Fall 2012 - Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

Table of Contents 

SssssSsupp Wine + Design 2012 1 

Inclusion, SFCD, and the 2-3 

SF Community: Center for 

Early Inclusive Education 

SuParent Mentor Program 3 

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES 

OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 

NEWSLETTER 

Please Join Us at A Fundraising Gala to Benefit 

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities 

Friday, September 28, 2012 

6– 10 PM 

San Francisco Design Center Galleria 

FALL 2012 

Technology: Helping Us 4 

Anna 

A 

Learn 

Strengths-Based 

and Do More 

Tool for Parents 

PULL - OUT SECTION 5-8 

Our Services & Events 

Helping Your Child Cope 9 

with School Transitions 

Donald Strickland Event 10 

a Touchdown 

Volunteers Needed for 10 

Wine + Design 2012 

Thank You! 11 

SFCD Board & Staff 12 

Support for Families of Children 

with Disabilities is a nonprofit, 

support, resource and networking 

organization for families of children 

with special needs and the 

professionals who work with them. 

All services are free of charge 

including resources, phone-line, 

drop-in center, support groups, 

workshops & family gatherings. 

In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Support for Families! 

Cocktails, Wine, Hors d’ouevres 

Live and Silent Auctions 

Dinner, Music, Entertainment 

Service Award Presentation to: 

UCSF Department of Pediatrics 

This annual event raises funds that are critical to the continuation of many 

Support for Families programs and services. 

Here are some ways you can participate: 

• Become an event Sponsor with a donation of $500 or more. 

• Purchase individual tickets at $125 each and reserve your place. 

• Donate an item for the auction. 

• Order raffle tickets for a chance to win a New iPad, iPod Touch, or $200 

Amazon Gift Card. 

• Sell raffle tickets: the seller of the winning ticket will also win an iPad! 

• Volunteer to help before, during or after the event. 

Visit our website (www.supportforfamilies.org) for information and links, 

or contact Jan Watson, SFCD Development Director: 

jwatson@supportforfamilies.org 

415 282-7494 ext 104.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES NEWSLETTER 

FALL 2012 2 

Inclusion 

Inclusion and Support for Families, Providers, and the Community 

Over the years, Support for Families has worked with the city of San Francisco to promote and support the inclusion 

of children with disabilities and special health care needs in programs with their typically developing peers. These 

initiatives include professional development provided by the San Francisco Unified School District, High Risk Infant 

Interagency Council (HRIIC), the Child Care Inclusion Challenge Project, and the Special Needs Inclusion Project. These 

efforts always functioned within the framework of the school district's and the city’s existing services to advance the 

common goal of inclusive practices. 

With this focus in mind, two new programs have been funded to create a unified system of inclusive services for young 

children birth to 5 in San Francisco, The Center for Inclusive Early Education and Inclusion Access/Family Support. 

These programs aim to infuse best practices around inclusion throughout the city, and add to SFCD’s comprehensive 

support and services to families, providers, and the San Francisco community. 

Center for Inclusive Early Education 

As part of its commitment to ensure that all young children (birth to five years), including those with disabilities and special health 

care needs, have access to high quality early care and education settings, First 5 San Francisco and the Human Services Agency 

of San Francisco awarded Support for Families of Children with Disabilities a grant to create the Center for Inclusive Early Education. 

The Center is a professional development program with the goal of building the capacity of staff in early care and education 

settings to provide high quality, evidence-based, developmentally appropriate inclusive practices. The primary activities of the 

Center include: 

Citywide Training 

♦♦ 

Open to all early care and education 

programs serving children birth 

to five years (e.g., Preschool for All, 

Family Resource Centers and Family 

Child Care Centers) 

♦♦ 

Audience: direct service staff, families, 

administrators, mental health 

consultants 

♦♦ 

Training and follow-up support on 

the ASQ developmental screening 

♦♦ 

Workshops on inclusive practices 

focusing on access, participation, 

and supports 

Coaching & Technical Assistance 

♦♦ 

Available through an initial consultation 

with the Center’s inclusion 

coach 

♦♦ 

Needs assessment and individualized 

technical assistance plan developed 

with each site 

♦♦ 

Available beginning October, 2012 

and provided over a six-month 

period 

Demonstration Sites 

♦♦ 

3 model demonstration sites selected 

through an application process in 

consultation with the funders. 

♦♦ 

Individualized support and services 

plan developed for each demonstration 

site 

♦♦ 

Intensive training and technical 

assistance provided to site staff and 

administrators 

♦♦ 

Transdisciplinary team works with 

each site 

♦♦ 

Provide real world examples of inclusive 

practices at work 

♦♦ 

A transdisciplinary team (early childhood special educator/early interventionist, occupational therapist, speech and language 

therapist) will be available to provide consultation and services at the demonstration sites and short term sites. 

♦♦ 

Collaboration and coordination with other early childhood initiatives throughout San Francisco, including the High Risk 

Infant Coordinating Council, to increase inclusive early care and education opportunities for young children with special health 

care needs in San Francisco. 

