Webinar – Financing Assistive Technology

  By MarkG | June 19, 2013 - 9:48 am | , ,
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Another post from WATAP’s Blog that I thought might interest a few Dads out there.
Begin forwarded message:

From: Washington Assistive Technology Act Program <watap@uw.edu>
Date: June 19, 2013, 10:36:47 AM PDT
To: wash-at@u.washington.edu
Subject: [Wash-at] [Washington Assistive Technology Act Program Blog] Webinar – Financing Assistive Technology
Reply-To: Statewide forum on assistive-technology issues <wash-at@u.washington.edu>

Please join the Washington Access Fund in welcoming Mike Smith, an Attorney from Disability Rights Washington for a free webinar on financing assistive technology on Wednesday, June 26th at 12:00pm-1:00pm.

Ask almost any person with a disability who uses assistive technology, and they are likely to tell you that these are their most important assets. They also are likely to tell you that there are times when they have been unable to pay for such assets – either because they are on limited incomes or the devices they need are just “too expensive” or both.

Although it is often assumed that assistive technologies for people with disabilities are paid for by public and private health insurance and/or various government programs, that is simply not the case. Join this webinar to learn about alternative financing options and ways to pay for assistive technology!

Register now for this free webinar that will be taking place on Wednesday, June 26th at 12:00pm by emailing: leann@washingtonaccessfund.org, or by calling: (206) 328-5116. Once you have registered, we will provide you with a link to attend the webinar and call-in information.

Disability Rights Washington Logo

Adaptive Cycling for All this Summer

  By MarkG | June 18, 2013 - 10:01 am | , ,
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I got this from the WATAP Blog and thought it would be of interest to dads out there. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for accessing any of the amazing outdoors activities here in the Pacific Northwest?
Begin forwarded message:

From: Washington Assistive Technology Act Program <watap@uw.edu>
Date: June 17, 2013, 5:52:34 PM PDT
To: wash-at@u.washington.edu
Subject: [Wash-at] [Washington Assistive Technology Act Program Blog] Adaptive Cycling for All this Summer
Reply-To: Statewide forum on assistive-technology issues <wash-at@u.washington.edu>

At WATAP, we get the importance of having access to assistive device and the opportunity to try them out. So if you’re looking to rent adaptive sporting equipment or want an opportunity to learn about adaptive sports there are resources here in our outdoorsy State for you. As many know, the Outdoors for All Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 as the Ski for All Foundation. Today, over 2,000 children and adults with disabilities exercise their abilities while skiing, cycling, hiking, kayaking and more through the organization’s programs. Their goal is to transform lives through outdoor recreation and the following story illustrates how they’re succeeding.

“My daughter has been battling brain cancer for over 2 years and has not been on a bike since. She continually watches from the side line, as her brother and the neighbor kids ride their bikes, wanting to join them so badly. When we heard of Outdoors for All we were so excited to give her some of her childhood back. She was just thrilled to get on your bike and ride. It was as huge a moment for her as her Make-a-wish!! ”

Outdoors for All is committed to providing more opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families so that they may get outdoors and recreate together. This summer, they’ll be expanding the drop-in adaptive cycle rental program. Beginning June 28th, individuals with disabilities and their families may come to the Magnuson Park office in Seattle on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 5 pm to enjoy the fun of adaptive cycling! Staff and volunteers will be available to help individuals with disabilities explore a variety of adaptive cycles and find the best match. Magnuson Park has miles of trails to enjoy and the park is just across the street from the Burke-Gilman Trail if you’re interested in a longer ride on a protected bike path.

Fathers Roundtable Round 2: What Helps Men to Open Up

  By MarkG | June 9, 2013 - 7:22 pm | , ,
1 Comment

The second Fathers Roundtable hosted by the Autism Brainstorm and Dr. Robert Naseef just finished up (June 9th).  The archived session can be viewed on Autism Brainstorm’s YouTube channel (or click the embedded video below).  With Fathers’ Day just around the corner, Dr. Naseef facilitated a discussion that touched topics around reflections of ourselves as sons, lessons we brought into fatherhood, and what helps us open up as men.  At times the discussion got lively (including a slight barb thrown in the direction of a Chicago Fire supporter – GO SOUNDERS!), at other times it was insightful, but always it was entertaining.

The Autism Brainstorm and Dr. Naseef have started these monthly online chat for fathers of children with special needs.  Each of the Google Hangout sessions will feature a panel of fathers to discuss issues related to being a father of a child with special needs.  The next hangout is currently scheduled to happen Sunday, July 7th at 6:00pm Pacific Time (OK, it is scheduled for 9:00pm Eastern, but we are on the West Coast so I translated).

Autism Brainstorm Presents the Second Fathers’ Roundtable with Dr. Robert Naseef

  By MarkG | June 4, 2013 - 12:30 pm | , ,
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LIVE GOOGLE HANGOUT JUNE 9th   
Second FATHERS’ ROUNDTABLE
with Dr. Robert Naseef 
 

The Autism Brainstorm and Dr Robert Naseef have started a monthly online chat for fathers of children with special needs.  The Google Hangout sessions will feature a panel of fathers to discuss issues related to being a father of a child with special needs.  They are currently scheduled to happen about monthly on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm Pacific Time (OK, they are scheduled for 9:00pm Eastern, but we are on the West Coast so I translated).

