Vicki Tooley via e-mail at vtooley@jeffco.k12.co.us or by phone at

(303) 903-7278 or

Leslie Iiams via e-mail at liiams@jeffco.k12.co.us

Follow @PASCOhh

Here are 8 tips that were offered by special needs parents.

1. Communicate

Talk with other special-education parents and create a support group. Share some of the daily challenges. Listen to the issues of the other parents. What can you relate to? Share your thoughts. Offer your advice. This may mean a weekly chat at a local coffee joint, or it could also mean chatting with other parents online. Make your goal to find a time and place where you can express your feelings in a safe environment.

2. Write About It

Keep a journal. Record your child’s successes. Also take the time to write about your own feelings about what’s going on.  Often when you put your thoughts to paper, you can gain perspective. Write out an action plan for your child. Include a set of realistic goals that you’d like to see your child accomplish.

3. Alleviate Stress in Creative Ways

Kickbox, dance, do yoga, walk, meditate, sing in the shower, take a cooking class. Research shows that parents of special needs children have more stress than those parents without special-needs children.

4. Be Open

Try new ideas and suggestions. The parents of other special-needs children have a profound interest in their kids. They also each have a unique skill set that they bring to the parent-rearing table. Many of them are up-to-date on the latest research about some of the challenges that your child faces. Remember that information is power. Stay current on issues that affect special needs children.

5. Support

Show your gratitude toward extraordinary special-education teachers and other professionals. These are the individuals who make it their job to help special-needs children achieve their goals. Keep these lines of communication open. Show your satisfaction when something works well. Talk about moments in the classroom or examining room that are or are not working for you and your child.

6. Don’t Go It Alone

Learning about the issues and topics that affect your child can be as overwhelming as trying to master the concept of geothermal energy. Find help and support from the National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE). Here you will find information about special education and the law for parents, as well as resources, and a place to ask the experts all your pressing questions.

7. Put Yourself and Your Child Out There

Get involved in school and community programs with your child. Smile at the parents who seem to want to get to know you and your child. Be social and talk to other parents about the common elements of parenting.

8. Don’t Give Up Hope

Parenting a child with special needs can feel isolating and overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to celebrate the small triumphs. Make time to focus on the good stuff.

Follow @PASCOhh

Phamaly named Top Theatre Company for 2012 by Denver’s 5280 Magazine!

Phamaly named the 2012 Professional/Community Theatre of the Year by the Alliance for Colorado Theatre!

Dates

Sat June 15, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Location

Mizel Arts & Culture Center

350 S. Dahlia

Denver, CO

synopsis

Join Us for this One Night Only Special Event! Phamaly’s Circle of Stars Benefit!

Phamaly presents its 2013 Circle of Stars Benefit featuring a one-night-only special variety show performance including a preview of this summer’s musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and this December’s holiday favorite, It’s a Wonderful Life, as well as other theatrical delights!

The theme of this year’s celebratory fundraiser is “If I Were a Rich (Wo)Man,” taking its name after the famous song from Fiddler on the Roof. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress for an evening of glitz and glamor.

9News Entertainment Reporter, Kirk Montgomery will return to Emcee.

Each Ticket Includes:

Fine, heavy hors’ d’oeuvres by Occasions Catering

A special one-night-only performance by Phamaly (NOTE: seats in the Mizel’s Wolf Theatre will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your Benefit tickets early for the best possible seating!)

Dessert

Dancing

Cash Bar

An exclusive Gala Attendee Discount Pass to see Fiddler on the Roof at the Space Theatre this July & August (usable for multiple dates)

All proceeds from the event benefit Phamaly Theatre Company and its programs for actors with disabilities.

For more information: Please contact Chris Silberman or Johanne Noble at 303-575-0005

Follow @PASCOhh

This year we’ll be enjoying more fiery hors d’oeuvres, delicioso drinks, scintillating silent auction items, the sparkling fun of salsa lessons and the passion of a dance contest at a new location: our building! The University Physicians building, that is, where we have our offices on the 2nd floor. Hearts on Fire will take place on the ground level, and you won’t want to miss what we have planned!

Tickets are $50 each or $90 for two. Group discounts are available for 10 or more people!

REGISTER NOW

Follow @PASCOhh

Tickets are $20/person and can be purchased online through Lakewood Cultural Center or by calling the box office at (303) 987-7845. If you have any questions or need assistance placing your order, please contact Genni or Eryn at (303) 232-1338.

Follow @PASCOhh

For tickets to this unique experience, please visit the theater’s box office the day of the event at one of the following AMC locations:

1. Flatirons 14 at 61 W Flatiron Crossing Broomfield, CO  80021, (303) 256-2181
2. Highlands Ranch 24 at 103 W Centennial Blvd Highlands Ranch, CO 80129, (303) 471-5232
3. Southland 16 at 23955 E Plaza Ave Aurora, CO 80016, (303) 627-5430
4. Westminster 24 at 10655 Westminster Blvd Westminster, CO 80020, (303) 439-7359

Ticket prices range from $4 to $6 depending on location. New location in Fort Collins! For more information, contact Kim Tenure at kim@autismcolorado.org or (720) 214-0794 x15

Follow @PASCOhh