For more information, contact Dee Hayden, Director, Center For Inclusive Early Education 

dhayden@supportforfamilies.org 

(415) 282-7494 x 106 

1663 Mission Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 •(415) 282-7494 • info@supportforfamilies.org • www.supportforfamilies.org



Inclusion Access/Family Support 

Support for Families received funding through First 5 San Francisco, Human Service Agency and the Department of Youth and 

Families for Inclusion Access/Family Supports to implement the following activities : 

Information, Referral, Education and 

Peer Supports 

♦♦ 

Information and referral to all families 

with a focus on early education opportunities, 

inclusion, childcare and 

respite, information about screening 

and assessment, health and therapies, 

and assistance with navigation of 

those service delivery systems 

♦♦ 

Information and referral to providers 

working with families about resources 

and systems navigation, whom to call 

within systems and assistance in partnering 

with families 

♦♦ 

Workshops for families and providers 

include topics such as early education, 

inclusive practices, assessment, early 

intervention, self-advocacy, transition 

to preschool and kindergarten, special 

education, parent-provider partnering 

Parent Mentors Rock! 

by Joan E. Selby, Parent Mentor Program Coordinator 

♦♦ 

Peer supports to all families through 

their connection to Community 

Resource Parents, all of whom are 

caregivers of children with special 

needs, as well as through parent mentors, 

support groups and networking 

opportunities at workshops and family 

events 

♦♦ 

Ongoing information updates through 

newsletters, resource packets, listservs, 

and library 

Case Management 

♦♦ 

Short term case management services 

and support for families 

♦♦ 

Problem solving with families and 

providers 

♦♦ 

Consultation with providers regarding 

navigating the systems of care for 

families with complex needs 

Round Table 

♦♦ 

Multi-agency case review with parental 

consent of individual child’s developmental, 

medical, social, psychological, 

and/or educational needs 

♦♦ 

Individual Action plans developed 

with parental input to identify service 

objectives, next steps and person or 

agency responsible for each 

High Risk Infant Interagency Council 

♦♦ 

Provider and stakeholder group composed 

of representatives from public 

and private agencies and organizations 

in San Francisco that provide 

services to young children 

♦♦ 

Identification and resolution of gaps 

in screening, assessment and access to 

services for children 0-5 with suspected 

or identified special needs 

To learn more about the Support for Families’ Inclusion Access and Family Support, please contact Nina Boyle, Family 

Resource Center Program Director, at (415) 920-5040 or nboyle@supportforfamilies.org. 

Parent Mentors 

Support for Families' Parent Mentor Program is one of the organization’s oldest programs, 

starting prior to 1989 when it was originally called the Parent Outreach Program. Parent 

Mentors are volunteers who are an additional resource for families. They provide support to 

parents looking to connect with another parent regarding specific concerns. 

This past May, the Parent Mentor Program (PMP) had 22 parents combined from the English 

and Spanish programs graduating from its eight-month Special Education training series. In 

June, a total of 14 parents from the English (1 day training) and Spanish (2 half-day trainings) 

programs completed the Parent-to-Parent training. 

In the Special Education series of the PMP we covered various areas, including evaluations and assessments, the IEP Process, and 

Related Services to help Parent Mentors get a perspective of the Special Education system. The Parent-to-Parent (P2P) training of 

the PMP provided helpful information such as positive listening techniques, coping skills, and understanding resources in order to 

be an effective Parent Mentor. 

Interested in becoming a Parent Mentor 

If you are interested in becoming a Support for Families Parent Mentor, please contact us. We are currently registering parents for 

the next eight-month Special Education training series which starts this September 2012 and will be completed by May 2013. For 

information or to register, please contact a PMP Coordinator: 

Joan E. Selby (English) 

Phone: (415) 282-7494, x113 

Email: jselby@supportforfamilies.org 

JoAnna Van Brusselen (Spanish) 

Phone: (415) 282-7494, x141 

Email: jvanbrusselen@supportforfamilies.org 

Note: Registration with Joan Selby or JoAnna Van Brusselen is required. Thank you. 

1663 Mission Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 • (415) 282-7494 • info@supportforfamilies.org • www.supportforfamilies.org



Education 

Technology: Helping Us Learn 

and Do More 

by Joe Goyos, Education Manager 

Assistive Technology (AT) has become a bit more visible 

recently, in large part due to the the creation of the iPad 

and the subsequent discovery of its applications in educational 

settings. But AT is much more than an iPad or a 

communication device. Assistive technology is changing 

the world as we know it. It has added new possibilities, 

opened new horizons, and allowed for individuals with 

disabilities to do much more for themselves. 

Assistive technology is any device that helps a person 

with a disability complete a task of daily living. One of 

many areas where AT can be extremely helpful is in our 

schools and classrooms. The Individuals with Disabilities 

Education Act (IDEA – U.S. Special Education Law) defines 

the term `assistive technology device' as “any item, piece 

of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially 

off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is 

used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities 

of a child with a disability” [IDEA Definitions Sec. 

§602(1)]. Federal regulations mandate that the “IEP team 

must … consider whether the child needs assistive technology 

devices and services” [34 CFR § 300.324(a)(2)(v)]. 

IDEA has remained silent as to who can benefit from assistive 

technology; that decision is made on an individual 

basis at the Individualized Education Program (IEP) level. 

The IEP team determines whether AT is needed in order 

to ensure that a Free and Appropriate Public Education 

(FAPE) is provided in the Least Restrictive Environment 

(LRE). If it is determined that AT is needed in order to access 

education, then it must be included in the IEP and 

provided at no cost to the child. 

