EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 1

EFMP NewsYour free guide to EFMP services, entertainment and educational opportunities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

FREE

Exceptional Family Member Program February 2015

Upcoming Events Pages 2-3

Learn to Ask Questions, Get Services

Pages 4-5

AFCS SpotlightPage 6

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 2

In this issue:

Armed Forces Community Service (AFCS)Director: Alecia R. Grady

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Rm. 400JBLM-Lewis Main

usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-acs-exceptional-family-member@mail.mil

EFMP Program Manager: Mary Herrera253-967-9704

EFMP Staff Members:

Upcoming Events, pg. 2-3Learn to ask Questions, Get Services, pg. 4-5AFCS Program Spotlight, Pg. 6Local Support Groups, pg. 7Birth-to-Three Services, pg. 7EFMP Enrollment Process, pg. 7Resources at your fingertips, pg. 8

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-9705Carol Watrous: 253-967-3451Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Megan O’Day: 253-967-9097Lynn Shick: 253-967-3464Anthony Buggage: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policy regarding assistance to our Families. Please feel free to contact us if you have any ques-tions about available services, concerns, or if you need resources or advocacy at Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civilian community.

FebruarySKIES Reg. Feb. 2-27 Parent Central Services, Lewis Main & McChord Field to register for February SKIES classes. Registration for classes is the first Monday through the fourth Friday of the previ-ous month. For a description of classes or to register your child, go to JBLMmwr.com & click on the yellow WebTrac button.

JBLM Special Olympics - ages 8 – 18, $55 per sport Aquatics/Swimming – Regis-tration: Feb. 3 – Mar. 5. Parent meeting: Mar. 6. Practices: Mar. 9 – Apr. 19 (Mondays – Wednesdays) Track and Field – Registration: Feb. 3 – Mar. 12. Parent meeting: Mar. 13. Practice Mar .17 – Apr. 25 (Tue. – Thur.). If you have any questions, please contact Genia Stewart, Head Coach, at 253-967-2405 or email her at mary.e.stewart48.naf@mail.mil.

International Spouse…Cooking Demonstration Feb. 4, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Family Resource Center, 4274 Idaho Ave., Lewis Main. For foreign-born spouses. Meet new friends and share foods from your culture; learn about available resources. RSVP required. Register on-line at jblmafcs.checkappointments.com or call 253-967-3628.

Power Parenting Feb. 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m., “No More Yelling” by the Family Support Center of South Sound and Hands on Children’s Mu-seum.Call 360-956-0818, x103, to pre-register.

PURPAS– Monthly Meeting Feb. 11, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A and 215A. Please bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more infor-mation, please contact Susan Jackson at 253-565-2266, ext 107, or Sybille White at ext 118.

Special Families of Pierce County Feb. 12, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Inclusion Revolution, Jenni-fer Adams, Ms. Wheelchair America 2014 and Author. Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. Childcare is limited and pre-registration is required each month.

Ice Skating at Sprinker Recreation Center Feb. 14, 7:45-9:45 p.m., Valen-tine’s Day Date Skate, BOGO Feb. 16, 1:15-5:15 p.m., Presi-dent’s Day Holiday Skate, Cheapskate prices. Location - 14824 C St. S. Ta-coma, WA 98444.

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 3

Go to http://www.piercecounty-wa.org/index.aspx?NID=2443 or (253) 798-4000 for more information.

Spouses Out on the Town Feb. 17, 9-3 p.m. New to JBLM? Enjoy a day out on the town visiting sites outside JBLM. Pick-up Times & Lo-cations: 9 a.m., Waller Hall AFCS (Lewis Main) & 9:30 a.m. S&FRC (McChord Field). Limited Seats Available: Reg-ister at JBLMAFCS.checkap-pointments.com. Please bring lunch (or money for lunch). Dates, pick-up times & loca-tions subject to change; call 253-967-3628 for details.

