Frisco ISD Special Needs Resources

Our Group Parent Training this month will be a Parent Panel: "What I Wish I Knew" on October 24th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Information about this event as well as additional learning & social opportunities are shared below. Please be sure to open the attachments at the bottom of this newsletter!

Don't forget to check out our website for visuals, helpful hints & much more: http://www.friscoisd.org/in-home

If you are not able to attend our trainings, you can access videos of the presentations here:

http://www.friscoisd.org/departments/in-home-parent-training/group-parent-trainings

Let's get connected:

• LIKE us on Facebook, where we post events, resources, and celebrations: https://www.facebook.com/FISDSpecialNeedsEvents

Sibshop: Tuesday, October 15th 6:30pm-8:00pm

Early Childhood School- 10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco, TX 75033

Join us to learn more about Sibshop, connect with old friends, and get excited for the year ahead with Sibshop! We are looking forward to meeting new sibs & welcoming familiar faces. Siblings of children with special needs (ages 8+) are welcome to join in on the fun.

• Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XeKfnYAHMY9guoVll7Ur5v8lX5Hg_AZE3e1Gh7PWqCs/edit?usp=sharing

"Potty Talk" Tool Time Training: Friday, October 18th 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Early Childhood School- 10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco, TX 75035

Join us to learn how to conquer potty training once & for all!

• Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VpuX5OkmG-hPkZWg6yJ0zpTCPfz9cFbXJAS2eVOwlFg/edit?usp=sharing

• As a courtesy to all, children may not attend this training.

Parent Panel: What I Wish I Knew: Thursday, October 24th 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Early Childhood School- 10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco, TX 75035

Join us to connect with & learn from parents who have "been there"! From accessing community resources, to nurturing relationships, to fostering independence, you are sure to find inspiration in their journeys!

• Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GCW8K2Zh0nq3WJSVGOQX0YyeHIjrnGAX9aPk0OLETf4/edit?usp=sharing

• Childcare is available for children ages 4+. Registration for childcare is REQUIRED; childcare cannot be accessed without prior registration. This allows us to provide adequate supervision for all attending.

The Parent Sanctuary is a place for all FISD parents to find resources and support. The Lending Library contains books related to general parenting, parenting children with special needs, and children's books about special needs. We also have books on sensory strategies, social skills, behavior strategies, raising gifted children, siblings, teaching tools, and so much more! Parents and educators can check out various sensory kits, weighted items, and games/activities to try at home or in the classroom. We also have binders FILLED with visuals, strategies, and local resources. Parent volunteers are available every Monday & Wednesday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Parent Trainers are available to provide support every Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. No appointment, referral, or RSVP is ever needed!

Please let us know if there is something that would benefit your family! If you have gently used books, weighted items, or games you would like to donate, we would be ever-so-grateful to add them to our library! You are welcome to drop your donation at the Early Childhood School or contact one of the Parent Trainers (contact information above) and we will arrange to pick it up from you!

To take a brief video tour of the Parent Sanctuary, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMmRZ68VmUA&feature=youtu.be

We hope to welcome you in soon!

ADAPTIVE DANCE CLASSES: August 16th- June 12th Adaptive Fusion Dance Class with Jasmine's Beat (with an option to perform at a sensory-sensitive recital on June 20th, 2020). Classes are held at Next Step Dance at The Star in Frisco: 6635 Cowboys Way, Suite 130, Frisco, TX ) on Fridays from 4pm-5pm. Click here to register: https://app.thestudiodirector.com/nextstepperformingarts/portal.sd?page=Login

ADAPTIVE THEATRE PROGRAM: North Texas Performing Arts Starcatchers program will be learning and performing Elf Jr. this season! Classes begin September 25th at the Fairview Youth Theatre. Classes are held weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Cost is $225 for the season. To learn more/register, please visit: https://ntpa.asapconnected.com/Courses.aspx?CourseGroupID=39519

ADAPTIVE MUSICAL WORKSHOP: Musical productions are unique for uniting all art forms. Through the combination of drama, song, dance, and visual art, characters and stories come to life. Ending in a short showcase, this class aims to give youth and adults with special needs opportunities to learn the fundamentals of putting on a production. They will create stories, develop characters, draw and paint backdrops, and sing and dance to a few musical numbers. Through the development of these skills and expressing creativity as a group, students further their development of social, communication, motor, and cognitive skills.

