Sunshine

What is Sunshine?

Sunshine are success stories, positive outcomes, and basically good things the people of our group have done and have experienced with their special-needs children.  If you have some Sunshine to share, let us know!

In the Summer of 2005, Ripon Unified unveiled its newest elementary school, Park View Elementary.  After seeing the Special Day Classroom (SDC), it was obviously much smaller than all the other classrooms on campus, did not have adequate bathroom facilities and was poorly designed to have large windows overlooking a playground that would have children playing outside while class was taking place inside, several parents approached the Director of Special Education who deferred to the Superintendent.  After the Superintendent would not listen to parents concerns, the matter was elevated to the San Joaquin County Office of Education which, too, fell on deaf ears.  The parents then went to the Facilities Planning Department of the California Department of Education.  The CDE checked into the matter and found the classroom size did not meet state minimums.  Before the beginning of the school year, the thankful teacher was relocated to a larger classroom with nearby bathroom facilities and better location.  This is a great example of how SNAFU parents have banded together to make great change!

In December 2006, some employees of Modesto Junior College, Donna Yarnal and Wendy Byrd, contacted SNAFU about a family with a single mom and her four children...one of whom has autism.  The single mom was a student at MJC carrying a 3.4 GPA.  The family had fallen on hard times and were about to be evicted from their home.  They were preparing to live in the family van....can you imagine living in a van with four children and one has autism?  This family was in urgent need of help and the holidays were approaching.  SNAFU immediately sent out an email to the SNAFU email list.  Within 48 hours, friends of SNAFU donated over $700!!  The mom sent this letter to SNAFU:

    "I am grateful, I appreciate your act of kindness, you are special and my heart is touched, but thank you cannot convey; the enormous weight you have lifted off of my shoulders, the smiles on my children's faces and the magic of the Christmas spirit we are enjoying because of your thoughtfulness, but thank you is the closest we can get to saying how much we appreciate you!  Thank you and God Bless You for your giving spirit, my family is thriving because of your help.  You have given us HOPE, a gift that lasts in our hearts forever."

In December 2006, SNAFU held a Christmas party complete with a gift-bearing Santa.  Dozens of children with disabilities were able to enjoy a Christmas party that was tailored to their needs and their enjoyment.  The party was a potluck event and parents drove as much as two hours to attend the event.  It was a wonderful time for parents to network and children to practice their social skills....not to mention to visit with a very patient and understanding Santa!

On April 2, 2007, SNAFU was presented with an award by Modesto Junior College by the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee "For your pursuit of meeting the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act."  SNAFU is very proud of this award and we thank MJC for their support of adults with disabilities through their many programs and openness to accommodations to students with disabilities!

During the month of April 2007, the Ripon Record ran a series of articles in their weekly paper highlighting a different child with autism each week.  SNAFU had an Autism Awareness display at the new Ripon Memorial Library.  The Ripon City Council made an official Proclamation that April is Autism Awareness month and publicly expressed their desire to support families living with Autism.  SNAFU was presented with a beautifully-framed Proclamation signed by the Mayor of Ripon.

In the Spring of 2007, SNAFU was able to help fund an ABA assessment for a needy family.  The school district had refused to do the assessment initially and then performed a low-quality assessment.  A truly unbiased assessment was needed and SNAFU was glad it was able to help.  This assessment helped the child receive the services of a one-to-one aide through the IEP process and is now making progress in his placement!

In March 2008, SNAFU representatives had the amazing chance to meet Pete and Pam Wright of www.wrightslaw.com!  It was awesome to listen to these two very down-to-earth and loving people share their knowledge and experiences.  Pete is proud of what SNAFU has accomplished and is continuing to accomplish.  A priceless complement from this world-renowned attorney!

Left to right:  Pete Wright, Esq; Pam Wright; Shirley Nutt, SNAFU

Posted on Sun, Apr. 13, 2008
Bike shop locks up deal for Modestan
By SUE NOWICKI
snowicki@modbee.com
last updated: April 13, 2008 07:22:20 AM

Networking can be the best way to solve problems. That's what happened when Shirley Nutt, chairwoman of the board of Special Needs Advocates for Understanding, was on www.freecycle.org a few weeks ago looking for things to sell at SNAFU's rummage sale. On the site, she found a request from a man looking for a bike for his friend, an older man with special needs.

Turns out the Modesto man's bike had been stolen.

Shirley e-mailed her agency's members and called The Bike Shop in Salida. Dan Steckman, a SNAFU member, offered to pay for a new bike and got a super deal from shop owner Tony Ferlito, who threw in a lock to prevent future thefts. Thomas, the special needs man, and his friend, Jim, who posted the ad, were delighted.

"It is an amazing feeling to see what happens when you connect people together," Shirley said. "I don't know who is more excited out of all of us."

