec.6, 9:30am-10:30am, 11:30am-12:30pm Sat., Dec.12, 9:30am-10:30am, 11:30am-12:30pm Children’s Museum Indianapolis 3000 North Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/ calendar/view/856/2020-12-05

Provides a sensory map that identifies areas that are sensory-heavy, as well as those that may be less stimulating. Social Narratives that show photos of some of the areas that may be appealing and areas that might be over-stimulation. Visual checklist packet that includes instructions, picture cards, and a template to make a schedule for the day. Barrier-free access complimentary ticket for therapist/caregiver emergency red phones/first aid Deaf and hard of hearing services mobility services sensory map available

AUTISM PARENTS’ SUPPORT GROUP OF INDIANA

(Facebook) FREE Virtual Weekly Meetings (Google Meet) Saturdays 11am-12pm (last Saturday of the month – Fun & Games 11am-12pm) https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismparentssupportgroup ofindiana/

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 5

8:30 am-11:30 am Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Rd. Fishers, IN 46038 https://www.connerprairie.org/event/breakfast-withsanta-2/2020-12-05/

CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO Nov. 21-Dec. 30 5pm-9pm

Open until 10pm Fri.-Sat. Closed Thanksgiving Day Indianapolis Zoo 1200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222 https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/ events/christmas-at-the-zoo/ - accessible parking - fully accessible ramps - low-grade slopes - entrances with ramps - box office ticket accessible window - accessible picnic tables - two rides available without leaving wheelchair (carousel and skyride) - signage with descriptions, videos with captions - service animals on leashes are permitted at the zoo

CONNER PRAIRIE Sensory Friendly Hours 10-12pm

First Sunday of Every Month 13400 Allisonville Rd. Fishers, IN 46038 https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/ sensory-friendly-hours/ - Exhibits that make noise will be turned off. - All quiet spaces can be used and staff trained in Sensory Friendly Practices will be on hand in case anyone efits, Disability Medicaid, Waivers and

needs assistance. - Price: $4 (members are free). Tickets available at the box office. - All ages

THE POWER OF CONCISE, CONSISTENT LANGUAGE FREE WEBINAR Dec. 14 at 6:30pm

Indiana Resource Center for Autism https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/what-we-do/online/ family-support-webinars.html A specialist that will define the strategy, provide when implementing concise and consistent language in their home.

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING: LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES, GOVERNMENT BENEFITS AND EMPLOYMENT January 25 6:30 p.m.

Presented by: Gordon Homes, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CASL, Special Care Planner and Parent and Elizabeth Homes, MBA, J.D. Special Needs Attorney and Sibling

This workshop will cover Guardianship and Supported Decision Making, Special Needs Trusts vs ABLE Accounts, Trust Funding, SSI, SSDI and Adult Child Benexamples, and discuss challenges caregiver may face

Medicare, and the impact of Employment. Q & A to follow the presentation.

Hosted by: Dr. Cathy Pratt – Indiana Resource Center for Autism – Indiana School Mental Health Initiative – Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/what-we-do/online/family-support-webinars.html

Is there a local event for the Special Needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@ n2pub.com.