Advocating Daily -...

FHF of SELA April 2016 1

Advocating Daily EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Inside This Issue: Mark Your Calendar__________________________2 Summer Camps______________________8

Upcoming Events____________________________3 Self Advocate Spotlight________________9

Programs and Services________________________4 F2FHIC____________________________10

TPP Spotlight _______________________________5 Upcoming Events____________________14

Advocate for us!_____________________________6 Ask the Advocate____________________15

Disability Rights Day__________________________7

Directors Corner Greetings!

As we begin to embark on a new fiscal year we are looking to you to help improve our services.

In order for Families Helping Families SELA to effectively continue to serve the needs of our families, we are conducting a survey of all parents, self-advocates and professionals in the parishes we serve. Your response to this survey is crucial in providing the necessary information to formulate useful workshops and activities in upcom-ing years.

The purpose of this survey is to determine if our services have benefited you. In addition, your assessment of the experiences with FHF of SELA will provide beneficial information for us to continue providing a great service.

Please feel free to include any additional comments you deem necessary or relevant to improving the program. Your response and time is greatly appreciated. You will receive the email via constant contact in the next couple of weeks. We will have survey people via telephone. If you need to update your contact information please feel free to give us a call at our office 504-943-0343. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Aisha Johnson, Executive Director

Spring 2016

2 April 2016 FHF of SELA

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

FHFSELA Staff:

Aisha Johnson

Executive Director

Shay Hunter

Assistant Director

Rickii Ainey

Information and Referral

Specialist (MHSD)

Janice Alexander

Office Assistant

Laqwenta Smith-Johnson

Transition and Training

Coordinator

(STATE DEPARTMENT OF

EDUCATION)

Tomorow Fondal

Early Steps Community

Outreach Specialist

Sharla Lynn Green

Data Entry Specialist

Vanessa Herrera

Education Advocate

(STATE DEPARTMENT OF

EDUCATION)

Cynthia Smith

Bookkeeper

Marte Robertson

Lyntrell Ratliff

Office Assistants (MHSD)

And….

Advocacy Workshop– April, 28th 10-2pm. See flyer on

page 14

Keep an eye out for info on

FHFSELA’s own summer camp!


Springtime events in New Orleans

Now through May 1st: China Lights, Evenings at City Park

Now through May 18th: Wednesdays at the Square- Lafayette

Square

April 7-10th: French Quarter Festival

April 22nd- May 1st : Jazz and Heritage Festival

April 27-May 1st: Disney on Ice- UNO Lakefront Arena

May 20th- 22nd: Bayou Boogaloo- Bayou St John

May 27th-29th : Greek Fest – Holy Trinity Cathedral 1200 Robert E Lee

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FHFSELA Board of Directors:

Donnica Strawder

Board Chairman

Willie Martin

Vice Chairman

Claudia Smith, BSM

Secretary

Jim Durbin, Jr., CPA

Treasurer

Nicole Donald

Molly Sullivan

Wade T. Verges

Bob Fischer

Lauren Godshell

Marlon George

Robbie Walsh

Now Green!

FHF-SELA is now publish-ing our newsletter online only! For a paper letter please call us today!

504-943-0343

FHF-SELA receives partial funding from Metropolitan Human Services District, the State Department of Education, the Loui-siana Developmental Disabilities Council, Family to Family Health Information Center, Amerigroup, Xerox Corporation, LSU Health Science Center, and Early Steps.


Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana

Services and Programs

FHF of SELA is a 501(c)3 non-profit resource center for individuals

with disabilities and their families. For more information about the

services and programs we provide, please call 504-943-0343.

Services

Information and Referral

Information and referral for evaluations, medical services, Medicare, Medicaid, and Crisis Intervention

Information on community programs, services and opportunities

Educational materials, publications and disability-friendly apps.

Internet and personal resources across all three parishes

Education and Training

Workshops on caregivers, transition, education, IEP/504, school and family partnerships, communication, healthcare, advocacy and more

Register for our latest workshops online or by calling 504-943-0343

Peer-to-Peer Support

Continuous information, guidance and support from our employees who are parents, siblings and self-advocates.

Programs

ALL AGES

.

LA Citizens for Action Now (LaCAN) - A statewide grassroots network for individuals and families advocating for service system supporting individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes rather than a facility.

0 - 3

Early Steps Community Outreach Specialist - The specialist visits hospitals and clinics with information about Early Steps for hospitals, clinics and directly to parents who have children who may exhibit developmental delay

4 - 14

Education Advocate - Funded by the State Department of Education, advocates for all students in regular education and community settings to ensure full and valued membership in society. Provides workshops, presentations, and one-to-one support. Advocates for children to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment and educates parents on being their child’s advocate.

The Prism Project of Greater NOLA: Roux-Roux Productions (TPP of GNO)- A performing arts program for children with and without special needs. TPP of GNO teaches children dance, music and theater, creating an original performance.

