Community Connections: May-June 2004 Newsletter

The Community Connections Communicator -- May-June 2004

In this Issue:

The theme of this month’s issue is Backyard Getaways – Local Summer Fun.

	Tip Sheet: Quick Tips for Driving Trips
	This tip sheet gives information on how to prepare for travel with your children. You can use these tips when planning short or long distance trips all year long.
	An Additional Tip Sheet:A Family that Plays Together…
	This tip sheet provides a general overview of why it is helpful for families to participate in recreational activities together. It also provides tips on planning day trips and fun outings.
	Articles:
	Vacation and Travel for Families with Special Needs Children This brief article is loaded with lots of great references for traveling with children with special needs. You can visit many disability related websites for ideas on having fun, safe, and accessible trips this summer.
	A Day at the Zoo Check out this article for information on planning day trips to such locations as aquariums and zoos for families with children with disabilities.
	Backyard Getaways
	Spotlights of the Month:
	DAY TRIPS:
	*Wish-A-Fish Foundation, Inc.* Provides a fun-filled day full of fishing, relaxing and eating, for the entire family of children with disabilities.
	*National Aquarium in Baltimore* Taking a trip to the National Aquarium to see all of the beautiful aquatic life can be an enjoyable learning experience. The National Aquarium provides an array of accessible resources as well as programs that are inviting to many families of children with disabilities.
	*Hoof Prints in the Sand – Therapeutic Trail Riding and Camping Center* Located on the Eastern Shore in Maryland, Hoof Prints in the Sand provides horse trail riding as well as other outdoor activities for day- trippers and vacationers.
	*Capital Children’s Museum* Provides an array of interactive learning experiences for children of all ages.
	*AMUSEMENT PARKS:*
	*Six Flags America* Located in Mitchellville, Maryland, Six Flags America is an ideal haven for a day trip to an amusement park.
	*Paramount’s Kings Dominion* This is a great park for children to enjoy various roller-coasters, splash parks and good food.
	*Sesame Place* Children will love this Sesame character theme park.
	*Hershey Park* Find out how to make chocolate and shop ‘till you drop.
	Recommended Websites:
	People and Places http://m1e.net/c?27058432-eY7K2/9u867FI%40574145-9LKFoAohHZzSE
	Access-Able Travel Source http://m1e.net/c?27058432-UevVhWWurFbts%40574146-bJDYBVHTWVhSo
	Spotlight a Welcoming Business:
	Community Connections would like to “Spotlight” businesses who are welcoming to children with disabilities and their families. If you would like to spotlight a business, please click on the following link and we will post it free of charge on our website. Thank you. http://m1e.net/c?27058432-19EfbYf/I6L8Q%40574144-M22agiu9YD4kY

Tip Sheets

Quick Tips for Driving Trips
Anyone who has to plan a car trip with kids will appreciate these nine quick tips for family outings. These tips include very easy adaptations to your journey with such suggestions as bringing music, taking breaks, and having treats on hand. If you are planning a trip for the summer, please take a look at these tips to ensure a fun, safe, and relaxing trip for the family.
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-axsxw9av.Qeys%40574147-ufjlOtA076qQY

Additional Tip Sheet: Family that Plays Together….
Why is it important to have family time together, especially if you have a child with a disability? How can you determine what interests you have and where you would like to go? This tip sheet, provided by the United Way Discovery Program, discusses the importance of sharing family activities. Such positive outcomes from sharing in family recreation/ trips include: helping the child to increase his/her self esteem, creating stronger family relationships, broadening your child’s experiences, exploring new places together, and having fun. This tip sheet helps families determine what types of activities they would like to explore as well as what to look for when planning a short trip or excursion. Click on the link below to view the full tip sheet: http://m1e.net/c?27058432-1eFCY/bibkkTk%40574148-/yrg1kYfR0el6

Articles

Vacation and Travel for Families with Special Needs Children
This short article includes a wealth of information for families planning to travel during the summer. You will find website resources with information on how to plan a vacation and where to find hotels and transportation for families with special needs. This article also includes links to websites, which feature accessible travel information and tips for traveling. If you are ready to venture out, check out the full article to view the abundance of resources.
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-Q3oTKQRQdm4fY%40574149-/imzzWIPFYOcw

A Day at the Zoo
Planning a day trip can be fun yet challenging. Based on your child’s disability and specific needs, you may need to consider if the location of the trip offers such features as accessible entrances and parking spaces, family/accessible bathrooms, special programs, large print handouts, Braille handouts, and assistive listening devices. Don’t fret, this article provides valuable information for parents and caregivers who would like to plan a day trip.

Although the article is specifically written with a trip to the zoo or aquarium in mind, you can apply the suggestions to any day trips that you may be planning. This article provides information on accessibility laws that require zoos and aquariums to meet certain standards that will allow individuals with disabilities to access their facilities. In addition, you will find practical ideas to look for while planning a day trip which include researching the trip on the internet, asking specific questions about the facility, and asking specific questions about how the place can accommodate your child’s specific disability. For example, planning a day trip can be a lot easier if you have information prior to arriving to the location, such as a map of the facility as well as the accessible adaptations that they provide.
If your next trip is a day trip, please review this article to gather information that will help you have a more easily accessible and fun excursion. Click the link below to read the full text of the article: http://m1e.net/c?27058432-Uveis2ozmmC5M%40574150-LQ5qrFCBb23T2. In the search engine, type in A Day at the Zoo. Scroll to and click the third article.

Backyard Getaways

Following are local gems in the Washington-Maryland Area. You can enjoy some of these activities by planning a day trip or just venturing out for a couple of hours. You decide. It’s all local and lots of fun. Have a happy and safe summer!

Bladensburg Waterfront Park
4601 Annapolis Road
Bladensburg, Maryland
(301) 779-0371

The Bladensburg Waterfront Park is a gem in Prince George’s County. Summer activities include a 2004 jazz series, which is free! You will also find canoe and rowboat rentals. Children will also enjoy a playground area and railroad caboose. Check out this park for a fun filled day. For further information, please click on the following link:
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-yOZRuTVE5XgD2%40574151-sI9502YgZy8Gc

Explora World
6570 Dobbin Road
Columbia, Maryland
(410) 772-1540

The Explora World is a great activity center with numerous activities for children ages 1-10. Kids will be amazed by the exhibits, play area, and even a real fire truck.

National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC
(202) 272-2448

The National Building Museum is great for families who would like to see and touch models of local landmarks such as the White House and the Capitol. A bonus is it is free! This is a great outing for young children.

National Gallery of Art
3rd & 7th Streets, NW
Washington, DC
(202) 737-4215

The National Gallery of Art offers great exhibitions for children of all ages ranging from Disney features to European paintings. Check out the website for further information at: http://m1e.net/c?27058432-qJWUdoUwceyr2%40574152-FW3pTrJ3Z6Db2

Oxon Hill Farm
6411 Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, Maryland
(301) 839-1176
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-GAdHU/3h4h7ps%40574153-dJ.uSCd8tD3oI

Children and parents alike will enjoy this working farm. You can feed the chickens, milk the cows, and even pet the farm animals. Please call for reservation information.

Old Maryland Farm
In Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 218-6770
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-/A9H/2swqbSLE%40574153-djcI/hTiGFI0Q

A carousel, accessible playground and train ride can all be found at the Watkins Regional Park. In addition, they have a great interactive farm where children can feed chickens, sheep, peacocks, and goats. They also have pony and hay rides available. For further information on when each activity is available, please call ahead or visit the above website.

Port Discovery
35 Market Place
Baltimore, Maryland
(410) 727-8120

The Port Discovery offers hands-on-activities and exhibits. They also feature such cool exhibits and shows as: “Down at the Farm” with hands on farming activities, “Arthur’s World” featuring Marc Browns characters with interactive reading and activities for children, and “Story Time with Spot the Dog” a story time hour geared toward children under four. Check out the website for further information on upcoming events. http://m1e.net/c?27058432-Z3TbfEcVUoQzQ%40574154-xPWYTZ.hUvLBY

Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road
Landover, Maryland
(301) 583-2400
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-jlfcSyQxeYDA2%40574155-4.Ypi5cvJNJeY

If you want to cool off this summer, visit the large pool with waterslide, lazy river, and dinosaur statues at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex. On Friday June 4 and 18 the entire family can enjoy the pool for free from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for the “Open Swim Fridays.” For further information, you can contact the Complex at the above information.

