Fall/Winter 2021 Noise! - Family Soup
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Noise! Fall/Winter 2021 Making a Difference Together for Children with special Needs Best Advocate for our Daughters Gabriela & Jesus Resendis are the proud an easy process for us due to the language parents of Brianna (age 5) and Ximena barrier. Alta California Regional Center (age 3) and reside in Yuba City. referred us to Family SOUP March of 2019, and they have been our go-to for our I suspected that Brianna was behind in her questions, concerns, and resources since speech when family members started to I had no clue where to go to get the help make comments about her development. that Brianna needed. I began to look for answers and initially brought my concerns to our pediatrician Since connecting with Family SOUP, and my concerns were dismissed; I was our family has participated in many of told that some children are late bloomers. Family SOUP’s workshops and programs. I kept insisting my concerns to our We participate in Sensory Play, PALS pediatrician who finally told me that Playgroups, Scrapbooking Support Group, my daughter was going to be ‘referred’. Mornings in the Garden, and Lego Club. I had no idea what that meant; with no All of the workshops have helped me explanation as to whom she was being understand my daughter’s needs. I really referred or exactly what the referral was enjoyed this year’s Safe Places, Calm going to do regarding the concerns I had. Spaces workshop, and it has made the Time went on and I never received a call. biggest impact at home once I put together I later came across information on the a calm space in our home. Family SOUP Early Start Program and has supported me with all of Brianna’s made the call. Brianna was IEP meetings since the initial meeting. diagnosed with autism We were not aware that we as Brianna’s and since it was close parents could be included in the meetings to her third birthday or that we were able to voice our opinion she received 4 sessions, such as placement or transportation. If it before transitioning to was not for Family SOUP’s staff that shared the school district with me how to voice my concerns with for services. This the team, I would have never known that I transition was not was able to do so. Family SOUP encourages STORY CONTINUED INSIDE...
...COVER STORY CONTINUED: me to become the best advocate for my daughters. Family SOUP also provided us with information on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and who to call for these services. Once I called it was not too long before services began at home. A year and half later, we noticed that our younger daughter Ximena’s speech was not developing and I knew exactly who to call for services. I also reached out to Family SOUP to keep them informed of the progress and called as needed. This time I felt more confident with requesting services for my daughter. We started the process with Early Start services and were found eligible for speech and Director’s occupational therapy. Family SOUP has not stopped providing us with support. Today, Brianna is a very loving child. Message She is always worried when she sees by Adrienne Maloney someone sad or crying, she loves her If these past years, 2020 and 2021, school and loves to be picked up by the have taught us anything, it is that we bus. Every morning she stands by the are all capable of being flexible and window waiting for her bus and when resilient as we have had to adjust she sees a bus that isn’t hers, she says with the changes that have come “oh, it’s not my bus”, when she’s watching along with living in the midst of a TV and sees a school bus she starts global pandemic. We have learned to asking when her bus will come to pick value community, relationships and her up. Ximena loves big hugs and lots of have learned to never take for granted kisses. She was found eligible for special the simple things that we never even education with the school district and imagined we would one day have to live is receiving speech therapy. She loves without. We learned the importance animals and anything that has to do of having local organizations to call to with them, she loves them very much. get us through the most challenging She really loved the farm theme in the times in life. Last year after COVID Sensory Play group. She enjoyed playing first hit, Family SOUP staff quickly with the animals and textures in the tray pivoted and started to work completely that was provided to her by the program. remotely. Staff immediately began to get This summer both girls participated in creative and find new innovative ways the Lego Club and were busy building to continue to serve our families. The their Legos and Ximena was happy to calls to the office increased as parents build the animals that came in her kit. struggled with the challenges of their At Family SOUP there is always someone children starting distance learning and that speaks my language and helps me shared their frustrations and concerns with all of my concerns. as they watched their child’s services change substantially after they had
