News

Nikole Whitehead to present on the Buddy Cruise

Joining the cruise is Nikole Whitehead, co-founder of the STatewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities, Inc. (STAND), an organization dedicated to assisting parents in navigating the special education system. Mrs. Whitehead has presented at conferences across Florida such as The Family CAFÉ, Partners in Policymaking, as well as serving as a resource member to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. She is a past Board member of the national Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).

Free Parent Training at USF

If you are a parent of a 3 to 10 year old child, you are invited to attend FREE Parenting Classes from the University of South Florida Play Therapy program. These classes will help you:

• Create a closer relationship with your child
• Increase understanding of your child's inner world through play
• Facilitate your child's self-control, responsibility, and creativity
• Decrease parenting stress and increase fun, playful times

The program is called Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (Filial Therapy). These classes are led by a play therapy graduate student under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Baggerly, USF Counselor Education.

Parents must attend all 10 classes once a week for an hour. During the classes, parents will discuss parenting information, practice play sessions, and review videotapes. After the third week of classes, you will conduct a weekly 30 minute play sessions with your child at home or at USF. In order to help you learn new skills, these sessions will be videotaped and reviewed in class but confidentiality will be maintained. Research shows that this program improves the parent-child relationship, decreases children's behavior problems and parenting stress, and creates fun with your child!

Parenting classes will be every Thursday from 5:15 to 6:15 pm starting January 31 through April 17. Classes will be held at the University of South Florida College of Education Building (EDU) room 255. (Please do NOT bring your child to the class. It is for parents only.) To sign up for the class, please contact Dr. Jennifer Baggerly at USF Counselor Education at (813) 974-6714 or Baggerly@tempest.coedu.usf.edu

Family Café

The Family Café Annual Conference is a statewide event designed to meet the informational and networking needs of individuals with disabilities or special health care needs and their families. The Annual Conference provides a truly unique environment, where Floridians can attend educational breakout sessions relevant to their specific needs, interact with government policy makers, network with other families and learn about the wide range of services available to them. The Family Café is committed to the belief that better informed individuals make better decisions for themselves, and The Annual Conference is our way of putting that belief into action. The 10th Annual Family Café Conference is scheduled for June 13-15, 2008 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL. As in past years, registration will open on Valentine's Day, February 14. Financial Assistance will be offered as available. For more information visit www.familycafe.net.

Free Down Syndrome Clinic

The Special Clinic for Special People is coming up on March 5th. If you have not been, this is an incredible opportunity to speak to professionals about your child. The free event gives parents and caregivers of both children and adults with DS the opportunity to have their loved ones screen by dozens of medical and health care professionals all in one place - the Howard Phillips Center in Orlando. This wonderful clinic is sponsored by the DSA of CF, Arnold Palmer Hospital and the Developmental Center for Infants and Children.

You only get about 15 minutes with each doctor you choose, but they let you know if anything you are concerned about is something you need to follow up on and they have great advice and tons of medical sources they give to parents to help them find a doctor for anything they may need. One of our members went last year and got a lot of valuable amount of information from each of the doctors she spoke with.

The clinic is from 8:00 AM until 3 PM on March 5th and appointments are required. To make an appointment with a physician, specialist or health care professional please call Danielle at 407/317-7430 est 2132. Leave a message with your name and phone number for a return call. Since time slots fill up quickly, it's best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Emily Perl Kingsley to Keynote Buddy Cruise

Emily Perl Kingsley, a writer and activist for children with special needs will also be joining us to keynote this historic voyage. Her experiences with her son Jason (an actor with Down syndrome) inspired her to include people with disabilities into the Sesame Street cast. She has received 17 Emmy Awards and 13 Emmy nominations for her work on SESAME STREET and is the author of “Welcome to Holland”.

Sujeet Desai to sail with the Buddy Cruise

The Buddy Cruise will feature the talent of Sujeet Desai a 26-year-old accomplished musician born with Down syndrome. He and his wife Carrie have been featured in Wall Street Journal, Time magazine, and have aired on national TV shows such as The View, 20/20, and The Oprah Winfrey show. Not only will he entertain us; he will present his story in an inspirational slide show.

