1. IN THIS ISSUE
My Command News Fall
My Command News
• Childcare & the Americans with
Disabilities Act
2011
Childcare & the Americans
• USO of Hampton Roads & Central
Virginia celebrates EFMP families
• Navy Region Mid Atlantic has a new
with Disabilities Act
STOMP Parent Professional Team in
Hampton Roads!
My Resources
• Back to School Privately-run child care centers • Centers cannot exclude children with
• Strategies for parents and as child care services provided by disabilities from their programs unless
• School discipline & your Special government agencies, such as Head Start, their presence would pose a direct
Needs Child summer programs, and extended school threat to the health or safety of others
• Legal & financial considerations for day programs, must comply with title II
or require a fundamental alteration of
children with disabilities transitioning of the ADA, regardless of size or number of
to adulthood the program.
employees. Even small, home-based centers
• What is a HUMS Package? that may not have to follow some State laws • Centers have to make reasonable
• Check out your local Center for are covered by title III. The exception is child modifications to their policies and
Independent Living for one-stop care centers that are run by religious entities practices to integrate children, parents,
disability help such as churches, mosques, or synagogues, or and guardians with disabilities into
My Healthy Family activities controlled by religious organizations their programs unless doing so would
• Sexuality of children and adolescents are not covered by title III. Private childcare constitute a fundamental alteration.
with developmental disabilities centers that are operating on the premises of a
• Sexual abuse of children and youth religious organization, however, are generally • Centers must provide appropriate
not exempt from Title III. auxiliary aids and services needed for
with disabilities
• Supporting depressed and anxious effective communication with children or
spouses The ADA requires that child care providers adults with disabilities, when doing so
not discriminate against persons with would not constitute an undue burden.
Family Fun disabilities on the basis of disability, that is,
• Inclusive Halloween adventures that they provide children and parents with • Centers must generally make their
Upcoming Events disabilities with an equal opportunity to facilities accessible to persons with
disabilities. Existing facilities are subject
participate in the child care center’s programs
and services. Specifically: to the readily achievable standard
for barrier removal, while newly
Our Summer 2011 issue stated that one of the requirements of the National Defense constructed facilities and any altered
Authorization Act of 2010 was for “military services to stabilize service members at a location portions of existing facilities must be
for a minimum of four years”. It should be clarified that this requirement is met by the Navy fully accessible.
via the sea/shore rotation plan that already exists to align fleet and mission requirements
while providing more predictable career tracks for Sailors. A recent update to the Sea Shore
Reference: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil
Flow (SSF) enlisted career paths are detailed in NAVADMIN 202/11 which announces Rights Division, Disability
modifications to existing tour lengths and can be viewed at http://www.public.navy.mil/ Rights Section
bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2011/NAV11201.txt http://www.ada.gov/childq%26a.ht
NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011 1

2. My Command News
The annual USO of Central Virginia/
Kings Dominion EFMP Day was
held on 24 June 2011 for EFMP
families from all service branches
stationed around Hampton
USO of tral Virginia
Roads. Families enjoyed a day of s & Cen
fun including Kings Dominion Ham pton Road families
passes, t-shirts, show and lunch celebra tes EFMP
all provided by the USO. EFMP
family support staff members
from all military branches were
in attendance to assist with the
event and show support for
EFMP families.
OMP
est ST t
av y’s new nts) Paren -
, the Nary Pare rce, Mid
2011 Milit e
26-30, f ifer Pi erette,
m July Training o ting of Jenn Marian Lev renda
Fro d
consis Lead, B
lize r, and t
(Specia ional Team MP Liaison aison Office arent Suppor
P s F
rofes Region E School L c Schools P i
ic n li ed
Atlant tlantic Regio ia Beach Pub ator, attend at
M id-A .D., Virgin r Coordin of 2011
d nte ss
Reed, E rmation Ce art of the cla ssional Team
fo p
& In aduated as Parent Pro shington. fe
and gr ual STOMP r Seattle, Wa
the annhop held nea Team
Works PTW n
TO MP P training i
avy S d level ry &
ilita cs,
The N dvance ion, m i
ived
rece tion and g, t
a mediat eam dynam nt/ e
m
negoti
a kin evelop port
networ nce, d p
civ ilian amily assistaive parent su local
ary f t of effect ups on
milit emen gro special
manag nformation l & Military special
i a
and tions, Feder lations, and oking
in stalla s and regu PPTW is lo P-
law M NAVY REGION MID ATLA
e
needs esources. Th g as a STOteam
eeds r to servin ds resource the
NTIC
n d ee
forwar red special n ofessionals in HAS A NEW STOMP PAR
ponso lies and pr . ENT
s i
to fam tlantic region PROFESSIONAL TEAM IN
Mid A
HAMPTON ROADS!
2 NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011