worked so hard to get them all set up. In and Calm Down Spaces, Understanding the midst of raising children with special the Individualized Education Program needs many parents had to also make (IEP), the Individual Transition Plan (ITP), changes and work from home in order to Visual Supports and offered American be there to care for their children. Family Sign Language classes as well. Staff put SOUP staff continued to attend special together fun activity bags and ran around education meetings alongside parents via the 3 different counties we serve delivering Zoom as they expressed their concerns these bags to our families regularly, and challenges and many teachers rose to excited to get that brief encounter as we the occasion finding creative ways to still saw the kids smile ear to ear, excited in engage, teach and support the children anticipation of the upcoming fun Zoom through these challenging times. Family playgroups such as Sensory Play and PALS. SOUP collaborated with the SCSOS Special Our Scrapbooking Support groups took Education Team and offered weekly Parent place virtually and we saw record numbers Support for Special Education students in attendance as many of the barriers via Zoom. Thanks to the Yuba and Sutter that existed prior to the pandemic such Co. SELPA’s generosity, all staff got the as childcare, transportation, etc. were no opportunity to attend the 2021 Virtual longer an issue as parents and caregivers California ADR Conference where we were could now attend and get a chance to trained on all things ADR (Alternative share their stories with others who got it, Dispute Resolution) and other topics who were going through similar things, such as implicit bias, communication while laughing and crafting. With the and being mindful, as we worked hard decrease in positive COVID cases and the to ensure that we would be able to come rise in vaccinations, Family SOUP was alongside our families during some of finally at a place where we felt it was safe those most difficult times in their child’s to allow outdoor activities to resume and education. Family SOUP offered parent- we started our monthly Mornings in the to-parent support as some of our own Garden in the summer. The kids were children ran around behind us, tugging happy to have an opportunity to gather in at us for refills on drinks and snacks. We person and enjoyed days such as Water got the opportunity to attend committee Play and Yoga in the Garden over at the and council meetings in which we would Artisan Community Garden. Family SOUP witness others in similar situations and get continues to monitor the conditions of the glimpses of their children and pets behind pandemic and keep the health and safety them during these virtual encounters. of our staff and the vulnerable population It would bring joy and lightness to the that we serve in mind as we move towards seriousness of our work and was always eventually reopening to the public when a wonderful reminder as to why we do it is safe to do so. We are excited as we what we do. Rather than canceling all begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel of our programs, Family SOUP staff and know that we have come out stronger worked diligently to continue to offer than ever, more resilient, more creative support groups, playgroups, trainings and and more understanding of what matters workshops, and packed in more than the most. We will continue to be here, to ever into a year. We offered trainings on come alongside families as they travel this subjects such as Applied Behavior Analysis special needs journey, and we are just a (ABA) and Video Modeling, Early Start phone call away. Together we will continue Services, 504 Plans, School-Based Mental to make a difference in the lives of children Health, Self-Determination, Safe Places with special needs and their families.
