EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 1

EFMP NewsYour free guide to EFMP services, entertainment and educational opportunities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

FREE

Exceptional Family Member Program March 2013

ww

ww

Early Intervention ServicesPage 4 -5

Autism Awareness Day Page 3

Page 2

Companionship

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 2

In this issue:

Army Community Service (ACS)Director: Alecia R. Grady

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Rm. 400JBLM-Lewis Main

usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-acs-exceptional-family-member@mail.mil

EFMP Program Manager: Mary Herrera253-967-9704

EFMP Staff Members:

Companionship, pg. 2

Autism Awareness, pg. 3

Early Intervention Services, pg. 4 -5

Online Resources, pg. 8

JBLM life...

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-9705Carol Watrous: 253-967-3451Jaclyn Gilley: 253-967-3553Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Timmy Milligan: 253-967-9097Mike Berkshire: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policyregarding assistance to our families. Please feel free to contact us if you have any ques-tions about available services, concerns, or if you need resources or advocacy on Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civiliancommunity.

EFMP News Editor/Graphic Design:

Johanna KrauseJohanna.Krause.civ@mail.mil

Monthly Swim Night withCompanionshipMarch 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Clover Park High School Pool, 11023 Gravelly Lake Dr. Lakewood.

Special Families of Pierce CountyParkland/Spanaway GroupMarch 4; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Topic: “Sum-mer Activity Ideas” Representatives from: Camp Berachah, FEAT, Pierce County Parks & Recreation, Camp Stand By Me, and more! See page 6 for directions.

Special Families of Pierce CountyDowntown Tacoma GroupMarch 7; 6 - 8 p.m. Topic: “The ABCs of Behavior.” Speaker: Kathryn Metz, Re-gional Lead Supervisor, ACES.See page 6 for directions.

Down Syndrome SupportGroup/Mom’s Night OutMarch 8 @ 6:30 p.m. Olive Garden, South Hill, Puyallup. Dads welcome, too! This meeting is open to any parent who has a child with a chronic health care need or disability. For questions call 253-970-7264/ 253-565-2266 or e-mail carolveenhuizen@yahoo.com or sjackson@wapave.org.

HUB-High FunctioningAutism Support GroupMarch 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A & 215A. Bring your own bev-erage; snacks will be provided. For more information please call 253-565-2266. See page 6 for additional information.

Pierce Co. Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2)March 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Coffee Klatch” get-together. This is an opportuni-ty for parents to share what is important to people in their day-to-day lives in a casual setting. Coffee, tea, soda, water, and juice will be provided. To RSVP call 253-564-0707, extension 101.

South Sound Autism Partner-ship’s Conference/Resource FairMarch 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. University of Washington, Tacoma, William Philip Hall. Explore Mental Health Supports for People with Autism Spectrum Disor-ders and their Families. Pre-registration required. Admission cost: $15 Family Member; $40 Community Professional. Register at:https://wapave.ejoinmeorg/?tabid-423744

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 3

EFMP Events

Self-Care for the Caregiver WorkshopMarch 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at ACS Waller Hall. Presented by STOMP. Join us for an insightful training and learn new techniques on how to relieve stress, burn-out, and more. RSVP at 253-967-9705 or e-mail nancy.e.dozier.civ@mail.mil.

EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commercial sponsor. Edito-rial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Army Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation of-fices. Submissions are welcome, but will be ed-ited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, one month prior to publication date. EFMP News is published monthly. Circulation: 1000. Send submissions to: Johanna.Krause.civ@mail.mil

Policy:We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider withholding the name of the author upon request. Letters regard-ing an issue should contribute to informational interest.

We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to resolve libel, force pro-tection and grammar.

Although the information in the issue is cur-rent at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activ-ity for confirmation.

March EventsJBLM life...

EFMP Family Friendly MovieMarch 16, noon - 2 p.m. at the McChord Theater. FREE movie. Sensory-controlled environment. Perfect for special needs and young viewers. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact 253-982-2695.

Autism Awareness DayApril 2 at Saay Field, across from 7th ID Headquarters on JBLM - Lewis North. Please join the 593rd STB in celebration of Autism Awareness Day in support of our military families who have family mem-bers with autism. The event will kick off with soldiers and families completing a one mile walk around Saay Field. There will be music, food, and activities for families to enjoy. A variety of speakers will be sharing important information about autism and how families can find support here at Joint Base Lewis Mc-Chord. Call 720-315-3377 or e-mail missionspectrum@gmail.com for more information.

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 4

Early Intervention Services

Pierce County

Assessment and Evaluation Agencies

A Step Ahead in Tacoma, 253-471-2727Services include Skilled Educators, Speech and Language Pathologists, OT, and/or PT, FRC, and consultations with a Vision Teacher are available for children with vision impairments. The organization partners with the Children’s Museum of Tacoma to offer two Inclusive Play to Learn sessions.

