Parents who are informed are able to make the best choices for their children.

This blog was created to be a source of information about events in the Western Washington State area for parents and educators of children with special needs and learning challenges.
If you have an event that is not listed here please e-mail us complete information.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

US Autism & Asperger Association 2011 World Conference

Autism Education & Treatment: A Road to Wellness

Oct. 27 - 30, 2011
Location: SeattleWA
Map

World leading autism experts will discuss new treatment regimes and effective therapies. After four days, you will leave the conference armed with tools of practical protocols, valuable hope, and new resources for support for your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, patient, friend, student, or yourself.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Raw & Gluten-Free Holiday Menu Ideas

Time
Monday, November 7 · 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location
Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center
3005 112th St E
Tacoma, WA

Created By
Special Families of Pierce County

More Info
Please join us for the November SPECIAL Families of Pierce County meeting! There will be selected lending library resources available for check out, and new attendees receive a valuable binder of information for free (until they are gone). Professionals and other interested parties are welcome to attend. Childcare is not available.Topic: Raw & Gluten-Free Holiday Menu IdeasSpeaker: Renee LaCoste, Raw Foods Chef & Gluten-Free SpecialistWhere: Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center3005 112th St E., Tacoma (at 112th and Waller Rd, 1 mile off Hwy 512 Portland Ave exit)Date: Monday, November 7thTime: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sensory Jump Night

Nov 9th/ Dec 14th 5:30-7:00pm

We offer open jump sessions for children with special needs who benefit from a smaller more controlled private environment.
Siblings Welcome.
Limited attendance.
$7 PER CHILD, ADULTS/ GUARDIANS FREE

We are running this special event thru the end of December to see if we can get some friends to join us!

Cost is $7 per CHILD

Cost is $5.00 per sibling

Autism Group Jump - A Private Sensory Night

90 minutes in a supervised party arena

Children must be a minimum of 34"
A signed waiver and socks required to play

Held the 2nd Wednesday of each month

Reservations are suggested but not required

Wireless internet access throughout the facility

http://www.pumpitupparty.com/wa/tacoma/party-packages/-p4q100009q6335.htm

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Thinking About YOU Thinking About ME - Michelle Garcia Winner

Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thinking About YOU Thinking About ME

Michelle Garcia Winner will address changes to DSM V for ASD and how understanding different levels of social learners leads to better treatment, plus she will present executive functioning and organizational strategies and other practical concepts for teaching and treating students with high-fuctioning autism (and Asperger's), ADHD, NLD and similar diagnosed and undiagnosed social-communicative challenges.

Perspective taking involves the synergy among the researched concepts of "Theory of Mind," gestalt processing and executive functioning. This workshop will explore how central the concepts and skills related to "perspective taking" (also referred to as "social communication") are to all social contact and interpretation, non-verbal or verbal, intentional and non-intentional. The workshop day examines research-based information but is practical and participants have said they leave with a better understanding of the specific social communication and academic needs of their students/children.



http://www.socialthinking.com/workshops/workshops/tacoma-workshops

Organized Thinking: Dealing with the Dreaded Homework Assignment

Friday, October 21, 2011

Organized Thinking: Dealing with the Dreaded Homework Assignment and Everything Else a Student Wants to Postpone!

This workshop focuses on executive functioning skills and related practical strategies to track and tackle homework and other deadline-based duties.

The vast majority of students with social cognitive deficits have immense difficulty developing organizational skills to manage the increasing complex expectations of life in upper elementary, middle, high school and into their adult years.

Organizational skills are a set of executive functioning skills that develop through experience and minimal prompting for neurotypical students. These same skills can be mammoth overwhelming tasks for even our most intellectually sharp students with social cognitive deficits. The impact of poor organizational skills is immense, affecting one’s outcome in school as well as at home and work. Weak organizational skills are poorly understood and often written off as pure laziness on the part of a “smart” student. Relatively little support is given to teach students to develop these critical skills that carry over into their future jobs and home-life as adults.


Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided
Workshop LocationGreater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402

http://www.socialthinking.com/workshops/workshops/tacoma-workshops

US Autism & Asperger Association sixth annual conference in Seattle, Washington

On October 27-30, 2011, the US Autism & Asperger Association launches its sixth annual conference in Seattle, Washington.

World leading autism experts will discuss new treatment regimes and effective therapies. After four days, you will leave the conference armed with tools of practical protocols, valuable hope, and new resources for support for your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, patient, friend, student, or yourself.


Unprecedented conference format
US Autism & Asperger Association’s unprecedented conference format, introduced last year, will feature panel workshops in non-concurrent sessions in addition to the keynote addresses. Some of the world’s most renowned autism and Asperger experts will present new interventions and new research in both education and medicine.



For additional information and group registration, call Pat at 1-866-208-0207.Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure your space.

http://www.usautism.org/2011_usaaa_annual_conference_wa/2011_usaaa_conference_overview.htm

Gig Harbor Gluten Free - How to Let Go of Gluten and Get Your Life Back

GIG HARBOR GLUTEN FREE
OCTOBER 18th Meeting
6:30 - we start our meeting promptly

Harbor Place, Gig Harbor
1016 29th Street NorthwestGig Harbor, WA 98335-1641
Activity Room
Use side entrance by parking lot
SPEAKER:

“Coming Clean: How to Let Go of Gluten and
Get Your Life Back!”

By Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS
Do you feel like good health continues to slip out of your reach? Are your symptoms continuing to pile up, affecting the quality of your everyday life? Learn how you can get your life back by changing what you eat and by strengthening your inner defenses. Come to hear about tips on how to “clear the internal noise” of dysfunction and create harmony inside and outside, making you happy, healthy, and vital!
Dr. Deanna Minich, an expert in lifestyle medicine approaches to health, is the author of four books on wellness and nutrition. See her website (www.foodandspirit.com) for more information
Please join us and feel free to bring a friend!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Augmentative and Alternative Communiocation

Topic: AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

Devices: High-tech, low-tech, and everything in-between

Speaker: David Pozolinski, AAC Services Manager at CLASS, Inc.

Where: Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center3005 112th St E., Tacoma (at 112th and Waller Rd, 1 mile off Hwy 512 Portland Ave exit)

Date: Monday, October 3rd

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Gluten Free Tasting Fair

Tired of searching for gluten free foods that taste good?

Come on in to our Gluten Free Tasting Fair!

Try before you buy!

Great brands like Udi's, Garlic Jim's, Against the Grain, Bob's Red Mill, Kettle Cuisine, GlutenFreeda, and more. Lots of brand new products too!

Saturday, October 1st Sunday, October 2nd 10a - 4p both days

Monday, August 1, 2011

Allergen Free Baking Class - Granny Lala

Saturday Aug. 27th
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Marlene's Market in Federal Way, Washington

If you are interested in register by phone using CC ($20) at 253-839-0933 or in person at either Marlene's locations in Tacoma or Federal Way.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sensory Friently Films: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Don't miss the next Sensory Friendly Film!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
July 23
10 a.m. local time
Find a theatre

AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.

Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

Upcoming Shows
August 6: The Smurfs
August 27: Spy Kids 4
October 1: Dolphin Tale
November 5: Puss in Boots

*Please note all dates and times are subject to change

Never miss a movie!
Sign up for the Autism Society's free e-newsletter for updates on upcoming Sensory Friendly Films, as well as the latest info on autism news, advocacy, research, education, conferences and resources!

Autism and the Environment: What Do We Know?

oin the Autism Society for a webinar this month

Eager to learn more about the biomedical aspects of autism and environmental influences on autism spectrum disorders? Join internationally known autism physician experts and researchers on July 23 for a state-of-the-science review of autism and environment.

Dr. Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Dr. Claudia Miller, M.D., M.S., of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio will review the dramatic rise in autism, the role of environment in autism, the whole-body aspects of autism and the implications of toxic exposures in immune function and autism. This is part one of a two-part series sponsored by the Autism Society and it is free to all from the convenience of your home computer.