The second Roundtable will happen this Sunday (June 9th).  Check out the Autism Brainstorm for connection instructions. If you cannot catch it live don’t worry they are recording and archiving the sessions on the Autism Brainstorm’s YouTube channel.

Below is the FIRST FATHERS’ ROUNDTABLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5NpC_eOMKh8

Bellevue Chapter’s Last Meeting Before Summer

  By MarkG | June 4, 2013 - 11:47 am | , ,
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Dads!

The last meeting before summer is this Saturday, June 8th!  We have invited dads from Kindering to join us.  Please make an effort to join us so the dialogue covers many perspectives and issues.  Learning from each other is one of the core attributes of the group, so we hope we see you! 

 

June 15 & 16 is the WSFN State Campout.  We hope you and your family can also join us that weekend!

See you soon!

 

WSFN-Bellevue Family Seminar this Saturday (5/25)

  By MarkG | May 21, 2013 - 10:44 am | , , , ,
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WSFN-Bellevue Family Seminar

“LifeSPAN discussion with Sue Willey”

 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

10:00am-noon

Kindering Center

16120 NE 8th Street

Bellevue, WA 98008

 

Have you ever wondered how to start putting a plan together about life for your son or daughter with special needs?  Have you also thought it is way to complex of an issue to even know where to start?  Do you have some ideas but hope to know more of the bigger picture in putting them all together to have a workable plan?  Wish things didn’t have to be so challenging?  If you have had similar questions or concerns and would like to get closer to resolving some of these important questions for you and your family, Saturday’s Family Seminar may be for you.  Sue Willey, a mom, advocate, long time professional regarding disability issues, and a wonderfully compassionate person, will describe one way of addressing the questions above and many more un-noted.

 

As nearly all parents know, planning well for the future needs and wants of your child with special needs is involved, as there are so many things to consider.  This discussion will help you understand a way of addressing the key issues and begin to develop a personal plan for your child.  Obviously, the hope is that in planning and taking action your own personal stress will become more manageable and the future clearer.  We look forward to having you participate in the seminar!

 

The seminar is for dads, moms, and interested individuals concerned with the issues of planning for the future of a person with special needs.

 

Please RSVP to greg.schell@kindering.org so appropriate materials and venue are available.

 

Attached is additional information detailing more information if interested.

 

 

doc icon 7steps-2013-May-June.doc

WSFN Annual Conference – Save the Date

  By MarkG | May 9, 2013 - 11:22 am | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The WSFN State Conference is in full planning mode so make sure you let us know if you have any specific topic or speaker you would enjoy hearing.  We will be celebrating our 35th Anniversary as a unique organization for dads beginning this October and we are trying to make it an even more awesome event than in the past.  Save the first and  second Saturday in October to attend this momentous occasion and bring another dad with you!  We hope to hear soon on the specific date and then we’ll update everyone.

WSFN Annual Campout

  By MarkG | May 9, 2013 - 11:16 am | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Attached is information about the WSFN 30th Annual Campout at Anacortes!  Yes, this outstanding event has been attended by great dads and families for 30 years-almost as old as some of you!    We are sure to have another group of cool campers this year.  If you have any questions you can use the comments below or contact Greg Schell.  I believe the two pages of information covers about everything but possibly not.

pdf iconfathers campout 2013.pdf doc iconfathers campout, 2013.doc

Fathers Roundtable: “Guy Talk” for Fathers of Children with Autism and Special Needs

  By MarkG | May 5, 2013 - 7:24 pm | , ,
1 Comment

The Autism Brainstorm and Dr Robert Naseef have started a monthly online chat for fathers of children with special needs.  The Google Hangout sessions will feature a panel of fathers to discuss issues related to being a father of a child with special needs.  They are currently scheduled to happen about monthly on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm Pacific Time (OK, they are scheduled for 9:00pm Eastern, but we are on the West Coast so I translated).

The first Roundtable happened this past Sunday (May 5th), but don’t worry they are recording and archiving the sessions on the Autism Brainstorm’s YouTube channel.  For those interested, here is the link.  By the way, I think some of you may know one of the fathers asked to be a part of the panel.

 

This Week in WSFN

  By MarkG | May 5, 2013 - 7:13 pm | , , ,
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We have two chapters having events this week in WSFN.

The week starts off on Tuesday in Yakima with the Transition Fair at Yakima Children’s Village May 7th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.  This event is free and child care is provided.  They have asked that you RSVP (see link for details).

We finish up the week on Saturday in Bellevue  with a chapter meeting May 11th 9:30am – 12:00pm at The Kindering Center. Dads are invited to join other great dads for a good cup of coffee and valuable discussion. Issues may be complicated for dads having children with special health care needs and/or disability. Dads get this! Dads are great resources for other dads!