EFMP News/January 2013

EFMP News • January 2013 Bldg. 2140, 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 January 2013

ww

ww

Online ResourcesPage 8

Page 5

Disability Etiquette


In this issue:

Army Community Service (ACS)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:

Tacoma Symphony, pg. 2

Disability Etiquette, pg. 5

EFMP Enrollment, pg. 7

Online Resources, pg. 8

Monthly Swim Night withCompanionshipJanuary 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Clover Park High School Pool, 11023 Gravelly Lake Dr. Lakewood.

HUB-High FunctioningAutism Support GroupJanuary 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A & 215A. Bring your own bev-erage; snacks will be provided. For more information please contact Susan Jackson or Sybille White at 253-565-2266. See page 6 for additional information.

Special Families of Pierce CountyParkland/Spanaway GroupJanuary 7; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Topic: “Building Healthy and Resilient Families.” Speaker: Debby Gill, Autism Mom and Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Candidate.See page 6 for directions.

Special Families of Pierce CountyDowntown Tacoma GroupJanuary 10; 6 - 8 p.m. Topic: “Building Healthy and Resilient Families.” Speaker: Debby Gill, Autism Mom and Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Candidate.See page 6 for directions.

JBLM life...

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-9705Carol Watrous: 253-967-3451Jaclyn Gilley: 253-967-3553Terry Giles: 253-966-5393Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Timmy Milligan: 253-967-9097Mike Berkshire: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policyregarding 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 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civiliancommunity.

EFMP News Editor/Graphic Design:

Johanna [email protected]


Pierce Co. Coalition For Developmental Disabilities (PC2)January 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. “Coffee Klatch” Get-Together. This is an opportuni-ty for parents to share what is important to people in their day-to-day lives in a casual setting. Coffee, tea, soda, water, and juice will be provided. To RSVP call 253-564-0707, extension 101.

Tacoma Symphony OrchestraJanuary 19, 2:30 p.m. “Peter & the Wolf” Family Concert, Evergreen Theater, Bldg. 3405, 2nd Division, JBLM - Lewis Main. Limited seating available. First-come, first seated. Check the flyer for details about the musical petting zoo!

EFMP Family Friendly MovieJanuary 19, noon - 2 p.m. at the McChord Theater. FREE movie. Sensory-controlled environment. Perfect for special needs and young viewers. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact 253-982-2695.

EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commercial sponsor. Edito-rial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Army Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation of-fices. Submissions are welcome, but will be ed-ited 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: [email protected]

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

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

Although the information in the issue is cur-rent at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activ-ity for confirmation.

Down Syndrome SupportGroup/Mom’s Night OutJanuary 11 @ 6:30 p.m. Black Angus, Lakewood. Dads welcome, too! This meeting is open to any parent who has a child with a chronic health care need or disability. For questions call 253-970-7264/ 253-565-2266 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

January EventsJBLM life...


New Year’s Resolutions for Exceptional Family Members and

Their Caregivers

Ask for HelpTaking care of your needs and/or the needs of your Exceptional Family Member (EFM) can be overwhelming. Reduce your stress by learning to delegate tasks; ask for help. Confide in a trusted friend, request a supportive ear, or engage a service provider to support your needs and/or the needs of your EFM.

Learn Effective Communication SkillsThe way in which you communicate and present yourself to others greatly impacts an individual’s willingness to support you and your family. Communicating aggressively can undermine your message; be assertive and remain open-minded. Communication also includes effective listening skills. When communicating with others, listen carefully to what they have to say before inter-jecting. Practice effective communication and listening skills with a spouse, child, or neighbor.

Learn about Legislation that Protects Those with DisabilitiesUnderstanding the laws and legislation that protect those with disabilities can arm you with valuable information to promote self-advocacy. If you are confused, over-whelmed, or simply want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities, contact your local ombudsman associated with your particular area of interest (e.g. special education or mental health). An ombudsman can be a valuable source of information. Use your new-found knowledge to support your requests in an assertive yet approachable man-ner.

Self-CareMost importantly, engage in self-care. Take time for yourself. Get adequate sleep, eat a nutrient-rich diet, and engage in mod-erate exercise. Stress is related to a shorter life-span and a majority of illnesses. Turn to others for support. Pursue personal counseling if you feel overwhelmed. Resolve to make 2013 a year to enjoy life!

by Jaclyn Gilley, EFMP System Navigator

Disability ETIQUETTEDealing with disabilities is a very sensitive topic. It is important that you conduct yourself properly and teach others how to conduct themselves properly in social situations. Here are some helpful tips for doing so:

• Always refer to the person before their disability, i.e., a person who is deaf instead of a deaf person.

• Always speak directly to a person, not to the caregiver or interpreter.

• If you offer to assist or help someone, always wait for their acceptance of your help and then wait for instructions.

• Treat people according to their age; adults should be treated as adults.

• Leaning on someone’s wheelchair is similar to learning on their person; the wheelchair is an extension of their personal space.