Parents should remember that they are an equal member/partner 

of the IEP team and that it is never too early 

to consider AT for their child. 

AT can refer to many different things. In an educational 

setting, AT can be used help students access the curriculum. 

So when it comes to writing, AT can be a pencil/ 

tool grip, wrist weights, dictation software, and/or raised 

lined paper. When students struggle with reading, they 

can have book holders, enlarged text, screen readers, and 

highlighter tape. For other students with studying, learning, 

and time management issues, picture schedules, post 

-it notes, PDAs, hand held recorders and visual timers can 

help make the educational environment more accessible. 

When it comes to written composition needs, handheld 

spell checkers, tape recorders, talking word processors, 

and graphic organizing software can assist in achieving 

annual goals. When a student is having trouble accessing 

the math curriculum, counters, calculators, math software, 

graph paper, and other tools can be used to facilitate 

the learning process. 

This is not meant to be all-inclusive, but merely a set of 

examples to get you thinking about AT and how it can 

help students learn better. There are also AT devices 

that can be used around mobility issues, communication 

needs, vision deficits, hearing complications and for 

needs associated with activities of daily living. 

Families should learn about the latest and greatest gadgets, 

but remember that many problems have low tech/ 

tech lite solutions. So families should keep abreast of 

all types of AT devices, even older or less sophisticated 

equipment, to find the best fit for their child. 

If you want to learn more about tablet devices and AT, 

stay tuned! In the late Fall, we will offer a workshop that 

will explain AT and IDEA, and focus on tablet devices and 

apps available to help children with special needs. 

Also, if you’d like to explore how AT can benefit your child, 

you can call our warmline at (415) 920-5040. One of our 

Community Resource Parents can help you figure out 

what types of AT devices can help your child be more successful 

in school and in life. 

Helpful Resources about AT 

• Support for Families Resource Guide: supportforfamilies.org/ 

resource2 

• Joan Cassel Memorial Library, Support for Families; titles 

include Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology 

• Center for Accessible Technology (Berkeley, CA): cforat.org 

• The Family Center on Technology and Disability: fctd.info 

• The AT Network: atnet.org 

• Bridging Apps: bridgingapps.org/funding-sources-directory 

• The Simon Technology Center, PACER: pacer.org/stc 

• The Geek SLP: geekslp.com 

• Squidalicious: squidalicious.com/p/on-ipads.html 




SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 

A support and resource organization providing services for families of children with disabilities 

Our Services 

CALL US: 

(415) 920-5040 

EMAIL US: 

info@supportforfamilies.org 

VISIT US: 

1663 Mission Street 

7th Floor 

San Francisco, CA 94103 

GO TO OUR WEBSITE: 

www.supportforfamilies.org 

to get the latest information 

on workshops, events and 

new resources. 

facebook.com/ 

supportforfamiliessf 

Phone Line/Drop-in Center 

Get individualized 

information, referrals, 

and answers to all your 

questions from Support 

for Families staff, who are 

parents themselves. Staff 

will follow up to make sure 

you get the answers you 

need. Staff speak English, 

Spanish, and Cantonese. 

Caregiving for children 

available 4:30-8:30 p.m. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Resource Library 

Access more than 3,500 

books, videotapes, 

DVDs and a toy lending 

collection for families and 

professionals. Visit the library 

catalog online at: 

www.supportforfamilies. 

org/library.html. On-site 

computer access and 

hands-on assistance is also 

available. 

Support Groups 

Come to a support group to 

find solutions to challenges, 

learn advocacy skills, and 

explore resources. Support 

groups provide a network 

for families to gain strength 

by sharing experiences with 

peers. 

Volunteer Parent Mentors 

Find a match with a trained 

volunteer Parent Mentor 

based on a shared issue, 

condition and or situation. 

How You Can Help 

All services and events, 

even childcare, are 

always free of charge 

to encourage participation 

by all families. With 

the demand for services 

greater than ever, your 

donations help make this 

possible. A gift to Support 

for Families means that 

families of children with 

special needs will be 

better prepared to help 

their children—and that 

more children with 

disabilities will live their 

lives with dignity and 

opportunity. 

Educational Workshops 

and Clinics 

Learn about resources, 

rights, and responsibilities in 

monthly parent/professional 

work shops and weekly smallgroup 

clinics. Care giving for 

children and interpretation 

services are available with 

advance reservation for 

clinics and workshops. 

Family Links to Mental 

Health 

Get peer support from 

parents or a professional 

consultation from mental 

health clinicians who 

can help families and 

professionals access mental 

health and other services for 

children. 

Family Gatherings 

Socialize and network in a 

fun relaxed atmosphere at 

quarterly events, such as our 

annual ice-skating party and 

Halloween party. 

Newsletter 

Read the quarterly 

newsletter in English, 

Spanish, or Chinese to find 

articles of interest to families 

and profes sionals. 

Send a check to the 

address below or give 

online at 

www.supportforfamilies. 

org/help.html. Every gift 

can help make a difference 

in the life of a child 

with special needs. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The purpose of Support for 

Families is to ensure that 

families of children with any 

kind of disability or special 

health care need have the 

knowledge and support to 

make informed choices that 

enhance their children’s 

development and well being. 

