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The Ohana Observer Exceptional Family Member Program BLDG 219 MCB Hawaii

Contact EFMP

Program Manager

(808) 257-7773

Training, Education, &

Outreach Specialist

(808) 257-0290

Family Case Worker

(808) 257-8894

Family Case Worker

(808) 257-7782

Dec 2018

Visiting family during the holidays can be an exciting but stressful event, especially for our family members with disabilities. Travel through airports can be made a little bit easier with these programs:

TSA Cares– This program was initiated to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Call the TSA Cares hotline toll free at 1-855-787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares will serve as an additional, dedicated resource specifically for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying. Travelers may also request a Passenger Support Specialist ahead of time by calling the TSA Cares hotline. Also check out TSA’s website for tons of information to help you prepare for travel with your EFM. You can select from a drop down menu for your specific situation at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

TSA Pre-check– Members of the military, DoD civilian employees, & those issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN) are eligible to participate in TSA’s Pre-check program without an application. Children under age 12 may also accompany a qualifying traveler. TSA Pre-check travelers get to experience quicker transit through airport security screening, faster moving lines, & do not have to remove belts, shoes, light jackets and 3-1-1 compliant bag and laptop from their carry on. To utilize TSA Pre-check, members of the military must use DoD ID number when making flight reservations. For procedures for DoD Civilian Employees, to see eligibility details and how to apply, and for more information about TSA Pre-check visit website: http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck.

Most major airlines have policies and procedures to accommodate those with disabilities. It is recommended that you notify the airlines of your reasonable accommodation requests upon making your flight reservation. Some airlines may require advanced check-in, usually 48 hours prior to flight time, if specialized equipment is required. For more information on accommodations to your flight contact your airline’s reservation department.

See our EFMP Lending Library section on page 2, which highlights children’s books on travel & airplanes to help prepare your child for your trip.

In this issue:

Home For the Holidays:

Holiday travel with your

EFM

Naughty or Nice list: Tips

for Better Holiday behavior

Lending Library Picks of the

Month: Children’s Travel

Books

Cooking Corner: Caramel

Corn Chocolate Pecan Bark

Make it yourself Gift Idea:

Snowman Mason Jar

Upcoming Events Calendar

Page 2

EFMP Lending Library

The EFMP Lending Library offers great books, DVDs, &

resources for our families to enjoy and learn from. If you

want to know more about a topic, make the EFMP Lending

Library the place to begin your search.

This month we will explore our children’s corner with

books about airplanes, travel, and airports to help prepare

your child for holiday trips.

Amazing Airplanes is full of colorful

illustrations featuring cartoon animals

and is written in rhymes. This book covers

take off, flight, landing and boarding the

airplane. The last page describes the

basic parts of an airplane with an illustrated diagram.

Airport is an easy read with lots of pictures for your child

to enjoy. This book covers the airplane’s take off to arrival

& is tailored for beginning readers.

The Noisy Airplane helps prepare your

child for the kinds of sounds to expect on

their airplane ride. This is great for kids

with sensory-sensitivities!

My Plane Trip is written for beginning read-

ers with pages that your child can color! This

book covers your child’s plane trip from

packing , going through security, all the way

to arriving at your destination.

Check out these books and more at the EFMP Lending

Library located in Bldg 219, next to the Base Theater &

Library.

Naughty or Nice list? Tips for Better Holiday Behavior From Your Kids The holidays are wonderful, yet it can be a stressful time for most families. With limited time and energy, it’s a miracle we are able to even find a moment to breathe. If we as adults are exhausted, our children are twice as fatigued. Children tire faster than adults, both mentally and emotionally. They also become overstimulated much more quickly. With that being said, here are a few tips to keep your little ones on the “nice” list this season. Manage your festivities. There are many parties and holiday opportunities you and your families will be invited to.

Remember to space them out on your calendar and plan for some family downtime. You want to make sure they have enough energy to celebrate the holiday! Keep routines on your holiday to do list. Children thrive on routines! Although the holiday season is full of fun & festivities, it can send even the most organized families into the spin cycle. Keep your child’s morning and bedtime routines as consistent as possible; it will ensure some predictability in their day. Prevent reindeer games. Holiday parties provide the opportunity for your children to play with other children which may in turn lead to mischief. Remember to let your children know your expectations of their behavior beforehand. Consider role playing tricky situations with your children, such as speaking politely, taking turns, etc. Last but not least… Set realistic expectations. Keep in mind that things may not go as smoothly as planned and there may be times your goals will not be met. Stay optimistic and positive and you’ll be on your way to a joyous holiday season! (www.positiveparenting.com)