Thank Youfrom

ACS-EFMPand

JBLM EFMPSGOn Saturday, December 1, over 130 of our EFMP Family mem-bers attended the annual Holiday Party and Potluck. Santa joined us bringing gifts for the chil-dren. This year, volunteers from Equity Residential and Apple-Consulting made this a wonder-ful experience. Thank you for sharing your Saturday afternoon with us.

We would also like to thank the Sockeye Salmon Dixieland Band, a JBLM Band Ensemble who provided their gift of music to about 50 of our EFMP Family members on Monday, Decem-ber 3. This was our 3rd annual concert offering an interactive concert for special needs fami-lies who experience sensory issues that limit their access to traditional holiday events.

Thank you all for giving of your-selves; your efforts are greatly appreciated.


CompanionshipACS-EFMP partners with the Companion-ship Program to provide recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with special needs and their friends and families. The goal is to assist the participants in find-ing and maintaining strong friendships by providing different activities throughout the community. For more information call 253-798-2997 or e-mail: [email protected]. The monthly newsletter is available at www.piercecountywa.org/com-panionship.

Resources

Special Families of Pierce CountySpecial Families of Pierce County (SFPC) is a support group for families with special needs children in the South Sound region.

The Parkland/Spanaway Group meets on January 7, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Library Processing & Ad-min Center, 3005 112th Street SE, Confer-ence Room B. Location is 1 mile off the Hwy 512 Portland Ave Exit at the corner of 112th Street East and Waller Road East. Childcare is not provided at this meeting. For questions e-mail [email protected].

The Downtown Tacoma Group meets on January 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chil-dren’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, on the corner of 15th and Pacific Avenue. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Childcare is limited and an RSVP is required. To pre-register your child each month, visit: www.exceptionalfamilies.org/events.html. E-mail to RSVP at [email protected].

JBLM EFMP Support Group JBLM EFMPSG is a non-profit, private organization that offers events, meetings and guest speakers. See page 3 for details. Events will alternate between JBLM-McChord Field, JBLM-Lewis Main and JBLM-Lewis North. Visit www.facebook.com/JBLMEFMPSG for up to date information, to post questions, and communicate with other EFMP families. For more information about JBLM EFMPSG e-mail [email protected] or call 253-278-9749.

HUBA new family support group for individuals with high functioning Autism. Participants meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A and 215A from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Parents and young adult children are invited to attend. Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more information please call 253-565-2266 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. www.wapave.org

TACIDTacoma Area Coalition of Individuals 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 groups for peer support, em-ployment, recovery and wellness, housing, independent living, and veterans services.


ARE YOU A FAN YET?

facebook.com/efmpjblm

• Real-time dialogue

• Do you have questions for us or for EFMP community members?

• Help generate new ideas

• Do you have a suggestion or a new resource you would like to share?

Birth To Three Early Intervention ProgramsContact the Lead Agency for your counties for a referral for services. Family Resource Coordination/ Pierce County: 253-798-3790South Sound Parent To Parent/ Thurston and Mason Counties: 360-352-1126Holly Ridge Center Kitsap County: 360-373-2536CHAP/King County: 206-284-0331

EFMP Enrollment ProcessIf 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, they are required to be enrolled in EFMP under education, 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 expiration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improve-ment that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army – Submit your completed enroll-ment forms to the EFMP office. Their lo-cation is at the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions or overseas screening call 253-968-0254.

Air Force - Submit your completed enrollment forms to the SNIAC office on the second floor at 62nd Medical Clinic. For a PCS screening or for questions call SGT McDonald at 253-982-3350. For Air Force Respite Care, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support ServicesBldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis MainBldg. 552, Airman & Family Readiness Center, JBLM-McChord FieldInstallation & local resources & services, Housing & school issues, IEP/504 plans, Respite Care, Systems Navigation, Advo-cacy, Support groups, Monthly newsletter, Disability services, and Special Needs Ac-commodation Process are available for all Army and Air Force EFMP Families.


Resources

Individuals With Disabilities

Addresources.org

Autismsocietyofwa.org

Autismspeaks.org

Featwa.org

Gluten.net

Hsdc.org

Special-families.org

Stompproject.org

Tacanow.org

Tbiwashington.org

Thecpnetwork.org

Family Assistance

Efoodnet.org

Hsdc.org

Militaryhomefront.dod.mil

MilitaryOneSource.com

Operationhomefront.net/Washington

Triwest.com

Usacares.us

Children’s Services

Naccra.org

Nmfa.org

Psesd.org

Ssp2p.org

Facebook

Facebook.com/efmpjblm

Facebook.com/JBLMEFMPSG

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

SER

VIC

E M

EM

BERS FAMILIES RETIREE

S C

IVIL

IAN

S

for

mili

tary

mem

bers

and

thei

r fa

mili

esO

NL

INE

TO

OL

S

Documents

EFMP News/January 2013