Go to http://www.autism-society.org/news/in-the-news/autism-and-the-environment.html for registration information!SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, July 23, 2011 p.m. EST

The Nurtured Heart Approach Workshops - Seattle

The Nurtured Heart Approach To Parenting
Presenters: Richard Berger, MA, LMFTA, Certified Nurtured Heart Specialist and Teryn Peroff, MA, LMHCA Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator

A 5 week Series Workshop for Parents, Educators, Mental Health Professionals, Social Workers

Mondays July 18 - Aug 15 from 6-7:30 pm OR Wednesdays July 20 - Aug 17 from 6:30 - 8pm

Northwest Family Life
11320 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Special Introductory Cost: $150 per person/ $250 couples (includes The Nurtured Heart Workbook, value $25)

Space is Limited Register Now! www.RBTherapy.com

For Registration or More Information:Contact: Richard Berger at 206-915-3107 or Richard@RBtherapy.com

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Quantum Reflex Integration

Quantum Reflex Integration,
taught by Bonnie Brandes,
Seattle, Washington

July 23 & 24, 2011

Contact, Sonia Story 360-732-4356
sonia@moveplaythrive.com

Rhythmic Movement Training Levels 1 & 2

Rhythmic Movement Training

Seattle, Washington

Levels 1 & 2,

Presidents day Feb 18-20, 2012

Contact, Sonia Story 360-732-4356
sonia@moveplaythrive.com

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Kitsap Countys Annual Homeschool used curriculum and resource sale!

This yearly event is coming up!! Its a don't want to miss!

Come
fellowship with other homeschoolers. See what resources are availableto you all over Kitsap County!

We have over 30 sellers each year!

Food, fun and fellowship!

Its a great way for the entire family tospend their Saturday!

When: Saturday June 4th 2011

Where: Silverdale Baptist Church
8278 State Highway 303 NEBremerton, WA 98311

Its just down the way from Wallmart in Bremerton.

Time: 9:00 am-1:00pm

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sensory Friendly Movie - Rio

Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society on April 30 for a special showing of Rio.

We will be showing the movie at 10 a.m. local time in participating theatres nationwide.

For more information or to find a theatre near you, visit www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Managing Behaviors with a Token Economy System

Please join us for the May SPECIAL Families of Pierce County meeting!

There will be selected lending library resources available for check out, and new attendees receive a valuable binder of information for free (until they are gone).

Professionals and other interested parties are welcome to attend. Childcare is not available.

Topic: Managing Behaviors with a Token Economy System

Speaker: Dr. Penelope Zindt, DC

Where: Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center3005 112th St E., Tacoma (at 112th and Waller Rd, just off Hwy 512 Portland Ave exit)

Date: Monday, May 2nd Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Wrightslaw Yellowpages for Kids

Find educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, and attorneys for children with disabilities on the Yellow Pages for Kids for your state. You will also find special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, grassroots organizations, and government programs for children with disabilities. http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/add.htm

Friday, March 11, 2011

Financial Planning Aspects of Special Needs Trusts

Monday, April 11 · 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Pierce County Library Processing and Administration Center
3005 112th St E
Tacoma, WA


Please join us for the April SPECIAL Families of Pierce County meeting! There will be selected lending library resources available for check out, and new attendees receive a valuable binder of information for free (until they are gone). Professionals and other interested parties are welcome to attend. Childcare is not available.

Topic: Financial Planning Aspects of Special Needs TrustsSpeakers: Matthew Robertson, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney & Michael Wiggins, Assure Estate Planning

Where: Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center3005 112th St E., Tacoma (at 112th and Waller Rd, just off Hwy 512 Portland Ave exit)

Date: Monday, April 11th (postponed one week for Spring Break) Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Family Community Dance by Pierce County Includsion Program

NEON Family Community Dance


Time
Friday, March 18 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location
Curtis Junior High School
University Place, WA

Created By
Community Inclusion Program of Pierce County

More Info
Join us for a community dance for the entire family! This dance will be DJ'ed and adaptable for people of all abilities! Bring a friend or two, and spend your friday night meeting new friends at a free event!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

FEAT's Speaker Series (Autism)

The Speakers Series belongs to FEAT of Washington's collection of service programs aimed at disseminating practical, topical, useful science-based information to the autism community of Washington. Bringing together local, regional, and national experts from disciplines that include behavior analysis, education, law, health and human services and more, the Speakers Series allows FEAT members to gain access to the information they need to support persons with autism and their families.