15 - 22

Career Symposium - A multi-faceted workshop for students with disabilities, their families and teachers to better prepare students with disabilities to have meaningful careers after high school.

Transition Advocate - funded by the State Department of Education. Trains, educates and empowers families and professionals to develop Individualized Transition Plans.

22 +

People First of NOLA - An adult advocacy group for individuals with disabilities

Our Vision.

We envision a region where people with

disabilities live and are fully included in school,

work and recreational activities.

Our Mission

Families Helping Families of Southeast

Louisiana’s mission is to educate and

empower individuals with disabilities, their

families, professionals and communities by

providing resource, training and family-to-

family support.


Office Closures

Our offices will be closed on the following dates:

May18-20 for Staff Development

May 30th for Memorial Day

The Prism Project and our friend

Noah are featured In this months

Nola Baby and Family. Pick up your

copy or check it out at

nolababy.com!

PRISM PROJECT


DISABILITY RIGHTS DAY APRIL 5, 2016


Summer Camps! Are you ready for summer! Do you need a camp for your special needs child? Check out some of

these local suggestions! If you would like a copy of the entire Recreation Resource Guide written by

Children’s Hospital, send an email to vherrera@fhfsela with “summer guide” in the subject line.

Camp Tiger: A week long camp overseen by LSU medical students for children of all disabilities. Based out of LSUHSC in

New Orleans. For information go to www.lsuhsc.edu/orgs/camptiger/

Creative Learning Center of Louisiana Summer Camp: Offers full and half day camps for children ages 7-21 with

Autism and other special needs. The camp runs June 13-July 29 from 8:30-3:30. For more information call 504-722-2178

Crane Rehab Center: A variety of camps focusing on Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies. For more infor-

mation call 504-866-6990

The Chartwell Center Summer Programs: Camp for Children ages 3-18 with Autism for information call 504-899-

2478 www.thechartwellcenter.org


How long have you been at Audubon? I started at the Zoo in April of 2013. Miss Aisha told me that the Zoo might be a good place for

me because they have a good training program and are open to working with people with special needs like me. I started on the

Discovery walk and then when they started the Greeter program I applied to do that.

What are some of your responsibilities? I volunteer in Guest Ser-vices. I’m a Greeter so I get to welcome visitors to the Zoo. I also assist them by answering questions and handing out information

like maps. I also sometimes get to walk around the Zoo in case peo-ple need directions. And I scan tickets at the gate.

What do you like about working there? I like meeting new people and getting to see all the animals too. Everyone that I work with at the Zoo is really nice and very patient. I also get to learn about the

new animals and exhibits which is fun.

What do you like to do on your free time? I like to spend time with my family and visit with friends, go to the movies, maybe get my

nails done and shop.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? I hope I can keep volunteering at the Zoo and help people like I’ve been helped.

Do you have a life philosophy? You can do anything if you work hard and are nice to people.

Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? I think I am very lucky because I have a lot of people that have helped me and

gave me a chance to prove what I can do. I may not be good at everything, but I try hard and always keep a positive attitude.

“You can do anything if

you work hard and are

nice to people.”

Self Advocate SpotlightSelf Advocate SpotlightSelf Advocate Spotlight

Paige Cohn


Job Opportunity

Advocacy Team Leader LaCAN/LaTeach Region 1

Recruits and develops relationships with advocacy members from within their region, keeping them informed, encouraged, and engaged in advocacy.

Develops relationships with local legislators and other key policymakers educating them about the impact of policy deci-sions on individuals with developmental disabilities.

Assists members in developing personal relationships with their policymakers and supports them in sharing their personal story as it relates to advocacy issues.

Organizes regional advocacy activities, such as, legislative visits, roundtables, etc.

To apply submit your resume, cover letter and three professional references to; Brenton Andrus, DDC Program Monitor at [email protected]. For questions email or call 1-800-450-8108


The Davis-Molony Fund

The Frost Foundation

The Goldring Family Foundation

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc.

Xerox Corporation

Valero Foundation

Irvin Mayfield

Autism Society of GNO

Computer Consulting

Claudia Smith

Amerigroup

Donnica Conway

St. Bernard Knights Columbus

Louisiana Legacy Law

Gulf Coast Bank

Harrah’s Casino

Cisco’s Heating and Air

Everett Henderson

Everett Henderson Jr.

The Barmans Fund

NORD C

MAJOR DONORS

GRANTS

Thank You To Our Supporters

FHF of SELA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We rely on contracts with organizations,

partnerships with community groups, grants and private donations. Through these incredible

organizations and people, FHF of SELA is able to provide free services and programming to

families and professionals across Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes. It is all thanks

to these supporters and the anonymous donors that enable our organization to assist thousands of

families across the Greater New Orleans region achieve education and empowerment.


Make a Donation Today!

Your donations could help families of individuals with special needs connect with accurate

resources, provide recreational opportunities to children with special needs, teach parents or

individuals with disabilities self-advocacy skills, or provide a student with a disability the means to

achieve their dream career.