CALENDAR Special Needs Mornings in the Garden Weather permitting AUG - DEC 2021 Saturdays August 28, September 25 10:00-11:00 Children with special needs and their families SUPPORT/INFORMATION/ are welcome to bring a friend and join us RESOURCE MEETINGS at the Artisan Community Garden. Spend time outdoor participating in a variety of Scrapbooking Support Group gardening, arts & craft activities. Monthly Support Meeting Register at: https://tinyurl.com/FSGarden21 3rd Wednesday of every month Call 530-751-1925 or email August 18, September 15, adrienne@familysoup.org for more information. October 20, November 17, December 15 6:00-7:00 PM Sensory Play for Children 0-5 Join our virtual scrapbooking support group with Special Needs for parents and caregivers of children with Once a month special needs. 1st Thursdays Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ November 4, December 2 scrapbooking21-22 4:30 – 5:15 PM Call 530-751-1925 or email chris@familysoup.org For Sutter County residents: Join us for 45 for more information. minutes filled with sensory activities and music with Ms. Leanne Cox from Little Stars Sibling Support Group Music and Movement to support young 4 Weekly Sessions children’s sensory needs. Tuesdays, October 5 - 26, 4:00-5:30 PM Group meets virtually, register at: https://tinyurl. This weekly supportive group is for children com/FS-Sensoryplay ages 8-12 that have a sibling with special For more information call 530-751-1925 or email needs. Siblings meet peers and find support adrienne@familysoup.org in one another as they participate in activities and games in a fun and safe environment. ASL Supportive Classes Register your child at: 6 Weekly classes https://sibsupport21.eventbrite.com Tuesdays Call 530-751-1925 or email September 7th - October 12th adrienne@familysoup.org for more information. 6:00 – 7:00 PM These 6 virtual classes are offered in collaboration with Norcal Services for Deaf FAMILY ACTIVITIES & Hard of Hearing for Family SOUP’s families and their children to support communication PALS Playgroup with their child with special needs through Once a month, 3rd Friday, 10:00-10:45 AM American Sign Language. If you are not sure September 17, October 15 if you are connected with Family SOUP and November 19, December 17 would like to participate in these classes, please register and we will connect with you. Playgroup for parents/guardians and children ages 0-5 with special needs; each month is a Register at: https://tinyurl.com/FS-ASLclasses. different theme filled with fun and exciting For more information call 530-751-1925 or email activities. Activity bags will be delivered prior adrienne@familysoup.org. to the playgroup. Group meets virtually, register at: https://tinyurl.com/PALSplay21-22 Call 530-751-1925 or email chris@familysoup.org for more information.
Individual Transition Plan (ITP) Friday, October 29, 2021, 5:00–7:00PM Presented by the attorneys and advocates of Disability Rights California. Parents/Guardians, teen students, and professionals please join us for a virtual presentation and obtain useful information on the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) for teenage students receiving special education services and the support that is provided to Regional Center clients. This process Sensory Friendly Movie should begin no later than the age of 14 and Showing it’s developed to ensure that students are prepared for their post-high school life and Presented by Cinemark their future. December 2021 *Date &Time TBA Presentation will be done through ZOOM. Register at: https://itp-rc.eventbrite.com Bring the family and enjoy a sensory friendly Call 530-751-1925 or email adrienne@ movie showing of Sing 2. Sensory friendly familysoup.org for more information. means that there are no previews, there is low lighting, and the sound is low. CAPTAIN- California Autism Purchase your tickets online at https://tinyurl. com/Sensoryfriendlymovieshowing Professional Training and Call 530-751-1925 or email adrienne@ Information Network familysoup.org for more information. Available for Parents and Professionals CAPTAIN is a multiagency network developed VIRTUAL TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS to support the understanding and use of evidence-based practices for individuals Workshops and trainings are open to affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder across parents, caregivers, guardians the state. Evidence-based practices are not and professionals only beneficial to individuals affected by the spectrum, but they can also benefits others Individual Education Program with behavior and developmental challenges. (IEP) & 504 Plan For more information and resources that CAPTAIN Thursday has to offer, visit their website at: September 30, 2021 http://www.captain.ca.gov 5:00 – 7:00 PM AFIRM Modules: They are designed to Presented by the attorneys and advocates of help you learn the step-by-step process Disability Rights California. of planning for, using, and monitoring an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) for individuals Is your child receiving special education ages birth to 22 years of age. These video services? Are you looking for extra support modules are online and free of charge to to help your child’s learning? Join us to find parents and professionals. out more about the Individual Education Program (IEP) and the 504 Plan. This Visit the AFIRM website at workshop will go over eligibility, the process, https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/afirm-modules accommodations, and how to understand your child’s education through each of these Please stay up-to-date plans. Presenters will also share on parents’ with our programs and rights and any latest special education laws. events by following us on Presentation will be done through ZOOM, register Facebook or Instagram @ at: https://IEP-504.evenbrite.com familysoupyubacity or visit our website calendar at Call 530-751-1925 or email adrienne@ www.familysoup.org /events familysoup.org for more information.