The Speakers Series also seeks to help support professionals who work with persons with autism and their families by offering events that qualify as continuing education experiences for educators, behavior analysts, and speech-language pathologists.

http://www.featwa.org/Speaker_Series_Main_Page.html

Gig Harbor Gluten Free Meeting

March 16th Meeting
6:00 p.m. - for fellowship
Speaker begins at 6:30
The Lodge at Mallard's Landing
3rd Floor Movie Room

Speaker:

Sue O'Brien
Topic:GF substitutions, GF Traveling, GF Recipes
and Sue will be sharing her personal
Gluten Free journey
She will have copies of her
Gluten Free cookbooks for sale

Samples:

We will be sampling:
Boomi Bars

Invite a friend!
___________________________________

Gig Harbor Gluten Free
Gay McCray
(253) 851-4610
"like us" on Facebook!

Gluten Free Summer Camp!

I want to share with you about a camp that is designed to allow children who cannot eat gluten or wheat.

If you have a child who has dietary restrictions then you know that going somewhere over night can be difficult for your child. The adults in charge needs to be educated as to 'how' to feed your child safely.

Summer camps just aren't possible for some children with dietary restrictions for diabetes because of the difficulty trying to make sure they have safe food available to the.

Here in Western Washington there is a summer camp that is run on Vashon Island. They have two sessions during which they bring in specially trained cooks and foods for children with gluten intolerance, celiac, and diabetes.

Our child attended this camp last year and it was definitly a once in a life time experience!

They also offer scholarships for those who might otherwise not have afforded the camp experience.

Camp Sealth

Vashon Island, Washington
Session 4: July 20 – 25, 2011
Session 5: July 26 – 29, 2011
Session 4/5: July 20 – July 29, 2011

For more information please go to: http://campsealth.org/homepage.html

Gluten Free Summer Camp Looking for Volunteers

This is the time of year when parents are planning their summer activities and for those kids on the gluten-free diet those plans include attending a gluten-free camp. There are a number of gluten-free camps out there who are in need of volunteers to perform a variety of tasks.
They camps lists below are looking for volunteers to work six hour shifts in the kitchen. If you are interested in helping make this a great time for our celiac kids send an email to gigcamp@gluten.net with your name, contact information and the day(s) available help out at the following locations:

Camp Sealth
Vashon Island, Washington
Session 4: July 20 – 25, 2011
Session 5: July 26 – 29, 2011
Session 4/5: July 20 – July 29, 2011

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Touch for Health - Kinesiology

David Pederson-Touch for Health Instructor


May 6-7, 2011
9am-6pm Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday

Cost $300 or $250 with a pre-registration by
April 22.

Class cost includes text. You may pay by check or credit card.

Location: 7470 Oak Bay Road, Port Ludlow, WA 98365,
Phone: 360-301-3220
drpederson@cablespeed.com www.portludlowwellness.com

Masgutove MNRI Tactile Integration Course

Masgutova (MNRI) Tactile Integration Course
April 2 & 3, 2011, Seattle, WA
Taught by Janet McDonald
Contact: Sandra Kippersandrakipper13@gmail.com
http://www.movementmattersnw.com/site/Tactile_Integration.html
CEUs available for OTs, SLPs, Massage Therapists

Friday, March 4, 2011

Food & You - Gluten Intolerance

Autism - ADHD - Allergies

March 5, 2011 at 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church
100 S. Blake Ave, Sequim

Presentation by doctors on signs that a gluten free diet may be needed.

Peninsula Branch GIG 360 297-3654

Neurodevelopmental Movement Training

From Friday, April 08, 2011 - 08:30am
To Saturday, April 09, 2011 - 05:30pm

In this two-day course, we focus on integrating reflexes with tools gleaned from a wide variety of neurodevelopmental movement methods.

