Gretna TopSoccer will be starting their spring season March 31st and running for 6 weeks. Their program is now 4 years old and continuing to grow.  They have children (and young adults) of all ages and abilities playing on Thursday night. 

The cost is $15, the time commitment is minimal (6 hours total for the season), and each and every player will have a volunteer that will give the player as much or as little help as they need. 

Visit www.gretnatopsoccer.com to register.  

Sunday, April 3rd

5:30pm - 8:00pm

A special evening for children with Autism and their families. The museum has worked with UNMC and Autism Action Partnership to create an appropriate environment. Admission is FREE. No reservations necessary.  Download a flyer HERE.

The Ollie Webb is now taking reservations for their Saturday Sibshops workshops for Siblings of children with developmental disabilities.  Download a flyer HERE.

If you have been wondering if this program may be good fit for a sibling in your family, now would be a great time to get involved with the program.  They have three more months of workshops scheduled– then will take a break over the summer and start up again in September.

Each workshop is facilitated by Adult Siblings. The friendships made through this program might be just what your child needs.  

To make a reservation for your child ages 6-12 contact Annie at 346-5220 Ext. 23.  Sibshops will be held at the Ollie Webb Center 1941 South 42nd Street, (the old Center shopping mall)  lower level Suite 122.

The Autism Center of Nebraska is hosting an open house on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 3:00pm - 7:00 pm.  Come learn more about what services they have in place to help our community!

9012 Q Street
Omaha, NE

Download an invitation HERE.

Founded in 2003, BSC TOPSoccer has had the joy of extending the sportsmanship, camaraderie and thrill of competition through soccer to hundreds of children and young adults with special needs. TOPSoccer stands for the Outreach Program for Soccer and is a national program created to give young people with differing abilities the opportunity to learn and play the game of soccer.

The goal of BSC TOPSoccer is to provide all children with physical or intellectual disabilities a place where they can safely participate and enjoy the game of soccer.

The TOPSoccer program not only gives young athletes with differing abilities an opportunity to play soccer, it also gives them a renewed sense of  accomplishment and self worth. As the season progresses, we see not only improvement in athletic ability and physical stamina but also development in emotional and social well being.

BSC TOPSoccer is fortunate to have volunteers of all ages participating as coaches, buddies, team parents, field crew, committee members and fans.  These dedicated people attest that in assisting our TOPS players they have experienced true joy and have learned wonderful lessons about themselves and others. They return season after season and are a valued members of the BSC Tops Family.

The TOPS community hopes that you will encourage others with differing  abilities to join us and enjoy the game of soccer and all it has to offer!

Register now for the Spring season by printing forms from this link http://www.bscneb.org/page/show/76529-tops-registration-forms Early registration discount is available until March 8, 2011.

The Omaha Challenger Baseball league has opened registration for their Summer season.   This league is for individuals between the ages of 5 and 21  with any developmental or physical disabilities. 

All forms for registering can be found at http://www.challengerlittleleague.org/register.html  Please notice that the deadline for registration is FEBRUARY 28TH!   They do have an online Paypal option for payment to help you make the shortened deadline.

Monday, May 2
3:00 pm—7:00 pm

During this event, the museum will be dedicated to families with at least one member falling on the Autism Spectrum.  It will be free admission, and they will be making several unique modifications to the museum space:
·         reduced lighting
·         no overhead music
·         extra building-themed activities (like Lego’s, KEVA planks, Zoob, etc)
·        classrooms will be set up as “calm rooms” if anyone needs a quiet place to get away

A time for YOU

Family Caregiver Retreat

Wednesday, April 27th - Thursday, April 28th

Anyone who cares for a person of any age with special needs. As a family or professional caregiver, you are integral to the independence and well being of a person who depends on you.  But, who takes care of You? This two day retreat will give you emotional, physical, spiritual and mental respite that is so vital. You will have the opportunity to reflect, energize, and create.

Download a flyer HERE.

