EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 1

EFMP NewsYour free guide to EFMP services, entertainment and educational opportunities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

FREE

Exceptional Family Member Program January 2015

Upcoming Events Pages 2-3

Life On & Around JBLMPage 8

Advocating for your Child - Getting StartedPages 4-5

Be Winter ReadyPage 6

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 2

In this issue:

Armed Forces Community Service (AFCS)Director: Alecia R. Grady

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Rm. 400JBLM-Lewis Main

usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-acs-exceptional-family-member@mail.mil

EFMP Program Manager: Mary Herrera253-967-9704

EFMP Staff Members:

Upcoming Events, pg. 2-3Advocating for your Child, pg. 4-5Be Winter Ready, Pg. 6AFCS Program Spotlight, Pg. 7Life on/around JBLM, pg. 8Local Support Groups, pg. 9Birth-to-Three Services, pg. 9EFMP Enrollment Process, pg. 9Resources at your fingertips, pg. 10

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-9705Carol Watrous: 253-967-3451Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Rick Kivett: 253-967-9097Lynn Shick: 253-967-3464Anthony Buggage: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policy regarding assistance to our Families. Please feel free to contact us if you have any ques-tions about available services, concerns, or if you need resources or advocacy at Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civilian community.

January

SKIES Registration Jan. 5-23, Parent Central Services, Lewis Main & McChord Field to register for February SKIES classes. Registration for classes is the first Monday through the fourth Friday of the previous month. For a description of classes or to register your child, go to JBLMmwr.com & click on the yellow WebTrac button.

Special Families of Pierce County Jan. 8, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Hyperbarics: A Piece of the

Puzzle, Cat Redinbo, Autism Mom and Owner of New Leaf Hyperbarics. Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. Childcare is limited and pre-registration is required each month.

PURPAS– Monthly Meeting Jan. 14, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A and 215A. Please bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more information please contact

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 3

EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-Mc-Chord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commer-cial sponsor. Editorial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Armed Forces Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation offices. Submissions are welcome but will be edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, one month prior to publication date. EFMP News is published monthly. Circulation: 1000. Send submissions to: Mary.K.Herrera.civ@mail.mil

Policy:We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider withhold-ing the name of the author upon request. Letters regarding an issue should contrib-ute to informational interest.

We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to resolve libel, force protection and grammar.

Although the information in the issue is current at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activity for confirmation.

Join us on FACEBOOK! Connect with other EFMP News readers on Facebook and get regular updates on our program.

www.facebook.com/efmpjblm

Events...

Susan Jackson at 253-565-2266, ext 107, or Sybille White at ext 118.

JBLM EFMP Family Friendly Movie Jan. 17, 12 - 2:00 p.m., “The Boxtrolls Interactive Adventure” at the McChord Theater. FREE. Sensory controlled environment. Perfect for special needs and young viewers. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own snacks. For more information contact 253-982-2695.

JBLM Special Olympics Ages 8–18, $55 per sport Aquatics/Swimming Registration: Feb. 3–Mar 5. Parent meeting: Mar. 6 Practices: Mar. 9–Apr. 19 (Mondays – Wednesdays)Track and Field Registration: Feb. 3–Mar. 12 Parent meeting: Mar. 13 Practices: Mar. 17–Apr. 25 (Tuesdays – Thursdays) If you have any questions, please contact Genia Stewart, Head Coach, at 253-967-2405 or email her at mary.e.stewart48.naf@mail.mil.

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 4

Advocating For Your Child–Getting Started

By Pamela Wright, MA, MSW

Why Advocate?Good special education services are intensive and expensive. Resources are limited. If you have a child with special needs, you may wind up battling the school district for the services your child needs. To prevail, you need information, skills, and tools.Who can advocate? Anyone can advocate for another person.Different types of AdvocatesSpecial education advocates work to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families. You are likely to meet different types of advocates.Lay AdvocatesLay advocates use specialized knowledge and expertise to help parents resolve problems with schools. When lay advocates attend meetings, write letters, and negotiate for services, they are acting on the child’s behalf. Most lay advocates are knowledgeable about legal rights and responsibilities. In some states, lay advocates represent parents in special education due process hearings.Educational AdvocatesEducational advocates evaluate children with disabilities and make recommendations about services, supports and special education programs. When educational advocates go to eligibility and IEP

meetings, they are acting on the child’s behalf. Some educational advocates negotiate for services. Others are less knowledgeable about special education law and how to use tactics and strategies.School PersonnelTeachers and special education providers often see themselves as advocates. Teachers, administrators, and school staff often provide support to children and their families. But because they are employed by school districts, school personnel are limited in their ability to advocate for children with disabilities without endangering their jobs.ParentsParents are natural advocates for their children. Who is your child’s first teacher? You are. Who is your child’s most important role model? You are. Who is responsible for your child’s welfare? You are. Who has your child’s best interests at heart? You do.You know your child better than anyone else. The school is involved with your child for a few years. You are involved with your child for life. You should play an active role in planning for your child’s education. The law gives you the power to make educational decisions for your child. Do not be afraid to use your power. Use it wisely. A good education is the most important gift

