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Articles include: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION SPIN is co-sponsored by the Disability & Communication Access Board and the Special Education Section of the Department of Education. Services include a phone line for information referral and support, a quarterly newsletter, an annual conference and community workshops. SPIN is guided by an Advisory Committee made up of parents, teachers and people with disabilities. SPIN PHONE FAX E-MAIL WEB On April 30th the U.S. House
of Representatives passed H.R. 1350, a bill to reauthorize I.D.E.A.
and make critical changes to this civil rights law for students
with disabilities. The passage of H.R. 1350 was significant,
because it was done over the protest of tens of thousands of
parents and disability rights advocates who were convinced that
Among the changes that parents
found most troubling were: Within a few weeks, the Senate is expected to offer its own bill to reauthorize I.D.E.A. After it passes, the House and Senate bills go into conference to create a final statute. Parents are highly encouraged
to call their Senators to request that key protections that are
currently in IDEA are If you would like to be informed about IDEA's movement through Congress, call SPIN, check our website: www.spinhawaii.org or go to www.dredf.org to receive action alerts. It's Not Too Late... Call today to save your seat at 487-8785 (Neighbor Island callers call collect). EBS AND ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER This is the third in a series of articles intended to help parents and helping professionals learn what kinds of treatment choices show promise in helping children and teens with emotional and behavioral disabilities.* Much of our information comes from work done by Hawaii's Evidence Based Services (EBS) Committee. Its members are constantly reviewing research on evidence based services or interventions--those that have been scientifically proven to have a positive effect in the treatment of a particular disorder--to help try to improve the quality of mental health services for Hawaii children and teens. Their 2002 report,"Summary of Effective Interventions for Youth with Behavioral and Emotional Needs", is available on-line at www.state.hi.us/doh/camhd. In this article we'll look
at what has been said about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
(ADHD), one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders. As you
read these findings on effective practices keep in mind the following: The important thing with any intervention is to have some way to measure its effectiveness. SIGNS OF INATTENTION SIGNS OF IMPULSIVITY SIGNS OF HYPERACTIVITY What is ADHD? A diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is based on two sets of symptoms hyperactivity-impulsivity) Will my child outgrow ADHD? It used to be thought that children outgrew ADHD once they got to their teens, because hyperactivity tends to diminish with age. Impulsivity and attention deficits, however, may continue into adulthood. At least 2-4% of all adults are thought to be affected. What about other disorders? Two-thirds of children with
ADHD will also be found to have at least one other coexisting
condition. The most common disorders to occur with ADHD are: Getting appropriate treatment for ADHD is very important. Medication, support and education of parents, and appropriate supports at school can help prevent low self-esteem, school failure and antisocial behavior. MEDICATION. The EBS Committee noted that Stimulants (for example, Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine) have been found to be highly effective in improving ADHD symptoms. Between 70-80% of children respond positively to these medications, especially when the dosage is carefully monitored. Tricyclic antidepressants (Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Bupropion), while less effective than stimulants, have also been shown to provide some benefit. THERAPY. The EBS Committee found STRONG SUPPORT for Parent Training in Behavioral Management and Classroom Behavior Management. Behavior interventions tend to improve targeted behaviors or skills, but are not as helpful in reducing the main symptoms of ADHD--hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. While drug therapy with stimulants is more effective than Behavior Therapy/Management alone, the combination of medication and behavior training for parents and teachers results in greater parent satisfaction and improved parent/child relationships. If you suspect your child or teen may have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, it is important to get help! Check with your family physician or ask the school for help in evaluating whether school based behavioral health services are needed. *For copies of EBS & Depression
and/or EBS & Anxiety Disorders call SPIN or check out the
SUPPORT GROUP NEWS SIBSHOPS: For Brothers or Sisters of Children With Special Needs Here's a unique opportunity to meet and talk with other brothers and sisters who know what it's like to have a sibling with a disability and to learn more about disabilities and the services that people with disabilities receive. Participants can make new friends, play games, and have lots of FUN! Sibshop is open to children 6-12 who have a brother or sister with special needs. The group meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Easter Seals Hawaii (710 Green Street). Currently there is no charge to participate in the Sibshop and lunch is included. For more information or to register, contact Nicole Deligans at 536-1015. BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii (BIA) holds two monthly support group meetings. The TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Support group for all meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. The TBI Education Session meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. Both groups meet in the conference room at the Rehab Hospital. For more information, call the BIA at 524-9399. PO'OHALA FAMILY SUPPORT COUNCIL CALL FOR MINI-GRANT APPLICATIONS In our February issue families
were asked to brainstorm with other For more information, contact Leolinda Parlin, Po'ohala Project Coordinator, at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities office at 586-8100 or e-mail to poohalaproject@netscape.net. Neighbor islands can dial their exchange number listed on page 1 then ext. 68100. FAPE NOW is a regular TV talk show series featuring a panel of various experts who discuss special education issues and share possible solutions and resources. The program also provides a forum for viewers to share their opinions and questions during the show which airs every Saturday from 6 - 7 p.m. on Channel 56. Local show host Bob Rees facilitates this interactive program. FAPE NOW is co-produced by
Rio K. Martell and Rachel Spigal, Co-Chairs of the Central Oahu
Community Children's Council and Naomi Grossman, President of