 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!  DOWNLOAD A CONFERENCE BROCHURE HERE.

The 2011 ASD State Conference will feature over 25 breakout sessions. Topics and themes include: Assistive Technology, Evidence Based Practices, Positive Approaches to Problem Behaviors, Social Thinking, Communication Interventions, and much more.  This is going to be a great conference so register soon to make sure you get a seat!

A Parent Breakout Strand will be offered throughout the conference with topics specifically designed for parents and family members. This strand is sponsored in part by the Autism Society of Nebraska.

A Panel of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum will discuss their experiences in middle school, high school, college and beyond.

New to the conference this year will be Networking Sessions which will include informal meeting and collaboration rooms for Parents, Support Group Leaders, Ziggurat Model Users, Best Practices in Assessment, STEPS/District Leadership Participants, and Assistive Technology.

Childcare will be provided by the Autism Society of Nebraska during the Thursday evening dinner/keynote presentation.

Scholarships for family members and individuals with ASD are available through the Autism Society of Nebraska.  Learn more about our scholarship program HERE. 

Presented by Stones Worth Stepping

Saturday, February 26th      9:30am - 10:15am     or    10:30am - 11:15am

Cost:  $35 per session (contact them to see about possible filing with your insurance)

This is an opportunity for you and your child to engage in yoga in a social and therapeutic setting.  They will be addressing coordination, strength, body awareness, and motor planning.  Only one child per parent.  Limited spots available.

Download a flyer HERE.

Step By Step is a Movement/Dance Class for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Come and dance in a fun, safe, class!  They’ll stretch their bodies, work general coordination and even do fun acting and creative movement to fun music in a sensory safe environment! 

Come learn some basics to ballet, tap or even hip hop!  The class is designed for ASD students needing extra help with motor skills, or have trouble assimilating with peers in other dance classes, or just want to have fun.     And this is open to both BOYS and GIRLS!

The Broadway Connection Dance Center is located at 2329 N. 90th St. (90th & Blondo next to Hobby Lobby)

Sunday 12 noon-1pm 
$35/ month

For more information call 402-571-4446 or visit www.thebroadwayconnectiondance.com

Every child is an artist! This class will give your child the opportunity to learn and explore using art. There will be a variety of activities, easily adapted to meet the needs of your child. This class is a place to play and explore using our imagination.

Special Needs class meets every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30pm

Cost - $10 a day or $30 for the month (4 Classes) Cost covers all materials and instruction for the class.  This is for school age individuals.  Just call ahead at (402) 933-4446 to reserve your space!   You can join anytime! 

Learn more at www.inspireandcreate.com

Winter session at the Rose is starting now!  These classes run from January 8th through February 26th.

Grades 1 - 3   10:30am - 11:30am    Theme:  Animals and Pets
Grades 7 - 12  11:45am - 12:45pm  Theme:  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The Rose will be offering an abbreviated production of CHARLIE and the CHOCOLATE FACTORY performed by the students in their autism class!  Students in grades 7-12 will meet from January until May each Saturday morning to rehearse a 10-15 minute version of the piece.  Costumes, scripts, and more will be involved as we embark on this fun journey that will end on the Rose mainstage!

Download a Winter Session flyer HERE.   For a registration form contact class coordinator Josh Kiepke at joshk@rosetheater.org

**Are you a teen interested in helping with these classes?  Teen volunteers are needed.  Please contact Michael Harrelson at 502-4634 or michaelh@rosetheater.org to inquire.

Dance class for boys and girls 8 years old and up with special needs. Class will consist of Hip Hop, Jazz, and Musical Theatre.  Students may wear tennis shoes for class.  Children will have a buddy to help them during the class.

Feel free to try the class first but please let Tracey know you’ll be coming so we’ll have enough buddies.