Through fostering partnership 

among families, professionals 

and the community, our 

children can flourish. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Christian Dauer, President 

Laura Lanzone, Vice President 

Chris Dehner, Treasurer 

Jim Riley, Secretary 

Eileen Boussina 

Jane Lapides 

Judy C. Chen 

Laurie Strawn 

Michelle Foosaner 

Nancy Hudgins 

Laura Lanzone 

Diego Valderrama 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Juno Duenas 

INSIDE 

Support Groups 6 

Parent-Professional 

Workshops 

Calendar of Events 8 

Upcoming Special Events 8 

7 




Support Groups 

All support groups are free of charge. Childcare is provided unless otherwise indicated and must be reserved in 

advance. If you are interested in participating in any of these groups, call (415) 920-5040 or e-mail us at supportgroups@supportforfamilies.org 

for more information. 

Autism Group: Monthly support 

group for families of children with 

Autism. Meets: 1st Wednesday of the 

month, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

NO CHILD CARE PROVIDED. 

Evening Autism Group: Meets 1st 

Tuesday evening of the month, 

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Spanish-Speaking Children on 

Autism Spectrum: For 

Spanish-speaking families of 

children on the autism spectrum. 

Meets: 2nd Wednesday of month 

from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Asperger’s Group: For families who 

have children with Asperger's Syndrome. 

Meets: 3rd Thursday of the month. 

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

Behavior Discussion Group: A 

workshop series and discussion group 

for families concerned about their child’s 

behavior. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of 

the month 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Cantonese SFCD Group: 

For Chinese-speaking families of 

children with special needs. Meets: 

every 2nd Saturday of the month, 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Chinatown Child Development 

Center: For Chinese-speaking families 

of children with special needs. Meets: 

Every 3rd Monday of the month, 9:30 

a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Down Syndrome Support Group: 

For parents and caregivers of 

children with Down Syndrome. 

Meets the 2nd Tuesday evening of the 

month, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Foster Parent Support Group: 

For foster parents of children with special 

needs. Meets the 1st Thursday of the 

month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

Living with Loss: Loss, Hope and 

Healing: A group for parents and 

caretakers of medically fragile 

children and children facing life 

threatening illness. Contact our warmline 

for more information. 

Mission Head Start Group: 

For Spanish-speaking families of 

children birth to five with special needs. 

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, 

Sept - May, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Parent Toddler Playgroup: 

A group for parents/caretakers and their 

children ages 18-42 months 

with disabilities or special health 

care needs. Meets Tuesdays 4:00-5:30, 

9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16. 

Parents of Transition Age Youth 

with Special Health Care Needs 

and Disabilities: Join us for information, 

resources and support for the issues 

we and our youth face as they reach 

adulthood. Meets 1st Tuesday of the 

month, 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. 

Prader-Willi Group: For families of 

children with Prader-Willi Syndrome. 

Meets quarterly on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. 

- 1:30 p.m. 

Tuesday Night Group: A group for 

parents who have children with a 

disability or special health care needs. 

Meets one Tuesday per month, 

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

New in Fall 2012 

Children with Cerebral Palsy Peer 

Group: A group for children with Cerebral 

Palsy. Meets the 4th Tuesday of the 

month, 5:30-6:30p.m. 

Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy 

Group: A group for parents/caregivers 

who have children with Cerebral Palsy 

(concurrent with Children's Group). 

Meets the 4th Tuesday of the month, 

5:30-6:30p.m. 

Please contact the Support for 

Families Warmline at (415) 920- 

5040 or supportgroups@supportforfamilies.org 

for information 

about support groups being 

offered or if you are interested in a 

group on a specific issue. We have 

staff who speak English, Spanish, 

and Cantonese. 




Parent-Professional Workshops (PPWs), Clinics, and Co- 

Hosted Workshops 

PPW: Behavioral Methodologies to Increase Children’s 

Functional Communication Skills 

Saturday, September 8, 2012; 8:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Early Forms of Communication and Functional Communication 

Training, a behavior intervention methodology, will be presented. 

This type of behavior intervention uses reinforcement 

and prompts with children to help them communicate with 

their caregivers more effectively. Presenter: Kelly Flavin, M.A. 

PPW: Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning 

(in Spanish) 

Friday, September 14, 2012; 10am - 12pm 

The workshop will outline the various documents in an estate 

plan such as wills, advanced health care directives, durable 

power of attorney, and trusts. Topics will cover the purpose 

and formalities required for each. The presenter will also 

explain Probate and how one needs a trust in order to avoid the 

Probate process. Finally, the presenter will define Special Needs 

Trusts, including the formalities required so that a beneficiary 

can benefit from the funds left by the parents while also still 

being able to qualify for and receive financial assistance from 

government programs. Presenter: Dori Mitchell, Atty. 

Kidpower Parent-Child Workshop 

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012; 6-8pm 

Presented by Kidpower. In this active, upbeat workshop, 

families practice using “People Safety” skills in everyday life 

situations familiar to young children. People Safety skills help 

prevent problems with peers, family, and strangers. The skills 

also help strengthen important relationships by improving 

communication. For children 6-12 years old and their parents. 