We want to Family SOUP families, are you in hear from need of Personal Protective Equipment such as masks, you! face shields and hands sanitizer? If you are please contact our office and we will get a kit together for you. Community Service Survey — Ways to Stay Your feedback will Connected help us better serve with Family SOUP! our families! Family SOUP is gathering local resources to share with our families. Sign up for our email list! We would love to have your input on Stay up-to-date with our events, recommended services for our kiddos events in the community, local resources, with special needs! and more! Subscribe by reaching out to Parents & caregivers of children with Amber at Ambers@familysoup.org. special needs sometimes have difficulty If you have already signed-up but have not seen our emails coming through; our emails could be landing in finding a comfortable, flexible, and your junk mail. If you believe you are experiencing this, understanding atmosphere when please email Amber for assistance at the address above. looking for the most basic services. Whether you’re looking for dentists, Website and Social Media doctors, or hair care professionals, finding a good fit for your child can often Visiting our website be frustrating or overwhelming. is another way you can stay up-to-date with our programs and events, find We know that our area has a strong resources, catch-up with previous NOISE! sense of community and that there Editions, and more… Visit us at are wonderful professionals in many www.familysoup.org. fields who go out of their way to ensure that our kiddos are getting the best Have a Facebook page? care. We would absolutely love to read Like us! Follow our page to feedback and see posts on Family SOUP’s programs recommendations and events offered virtually and in your from you and get to community. We also share informational know what works articles and resources you might find for your family! useful for your child and family. www.facebook.com/familysoupyubacity .com/familysoupyubacity
Farewell to Wrangler Wrangler, a 20-year-old quarter horse, joined Family SOUP’s Able Riders program in August of 2016. For over 5 years, Wrangler brought joy and excitement to all the Able Riders participants. The kids and volunteers absolutely loved this gentle giant. He was a calm and loving horse. Wrangler had one very special admirer who was also a rider in the program. Able Riders She would visit Wrangler on weekends, bringing his favorite treats: apples, carrots, Welcomes a and oranges. This special admirer would get such a kick out of Wrangler eating New Instructor! the oranges, skin and all. She also loved My name is Jamie Nichols . braiding his mane and would do so before I am beyond excited to be working her weekly mount. with the Able Riders kids and horses! Wrangler was recently diagnosed with I am a lifelong Yuba/Sutter resident. I Moon Blindness; although he can still have been in the horse world my entire see, the severity of the disease has caused life! My mother owns Red Dog Ranch, and him to not be a good fit for the Able my father is a retired horse shoer. Horses Riders program, as safety is of the utmost and animals have always been my heart, my importance. Family SOUP contacted the happy place. I always said growing up that original owner of Wrangler, who joyfully I was only going to have "fur" children.. but agreed to take him back to their ranch. there was a different plan for me, and God Although Wrangler will be missed, it is gave me 4 boys! I have twins of my own calming to know he did a full circle. and 2 step kids that I love as if they were all mine! I never knew I needed kids in my life until I had them! As my boys grew older, I started working at the school, and it was such a life-changing experience. I slowed down and became present in the moments. My oldest son is blind and one of my twins is said to be on the spectrum. I never use a disability as a disability, but just a way to open our minds and do things off the beaten path. Kids truly have my heart and being able to put my two passions together is truly a dream come true! I am looking forward to getting to know each child, building our relationship and friendship! Teaching love and compassion for our horses and each other! Most importantly having fun, laughing and enjoying the evenings together.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources: In Our LEAD-K Family Services Library... Works with the Hearing Coordination Too Loud Too Fast Centers under the Department of Health Care Services and the California Department of Education to serve families with children who are deaf and hard of Too Bright hearing. Centralized services focus on connecting families with their local school Too Tight district, Early Start home visit teachers, Written by Dr. Sharon Heller, a parent mentors, deaf coaches and other developmental psychologist supports as outlined in an Individualized with sensory defensiveness disorder, Family Support Plan. The main objective Too Loud Too Bright Too Fast Too Tight is to increase the number of families is an excellent book full of practical tools with deaf or hard of hearing babies to be and therapies that you can use when you identified and receive early intervention or your child are feeling overwhelmed and support services that ensure age- by the world. appropriate language development. We’ve all been www.leadkfamilyservices.org overstimulated, annoyed, and Hearing Aid Coverage for distracted by itchy Children Program clothing, bright DHCS introduced a new California state- lights, loud music, only benefit for children, ages 0-17, who and food that is the are otherwise not eligible for Medi-Cal, and wrong temperature with a household income up to 600 percent or texture. There of the federal poverty level, effective July are millions of 1, 2021. This benefit will be available to families whose children without health insurance or lives are disrupted whose existing health insurance does not by sensory cover hearing aids and related services. disorders and see Referral or valid hearing aid prescription these things not from an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or as harmless distractions, but physician will be required. as harmful stimuli. Sensory disorders often occur in people diagnosed with autism www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/HACCP.aspx and ADHD and can make a big impact on how a child learns or gets along in their everyday life. Dr. Heller writes from a professional as well as a personal point of view and provides an empathetic and compassionate outlook with tools to alleviate and sometimes eliminate sensory defensiveness completely.