Teacher: Lindy Waldmeier, MT-BC
Cost: $150

Thursdays 5:00pm-6:00pm, starting September 26th
North Texas Performing Arts – Frisco

To register, please visit: https://ntpa.asapconnected.com/Courses.aspx?CourseGroupID=39519

SENSORY FRIENDLY STATE FAIR: Sensory Friendly Mornings are returning to the State Fair this year! They would like to welcome those with sensory-related concerns to attend the Fair every Wednesday (October 2nd, 9th, and 16th) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, activities and exhibits across the fairgrounds will be made easier on the eyes and ears to better accommodate those with sensory-related concerns. These days are designed to let everyone experience the State Fair of Texas in an accessible and enjoyable way. Please see the attached flyer for more information, or visit BigTex.com/Sensory-Friendly.

MIRACLE LEAGUE TRACK: Registration for the Miracle League of Frisco's 2019 Track season is now OPEN! Practices begin November 3rd, with 1 or 2 laps around the track. All athletes and participating family members are encouraged to run or walk at each practice and during the week. Practices are held at Reedy High School, 3003 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco 75034. Cost is only $25 and includes race entry for the North Texas Turkey Trot, team shirt, and coached practices.

Please direct all questions to director.track@friscomiracleleague.org. To register, please visit: http://mlof.bonzidev.com/track

STUDIO MOVIE GRILL SCREENINGS: Studio Movie Grill continues to host sensory-friendly special needs movie screenings each month, at no charge for children with special needs (sibs are free, too!). All others pay $6. On October 5th at 11am, they will screen "Abominable". On October 19th at 11:00am, they will screen "Addams Family". On October 26th at 11:00am, they will screen "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil". For more information, please visit: https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Movie/Film-Series/Special-Needs-Screenings

SENSORY-FRIENDLY JUMP TIME: Saturday, October 5th 9am-11am. Jump Street hosts a semi-private event on the first Saturday of each month for children with special needs & their siblings. 9am-10am- only open to families of children with special needs; 10am-11am open to the public. Children ages 5+ can jump for 2 hours for $8, ages 4 and under are $4. Parents are free. To learn more, please visit: https://www.gotjump.com/texas/plano/

CHUCK E. CHEESE SENSORY-FRIENDLY PLAY TIME: Chuck E. Cheese is now offering a sensory-friendly play time on the first Sunday of each month. This month's play time will be held on October 6th from 9am-11am. For location information, please visit: https://www.chuckecheese.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/q3_2019_sss_stores_web.pdf?sfvrsn=84add7d_2

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY'S SOCIAL READERS LEAGUE: The Frisco Public Library invites you to the Social Readers League on Monday, October 7th from 6:00pm-7:00pm! SRL is an exciting hour for tweens (grades 4th-8th) served in Functional Academics (FA) and Resource classrooms to make connections, build friendships, improve reading skills, and have fun! Future dates: November 4th, and December 9th. To learn more, please visit: https://www.friscolibrary.com/event/social-readers-league-0

FRISCO SAGE COFFEE TALK: Frisco SAGE is a non-profit that exists to meet the needs of families with diverse learners of all ages in Frisco and the surrounding communities.

They would love for you to join them at their next Coffee Talk! This event is a great opportunity for parents in Frisco and surrounding areas to come together, network, and support each other. If there is a topic you specifically want to discuss, please email programs@friscosage.org. Upcoming dates:

• October 8th 9:30am - 11:30am

  Topic: Sensory Ideas: how to make the upcoming holidays sensory-friendly for your child

  Location: Hurts Donuts 3288 Main St Ste. 101, Frisco, TX 75033

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY'S SENSORY STORY TIME: The Frisco Public Library invites you to the Sensory Story Time on Saturday, October 12th from 11:00am-12:00pm! Enjoy a family story time geared toward children with Autism and/or are sensitive to sensory overload. Families will explore books, songs, and sensory activities. Future date: November 9th. To learn more, please visit: https://friscolibrary.com/event/sensory-story-time

DALLAS CHILDREN'S THEATER SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE: DCT offers specially-adapted plays for the enjoyment of those with sensory needs. Throughout the course of the year, Dallas Children's Theater will present a variety of plays from which you can choose. Some stories, especially fairy tales, may be disturbing to some children, for example, the villain or conflict in the story. If you would like to arrange a pre-visit to the theater or have additional questions, you can contact Gina Waits at: 214-978-0110 or gina.waits@dct.org.