Teenpower Parent-Child Workshop 

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012; 6-8pm 

Presented by Kidpower. In this active, upbeat session, teens 

practice using “People Safety” skill to prevent, manage, or leave 

potentially unsafe situations with people. This session will focus 

on the safety needs of teens with developmental disabilities 

who will learn together with the parents or other adult allies 

who are helping them learn skills for increasing independence. 

For teenagers/young adults with parent/adult allies. 

PPW: Sensory Integration 

Saturday, October 13, 2012; 8:30am - 12:30pm 

Sensory integration refers to how people use the information 

provided by all the sensations coming from within the body 

and from the external environment. We usually think of the 

senses as separate channels of information, but they actually 

work together to give us a reliable picture of the world and our 

place in it. Presenter: Julia Martin, SF Kids 

PPW Panel: How to Make Inclusion Work Well 

Saturday, November 10, 2012; 8:30am - 12:30pm 

Inclusion is the educational practice of educating children with 

disabilities in classrooms with children without disabilities. 

Come learn from parents and professionals about how they 

made inclusion successful for their students. This session will 

include a panel discussion and interactive case studies. 

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Clinics 

Presented by Support for Families. Learn about Special 

Education law, the IEP process, what to do when things aren’t 

working, and how to become a more active and effective team 

member. 

Transition to Adult Services Clinic 

Presented by Support for Families. Learn about special 

education transition services for children age 16 and over, 

and how to effectively participate in the development of your 

child’s transition plan. 

For dates/times of clinics, see Calendar of Events on back page. 

For more information about any of these workshops or clinics, 

call Support for Families at (415) 920-5040 or visit us at www. 

supportforfamilies.org. 

Workshops and Clinics are FREE and held at Support for 

Families of Children with Disabilities at 1663 Mission 

Street, 7th Floor (between Duboce Street and South Van 

Ness Avenue). 

Please note that workshop and clinics begin promptly. 

* Reservations are required. * Sign up early—space 

fills up fast! To attend a workshop or clinic, reserve child 

care, and/or interpretation services, you must call at 

least two weeks in advance: (415) 920-5040. 




Calendar of Events 

September 2012 

September 6 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Cantonese 

September 8 8:30am - 12:30pm PPW: Behavioral 

Methodologies 

September 13 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - English 

September 14 10:00am-12:00pm Special Needs 

Trusts (in Spanish) 

September 20 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Spanish 

September 25 6:00pm - 8:00pm Kid Power Workshop 

September 27 4:00pm - 6:00pm Transition to Adult 

Services Clinic 

September 29 6:00pm - 10:00pm Wine + Design 2012 

October 2012 

October 2 4:00pm - 6:00pm Teen Power Workshop 

October 4 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Cantonese 

October 11 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - English 

October 13 8:30am -12:30pm PPW: Sensory 

Integration 

October 16 5:30pm - 8:30pm Parent Mentor 

Training (English) 

October 17 10:00am - 1:00pm Parent Mentor 

Training (Spanish) 

October 18 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Spanish 

October 25 4:00pm - 6:00pm Transition to Adult 

Services 

October 27 5:30pm - 8:00pm Halloween Party 

November 2012 

November 1 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Cantonese 

November 8 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - English 

November 10 8:30am - 12:30pm PPW: Inclusion Panel 

November 15 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Spanish 

November 27 5:30pm - 8:30pm Parent Mentor 

Training (English) 

November 28 10:00am - 1:00pm Parent Mentor 

Training (Spanish) 

November 29 4:00pm - 6:00pm Transition to Adult 

Services 

December 2012 

December 1 8:00am - 5:00pm Parent Mentor Training: 

Parent to Parent 

(English) 

December 6 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Cantonese 



(Spanish, Part 1) 

December 13 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - English 

December 15 6:00pm - 8:00pm Holiday Ice-Skating Party 



(Spanish, Part 2) 

December 20 4:00pm - 6:00pm IEP Clinic - Spanish 

December 27 4:00pm - 6:00pm Transition to Adult 

Services 

For more information on any of these events, please call Support for Families at (415) 920 - 5040 or visit us at www.supportforfamilies.org. 

HALLOWEEN PARTY 

AT AQUARIUM OF THE BAY 

AT PIER 39 

for Families of Children with Disabilities 

Saturday, October 27, 2012 

5:30—8:00 pm 

Event is free. $5 suggested donation per person. 

Register by calling 415-920-5040 

Free admission to the Aquarium 

Fun Activities 

Costumes encouraged! 

Public Transportation: Take the “F” Fisherman’s 

Wharf to Pier 39. 

HOLIDAY ICE-SKATING PARTY 

for Families of Children with Disabilities 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2012 

6:00-8:00 pm. 

Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center 

750 Folsom Street (between 3 rd & 4 th Streets 

on the rooftop of the Moscone Center) 

Event is free. $10 suggested donation per person, 

which includes entrance, skates, 

and a book and treats for each child. 

Reserve space by calling 415-920-5040 beginning 

on November 1 to reserve space for children with 

disabilities and their families. 

For more information about these family events go to: www.supportforfamilies.org 




Mental Health 

Helping Your Child Cope with School 

Transitions 

By Leah Davies, M.Ed. 

Children report moving, leaving friends and changing 

grades or schools as being highly stressful. To assist them 

with transitions the following ideas may be helpful: 

• If the family is moving, take pictures of friends and familiar 

places and offer ways to keep in contact with close friends via 

phone, email, and letters. Help your child talk about what he 

or she will miss and about what will be new and different. 