STAND Level Two Advocacy Training

Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 from 8:00am-5:00pm. This is a two day training. You must have completed Level One or Equivalent to register.
Hosted by: SpecialStudentsofHernando.com
Springhill, Florida
The ARC Nature Coast Community Cafe
4564 US Hwy 19, Springhill, Florida
FOR MORE INFORMATION visit www.standadvocates.org

Disability Summit

APD Holds Disability Summit – The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is hosting the "Planning for the Future -- Unity in the Developmental Disabilities Community" summit on Thursday, January 17, 2008, in Tampa . The event will bring together state legislators, policy makers, service providers, and customers in the developmental disability community. APD has adjusted its services in the last few months. A deficit caused by increased service utilization in the Home and Community-Based Services waiver, coupled with a shrinking state revenue base, has created uncertainty among stakeholders. The summit has several purposes, including keeping lines of communication open, correcting misinformation that might be circulating, providing a public discussion on issues pertaining to stakeholders, and planning for the future. The public is welcome to attend the day-long meeting, to be held from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Convention Center , 333 South Franklin Street . APD Director Jane Johnson will give introductory remarks. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio is scheduled to give the keynote address at 10:15 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., a discussion will be held by a panel of Florida legislators, including Sen. Ronda Storms (R--Brandon), Sen. Durell Peaden, Jr. (R--Crestview), Sen. Nan Rich (D-- Sunrise ), Rep. Bill Galvano (R-- Bradenton ), and Rep. Loranne Ausley (D-- Tallahassee ). A panel discussion among APD staff will follow at 11:30 a.m. to report on the status of the agency. At 1:45 p.m., a roundtable discussion of issues affecting the developmental disabilities community will feature representatives from more than a dozen organizations, including APD, The ARC of Florida, Florida Association of Rehabilitative Facilities (Florida ARF), Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), Family Care Council Florida (FCCF), and the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities.

There will be opportunities for input from the public throughout the summit, including a special public input session at 3:00 p.m.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities currently serves more than 35,000 Floridians with the developmental disabilities of autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, Prader-Willi syndrome, and spina bifida. Contact: APD at 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273) Read More >>

Buddy Cruise

FRIENDS-Support will be hosting the first ever cruise to raise awareness for Down syndrome. We are teaming up with Royal Caribbean for an exciting 3-night cruise to the Bahamas! We would love for you to join us on this one of a kind adventure. Read more>>

Christmas Party

Join us for an evening filled with fun, food, and dancing. Read more>>

Inclusion Workshop

Inclusive Education: Issues and Solutions. Presented by Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift. October 26 and 27, 2007 in Orlando. Read more >>

Holiday Portrait Fundraiser

The second annual F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Holiday Portrait Fundraiser will be held this year from November 1 to December 8, 2007. Last year, 2X Photo offered one day of sessions with one backdrop choice. This year, 2X Photo is now Denise M. Godfrey Photography, and now you can reserve your session at your convenience from Nov 1st to Dec 8th. Help support the organization that supports you by referring your friends and family! Choose from two options:

Option 1 $50 Session Fee includes 8x10 custom portrait $15 donation to FRIENDS

Option 2 $100 Session Fee includes 25 custom-designed 4x8 Holiday cards $50 print credit $25 donation to FRIENDS

10% of additional orders benefits FRIENDS. Some restrictions apply. Offer valid on sessions that take place from November 1 to December 8, 2007, only.  Visit http://denisemgodfrey.com/friends for more information and to reserve your session.

STAND Advocacy Trainings

Level One
October 20, 2007 from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm.

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd
Bradenton, Florida 34202

Register at www.thereadingstation.com
Contact Sue Stevens at sstevens@thereadingstation.com or 941-361-1173 to reserve your seat today!

Level One
August 30th from 6:00-9:00pm and
October 4th from 6:00pm-9:00pm

Crossroads School
Lakeland , Florida

Contact Tami Hughes at dtakh@netzero.net or 863-815-1808

Level One
September 15, 2007 from 10:00am – 2:00pm

United Methodist Church
Cape Coral , Florida

Contact Maria Eash at mytiara505@yahoo.com or 239-334-2273

Level Two
Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday,
November 4th from 8:00am-5:00pm
This is a two day training.

Crossroads School
Lakeland, Florida

Contact Tami Hughes at dtakh@netzero.net or 863-815-1808

There is a fee to attend Level Two to cover our costs of books, copying, etc…… There will be more information on the website shortly. www.standadvocates.org 

Seats are limited at each location…..call to reserve your space now! You must have completed Level One Training to be eligible to attend the Level Two in November!

4th Annual Tampa Bay Area Buddy Walk

Saturday, October 13, 2007
10am - 2pm
Largo Central Park, Largo

We encourage people with Down syndrome to invite "buddies" - everyone from friends and family to teachers, legislators and celebrities - to join them on the "Buddy Walk."