the Autism Society of Hawaii. Hawaii Families As Allies (HFAA) is partnering with the UH Center for Disability Studies to do a study to learn about young people with emotional and behavioral challenges and their parents view self-determination. Targeted are youth between the ages of 14-26. Three discussion meetings are scheduled in July and participants will be paid for each meeting. For more information call HFAA at 487-8785 or Sally at 956-3982 (call collect from neighbor isles) or e-mail: Nhomi@aol.com. PARENTS OF THE YEAR Donna Mitts has made an enormous difference in her school community of Pa'auilo. When no one else would help, she stepped forward to become president of the Pa'auilo P.T.S.A and helped to raise thousands of dollars to increase services and programs for their students. She also became the leader of the local 4-H Club, giving students exposure to projects they would never have known about. Later, when the school needed a new playground, Donna and her husband spent countless weekends at school shoveling dirt and gravel and moving equipment to provide a wheelchair accessible play area that was a fun place all children could enjoy. A PARTNERS in Policymaking graduate of 2000, Donna also became an AmeriCorps volunteer through the Learning Disabilities Association, working to help parents understand the IEP process and their rights. When no teacher was able to give instruction in sign language, Donna (with a signing son) started a class herself. Now, about 30 more people will be able to sign to her son and others in the future. Donna is a hardworking and compassionate parent who has personal integrity and walks her talk. She is a positive role model to our children and parents alike. Arthur and Charlzetta Croker exemplify teamwork, love and dedication in raising their young family-two sets of twins, three girls and one boy. Incredibly, three of their children have a diagnosis of autism and the fourth has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. How do they handle such mind-blowing responsibility and worry and still get out of bed in the morning? In the case of Chaz and Arthur, they do it with remarkable determination and generosity. This awesome pair made a commitment early on to learning as much as they could about resources and strategies that might help their family. They attend every conference they can possibly attend to learn more of how to help their children and the children of other parents. They participated in the 2002 PARTNERS in Policymaking Academy and graduated with a clearer understanding of the system of services available to their kids and others. Along the way, they learned the fine art of advocacy. Whatever the Crokers learn, they share with others in their community. It is not uncommon for them to stop by the grocery for a gallon of milk and spend an hour listening to a fellow parent in need. They have become one of the prized natural resources on the Waianae Coast. FAMILY CHOICE AWARD Lisa Maetani has committed over 15 years to her professional career as a social worker for persons with special needs. Whenever families have expressed their collective needs to Lisa, her response has always been, "let's get to work!" This approach has translated into the development of programs within the state that included the Developmental Disabilities Division's Family Support Services Program, Statewide Respite Program, Kokua Keiki Diaper Project, recreational opportunities for folks with special needs and their families, and Ka'imipono, a grass roots family support group that realized their dream of having their children swim with dolphins at Sea Life Park. Both at the Developmental Disabilities Division's Family Support Unit and now at the Early Intervention Section, Lisa has never considered limiting herself to "regular work hours." Working at night, on weekends, on holidays and even on vacation best characterize Lisa's dedication to the people she works with. Her professional supports to individuals and families have always been, and will always be, without boundary. Lisa has a warm, compassionate spirit and a heart that belies her size. In the eyes and hearts of our parents and children, she is a GIANT! PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR June Callan, State Resource Teacher for Assistive
Technology (A.T.), has been working to help Despite her hectic schedule,
she always makes time to personally assist teachers and other
school personnel in exploring the possibilities to meet the needs
of students with disabilities. Many parents have depended on
her expertise and support to navigate the system in order to
gain the necessary assistance for their children. When June works with kids, she tries to find out what makes them excited. She has truly gone above and beyond in looking for new devices and even bringing experts and equipment from the Mainland to match a child's unique needs. Mahalo June, for your unflagging support of our kids!! Dennis Hokama has dedicated 33 years of his life
to the education of students in Hawaii. Born Dennis has also been an active member of the West Honolulu Community Children's Council for more than three years. Throughout his participation on the Council, Dennis has been supportive of activities that encourage members and interested parents to actively participate in the process of improving the educational success of children and young adults with special needs. When Dennis comes to the CCC meeting as the Department of Education representative, he really sees it as a vehicle for parents to have their concerns and questions answered. Although he always comes with excellent ideas, he generally defers to what works best for the parents present and he rarely takes credit for his ideas or actions. His leadership style encourages others to open up and collaborate with each other and get things done. Thank you Dennis for serving as a role model for other educators, providers and parents to continue to work for the betterment of all students, especially students with disabilities. Jeanne Prickett has racked up a whole host of accomplishments
since coming to Hawaii in April Jeanne made the HCDB a real option for students from Neighbor Islands by expanding and renovating dorm space and finding funds to make sure students got home for visits on a regular basis. She worked to make the dorms and classrooms safer for students by securing a visible fire alert system throughout the school. Jeanne has helped Deaf Culture/May Day activities become an annual event and pulled together the itinerant teachers for deaf and visually impaired students to work together for the first time to gain the support from the Department. She also significantly upgraded the expertise of Hawaii's itinerant teachers for the visually impaired by securing training through the University of Northern Colorado. Parents have benefited from her professionalism and commitment, too. She has worked tirelessly to improve the structure of deaf education and to improve the lives of students. Jeanne has a "big heart" for wanting the best for all special education students. She will be missed! PECS (The Picture Exchange
Communication System) Training Workshops Hawaii Families As Allies Conferences 7/19 Free Screening Clinic
for Children (Bone & Joint Exams) 8/9 & Camp Cool (Interactive
Computer Exploration for Kids 8-13 yrs.) $5 fee 10/3-4 Hawaii Foster Parent
Association Conference Special Feature: Concurrent Teen Track
for junior & senior foster youth on Saturday, Sheraton Waikiki |