Ryan Jon Maloney Continuing Education Family SOUP will be working in collaboration with Warmline FRC Scholarship and the UC Davis MIND Institute and Thanks to a generous donation from a offering the MIND the Gap program Family SOUP donor in memory of their to families of children ages 0-8 loved one, Family SOUP is excited to with suspected or newly diagnosed introduce a new scholarship opportunity developmental disabilities in the Yuba, for students with disabilities who have Sutter and Colusa County area. Family made the decision to continue their SOUP peer navigators will undergo education. Interested Yuba, Sutter or thorough training through the UC Colusa County residents up to 22 years Davis MIND Institute. Peer navigators of age are requested to complete a short are parents of children with special application, show proof of enrollment at needs themselves who have experience a local college as well as connection with navigating the special needs service the school’s disability support program, system and support will be available and submit an inspiring 700-word essay in English, Spanish and Punjabi. This or poem sharing about their experience short 4–6-month program offered to in education as someone with special families includes 12 coaching sessions needs. A recipient will then be chosen with a peer navigator in which parents and awarded a one-time $500 scholarship are guided and supported as they learn and their essay or poem will be featured and understand their child’s diagnosis, in an upcoming NOISE Newsletter. Here get access to services, and learn how to at Family SOUP, we want all children to handle challenges that come along with grow up believing that the stars are within having a child with special needs. their reach and for that belief to continue The program was developed as part of into their adult life, knowing that they can a research project being done by the achieve their dreams. We want to foster Autism Intervention Research Network independence in Behavior Health (AIR-B). The research and help students team and community members across with exceptional the country developed the intervention. abilities to see The current project will support their strengths and community agencies in using the successes in a world program for more families. Families who where sometimes qualify have the option to participate in they get shadowed the research study and will help make a by their disability. difference in communities continuing For more information please email: to improve early access to services and adrienne@familysoup.org support for families of children with special needs. For more information please email: adrienne@familysoup.org
Tips for Talking When Stakes are High By Lora Gonzalez and Dr. Carolyn Patton As we return to school, we look back at handle them poorly by making accusations, the stress that families have been under refusing to own their contribution to the during the pandemic. While we are all problem, going silent or getting verbally looking forward to getting back to school, aggressive. the return can also bring challenges Others have learned to face these needing clear communication and situations and handle them well by using understanding. It is critical that staff and key strategies that allow team members parents communicate well as students to create a pool of shared meaning, transition back to in-person instruction. resulting in strengthened relationships. To this end, Yuba and Sutter SELPAs have been coordinating with Family SOUP on Crucial Conversations training provides strategies to aid a model and in facilitating framework for difficult how to hold conversations high-stakes within the conversations. context of IEPs The Crucial between families Conversation Big and school staff. Ideas include: This training Hold the Right is based on Conversation, research by the Start with Heart, organization Make it Safe and Vital Smarts, State Your Path. based on New Hold the Right York Times Conversation. bestselling When teams book Crucial are constantly Conversations, discussing the by authors same issue or Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler. getting upset, then they may be holding By their nature IEPs can be crucial the wrong conversations. Teams need to conversations. There can be opposing ask “What is the root of the problem?” For opinions, strong emotions, and the stakes example, if a child is struggling to learn how are high. And to add to this, there is the to read, discuss the specifics as to why he risk involved for students when IEP team is not able to read and what interventions members do not reach an agreement. are happening. Be persistent and ask what can we do at school and at home to support In approaching a contentious or complex learning. IEP, team members may handle the conversations differently. Without realizing Start with Heart. If you cannot get it, some may choose to avoid them building yourself right, you will have a hard time up resentment or hope the issue will go getting dialogue right during an IEP away. Others may choose to face them but meeting. In order to get your dialogue right,