Course Fees•$319 per individual

Early Bird: Register by March 1st and receive a Free 2-DVD set, "Get Ready for School" by Robyn Cox

$75 non-refundable deposit holds your space. (Full Course Fee due 3/31/2011)

Group discounts for 3 or more individuals, (Call to arrange, no on-line registration for groups)

Location : Bremerton area, WAContact

Sonia Story, sonia@moveplaythrive.com 360-732-4356

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Spring Forward Fun & Walk 5K - to Support Autism

Spring Forward Run & Walk 5K
An Event to Benefit Autism


Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011

Time: 9:00 am start

Location: Stadium HS Bowl
111 North E Street, Tacoma WA 98403
(Day of Race Registration: 8:00-8:45)

Early Registration Fee: $25.00
$30.00 (after 02/27/2011)

Register Online: https://www.databarevents.com/springforward5k.asp
Printable Registration Form

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Sensory Friendly Movie - Mars Needs Moms

Mars Needs Moms

March 12, 2011
10 a.m.

AMC Kent Station 14426 Ramsay Way, Kent, Wash. 98032

AMC River Park Square 20808 W Main Ave Spokane, Wash. 99201

AMC Woodinville 1217640 Garden Way NE, Woodinville, Wash. 98072

AMC Cascade Mall 16200 Cascade Mall Dr., Burlington, WA, 98233


AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.


In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Summer Activity Ideas for Children with Special Needs

Topic: Summer Activity Ideas

Speakers include representatives from: Easter Seals Camp Stand By Me, Pierce County Parks & Recreation Companionship Program, Metro Parks Tacoma Specialized Recreation

Where: Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center3005 112th St E., Tacoma (at 112th and Waller Rd, just off Hwy 512 Portland Ave exit)

When: Monday, March 7th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

There will be selected lending library resources available for check out, and new attendees receive a valuable binder of information for free (until they are gone). Professionals and other interested parties are welcome to attend. Childcare is not available.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Free Admission to Pacific Science Center!

Pacific Science Center is thrilled to present Freddy's Mondays, made possible by the Fred Meyer Fund. Starting in October, the first 1,000 guests to come through our gates on the first Monday of the month will be let in FREE* (offer valid for onsite transactions only). Through April of 2011, explore all of the permanent exhibits under the arches from the Tropical Butterfly House to Science On a Sphere. This opportunity to visit Pacific Science Center free of charge is one way Fred Meyer gives back to the community and we hope you'll take advantage of it.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Cooking with Dietary Restrictions. Free University Class

Time
Wednesday, February 9 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Location
Forza Coffee
2700 Bridgeport Way
University Place, WA

Created By
Granny Lala's Inc

More Info
Gluten free? Allergic to milk, soy, eggs, nuts or something else? Learn about allergen substitutions & how to convert recipes to use them. This is a hands on class, we’ll play with things like chia seeds to see how we can use healthy alternatives that taste good! Email your favorite recipe to convert (grannylala@grannylala.com). Cost: Free. 1 Session.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

5K Run/Walk to benefit FEAT of Washington

5K RUN / WALK

March 19th, 2011, a 5k run/walk to benefit FEAT of Washington will be held in Tacoma Washington.

The run/walk will begin at 9:00 am and start and finish in the historic Stadium bowl in Tacoma.


Over the past four years, MVP physical therapy has been able to raise $15,000 of which all were donated to organizations that work with children affected by Autism. Last year Feat was its beneficiary and will be its beneficiary again this year.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tips for Smooth Transitioning

Topic: Tips for Smooth Transitioning

Speaker: Carrie Sheppard, LMHC, MindSource Center

Where: Pierce County Library Processing & Administration Center3005 112th St E., Tacoma (at 112th and Waller Rd, just off Hwy 512 Portland Ave exit)

When: Monday, February 7th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

There will be selected lending library resources available for check out, and new attendees receive a valuable binder of information for free (until they are gone). Professionals and other interested parties are welcome to attend. Childcare is not available.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Diana Waring Presents - Homeschooling

DIANA WARING PRESENTS!
Actively Engage Learning & Actually Enjoy Learning

SOLID ROCK CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL SPONSORED

Diana will be speaking on two workshops at CRCC on

Feb. 18th from 6:30-8:30.