Every participant helps promote the importance of understanding, acceptance and awareness.

Relax and have fun with a one-mile walk around the park with your buddies, games, entertainment, give-aways, music, food and much more!

Contact up With Downs of Pinellas at 727-462-2274 or e-mail to upwithdownsofpinellas@yahoo.com for more information. You may also check out the "Buddy Walk" link at our web-site www.downsyndromenetworkofpinellas.com where you can register for the walk on-line.

Please join us in celebrating our "buddies" with Down syndrome!

Manasota BUDS Buddy Walk

October 27th 2007

Stay tuned for more information or check www.manasotabuds.org 

Barnes and Noble Storytime

We had so much fun at the first Pajama storytime we decided to do it again!! Event will be held at the Barnes and Noble by the Brandon Mall.

122 Brandon Town Center Drive
Date: October 26th 2007
Time :TBA

Annual Picnic

On July 6th (in place of our regular meeting) we will have our annual picnic. It will be held at Hunter's Cove Recreation Area. There is a playground, swimming pool with changing rooms, restrooms, small kitchen, and lots of room to run around. There are a few picnic tables; however, seating is limited so you may want to bring chairs or a blanket. Parents must supervise their children at all times in the pool. There will be no childcare at the picnic.

Main course, paper products, and dessert will be provided. Please bring a side dish or casserole to serve 12 or more. We do need 4 people to bring ice and beverages (cans and juice boxes) in place of a side dish. Diane will be coordinating the refreshments please let her know when you RSVP what you will be providing. If you are able to help with set up or clean up please contact Theresa at 813-654-6693.

DATE: July 6, 2007
TIME: 6-9pm
LOCATION: Hunter’s Cove Recreation Area (directions attached)
RSVP: by July 3rd to Diane at blessedbyhim94@verizon.net Please include number attending, what dish you will bring, and phone number in case she needs to contact you.

SEE YOU THERE!!!

FRIENDS-Support and Hunters Cove are not responsible for accidents or injuries incurred at this function.

Make 'em Smile

Saturday, July 14th 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lake Eola in downtown Orlando 101 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Make ‘m Smile is a community event that celebrates the lives of VIP kids (kids with special needs) and their families and features a Buddy Stroll where VIP families are "buddied up" with people from around the community for a stroll around Lake Eola. Enjoy free food, entertainment, prizes, and a chance to visit exhibitors that service the special needs community

Heart and Hope Conference

Statewide family conference. Hilton Bayfront St. Petersburg Information on IEP's, IFSP's, transition, IDEA,NCLB, many exhibitors, and much more. For more information contact FND 727-523-1130.

Early Childhood Council Conference

November 15-17, 2007. Renaissance Tampa Intl Plaza. Keynote Child Advocate Jonah Edelman

Building Better Readers Workshop

Rachelle Yungmann will be presenting a Families Building Better Readers workshop on May 10 at MK Rawlings Elementary School Pinellas Park, FL 6-8pm. It is an interactive workshop, so bring the kids!! For more info contact: Rachel Puckett 850.410.0696 Rachel.Puckett@vfffund.org.

SPARC

Bigger & Better is our motto for this year's SPARC 2007! STAND-Pinellas is hosting SPARC 2007 at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, in Pinellas Park, Florida on Saturday, September 29, 2007, from 7:00am – 4:30PM. Morgan Fitzgerald is located at 6410 118 Avenue North, Largo, Fl 33773.

The acronym SPARC stands for STAND-Pinellas Accessing Resources Conference. Our goal is to provide parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals with resources that will help their children make achievements in all aspects of life. While we focus on children with special needs, we believe these resources are just as valuable to any and every child.

The conference will consist of five breakout sessions, a hot luncheon catered by Capogna's Dugout in Clearwater, full computer hands-on lab, followed by keynote speakers and prize giveaways to end the day. We have invited Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Pinellas County Superintendent, and Ms. Maryellen Elia, Hillsborough County Superintendent, to be our speakers.

Cost for the conference is $25.00 for pre-registration. That will include one entry to the conference, one lunch ticket, and a program. There will also be a conference bag stuffed with a T-shirt and assorted fliers from exhibitors for the first 500 people who register. Pre-registration will open April 16, 2007 and run until September 16, 2007. Registration will go up to $35.00 from September 17 through September 29, 2007.