3. My Resources
Strategies for parents School discipline
Communicate with the school &
teacher(s) by addressing any known
Avoid homework hassles by
reinforcing time management, break
& your special
problems in a straightforward
manner as soon as possible.
assignments down into parts with
the child, support an organized
place for after-school work, and if,
needs child
necessary, negotiate extended time for The Individuals with Disabilities
Promote self-esteem by finding assignments. Set homework rules and
activities that highlight your child’s boundaries early and stick to them. Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law
strengths and interests. giving disabled students a legal right to a
Set high, achievable expectations free, appropriate public education, and
to build confidence, self esteem, procedural protections against school
Organize and structure homework,
recovery, and self-reliance. discipline. IDEA also requires schools to
deadlines, and schedules through
partnership with your child’s teacher. provide services that address behavior issues
Discipline consistently. Set and of disabled students. The 2004 amendments
stick to boundaries and expectations to IDEA updated these provisions. There
Stay informed about your child’s around certain behaviors, regardless are strict procedures that must be followed
progress through regular updates of diagnosis. Encourage play by
before a school district can remove a special
from teachers, special education spending time outdoors, allowing
for kid-directed activities, reducing/ education student from school to ensure
staff, and/or guidance counselor.
eliminating screen time, avoiding over- that discipline is not imposed for conduct
scheduling, and encouraging exercise related to a disability.
Minimize distractions by and responsibility by allowing your
avoiding the bus, arranging just- child to help you in the kitchen and For a more comprehensive overview
late arrival to avoid crowded halls, in the yard.
designated classroom seating, and or to read the IDEA guidelines,
permission for your child to use Educate yourself on the law, visit the National Dissemination
accessible and adaptive equipment. your child’s rights, and available Center for Children with Disabilities
interventions. (NICHY) at http://nichcy.org/schoolage/
placement/disciplineplacements, or contact
your local Navy School Liaison Officer.
NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011 3

4. My Resources
Legal & financial considerations for children with
disabilities transitioning to adulthood
Do you have a child or young adult who might need help managing his or her financial, legal, or day to day care after age 18?
It’s never too early to start planning for this complex and emotional transition.
or whether your child might benefit from
Legal Relationships Social Security Benefits transition now to an assisted or independent
Consult with an attorney regarding vari- Persons with disabilities may be eligible for
living situation from your home, to
ous options for legal relationships after the Social Security and Medicaid benefits. Social
minimize the trauma and disruption that
child’s 18th birthday, such as Guardianship Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays
can occur if something happens to you and
(aka Conservatorship) versus a Power Of benefits to adults who have a disability that
the child’s grief is compounded with having
Attorney. began before they became 22 years old. This
to suddenly adjust to a new living situation.
SSDI benefit is a “child’s” benefit because it
Financial Planning is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings
Consult a financial planner/qualified attor- record. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Educational Protections
makes monthly payments to people with low During school years, protections offered
ney to discuss estate planning options, such
income and limited resources who are 65 or by IDEA and the IEP are automatically
as a Special Needs Trust and how to man-
older, or blind or disabled. Children younger provided, but keep in mind that legal
age your Survivor Benefit Plan.
than age 18 can qualify if he or she meets Social entitlements end with graduation,
Security’s definition of disability for children, withdrawal from high school, or age 22.
and if the family income and resources fall After high school, services are available
within the eligibility limits. under ADA and Section 504 of the
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ Rehabilitation Act, but the student must
ask for accommodations.
Medicaid and Waiver Services Transition Services
Every state operates a Department of
Persons with disabilities who qualify for Social
Rehabilitative Services which provides
Security benefits often may also receive health
programs and services such as employment
care coverage through Medicaid or Medicare.
and vocational services, community-based
Additionally, the respective state Medicaid
services, assistive technology devices and
Office can help you determine if your Special
equipment, disability determination, and
Needs dependent qualifies for funding via the
services to employers, to empower persons
Medicaid Waiver Program. Today, Medicaid
with disabilities.
allows more diverse services for individuals
October
with developmental disabilities to remain in
the home by waiving the need to get those
n to at-
same services in an institution. You may apply Virginia, pla
If you’re in ioning
for funding as early as 3 years of age.
26 from Pediatrics to A
tend the n
ext “Transit
dulthood”
Advocacy ical Center
Ports-
Consider writing a Letter of Intent, outlining Forum at Naval Med , 0900 -1500.
ber 26, 2011
your child’s condition, history, services, likes mouth, Octo visit http://w
ww.
& dislikes, hopes & dreams, and your plan for For more information /Patients/pedi-
cp
il/sites/nm
his future, so that others may best understand med.navy.m and-
/Documents
and care for him in your absence. Think about atrics/Neu roPeds/Pages
how to teach your child self-advocacy skills Tools.aspx
4 NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011