School House Pond
Govern Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 699-2407

If you love seeing ducks and geese, School House Pond is the place to hang out. You will find these beautiful birds crossing the streets, swimming in the pond, and searching the grass for food. There is also a great walking trail and park benches for enjoying an afternoon lunch.

Spotlights of the Month!

DAY TRIPS:

Wish-A-Fish Foundation, Inc.
Rod Rice, President
Corporate Headquarters
4852 Ellicott Woods Lane
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-203-0052
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-OJpR6G9XkWw2k%40574156-HYE0QwHtAYnUU

Are you ready to set sail and catch some fish? Well if so, the Wish-A-Fish Foundation provides a fun and relaxing fishing trip for about 25-35 families of children with disabilities. The trip is absolutely free and includes a tee-shirt, hat and fishing rod for the child who has the disability and his/her siblings. There are volunteers who donate their expertise and boats for the day to accommodate the trippers. Each family is assigned a captain and a helper, and spends the day fishing, talking and relaxing on their own boat. Once the day of fishing is complete (you determine if you want to spend a few hours or just a short while at sea), you return to the picnic area for a filling lunch. For trip dates and to make accommodations for children who require boats that provide wheelchair access, please contact The Wish-A-Fish Foundation at 410-203-0052 or register online at http://m1e.net/c?27058432-2OwBGRrhaoYYo%40574157-MnWkAPF9XDvSc

National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland (at the end of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor)
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-Em.HvuXht2f1k%40574158-DulKdUE75fG6A

Dolphin shows, seal feedings, puffin feedings, and exotic fish galore can all be experienced at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Did you know that the National Aquarium in Baltimore has an exceptional accessibility program, which allows families of children with disabilities to enjoy the fun and excitement the aquarium has to offer without much hassle? Such features of the aquarium include assistive listening devices and captioning on interactive videos. Other features include reserved seating for shows and exhibits. In addition, the National Aquarium provides an Access-Aquarium program, which has free nights for people with physical or mental disabilities. The accessible features also include a Braille tour, Sign Language interpreters and audio tours. In addition, you can visit the aquarium on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month thirty minutes before the aquarium opens for the general visitors, which will help you avoid the rush.

In order to find out about these and other accessible features and programs offered by the National Aquarium in Baltimore, please contact them at: (410) 659-4278 or at TTY on 410 625-0720 or on http://m1e.net/c?27058432-muCozLzYQbCIc%40574159-jtTHkbtBQHKJ2. Please note that advance notice may need to be made with the aquarium if you require use of some of the special resources that they provide. Enjoy your day at the aquarium!

Hoof Prints in the Sand – Therapeutic Trail Riding and Camping Center
P.O. Box 144
Parsonsburg, Maryland 21849
410-835-8814

Located on the Eastern Shore just 15 minutes from Ocean City, Maryland, Hoof Prints in the Sand provides horse trail riding as well as other outdoor activities for day- trippers and vacationers. They provide therapeutic horseback riding in a natural setting, as well as other activities, which include hiking, cycling, birding and canoeing. If this outdoorsy day trip sounds like one for you, please contact Hoof Prints in the Sand to plan your accessible outing. Please contact Sandy at 410-835-8814 for further information or click on the following website http://m1e.net/c?27058432-cYMl3zA6SFCf2%40574160-abpd.FCm9tcz%2e

Capital Children’s Museum
800 3rd Street, NE
Washington, DC
202-675-4120 or 202-675-4149

The Capital Children’s Museum provides both a fun and learning environment for families with children with disabilities. This museum is very interactive and allows for children to use their imagination while exploring the activities. Exhibits allow children to touch them, climb on them and some even give children the chance to taste them. Such fun exhibits include exploring a prehistoric cave, learning how to make cocoa, creating a weather show, researching dinosaurs and learning about our neighbors in Mexico. For further information about accessibility features, please contact the Capital Children’s Museum directly at 202-675-4120. You may also visit their website at http://m1e.net/c?27058432-95vgqhPPKC606%40574161-BU3Wf010ghNA%2e

