March 2005

Community Information

Kids on the Block is a traveling puppet show that is very appropriate for ages 5-12 years. The show has puppets that portray children with physical and emotional disabilities, and it is geared for elementary children. It is an excellent show to explain a variety of disabilities, how children feel and how we should interact with those who have disabilities. If you are involved in a church group, school, camp or any other organization that incorporates mainstreaming, this would be an excellent avenue to pursue. Contact the ARC of Northern Virginia for further details.

Support groups are available for adolescents with Aspergers (ages 12-16) that focus on peer relationships and on their family relationships and social skills. Call Dr. Judith Sewickley, Psy. D., at 703.550-4130 for further information.

The Northern Virginia Chapter of Autism Society of America (ASANV) meets monthly in Fairfax County and also in surrounding counties. Call 703.594-8444 or visit the web site www.asanv.org for further information.

March 16, 2005, a parent seminar on Obsessive Compulsive Behavior....On April 6, 2005, there will be a parent seminar entitled Current Perspectives on Childhood Anxiety Disorders. Both seminars will be held at the Lab School in Washington, DC. Visit www.LabSchool.org for info.

March 9, 2005: The Worried Child ...How parents and teachers can help the anxious child. Call 301.565-0534.

April 8 and 9, 2005: The Accessibility Summit at McLean Bible Church. Call 703.770-2938 for further information.

Simple Changes is a new center offering equine-assisted activities at Meadowood Stables in Lorton, Virginia. This facility offers therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults who are mentally, physically or socially challenged. Participants will ride once a week with an NARHA certified instructor. There is access to an indoor arena, several outdoor arenas, and miles of trails. Limited Hippo therapy slots are also available. Lessons are held throughout the year. The spring session will be 11 weeks starting on April 4 and ending June 19. The cost of the total sessions is $495 payable in 2 installments. Call 703.402-3613.

One of our patients, Emily, who is 13 years old is this year’s National Arthritis Walk Honoree. The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Our local walk will be on Saturday, May 21, 2005. It will begin at Robinson High School. Registration is at 9 a.m. We will have the brochure on our bulletin board, and you may also get more information at the web site: www.arthritis.org.

Herndon Optimist Youth Baseball League is sponsoring Herndon Buddy Ball. This is for boys and girls ages 6-13 who have any physical, developmental, mental or other disability and provides them with the experience of baseball and team play. Players are paired with an older buddy who helps and encourages as the children field, bat and round the bases. Games will run for 6 weeks on Sundays, May 1 to June 12. Please register at www.herndonbaseball.com. Uniform shirts and hats are free. Call the League Commissioner, Jay McMann, at 703.404-0166 for further info.

The Keep It Green Electronics Recycling Program is a project that specializes in protecting our environment by recycling computer equipment while ensuring meaningful, paid work for Northern Virginia citizens with disabilities. Keep It Green collects all types of computers and either refurbishes or dismantles them. Call 703.461-6000 or go to www.keepitgreen.org.