DCT wants to make sure families have no barriers that would prevent them from at least sampling these great opportunities created especially for them! Tickets are only $5 per person. Regular DCT show prices range from $15 to $30.

• 12:30pm - 1:30pm Optional pre-show activities such as face painting, clown performances, music therapy and others.
• 1:00pm Doors to the theater are opened
• 1:30pm Show begins

• Next performance: Disney’s Beauty & the Beast October 12th at 1:30 PM - Be our guest for this tale as old as time! Spirited Belle longs for adventure beyond her small, country town. But does she get more than she bargained for when the Beast captures her father and she is forced to trade places to save him? Favorite castle figures Lumiere, Cogsworth, Chip, and Mrs. Potts hold out hope that Belle can, at last, be the one to help the misunderstood Beast learn to love and be loved in return. If so, they can all be rescued from the curse they are under. Can she do it before the last rose petal falls? Beloved songs mixed with a touch of compassion and kindness highlight the power of true love in this large-scale, family musical based on the Disney classic. Recommended for ages 5 and up

• To purchase tickets, please call the DCT Box Office at 214-740-0051. Seating for the sensory-friendly performance will be general admission. If someone in your group needs wheelchair accessible seating, please contact them at least 24 hours in advance so they can ensure your time at DCT is organized and well-spent. You can even visit their website to view/print a production-specific social story AND a parent tipsheet: https://www.dct.org/sensory/

• Future performances: November 16th "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show" (tickets on sale September 3rd), February 15th "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" (tickets also on sale September 3rd).

FRISCO SAGE FAMILY NIGHT: Frisco SAGE (Special and Gifted Education) is a non-profit that exists to meet the needs of families with diverse learners of all ages in Frisco and the surrounding communities. Family Night is a great opportunity for parents in Frisco and surrounding areas to come together, network, share information and support each other. Join SAGE on October 15th from 6-8pm at CasaMia (10935 Rolater Road Frisco, TX). Even if it's a quick hello, they would love to meet you and your family!

BUDDY BREAK RESPITE: Would you enjoy some time to relax or run errands while your child with special needs is treated as a “VIP”? A lovely & passionate woman brought the Buddy Break respite program to our area and would love for your family to join them! Each event is free and will be held at Chase Oaks Church in Plano from 10am-1pm. The next event is Saturday, October 19th (future dates: November 16th, December 14th). For additional information/registration, please visit: http://www.chaseoaks.org/connect/kids-students/buddy-break/ For registration issues or to volunteer, please contact the Buddy Break team at 972.783.8800 or mailto:buddybreak.coc@gmail.com

CHALLENGE AIR FLY DAY: Challenge Air and Mesquite Metro Airport invite you to join them on Saturday, October 19th at Mesquite Metro Airport for their annual Dallas Area Fly Day! Children & youth with special needs between the ages of 7-21 are invited to enjoy an opportunity of a lifetime: flying an airplane! This is a family-favorite!! Spaces are limited, so please register ASAP! Register here: https://challengeair.com/events1/mesquite-tx-fly-day-october-19-2019/?fbclid=IwAR1J-pALTXvpLIY4318nO6C8JwRCar_p2rbNzfI15tSc3AzZXOstwpgB89A

SENSORY-FRIENDLY CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE: Crayola is hosting a sensory-friendly experience on Sunday, October 20th from 9–11am. Join them to experience specially-designed arts & craft activities inside the Crayola Experience Plano attraction. Families of children with special needs get exclusive access to the entire 60,000-square-foot attraction from 9–11am; the attraction is open to everyone at 11am.

