UPDATED: Children with Autism, LWSD PTSA events

from the desk of Julie Shalaby....

UPDATED, 12/15. 3:30 PM
i-Pads are presently out of stock :{  Julie sends her regrets.

I hope you all are enjoying this busy time of year! Below is an opportunity for a free iPad. I’ve attached the application. There are a few other events I’ve added that are going on in the next week.

Happy Holidays,
Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Chairperson

*Free iPad for Children with Autism*  (OUT OF STOCK, REGRETS)
FAQ
Application due by December 31st, 2010 (Application Attached - "Read More")

*Free Fun Event for Youth*
All 17-24 year olds
are invited to come together for free fun!
…for pizza, dancing and learning about disabilities of all kinds
Join us Saturday, December 18, 2010
7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m., in North Kent

Read More for details....

*Free iPad for Children with Autism*  OUT OF STOCK :{
Application due by December 31st, 2010 (Application Attached)

What are the eligibility requirements??

You must meet the following criteria to apply:


1. The individual you are applying for must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (as identified in diagnosis report).

2. Reside in the United States of America.

3. Be non-verbal or minimally verbal (as identified in speech pathology report).

4. Be in financial need: Gross income not to exceed $35,000 single income family or $50,000 two-income family (as identified by documentation).

5. Have access to a computer and an iTunes account (some programs must be downloaded on a computer and transferred to the iPad due to size).

6. A professional on your team (i.e., speech pathologist, doctor, teacher) must be willing to take responsibility of the gift card that downloads the applications.

FAQ
Q: Is there an age limit for who I may apply for?

A: No. As long as the individual to receive the iPad meets the above criteria, they can be any age.

Q: How will you verify information on submitted applications?

A: HollyRod Foundation will call providers stated on application and in submitted reports to verify information. By signing application you give HollyRod Foundation permission to contact stated providers.

Q: How do I apply for the iPad?

A: If you meet the eligibility requirements stated above, complete the HOLIDAY GIVING APPLICATION. You must attach some form of documentation that confirms your child's diagnosis, verbal abilities (i.e., diagnosis report, speech report, school eval, etc) and financial need. If you have multiple children with autism, you must attach each child’s paperwork if requesting more than one unit.

Q: Will I get my iPad fully loaded?

A: Since apps will need to be updated, you will have to load the iPad through your own iTunes account. To ensure legitimacy of who receives the iPads, we will ask your provider (Speech, teacher) to take responsibility of a gift card that will allow purchase of specific apps.

Q: I've sent my application in. How long until I know if my application has been approved?

A: Once we have received all components of the application (completed application form, doctor's letter, financial documentation, provider statement), your application will be reviewed by the HollyRod Foundation staff. After all aspects of application have been verified, application will be assigned a number in the order it was received. Based on total donations received by 11:59pm PST, December 31, 2010, HollyRod Foundation will determine the number of iPads it can purchase. iPads will be given away according to order of applications until all iPads have been disbursed. ONLY RECIPIENTS RECEIVING AN iPAD WILL BE CONTACTED. Recipients will be contacted in January 2011.

Q: I have health insurance. Can I still apply for assistance?

A: Yes. As long as your family’s gross income does not exceed $50,000 and insurance will not pay for a communication device, you are eligible to apply for your loved one.

Mail completed application, documentation confirming child’s diagnosis (i.e., school eval, ordoctor’s note), speech abilities, previous year’s IRS return and Provider Statement to:  HollyRod Foundation c/o “2010 Holiday Campaign”9250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite LL15Beverly Hills, CA 90212*Mother's Circle* Thursday, December 16 from 06:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Many years ago, a small group of moms gathered in support of each others journey through being a mother of a child(ren) with special needs. This group has been through many transformations through the years. Our goal is to be there for each other in tough times, celebrate the good times and just know that we are not alone on this journey. In general, we meet every other week.

*Free Fun Event for Youth*
All 17-24 year olds
are invited to come together for free fun!
…for pizza, dancing and learning about disabilities of all kinds
Join us Saturday, December 18, 2010
7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
At: Mt. Rainier Room at Kent Commons
525 4th Ave., North Kent, WA 98032

Please RSVP to Eric Matthes, Outreach & Advocacy Specialist, by
206-829-7044 or ematthes@arcofkingcounty.org
Co-sponsored by The Arc of King County's Youth Leadership Forum, and the City of
Kent, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Adaptive Recreation Program
Funded by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
http://www.arcofkingcounty.org/
233 6th Ave. N.,
Seattle, WA 98109 206-364-6337

Mother's Circle
We invite you to join us at *Mother's Circle*Thursday, December 16 from 06:30 PM to 8:00 PM Many years ago, a small group of moms gathered in support of each others journey through being a mother of a child(ren) with special needs. This group has been through many transformations through the years. Our goal is to be there for each other in tough times, celebrate the good times and just know that we are not alone on this journey. In general, we meet every other week.

Submitted by Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson