Santa Barbara | Ventura | San Luis Obispo | www.tri-counties.org

A Publication of Tri-Counties Regional Center | Summer 2015

Special Olympics World Games Open in July

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Every two years, Special Olympics athletes come together to compete at the Special Olympics World Games. Over 7,000 athletes from around the world will gather in Los Angeles this summer to show the true meaning of courage, joy, and determination. Athletes will be competing in a variety of different sports at venues throughout Los Angeles. Games will feature competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football (soccer) and many other summer sports. Around 500,000 specta-tors are expected to attend this year’s World Games. The games commence on July 25, 2015 and all competition is free to attend.

TCRC communities have stepped up as “Host Towns” for the games in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. About 30,000 World volunteers are needed to support the Host Towns and athletes in creating a memorable and unique experience. Regardless of skills or background, there are volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. Learn more about volunteering for the Special Olympics World Games by visiting this web site: www.la2015.org/volunteer.

Other ways to support the games include fundraising, corporate sponsorship, donat-ing to a Host Town, being a “Fan in the Stands”, or a team captain. Join us this summer in supporting and celebrating our Special Olympics athletes!!

Vision: Persons with developmental disabilities live fully and safely as active and independent members of their community.

Mission: TCRC provides person and family centered planning, services and supports for individuals with develop-mental disabilities to maximize opportunities and choices for living, working, learning and recreating in the community.

Cover Story01 Special Olympics World

Games Open in JulyFeatured Articles03 Ana Tamayo and the Art of

Graceful Transitions04 In Loving Color: Artists

with Disabilities in the Contemporary Art Scene

06 The Importance of Humor14 Naltrexone for Self-injury:

The Drug that will Not Go Away

15 My Life Inside (New Column)

Recurring Topics02 From the Executive Director09 Calendar of Events16 Greetings from the President

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From the Executive Directorby Omar Noorzad, Ph.D.

The inspiring stories in this TriLine dem-onstrate the importance of services and supports for people living with develop-mental disabilities. What came to mind for me as I read through the articles is the courage, commitment and creativity of everyone in these stories. I’ve seen these same qualities in so many of the people we serve.

It’s wonderful to have the Special Olympics World Games close to home this year in Los Angeles! You can make a difference for a Special Olympics athlete. Get involved! Please support an athlete, donate to a Host Town, become a “Fan in the Stands” or volunteer. Look for more information at www.la2015.org.

As we celebrate the courage of those we serve, it’s important to pay attention to current underfunding for our regional center system and take action. The fund-ing for regional centers was reduced by over $1 billion during the Great Recession, the majority of which has not yet been restored. Additionally, the regional center system is growing around 3.5% yearly and the funding provided is not adequate to meet the demands of developing services and supports that satisfy new federal home and community based requirements. All 21 regional centers are struggling to meet mandated Service Coordinator caseload ratios and regional center service providers are struggling to recruit and retain qualified direct care staff. As a result, the stakeholders in the system have come together to form the Lanterman Coalition to send a unified mes-sage to the Legislature and the Governor requesting a 10% increase in funding to

regional centers and the service providers in Fiscal Year 2015-2016 and a 5% annual increase until the funding structure for the regional centers is updated. TCRC is collab-orating with ARCA (Association of Regional Center Agencies) to implement regional advocacy plans. As the Local Advocacy Coordinator (LAC) for our regional center, I am participating in budget hearings in Sacramento, organizing informative visits to our local legislators and encouraging all stakeholders to be part of this effort.

Once again, we all need to work together to ensure that our system has adequate financial support. Please visit the “Budget Watch” section of the TCRC website for additional current information.

We have heard from our families and young adults about the needs of tran-sition-age youth. Young adults want a place to live, a community life, a plan for vocational training, and competitive or supported employment. Read about Ana Tamayo for a great example of a young adult contributing to her community through employment. TCRC is com-mitted to supporting competitive and supported employment for individuals with development disabilities; we know that services to support people in post-secondary school, on the job, and in the community will be needed.

I am so pleased that through the support of innovative art programs, artists with dis-abilities are making a place for themselves in the contemporary art world. A few local programs are featured including Alpha’s SlingShot Art Forum, UCP Work, Inc.’s

SunDial Gallery and PathPoint’s Commu-nity Access Programs. I commend these providers for recognizing and nurturing creative talent. A visit to their galleries is a treat for any art enthusiast.

And, if you have not had a chance to learn about the publications or speaking engagements provided by Brent Ander-son and his family, now would be a great time to find his book! (www.unintention-alhumor.com/shop.) Talk about courage, commitment and creativity – Brent’s work says it all. It’s a delightful read.

TCRC and people receiving services are fortunate to benefit from the expertise and knowledge of Dr. Jim O’Hanlon, TCRC’s Psy-chopharmacologist. Dr. O’Hanlon’s article about treatment with Naltrexone confirms that with some therapies perseverance is an important part of the treatment process.

I commend Peter Stone for writing a book about his experiences and life as a person with a developmental disability. Peter was born in a time, the 1950s, of deep misunderstanding of developmental dis-ability. Further excerpts from Peter’s book will be featured in upcoming issues of this newsletter. This series will give us an opportunity to appreciate the hard-won resources we currently have and remind us of the importance of steadfast advocacy for quality lives for people with develop-mental disabilities.

Courage, commitment and creativity - - we see these qualities reflected in the people we serve, as well as in many of the fierce advocates for system change. I want to thank the thousands of you who signed the petition at Change.org. There is still work to be done. Visit the ARCA website at www.arcanet.org for suggestions about advocacy, talking points and activities, and to stay informed about the results of these efforts.

Thank you for your dedication in supporting our system and have a wonderful summer!

Best regards,

Artist Jeff Working creates a Sculpture

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Ana Tamayo and the Art of Graceful Transitionsby Heather Wennergren, Media Coordinator

Enjoy two stories about successful transitions to adult life about Ana Tamayo and Brent Anderson. Catch up on local talent on page 4.

Ana Tamayo gets up early every morning and goes to work, returning home by 3:00 p.m. She works at A.C.C.E.S.S, (Adult Com-munity Center for Educational Support Services.) Offered through the Ventura County Office of Education, A.C.C.E.S.S. is an educational program located in Moor-park that provides functional skill training for young adults with moderate to severe disabilities. Ana assists with student care, lunch preparation and clean up. “I like my job a lot,” she smiles, “because I help with special needs kids. It feels good.”

Ana started her job after turning 21. She still has hobbies, but now they have to wait for the weekend. Ana earns an hourly wage plus Social Security benefits. She lives with her parents and is pleased to contribute financially. “I pay my rent and sometimes I go shopping. It feels good to help my parents.”

Ana attended A.C.C.E.S.S as a student after completing Moorpark High School. She took classes at the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) in Camarillo through the Ventura County Office of Education. She selected Fashion Retail Merchandising to study and spent some time volunteer-ing through a retail internship in a store before her current work opportunity arose. She’s delighted to be working with teachers and students there. Ana has adapted naturally to her shifting role, from student to staff. The familiar setting and teachers provide a supportive structure.

Ana’s transition was relatively smooth. This is due in part to good planning. Her circle of support includes her parents and sister Claudia Tamayo, a former TCRC Service Coordinator. Some early chal-lenges for Ana included navigating public transportation, tracking her hours and completing her time card. Some people find a job coach helpful during transition, but Ana didn’t need one.

TCRC has service provider organizations that support individuals in employment settings. Agencies such as UCP Work, Inc. and PathPoint have several ways to help people get jobs and keep their

jobs. TCRC Service Coordinator Tawny Lopez describes some of the support for employment. “People get help with job coaches, adjusting schedules, building in additional breaks or shortening the duration of the work day.” Lopez contin-ues, “Employers can also be given some guidance on instruction. Styles of teach-ing new skills may vary or be multi-modal, according to the individual’s learning needs. For example, instruction may emphasize visual cues, verbal cues, or model the behavior or task.” A combina-tion of teaching styles is selected to fit each person’s needs.