JBLM EFMP Family Friendly Movie Feb. 21, 12 - 2:00 p.m., “Big Hero 6” at the McChord The-ater. FREE. Sensory controlled environment. Perfect for spe-cial needs and young viewers. All children must be accom-panied by an adult. Bring your own snacks. For more informa-tion contact 253-982-2695.

SEMInARSPart III: Medicaid and Military Families: Adults with Special needs (adult, spouse, elderly) Feb. 18, 8:00-9:00 a.m. https://connectcol.dco.dod.mil/milfa-

EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-Mc-Chord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commer-cial sponsor. Editorial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Armed Forces Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation offices. Submissions are welcome but will be edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, one month prior to publication date. EFMP News is published monthly. Circulation: 1000. Send submissions to: Mary.K.Herrera.civ@mail.mil

Policy:We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider withhold-ing the name of the author upon request. Letters regarding an issue should contrib-ute to informational interest.

We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to resolve libel, force protection and grammar.

Although the information in the issue is current at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activity for confirmation.

Join us on FACEBOOK! Connect with other EFMP News readers on Facebook and get regular updates on our program.

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Events...mlearningnetwork Presenter - L. Christopher Plein, PhD, Military Families Learning Network – Caregiv-ing Special Needs. Concentra-tion Team, Professor of Public Administration, Eberly Fam-ily. Professor for Outstanding Public Service, West Virginia University. This webinar is part three of a three part training series that will provide basic and necessary information on Medicaid, a federal-state pro-gram that often provides health care coverage for low-income families and those with dis-abilities. The third module will examine Medicaid options for older family members, such as spouses and adult children. The overall purpose of these mod-ules is to assist family support providers and others with a general knowledge of Medicaid and to provide some guidance on where to turn for resources and further information.

Autism 200 Series: Medi-cation Management and ASD Feb. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. Instructor: A.A. Golombek, MD; Locations: The Education Classroom at Good Samaritan Hospital’s Children’s Therapy Unit, Puyallup or The West Wing AV Conference room at Mary Bridge Hospital, Tacoma.

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 4

Learn to Ask Questions, Get ServicesBy Laurie from New York

When I began to advocate for my daughter, I felt insecure when I requested services or supports for her.

Because I felt insecure, I supported my requests with lots of documentation --articles, reports and recommendations from experts, test results, and information about specialized equipment. I was calm, polite, and in control.

I was surprised to find that the “powers that be” would not provide the services and supports that I requested for my daughter.

How Do They Perceive Me?

Why was I having this problem? What could I do?

It seemed that when I made a request, the educational experts viewed me as a “Know it All Parent” who thought she knew more about my child’s needs than they did. I realized that they felt threatened.

Now when I go to an IEP meeting, I have a mental list of the accommodations my child needs. What took me so long to do – to ask for what my child needs –I NEVER do! Now I ask questions so the educators come up with the desired solution, NOT me.

Strategies: Asking Questions to Identify Solutions

My child Susie has a hearing

loss. I want Susie to sit near the teacher OR have a speakerphone in the classroom. I won’t ask that Susie sit near the teacher or have a speakerphone.

Instead, I will say, “Gee, Susie really loves her teacher, Mrs. Smith. It’s sad that Susie can’t hear much that Mrs. Smith says. You know Susie has a hearing loss? (submit medical report) Susie really wants to do well on the new state tests. I wonder what we can do . . .

At this point, someone is likely to say, “Let’s have her sit by the teacher” or “Let’s get a speakerphone for her.”

I say, “That’s a wonderful idea. I’m so glad you thought of it.”

Strategies: Saying “Thank You”

I thank the team members for letting Susie sit near Mrs. Smith, the teacher she likes so much. I know this sounds crazy but I found it works most of the time. Educators/experts are happy when THEY come up with the way to meet the child’s needs! Sometimes, they have ideas that I had not considered either!

I decided it doesn’t matter who comes up with the solution as long as my child’s needs are met!