5. My Resources
What is a HUMS Package? Check out your local Center
for Independent Living for
It is important to understand the Service Member must demonstrate that there one-stop disability help
differences between the EFM Program and are no other family members in the area to Centers for Independent Living, often
a HUMS tour. EFMP enrollment is a detailing assist. Member’s presence must be required for
referred to as “CILs” are non-residential places
tool only, and does not absolve a Service specific reasons (excluding morale or financial)
of action and coalition, where persons with
Member of the requirement to deploy and be and the hardship should be resolvable within a
disabilities learn empowerment and develop
worldwide assignable. However, there are some reasonable period of time (normally less than 6
the skills necessary to make lifestyle choices.
cases, during periods of a family member’s months). In the event that the hardship involves
Centers provide services and advocacy to
serious illness or other situations, which the illness of a family member, the
promote the leadership, independence, and
create a hardship and require extended Service Member must immediately
productivity of people with disabilities.
leave. Emergency leave frequently initiate EFMP enrollment.
Centers work with both individuals as well as
provides sufficient time to fulfill those To apply for Reassignment for with the local communities to remove barriers
obligations, however when the situation Humanitarian Reasons, a Service to independence and ensuring equality of
cannot be reasonably resolved in the Member should first consult their persons with disabilities.
time allotted, then Reassignment for chain of command. The Request for
Humanitarian Reasons may be requested Humanitarian Reassignment must To find your local CIL, go online at
to obtain orders to a temporary duty be routed through the Chain of http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/
shore command in a specific geographic Command, and requires a letter of endorsement
area. HUMS assignments are time-limited, from the Commanding Officer, though a
and a Service Member who cannot resolve package with a COs disapproval of the request
their hardship within a reasonable amount may still be sent on to the HUMS panel for
of time may require a hardship discharge. review. Service Members who need assistance Watch This
Service Members may consider applying with a HUMS package can contact their This Emotional Life (2009)
for HUMS if a severe hardship exists within EFMP Liaison at the Fleet and Family Support
A three-part PBS series that explores
the Sailor’s immediate family, which has Centers or their Command Representative.
improving our social relationships,
occurred or is aggravated by the Sailor’s active
learning to cope with depression and
duty obligations. Reasonable efforts must first For more information, please reference
anxiety, and becoming more posi-
be made to alleviate the hardship through MILPERSMAN 1300-500. tive, resilient individuals.
emergency leave and other means, and the
Including Samuel (2007)
A documentary about educational
inclusion by photojournalist and
filmmaker Dan Habib whose son
Questions
about ADHD? has cerebral palsy.
Free The National Resource Center on
Disability ADHD, a Program of CHADD
Temple Grandin (2010)
A 2010 biopic about Temple Gran-
Phone Apps offers the chance to speak with
din, a woman with autism who
http://www.oneplacefor- a knowledgeable and caring
ADHD Health Information revolutionized practices for the hu-
specialneeds.com/main/
Specialist, one-on-one, about mane handling of livestock on cattle
library_special_needs_
ADHD related questions and ranches and slaughterhouses.
apps.html concerns! Call (800) 233-4050,
or submit your question online Murderball (2005)
at http://www.help4adhd.org/ A sports documentary following the
info_request.cfm U.S. Quad Rugby Team’s quest to
compete in the Paralympics.
NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011 5