When: Saturdays 1:00-1:40  (beginning in January)

Hart Dance Academy
3534 South 48th Street Suite 2
Lincoln, NE 68506
402-488-9444
www.hartdance.com

Registration: $15.00
Tuition: $65.00 per quarter (2 month session)
For more information contact: Tracey Hart at the dance studio or Christy Champoux at 890-8023.

The Nebraska ASD Network is overseen by the Nebraska Department of Education and works in an advisory capacity providing training to Nebraska schools.  They offer exceptional training to professionals as well as parents.  Be sure and check out the Southeast Region’s Newsletter HERE for some great information!

Theraplayce is offering a new fun way to assist with developing your child’s socialization skills along with increasing their strength and balance. Ice skating is also a fun way to spend family time over the winter season and a great way to get exercise at the same time!

Social Skating for Special Needs will take place from 12:00pm - 2:00pm at Moylan Tranquility Iceplex located on 127th and West Maple Road and will be taught by our Speech Language Pathologist and Physical Therapist Assistant. Our SLP has taught USFSA basic skills and both have backgrounds in skating and enjoy teaching it to others.

Your child will be learning the basic skills for skating as described by the USFSA. These skills include: balance, weight bearing, sitting and standing, marching in place, dipping in place, dipping while moving, and forward two foot swizzles (according to each child’s needs and abilities).   The skills that will be taught are a progressive set of skills and build on each other so it is very important that you attend each week so your child can get the maximum benefit from our program.

After skating they will enjoy snack together while working on their social language skills like staying on topic; initiating and responding; taking turns; and figurative asking and answering question.

All activities your child participates in during Social Skating for Special Needs are therapeutic and provide input to help your child enhance their lives.

Visit their website HERE for more information or to download a registration form.

TheraPlayce is offering an exercise and fitness program for children with special needs. They will focus on getting your child up and moving in activities to help increase bone and muscle growth/strength, motor control,and function, and cardiovascular endurance.  As your child’s strength and endurance increases you will also see an increase in self esteem, socialization skills and attention. The classes will be run by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant and a Certified Speech Language Pathologist.

Movin N’ Groovin is a 4 week program.   Each week will have a different theme for incorporating fun, aerobic activities, both indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting).  Classes start December 9th and run through January 13th. 

Class Schedules

Thursday December 9th5:00 - 6:00pm or 6:30 - 7:30pm
Theme: Movement and Music

Thursday December 16th      5:00 - 6:00pm or 6:30 - 7:30pm
Theme: Sports and Socializing
Thursday January 6th     5:00 - 6:00pm or 6:30 - 7:30pm
Theme: Exercise and Yoga
Thursday January 13th     5:00 - 6:00pm or 6:30 - 7:30pm
Theme: Balance and Coordination

Friday December 10th    5:00 - 6:00pm
Theme: Movement and Music
Friday December 16th    5:00 - 6:00pm
Theme: Sports and Socializing
Friday January 7th    5:00 - 6:00pm
Theme Exercise and Yoga
Friday January 14th  5:00 - 6:00pm
Theme Balance and Coordination

Cost for each week is $15.00 or register for all 4 classes for $50.00!   Payment is due at the beginning of session.

Visit their website HERE for more information or to download a registration form.

Drop your kids off for a fun time of sensory activites; speech and language development; auditory, visual and tactile input; and gross motor activites and socialization.   Multi-Sensory Saturday is $25 per class or you can register for 4 classes for only $90.  You must register by the Thursday before the day you wish to attend.  Payment is due at the time of drop off.

Theraplayce provides a variety of services and progress is due to the variety of treatment modalities and equipment they use. Sensory integration myofacial release, therapeutic listening aquatic activites and traditional land based interventions are all incorporated to each child’s individualized plan of care.

Schedule

8:45am - 9:00am Drop-off
12:00pm - 12:15pm Pick up

Activities during the day will include but are not limited to:

Tactile/Sensory Exploration
Story Time
Speech/Language Movie
Social/Language Skills
Crafts
Gross Motor
Fine Motor

Visit their website HERE for more information or to download a registration form.