Copyright © 2008, The Modesto Bee, 1325 H St., Modesto, CA 95354

 

Posted on Sun, Apr. 27, 2008
Conference sheds light on autism
By KEN CARLSON

Parents of children with autism often feel lost in trying to fathom the disorder and the social services system that is legally mandated to provide services for children with disabilities.

A valley advocacy group held its first Autism Awareness Conference on Saturday to inform parents about the disorder, proven therapies and treatments, and strategies in getting special education tailored to their children's needs.

About 50 people attended the conference held at Modesto Centre Plaza by the Ripon-based Central Valley Special Needs Advocates For Understanding. The 300-member group plans to make it an annual event.

"After we suspect our child has autism, we really don't know what to do next," said Mary Ann Fiedler, the group's president and an advocate for parents whose children have disabilities.

Getting the proper diagnosis for the child plays a crucial role when parents request services from state regional centers and school districts. Those agencies will look closely at how the disorder was diagnosed.

Parents should contact their family doctor or pediatrician and call their insurance company about a referral to a developmental pediatrician, Fiedler said.

She also recommended that they join an advocacy group. Such groups can refer parents to doctors who assess children with developmental disorders. The groups also can put them in touch with other parents who are navigating the system.

Signs of autism appear early

Parents often notice the signs of autism in the first two years of life, when their toddler doesn't make eye contact, has limited social interaction and isn't learning to talk. A proven therapy called applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is deemed most effective if started early. It involves one-on-one tutoring to cultivate language and social interaction.

For children younger than 3, parents can request assistance from the Valley Mountain Regional Center, which serves the developmentally disabled in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Calaveras and Amador counties. After the child turns 3, county education offices are responsible.

According to Central Valley Special Needs Advocates For Understanding, there are 1,200 students with autism in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, but only 170 are getting ABA therapy. Fiedler said the number comes from a regional Autism Connection planning meeting last year.

Conference speakers also offered tips for parents trying to develop "individualized education programs" (IEPs), which are plans designed to meet the special education needs of children with disabilities. Parents need to write effective letters documenting their child's behavior and why they need services such as speech or occupational therapy.

Speakers suggested that parents tape-record IEP meetings with school officials, so they later can review everything that was said. Also, parents were urged to be firm when hearing excuses such as "your son can't have speech therapy," "we don't do ABA", or "we know what's best for your child." Keep pushing for services, but never lose your temper, speakers said.

Suze Black, an advocate who has three special needs children, said she has brought a plate of brownies to IEP meetings to soften the tone.

"I have found that school districts are not open to (providing services,)" said Black, who lives in Ripon. "Getting them to say 'yes' is the toughest part."

Some parents might consider hiring an advocate to assist with the IEP process. Fiedler said her Guardian Angels Advocacy charges a standard fee of $30 an hour or lower rates, based on the client's ability to pay.

Other speakers at the daylong conference included professional experts who talked about therapies for children with autism and legal experts who discussed pertinent federal laws.

As the state cuts spending to alleviate a $16 billion budget deficit, it will be more reason for agencies to tighten spending for children with disabilities.

Lorraine Boudreau of Modesto said it helped to attend the conference. She has one child with a form of autism, and still seeks a definite diagnosis for a second child.

"I have been struggling for 11 years to get the therapy that they need," she said.

On the Net:

www.valleysnafu.com; www.vmrc.net; www.wrightslaw.com.

Copyright © 2008, The Modesto Bee, 1325 H St., Modesto, CA 95354
 

In July 2008, SNAFU was able to help fund an assessment for a needy family.  With names omitted, this is what Mom had to say:

    "SNAFU helping us with the grant was a great and awesome thing. I had to quit work recently to stay home and help [my son] with  his disability. Even if it meant cut back on things, but when it came to [our son] and his needs we were stuck, we didn't know where we were going to get the money from." Then we heard that "SNAFU did grants and I was totally excited, we could help the situation we were put in. My family and I are so grateful for the grant and all the support SNAFU has given us!"

Via email August 2008 from a parent that lives about two hours away from SNAFU's Ripon office:

    "I just wanted to say you guys are doing wonderful work and I just wanted to say keep it up! How cool. Where I live every support group is geting no replys and help from the people so now we have nothing. I wish you all the best."

In November, 2008, America chose a new president, Barack Obama.  Regardless of party lines, the Obama plan for people with disabilities is an exciting prospect.  If Obama lives up to his promises, this plan will go a long way towards supporting special-needs children and their families.  Read all about Barack Obama's plan for people with disabilities HERE.  As a community, people with disabilities need to unite to make sure Obama lives up to his promises outlined in this plan!

In November 2008, SNAFU was awarded with a $500 grant from Dean Uecker's Farmers Insurance.  Dean Uecker, also a City of Ripon City Councilman, has always been a huge supporter of SNAFU and special-needs children.  These funds will be used to make the upcoming Christmas party special for everyone and also to further the WINGS program.  Dean Uecker can be reached at (209) 599-6339.