• Lights will be dimmed
  
• Music will be turned off
  
• Quiet room/space available
  
• Special appearance by Crayola character Tip (such as Mango Tango or Bluetiful)
  
• $21.99 plus tax per person. Online price $19.99. Free for 2 and younger. Senior Citizens age 65 and older are $19.99 plus tax each.

To learn more, visit crayolaexperience.com/plano or call 469-642-2901

MORE THAN LOVE FINANCIAL PLANNING WORKSHOP: On October 22nd from 6pm-8pm, Frisco SAGE and Cody Sutton of Stonewater Financial would like to invite you to a FREE WORKSHOP at Scottish Rite Frisco. More than love, parents of children with special needs spend time, energy & financial resources to ensure their children receive the best care and service. This workshop is designed to help you recognize the things you can do now to protect your child when they are older, when you are older and, most importantly when you're gone.

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/639821093090926/?active_tab=about

To register, please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6vu7Sp3T1SfXasdHni8TEzxVSmu9wIE6SS-KbUnv4il1Qyw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3GjTz8XnMe5HClEfEqMuOwfPpOx6asBrXTUKih3a9GMfsj1b_Yf8Vnb60

ESPECIALLY NEEDED'S FALL CARNIVAL: Save the date! Especially Needed's 10th Annual Fall Carnival will be held on Saturday, October 26th from 4PM-7PM at the McKinney National Airport. As updates are available, they can be found on their website: https://www.especiallyneeded.org/

FRISCO HIGH SCHOOL BEST BUDDIES' TRUNK OR TREAT: FHS Best Buddies will be hosting their annual "Trunk or Treat" at Frisco High School on Saturday, October 26th from 4:30PM-6:00PM.

IT'S A SENSORY WORLD "BOO BASH": Boo Bash is an annual Halloween Carnival that is open to the entire community. This event offers families a way to practice the concept of trick-or-treating in a sensory and communication-friendly environment. They provide non-edible and edible treats keeping in mind that some of the participants may have food allergies. This event also features carnival games, a costume dance, bounce houses, concessions and the ever-popular Boo Bus! This event will be held at their Dallas location on October 27th from 5pm-8pm. Additional information can be found here: https://www.itsasensoryworld.org/boo-bash/

ASSEMBLING THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE: A DAY OF LEARNING FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM: ESC Region 11 is hosting a free 1 day learning event for parents of children with Autism on October 29th from 9:15-2:30. The event will be held at their office in White Settlement. For more information/registration, please visit: https://www.esc11.net/Page/7580

brickLAB SOCIAL SKILLS CLASSES: brickLAB in Frisco (2552 Stonebrook Parkway) is hosting a monthly Teen Social Club for those who access special education services. For additional information, please contact Jenni Jensen: jenni.brickLAB@gmail.com or call 469-952-7607.

SOUND STARTS MUSIC CLASSES: Sound Starts is hosting "Little Jammers", an early childhood music group for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. One visit is $20, monthly (4-5 visits) is $60. To learn more, call 469-443-6224 or visit http://soundstartsmusic.com

COMMUNITY BAND: Sound Starts Music is excited to announce a Special Needs Community Band! This program is specifically for middle and high school children with special needs who are looking for support in playing a band instrument as well as additional opportunities to make music with like-minded peers. The program will be supported by a board-certified music therapist in collaboration with a certified band teacher. To learn more, please visit:https://soundstartsmusic.com/communityband/, email mary@soundstartsmusic.com, or call 469-443-6224.

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY SENSORY ITEMS: The Frisco Public Library is a wonderful partner with FISD! They aim to welcome and include ALL at the library!! They created fun "sensory backpacks" that can be checked out on the second (children's) floor.

They also recently added a "sensory box" that includes items that may help guests needing sensory accommodations have a more enjoyable library visit. The sensory box is located in the tower room close to the J desk. Guests do not need to ask to access the items, only to return them before they leave the library.

The library is no longer a "quiet zone"! Please take your children to the second floor and let them explore!