$10/adult or $20/family. Childcare provided.

Location: Christ the Rock Community Church
4100 SW Old Clifton Road
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 674-7000



The workshops sound wonderful. Come be encouraged and learn lots!!!!!

Sensory Friendly Movie - Gnomeo & Juliet

Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society on February 12 for a special showing of Gnomeo & Juliet.

We will be showing the movie at 10 a.m. local time in participating theatres nationwide.

For more information or to find a theatre near you, visit www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

MOCHA Meeting - Autism Support Group for Parents

Date and Time (Please note date change):Saturday, Januray 15, 2011
from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

Place: UVillage area Tully's, 3042A 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98105,
206-525-5110.

On the south side of UVillage right behind the Burgermaster
and shares a parking lot with FedEx Kinko's.


Meeting topic: Happy New Year! What are the 2 best things you did to help
your child in 2010? What were the 2 best gains, and what are 2
interventions you plan for 2011? Come with your ideas and comments on the
topic and we'll share information. Let's work together to make 2011 a
successful year for our kids and families!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Maximizing Your College Money

Maximizing Your College Money

Thur 7-9 pm

Jan 20 - Vancouver, WA

Tue 7-9 pm Jan 25 - Arlington, WA

Do you know that...

... early submission of the FAFSA could get you more money?

...FAFSA may be filed without your 2010 IRS tax statement?

...there are many more tricks to college funding?

Financing college is not easy. Selecting the right school, choosing a courseof study, and ever-increasing college costs complicate the task.

"The Money Maze" can help! Family Academy invites you to attend CollegePlanning Network's (CPN) two-hour workshop for grade 9-12 students and theirparents.

Learn how to:

• Improve the response to your financial aid and scholarship applications

• Understand how colleges decide who gets financial aid

• Apply for merit-based scholarships with the WashBoard,org, or state's freeonline resource

• Negotiate with college financial aid offices to get the best possible aidpackage.

Each family attending the workshop will receive The Money Maze, a new 36page workbook. Other valuable college planning resources will be provided.

Space is limited.

Register now.

Seminar dates/locations:Thur, Jan 20 7-9 pm @ LifePoint Church, Vancouver, WATue,, Jan 25 7-9 @ Atonement Free Lutheran Church, Arlington, WA

early registration (per family): $35(Jan 10/Vancouver, Jan 15/Arlington)at door registration (per family): $50

Family Academy receives no income from this presentation. CPN course feescover the cost of materials, the time and travel associated with providingthis workshop. If you would like to attend but have a financial hardshipsituation, you may request a fee waiver by emailing CPN directly:seacpn@collegeplan.org

If you have additional questions about this seminar or how to register, call206.246.9227 or email

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Rehearsing Social Skills Through Acting and Improv Class

THEATER OF POSSIBILITY - REHEARSING SOCIAL SKILLS THROUGH ACTING AND IMPROV

THURSDAYS 4:15-5:45 PM, Feb 3 - April 14

ten sessions (skipping 2/24).

Theater of Possibility ("TOP") is an acting class for young people, grades4-8, who have a lot to express and who want to be more effective in theirrelationships with peers and adults. It is geared toward a diverse,integrated population, including typically developing kids and those withAsperger's, ADHD and other social skills challenges. We promote anatmosphere of tolerance and respect for each person's unique, creativegifts.

Through fun and zany theater games, improv exercises androle-playing, we explore the dynamics of friendship, family and school. Wepractice flexibility, non-verbal communication, recognizing social nuances,and perspective taking, all the while having fun and expressing ourauthentic selves loudly and creatively. Participants work together tofashion original dramatic scenes on issues that are relevant to them, suchas responses to bullying, exclusion, peer pressure and injustice.TOP is facilitated by Lauren Goldman Marshall, MFA, theater teaching artistand playwright, with adult aides. A small group size (6-10 kids) ensures ahigh adult/student ratio.

Class is taught at University Heights Center inSeattle. Thursdays 2/3-4/14 (Skipping 2/24) 4:15-5:45 PM (last class goestill 7:45 PM for sharing with family and friends); $350/quarter, paymentplans and partial scholarships available. Contact Lauren at (206) 321-4923or email Lauren@laurenmarsha ll.com for more information and enrollment.