In December 2008, SNAFU teamed up with CARE-ousel Therapuetic Horseback Riding (http://www.care-ousel.com) to bring special-needs children a wonderful Christmas party complete with Santa and presents!  Approximately 125 guests enjoyed food, entertainment and met new friends!

In December 2008, SNAFU donated a bagful of new toys to the Stockton Homeless Shelter.  The shelter houses many families, some of which have special-needs children.

In January 2009, SNAFU awarded its first two WINGS gifts!  A time timer and a Big Mack Communicator.  Check out our WINGS page for more information!  These gifts are made possible by generous donations from people just like you!  Check out our How You Can Help page to donate!

In January 2009, SNAFU conducted an IEP Workshop at the Stockton Homeless Shelter.  Many parents received helpful information on where to go for help and what services were available.  Imagine being homeless with your children.  It was very humbling to see children in that type of situation. 

In January 2009, SNAFU received a call from an out-of-state mom of a child with autism.  Her 8-year-old autistic daughter had been arrested by her teacher.  The mom asked for some direction to help ensure this would not happen to any other child or parent.  SNAFU contacted various media and the media attended the girls hearing resulting in the charges being dropped.  Check out our Full Disclosure page for more details!

In February 2009, SNAFU received a phone call from a parent who's son was being kicked out of a Charter School and "referred" back to the school district.  Although the child was assessed a few years ago and found ineligible for special education and therefore had no IEP, upon review of the case, SNAFU helped the parent write a letter to the charter school indicated it appeared several laws had been violated and the child was being expelled without due process.  The letter also requested a special education evaluation.  SNAFU received this response from the parent:  "Thank you very much. I delivered this letter on Wed. Then on Thurs. they called to schedule the testing and say he is welcomed back to school. He will be returning on Mon. Could not have done it without you."

In April 2009, SNAFU had a booth at the 5th Annual Day in the Sky event in Watsonville, California.  (www.dayinthesky.org)  Over 2,000 people were at this event that provided free airplane rides to children with disabilities and their families.  SNAFU reached out and networked with dozens of families and provided some much-needed on-the-spot IEP help!

In April 2009, SNAFU held its 3rd Annual Rummage Sale and Raffle.  The event included breakfast and lunch items as well as a jumpy house.  All the proceeds from the jumpy house went to the Julia Hatcher Memorial Playground Fund.  The was very successful; drawing hundreds of bargain-seekers.  Many volunteers turned out to help - even at 4:30am!  Julia's parents, Scott and Dorine Hatcher, were there.  It was great to see them!
 

SNAFU's WINGS program and the Julia Hatcher Memorial Playground were mentioned in this article in the Stockton Record. 

In May 2009, SNAFU held its first benefit rock concert featuring Malo, El Chicano and Manzo.  Well over 1,000 people enjoyed a 4-hour concert while raising autism awareness and benefiting SNAFU and the Alex Speaks Foundation.

In May 2009, SNAFU rolled out its newest program called AMP or Achieving Maximum Potential.  AMP is a fundraising vehicle parents can use to help raise money for treatment and therapies for their disabled children that are not covered by school districts, insurance and regional centers.  Learn more on our AMP page. 

Received via email in May 2009 from a parent:  "...just wanted to say that i think you are a great person and i think its awesome that even though your son has what he needs, that you still are so involved in helping others get what they need or at least help inform parents of what is out there. im sure you are told often, but just incase, i want to tell you that you are changing lives and giving people hope and a chance that they may not have had. "  High praise indeed!

Received via email in May 2009 from a parent:  "Thank you for your information, wish we'd found your site sooner. It contains a lot of valuable info."

In July 2009, SNAFU organized a Mini-camp in partnership with the Boy Scouts and many volunteers.  Children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism and other disabilities enjoyed the camp which included typically-developing Boy Scouts.  Next year will be even bigger and better!  Read the article and see photos HERE!

In August 2009, volunteer Andrea Anderson organized a garage sale with all the proceeds going towards the Julia Hatcher All-Access Playground fund.  Supporters drove as far as 50 miles to shop and support this great cause.  Read more about the all-access playground HERE.

In December 2009, SNAFU held its annual Christmas party with CARE-ousel Therapeutic Horseback Riding.  As always, this was an amazing event with smiles for miles!  This time, we were able to raise some much-needed funds for CARE-ousel!

In January 2010, we received these wonderful comments:  "Your daily digest is such a service in creating a community for all autistic children and their parents.  I read them everyday and I keep everyone of them because I never know when this information will come in handy." and "Your emails are always so timely (we have an IEP tomorrow) and very helpful."

In January 2010, SNAFU attended the Alliance of California Autism Organizations (ACAO) annual meeting.  ACAO is comprised of about 40 autism organizations throughout California that combine their voices, talents and passions to influence legislation for California's autism population.