you can give your child. As the parent of a child with a disability, you have two goals:To ensure that the school provides your child with a “free appropriate public education” that includes “specially designed instruction”…to meet the {child’s} unique needs…” (20 U.S.C. §1401) Build a healthy relationship with the school.What Advocates Do Advocacy is not a mysterious process. Here is a quick overview of advocacy skills.Gather InformationAdvocates gather facts and information. As they gather information and organize documents, they learn about the child’s disability and educational history. Advocates use facts and independent documentation to resolve disagreements and disputes with the school.Learn the Rules of the GameAdvocates educate themselves about their local school districts. They know how decisions are made and by whom. Advocates know about the legal rights. They know that a child with a disability is entitled to an “appropriate” education, not the “best” education, nor an education that “maximizes the child’s potential”. They understand that “best” is a four-letter word that cannot be used by parents or

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 5

advocates. Advocates know the procedures that parents must follow to protect their rights and the child’s rights. Plan and PrepareAdvocates know that planning prevents problems. Advocates do not expect school personnel to tell them about rights and responsibilities. Advocates read special education laws, regulations, and cases to get answers to their questions. Advocates learn how to use test scores to monitor a child’s progress in special education. They prepare for meetings, create agendas, write objectives, and use meeting worksheets and follow-up letters to clarify and nail down agreements.Keep Written Records

Because documents are often the keys to success, advocates keep written records. They know that if a statement is not written down, it was not said. They make requests in writing and write polite follow-up letters to document events, discussions, and meetings.Ask Questions, Listen to AnswersAdvocates are not afraid to ask questions. When they ask questions, they listen carefully to answers. Advocates know how to use “Who, What, Where, When, How and Explain Questions” to discover the true reasons for positions.Identify ProblemsAdvocates learn to define and describe problems from all angles. They use their knowledge of interests, fears, and positions to

develop strategies. Advocates are problem solvers. They do not waste valuable time and energy looking for people to blame. Propose Solutions Advocates know that parents negotiate with schools for special education services. As negotiators, advocates discuss issues and make offers or proposals. They seek “win-win” solutions that will satisfy the interests of parents and schools.This article is based on a chapter in Wrightslaw: From Emotion to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide by Pamela Wright and Peter Wright.This page printed from: http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/advocay.into.htm

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 6

Be Winter Ready

1. Know how to shut off the main water shutoff valve in case of a water line freeze or burst pipe

2. Leave cabinets to water pipes open to ensure warm air flow

3. Remove hoses from outdoor water faucets

4. Turn off water to all outside faucets

5. Caulk your windows6. Add weather stripping to

exterior doors

Winterize your Home

1. Maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times

2. Check antifreeze levels3. Ensure the battery is in good

condition4. Check the tire tread; use a penny

to measure tread depth5. Check your window washer fluid

level

Update your emergency Kit

1. Booster cables2. Sand/kitty litter for traction3. Blanket4. Matches5. Water and high protein/low

sodium snacks6. Flashlight and batteries7. Reflective vest and flares 8. Scraper9. Shovel

With winter rapidly approaching, now is the time to winterize your home and car and update your vehicle emergency kit to combat the hazards of the season. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) 2015 winter forecast seems only to validate the recent cold snap. In addition to unseasonably cold temperatures, the NWS is predicting higher-than-normal precipitation.

Winterize your Vehicle

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 7

AFCS Program Spotlight

The AFCS Outreach/Unit Service Coordinators provide and/or support resource fairs, Family Readiness Group (FRG) presentations, Family events, and various workshops on JBLM. On Jan. 7, 9-12:30 p.m., “Calling All SuperSpouses – How to Manage your Superpowers”, part of the new Resiliency Academy at JBLM, is being offered by Outreach staff.

Resiliency Training provides an opportunity to enhance your

Did you Know?

effectiveness and well-being through self-awareness, self-regulation, optimism, mental agility, strength of character and connection with others. These skills will help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as well as the thoughts, emotions and behaviors of others. Best of all, you will learn

how to strengthen your relationships through better communication! A follow up to this workshop called “My Superpowers Need a Boost!” will be held on Feb. 5, 9-12:30 p.m. Registration is required and free childcare is available. Please call Lisa Evergin at 253-967-3544 for additional information.

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 8

Family Nature Walk – Swan Creek ParkJan. 10, 10-11 a.m. Visit TacomaNatureCenter.org or call 253-591-6439 to register. Not recommended for strollers or children under 3. Free.

Life on and around JBLM

Power Parenting presents“Safety in a crazy world: Beyond stranger danger, how to give your kids skills to survive and succeed in our busy world” Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m., by the Family Support Center of South Sound and Hands on Children’s Museum. Call 360-956-0818, x-103 to pre-register.

Third Thursday at the ConservatoryJan. 15, 10-7 p.m. Visit the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma, 316 So. G St., in Wright Park, SeymourConservatory.org, 253-591-5330. Free.