Birth to Three Developmental Center in Federal Way, 253-874-5445Services include Developmental Screening, Evaluation and Assessment, OT, PT, Speech-Lan-guage Therapy, Oral Motor and Feeding therapy, Early Education and Playgroups, FRC, Parent Education and Support, and a lending library.

Children’s Therapy Center in Tacoma, 253-531-8873Offers PT, OT, Speech, Oral Motor and Feeding Therapy, Social Skills Group, Aquatic Therapy, Hippotherapy, Fitness Center Groups, FRC, Early Intervention, Parent Education and Support Partner Services.

Tacoma Learning Center/Hope Sparks in Tacoma, 253-565-4887Services include Evaluation and Assessment, Tailored education and therapeutic plans, OT, Speech and Language Services, Infant Mental Health Services, Parent Education and Support, Treatment for children with Autism Spectrum disorders, Motor/Sensory and Feeding Concerns, and Bilingual services.

The period from birth to age three is a critical time in a child’s development and an important time for parents to have information and support.

Eligibility - a child must have a 25% delay below his or her age in one or more of the devel-opmental areas. The developmental areas are cognitive, physical (including vision and/or hear-ing), communication, social, emotional, or adaptive. A child may also be eligible if he or she has a physical or mental condition that is known to cause a developmental delay.

Family Resources Coordination - an active ongoing process. It consists of the activities car-ried out by a Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) who assists an eligible child and the child’s family with rights, procedural safeguards, and individualized early intervention services designed to meet the child’s needs.

The Single Point of Entry for these services is by phone, 253-798-3790 or e-mail pcfrc@co.pierce.wa.us. Once a referral is made, the family is assigned an FRC who calls and sets up a time and place to meet and discuss the available services and supports. The FRC is the person who will guide and support the family while the child and family are receiving early interven-tion services.

Early Intervention Services – may include but are not limited to specialized instruction, speech therapy (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), or physical therapy (PT). Early Intervention services are designed to assist young children to be active and successful participants during the early childhood years and in the future in a variety of settings – in their homes, child care, preschool or school programs, and in their communities. The program provides parents/fam-ily members with information and skills to ensure that they are supported as the most critical influence on a child’s early learning and development.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) - Early intervention services are provided to eli-gible children and families through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The family will have a meeting with an FRC and other service providers who make up the IFSP team. The family, with the team, will write a plan based on the family’s concerns, priorities and resourc-es. The IFSP is an on-going process that meets the changing needs of the child and family. It is reviewed at least every six months and rewritten on a yearly basis. The family works with the FRC to assure the plan reflects the family’s values.

Referral – Early intervention services can make a big difference in a child’s life: services are available to children birth to 3 who have disabilities or are experiencing a developmental delay. Eligible infants, toddlers, and families are entitled to individualized, high quality early intervention services.

Transition – At least six months before a child turns three, the FRC will assist the family in planning for transition out of early intervention services. A transition plan meeting must take place at least 90 days before a child turns three. The transition plan will identify steps and services needed to facilitate transition to special education or community-based programs.

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 5

Assessment and Evaluation Agencies

Early Intervention Services Lead Agency

Thurston/Mason CountiesSouth Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P) is the lead agency in Thurston and Mason counties offering Early Intervention services, resources and support. SSP2 is a network of families who have experienced the unique joy and challenges of parenting children with special needs. The organization has information on resources and programs that could help your child grow, learn and develop to his or her fullest potential.

SSP2P has several groups and networks available. There is a monthly Autism Support Group on the 1st Tuesday evening at 6 p.m, Sibshops on the 2nd Friday of the month for ages 6 - 9 yrs. and 10 - 14 yrs., Transition Support Group on the 2nd Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Mom to Mom Support Group on the 4th Tuesday at 6 p.m. Contact 1-877-352-1126 or visit www.ssp2p.org for more information.

A Thurston / Mason County Parent Coalition is being devel-oped to help parents, Family members, and guardians become effective advocates for family members and others who have developmental disabilities. For more information call 360-878-7518 or TMparentcoalition@ gmail.com.

Thurston County has recently joined Washington State Fathers Network (WSFN) that connects men with other dads, resources, information and education, plus opportunities for “all family” celebrations. The focus is on assisting fathers to become more competent and compassionate caregivers for their children with special needs.

A Step Ahead in Tacoma, 253-471-2727Services include Skilled Educators, Speech and Language Pathologists, OT, and/or PT, FRC, and consultations with a Vision Teacher are available for children with vision impairments. The organization partners with the Children’s Museum of Tacoma to offer two Inclusive Play to Learn sessions.

Birth to Three Developmental Center in Federal Way, 253-874-5445Services include Developmental Screening, Evaluation and Assessment, OT, PT, Speech-Lan-guage Therapy, Oral Motor and Feeding therapy, Early Education and Playgroups, FRC, Parent Education and Support, and a lending library.

Children’s Therapy Center in Tacoma, 253-531-8873Offers PT, OT, Speech, Oral Motor and Feeding Therapy, Social Skills Group, Aquatic Therapy, Hippotherapy, Fitness Center Groups, FRC, Early Intervention, Parent Education and Support Partner Services.

Tacoma Learning Center/Hope Sparks in Tacoma, 253-565-4887Services include Evaluation and Assessment, Tailored education and therapeutic plans, OT, Speech and Language Services, Infant Mental Health Services, Parent Education and Support, Treatment for children with Autism Spectrum disorders, Motor/Sensory and Feeding Concerns, and Bilingual services.

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 6

CompanionshipACS-EFMP partners with the Companion-ship Program to provide recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with special needs and their friends and families. The goal is to assist the participants in find-ing and maintaining strong friendships by providing different activities throughout the community. For more information call 253-798-2997 or e-mail: pccompanionship@co.pierce.wa.us. The monthly newsletter is available at www.piercecountywa.org/com-panionship.

Resources

Special Families of Pierce CountySpecial Families of Pierce County (SFPC) is a support group for families with special needs children in the South Sound region.

The Parkland/Spanaway Group meets on March 4, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Library Processing & Ad-ministrative Center, 3005 112th Street SE, Conference Room B. Location is 1 mile off Hwy. 512 Portland Ave. Exit, at the corner of 112th Street East and Waller Road East. Childcare is not provided at this meeting. For questions e-mail specialfamiliespc@gmail.com.

The Downtown Tacoma Group meets on March 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific, on the corner of 15th and Pacific Avenue. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Childcare is limited and an RSVP is required. To pre-register your child each month, visit: www.exceptionalfamilies.org/events.html. E-mail to RSVP at specialfamiliestacoma@gmail.com.

HUBA new family support group for individuals with high functioning Autism. Participants meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A and 215A from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Parents and young adult children are invited to attend. Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more information please call 253-565-2266 or e-mail sjackson@wapave.org or swhite@wapave.org. www.wapave.org

TACIDTacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities promotes the Independence of individuals with disabilities. It is located at 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma. Call 253-565-9000 for further information. The website is www.tacid.org and has a program link to an extensive schedule of workshops and support groups for peer support, em-ployment, recovery and wellness, housing, independent living, and veterans services.

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 7

EFMP Enrollment ProcessIf your family member has a health condition that necessitates a specialist or specialty clinic, he or she MUST be enrolled in EFMP under medical, DD Form 2792. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, they are required to be enrolled in EFMP under education, DD Form 2792-1. Enrollment forms for EFMP are renewed every three years or sooner, if there are significant changes. Disenrollment is not automatic upon expiration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improvement that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army – Submit your completed enrollment forms to the EFMP office. Their location is at the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions or overseas screening call 253-968-0254/1370.

Air Force - Submit your completed enrollment forms to the SNIAC office on the second floor at 62nd Medical Clinic. For a PCS screening or for questions call SGT McDonald at 253-982-3350. For Air Force Respite Care, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support ServicesBldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis Main Bldg. 552, Airman & Family Readiness Center, JBLM-McChord FieldInstallation & local resources & services, Housing & school issues, IEP/504 plans, Respite Care, Systems Navigation, Advocacy, Support groups, Monthly newsletter, Disability services, and Special Needs Accommodation Process are available for all Army and Air Force EFMP Families.

Birth To Three Early Intervention ProgramsContact the Lead Agency for your counties for a referral for services. Family Resource Coordination/ Pierce County: 253-798-3790

South Sound Parent To Parent/ Thurston and Mason Counties: 360-352-1126

Holly Ridge Center Kitsap County: 360-373-2536

CHAP/King County: 206-284-0331

EFMP News • March 2013 Bldg. 2140, Room 400/253-967-9704/9705 8

Resources

Individuals With Disabilities

Addresources.org

Autismsocietyofwa.org

Autismspeaks.org

Featwa.org

Gluten.net

Hsdc.org

Special-families.org

Stompproject.org

Tacanow.org

Tbiwashington.org

Thecpnetwork.org

Family Assistance

Efoodnet.org

Hsdc.org

Militaryhomefront.dod.mil

MilitaryOneSource.com

Operationhomefront.net/Washington

Triwest.com

Usacares.us

Children’s Services

Naccra.org

Nmfa.org

Psesd.org

Ssp2p.org

Facebook

Facebook.com/efmpjblm

Facebook.com/JBLMEFMPSG

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

SER

VIC

E M

EM

BERS FAMILIES RETIREE

S C

IVIL

IAN

S

for

mili

tary

mem

bers

and

thei

r fa

mili

esO

NL

INE

TO

OL

S