2005-09-02 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes-prattch

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Enrollment: 21 kids were registered with disabilities this summer. I created modification and emergency plans. Parent support, information, and referral was included. Last year 29 were registered. Change may be due to DOE keeping skills trainers on campus for academics instead of out in the community during the summer. 23 kids were not registered with disabilities but were referred to me for assessment /observation/problem solving. Many children showed signs of mild to severe oppositional defiance disorders, and attention or behavioral challenges. Other problems included families at risk (TRO's), foster parents changing mid program, and intense sibling rivalry. It may be important to begin to identify locations that are serving large numbers of kids with behavior and attention challenges so we can better support staff based on actual community need instead of our current 1:20 ratio. The Puna district has intense need. I received two requests for speech pathologists to work on site during the programduetothechild'sIEP.OurtransitionplancallsforRecreationtobecome more involved with the DOE. Our role and responsibilities will need to be clearly defined in this arena. Will we be responsible to refer children with behavior/ attention challenges for formal assessment for Spec. ed? This seems to be a necessary but delicate situation. I served in the Pahoa Summer Fun program for 18 days leading children's activities and field trips due to staff being called to military duty. It was a valuable experience that will enhance staff training. Announcements: th Web cast Sept 7 at 9am with the National Center on Accessibility: "Recreation Access: Research to Practice". Requires RealOne Player or Windows Media player. Will send e-mail with ATRC survey for Equipment loan bank. Please mark the Recreation and Leisure Category when it asks what you'd like to see more of in the loan bank. Recreation activities promote health, inclusion, friendship building, and community involvement, which may all lead to better employment options. I have suggestions for musical instruments, toys, speech and sensory devices, farm and garden equipment, floatation devices, all terrain wheelchairs, and demonstration videos.