Spouses Out on the TownJan 20, 9-3 p.m. New to JBLM? Enjoy a day out on the town visiting sites outside JBLM. Pick-up Times & Locations: 9 am, Waller Hall AFCS (Lewis Main) & 9:30 am S&FRC (McChord Field). Limited Seats Available: Register at JBLMAFCS.checkappointments.com. Please bring lunch (or money for lunch). Dates, pick-up times & locations subject to change; please call 253-967-3628 for details.

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 9

EFMP Enrollment Process

Birth To Three Early Intervention Programs

Contact the Lead Agency for your county for a referral for services. Family Resource Coordination/Pierce County: 253-798-3790South Sound Parent To Parent/Thurston County: 360-352-1126Holly Ridge Center/Kitsap and Mason counties: 360-373-2536Community Health Access Program (CHAP)/King County: 206-284-0331

Support Groups for You & Yours

If your Family member has a health condi-tion that necessitates a specialist or spe-cialty clinic, he or she MUST be enrolled in EFMP under medical, DD Form 2792. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, he or she must be enrolled in EFMP under educa-tion, DD Form 2792-1. Enrollment forms for EFMP are renewed every three years or sooner, if there are significant changes.

Disenrollment is not automatic upon expi-ration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improvement that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army — Submit your completed enroll-ment forms to the EFMP office located in the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions regarding enroll-ment or overseas screenings, please call 253-968-0254/1370/4355. This office is closed on Thursdays.

Air Force — Submit your completed enrollment forms to the SNC office 62nd Medical Clinic, first floor of Airman’s Clinic Bioenvironmental hallway, second/third office on left. For a PCS screening or for questions call TSGT Michelle Sutton at 253-982-3350. Lois Fisher is the Special Needs Coordinator at 253-982-5568. Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday 0800-1530; Wednesday 0800-1100. Closed 2nd Tues-day 1200 – 1530; Closed on Thursday. For Air Force Respite Care, contact the Ser-vicemember & Family Readiness Center at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support Services Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis Main; Bldg. 552, Servicemember & Family Readiness Center, JBLM-McChord Field. Installation and local resources and ser-vices, housing and school issues, IEP/504 plans, respite care, systems navigation, advocacy, support groups, monthly newsletter, disability services and Special Needs Accommodation Process are avail-able for all Army and Air Force EFMP Families.

SPECIAL FAMILIES OF PIERCE COUNTY

groups for peer support, employ-ment, recovery and wellness, hous-ing, independent living, and veter-ans’ services.

PURPASA family support group open toall (parents, children, and helpingprofessionals) for individuals withAutism. Participants meet on the2nd Wednesday of the month atHenry Foss High School, 2112 SouthTyler Street, Tacoma, Room 213A and 215A, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more informa-tion please contact PAVE at 253-565-2266. Susan Jackson: sjackson@wapave.org or Sybille White:swhite@wapave.org.

TACIDTacoma Area Coalition of Individu-als with Disabilities promotes the independence of individuals with disabilities. It is located at 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma. Call 253-565-9000 for further information. The website is www.tacid.org and has a program link to an extensive schedule of workshops and support

the corner of 15th and Pacific Av-enue. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Childcare is limited and pre-registration is required each month. To RSVP go to: www.exceptional-families.org/events.html. Contact Angela Fish at specialfamiliespc@gmail.com for further information.

Special Families of Pierce County (SFPC) is a support group for families with special needs children in the South Sound region.Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, on

EFMP News • January 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 10

Resources

Individuals With DisabilitiesAcommonvoice.org (Counseling)

Addresources.org (ADD/ADHD)

Autismsocietyofwa.org (Autism)

Autismspeaks.org (Autism)

Biorxhemophilia.com (Bleeding disorders)

Exceptional-families.org (SN Support Group)

Featwa.org (Autism)

Gluten.net (Gluten Intolerance Group)

Hsdc.org (Hearing Speech and Deafness Center)

Pc2online.org (PC2 for Developmental Dis-abilities)

Piercecountywa.org/companionship (Pierce County Parks & Recreation)

Stompproject.org (Specialized Training for Military Parents)

Tbiwashington.org (Traumatic Brain Injury of Washington)

Thecpnetwork.org (Cerebral Palsy)

Family AssistanceCdc.gov/ncbddd/index.html (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmen-tal Disabilities (NCBDDD))

Efoodnet.org (Pierce County Food Banks)

Metroparkstacoma.org/specialized

MilitaryOneSource.mil

MyTricare.com (Tricare)

Ssa.gov (Social Security)

Uhcmilitarywest.com (Tricare Western Region)

Usacares.org (Military Family Assistance Center)

Children’s ServicesNaccrra.org/militay-families (ChildCare Aware of America)

Nmfa.org (National Military FamilyFamily Association)

Psesd.org (Puget Sound Educational Service District)

Ssp2p.org (South Sound Parent2Parent)

FacebookFacebook.com/efmpjblm

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

Facebook.com/JBLMcyss

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