FRISCO PARKS & REC/PLAY FRISCO: Frisco Parks & Rec offers classes and events throughout the year. They are very open to new ideas! If there is something your child is interested in, please reach out to see if a new opportunity can be created or if a current activity can be adapted to meet your child's needs! The Fall Play catalog can be viewed here: https://issuu.com/friscofun/docs/playfrisco_fall2019_final To discuss your child's needs or recommend a new activity, please reach out to Jennifer Russell, Special Events Supervisor at 972-292-6521 or JRussell@friscotexas.gov.

FRISCO FLYERS (COMMUNITY-BASED SPECIAL OLYMPICS): Throughout the year, this community-based Special Olympics group offers seasons of basketball, flag football, track & field, swimming, golf, bowling, soccer, volleyball, and bocce. To learn more, please visit: http://www.friscoflyers.org/

FRISCO POLICE DEPARTMENT'S "TAKE ME HOME" PROGRAM: The Frisco Police Department offers an important (& free!) safety program called “Take Me Home”. The program is designed to locate and assist children (& adults) who may not be able to communicate their personal information. After completing a simple one page form and providing a recent photo, the person’s information will be placed in a database that can be quickly accessed by emergency responders. If a loved one is reported missing, their information will be immediately available to officers closest to the person’s last known location, eliminating any delay in search efforts caused by data collection/transmission. You can sign up for the program here: https://www.friscotexas.gov/FormCenter/Police-6/Take-Me-Home-Program-92 To register with the Plano Police Department's "Take Me Home" program, click here: http://www.plano.gov/750/Take-Me-Home-Program

ANN EISEMANN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND: Another inclusive playground made its' debut in DFW! The Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground is an 11,000-square-foot Parks & Recreation amenity located at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.

The playground includes:

Separate play areas for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12

Poured-in-place rubber safety surface

Four types of swings, including traditional "belt" swings and "tot buckets" as well as high-backed, plastic seats that provide added support, and two-person swings, in which a child and an adult face each other

Adaptive merry-go-round, in which children can sit in molded plastic seats next to children who are standing

Double seesaw & tire swing

Two "roller slides," which provide faster movement and more muscle/joint sensation

Adjacent, accessible, family-style restroom with a drinking fountain

Sensory Garden

The playground also includes concrete walkways and an extensive ramp system, which provides access to decks, climbing equipment and slides. The playground is open daily, sunrise to sunset. To learn more, please visit: https://www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/inclusive-playground

TEXAS A&M'S COACH TO COMMUNICATE PROJECT: C2C provides a webinar and face-to-face/online individual parent coaching sessions at no cost for parents, caregivers, teachers, and service providers of children with Autism. Participants will be instructed in how to improve the communication skills of their children/students. This (no-cost) project serves Texas parents, caregivers, teachers, or service providers who have a child up to age 22 with Autism or communication disorders who need instruction in communication skills. To learn more, please visit: https://autism.tamu.edu/about-us-2/

29 FRIENDS SOCIAL EVENTS: "29 Friends" hosts social events for young adults (16+) and adults with Autism. To learn more about 29 Friends or to join the group, visit their website: https://29acres.org/programs/29-friends/

TEXAS STATE PARKS: Have you ever wondered if Texas State Parks would be a good it for your family? This article details special needs accommodations at Texas State Parks: http://www.dfwchild.com/features/3653/texas-state-parks-kids-special-needs

PATH PROJECT: If you would like to learn more about the PATH Project’s events, you can find their calendar here: http://prntexas.org/events/month/

NAA-NT: The National Autism Association of North Texas (NAA-NT) is a great resource for families of children with Autism. To learn more about their mission, events, and resources, visit their website: http://www.naa-nt.org/

SPEDTex: The Special Education Information Center (SPEDTex) works collaboratively with stakeholders to provide resources and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities in our State. https://www.spedtex.org/ Contact Info 855-773-3839; inquire@spedtex.org

NAVIGATE LIFE TEXAS: NLT is a website rich with resources for families of children with special needs. They explore diagnosis/healthcare, insurance & financial assistance, family support, education, transition, and social events. Learn more here: https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en

UNDERSTOOD: 15 nonprofit organizations joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. Understood has a wealth of resources on their website for families: https://www.understood.org/en