When asked about how young people might prepare for the working world, Jaime Rutiaga, PathPoint Program Manager, shared some suggestions. “Prep-aration is a continuous learning situation. Young adults are encouraged to volunteer their time in industries that they’re inter-ested in. This will not only allow them to develop soft skills along with transferrable hard skills, but also develop a reference for future employment. Moreover, working in a crew-based setting, such as Integrated Work or Group Supported Employment, provides the individual the opportunity to grow, meet challenges, and succeed in a supportive environment. This is key to long-term success on the job.”

Rutiaga reminds job seekers that their first job is not going to be their only job. “This job is the first step on a pathway to con-tinuous employment. The skills learned in this setting will only benefit them for future employment.” He adds, “It’s also important to have an exit strategy in place before leaving a job. Planning to work 12 months or 24 months before moving on is a good strategy.” Rutiaga’s last piece of advice is to always secure a new job before resigning from the current position.

Lucky for Ana, she won’t be needing this tip for some time. It’s clear that she has found the right position for her. She does a great job and is appreciated by her employer. “I love it here,” she smiles again. What advice would she give to a job seeker? “Make sure to be positive and patient.” Ana at Work

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In Loving Color: Artists with Disabilities in the Contemporary Art Sceneby Heather Wennergren, Media Coordinator; Photos by Isaac Hernandez

Artists with developmental disabilities have a place in the contemporary art world through the support of programs like Alpha Resource Center’s SlingShot, UCP Work Inc.’s Sundial Studios, and PathPoint’s Community Access Programs. They are creating their place in local art scenes, building their portfolios, selling their art and producing moving work that touches people’s lives.

SlingShot Alpha Art Forum (alphasb.org/slingshot), is a working art studio and gallery in Santa Barbara. The 38 artists with disabilities supported by the program have access to a variety of mediums, including ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, mosaic, assemblage, printmaking and fiber arts. The gallery is open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm during the week and by appointment on the weekend. Check facebook.com/sling-shotartforum for information, updates and exhibition dates.

The SlingShot gallery offers visitors an opportunity to purchase unique art and meet the artists as they work. Since 1980, Alpha has promoted artists with develop-mental disabilities through participation in gallery and juried art shows. The artists are recognized for their talent and have devel-oped dedicated collectors. The SlingShot Gallery provides their artists visibility and access to the rich local art world. It also gives the Santa Barbara community access to their unique and beautiful visions. As a recent gallery visitor stated, “This place is a community treasure.”

The artist’s work is notable for its raw creativity. Each piece, whether a drawing, painting, sculpture or textile, tells a story reflecting the perspective of that artist. The open studio environment is designed to encourage creative expression and the on-site gallery located near downtown offers an exhibition space that fosters a supportive link to the Santa Barbara art community. Artist Representative and Community Liaison Sue Dumm remarks, “Our artists feel proud and empowered when they exhibit in our beautiful gallery.”

Mike Blaha, an art instructor at the studio

(and professional working artist), enjoys watching artists evolve in their work, especially as they master techniques like printmaking, mosaic and pointillism. “Some styles and interests remain con-stant, while others shift perspectives.”

One artist glues mosaic tiles to a custom-ordered piece, designed to fit the buyer’s wall and color scheme. Another embroi-ders, while printmaking and drawing fill the main studio. Ceramic and sculptural artists have their own studio.

The gallery offers a space for art exhibi-tions, receptions and artists talks, as well as an on-site venue for artists to sell greeting cards, t-shirts, ceramics, shrink-art jewelry, coloring books, paintings, fiber arts and prints. According to Sue, visitors often return to see what SlingShot artists are creating. “They recognize the quality of the work.” Sue continues, “This artwork is an important contribution to the contem-porary art world. We are helping to bring it to the community. In doing so, we hope to transform assumptions about people with disabilities.”

Alpha Resource Center has been a long-time advocate of the artistic potential of people with developmental disabilities. At a time when macaroni, paste, paper plates and dime-store paintbrushes were the predominant art mediums in many pro-grams, Alpha introduced artists to canvas, acrylics and sable brushes. The intent was to allow the artists to produce work from their own imagination with minimal influ-ence by instructional staff. Alpha artists

Artists and Artwork at SlingShot Alpha Art Forumin Santa Barbara

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In Loving Color: Artists with Disabilities in the Contemporary Art Sceneby Heather Wennergren, Media Coordinator; Photos by Isaac Hernandez

produce imaginative and compelling work, competing in juried shows. Alpha opened SlingShot with confidence in the potential for artistic growth, recognition and financial gain for their unique artists. SlingShot is participating in Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk every month at their 220 W. Canon Perdido Street location.

PathPoint’s Community Access Programs provide a wide range of activities for the people they serve. An adaptive arts pro-gram enables individuals to enhance their skills and create remarkable contemporary pieces in a nurturing, inclusive studio envi-ronment. “PathPoint provides the supports necessary to allow people with disabili-ties to gain self-confidence and express their whole selves,” states Alana Walczak, Vice-President of Santa Barbara County. Artist Sue Ann Fredericks says, “I like it when I sell a painting. Sometimes my work makes someone smile, and then I smile too.” Visitors are welcome to view the art on display or visit the working art studio in downtown Santa Barbara any weekday by appointment (805-961-9200).

PathPoint also supports art programs in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero. Artists produce original paintings, drawings, cards and magnets. This year, all of the artists submitted work in the Paso Robles Fair. An annual benefit art show and reception is held the first weekend of December, where artists show their work and receive 50% of sales. The remainder goes to support the program. “We have a lot of fun,” remarked Laura Brown, Sup-portive Services Assistant Coordinator.

“Some of our people show their work in galleries, as well. It’s lovely to see their artistic talents grow.” (805-782-8890.)

UCP Work Inc.’s Sundial Studios is located in Santa Barbara’s artsy Funk Zone. Man-ager Michael Craig explains, “This is a stand-alone business. UCP Work Inc. offers art classes through their day program, but this studio is open to all community mem-bers. It’s a community-integrated program. There is also a Sundial North in Santa Maria. It’s part of the UPC Work Inc. day program. We show their work in our gallery.”

Michael continues, “We have people with disabilities employed in the crew here. They earn an hourly wage and are enhanc-ing their work skills. We’re hoping to add as many more work opportunities as possible; running the gallery, even doing wine tast-ings… we’re always looking for volunteers, instructors and artists. We collaborate with community artists as well.”

Artists work in a variety of media at Sundial, including painting, beading and jewelry making, sculpture, lapidary, ceram-ics and performance art. Upcoming events include Second Friday Funk Zone Art Walk and fairly regular First Thursday events. A shuttle brings art visitors to the gallery from State Street near the Granada Theatre.

Artists currently featured at Sundial include Kyle Allan, who makes popular drawings with images of the Santa Barbara Mission, sometimes in unusual situations… for exam-ple, riding on a flatbed truck. His work was featured recently in a Carpinteria Arts Asso-ciation’ show. Kyle has recently expanded his work to use of clay tiles. Brian Raleigh paints at the studio regularly. His work was featured on the gallery’s latest brochure. Others work in a variety of mediums. There are regular receptions to sell the ceramics, paintings, cards and jewelry that the artists produce. (www.sundialstudio.org).

These art industry incubators throughout the region share in kindling creativity with beautiful results. For art that moves the heart and spirit, these galleries deserve a lingering visit.

Artists and Artwork at Sundial Studiosin Santa Barbara

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The Importance of Humor The Anderson family business teaches about the experience of people with autism as they process language, incorporating a healthy dose of humor in their message. by Heather Wennergren, Media Coordinator

Double meanings, double entendre’ – hearing a phrase with a literal interpreta-tion – this can be a challenging experience for people with autism.