Last year, we moved to a new school district in a different part of the state. We had a “clean slate.” I had

a chance to try out my techniques with a new group of educators. I gave them my child’s IEP and told them about the equipment our former school used (the former school was willing to sell the stuff to them).

I could tell them everything they needed to know about my daughter but until they met her and got to know her for themselves, I was just another “yappy parent”.

I learned another lesson: our children often win over people on their own!

IEP Day: My Child Has Many Advocates

When IEP day came, more people were advocating for my daughter than I could imagine. I sat there feeling stunned, not saying much.

I heard, “We need to base her services on what she needs, NOT the availability of a TVI (Teacher of the Visually Impaired)” and “We need to have some training in this area” and “We must order these Braille books immediately.”

They had already purchased the equipment from the old school – it was sitting on the table!

When I meet or talk with school staff, I explain that my daughter needs access to the general curriculum. She must have instructional materials in Braille, services from a teacher of the

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 5

visually impaired, and orientation and mobility instruction.

I also explain that she wants to be like other kids. I do not expect the school to do cartwheels just for her! When they realized that I do not want to break their budget or create unnecessary extra work for them, they’ve been great. I can honestly say that I don’t feel that I’m at odds with them! (But I still don’t let down my guard.)

I look at it this way: If an educator came into my home and told me how to decorate the rooms and what color to paint my walls, I would not be very happy!

I can’t say that everything has been smooth sailing – we have had some glitches and are getting some things

in place for next year. I think this is the case whenever people with different interests work together for a common goal.

Parents need to figure out how to get the educators to come up with what our children need. My strategies are one approach. I’ll bet other parents have ideas too!

It’s sort of silly when you think about it -- like a game!

From Wrightslaw.com

You’re right, it’s like a game. And you hit a home run!

If a parent asks for a specific service or support, this generally ensures that the school will not provide that service or support.

After you struck out, you spent

time thinking about the meetings. You thought about how you were perceived by school people (a Know-it-All or “yappy parent”). You understood that if you took over the role of “Expert,” you would leave no role for the educators.

If school people feel threatened or disrespected by you, they will look for a way to shoot you down. This is human nature - it is not specific to special education.

Many parents do not understand these issues. Since many parents feel insecure in their dealings with school people, it’s hard for them to put their egos on the back burner.

Printed from: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.parent.askqs.htm

If your child’s IEP or 504 plan needs to be renewed before the end of the school year, this is the time

to request your meeting. Our Systems Navigators are able to attend

meetings with you or assist you with preparing for your meeting. Call AFCS EFMP at 253-967-9704.

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 6

AFCS Program Spotlight

Megan O’Day is delighted to return to the JBLM-South Puget Sound community after serving as a Military School Liaison Officer within the Washington DC Metro area. Dedicated to a vocation of

Did you Know?

service to others, Megan is eager to continue supporting Servicemember Families in her new role as EFMP Systems Navigator. Over the past 20 years, her professional journey in Family services, case management,

and community partnerships has been in both civilian and military sectors. Megan is joined by her husband, an OIF/OEF Veteran, three children, and extended local family in this exciting new personal and professional chapter.

Rick Kivett is moving on after eleven years at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He will be greatly missed. We wish him the best of luck in his new adventures. “It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this EFMP team. I am inspired by the courage and perseverance shown by the EFMP Families and will never forget my experiences here at JBLM”, says Kivett.

Bidding

Farewell!

Welcome!

EFMP has a new Systems Navigator!

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 7

EFMP Enrollment Process

Birth To Three Early Intervention Programs

Contact the Lead Agency for your county for a referral for services. Family Resource Coordination/Pierce County: 253-798-3790South Sound Parent To Parent/Thurston County: 360-352-1126Holly Ridge Center/Kitsap and Mason counties: 360-373-2536Community Health Access Program (CHAP)/King County: 206-284-0331

Support Groups for You & Yours

If your Family member has a health condi-tion that necessitates a specialist or spe-cialty clinic, he or she MUST be enrolled in EFMP under medical, DD Form 2792. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, he or she must be enrolled in EFMP under educa-tion, DD Form 2792-1. Enrollment forms for EFMP are renewed every three years or sooner, if there are significant changes.