6. My Healthy Family
Sexuality of children and adolescents with
developmental disabilities
Young people with disabilities are no standings and mistakes, incrase their vul- • Be “ask-able” and approachable when
different from other kids in their need nerability to criticism and/or sexual abuse, it comes to questions or incidents that
to understand their bodies and relation- and have negative legal or disciplinary involve your child’s sexuality
ships. It is unreasonable to assume that consequences.
they will not have the same physical • Use the same teaching strategies that
changes, thoughts, desires, and needs as you have used to teach your child
typical children: all children go through Communication Tips for Parents other skills
puberty regardless of • Know what you believe, and • Think of puberty as just another stage of
IQ or social skills. why, to effectively communicate development
Withholding sex ed- your values about sexuality to
ucation to children your children
with disabilities does
them a disservice that • Answer questions simply and
can lead to misunder- directly
Sexual abuse of children and youth with disabilities
Children with disabilities are sexually
abused at a rate that is 2.2 times higher What PARENTS Can Do….. April is
than that for children without disabilities. • Protect children by giving them when it is okay Child Abuse
These children are more at risk for sexual Prevention
correct information about sex and to say “no”.
abuse and assault because they often need
teach them to use correct language Month
assistance with personal care and hygiene, • Role play situ-
they may find it difficult to report abuse for their own body parts.
ations; practice
because of communication difficulties, • Be certain their children understand saying no.
they may have been taught to comply and are aware of the concept of
with authority which may make it harder • Ensure their children understand
privacy.
for them to recognize abuse, they may be their personal rights and their choices
targeted because of their lower cognitive • Teach about good touch versus bad for healthy sexuality.
functioning, they may not be believed touch, personal boundaries, and
when they report abuse.
For more information
& references, visit:
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect – NICHCY (National Information Clearinghouse for Children and Youth with
Disabilities) http://nichcy.org/wp-content/uploads/docs/nd17.pdf
Autism Society – http://support.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/LWA_Puberty.pdf?docID=4182 Sexuality of Children
and Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/118/1/398.full
6 NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011

7. My Healthy Family
Supporting depressed and anxious spouses
It is sometimes assumed that military where to turn for help, you may be able depression is also very treatable.
spouses who experience depression and anxiety to make this difficult time a little easier.
are suffering as a result of the stress of a military Everyone experiences anxiety, worry, and
lifestyle. While for many spouses this stress in some form or another,
may be the case, where the rigorous but problems arise when these
operational tempo resulting in more symptoms become chronic and
frequent and longer deployments interfere with our daily lives
exacerbates a mild condition. But and our ability to function,
for some, depression, anxiety, and causing feelings of discomfort,
other mood disorders may have been loss of control, and helplessness.
present prior to the person becoming
a military spouse, or problems worsen Assist your spouse in
due to other issues, such as parenting getting the correct diagnosis
challenges, financial stressors, physical and treatment, even if it means
conditions, job pressure, marital making the appointments
discord, or problems with extended yourself and arranging
family. All of these are issues faced transportation for him. Learn
by both military and non-military about the disorder. Help your
spouses alike. spouse remember to take her
medication. Help set specific goals
Deployment and separation can increase Depression is a common but serious that are realistic and can be approached one
anxiety, fear, anger, loneliness, and other condition. According to the National Institute step at a time. Show positive reinforcement
strong feelings. By knowing what to expect, of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is of healthy behavior, rather than criticizing
learning to recognize the signs that your the leading cause of disability in the United irrational fear, avoidance, or rituals. Be open
spouse is struggling to cope, and knowing States for people ages 15 to 44. However, to seeking marital counseling if needed.
Maintain Compassion
Verbalize how much you care for your spouse, avoid criticism, and work on balancing patience and persistence.
Encourage Wellness
Initiate activities that are good for the mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, time with friends, or a fun/relaxing hobby.
Be Observant
Remain vigilant about any behaviors that might signal thoughts of suicide or self-harm and get professional help right away
if necessary.
Don’t Forget Your Own Needs
Nurture yourself by making time for activities you enjoy, eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time out with
friends and family. Seek professional help for yourself as necessary.
Communicate with Your Spouse
Ask what he or she needs, don’t assume or guess. Talk, listen carefully, try and connect and really listen to what’s
going on.
NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011 7