ask yourself three questions: 1. “What do I really want for myself ?” 2. “What do I really want for others?” 3. “What do I really want for the relationship?” All team members need examine their motives for saying what they say. Unhelpful motives include: the need to be right, to look Meet our good, save face, win, punish or blame. Helpful motives include: finding the truth, collaborative learning, producing results, strengthening relationships and closing Staff... gaps in understanding. You can restart Navpreet your brain by asking yourself, “How would I behave if these really were my motives?” Gill Making it Safe. Whether in a formal IEP meeting or during other conversations, IEP team members can do a lot to create a safe space for crucial conversations. People never become defensive about what you Please let are saying, they become defensive about me take this why they think you are saying it. During opportunity IEP meetings, it is critical for all team to introduce members to find mutual purpose and myself as respect. Teams do this by staying focused the new peer on the student’s needs and developing navigator for goals and actions that support the Family SOUP. student’s progress and overall success. My name Safety is about intent not content. is Navpreet Gill and I live in the Stating My Path (and allowing others Yuba City area. to state theirs). The only limit on how I was born and raised in India but strongly you can argue your point is moved here with my family in 2004. your willingness to be equally vigorous I live with my husband and two little in encouraging others to express theirs. boys: Fateh, who just turned 5 and Tegh, Curiosity is the best vaccine against who just turned 1, and one dog whose defensiveness. IEP teams are best served name is Lucky. I am happy to say my by focusing on facts. Start by stating hands are full. I can say some of the best facts (I saw, I heard, I noticed) and telling qualities about me are that I am a team your story (it leads me to conclude or I’m worker, I always have a positive attitude, starting to wonder if or I believe) then you I am confident and love challenges. ask other team members “How do you see I speak Punjabi, Hindi and English. I it?”, “What are your thoughts?”, “Can you have compassion towards kids with help me understand?” disabilities. I want to help children and For more information on Crucial Conversations adults any way I can since I myself have or to learn about training opportunities contact a son who has a disability. I can say I Sutter County SELPA or Yuba County SELPA. understand how hard this can be for Yuba County SELPA: (530) 749-4873 parents and I want to do what I Sutter County SELPA: (530) 822-2910 can to help them.
Our Mission is to empower families of children with special needs through support and education to reach their full potential as members of the community. 1650 Sierra Ave. , Suite 106 We are a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization. Yuba City, CA 95993 Your donations make our programs possible. Thank you Sponsors & Supporters: Board Members Kimberly Butcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Matthew Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Cynthia Martinez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Sukh Purewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer LaDonna Curteman Staff Adrienne Maloney . . . . . . . . . Executive Director Chris Hickey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Start Director Cynthia Sandoval . . . . . . . . . Grant Coordinator Janis Perrucci. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Officer Brenda Leonhardt. . . . Administrative Assistant Amber Soto. . . . Resources/Referral Coordinator Jamie Nichols. . . . . . . . . . . Able Riders Instructor Cindy E. Chandler. . . . . . . . . . . Regional Liaison Navpreet Gill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peer Navigator
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