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Special Needs Services/Programs

A reminder that if there are services that your city could provide to you, it is up to every family to write to their elected officials and tell them that you live in their governing area, that you have a special needs child(ren) or adult, and that there are services you feel should be provided close to you. For example, if you would like to request a special needs summer camp, you will need to write to your elected officials and request they provide one, or seek to work with other entities to provide a joint service.

Some of the talking points might include issues you may have such as both parents needing to work, or you are a single parent, and the fact that your child is not able to take advantage of other opportunities. Special needs kids frequently work best with a routine. It takes a while for most kids to adapt to their surroundings and develop that routine, so going to a new camp every week or two is a hardship for these kids. They need structured recreational services as much (possibly more) as mainstream kids do.

Also, if a program is currently being offered with governmental support for special needs kids that you have participated in, please contact that governmental agency and tell them how much you appreciate it. As an example, the City of Alpharetta has provided Camp Happy Hearts for many years, as well as being big supporters of Miracle League. The City of Roswell offers several special needs services, as well. There are new cities out there that need to hear from their residents. If you don’t let your elected officials know you are out there, they won’t know what services are needed. There is also an election scheduled for November 8 for many cities- ask the candidates what they can do for you.

Please check out these websites for email and snail mail addresses for local cities-

City of Alpharetta web site- http://www.alpharetta.ga.us/index.php?p=29&t=Mayor/City%20Council

City of Johns Creek web site- http://www.johnscreekga.gov/gov/citycouncil/index.html

City of Milton web site- http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/gov/citycouncil/index.html

City of Roswell web site- http://www.roswellgov.com/index.php/p/5/t/City%20Council

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

From an article and book by Ellen Notbohm-

"Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute -- the inconsistency There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look "normal" but his behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult.

Autism was once thought an "incurable" disorder, but that notion is crumbling in the face knowledge and understanding that is increasing even as you read this. Every day, individuals with autism are showing us that they can overcome, compensate for and otherwise manage many of autism's most challenging characteristics. Equipping those around our children with simple understanding of autism's most basic elements has a tremendous impact on their ability to journey towards productive, independent adulthood."

To read the full article, click here.

Roswell High School Special Needs Oratorical Contest

The first annual Oratorical Contest for Special Needs Students was held at Roswell High School on Thursday, February 7, 2008. The event, sponsored by the North Fulton Optimist Club, was held in the school auditorium and attended by parents, school and district administrators and staff, special needs students and their student peers. All fourteen students presented their speech entitled "My Hero Is", some with the aid of communication devices to enable their voices to be heard. Each student was presented with an Optimist Oratorical Contest gold medal and certificate of participation. The student’s "heroes" included teachers, coaches, parents and other persons with an influence on their lives.

Fulton County Adapted PE Instructor Maureen Wales took on the task of organizing this event for the students with assistance from parent and club member Terry Bowser. Mentors Robert Bernheisel and Steve Bellio from the Windward Leaders and Keynote Speakers Toastmasters Club provided instruction on speech presentation techniques and in the process formed a special bond with the group.

The students participating in the contest were (in speaking order)- Brian Bossong, Terroish Mitchell, Travis Holland, Jarvis Holland, Alana Stewart, Anna Kate Smith, Justin Lajewski, Andy Bowser, Aaron Jones, Chase Comer, Marshal Myers, Hank Kazmier, Kyle Coggins, David Reynolds.

The contest was adapted from the oratorical contests that nearly 2,000 Optimist clubs provide in their local communities each year for all students. There is also a Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.