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Advocates For Children of New York: School Info and Education Assistance for NYC Families
Click here to see my review of Advocates for Children, the latest entry in my series of posts on Mommy Poppins about resources/agencies for special needs children.
Top Ten: Reasons You Might Drop By The Last Meeting, Tomorrow at 9:00!
1. a really awesome handout, created by me. It’s updated from last year with dozens of new activities!
2. the chance to sign up for the Central Park Challenge (see my Top Ten reasons to join The Foorce for details)
3. get a free copy of Special Parent magazine. It’s good, and I don’t just say that because I have an article in there 🙂
4. a social occasion to chat with other parents (they do exist)
5. find out about summer classes, events and camp options in all 5 boroughs of NYC as well as surrounding areas.
6. learn about one-of-a-kind opportunities to try surfing, beach days, dance lessons, adaptive tennis, swimming, track and field, and kayaking, many free or low cost (I don’t know about you, but I’m not brave enough to try surfing with James alone!).
7. sign up for free playdates for your special needs child, their siblings and you, all at the same time (they do exist).
8. get free brochures, booklets, and information about hundreds of programs in the NYC area (more free stuff).
9. find out about some popular Fall activities like soccer and music classes – registration is already open!
10. meet the woman behind the madness and witness some of the madness (2 of my 3 children will be in attendance).
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Insider’s tip: stop at Malecon across Amsterdam from PS 163 for the best cup of cafe con leche you’ll ever have. Unlike most things at this meeting it’s not free, but is really worth the $1.50. Hope to see you bright and early tomorrow!
This Friday, May 18th: Summer Camps, Activities and Social Groups for Special Needs Families
The last meeting of The Foorce is scheduled for May 18th, 2012 at 9:00AM and will be held at PS 163 (corner of W. 97th and Amsterdam) in the library.
The meeting will be all about special needs summer activities and camps – I’ve collected more than a few handouts over the last couple months of camp fairs and conferences and I’m looking to share. Attendees will be given a Spring/Summer edition of the new Special Parent magazine, receive a multi-page booklet with local summer activities and also have the opportunity to find out about and sign up for the casual, free social group that has met weekly for the last 3 summers. It’s a great social outlet if your child isn’t booked up for the summer (we have committed to zilch so far, yikes!).
If that isn’t enough, you will have the opportunity to sign up for the fast-approaching Central Park Challenge (June 2nd) and even to find out about Fall activities like soccer, whose registration is open right now!
Anyone and everyone with a special needs friend or loved one is invited to join us so please help to spread the word. The meeting will run from 9:00am until everyone leaves and small children are welcome (I’m bringing 2!).
Hope to see you there this Friday!
Special Needs Events in NYC – May 2012
Seminars, concerts, workouts, conferences, even yoga sessions – don’t say you were bored this month! Sorry for the last minute posting on some of these – it took forever to combine all of the May event emails (which is kind of a good thing).
MAY 2012 EVENTS:
Ongoing, every Sunday in May (and June): WSLL, Challenger’s division. Special needs baseball at Riverside Park. Late registration available – email me for details.
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Tuesday, May 8, 6:30PM
Managing Your Child’s Behavior: Tools and Strategies for Parents, with Dominick Auciello, PsyD, Child Mind Institute
WEDNESDAY MAY 9
Dr. Ravitz, “Raising Resilient Children” in partnership with Tuesday’s Children @ The Conference Center, 130 East 59th Street New York, NY 10022, 6-8pm in NYC
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THURSDAY MAY 10
Dr. Dickstein, “Raising Healthy Children in a Digital World” @ 92nd Street Y: 6:30 – 8pm
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FRIDAY MAY 11, 12:00-1:00PM
Live Speak Up for Kids Facebook Event: Dr.Fernandez, “Managing Problem Behavior: Strategies for Parents and Educators”,
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May 12 in Central Park, Achilles Kids Workout – call 212-354-0300. ext. 305 for more info.
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| Tuesday May 15th 10AM – 1PM |
Understanding the New IEP | Lori Podvesker, M.S. Ed., Family and Community Educator, Resources for Children with Special Needs |
- Pre-registration is required by calling YAI LINK at 212-273-6182.
- Parents and caregivers only! No children please.
- Location: 460 West 34th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10001
- Structure: 1st half (Presentation), 2nd half (Support)
- Fee: None!
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May 18, 9:00AM at PS 163 (W. 97th and Amsterdam) – final meeting of The Foorce, “Special Needs Summer Activities and Programs”
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May 19 at JCC – Achilles Kids Workout – call 212-354-0300. ext. 305 for more info.