Pinellas & Hillsborough County School District Employees are eligible points:

• Pinellas Employees: 6 component points & 1 trade day
• Hillsborough Employees: Full day conference attendance worth 6 in-service points

Unfortunately, there will be NO respite care available, so get your sitters booked early!!!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either of us at:
Melissa Tremblay 727-784-8493 melmom@tampabay.rr.com
Kim Kuruzovich 727-521-4759 kimkruz@msn.com

Respite Care

Hillsborough County offers a free in home respite program. For more information and an application call Hillsborough County Children Services 813-264-3807 x122.

Adaptive Golf Starts April 9

This class is designed for individuals with physical and mental handicaps. These classes will be small ratios of students to coach in order to maximize the learning process. Areas of focus are putting, chipping and full swing. Ages: 6-9 Max: 8 youth Fee: YMCA Member $20 Non-Member $35 Session: April 9-30 on Mondays from 6-7pm. For more information call Angie Armstrong 863-577-1TEE  YMCA Par 3 Lakeland.

Evaluate the Early Steps Program

Representatives from Tallahassee will be in Tampa on April 23rd to talk to parents involved in the Early Steps Program. They would like your input on your experience with the program and the services that you receive. This event will be held at the Childrens Board in Ybor City from 6:00-8:00pm. Food will be provided and door prizes too! Childcare is not offered. A stipend will be given. RSVP to Janet Atkinson 356-1632 x 23.

Special Needs Potty Training Workshop

April 26, 2007 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Dinner and babysitting provided. RSVP REQUIRED BY APRIL 19th to (941) 302-4601 or email info@manasotabuds.com. Woodland Baptist Church, SR 70, Bradenton.

Family Cafe

The Family Cafe is happy to announce The 9th Annual Family Cafe Conference, June 8-10 at the Shingle Creek Resort and Golf Club in Orlando. This year's conference promises to be the best yet, with dozens of informative Breakout Sessions, an expanded Exhibit Hall, multiple Keynote Addresses, Saturday Night Family Entertainment and The 9th Annual Governor's Summit on Disabilities, hosted by Governor Charlie Crist.

Barnes & Nobles Hosts Down Syndrome Event

Please join us as we welcome all of our F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for a very special PAJAMARAMA STORYTIME event for and about children with Down Syndrome Thursday, February 8, 2007 6:30 p.m. at Barnes & Nobles in Brandon.

Wear your jammies and fuzzy slippers, bring your teddy bear, relax and enjoy stories about some very special children.

Learn Strategies to Improve Your Child's Behavior

Two Dates: Thursday, February 1 and Thursday, February 22, 2007; 6:00-9:00pm

Kelley Gardner, MA BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the President of Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay, Inc. She has been working with children with special needs as well as children who engage in disruptive behavior for over 9 years. Read more>>

Inclusive Education Seminar

Tuesday, January 30, 2007; 6:00-8:30pm

Is it possible to create a community that includes all of its members? A community that does not exclude even one person? Yes! We can start the process in the first community in which we all learn to live, work and play together -- our schools. Read more>>

Baseball for Boys & Girls with Disabilities

February through May 5th

Giving All Kids the Chance to Play Baseball

A baseball program designed for the needs of children who are physically or mentally disabled. The kids get to participate in a sports environment structured for their abilities. The players learn and grow while having fun. Challenger Baseball provides an opportunity for the kids to develop their emotional and social skills. The program encourages kids to "get off the bench and play!" Playing Challenger Baseball instills a "can do" attitude in the players. The children gain confidence and in turn, their self-esteem grows stronger. Challenger Baseball stresses the idea of participation over competition. Every player gets to bat, field and "run" the bases. Balls & strikes are not counted. Victories come in the form of achievement and involvement in the game. There are three absolute rules. Be safe, everyone gets to play, and have fun!

Eligible Players: Children that are physically or mentally disabled are welcome to join. Players can start at the age of 5 (Before 6/1/07) Players may participate in the program until they complete high school.

Registration for the 2007 season begins in January. The season runs from the first week in February through May 5th. But the fun doesn't stop with the final game. The Challenger Division hosts various events all year long! Players & their families are welcome.

For more information contact: Jim Scheuerman at (727) 441- 9047 or email ClearwaterChallengerBaseball@gmail.com

Portrait Party Fundraiser

November 5, 2006 - Sessions begin at 2pm

Once again, 2X Photo is holding a Portrait Party Fundraiser, just in time for the holidays! 10% of your order will benefit F.R.I.E.N.D.S. For more information, visit http://2xphoto.com/friends.  Call 813-334-6023 for location information. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Local Buddy Walk Info

Tampa Bay Area Buddy Walk

October 14, 2006 in Largo, FL 33779. Participants will enjoy a 1-mile walk around Largo Central Park, followed by games, entertainment, food and prizes. Contact Shirley Lawyer at 727-462-2274 or upwithdownsofpinellas@yahoo.com.