Together, Brent Anderson and his mother, Linda, co-wrote the book Unintentional Humor; Celebrating the Literal Mind®. (Find the book at unintentionalhumor.com/shop). The book, based on Brent’s inter-pretation of language, includes idioms, expressions, and collective nouns, along with their literal interpretation com-municated with a sketch, for concepts such as “school of fish”, “a band of goril-las”, and “computer mouse”. Linda smiled, “You draw this stuff out, and it’s hilarious.” She continued, “It’s been an awesome process. Brent is now involved in this business every day… I enjoy research-ing words, expressions, and idioms. Now Brent is doing some of the research too. Brent approaches his experience with an understanding and sense of humor that wouldn’t have been possible before.”

Linda and Brent’s sister, Jenny, 27, have co-founded a nonprofit organization, Celebrate Autism. Celebrate Autism is dedicated to helping young adults on the autism spectrum create productive lives. They have developed a curriculum to teach entrepreneurial skills and encourage employment opportunities. It is currently being used at the Temple Grandin School in Boulder, CO and other organizations across the country.

Jenny and Celebrate Autism (where Brent serves as “Resident Autism Expert”) were chosen to participate in the Seed Spot business incubator in Phoenix, Arizona in December 2013, culminating

in delivering a three-minute pitch before an audience of a thousand people. They won $25,000 from the Pakis Family Foun-dation. Listen to Jenny’s presentation at vimeo.com/82126966.

Brent, now 29, had a lot of anxiety grow-ing up, experiencing confusion and frustration from a world in which he interpreted his own version of a reality of language. He avoided the monkey bars, out of a fear of becoming a monkey. And the understanding of children’s games could be a source of fear, “Mom,” he confessed to her one day, “I tried so hard never to step on a crack.”

Along with literal interpretations causing confusion, auditory stimulation can con-tribute to a noisy environment externally and internally for children with autism. “The playground can be the worst part of the day for a kid with autism,” commented Linda, “it’s unstructured and loud.”Due to his literal interpretation of language, Brent regularly experienced frus-tration and anxiety with communications in his early years. “His is a story of an iso-lated young man, sitting at his computer playing his favorite games,” began Brent’s TCRC Service Coordinator, Larry Rice. “He moved with his mother in December 2008 from Colorado to California. TCRC was contacted to check out possible supports and services. Brent has overcome a life of challenges and grown into an amazing, sought-after, national public speaker today.”

Linda Anderson takes care of business. As an entrepreneur, she has created online enterprises selling children’s clothing and a small publishing company. She and Brent have just completed a sequel to their popular book. They sell t-shirts and greet-ing cards as well.

“Now people are sharing stories of their children’s literal interpretations of language and situations, comments Linda. “Our second book includes examples of other families’ experiences as well as Brent’s continuing interpretations of his auditory world. We’ll never run out of material.” Linda reflects, “I never imagined where it (book publishing) would be today; I just thought it would be a fun thing for us to do together.”

Service Coordinator Larry Rice provides a backstage view of Brent’s accomplish-ments. “Brent hit bench marks along the way after moving to California, going from a toe-in-the-water, take a look approach, to attending a day class 4 to 5 days per week. He made friends and settled in. Soon after-wards, he applied and was accepted into the ARC Training for Independent Living (TIL) program in Ventura. He began learn-ing to become independent, and then applied and was approved for SSI income which prepared the way for independently

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living in the community. In 2013 he gradu-ated from TIL and moved into his own apartment. In the meantime, while living at TIL, Brent co-authored the book and the family started the nonprofit.”

“Today, autism is a more common diag-nosis” Linda points out. “Back in the day, I jumped into getting every service avail-able. Insurance didn’t recognize it. Brent attended Special Education classes until he started at a private school for kids with disabilities. Any activity, especially with peers, was difficult for him. When he got to Community College, he was floundering. I hired a job coach, who found him a job at a grocery store. He was 21 years old, and just completely losing it. He’s always been so positive… but as a young adult, he was angry, upset and miserable.”

Brent’s long-time speech therapist, Andrea Mann, in Boulder, Colorado, spent hours teaching him the meaning of ambiguous phrases and expressions. She reminded Linda, “He’s so literal. He learns from pic-tures. He thinks in pictures. When he hears something, he gets a picture.” Linda asked for a book on the subject, and the therapist replied, “There isn’t one. Why don’t you write it?”

“So we started to write a book,” Linda recounted, “I told Brent, ‘I can’t write a book about you; I want to write a book with you.’ He said ‘yes,’ so we hired the perfect car-toonist! Brent described to him the visuals. We spent hundreds of hours on it. Alan Lewis draws incredible cartoons, and they completely collaborated, over the years. We published the book three years ago.

We’ve sold over 4,000 copies. We created an entire business around the book which includes Brent as an inspirational speaker.”

The family travels the nation speaking at conferences about Brent’s experiences. “We’ve spoken at over 50 venues all around the country in the past two years. Pre-senting is a huge opportunity to make an impact and provide information about how people with autism may perceive what is heard. It’s a great way to find shared understanding. It’s added such an incred-ible measure of love and light to Brent’s life; people say, ‘You’re such a role model’”.

Brent wasn’t originally enthusiastic. “If I wasn’t involved (in writing the book), it might have felt like it was making fun of me. When we first wrote it, I wasn’t exactly ecstatic about it. But then with time, I got used to it, and now I love doing events around it. Sometimes we’re an exhibitor, at a table telling people about the book; sometimes we have a presentation, not just about the book, but about the entire journey that my mom and I have made. It’s more about why humor is important, not just for people with autism, but also for everyone. We have the talks at schools, conferences, and all kinds of places.”

He has learned to speak publicly and to present with a great sense of humor. “It’s fun, and it took some getting used to, and I’m comfortable with it now. It’s exciting when we do events, like the ones we did last year in Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota.”

The benefits of sharing his message about teaching humor to the literal thinker suit him. “I’m a lot happier, much happier. I’m happier socially. I feel like I’m really having a positive impact on people.”

Many professionals are known to use the book in their practices, to illustrate the processes of a literal mind. Richard Mesaros, an autism expert with a specialty in special education, uses the book to illustrate interpreting and processing lan-guage. “Whether people with autism are verbal or not, I believe the processing of auditory language is different. I especially

want teachers to get this,” Linda expresses. “Expecting a person with autism to fully process the subtleties of auditory language is similar to the experience that persons with dyslexia have for the written word.”

Dr. Andrea Samson, of Stanford University, has conducted studies about autism and humor and shares the results of her work with Brent, who uses the information in his presentations. “We had to teach Brent about humor,” Linda shares. “Humor is healthy and healing, and encourages social interaction and friendships. By under-standing how people with autism process humor, we can help them, as it doesn’t come naturally. In our presentation, Brent talks about why he likes certain kinds of humor, and doesn’t like others. It breaks barriers.”

“Kids with autism have talents as other kids do,” Linda sums it up, “we can help them to be successful with their particular interest and skill to develop a business that allows them the quality of life they want. My son at 22 did not want to live at home; and the fact that he’s in his own apartment, doing well. He makes me so proud. He still receives a lot of support, but he lives inde-pendently. All I wanted for my kids was that they enjoy their lives, have self-esteem and feel good about themselves...that they be healthy and happy and safe. It’s been such a phenomenal transformation for our family.”

You can connect with the nonprofit at CelebrateAutism.com and @CelebrateAu-tism on Twitter and www.facebook.com/CelebrateAutism.

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ALPHA RESOURCE CENTER FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERemail: info@alphasb.org / www.alphasb.org

Santa Maria Office Santa Barbara Office805.347.2775 877.414.6227 805.683.2145

Alpha Resource Center offers a wide vari-ety of services and supports to encompass the needs of individuals with disabilities of all ages and at all stages of life.

Children & Family Services ~ Assists par-ents of children with special needs to gain the knowledge and skills to enable their children to be all they can be.

Parent-to-parent and family support, parent-professional collaboration, resource meetings and workshops, information & referral, transition, future planning, and much more!

Resource Libraries ~ offer over 2000 titles on developmental and other disabilities. Located at Tri-Counties Regional Center offices in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Mobile library services are available. Call for hours or specialized assistance.