Disenrollment is not automatic upon expi-ration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improvement that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army — Submit your completed enroll-ment forms to the EFMP office located in the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions regarding enroll-ment or overseas screenings, please call 253-968-0254/1370/4355. This office is closed on Thursdays.

Air Force — Submit your completed enrollment forms to the SNC office 62nd Medical Clinic, first floor of Airman’s Clinic Bioenvironmental hallway, second/third office on left. For a PCS screening or for questions call TSGT Michelle Sutton at 253-982-3350. Lois Fisher is the Special Needs Coordinator at 253-982-5568. Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday 0800-1530; Wednesday 0800-1100. Closed 2nd Tues-day 1200 – 1530; Closed on Thursday. For Air Force Respite Care, contact the Ser-vicemember & Family Readiness Center at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support Services Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis Main; Bldg. 552, Servicemember & Family Readiness Center, JBLM-McChord Field. Installation and local resources and ser-vices, housing and school issues, IEP/504 plans, respite care, systems navigation, advocacy, support groups, monthly newsletter, disability services and Special Needs Accommodation Process are avail-able for all Army and Air Force EFMP Families.

SPECIAL FAMILIES OF PIERCE COUnTY

groups for peer support, employ-ment, recovery and wellness, hous-ing, independent living, and veter-ans’ services.

PURPASA family support group open toall (parents, children, and helpingprofessionals) for individuals withAutism. Participants meet on the2nd Wednesday of the month atHenry Foss High School, 2112 SouthTyler Street, Tacoma, Room 213A and 215A, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more informa-tion please contact PAVE at 253-565-2266. Susan Jackson: sjackson@wapave.org or Sybille White:swhite@wapave.org.

TACIDTacoma Area Coalition of Individu-als with Disabilities promotes the independence of individuals with disabilities. It is located at 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma. Call 253-565-9000 for further information. The website is www.tacid.org and has a program link to an extensive schedule of workshops and support

the corner of 15th and Pacific Av-enue. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Childcare is limited and pre-registration is required each month. To RSVP go to: www.exceptional-families.org/events.html. Contact Angela Fish at specialfamiliespc@gmail.com for further information.

Special Families of Pierce County (SFPC) is a support group for families with special needs children in the South Sound region.Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, on

EFMP News • February 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 8

Resources

Individuals With DisabilitiesAcommonvoice.org (Counseling)

Addresources.org (ADD/ADHD)

Autismsocietyofwa.org (Autism)

Autismspeaks.org (Autism)

Biorxhemophilia.com (Bleeding disorders)

Exceptional-families.org (SN Support Group)

Featwa.org (Autism)

Gluten.net (Gluten Intolerance Group)

Hsdc.org (Hearing Speech and Deafness Center)

Pc2online.org (PC2 for Developmental Dis-abilities)

Piercecountywa.org/companionship (Pierce County Parks & Recreation)

Stompproject.org (Specialized Training for Military Parents)

Tbiwashington.org (Traumatic Brain Injury of Washington)

Thecpnetwork.org (Cerebral Palsy)

Family AssistanceCdc.gov/ncbddd/index.html (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmen-tal Disabilities (NCBDDD))

Efoodnet.org (Pierce County Food Banks)

Metroparkstacoma.org/specialized

MilitaryOneSource.mil

MyTricare.com (Tricare)

Ssa.gov (Social Security)

Uhcmilitarywest.com (Tricare Western Region)

Usacares.org (Military Family Assistance Center)

Children’s ServicesNaccrra.org/military-families (ChildCare Aware of America)

Nmfa.org (National Military FamilyFamily Association)

Psesd.org (Puget Sound Educational Service District)

Ssp2p.org (South Sound Parent2Parent)

FacebookFacebook.com/efmpjblm

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

Facebook.com/JBLMcyss

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