For Example:

$5 connects families without internet to accurate resources

$10 provides a student with a disability tools for their career

$30 covers the cost of participating in The Prism Project of Greater NOLA

$72 enables two adults with disabilities to become empowered self -advocates

$150 allows a child with special needs to attend summer camp

Thank you for your support!

All donations are tax-deductible

You can make a donation online by clicking Donate at www.fhfsela.org

Scan the QR Reader

OR

Mail in your donation with the form below to

Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana

7240 Crowder Blvd. Suite 202

New Orleans, LA 70127

Yes, I would like to donate and learn more about Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana!

Name: _____________________________________ Address: ______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________

Email: ______________________________________ Parish: ________________________________________

Relationship: __ Parent __ Sibling __ Self-Advocate __ Professional __ Family Member __ Donor

Please add me to your mailing list: ___ Yes __ No

I would like to donate:

__ $5 __ $10 __ $30 __ $72 __ $150 __ Other ______

I would like to volunteer or apply for an internship: __ Yes __ No

I would like information about:_____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________


ADVOCACY TRAINING

The goal of this workshop is to teach self-advocates and family mem-

bers the importance of advocacy. We want everyone to walk away

with the confidence to know what they need, and how to get it. Fami-

ly members, parents, professionals and self-advocates are invited.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, April 28, 2016

10AM-2PM

Lindy Boggs Conference Center

2045 Lakeshore Dr.


Lunch Provided by Café Reconcile

For more info, please contact Rickii Ainey at (504) 943-0343

REGISTER AT: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocacy-training-

tickets24235901233

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocacy-training-tickets24235901233

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocacy-training-tickets24235901233


People First of NOLA

If you are an adult with a

developmental disability and want

to learn self-advocacy skills, come

join People First of NOLA!

People First of NOLA is…

A self-advocacy group run by

people with disabilities, for people

with disabilities

Where people learn to speak

up for themselves about decisions

they make

Where members can connect

with others in the community,

nation and world

Where members learn about

their rights and responsibilities as

citizens of the US

Ask the Advocate

What kind of accommodations can my child receive when he is taking the PARCC tests?

Your child should be receiving all testing accommodations that are listed on his IEP during PARCC tests.

It is a good idea to have a meeting with school personnel to confirm that all needed assistance will be

received. If your school takes the test on computers, but your child cannot use one, a paper test is

available to you. If you need help explaining your rights to the school, the PARCC accessibility manual

can be found at http://www.parcconline.org/assessments/accessibility/manual.

If you need an explanation about LEAP testing, go to louisianabelieves.com, click on Family Support

Toolbox, then LEAP Guide.

If your child will be taking the ACT next year, start your research and data gathering soon. Accommoda-

tion requests can be granted with adequate proof. These forms can only be submitted by mail so get

them together so they can be ready for the beginning of next school year.

If you have a question for the Education Advocate please call the office at 504-943-0343 or email [email protected]


LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FHFofSELA follow us on Twitter @FHFofSELA & Pinterest FHFSELA to stay up-to-date on all exciting

events, articles of interest, links to other advocacy groups, information on trainings and more!

NONPROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE

PAID

NEW ORLEANS LA

PERMIT NO. 267

ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED

FHF of SELA

7240 Crowder Blvd.

Suite 202


Office: 504-943-0343

1-877-243-7352

Fax: 504-940-3242

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.fhfsela.org

Still Waiting for Waiver Services?

Join LaCAN NOW!

LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) is a statewide grassroots network of

individuals and families who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a

system that supports individuals to live in their own homes rather than having to

move to a facility to receive needed services.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! JOIN LACAN!

WWW.LACANADVOCATES.ORG

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

JOIN LACAN!

Louisiana Together Educating All Children

(LaTEACH) is a grass root network of

individuals that believe all children should

have the opportunity to be educated with their

typical peers in a typical classroom.

LaTEACH has made great strides this year

but they still need YOU to help make a

difference in improving education for our

children with disabilities.

LaTEACH Region 1 Area Coordinator

Louisiana Together Educating ALL Children

7240 Crowder Blvd, Suite 202


504-943-0343

1-877-243-7352

What is LadisAbility Talk?

It’s an e-mail talk list from Louisiana Parent Training

and Information Center/Families Helping Families of

Jefferson to help families of people with disabilities

and their advocates in Louisiana share information,

resources, and support.

What’s a talk list?

It is a way for e-mail users to be in a group with others who have similar interests.

Who should join?

Parents of children with disabilities, self-advocates, and advocates for people with disabilities in Louisiana.

How do I join? Just send an e-mail to:

[email protected] or

[email protected].

FREE—FREE—FREE

Help us Go Green today! Opt out of a paper newsletter and receive our education and trainings faster!

http://www.lacanadvocates.org/site/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaDisabilityTalk/

Advocating Daily -...

Documents

Transcript of Advocating Daily -...