• Encourage your child to discuss the future transition by asking 

questions such as, "What have you been thinking about your 

new school" Make a list of your child's concerns and together 

try to find answers to the questions. Many schools have internet 

sites that describe procedures, show virtual tours, and 

answer common questions. 

• If you have a choice of schools, listen to your child's ideas 

about what is important to him or her. After visiting various 

schools, openly discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each. 

Although the final decision is yours, it is important that your 

child feel included in the decision making process. 

• Help your child get to know the new environment beforehand. 

When possible visit the school together. Even viewing 

it from a car or seeing a photograph of the building is better 

than leaving the first day to the child's imagination. 

• Let your child know it is natural to feel apprehensive. He or 

she may be fearful of not being accepted by peers or about 

mastering the logistics or academics of a new grade or school. 

Share childhood memories of times when you were worried 

about a new situation. Relate the good things that happened 

like how you met your best friend or that your new teacher 

was one of your favorites. 

• Keep the days leading up to the transition as positive as possible. 

Stress that his or her class will offer many new experiences. 

The night before the first day, have your child lay out 

everything needed for school. The next morning allow time to 

get ready in a calm manner. 

• Buy school supplies and required materials. Go over the walk 

to school or to the bus stop. Empower your child by discussing 

actions he or she can take if a problem arises. Ask, "What 

concerns you most about school" Listen and then ask, "If that 

happens, what will you do" Help your child think of constructive 

ways to deal with a difficult situation. 

• Expect the transition to be ultimately successful. Yet, remember 

that adjustments take time and the first days in a new 

school are often overwhelming. Your attitude can help your 

child; let him or her know you are confident in his ability to 

adjust well. 

• Attend the school's orientation, open house, and/or tour the 

school with your child. Be involved by asking for a copy of 

the school's calendar and handbook. Join the Parent-Teacher 

Organization or parent advisory board. Get to know other 

parents, especially parents of your child's new friends. 

• Be available after school starts. Understand that your child 

may need extra time, attention and support. When there is 

a change, he or she may regress to an earlier developmental 

stage. Plan time for family fun because when transitions occur, 

families are a necessary source of love and support. 

• Invite your child to express his or her emotions. Even when a 

concern seems minor to you, be respectful and know that it 

can be a major crisis to your child. Try to put yourself in his or 

her place and understand the feelings expressed. Ask open 

ended questions like, "How's it going" or make comments 

like, "You seem sad." Then listen carefully and avoid giving 

advice unless your child asks for it. 

• Help your child explore ways to cope with concerns, and 

continue to be available for further discussion. Be ready to 

problem-solve with him or her. You may want to role play a 

situation that is causing anxiety. 

• Encourage your child to try new things by participating in one 

or two extracurricular activities. Help him or her understand 

that trying is what is important, and that one does not always 

have to be successful. 

• Continue to foster your child's organizational skills and assist 

him or her in becoming responsible and independent. Stay 

interested and provide rules and structure. Yet, allow your 

child to have input into what the rules are. 

• If after an adjustment period of time, your child is reluctant to 

go to school or seems truly unhappy, seek help. Identify your 

concerns and meet with your child's teacher and/or school 

counselor. Together, perhaps with the child being present, 

work out a plan of action. 

Used by permission of the author, Leah Davies, and selected 

from the Kelly Bear website [www.kellybear.com] 




Donald Strickland Event a 

Touchdown 

Kids and youth with disabilities or any kind of heathcare 

need tried out football drills, danced in the football zone, 

and learned how to cheer at this fun mini-football camp, 

sponsored by The Donald Strickland Foundation, on 

the beautiful green turf at Candlestick Park on July 7th. 

Donald and pro-football players Dwight Lowery, Mike 

Adams, Ashley Leslie, Greg Ervin and Chris Culliver were 

there to take photos with the kids, sign footballs and be 

an inspiration to all who attended. Having grown up in 

the SF Bayview district, and having attended high school 

at Archbishop Riordan High School where he was a dedicated 

student and standout athlete, Donald has set-up a 

foundation to give back to his community. This mini-football 

camp was part of a weekend of fun events to kick off 

his foundation. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their 

time and talents to make the event possible: 

Events 

CheerGym 

Coach Fred and the SF 

Warriors Football 

Mission High football 

Riordan High football 

Individual Volunteers: 

Mariel Kemp 

Laura Brownfield 

Jesse Tepper 

Soledad Sullon 

Daniel Sullon 

Reinaldo Acosta 

Deidra 

Evelyn Granados 

Jessica Batres 

Nick Than 

Tiffany Robles 

Jacob Menis 

Ramon Granados 

Kevin Wong 

Jesse Romero 

Frank Schlier 

Aaron Schlier 

Sara Watson 

Maddy Gerlach 

Jim Riley 

Thank you to 

our volunteer 

photographers: 

Veronika 

Gulchin (See 

My World 

Photography) 

and Kevin Wong. 

Volunteers Needed for SFCD Annual Fundraising Gala and Auction 

SFCD's annual Gala is on Friday, September 28, 2012 at the SF Design Center Galleria and we 

need your help! We are looking for volunteers ages 21+ to assist with running the gala and 

auction between 5:00-11:00pm. Volunteers (with big muscles!) are also needed to help load/ 

unload equipment and set up the auction between 12:00-4:00pm on the day of the event. 

