Spring, 2006

Dear Parents:

Usually, by the last week of July, you're guaranteed to hear, "I'm bored!" Helping your children stay active and engaged learners, even in the summer, can help reduce boredom, but can also help them make the transition back to school in August. Included here are a few fun ways to keep kids busy and learning and avoiding the "Summer Time Blues." Enjoy!

Susan

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Cleveland MetroParks Zoo: Whether you spend the day admiring the Rainforest, Australian Outback, or enroll in Day Camp Classes, the Zoo is a fun way to learn. Mondays are free admission to Cuyahoga County residents. For more information on Day Camp classes and possible accommodations, call 215-351-6300 or visit www.clemetzoo.com/.

Cleveland Museum of Art: Art classes are available for students preschool to 17 years old. For more information call 216-421-7350 or visit www.clevelandart.org. While the museum is closed, children's art classes will be held at Shaker Square.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Live animal programs, planetarium programs, and daily guided tours, gallery talks, and films. For more information, please call 216-231-4600 ext. 214 or visit www.cmnh.org.

Lakewood Public Library: Summer reading program for all ages with opportunities to win prizes. . Other summer programs include: Going on Safari - crafts and activities for children K-8, Monday-Thursday; special Friday performances. Call 216-226-8275 ext. 140 or visit www.lkwdpl.org/youth.

Health Museum of Cleveland: Over 200 displays and exhibits. Call or e-mail for detailed brochure of activities and programs. 216-231-5010 or www.healthmuseum.org.

NASA Glenn Research Center: Tours are offered the first Saturday of each month. Visitor's Center is open daily. Fully accessible. Call for program information, traveling exhibits, or tour reservations. 216-222-2222 or www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home.

City of Cleveland Web site: Listings of various activities in the area, including the Botanical Gardens, University Circle and Federal Reserve Bank tours. Visit www.city.cleveland.oh.us/kids_corner/kids.html.

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Summer Reading List for Parents

Summer is the perfect time to relax with a good book! Here are a few suggestions:

A Special Education by Dana Buchman. Fashion designer Dana Buchman chronicles the years of success and failure that she and her family experienced as they navigated the Special Education system with her daughter Charlotte, diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities. The last chapter of the book was written by her daughter, and gives a unique perspective on the events in her life, and how she has adjusted to and managed her life as an adult and college student with learning disabilities.

Listening to the Experts: Students with Disabilities Speak Out by Elizabeth Keefe, Veronica Moore, Frances Duff. Speaking about their own experiences with inclusion, peers, positive classroom environments and future plans, these students give insight into what living and succeeding with disabilities can feel like. Included with the student essays are chapters written by parents, peers, and educational professionals.

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Reading Resources

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities has recently added a number of reading resources to its Web site, NICHCY's Connections to Literacy. Find it at www.nichcy.org/resources/literacy2.asp.

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Play Ball!

For many children with disabilities, playing sports on an organized team presents far too many challenges, but thanks to a group of dedicated Westlake parents and the Westlake Recreation Department, children in the western Cuyahoga County suburbs have the opportunity to play. The VIP Baseball League, started in 2005, gave over 30 children the opportunity to play baseball, make friends, and have a chance to participate. All players receive the assistance they need to run, hit and play the field from volunteers on the field. Everyone gets a chance to bat each inning. Players receive a shirt and hat, trophy and season-ending pizza party. Currently, over 40 westside players are signed up, and teams and schedules are being formed now. If you or your child is interested in registering, contact:
Jim Dispirito
Westlake Recreation Department
28955 Hilliard Blvd.
Westlake, OH 44145
Phone: 440-808-5700

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Cleveland 211

Trying to find resources for a person with a disability can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Cleveland 211 can connect you to agencies and service providers through its Web site www.211cleveland.org. You can search by service, agency or location. Once in the site you can narrow your search by age, gender, location or need. Services such as housing, health and mental health resources, child and respite care, work support or family services are available through Cleveland 211. You can also dial 2-1-1 on your telephone.

SUSAN HEGARTY PARENT MENTOR 216-529-4276 (TTY) 216-529-4104 (Fax) E-mail: susan.hegarty@lakewood.k12.oh.us