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What does the Center for Exceptional Families do? |
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Knowledgeable Parent Mentors
Our mentors are parents of children with disabilities. They have life and work experiences plus training that make them uniquely qualified to help parents and schools work together to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
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Information
We provide information for caregivers of children with disabilities like resources, presentations, workshops, and other materials. We also connect with schools and other community organizations.
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Family Fun
TCFEF is proud to present Sensory Cinema in Jonesboro, which allows caregivers, and children and adults with disabilities to watch movies in a sensory friendly environment. We hope to expand this program to more cities.
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June is my favorite month.
It’s not too hot, my plants and yard are still a well-watered lovely green shade. Summer vacation plans are being discussed and scheduled. As an advocate, June is my favorite month because it’s the only month that doesn’t involve the school year for me. June is SAFE. But when July comes, that means August is next. And we all know that August brings in that rush of school prep work, clothes shopping, school supplies, checkups, endless to-do lists only a parent can understand. But June- we can relax in June. Nothing major must happen for us in June. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. As I say this there is a mountain of paperwork on my desk that will, of course, require my attention through the month of June. But the porch swing under the big oak is calling me. The new deck chairs need to be tested. The basket of novels needs to be sifted through. The sights and sounds of early summer need to be enjoyed. Let’s focus on breathing in deep, taking in the calm of the early Arkansas summer, feel the warmth of the sun on our shoulders, listen to the songbirds, spend some time with our nose in a book. The peace we afford ourselves now can help us as we get ready to navigate another school year ahead.
Happy Summer! -Shelby Knight
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Information from your Parent Mentors |
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Don't forget about your local libraries this summer! A great way to beat the heat and have fun is to participate in local reading programs. Reading is an important skill and there are so many benefits to reading for young, developing brains. Many libraries have fun activities for children, teens, and adults and will likely have a calendar at the library or on their website.
The Pizza Hut Book It Program is also back again! To find out more CLICK HERE!
-Teresa Hendrix
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It won't be long until July 4th will be here! There will be many fun activities including local fireworks! Some tips for making them more sensory friendly and enjoyable: noise canceling headphones, blankets, camping chairs, sunglasses, fidget items, etc. If being in a crowd is too much for you or your loved one, you may be able to scope out a great parking spot and watch from the comfort of your vehicle. Also, use visuals or talk about what will happen at the fireworks event with your loved one with a disability. And it's okay if fireworks are too overwhelming, there are many other ways to enjoy July 4th!
-Loreena Hegenbart
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Summer can be a good time to organize and review your child’s educational documentation. First, make sure you have a copy of the most recent IEP and evaluations. Second, keep in mind that IDEA states that the IEP should be developed in consideration of the following: child’s strengths, parents’ concerns for enhancing their child’s education, and results of the initial or most recent evaluation of the child, and the academic, developmental, and functional needs of the child. (IDEA 20 USC §1414(d)(3)(A)).
To make it simple, the IEP should be developed utilizing the terminology of S.M.A.R.T. For more info about what this means, CLICK HERE!
-Karen Lutrick
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One of our favorite summer activities is going to inclusive parks in Arkansas! If you would like to learn more about our experiences and what's available at these parks, CLICK HERE!
Our next favorite activity is swimming! Arkansas has a ton of aquatic parks, swim centers, and local pools. If possible, call ahead to find out their least busy times. This may help you teach your child the rules and routines during the first visit and can make other visits more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
-Michele Lappin
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More summer fun for kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities. |
Community Connections hosts events for kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities to enjoy. They have game nights, bowling, sports clinics, respite care events, and much more! Events are free! To sign up, volunteer, or become an area director to expand programs to your city, click the button below! |
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Summertime Transition Planning!
from Karen Lutrick
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TCFEF Transition Planning Resources |
Summertime also means graduation or transition to high school planning! Maybe your child with a disability is looking for work or educational opportunities or living arrangements.
Consider visiting the TCFEF Website and accessing the Teen and Young Adults tab to learn more about Arkansas’s transition resources.
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Independent Futures That Work |
You can also visit the IFTW website to view regional, state, and national resources for helping teens and young adults with disabilities access resources to transition to adulthood! |
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Below are just a few local celebrations and events for the months of June and July! |
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Pride Festival in Fayetteville on June 18th celebrates LGBTQ+ history and pride. |
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The Juneteenth Festival in Little Rock on June 18th at 5 PM commemorates the end of slavery in 1865. |
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Pops on the River is one of Arkansas' largest 4th of July Celebrations, held in Little Rock on July 4th. |
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Pediatrics Plus - The Farm |
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A new, innovative setting for ABA, PT, OT, AND SPT therapy, not just for summer but for all year! The Farm provides an outdoor environment that gives kids with disabilities real world, hands-on experiences like gardening, cooking, outdoor play, interacting with animals, etc. Located currently in Conway and Bryant. |
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UPDATE ARKANSAS -
IMPORTANT MEDICAID INFORMATION!
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Follow the instructions to update your information or click the info graphic to find out more! |
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