"Theater of Possibility provides a powerful tool for understanding andpracticing the complex social interactions teens confront every day. Usingtheater games and forum theater techniques, my daughter was able to actuallysee and experience choices for turning a potentially hurtful socialinteraction into a beneficial one. Theater of Possibility is, as they say, arehearsal for living."

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

PlayShop - Original Play Workshop

You are invited to attend the PLAYSHOP on Bainbridge Island, Jan 14-16, 2011, taught by author O. Fred Donaldson, PhD, star of the Animal Planet movie,

The Power of Play.

For Parents, Educators, Teens and Anyone Who Wants to Create More Play in Life.

Clock Hours available for Educators. PLAYSHOP is sponsored in part by Kids Up! on Bainbridge Island, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) group. Children are welcome to attend the Sunday portion of the program for free with participating parents.

The knowledge of Original Play is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Here's what one mother said about the PLAYSHOP: "The PLAYSHOP is one of the most meaningful and fun things we've ever done for our family."The benefits of learning joyful play, free of contest or competition, are deep and profoundly healing for all ages.

Once you learn Original Play, your life will never be the same and you'll have profound tools for helping the world be a better place to live.

REGISTER NOW, Space is limited.

Fred usually teaches in Seattle, but this year he will be on Bainbridge Island, a short Ferry ride from Seattle and a rare opportunity for those in Jefferson and Kitsap counties.

In his Pulitzer Prize nominated book, Playing By Heart, The Vision and Practice of Belonging, O. Fred Donaldson describes how he re-learned "Original Play" from young children and wild animals. For more information about the PLAYSHOP course see http://www.moveplaythrive.com/images/pdf/original_play_full.pdf

ORIGINAL PLAY promotes joy and healthy physical, emotional and cognitive development. For more information see: http://www.originalplaynorthwest.org

O.Fred Donaldson, Ph. D. is the author of an innovative programme called Original Play™ and a world-famous specialist in the use of play as an alternative to aggression, violence and abuse, and an international consultant in the field of education.

Fred Donaldson gives lectures and workshops for organizations and institutions throughout the world. He has worked with special needs children, culturally diverse communities, gangs and children living on the streets. In play he shares with them a different world, without fear, aggression, and persecution.

For information on this workshopz;
For more information contactSonia Story360-732-4356

sonia@moveplaythrive.com

www.moveplaythrive.com

Sunday, January 2, 2011

MNRI Tactile Integration Class

MNRI Tactile Integration
with
Janet McDonald
MNRI Instructor

April 2-3, 2011
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
$410 includes manual

This MNRI course was created by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova

The MNRI Tactile Integration course explores:

• Tactile integration and how it relates to motor reflexes and other important body systems

• The bodymind dynamics of the tactile system

• Different types of touch that re-educate the proprioceptive system improving function and learning

• How Tactile Integration can release stress

• Developmental activation techniques that promote self-regulation

• How tactile integration helps promote body awareness, core integration, and enhances overall
emotional, motivational and movement issues.

• The role tactile integration plays in establishing a foundation for motor, communication and cognitive development, as well as emotional and behavioral regulation

•MNRI techniques designed to assess, activate, and integrate tactile sensitivities

•How to create MNRI tactile integration programs for individual clients

•How to incorporate MNRI Tactile Integration course content into daily client and home practice


Janet O. McDonald, M.Ed., is a Wellness & Learning Consultant with more than 30 years experience assisting learners of all ages in private, corporate, and school settings. Janet has studied and worked extensively in the fields of language development, physiology of learning, applied kinesiology, and acupressure. She has experienced several thousand hours of Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflexes Integration Method in course work and Family Conferences in the United States, Canada, and Poland. Janet has been an MNRI Core Specialist since 2008, and is an MNRI Instructor of Tactile Integration and Integration of Facial Reflexes courses.


For more info, contact the Local Area Coordinator:
Sandra Kipper, LMP/ 206-783-0483 sandrakipper@yahoo.com