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May 20
DMF Spring Concert – “We Will Rock You – A Musical Celebration.” It will be a high energy performance and will have you singing, dancing and “rockin out” in your seats with performances like – I Love Rock N Roll, Aquarius, This Love, a song medley from Elvis, Born To Be Wild, Bohemian Rhapsody, among many others!
The Dalton School
108 East 89th St. (between Lexington and Park Ave.)
1:00PM-2:30PM and/or 4:00PM-5:30PM.
Please RSVP if you will be able to attend by using Eventbrite – http://dmf-rock-and-roll.eventbrite.com/ or if you prefer, contact us at daniel@danielsmusic.org or 212-289-8912.
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Wednesday, May 23
Resources for Children With Special Needs presents: Friendship, Dating, & Sexuality: A Free Symposium for Parents and Professionals
Where: Credit Suisse , 11 Madison Avenue (24th Street) Entrance on Park Avenue South at 24th Street
Panel:
Dr. Michelle S. Ballan, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Columbia University, Leading researcher, writer, professor, mentor, and advocate, disability studies and sexuality; recipient of numerous awards, including the Columbia University Presidential Teaching Award, Services for Students with Disabilities Faculty Award, Association on Higher Education and Disability Recognition Award, and others.
Dr. Chris Rosa, PhD, Dean of Students at CUNY, Serves on several local and national committees on disabilities, is a published disability studies scholar, and a faculty member at CUNY’s MA program in Disabilitiy Studies. A product of New York City public education, Chris was born, raised in, and presently resides in Flushing, Queens.
Brian Schwanwede, Student, Sophomore at Fairleigh Dickinson University (Honors List), English Major, Film Studies Minor, FDU Equinox Newspaper, National Society of Leadership and Success, The National Society of Collegiate ScholarsCOMPASS: College-based Support for Students with Asperger Syndrome
5pm Coffee Reception with Panelists, 5:30pm Program
Please do not hesitate to call RCSN with any questions: 212-677-4650
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| Thursday May 24th 10AM – 12:30PM |
Yoga and Relaxation | Laura Mitchell, LMSW, LMT, YAI LINK, Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor |
- Pre-registration is required by calling YAI LINK at 212-273-6182.
- Parents and caregivers only! No children please.
- Location: 460 West 34th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10001
- Structure: 1st half (Presentation), 2nd half (Support)
- Fee: None!
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May 26 at JCC – Achilles Kids Workout – call 212-354-0300. ext. 305 for more info.
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| Thursday May 31st 10AM – 12:30PM |
“Hey! Get Back Here!” Learning to Manage Wandering and Elopement in the Community | Lana Small, MSW, Coordinator, Project A.S.S.I.S.T.
Mary Downing, BA, Senior Supervisor, Project A.S.S.I.S.T. |
- Pre-registration is required by calling YAI LINK at 212-273-6182.
- Parents and caregivers only! No children please.
- Location: 460 West 34th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10001
- Structure: 1st half (Presentation), 2nd half (Support)
- Fee: None!
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June 2 – Central Park Challenge – CLICK HERE TO JOIN The Foorce!!
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Feel free to email me if you need more information or if there are typos regarding any of the above events. Or, you can add your own events in the comments section below. I’m also collecting event emails for June now through the last week of May so keep them coming!
Please Make A Note: April 29th Meeting POSTPONED, New Meeting Date May 18th!
I can’t believe it, but this Friday, April 27th, is NOT our final meeting at PS 163 of The Foorce.
It has come to my attention that several popular special needs programs will not have their summer schedules for 2012 ready in time for this Friday’s meeting. In order to have adequate time to prepare and to provide the best range of information possible, the meeting this Friday has been rescheduled for May 18th, 2012 at 9:00AM.
The meeting will be all about special needs summer activities and camps – I’ve collected more than a few over the last couple months of camp fairs and conferences and I’m looking to share. Attendees will also have an opportunity to find out about and sign up for the casual social group that has met weekly for the last 3 summers – absolutely free and a great social outlet if your child isn’t booked up for the summer.
Anyone and everyone with a special needs friend or loved one is invited to join us – the meeting will be from 9:00am until everyone leaves and small children are welcome (I’m bringing 2!). As usual, the meeting will be held at PS 163 (corner of W. 97th and Amsterdam) – exact location TBA.
Hope to see you there, on MAY 18th!
This Friday, April 27th – Special Needs Summer Activities and Resources (Final Meeting of the 2011-2012 School Year)!
I can’t believe it, but this Friday, April 27th, is our final meeting at PS 163 of The Foorce.