Manasota B.U.D.S.

October 28, 2006 in Bradenton, FL 34202. The Buddy Walk takes place during the annual Hunsader Farms pumpkin festival. http://www.manasotabuds.com. Contact Jim Baar Phone at 941-907-0499 or info@manasotabuds.com.

Polk County Buddy Walk

October 7, 2006 in Lakeland, FL 33803. Contact Susan Rogers at 863-802-5643 or lsr82992@hotmail.com for more information.

July Picnic

FRIENDS-Support will be having a summer picnic in place of our July meeting.

Where: Brandon community Center 502 E. Sadie St. Picnic area
When: Friday July 7th
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
RSVP: To Lori at 655-9630 by July 5th

Chick-fil-A nuggets, drinks, chips, paper products will be provided. We are asking that everyone bring a side dish. (Casserole, vegetables, fruit, salad, etc.)

Please let Lori know what you will be bringing when you call to RSVP. (that way we won't end up with 30 bean casseroles!!!)

We will be meeting at the picnic area. There are picnic benches however you may want to bring beach chairs or a blanket if you prefer. You may also want to bring bug-spray. We are not sure how the bugs are since we usually meet inside.

We hope to see everyone there!!!

Statewide FND Conference

August 19, 2006
FND Heart and Hope Statewide Conference
IFSP Clinic IEP Clinic Tiep Clinic
Free Lunch childcare workshops
7:30 – 4pm Hilton Bayfront, St. Petersburg
For more information please call: Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc. (800) 825-5736

Fundraiser

The next fundraiser has been moved to September. It be sponsored by Madeline Rivera and Blue Wave Collections. Madeline has a wide variety of items for sale in her catalog. Think Christmas. Available are household items, outdoor living, candles, bath and body, entertaining, ceramics and much more. You can contact Madeline at 813-671-7482 or by e-mail at made00@msn.com. When you place your order be sure to let her know it is for our fundraiser. 25% of all sales will go to our group. Thank you Madeline!

March 30, 2006

STAND Training Level I and II

STAND is pleased to announce Advocacy Training in the area of educational planning for students with disabilities April 21st 6:30pm – 9:30pm / April 22 & 23 8:00am – 5:00pm in Brandon. [Read more]

Tennis for Fun

Free clinic for mentally handicapped athletes. Clinics are held at Brandon Sports and Aquatics Fridays November-May. Call Judy at 813-685-3923 for more information.

March 11, 2006

Portrait Party and Fundraiser for F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Double Exposure Photography is hosting a Portrait Party and Fundraiser for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. members, their families, and their friends on March 11th, starting at 9am. The event will take place in beautiful Ibis Park in Fish Hawk Ranch. This will be a great opportunity to get professional images of your children or family with NO SESSION FEE. 10% of all print orders will be donated back to our group. Email party@2xphoto.com or call 334-6023 to schedule your time. [Read More]

February 13, 2006

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay, Inc.

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay, Inc and Special Olympics Pinellas/Pasco invites you to join them at the Clearwater Sailing Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the sailing community. There are seven counties involved with Special Olympics Sailing at this time. We are having a great time. [Read More]

November 3, 2005

Free Sprouts Class

Sprouts, a parent and child music and movement class, is offering one free class to the members of our group. Sprouts classes incorporate ribbon wands, puppet play, instruments, parachutes, bubbles and a bit of sign language into a fun filled playful class. The times available are:

• 6-18 months Thursdays 9am
• 14-28 months Thursdays 10am
• 2-4 years Thursdays 11am
• 3-5 years Tuesdays 10am

If you are interested please call Rene at 657-1838 and let her know which class you will be attending. If you do not reach her, leave a message as to which class you want to attend and just show up!! She will not call back to confirm unless there is a problem. Sprouts is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. inside Music Showcase, 1 block west of Brandon Hospital.

Kindermusik Opportunity

Did you know that in place of your early interventionist you can take you child to Kindermusik? Kindermusik offers classes that are developmentally appropriate and geared toward enhancing every aspect of your child's development. Your child will laugh, sing, and play together with other children in a small group setting.  For information on using this program contact your child's coordinator. For information on Kindermucik, see their website at www.delightfulsounds.com. 

November 1, 2005

We have chosen our new location. Meetings will be at the Brandon Community Center on the first Friday of each month from 7-9pm.