AMUSEMENT PARKS:

Six Flags America
13710 Central Avenue
Mitchellville, Maryland
http://m1e.net/c?27058432-3gMq3KBbe1Jk6%40574162-nKgtK0ksulTGA

Located in Mitchellville, Maryland, Six Flags America is an ideal haven for a day trip to an amusement park. Filled with roller coasters, water parks, and lots of food and fun, children will love the numerous amenities this park has to offer. Six Flags offers information at through their Guest Relations office and their website specific to accommodations that they provide for individuals with disabilities. For further information about these accommodations, please visit their website at http://m1e.net/c?27058432-7Eg2.oGUBgxVs%40574162-DxfFbH/IqQB5g

Paramount’s Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell, Virginia
804-876-5561

A great park for children to enjoy roller coasters, water splash parks and themes shows provided by some of today’s coolest kid’s television characters. Paramount’s Kings Dominion provides a “New Procedures for Guests with Disabilities Guide” which includes information on receiving specific ride boarding times to allow guests to wait in comfortable seats and board the ride through the exit areas when their boarding time arrives. For these and other accommodations, please contact Paramount’s Kings Dominion at 804-876-5561 or visit them at http://m1e.net/c?27058432-sl9XZeF1lJNqo%40574163-ZoVXM4v18eNUQ

Hershey Park
100 W. Hershey Park Drive
Hershey, Pennsylvania
1-800-HERSHEY

Have you ever wondered how chocolate is made? At Hershey Park, you can find out. They provide a tour that teaches you exactly how chocolate is made as well as other attractions such as Zoo America, Outlet Shopping and over 20 kids rides. Hershey Park features a “Guide for Guests with Disabilities and Rider Safety” which provides maps and information that make it possible for guests to have a safer and more enjoyable day at Hershey Park. They also provide information for guests who use wheelchairs, have hearing impairments, and/or require the use of service animals. To find out more about Hershey Park and the accommodation made for families with children with disabilities, please visit their website at http://m1e.net/c?27058432-RbwmC/gtNSV/g%40574164-VPzHtzyrItNLo or contact them directly at 1-800-HERSHEY. In addition, please specify if your child requires the use of a wheelchair to find out information about using the wheelchair in some of the natural terrains in the park.

Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Longhorne, Pennsylvania
215-752-7070

Does your child love the characters from the Sesame Street television show? Well if so, you may want to plan a day trip to Sesame Place where they can see these loving characters up close and personal. Sesame Place provides such attractions as breakfast and dinner with the Sesame Place characters, Sky Splash, and Nets and Climb. They have water rides and roller-coasters too. Sesame Place provides an accessibility guide for families with children with disabilities, which provides information about their accommodations, such as show scripts, restroom accessibility, sign language interpretations and accessible entrances to rides and activities. If you would like to find out more information about Sesame Place, please contact them at 215-752-7070 or at http://m1e.net/c?27058432-3Kye3owyFZTfY%40574165-YDU0XYyb1Pep6

We currently offer training and technical consultation to businesses, churches, and other community organizations to help make them more welcoming to families and children with special needs. If you know of a business or other organization that would like to take advantage of these services, please e-mail us at: communityconnections@umd.edu
OR
If you know of a business that is already welcoming to children with special needs and their families and you would like to share this information with other families and professionals, please send us your name as well as the name and contact information for the business with a brief description of why you believe they are welcoming to families. If appropriate, we will post the business on our website and we may even feature it as a 'Spotlight if the Month'. E-mail your submissions to: communityconnections@umd.edu

*Questions or Suggestions about our newsletter? Have an idea you would like to submit? Please feel free to contact us at communityconnections@umd.edu

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Disclaimer
Unless otherwise noted, all referenced articles are available at no charge to you. Community Connections provides this for informational purposes only and cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by linked sites. The opinions and views expressed at these web sites do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Community Connections. Any personal information requested by any of the web sites will be governed by the privacy policy at the site, and any questions you have related to the sites' use of information should be directed there. The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to make any offer or commitment to purchase, subscribe to, provide or sell any service or product or to provide any recommendations on which readers should rely.

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