P2P Groups and Events

Parent to Parent News

 On Line Autism Support Group

The new on line support group for families who have children with Autism is growing by leaps and bounds!  The group is "private" and by invitation only so you can be confident that your questions and comments won't be publicly viewed.  Resources are posted frequently so you receive the latest updates.  Different discussion topics are added regularly so there is something for everyone.  Members can add any topic they wish...this is YOUR group!  To receive an invitation, email Elaine Rinker at erinker@ssp2p.org 

Thank You

We would like to express our gratitude to Mike Freeman, Advocate and Parent; Jan Carrington, Attorney and Heather Campbell, Counselor for presenting at our May Guardianship/Trusts workshop.  The presentations and information were excellent and many questions were answered for families with children of all ages.  We will plan more workshops for the Fall so please keep an eye out for future information!

Fundraisers/Donations

News from the Board 

We are pleased to welcome Brooke and Jim Johnson as new members of the board of directors.  Brooke has long been active with Parent to Parent with her twin 9 year old boys.  Jim is an attorney with the Attorney General's Office.   They both bring important perspectives, knowledge and community connections to the board.    

If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact us for more information at 352-1126 and ask for Kim Smith.  She will pass along your information.

Erika Krupp, Board President 

Knights of the Round Table!

     Back in the early days when my children were younger I was so impatient for milestones to come. I was always wondering when my kids would start to do more things, especially walking. I just couldn't wait for them to be scooting around. Little Graffagnino boys running and jumping around me.  I was looking for my shot around the water cooler to tell my proud dad stories.  I would get that shot eventually, but like the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for because you might just get it!"

     Once my guys started to become more mobile and independent there was a whole new set of thinking that had to be planned for. No longer could a baby gate be relied upon.  Cribs gave way to toddler beds, and doorknobs became fun to turn.  Everything was just an obstacle in the way of the fridge, also known as the place where the salami lives.  With the development of their mobility skills came a whole bunch of curiosities.  My sons are fifteen months apart, so they were like two partners in crime when they were little. Ryan my youngest, was always the instigator and Matty was the wanna be follower but involved none the less. It was time to baby-proof the house for walking guys. Like most parents, you really get a good idea how "baby proof "your place is once the baby gets into the first unexpected thing. My kids were no exception to this rule. In fact, I think they created a whole new list of, "How to drive my old man crazy!" Those two always kept me on my toes and sharp, that's for sure.

     This one particular story is a classic in my family, and really makes me laugh every time I think of it. Words can't even do it justice.  Now, for the most part I keep a pretty clean house for a dude and don't leave much around. (Especially something that can be a potential fastball for Ryan.)  Oh how I hated the throwing stage.

     Like most guys, I find solace in my flat screen TV and the fridge. I know, right?  Hard to believe.  Food and sports and it's all good.  My boys are no exception. Their rallying point is at the TV as well, unfortunately with the "Little Einsteins" on instead of sports. Don't forget some hunks of cured Italian meat in hand. With time, the boys were becoming more independent and confident as they acquired more skills. But they always looked to me for affirmation. They were never really bold enough to take matters into their own hands. Yeah right.........

     So, on this particular evening I put the boys to bed in their respective rooms, and set them off to go night night.  After securing the house for the night, laying down and reflecting on my day, I too fell asleep.

      As the middle of the night approached, I was awakened by noises.  What was that? Probably nothing. There it was again! Ok now I was really concerned. I sprang from my bed and popped my head out of the room ever so quietly. I saw both boy's rooms with the doors still closed. I slowly began to walk down the hall. Still groggy I approached with caution and noticed the kitchen light was on! I was hearing a lot of shuffling around and wait, was that the TV on?  As I karate chopped around the corner, I could hardly believe my eyes! Instead of the prowlers that I was expecting, it was my two meatballs having a banquet! Clearing my eyes of sleep I began to look around at what had taken place. I wish I could explain to you the utter dismay and shock I was experiencing at 3am.

     Like a scene right out of Medieval Times, both boys were sitting at the kitchen table with a whole leftover chicken taken out of the fridge, and that sucker was picked clean to the bone!  They looked like little knights in feety pajamas. Two greasy chicken smiles stared at me as if to say," How about some juice, Dad?!" Then with a double take, I looked over at the TV which was on full blast, to see a Royal Flush of salami slices plastered across the 48"screen! To this day I still can't get that image out of my head!

     After a lengthy cleanup, complete with Windex and wipes the house was once again quiet. Both the Knights of the Round Table were fast asleep dreaming of new conquests and a salami full house.  I laughed myself back to sleep in anticipation of the water cooler in the morning, and a trip to the hardware store to buy more" baby proof "stuff for the house.

Matt Graffagnino

Volunteers

Volunteer Needs

Lending Program Updates!

We are VERY excited to start adding to our lending program.  The first addition is Volumes 1-13 of the popular Signing Time DVDs.  Other dvd's, books and equipment will be added over the next several months.  If you would like to borrow an item or have suggestions for items we might stock in the program, please contact Sheila at 352-1126 ext. 101.  We would love to hear from families and therapists.  Thanks!

Community Events and Activities

Legislative Corner  

Did you know that people with developmental disabilities have a history all their own?  I recently sat down with Sue Elliott, Executive Director of The Arc of Washington State, and asked her to shed some light on the history that we all, in one way or another, share. 

Q: When was The Arc of Washington State established? 

A: The Arc of Washington is one of the oldest Arcs in the country.  It was formed in 1936 by a group of parents and was originally called The Children's Benevolent League.  It was really a grass roots movement that helped to create everything that we have today for people with developmental disabilities, including special education.

Q: What do you think has been The Arc of Washington's biggest accomplishment over the last 75 years? 

A: The passage of House Bill 90 (in 1971) creating special education in our state.

Q: What do you consider to be the single most important challenge facing people with developmental disabilities today?

A: It's the same as it has been throughout history.  They are not valued in our society. 

Q: What advice would you give to a parent of a young child with a developmental disability today?

A: I would tell them to take care of themselves and their child.  I would also tell them that they have to find their voice.  They need to believe that they are their child's voice for their lifetime because the system will not automatically take care of them.  They have to find their voice!