Katie’s FUNd™ ~ provides social and recre-ational opportunities for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. Contact: Amy Buesker at 683-2145 x127 or abuesker@alphasb.org.

Alpha Adult Services ~ provides a broad spectrum of services for adults with de-velopmental disabilities. Each participant assists in the development of individual-ized services tailored to achieve his or her personal goals. 805.964.3547.

CALL ALPHA FOR MONTHLY PARENT TO PARENT SUPPORT AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

CLUB DIVERSITYFirst Friday of each month, 7pm-10pm, Jodi House, 625 Chapala St, SB. All ages welcomed, alcohol-free, inclusive event. Club Diversity is about meeting new friends, having fun and working together to eliminate barriers between able bodied individuals and those with disabilities. $3 fee, $1 refreshments. DJ & Live Sound, DJ of Ability, Chris Benedict 805.729.1512 or djofability@gmail.com

SANTA BARBARA SPECIAL NEEDS ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS WEBSITE A wide variety of 100+ community resourc-es, events and information supporting our area special needs agencies. Find activities for all ages posted on website. www.sbSNAP.org PARENT-TO-PARENT SUPPORT Sponsored by Special Needs Network. Meets 2nd Monday of every month, at noon at Denny’s at 1019 E. Main Street, SM. Contact: Diana 805.937.8756.

CITY OF SB PARKS & RECREATION DEPTCheck out what they have to offer. Contact: Adapted Programs 805.564.5421.

SANTA MARIA SPECIAL EDUCATION & SUPPORT INFORMATIONKathy Rowley hosts a Yahoo Group for parents of children with special needs who live in Santa Maria. Join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/santamariasupport.

AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA - SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER (ASASB)Contact: Marcia or Sandy at 805.560.3762 or info@asasb.org, www.asasb.org.

SANTA MARIA AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP Has an online support group for parents of children diagnosed with autism. There is also a weekly playgroup that meets at a local park. Contact: 805.714.1187 or email begeasykr@yahoo.com.

LOMPOC AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP A support group for parents and other caregivers of children diagnosed with autism. Contact: Polly Bleavins 805.347.2775 or email pollyb@alphasb.org.

ALPHA PARENT GROUP A parent support group meets regularly

at Alpha Resource Connections library at TCRC. Contact Jennifer Griffin at jgriffin@alphasb.org or call Alpha at 805-683-2145.

ART OF AUTISMThe Art of Autism has various events around Santa Barbara County throughout the year. Visit www.the-art-of-autism.com or email theartofautism@gmail.com.

SBATA@YAHOOGROUPS.COMOnline group for parents of special needs children, email info@asasb.org.

NEW DIRECTIONS TRAVEL CLUBCome join this fun club for adults with special needs who love to travel! We meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month 5pm-7pm for dinner and travel presentation. Call 805-967-2841 for dates and meeting locations.

AQUATIC WELLNESS AND EXERCISE - TUOHY FOUNDATION AQUATIC CENTER2415 De la Vina Street, SB. Wheelchair ac-cessible with depths from 3 1/2 ft. to 6 1/2 ft) Aquatic exercise equipment is available to pool users. Aquatic Wellness and Exer-cise Programs are open to the public and instrumental in helping participants meet their personal fitness goals. Organized by Cottage Hospital Rehabilitation Center. Apts. required for classes, phone (805) 569-8999, ext. 82552 or http://www.sbch.org

6TH ANNUAL DSASBC BUDDY WALK & FESTIVAL6th Annual DSASBC Buddy Walk and Festival, Saturday, June 20, 2015, Chase Palm Park Great Meadow, Santa Barbara – Volunteer, Fundraise, Sponsor and Register online at www.dsasbc.org

NORTH COUNTY PARENT SUPPORT GROUPMeets regularly in Lompoc. Come share your experiences, meet new people and get resources while your children play. All are welcome. For details, contact Jennifer Griffin at 805-683-2145 or jgriffin@alphasb.org

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara County Region offers year-round sports programs and competitions for 350 children, teen, and adult athletes

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Santa Barbara Countyfrom Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and Goleta. Fall sports for youth and adults are set to begin in August. Sports include floor hockey, bowling, soccer, tennis and softball. Call 805-884-1516 to learn more.

SUMMER CAMP AND ACTIVITY GUIDEAvailable online at www.sbSNAP.org

SANTA MARIA NONVIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAININGSProgram focuses on management of dis-ruptive, assaultive, out-of-control behavior. Initial Course designed for school staff. Refresher Course: to renew certification. Phone: 805-683-1424 or http://sbcselpa.org/Events.aspx

ADAPTED GOLF PROGRAMMondays: 9:00 to 11:00am. Santa Barbara Golf Club, 3500 McCaw Ave, Santa Barbara. Designed for persons with physical, visual or cognitive impairments. $8.00 for 30-min-ute lesson, or 6 lessons for $30. Includes: putting, chipping, and/or driving with oc-casional use of the golf course. Program is wheelchair accessible. Organized by René Van Hoorn,RTC. 805-569-8999 x82102

3-2-1 FAMILY PLAY GROUP FOR PARENTS THAT HAVE CHILDREN BIRTH - 4 YEARS OLD WITH DOWN SYNDROMEMeets monthly at various locations to help parents of children with Down syndrome birth through 4 years old and siblings of similar age to connect and play with other families. For details and monthly updates, contact Carmen Esquival at carmenesq@gmail.com or 805-284-3896.

INCLUSIVE CHEERLEADING!Spring and Fall - Santa Barbara location.Challenger Cheerleading - Inclusive of children and teens of ALL abilities to learn cheer, dance and stunts for community performances. Instructed by local Cheer-leading coaches/camp instructors. Fees: $35 per child includes practice uniform and pom poms. Contact Retta Slay 805/681-9165. Organized by college students and community volunteers.

YOGA FOR ALL Inclusive for all abilities *4-6 week sessions run throughout

the year at the Goleta Valley Community Center. Come stretch and flex with Jessica Parson and Rachel Walsh; bring your own mat, towels and water bottles. $5 per ses-sion, drop-in anytime. Parents welcome to join, 805-681-9165 or www.sbSNAP.orgMUSIC with SWING Along Band including Wheel Chair Dancers for Adults -Seniors! Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 am to 12 pm – Wheelchair users and those with special needs are welcomed to join the twice weekly adult/senior social dance group that meets at the Goleta Valley Com-munity Center -Organized by GVCC Senior Center; Contact Amey at 805-683-1124. *2nd location at the Carillo Rec Center, Tuesday classes 4:30 - 5:30 through August,805-564-5421

SB MOPS = MOTHERS OF PRE-SCHOOLERSEvery other Wednesday during the school year from 9am to 11:15am – Calvary Cha-pel Santa Barbara. We have put this site together to help all you moms out there keep track of current MOPS activities as well as have a place to contact us or just learn more about our group! Organized by Joylyn Kovacevich Joylyn@sbmops.com

CHALLENGER FOOTBALL - FLAG FOOTBALL (*ADAPTIVE)August 29th - Nov 7, 2015 10:00 - 11:30 am: Santa Barbara Location. Boys and Girls ages 5-18 with physical, developmental, intellec-tual challenges are invited to participate in this increasingly popular sport. Wheelchair users included! Sign up NOW! Flag Football and CheerLeading Registration forms at www.GoChallengers.org. Organized By: Central Coast Challenger Volunteers (Retta Slay) Phone: 805/681-9165

BEACH DAY AT LEDBETTER BEACH May 30 & 31 and August 29 & 30, 2015 8:30 am - 1:00 pm: Ledbetter Beach. Surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking experiences and more for adventurous children with special needs. Volunteer life guards and experi-enced volunteers support your child in the water; adapted equipment for those with limited mobility too. Register RIGHT away for this popular program. www.bestdayfoundation.org/sba

ASASB SURF AND SAND BEACH DAY FOR ALLAugust, 2014. Campus Point, Santa Barbara. Learn to surf, kayak, and boogie board. info@asasb.org

NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (SPONSORED BY DSASBC)The Next Chapter Book Club offers weekly opportunities for people with developmen-tal disabilities to read and learn together, talk about books, and make friends in a relaxed, community setting. Emergent Readers (non-readers) welcomed! volunteer facilitators lead our book clubs. Contact Amy Brooks 330-603-7507 for locations of book clubs in Ventura and SB County; and Volunteer Facilitator Trainings.

CHALLENGER SUMMER CAMP WITH THE SB FORESTERS Girsh Park, June 29, 30 and July 1, 2015. En-joy three mornings of T-ball, baseball skills camp and fun games, relays and summer activities by our local baseball champions, the Santa Barbara Foresters. Camp is 10 til Noon. Challenger volunteers support our players, $20. for snacks, and T-shirt! Dates and schedule online soon at www.GoChal-lengers.org.

CHALLENGER FALL BALL SKILLS CLUB Meets Sundays, 3-4:30 pm, beginning Sept 6 through October 25 at Goleta Valley South Little League fields behind the Page Youth Center, 4540 Hollister Avenue, SB. www.GoChallengers.org.

BASKETBALL SKILLS CLINIC AT PAGE YOUTH CENTER For kids and teens with special needs, indoor and outdoor courts. Six Tuesdays, every Spring and Fall from 3:45 - 5 pm. Check schedule at www.sbSNAP.org.

MONSTER BALL GAMES AND SPORTS AT GIRSH PARK Children 4 -age 22 can participate with MONSTER sized inflatable sports balls led by our volunteers - volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and MORE! Come ready to play - Sunday, October 25, 2- 4:30 pm at Girsh Park. www.sbSNAP.org.

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PARENTS HELPING PARENTSFAMILY RESOURCE CENTERemail: php@ucp-slo.orgwww.phpslo.org San Luis Obispo OfficeAtascadero Office800.456.4153 x3277 805.461.7415 or 805.543.3277

PARENTS HELPING PARENTS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERPHP serves families of children with special needs throughout San Luis Obispo County. Two lending libraries, which cover a wide variety of special needs topics, are equipped with toys, games and a place for children to play while their parents browse. PHP has a network of experienced staff

and parents available for mentoring and support. A reliable source of current infor-mation, referrals, and training, PHP regularly e-mails a Calendar of Upcoming Events to interested families.Contact: 805.543.3277 (SLO) or 805.461.7415 (Atascadero) or php@ucp-slo.orgwww.facebook.com/ParentsHelpingPar-entsSLO/ PHP SPONSORED EVENTS

AUTISM MEET UP Join us in Atascadero for this new monthly get together where we can share informa-tion and support related to our children on the Autism spectrum, and share the chal-lenges and successes as a community!

First Wednesday of every month from 10-11 am. Next date is Wednesday, June 3, 10-11 am.Parents Helping Parents, 7305 Morro Rd, Suite 104A, Atascadero

SPEECH/LANGUAGEJoin Lesley A. Goodman, SLP in her month-ly workshop as she explores issues related to Speech and Language Development- an ideal workshop for anyone whose child is receiving speech services or who has con-cerns about their child’s language develop-ment. Focus is on children ages 0-5.Next date is Monday, May 18, 9-11:30 am PHP 940 Ramona Ave, Suite M, Grover Beach. Please RSVP ASAP as space is limited.

San Luis Obispo County

Santa Barbara County

Offers a unique summer camp experience featuring independent living skills in natural environments. Campers engage in meaningful, real-life experiences while having fun with peer mentors. Campers will learn about:

• Community resources• Menu Planning• Cooking• Meal Prep• Cleaning• Health & Hygiene• Public Transportation• Recreation• Shopping• Volunteerism

Experienced staff use evidence-based practices while supporting choice-making and interdepen-dence. Input from campers and their families directly informs activities,

and camper progress is measured via observations and questionnaires.

Eight one-week sessions, Monday - Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pmThe first session starts the week of June 22, the final session is the week of August 14. Sign up for one week or several.

Each week-long session costs just $250 and teaches meaningful skills in community settings. This unique day camp features collaborative

leadership from the fields of spe-cial education, recreation therapy, psychology, and rehabilitation counseling. For detailed questions, contact molly@reidsgift.org or 310-853-0794

Camp is offered in Thousand Oaks in collaboration with CRPD Thera-peutic Recreation and Santa Barbara in partnership with Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation and the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Bar-bara County.

SANTA BARBARARegister for specific weeks at:SantaBarbaraCA.gov/register or call 805-564-5421.

THOUSAND OAKS - SOLD OUTRegister for specific weeks at:http://crpd.org/programs/or call 805-381-2735.

Independent Living Skills Boot CampNew Summer Camp, Ages 14 to Young Adult in Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks

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MAKE & TAKEParents can build materials for their children’s intervention program such as: picture activity schedules, icon exchange materials, visual schedules, social stories, visual prompts, etc. There will be comput-ers, printing supplies, laminating supplies, etc. on hand. Training and support will be provided by Rebecca O’Gorman-Trimbath, BCBA and Director of Praise Behavior Services. One Monday a month: May 18 from 9-11:30 am and June 15 9-11:30PHP 940 Ramona Ave, Suite M, Grover Beach. Please RSVP ASAP as space is limited.

GET CONNECTED AT PARENTS HELPING PARENTSFor parents and their children ages 0-5 years old. Come check out our new re-sources! Meet other parents and PHP’s staff. In May PHP will be collaborating with Coyne & Associates to provide workshops on specific topics such as Behavior and Speech and Language Development.

*SAN LUIS OBISPO – SUMMER ACTIVITIES Let’s get together and talk about the diversity of summer activities our county has to offer.Wednesday, June 10, 10-11 amPHP Library, 3450 Broad St, Suite 111, SLO

*ATASCADERO – SPEECH AND LANUAGE DEVELOPMENTPromoting language skills across the day: a special workshop with Sally Moore from Coyne & Associates.Thursday, May 21, 10-11 am.PHP Library, 7305 Morro Rd, Atascadero.

TOILET TRAINING WITH COYNE & ASSOCIATESThursday, July 16, 10-11 amPHP Library, 7305 Morro Rd, Atascadero. RSVP: php@ucp-slo.org or 543-3277

EXPLORING DISABILITY BENFITS (FORMERLY REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE SUPPORT GROUP FOR SSI)A monthly support group for family members who have questions about their children’s SSI, Medi-cal or IHSS. We offer in-

sight, research and support with navigation through the various issues, paperwork and services involved with disability benefits. Friday, June 26 from 10-11:30 amPHP Library, 3450 Broad St, Suite 111, SLORSVP to php@ucp-slo.org or 543-3277

ALTERNATIVES TO CONSERVATORSHIPExplore strategies and tools to protect your child in the future while fostering indepen-dence!Presented by Katherine Mottarella, Super-vising Clients’ Rights Advocate & Attorney Office of Clients Rights Advocacy Disability Rights California Thursday, June 25, 6:30-7:30 pmPHP Library, 3450 Broad St, Suite 111, SLO

LOCAL EVENTS

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY (UCP) UCP’s Family and Youth Services are dedi-cated to providing full access for children and adults with disabilities in the commu-nity. Please contact UCP for more informa-tion about Kids & Teens Club, Teen Camp, Adult Camp, Leisure Club, and Community Integration Programs. 543-7102

ARTS FOR LIVING (UCP)So many great opportunities for music! Two Music classes in SLO and one in Atas-cadero. And a Glee Club- an inclusive com-munity choir- every Wednesday. April-June. $12 per session, and scholarships are avail-able. Transportation can be arranged. Call Laura at 225-6101 or email her at Ldeloye@ucp-slo.org.

TRANSITIONS MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (TMHA)There are wellness centers in SLO, Arroyo Grande and Atascadero offering a calendar full of classes and support groups. Contact 503-0350. www.t-mha.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP SERIES EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN AUTISMCalifornia Department of Education Diag-nostic Center Central California Presenters: Ananda Aspen Michelle Austin. Sponsored by SELPA.Wednesday, April 29, 2015 from 3:30-5 PM

Visual Schedules, Transitions and Routines that Build Independence

MORRO ROAD EDUCATION CENTER (MREC) 8005 MORRO RD. ATASCADEROThere is no fee. Special educators, parents and care-providers are welcome. SLP CEUs AvailablePlease call or email Debbie Stone to register at least two weeks before the date of the workshop. Phone: 782-7302 Email: dstone@sloselpa.org

CALL FOR ARTISTSDid you know that the Regional Center displays art made by its clients on the walls of the hallway? If you know of a talented individual that would enjoy this opportu-nity, contact Marianne at TCRC. 543-2833

STRIDE’S FRIDAY CLUBA free weekly program put on in conjunc-tion with the SLO Special Olympics. Every Friday for three hours, between 10 am and 1 pm (in one hour sessions by age group), kinesiology students interact with individu-als with special needs and partake in differ-ent forms of sport and exercise together. It takes place at our Recreation Center, in the main gym.Where: Cal Poly’s Recreation Center Main GymWhen: Every Friday 10-11 am (elementary -high school students) 11-12 pm (young adults) 12-1 pm (older adults)For more information, email kinesiology@cal-poly.edu or Michael Lara at mlara@sosc.org

SWIMMINGPaso Robles Sports Center has two instruc-tors who have experience with special needs: Jodi McDowell and Jaclyn Parson. Group, semi-private and private lessons available. Contact at jmcdowell@caclubs.com or 805-239-7397

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RAINBOW CONNECTION FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERemail: rainbow@tri-counties.org

Oxnard Office: 2401 East Gonzales Road, #100, Oxnard, CA 93036Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm(805) 485-9643 Main Phone(800) 332-3679 Toll Free (805) 485-9892 Spanish Line

Simi Valley Office: 2635 Park Center Dr., Suite A, Simi Valley, CA 93065Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm (805)823-2325 Main Phone(805) 485-9892 Spanish Line Website: http://rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com or find us at Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/RainbowConnectionFRC.

Rainbow Connection provides support, information, training and activities for families. Here is a list of on-going support groups. We encourage you to attend a support group at least once. You will be surprised at how much it will help you and how much you can help others. As there might not always be a support group avail-able for a specific diagnosis, we try to pro-vide a parent match upon request. Please contact us to register or for a copy of the current “What’s Happening at Rainbow?” schedule of activities.

ACTIVITIES

ADULTS RECEIVING SERVICES

SOCIAL TIME FOR ADULTS (BILINGUAL) SANTA PAULA Meets 2nd Sunday of the month. Come, bring a friend or just come meet new people, for conversation, playing games or for refreshments and some fresh air.

AUTISM SUPPORT

AUTISM PARENT SUPPORT GROUP (ENGLISH)Meets 2nd Tuesday 7 - 8:30pm in Oxnard. Families meet to share the experiences they’ve had with their children with Autism and to learn about resources.

AUTISMO SUPPORT GROUP (SPANISH) Meets 4thThursday of the month, 7 - 8:30pm in Oxnard. Families meet to share their experiences, resources and informa-tion.

DOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT

DOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP - SPANISH Meets last Tuesday of the month, in Oxnard 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Families have open discussions on issues related to raising children with Down syndrome.

SUPPORT FOR ALL SPECIAL NEEDS

ADULTHOOD (22YRS THROUGH LIFE, TCRC PERSON SERVED): THE JOURNEY CONTINUES “SPECIAL FAMILY NETWORK “ 7pm – 8:30pm in Oxnard. Meets 2nd Tues-day of the month. EnglishParents/caregivers support group for fami-lies who have an adult family member ages 22 and older with special needs. Join us as we endeavor this journey together as well as share resources for our grown children. *Registration Required.

SANTA PAULA SUPPORT GROUP - SPANISHMeets 1st Monday of the month 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Heritage Valley-ARC Fami-lies meet to share the experiences and resources.

SPECIAL FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP - SPANISHMeets last Tuesday of the month 6:30pm – 8pm in Oxnard. Families meet to share the experiences and resources.

SANTA CLARA SUPPORT GROUP (SANTA PAULA, FILLMORE, PIRU) - SPANISH Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month 10:30am – 12 noon. Families meet to share the experi-ences they’ve had with their children with special needs and learn about resources.

SIMI SPECIAL PARENTS NETWORK - ENGLISH 9:30 – 11am, 3rd Tuesday of the month in Simi. Come and join us for a cup of coffee,

learn about our resources and talk about is-sues related to raising children with special needs.

SIMI “APRENDIENDO JUNTOS” SUPPORT GROUP 5:30 – 7pm Meets 1st Wed of the month at Rancho Simi Community Park.

SANTA PAULA “FAMILIAS UNIDAS” SUPPORT 8:30 – 10am Group Meets last Monday of the month at Mill Park, Santa Paula.

INFORMATIONAL

THE IEP BASICS – ENGLISH OR SPANISHBy request, in person or *Schedule your individual appointmentSpecial Education basic IEP information will be shared by a Rainbow parent. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you be a more effective advocate for your child.

“ONE - PAGER” DEVELOP A ONE - PAGER FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERCreate your child’s (or adult served by TCRC) One-Pager. This is a great way to share valuable information. Simply give a copy of the One-Pager to the people who will be interacting and working with your child/adult – the teacher, aides, therapists, etc. Give us a call and we’ll help you put together your child’s/adult’s very own One-Pager. Individual Appointments can be scheduled upon request. For persons receiving services through TCRC.

HEALTH CARE NOTEBOOKSDo you have a hard time keeping track of your health care information? Create your own personal notebook with a Rainbow staff person and/or other parents; learn more about the transition process and get suggestions that might help with guidance from one of our staff and/or other parents. Individual Appointments can be sched-uled upon request for persons receiving services from TCRC

WHAT’S NEXT AFTER EARLY START?Will your child be turning 3 years old and transitioning out of the Early Start Pro-gram? Changes can be confusing. Let’s make the transition a little easier. Schedule an appointment today! You will receive a free booklet that has been helpful to other

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With each issue of the TriLine, we provide information on some of the resources available to families within the Tri-Counties area. Please call to confirm dates and times of events. Check with your Service Coordinator for information on other resources available to you in your area.

parents. Individual Appointments can be scheduled upon request. For persons receiving services through TCRC and the school Early Start Program.

OTHER COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPSThe following support groups can be con-tacted directly.

AAC PARENT SUPPORT GROUPThis is a great opportunity to meet other families with children using communica-tion systems (e.g., picture systems, speech generating devices). Please contact Traci Peplinski with any questions, to RSVP and for directions. Space is limited. (805)844-3003 traci.peplinski@gmail.com

BRANDON’S BUDDIESA free play date for children of all abilities. 1st Sat of the month 11am – 1pm, at Bran-don’s Village, 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Calabasas. Go to www.kenproject.com to view calendar.

CENTER4SPECIALNEEDSOrganizes Mom’s & Dad’s Night Out events and a Mom’s Coffee Break. http://center-4specialneeds.org

CHALLENGER BASEBALL NOW IN VENTURACo-ed, ages 5-Highschool, registration starts Jan, Season runs from March-May.www.GoChallengers.org 805-681-9165.

CONEJO RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT’S THERAPEUTIC RECREATION IN THOUSAND OAKSChildren and adults from all over the coun-ty attend activities. It is a model program throughout the State. For information call (805) 381-2739 or http://www.crpd.org/parkfac/therapeuticrecreation/default.asp

CONNECTING HIGH SCHOOL & POST SECONDARY PARENTS GROUP (BILINGUAL)7pm-8:30pm in Oxnard 2nd Tuesday of the month*Alternates months in English and Spanish.Call to see which is meeting this month. An informal group of parents with stu-dents(16 – 21 yrs.) in high school and post secondary education who meet to share information and concerns on their chil-dren’s future.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLEDesigned to foster a relationship between community teenagers and children giving them a chance to develop social skills and experience diverse activities. Programs offered are Sports Night, Friends at Home, Gymnastics Programs, Sunday Circle, and a Winter Camp that includes Rock Climbing and Sibling workshops. Agoura Hills (818) 865-2233www.FriendshipCircleCa.org

THE FUN CLUB A social and recreational opportunity for persons 5 -15 and 16 yrs & older with special needs through the City of Oxnard Adaptive Program. Call 805 385-8019 for info.

EFMP SUPPORT GROUP Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at NBVC Port Hueneme Naval BaseSupport Group for active and retired military families with children with special needs. For information please contact Gil Cajala at: gil.cajala.ctr@navy.mil

PAUSE4KIDS INC. – ENGLISH SUPPORT GROUPThis support group is open to the pub-lic and there is no charge. If you plan to attend, please call or check the website to make sure there are no changes to the scheduling. For more info go to: http://pause4kids.org/ or leave a message at 805-497-9596

SPECIAL OLYMPICS VENTURA COUNTYSpecial Olympics Ventura County offers training and competition opportunities in 10 different year-round sports at over 20 different training sites throughout Ventura County. The Ventura County program not only provides people with intellectual dis-abilities with physical fitness and athletic competition, but also social interaction and community involvement. (805) 654-7787. www.vcso.org

THE TRANSITIONS SUPPORT GROUP For parents of children and young adults aged 10 – 28 and young adults who have

special needs aged 18-28. This group is designed to bring together families with representatives of local and state agen-cies, organizations, and groups to offer up to date information, insight and direction. Parents have direct access, the opportunity to ask questions and to be heard. For information on the next date and speaker, or if you would like to be added to the email list or if you have questions, Please contact Susan – susan@baukus.net

AUTISM

AUTISM SOCIETY VENTURA COUNTY (ASVC) ASVC holds Community Talk Nights usu-ally on the third Friday of the month from 7-9pm in which guest speakers present on topics important to parents, and parents are able to mingle, socialize and network.Free onsite childcare is usually provided.http://www.autismventura.org/events/ For more information call 805-496-1632

AUTISM SPECTRUM AND RELATED DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUPGroup meets 5:30-7:00 the 3rd Monday of each month at the Camarillo Health Care District. The group is free of charge and open to all who may benefit from the group, regardless of age of the individual who is diagnosed, specific diagnoses, or geographic region. Contact Jeff or call 805-388-1952, ext. 100 to RSVP.

ASAP: ASPERGER’S SUPPORT ADOLESCENTS PLUS (ENGLISH) A social support group for teens and young adults with Asperger’s or High-Functioning Autism. For information log on to www.vcasap.org or call 805 419-9934 (new number).

CHILDREN WITH EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

UNITED PARENTS A parent run non-profit that helps families raising children with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Office (805) 384-1555

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The term, SIB, refers to repetitive acts of physical violence directed against one-self. These acts can vary in severity from arm-biting or skin-scratching without per-manent tissue damage to eye-gouging and head-banging causing blindness and brain damage. Although typically developing individuals may acquire mental disorders that foster SIB, the phenomenon is more common in developmental disorders. The prevalence of SIB among individuals with uncomplicated intellectual disability (ID) varies from 2% to more than 25% in relation to the severity of disability. When ID is accompanied by autism the rate is approximately doubled. Comparably high rates are found in many different genetic disorders and even higher rates in some. From such a diversity of genetic starting points, one would not expect the brain dysfunction that underlies SIB to be the same in every case. However it begins, SIB can be exacerbated by pain, by the inability to communicate effectively, and by environ-ments that evoke fear or boredom and/or restrict behaviors of choice. There are many factors that cause and perpetuate SIB and it would be naïve to believe that the same pharmacological treatment could counter them all. But no health care professional who has witnessed a child with severe SIB and the anguish of the child’s parents would hesitate to try any drug that has had a modicum of success. Naltrexone fits the description.

Naltrexone for Self-injury: The Drug that will Not Go Awayby James O’Hanlon, Ph.D., Psychopharmacologist

A fraction of neurons in the brain release opioid transmitters that convey signals to other neurons by binding at specific receptors these express. β-Endorphin is the most widely known transmitter. Release of opioids in the brain provides short-term analgesia to an individual who has just sustained a serious injury. Eupho-ria is produced by natural opioids the same way that it is produced by drugs like heroin. Athletes are aware of the relationship between pain and euphoria: runners push themselves through the “pain barrier” for the pleasant experi-ence of the “jogger’s high.” Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. The drug was not developed for treating SIB and is not approved by FDA for this purpose. Yet over the last 30 years, numerous case studies and small, low-budget clinical

trials have repeatedly demonstrated that naltrexone can be an effective treatment for SIB. Not every trial showed a beneficial drug effect but a recent review of the entire data base has concluded that nal-trexone reduced SIB to some degree in about 50% of all cases.1

The initial impetus for trying naltrexone with individuals who engage in SIB came from recognition that many of them have an abnormally high pain threshold. It was thought that insensitivity to pain might result from excessive production of opioids in the brain. But opioids not only cause analgesia, they also produce euphoria. So the complete theory goes like this. Indi-viduals engage in SIB because they are insensitive to pain due to high brain opioid levels and because this behavior elevates those levels to the point where pleasure reinforces SIB. If the theory is correct, naltrexone should change SIB from a rein-forcing event to something that should be avoided. A case study published at length in the prestigious American Journal of Psy-chiatry indicates how this can happen.2

The patient was a 3-year-old boy with ID. He had a history of failing to cry or seek comfort after sustaining minor injuries in childhood accidents. SIB began with mild intermittent head banging when the boy was approximately 2 years of age. It

evolved into severe head hitting and arm biting throughout most of the day. After antipsychotic drug therapy had failed, the boy was given a trial on naltrexone, starting with low doses. Results were as shown in the figure. Initially the boy’s SIB worsened. His parents and psychiatrists were horrified but rather than stop the trial, they reasoned that what they were seeing might be an “extinction burst.” This could occur if SIB had been previ-ously reinforcing but was no longer in the presence of naltrexone. The child’s natural tendency would be to increase SIB until convinced that whatever benefits it had in the past were gone. A courageous decision was made to increase the dose to a moderate level, which reduced SIB. Later, SIB returned and again the dose was increased, this time to a high level. SIB fell precipitously. For the next 2½ years, the psychiatrists struggled to keep SIB in check with the lowest effective dose. They largely succeeded.

In my experience, naltrexone has signifi-cantly reduced SIB in about one-third of children and adults who were treated with naltrexone. No other drug has been even that effective. And, when it works, naltrexone usually does so without seri-ous side effects. Common knowledge of these facts has for 30 years inspired physicians who specialize in treating developmental disorders to keep using naltrexone for SIB. It will not go away any time soon.

1 Roy A, Roy M, Deb S, et al (2015). Journal of Intellectual Disability Research; 59: 55-672 White T, Schultz SK (2000). American Journal of Psychiatry; 157: 1574-1582

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Naltrexone for Self-injury: The Drug that will Not Go Awayby James O’Hanlon, Ph.D., Psychopharmacologist

Peter using left foot to write

Early YearsMy earliest memories prior to moving to an institution, are those of a little boy with cerebral palsy in 1950’s America. The 1950’s was a decade of paranoia and sus-picion of anything out of the ordinary. The Red Scare was at its peak with individuals like Senator Joe McCarthy searching for Communists under every table. Newspa-pers were filled with articles about how to respond to a nuclear attack, because it was believed that Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union possessed deadly nuclear capa-bilities. This threat injected fear into our nation’s heart (though at the time we had no idea what a paper tiger the USSR was, and that it would not survive the century, ending in total collapse in 1991.) In those days anything or anyone different from the “norm” was relegated to an environment where the unusual could be controlled. At the tender age of four, I was to discover that this included me. Clearly, the ‘50’s was not the ideal era to be a kid with a disabil-ity, and straight off I had three: I was born Polish, I was made Catholic, and I acquired cerebral palsy.

My very first memory is lying on the carpet in my grandmother’s living room at four years of age. Since birth I had lived with my nuclear family: my mother, Marjorie, known affectionately as Fifi, my father Tony, an architect with the firm Adrian Wilson Asso-ciates of Los Angeles, and my older brother, Mark. Born in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pasadena, California, on February 25, 1951, I bore the name Peter Anthony Fijalkowski for the first six months of my life. The Cold War probably had more than a little to do with the fact that shortly after my birth my father changed our family name to Stoner, in part because anyone with an eastern European surname was viewed with more than a little distrust at this time.

We lived a few doors down from my Aunt Addie and Uncle Leonard, and another of my mother’s sisters, Aunt Bertha, who became a nun. Her name was Sister Ann Louis, and I remember her coming home dressed in full habit, everything covered but her face. Being only four years old, I could not for the life of me figure out what happened to her ears. The place erupted in

laughter when I voiced this concern. Aunt Bertha and I were always rather close, even after, as a young adult, I abandoned Cathol-icism and declared myself a Protestant.

At a very young age, I remember losing my front teeth in a nasty fall, and how upset my mother was over this. I also remember going into the hospital to get my tonsils out and how upset I was at having to be separated from my mother for the first time! Shortly thereafter, my parents placed me into the first of 3 institutions that would be my home for the next 17 years. In the first of these places, at the tender age of 4, I figured out a rather unique way to move my wheelchair with my feet, without my feet ever touching the floor. I don’t know that I was any noisier than the rest of the kids, but I sure felt like I must be. At first I thought it was a game when the staff started taping my mouth. After I had lived there close to one year, my stay came to an abrupt end. My grandmother made an unannounced visit to discover me with arms and legs strapped to my bed and tape across my mouth. I’ve never had a desire to go back to that place, not even just to visit.

After that, I lived a brief time at home with my family again, but soon they would find it necessary to reinstitutionalize me. I think my mother had a hard time dealing with my disability. I vaguely remember her insistence that I keep quiet whenever we were out in public. Was my mother embarrassed by my voice? Putting people with disabilities (the “handicapped”) into institutions was much more acceptable in those days. The fact that my father had been offered a job in the Phillippines when Adrian Wilson Associates opened an office in Manila made it practically a fait accompli. It was inevitable I would re-enter an institution. If I had to assign blame for my institutionalization, I would say it was the fault of the medical community of the 1950’s. My parents were encouraged by no one to keep me home with the family. And indeed, no support system existed for them to plug into.

Now just a word about my disability, cere-bral palsy: Clinically speaking, cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for many conditions

My Life Inside Peter Stoner’s chronicle of his early life in an institution. Additional excerpts will be featured in future issues of the TriLine. By Peter A. Stoner

surrounding injuries to the motor portion of the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. I was told I acquired a form of cerebral palsy known as Terronic Neck Reflex (TNR), and that this was one of the most classic forms of cerebral palsy. I learned all this lying naked on countless clinic tables while doc-tors and wanna-be doctors discussed my case as if I weren’t there. I was quite the little star in the clinic world for awhile because I was such a prime example of TNR.

Try eating while someone is yanking your feeding arm hard in the opposite direction. This is what it feels like to have CP on the very best of days. CP is not a disease. CP cannot be acquired through contact with a person who has it. Parents with CP are not fated to have children with it. CP is not the result of a spiritual or moral defect of either parents or children. Despite these facts, the popular media of the 1950’s equated CP with alcoholism or other socially undesirable conditions that needed to be eradicated. Small wonder parents of chil-dren with CP were made to feel ashamed, told to put their child away, and urged to move on with their lives.

Peter Stoner is author of numerous articles and essays on topics ranging from personal perspectives on disability to euthanasia and political action. His most significant work, My Life Inside, is a memoir of his experiences in institutional living from age 6 till age 20, when he finally achieved independence as a pioneer in the early Independent Living Movement.

With the aide of a Dynavox communication device, Peter has delivered public presenta-tions locally, as well as testified on behalf of disability rights. Peter resides in San Luis Obispo where he writes independently by typing with his left foot.

Tri-Counties Regional Center520 E. Montecito StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93103

Editor & Design: Heather Wennergren | Writing Team: Heather Wennergren & Nancy BlackTranslation: Carlos Cerecedo and various translators | Photography: Isaac Hernandez and various photographers

Tri-CountiesRegional Center Headquarters520 E. Montecito StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93103805.962.7881 Tel800.322.6994 Toll-Freewww.tri-counties.org

Tri-Counties Associationfor the Developmentally Disabled Inc. (TCADD)Board of DirectorsRachel HuffPresident

Diane FigueroaVice President

Michael KaszyckiSecretary

Sharon Francis VAC Representative

Tim Farrar, PAC Representative

Chris CorreaShirley DoveMani GaurDonna MooreShanti NadimintiSusan RasmussenRobin RossoRyan Wilkinson

2015 Upcoming Board MeetingsJune 6.......... .......10:00 am (Ven)July 11 .................. 10:00 am (SV)Sept 11 ...................6:00 pm (SB)Oct 3.....................10:00 am (SLO)Nov 6.........................6:00 pm (SB)

2015 Upcoming Town Hall MeetingsJuly 15 ....................... Santa MariaSept 23 ............................... OxnardOct 14 ........................ Atascadero

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Contributing to the well being of persons served by TCRC is a rewarding experience. Many TCADD board members have served their terms and seats for these valued roles are opening. Family members are encouraged to apply, especially those with management, public relations, education or other non-profit experience. Please email BoardSecretary@tri-counties.org for more information. Or visit our website at www.tri-counties.org, select TCADD Board of Direc-tors, then Membership / Role. We need your help to improve quality of life and protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The stories that I enjoy so much in this TriLine are wonderful opportunities to learn about the dedication and creativity that goes into the making of a quality life. From artwork to public speaking to training for and getting a job, I know that TCRC and its’ service providers, are working in partnership with people receiving services and their families to make these positive stories a reality.

As young people transition from high school to adulthood, vocational and creative interests are so important. Training and employment are being recognized in both our educational and developmental services systems as one of the important ways that quality lives are created and supported. I’m pleased to see resources emerging to meet these needs. Employment First (Assembly Bill 1041) is facilitating the increase of integrated employment,

self-employment, and microenterprises for persons with developmental disabilities. (For more information go to www.scdd.ca.gov/Employment_First_Policy.)Assembly Bill 86 is the basis for enhancement of adult education in adult schools and community colleges. Learn more at ab86.cccco.edu.

Unfortunately, I must also say that individuals receiving services are living in a time where budget issues may affect their services and supports. The developmental services system is growing between 3% and 4% each year. The funding doesn’t align with this growth. For example, the Governor’s proposal in January 2015 for California’s 2015/2016 Budget allowed for no rate increases for providers and no cost of living adjustments for regional center.

I am concerned about the financial future of our system. TCRC service providers are struggling to make payroll and pay their bills. What can be done? In a word, advocacy. Advocacy with and information for our legislators is a critical factor to our success in ensuring that the funding is provided for the regional centers’ growing population. Legislators will

benefit from hearing the facts about the “footprint” in the central coast’s communities of service providers and the regional center – the number of staff employed, the individuals and families able to work, go to school, and pay rent in the community because of services provided.

Join me in advocating for our system in whatever ways that you can. There are many ways to help. Learn about opportunities to communicate with legislators at www.ARCA.org. The ARCA site has tools to help advocate for a 10% increase in funding for regional centers and a 10% increase for service providers.

We have successfully weathered budget cuts, inadequate funding and changes to the system for over 45 years since the Lanterman Act became part of our Welfare and Institutions Code in 1969. It is helpful to remind ourselves that despite whatever governmental changes occur, however our state budget must flex with many complicated issues, we are committed to ensure that the people we serve have quality lives. It just takes all of us working together to ensure it happens!

Greetings from the Presidentby Rachel Huff, President, TCADD Board of Directors