Corrie S. Family Care Branch Behavioral Specialist

Page 3

The EFMP Lending Library offers great books, DVDs, & re-

sources for our families to enjoy and learn from. If you want to

know more about a topic, make EFMP Lending Library the

place to begin your search. This month’s pick is

Caramel Corn Chocolate

Pecan Bark

“I’ve eaten enough caramel corn to last a lifetime—starting with Cracker Jacks and working my way up to the

fancy brands. Who Knew it was so easy to make?” - Author Silvana Nardone

Serves 8 Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 tablespoons water 6 cups freshly popped or store-bought unsalted popcorn 1 cup chopped roasted salted pecans 1 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted Salt, preferably kosher, for sprinkling (A little kosher salt makes a big difference in this recipe)

Directions: 1) Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until a golden caramel color forms, about 20 minutes; remove from heat. 2) Working quickly, stir in the popcorn, then transfer the caramel corn to the prepared baking sheet and spread out in an even layer. Top with pecans and pour the melted chocolate chips on top, spreading to cover; sprinkle with salt, if using. Let cool completely, then cut into clusters. Recipe taken from page 218 of Cooking for Isaiah, Gluten Free & Dairy Free Recipes for Easy, Delicious Meals by Silvana Nardone. This recipe makes a great holiday treat to make as a gift and then share with friends and teachers in a festive tin.

Spread some cheer!

Make it Yourself

Gift Idea:

Snowman Mason Jar

In need of a gift idea a teacher, neighbor, coach or friend? How about decorating a mason jar with a festive holiday theme such as the one above. Little hands make great helpers for this easy to do gift idea!

To assemble the one above you will need:

white yogurt covered pretzels (or white chocolate)

3 black buttons

1 mason jar with lid

Red cloth or ribbon for scarf

String and gift tag

To assemble:

1) Glue 3 black buttons to jar as shown above

2) Place pretzels in jar

3) Seal it with lid

4) Tie string and gift tag around the neck of the jar

5) Wrap red cloth (ribbon) around neck of jar over top of string.

6) Give your homemade gift to someone special! :)

Page 4

Ongoing — Story Time at the MCBH Library.

Thursdays from 9-10AM, for children ages 3-5;

Tuesdays from 9-9:30AM for children ages 1-2. Call

254-7624 for more information.

http://mccshawaii.com/library/

Dec 1 — Access Surf Day at the Beach - at White

Plains, Ewa Beach from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. A FREE

Fun surfing event, for all ages and abilities. Sign up

at accessurf.org

Dec 1 — Ralph Breaks the Internet Sensory-

Friendly Film— Presented by Autism Society

Hawaii at Olino Theater in Kapolei from 9 AM —12

PM. Children with autism are free, all others

(Siblings, parents, etc) are $11. Visit https://

www.autismsocietyofhawaii.org/ for more ticket

info

Dec 1 — Honolulu City Lights Parade– 6 PM in

Chinatown & Downtown Honolulu.

Dec 1 — Jan 1 — Honolulu City Lights — Open

daily from 8 AM to 11 PM

Dec 7 — Building Networks of Support Training-

This training will focus on how to build both natural

and formal networks of support. RSVP to the EFMP

at 808-257-0290.

Dec 8 — Santa’s Village — 9AM-12PM at Mokapu

Mall/ Main MCX

Dec 9 — Sensory Friendly Santa– Presented by

Autism Speaks Hawaii at Pearlridge Center. Visit

www.autismspeaks.org/santa#HI for more info &

to reserve your spot.

Dec 11 — Recreation & Inclusion Training - Join

the EFMP in a training designed to provide

information on inclusion in sports. RSVP at 808-

257-0290

Dec 12— Talk Story with Epilepsy Foundation

Hawaii - 200 N. Vineyard Boulevard, 5th Floor.

5:30 PM-7:30 PM FREE RSVP:

www.epilepsyhawaii.org

Dec 13 — EFMP at Camp Smith (By appointment–

call 257-0290 to schedule.)

Dec 15 — Hawaii Adaptive Paddling Association -

Hawaii Adaptive Paddling Association

(www.hawaiiadaptivepaddling.com) Kailua Beach

park 10AM—1PM. Participants can enjoy a day at

the beach with canoes, paddles, safety equipment,

boogie boards, beach toys, & free lunch is

provided. No cost to participate, please visit HAPA

website for info & waiver form.

Dec 18 — Coffee Hour - Coffee Hour. Building 219

courtyard near the Lava Java cart at 8:30AM—

9:30AM.

Support and network with other EFMP families

and receive information on programs and services

pertaining to EFMP.

Dec 25 — Christmas Holiday — EFMP Office

Closed

Dec 27— EFMP at Camp Smith (By appointment–

call 257-0290 to schedule.)

Dec 31 — New Year’s Eve Firework Shows - https://www.govisithawaii.com/waikiki-honolulu-oahu-new-years-eve-fireworks-dining-events/

Exceptional Family Member Program

BDG 219, MCBH

808-257-0290

Hours of Operation M-F 0730—1630

www.mcchawaii.com/efmp