Hi everyone! CoMO SEPTA has had a very busy April. I thought I’d fill you in on some of the goings-on of our group.
On April 6, Derby Ridge kicked off a Spring Carnival. They asked CoMO SEPTA to set up a sensory-friendly space for any who might need a break from the hustle & bustle before rejoining the fun. Above you can see Logan (5) and Declan (2) enjoying the items in our sensory room. If your school has an event and you think a space like this would help, please reach out to us. comosepta@gmail.com We’d love to bring our items along to make your event the best it can be for everyone.
On April 15th, our president attended the school board meeting where the two new members – Blake Willoughby and Della Streaty-Wilhoit – were sworn in. Among the topics discussed that meeting was the district’s Recording Policy. The issue was tabled (set aside for future information-gathering and discussion), but both the Columbia Missourian and the Columbia Tribune put out articles on the matter, with quotes from some of our own members. You can click above to read the articles, and we invite you to share with us your thoughts – positive or otherwise – on the issue using our anonymous form here: Recording Policy Comments. Opening a discourse is how we can make the policy best serve the student.
On the 16th we held our April SEPTA meeting. A few reminders were given of upcoming events such as our May 5th social event at the park (let us know if you didn’t receive an invite in your e-mail!) Following that, Les Wagner led an amazing discussion on the importance of pro-social, interest-based activities. To engage our children in these, we must first find an activity such as a class or club that would be open to allowing those with disabilities to take part. Then we look for mentors or welcoming individuals within that activity who will reach out to our child. The bond starts with the shared interest of the activity, but can spread deeper.. the way all friendships are formed. It was a great discussion, and we all left feeling more motivated to strive for connection opportunities like this (at least I know I did!
The 24th was our Resource Fair, which went well. It got its own post here, with a list of all the amazing resources that showed up for our first fair. I mention it again here because the photo above ties in quite well with the topic of our April 16th meeting. Above is the vendor from Giving Song greeting my son. During the course of our chat with her, we discovered that they’re hosting an inclusive band – music-lovers at any ability level are welcomed. (Right now it’s aimed at 13 and up, but if they get enough requests from younger music-lovers they may look to opening it to more ages.) I know that Access Arts has also told me that all of their classes are inclusive; they welcome any ability level to join in. I wasn’t able to stay long at the fair so I only got to visit a fraction of the tables, but trust me.. there was a wealth of supportive services there. Check out the Resource Fair post for a directory of all the vendors there.
On the 26th, our SEPTA board met to comb through your nominations for our first SEPTA Educator Awards. What an amazing group of people we have caring for our students! It took us hours, but we did manage to decide on winners in each category. These fine folks will be announced at our meeting on May 21 at 6pm in the Friend’s Room of Boone County Family Resources. Please come to cheer them on. Following the awards, we’ll have a speaker on the topic of dealing with big emotions. This is perfectly timed just before all the hectic routine changes of summer.
The following morning, despite a bit of glum weather, CoMO SEPTA had a table set up at the Autism Walk. Thanks to everyone who came out and stopped by!
And finally, on April 30th, the Columbia Council of PTA held its volunteer award ceremony. Yours truly was recognized by CoMO SEPTA, and thankfully no speech was needed. I enjoy the above photo with our president Michelle and our treasurer Tara (who was getting recognized by her individual school PTA) because it makes me look tall. Spoiler: I am not tall. But I AM happy to be a member of SEPTA.