We are also looking for volunteers to help us with various tasks leading up to the fundraiser. We will hold two "Prep Days" at SFCD 

on Thursday, September 20th from 12:00-3:00pm and Tuesday, September 25th from 12:00-3:00pm. Volunteer tasks will include 

preparing bid sheets, putting together auction displays, and packing auction items. 

For more information about how you can help please contact Rachael Moore, Volunteer Manager, at rmoore@supportforfamilies.org 

or (415) 282-7494 ext. 119. We are looking forward to another fun and successful fundraising event, and we would 

love to have you be a part of it! 

1663 Mission Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 • (415) 282-7494 • info@supportforfamilies.org • www.supportforfamilies.org



Thank you! 

Support 

Companies, 

Businesses, Groups: 

Charles Schwab 

Foundation 

Steppin'Out Dance Studio 

The Junior League of San 

Francisco 

Individuals: 

Murray Cahen and Jane 

LaPides 

Tara Donohue 

Alida Fisher 

Hans Hansson 

Celia Jones 

Darnee Lansangan 

Linda Stevens 

Workplace Giving: 

Anonymous, Allstate 

Giving Campaign and 

corporate match 

Anonymous, PG&E 

Campaign for the 

Community 

Nersi Boussina, Morgan 

Stanley Smith Barney 

Annual Appeal 

Michael Kapulica, United 

Way of the Bay Area 

Angela Wong, Chevron 

Humankind 

Tributes/Memorials: 

In honor of Jake 

Gamboa's 8th birthday 

Correy Bernal 

Crista Martin Goldman, 

Sachs & Co. Matching 

Gift Program 

Marianne Wong-Sorani 

Antoinette Wythes 

In honor of Rachel Simon 

Mary Hill 

In memory of Zachary 

Kloomok Smith 

Eve Bernstein 

Eileen Goldman 

Darren Kloomok 

In-Kind Donations: 

Janice Arakawa-Hoyt 

Wrightslaw 

Kaiser Half 

Marathon 2012 

Groups 

The Pamakid Runners 

Individuals 

Scott Ackemann 

Ernie Aguilar 

Aileen Albertson 

Gregory Alby 

Rigoberto Alvarez 

Mark Anasco 

Luke Anderson 

Christine Angeles 

Christopher Apolinario 

Agustin Araya 

Catherine Arthur 

Chris Asher 

Kristin Bailey 

Alexander Ballesteros 

Mary Elisa Balmonte 

Gino Baltazar 

Carol Bautista 

Sara Beaini 

Marcy Berding 

Daniel Bird 

Christina Briley 

Chi Buckley 

Olga Burch 

Jylynne Burnette 

Ellen Cabalu 

Glenella Camacho 

Nathan Campbell 

Joseph Caputo 

Irene Casanova 

Joy Catolico 

Jeff Chaplin 

Suzanne Charon 

Irene Chavez 

Manuel Chavez 

Miquella Chavez 

Boris Chen 

Michael Chung 

Tatum Clarke 

Clinton Cleveland 

Grace Cooper 

Laurie Cotulla 

Robert Crenshaw 

Andrea Cruz 

Marianito Cuaresma 

for Families gratefully acknowledges gifts from the following 

individuals, groups and businesses received May 1, 2012 through July 31, 

2012. We apologize for any omissions or misspellings; please contact us so 

we can correct our records. 

