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It’s summer time and that means new routines and less structure for your child with special needs. Summer can be a season of growth and learning for you child if you structure their day in the right way. Outdoor activities, trips and family time can provide some great experiences that your child would never receive in a classroom. To help you come up with activities we scoured the web and came up with several blog posts that provide summer activities to children with special needs.

Summer is always an exciting time to kick back, have fun, and spend quality time with the family. In between family vacations, trips to the zoo, playing video games, and sitting around the house bored, many parents are also searching for activities that are not only fun, but also constructive. Look no further.

You can visit http://weekendforfamilies.com/ for complete information on this event!What:Join us for a weekend filled with fun for the whole family. Parents will have a one-stop shop for all their kids' summer camp and activity signups. Don't miss this opportunity to capture your prime audience. Booth rates increase March 1, so don't delay.It is a weekend designed to be a place where there's something for everyone in the family and a whole lot of fun, shopping, playing, and laughing. It will be Billings' first all-family expo showcasing over 100 booths in our new tradeshow, a family comedy night and more! Billings has never seen an expo like this! Purchase a ticket or reserve your booth today!When:Saturday, April 21, 20129:00 am - 6:30 pmSunday, April 22, 201210:00 am - 4:00 pmWhere:Montana Pavilion at Metra ParkBillings, MTContact:Weekend for FamiliesPhone: (406) 696-6585Website: weekendforfamilies.com

Children with disabilities require and need recreation the same as other children.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“A.D.A.”), your child is entitled to attend any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, with modifications, and with a few exceptions. It is highly critical that you discuss any needed modifications way before the first day of camp, so the entity has time to make the necessary preparations.  Enter into discussions taking a team approach, as you will be entrusting your child to this program all summer.  Be reasonable in your requests, and remember, just because your friend’s child is doing it, the program may not be a good fit for your child, even with modifications. This article will illustrate for you who is protected by the A.D.A, the modifications required under the law, and how to prevent discrimination.  

Click here to download the full listing of events (PDF) Click here to download events in calendar form (PDF)

Summer Science Discovery Day Camps keep kids learning and having fun throughout the summer. Week-long programs are filled with field trips, exploration outdoors, science experiments, arts and crafts, and games. Programs are available for students entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Visit our website for camp descriptions and registration information or call 406-327-0405.

As we see the first early signs of spring, we know summer can't be far away. Start planning now for summertime activities to help middle and high school students continue their journey toward adulthood. This web conference will touch on ideas such as: Completing the Transition Workbook as a family activity Volunteering Summer jobs Exploring new assistive technology Establishing new connections in the community Continuing and documenting the Discovery process Testing out new leisure activities Learning about support needs...while having fun! The web conference will be held on Monday, March 15th, from 1:00 - 2:30 Mountain Time. 

As we see the first early signs of spring, we know summer can't be far away. Start planning now for summertime activities to help middle and high school students continue their journey toward adulthood. This web conference will touch on ideas such as: Completing the Transition Workbook as a family activity Volunteering Summer jobs Exploring new assistive technology Establishing new connections in the community Continuing and documenting the Discovery process Testing out new leisure activities Learning about support needs...while having fun! The web conference will be held on Monday, March 15th, from 1:00 - 2:30 Mountain Time. 

Download the flyer here!What:Dancers, choreographers and teachers with and without disabilities from the US and abroad are invited to attend  AXIS' annual Summer Intensive located within a thriving dance and disability hub. This week-long creative laboratory is guaranteed to push your limits and break new ground as you experiment, collaborate, and create. Attendees will participate in a creative exchange alongside AXIS' talented dancers as all share their knowledge and experience. Includes: Physically Integrated Contact Improvisation Technique, Choreography & Performance Evening Video/Film Showing Final Informal Showing Apply by April 24th, 2012, 5pm:www.axisdance.org/education_summerintensive.phpSpaces are limited and will fill fastWhen:August 5-11, 2012Where:Oakland, CAContact:Phone: (510) 625-0110Email: info@axisdance.org

Download the Save the Date here!What:About MASPA key aspect of the mission of the Montana Association of School Psychologists (MASP) is to promote the educational and mental health needs of all children and youth. The MASP Summer Institute serves educators and other professionals who work with children and youth by offering professional development opportunities that bridge the latest research findings with real-world practice. Early Bird and student discounts will be offered! (Details will appear on the website in late March or early April.) The registration fee includes all conference materials and handouts, delicious lunches on Monday and Tuesday, and delightful snacks each day. To qualify for the student discount, you must be a student actively enrolled in an accredited degree program. Electronic registration coming in late March or early April. Intended Audiences:School Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Teachers (Regular and Special Education), and Administrators Credit available:OPI Renewal credits (12); Continuing Professional Development credits (12); Billings Public School Step-Up credit (1) When:June 4-5, 2012Where:Mansfield Health Education CenterBillings, MontanaContact:Rick BartschPhone: (406) 855-4277Website: http://www.masponline.us/summer-conference

Click here to visit the Fringe Films website for more information on this program What: Fringe Films of Missoula is offering summer acting acting class that will encourage kids on the spectrum to explore the skill of acting, reacting and self-expression. Where: Downtown Dance Collective Missoula, MT When: June 13 through July 27, 2011 Programs: Program A: Ages 5 - 8; Tuesdays- 1- 2 p.m. Program B: Ages 9 - 12; Mon & Wed - 1-2 p.m. Program C: Ages 13 -19; Mon & Wed - 2:10 - 3:40 p.m. Fees: $80.00 for Program A. $140.00 for Program B. $180.00 for Program C. $40 dollar deposit due by May 15th. Balance due by June 7th. Please contact us for scholarship information: fringe@fringefilms.org | 406.531.3841

Click here to download the full flyer (PDF) What: Have you been waiting for your children to start school before you complete your GED or prepare for College? Wait NO Longer -- Call 406-523-4033 to enroll in Spring/Summer classes! Education for the whole family begins at Even Start, located at 310 S. Curtis in Missoula, MT. Adult Education GED ESL –English as a Second Language Vocational Training Prepare for College Parent and Child Together Time Activities for Parents and Children to Learn and Play Together Early Childhood Education for Children Ages  0-8 years Physical, Intellectual, Social, Emotional and Language Development Scientifically-based curriculum Parent Education Child Development Language and Literacy School Readiness Community Resources

For more details, a complete list of camp offerings and registration information, contact Angela Boos at Easter Seals-Goodwill at 406-657-9721 or via email at angelab@esgw.org. Space is limited in some of the camps. Scholarships are available.

It is just one of a half-dozen summer camps that Easter Seals-Goodwill is offering in Billings that caters to children with special needs. The summer roster, which runs from June through August, also includes:

A weeklong handwriting camp for preschoolers with fine-motor challenges.

Let’s get reconnected and renew our support for each other and other area families. What better time than Autism Awareness month to come and say hello and check out the YMCA facilities where we will be having our monthly meeting. You’ll also get to see the preschool room where we will be providing childcare (This won’t exclude older children. We will have activities for them as well!). Plus, we can talk about our plans for summer activities as well as get ideas from you for additional activities.