Because I sadly have had to cancel Lydia (insufficient funding, trying to reschedule), the meeting this week will be all about providing resources for summer activities and camps – I’ve collected more than a few over the last couple months of camp fairs and conferences and I’m looking to share. This meeting will also offer an opportunity to find out about and sign up for the casual social group that has met weekly for the last 3 summers – absolutely free and a great social outlet if your child isn’t booked up for the summer.
Anyone and everyone with a special needs friend or loved one is invited to join us – the meeting will be from 9:00am until everyone leaves and small children are welcome (I’m bringing 2!). As usual, the meeting will be held at PS 163 (corner of W. 97th and Amsterdam) and will be in the cafeteria or auditorium depending on availability.
Hope to see you on Friday!
Electronic Copy of Special Needs Sports and Extracurricular Activities
I sincerely enjoy receiving email comments and questions, and pride myself on replying personally to every last one when possible, even if it takes a week (sorry!). But, I have finally acknowledged that responding to every request for this handout since Friday’s meeting, while not impossible, is a much larger time commitment than anticipated. 5 long days, 1 fiercely dramatic 2 yr old and an equally unpleasant teething 12 month old later, I have officially given up.
So, here is the aforementioned handout, online for your bulk viewing pleasure! If you got an email from me saying “visit thefoorce.com for the handout,” you have arrived at the right post.
CLICK HERE to open Special Needs Sports and Extracurricular Activities in the NYC Area. FYI, this is an electronic version of the main handout distributed at each meeting (see Upcoming Events for future meeting dates). This handout was edited in October 2011 – I usually update the document 3-4 times per year, adding new programs, resources and events as I find them. Despite the abundance of amazing resources here in the city, I try to limit this handout to 10 pages or less, keeping it manageable.
If you see an error, are looking for information not listed, or don’t see a program/event/activity you think should be included, email me or leave a comment below.
Quick, Before They’re Gone! Program Openings in NYC For Children and Adults with ASDs and Other Special Needs
This was posted on a YAI webpage, last updated September 26, 2011. Hopefully there are still spaces available in some of the programs listed below, they look fabulous!
Featured Program Openings:
Brooklyn Autism Social Skills Groups: Accepting applications for a program with structured and supervised opportunities for socialization in an after school-setting to children aged 5-12 years old on the autism spectrum, who reside with their parents in Brooklyn. Contact YAI LINK at 212-273-6182.
Brooklyn Yoga Ballet: 10-week yoga/ballet class for girls and boys with autism, between the ages 3-10. Classes will meet at the New York League for Early Learning William O’Connor Midwood School in Brooklyn. For more information, contact LINK at 212-273-6182.
Family Support Groups for Caregivers of Children with Autism (all boroughs and ages): Parent/caregiver support groups for parents of children with autism. Attendance at all sessions is not required. To register and for more information, contact LINK at 212-273-6182. See latest group schedule.
Family Services
YAI Autism Center: Offering private-pay programs including: Yoga with ballet or dance, social skills groups and music therapy. Call 1-888-YAI-AUTISM.
Manhattan Recreation Programs: Recreation programs for New York City residents over the age of 18, from Tuesdays through Saturdays. Weeknight group activities and Saturday trips. Transportation is not provided. Contact Pamela Accardo at 212-645-1616, ext. 618 or Edna Bay at 212-645-1616, ext. 620.
Project Intervene: In-home behavior management program. Including six-week program for Manhattan parents of children with special needs focuses on toilet training. Contact Contact Natalia Echeverri at 212-273-6297.
Family Reimbursement: Provides limited funds to families for services and goods that are not reimbursed through other programs or funding streams. For Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens residents. Contact Shanique Soto at 212-273-6585.
Manhattan Autism Social Skills Groups: Accepting applications for program teaching social skills to children aged 9-18 years old on the autism spectrum residing with their parents in Manhattan. Contact YAI LINK at 212-273-6182.
Family Support Series for Caregivers of Children with Autism (all ages): Support groups for parents and caregivers of people with autism. New groups begin this month. To pre-register and for more information, contact YAI LINK at 212-273-6182. See latest group schedule.
Leisure Trax Vacation Program: Free or low cost trips and vacations for Bronx residents 18 or older, living with their families. Trips are open to residents of other boroughs. Contact LINK at 212-273-6182. Application and travel schedule available on the Leisure Trax page.
Parents With Special Needs: Accepting referrals for program for parents with developmental disabilities who live with their children in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. Contact Nafiza Somaipersaud at 212-793-2182, ext. 203.