8. Family Fun
Inclusive Halloween adventures
Ideas to keep your child with a disability included in Halloween activities
Parties & Games Arts & Crafts
Trick-or-Treating Matching Game Sandpaper Art
Find Halloween celebrations at your therapy Have your child match pumpkins that are Use different types of sandpaper to paint, cut,
center, local disability group, parks department, exactly alike in shape and color. Do the and glue Halloween designs.
water/amusement park, or family-friendly same with other Halloween shapes like
hotel, or host a gathering in your home. cats and broomsticks and funny looking Halloween Sensory Tub
Most malls, churches, and zoos offer safe and witches. Do the same thing with real apples. Make a fun & scary sensory experience using a
accessible alternatives to neighborhood trick- Cut apples up into different shapes and plastic container, dried black beans, dried
or-treating. Look for local Halloween parades have your child pick which ones match. orange lentils, dried macaroni for bones, plastic
for your child to participate in to boost self spiders, snakes and other spooky creatures!
esteem and promote inclusion. “Fishing”
Get foam, soft plastic, or even an air-filled Decoupage
Costumes long and straight pole and attach a string to Decorate a wooden crate or a shoe box with
Incorporate creativity into the Halloween the end of it. Have your child swing the pole images cut from a magazine or with stickers
costumes. Dress up wheelchairs, walkers, around like they are fishing. Instead of a hook or photos.
and other devices. For example, use a big at the end of your string, attach a pumpkin
cardboard box to cover a wheelchair and draw with tape on it to attach a treat to the end of
a jungle theme and have the child wear an it. Treats can be pencils, stickers, or small toys.
animal mask.
Managing Behavior
• Use pre-task rehearsal to teach acceptable Pass the Pumpkin
Toss an inflatable pumpkin around, across, Alternatives to Candy
behaviors on the trick or treat routes Non-food items are great alternatives to add
and during parties and other activities. and through a circle of kids sitting on the floor
as each one tries to catch it and pass it on. to the treat bowl for children with juvenile
• Use positive reinforcement for appropriate Don’t put a time limit or make the children diabetes, celiac disease, food allergies and other
behavior and negative reinforcement to rush around to play this game. Just let them dietary restrictions. Consider giving temporary
reduce problem behaviors. play it at their own pace. tattoos, pencils, bouncy balls, stickers, plastic
spiders, glow in the dark bracelets, bubbles,
• Set a time limit for trick or treating, plan your and other fun trinkets! Visit http://www.
route ahead of time, tell your child what to Halloween Bingo gfcfdiet.com/ to find lists of popular candy
expect, how long the trek will last, where you Match shapes on an orange colored bingo & treats that are Gluten Free/Casein Free
are going, and when you plan to return home. card. Each square on the bingo page has a (GCFC) friendly.
different shape in it and have your child draw
• Plan an activity for after trick or treating a shape out of a hat or bowl and have them
such as a favorite snack and an age- match which shape is on the bingo card. This
appropriate movie. Before you begin trick is the kind of bingo that everyone can win.
or treating, tell your child about your
plans and remind him when it is time to
go home about the fun activity awaiting
to reduce the possibility of a tantrum.
8 NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011

9. UPCOMING EVENTS
Leukemia & Lymphoma Socie
Light the Night Walk ty esearch
Albany, NY Organization for AutismmR
9/23/2011 Run for Autis
Newport, RI 9/24/2011 9/18/11
Philadelphia
York, ME 10/1/2011 10/9/11
Chicago
New London, CT 10/30/11
10/5/2011 Washington D.C.
Red Bank, NJ 10/22/2011 New York 11/6/11
Hampton, VA 10/27/2011 Pittsburgh 5/6/11
Virginia Beach, VA rg/
11/5/2011 http://www.researchautism.o
http://www.lightthenight.org/
Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure
Albany, NY 10/1/11
Jackson, NJ 10/2/11
Virginia Beach, VA 10/15/11
.aspx
http://ww5.komen.org/findarace
Walk
National Multiple Sclerosis American Heart Association Heart
Society Walk MS
Virginia Beach, VA 09/24/2011
Bennington, VT 9/24/2011 10/29/2011
Hartford, CT
Falmouth, MA 9/25/11 09/17/2011
Asbury Park, NJ
Petersburg, VA 10/1/11 Saratoga Springs ,NY 10/22/2011
Winterthur, DE 10/22-23/11
http://www.heartwalk.org/
http://www.walk4ms.org/
jtwalk &
bea
for ALch party
S
Virginia Beac March of Dimes
ht
h, VA 10
/9/11 March for Babies
tp://www 11/511
.jtwalk.or Chesapeake, VA
g/
Providence, RI 10/1/11
g/
http://www.marchforbabies.or
NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011 9

10. UPCOMING EVENTS
10 NAVY EFMP MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEWSLETTER • FALL EDITION 2011