Itatiaia Daniel 

Walter Daniels 

Bella Datangel 

Tina Demartini 

Frank Denis 

Carolyn Dingwall 

Carmalita Doss 

Andrea Duff 

Patricia Duffy 

Rachel Dusek 

Maigread Eichten 

Elaine Ellis 

Heidi Eschweiler 

Edwin Estrella 

Jeff Everett 

David Ewart 

Debra Farris 

Henry Felker 

Misty Fimple 

Venesse Francisco 

Lauren Fratto 

Mark Friese 

Guadalupe Garcia 

Macdonal 

Lisa Gardner 

Mukesh Garg 

Greg Garrity 

Sarah Grant 

Josh Greene 

Julia Griggs 

Mette Hansen Seager 

Anne Hardy 

Keara Hays 

Lindsay Hearne 

Glen Hertelendy 

William Ho 

Kaori Ishikura 

Nancy Jacobson 

Robert Jacobson 

Ginger Javier 

Bradley Jones 

Tracy Joseph 

Mark Jules 

Jennifer Kistner 

Anne Kolker 

Patricia Lai 

Caroline Lee 

Katy Leung 

Susanna Leung 

Kenneth Lewis 

Ashley Lopez 

Nicole Lusignan 

Margaret Mack 

Maritess Madrinan 

Linda Mai 

Kirsta Martino 

Brandy Martinoli 

Eileen McCarthy 

Marilyn McEnhill 

Dylan McGrath 

Paris Mijatovich 

Juliao A Monteiro 

Simon Morris 

Wendy Morrow 

Lisa Navarrette 

Joan Ngando-Agbor 

Kenny Nguyen 

Russ Nishikawa 

Neil Noguera 

Elisabeth Noland 

Evelyn Odango 

Alvin Otani 

Alfred Palma 

Rushina Patel 

Colin Patton 

Molly Petersen 

Cathleen Pham 

Margaret Pometta 

Harriet Prensky 

Julie Price 

Rachel Pyrdol 

Alisa Rafter 

Oliver Ralph 

Vasundara Ramarajan 

Ron Rasing 

Ruth Ricci 

Jill Richardson 

Emily Riley 

Kadi Ringness 

Rowena Robles 

John Rodriguez 

Eso Romero 

Matt Romig 

Andrea Rosenberg 

Elza Rossi 

Judith Rowlings 

John Roxas 

Lorenzo Ruiz 

Robyn Rutledge 

Sudersan Sampath 

Juergen Schmerder 

Mary Schriner 

Anne Scott 

Kimberly Scott 

Roger Seaman 

Marita Seulamo-Vargas 

Saarika Sharma 

Ciaraline Shepherd 

Tony Singh 

David Smith 

Laurie Smith 

Carole Somma 

Megan Sopko 

Mauricio Sosa 

Susan Spears 

James Storey 

Kevin Sullivan 

Francis Tanjuatco 

Marie Tanjuatco 

Lora Thomason 

Michelle Thompson 

Christine Tiongco 

Daniel Tran 

Kellyn Trummer 

Jonathan Turner 

Karel Urbanek 

Brendan Van Der Vossen 

Kira Vargas 

Shannon Varunok 

Montira Warran 

Barbara Weldon 

Lee Ann Williamson 

Amie Yudice 

Evelyn Zara 

Anita Zieba 

Donald Zimmanck 

Michael Zyracki 

Wine + Design 

sponsors and 

donors will be 

listed in our 

Winter 2012 

issue 

Development 


SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES 

OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 

1663 Mission Street, 7th Floor 


NONPROFIT ORG. 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 

PERMIT NO. 1887 

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 

All services are free of charge: 

• Phone Line & Drop-In Center 

• Information & Resources 

• Resource Library 

• Support Groups 

• Parent Mentor Program 

• Educational Workshops 

• Family Gatherings 

• Short-term Counseling 

• Community Outreach 

• Website: www.supportforfamilies.org 

This NEWSLETTER is published quarterly in English, 

Spanish & Chinese. If you have a question or 

comment, email us: info@supportforfamilies.org 

Support for Families 



T: 415.282.7494 

F: 415.282.1226 

Family Resource Center Warmline, 

Information, and Referral 



T: 415.920.5040 

Support for Families strives to present families 

and professionals with a wide range of views 

and options in its materials and trainings. 

The materials and trainings are not 

necessarily comprehensive, are not meant to 

be exhaustive, nor are they an endorsement 

of the author and/or presenter. 

If you would like to offer feedback or if you 

know of additional resources, speakers and 

/or materials that may be helpful, please 

contact us at info@supportforfamilies.org. 

Board of Directors 

Christian Dauer, President 

Laura Lanzone, Vice President 

Chris Dehner, Treasurer 

Jim Riley, Secretary 

Eileen Boussina 

Jane Lapides 

Judy C. Chen 

Laurie Strawn 

Michelle Foosaner 

Nancy Hudgins 

Laura Lanzone 

Diego Valderrama 

Executive Director 

Juno Duenas 

Staff 

Nina Boyle, Family Resource Center 

(FRC) Program Director 

Elaine Butler, Librarian 

Courtney Crenshaw, Mental Health 

Social Worker 

Joe R. Goyos, Education Manager 

Karen Haney-Owens, Community 

Resource Parent 

Bill Lewandowski, Operations Director 

Dennis Lockett, Community Resource 

Parent 

Felix Lopez, Community Resource 

Parent/Education Coordinator 

Yenn Luu, Case Manager 

Nora Martin, Information and Resource 

Manager 

Rachael Moore, Care Services and 

Volunteer Manager 

Brenda Marie Munnell, Office 

Manager 

Elena Pena, PRRS Financial 

Administrator 

Christine Reina, Community Resource 

Parent 

Paula Reina, Community Resource 

Parent 

Susan Roddy, Director, Prevention 

Resource and Referral Services (PRRS) 

Kathleen Schlier, Special Events 

Manager 

Joan Selby, Parent Mentor Program 

Coordinator 

Alison Stewart, Special Needs 

Inclusion Project (SNIP) Manager 

Dori Tanaka, Community Resource 

Parent 

Kristine Thai, Education Coordinator 

Linda Tung, Administrative Assistant 

JoAnna Marie Van Brusselen, Parent 

Mentor Coordinator 

Jan Watson, Development Director 

Katherine Winship, Inclusion Lead 

Case Manager 

Diana Wong, Mental Health Clinician 

Lisa Yee, Community Resource 

Parent 

Center for Inclusive Education 

Zulema Rubalcava Barron, Center 

ASQ Specialist 

Ann Carr, Center Site Manager 

Dee Hayden, Center Director 

Judy Higuchi, Center Coaching/TA 

Manager 

Ana Vanesa Plasencia, Data Specialist 

Sonia Valenzuela, Center Family 

Involvement Manager 

Iris Willow, Project Coordinator 

Family Resource Center Network of 

California (FRCNCA) 

Debbie Sarmento, FRCNCA 

Coordinator

Fall 2012 - Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

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