Manhattan Overnight Respite: 24-hour professional supervision from Friday afternoon until Monday morning for children 5 and older. Must be ambulatory. Contact Vanessa White Germany at 212-255-2673.
Independent Living Program: Six-month classroom course for Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan residents to develop independent living skills. For application forms, contact Shanique Soto at 212-273-6585.
Brooklyn Children and Adolescent Program: Saturday recreation program for children 6 and older. Contact LINK 212-273-6182.
Brooklyn Leisure Trax: Recreation program for adults 18 and older. Contact LINK 212-273-6182.
Brooklyn Saturday Drop Off: Recreation programs Brooklyn residents 16 and older. Contact Cheryl Jones at 718-743-5311.
Project Grow: Seven-week training for Manhattan, Bronx or Staten Island parents of children with special needs. Day and evening groups in English and Spanish are available. Call 212-273-6259.
Project Grown-Up: Seven-week training for Manhattan parents of children with special needs. Day and evening groups in English and Spanish. Call 212-273-6259.
Queens Crisis Intervention Program: In-home behavioral management program for parents available in both English and Spanish. Parent training groups outside of the home (like project GROW) are also available. Call Lewanda Wallace at 718-793-2182, ext. 221 or Jackie Nunez at 718-793-2182, ext. 231 assistance in Spanish.
Queens, Free Psychological and Psychosocial Evaluations: Available for those not eligible for Medicaid and are applying for OPWDD services. Evaluations for Brooklyn residents will be available in May and June. Call LINK at 212-273-6182.
Brooklyn Extend-a-Family: Overnight respite provided in the home of a host family. Available for young children who are non-ambulatory. Contact Cheryl Jones at 718-743-5311, ext. 6313.
Brooklyn In-Home Respite: Respite provided in the home to provide a break for caregivers. Contact Danielle Phanord-Alexis at 718-769-4369, ext. 2848.
Queens Saturday Recreation Programs: Activities for individuals 16 and older. Contact Michael VanConant 212-645-1616 x 667
Queens Thank Goodness it’s the Weekend: Socialization group meet twice a month on Fridays for people 16 and older. Contact Michael VanConant 212-645-1616 ext. 667.
Queens After School Program: After-school respite for children 6-15. Contact Stacy Tinglin 718-793-8695 ext. 210.
Queens In-Home Respite: In-home respite for children with special needs, age 3 and older. Contact Stacy Tinglin 718-793-8695 x 210.
Manhattan STAR Academy
Manhattan: Accepting inquiries for the Manhattan STAR Academy, a unique learning opportunity for elementary school children. Contact Rae Eisdorfer at 212-420-0510 for information, application and tuition.
Premier HealthCare
Manhattan: Openings for internal medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, neurology (adult), gynecology, audiology, dermatology, weight management program and a program for people with physical disabilities.
Queens: Openings for internal medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, nutrition, podiatry, dermatology, gynecology, audiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, physiatry, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and dental desensitization.
Bronx: Openings for pediatrics, dentistry, audiology, neurology, ophthalmology, audiology, endocrinology, gynecology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and podiatry.
Brooklyn: Openings for internal medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, gynecology, urology, endocrinology (child), physiatry, podiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy and dental desensitization.
For new referrals, additional services or information, contact YAI LINK at 1-866-2-YAI-LINK, TDD: 212-290-2787.
Center for Specialty Therapy
About YAI’s Center for Specialty Therapy
Queens: Psychosocial evaluations (includes evening and Saturday hours), and psychotherapy services available.
Brooklyn: ready availability for Psychological evaluation appointments
Free Evaluations for families living in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn who need evaluations to access OPWDD services but who do not have insurance that will cover them. Contact YAI LINK at 212-273-6182.
Day Services
Brooklyn: Openings in the Remsen Street program. Contact Nia Cordani at 718-646-7699, ext. 312.
Manhattan: Openings in the Manhattan programs. Contact Domingo Hernandez at 212-645-1616 ext. 634.
Employment Services
About YAI’s Employment Services
Manhattan Employment Services: Training in job-specific skills for adults with developmental disabilities. Openings in a variety of programs. Contact Andrea Melvin at 212-273-6100, ext. 2448.
Bronx Employment: Accepting applications for a variety of programs. Contact Ruth Jeffers at 718-792-6221, ext. 205.
Brooklyn Supported Work and Training: Accepting applications. Contact Sara Schacter Erenburg at 718-368-9311.
Queens Supported Work and Training: Accepting applications. Contact Chris Bechler at 718-389-1300 ext. 227.
There are openings citywide for people with developmental disabilities who are employed and need follow-along support services.
The Foorce 
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