YESS - Youth Empowering Social Status
https://thearcofbismarck.org/services-programs/yess-youth-empowering-social-status/
For youth and young adults with and without disabilities ages 14-24 years
Helps members develop soft skills, disability awareness, independent living skills, and self-advocacy through meaningful meetings and accessible social events
If interested, search "Youth Empowering Social Status" on Facebook or email partners@thearcofbismarck.org
Camp ELI (Explore, Love, Inspire)
Provides opportunities for individuals of all abilities to explore the outdoors by working with local pediatric therapists to support a wide range of needs
In-person local activities, summer camps, and "camp-on-the-go" (kits for activities that can be completed at home)
Bismarck Public Schools Inclusive Sports
School-based inclusive sports that combine students of all abilities
Bismarck Parks and Rec: Adaptive Recreation
https://www.bisparks.org/programs/adult-programs/adaptive-recreation/
Bowling and Triple Star Day Camp
Special Olympics
Sport-related opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
Bismarck Public Schools United Sound
Opportunity for students of all abilities to participate in musical performances
iCan Swim
Adapted swimming program
iCan Bike
Adapted bike riding program
Dreams in Motion
Adaptive sports for children and adults with visual and mobility impairments
Northern Plains Dance: Adaptive Dance Class
Inclusive dance program to provide a therapeutic and adaptive dance experience for children with disabilities
Family Voices of ND: List of Resources
Provides list of resources, including sports, camps, and recreational opportunities for young people with special needs
NDAD: Escape to the Lake
Hosts a day at the lake which includes adaptive water skiing, pontoon rides, a water ski show, and picnic
The Arc of Bismarck: Information and Referral
https://thearcofbismarck.org/services-programs/information-referral/
Ask this organization about inclusivity and community support opportunities
Lemonade Day
Provides opportunity for young people to develop skills related to college and career readiness, financial literacy, and personal development by having the resources to run a lemonade stand
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
Hosts frequent activities and events for children and adolescents
Morton Mandan Public Library
Hosts frequent activities and events for children and adolescents
Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
Provides information on local activities
NDSU Positive Discipline Parenting Class - Free
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/events/positive-discipline-28
Wednesday evenings, 6-7:30pm CT (March 20th-April 24th, 2024)
Location: Mandan Middle School
Price: Free
Free childcare is offered.
Pathfinder Services of ND: Parent Advising
Advising to help parents understand IDEA, 504, dispute resolution and due process system, and other aspects of educational system
Pathfinder Services of ND: Training
Provides in-person workshops and virtual webinar trainings on special education, early intervention, secondary transitioning, and more
ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
Parent-run advocacy organization
https://www.ndffcmh.org/?fbclid=IwAR0aS7mPXQkNqwcJZ29AT4i2-gbRWvCvsCFmmoyntRg5KVm-UICmMPNWaK0 (has helpful information, but slightly outdated)
Facebook page: ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (updated and provides free helpful resources)
Provides support for families in gaining access to community-based services, education to help families navigate the system, and advocates for families' needs
Designer Genes of North Dakota
Resource for families with children with Down syndrome. The organization helps families connect with other families who have children with Down syndrome, provides resources and information, increases awareness, and more
Autism Society of America
Provides education, advocacy, and resources
ARC: Partners in Policymaking
https://thearcofbismarck.org/services-programs/partners-in-policymaking/
Leadership training program for parents of children with disabilities and adults with disabilities - members develop leadership skills and partnerships with local elected officials to influence policy change
Parents Lead
Provides resources for promoting the behavioral health of children and adolescents
City of Bismarck Police - Internet Safety
https://www.bismarcknd.gov/1797/Parent-Forum-Information-for-Internet-Sa
Provides tips on how to promote internet safety for children and adolescents
ND IMPCCT
Provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities who want to attend college
Advancing Students Toward Education and Employment Program (ASTEP)
Partners with Minot State University and Dakota College in Bottineau
Supports students with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities with attending college - provides academic support, social skill development, on-campus living options, job coaching, independent living skills, and opportunities to engage in wellness/recreational activities
Bismarck State College Peer Mentoring
Peer mentors help students with disabilities navigate college life, get involved, and receive support for their academic responsibilities at BSC
North Dakota Secondary Transition Project (NDSTP)
Provides resources and training for families and adolescents who want to gain the skills and knowledge they need to successfully transition into adulthood
Checklist to Help Plan for Transition from High School
Provides a guideline of what steps may need to be taken to successfully transition from high school
Monarch Project
https://uttc.edu/about-uttc/our-history-mission/the-monarch-project/
Educational resources and support for Native Americans students
ND Dept. of Public Instruction: Special Instruction
Provides resources and explanations related to special education in ND
Legacy High School: Peer to Peer
Inclusive program for students with disabilities and students without disabilities to interact and grow in friendship
Century High School: Peer to Peer Leadership
Facebook: Peer to Peer Leadership CHS
Facilitates activities between students with disabilities and students without disabilities
Vocational Rehabilitation
Provides services for people with disabilities to help them obtain and keep a job
CHI Friendship
Provides support for people with disabilities in accessing and keeping a job
Arc: American People
https://thearcofbismarck.org/services-programs/american-people/
Self-advocacy group for individuals with disabilities
The group has regular meetings, workshops, and outreach programs
Centers for Independent Living
https://www.hhs.nd.gov/services-individuals-disabilities/centers-independent-living
Provides independent living skills training to help individuals with disabilities work and live more independently
ND Money Follows the Person
Provides assistance for individuals with disabilities in the process of finding safe and affordable housing
Enable Inc.
Provides access to group homes and flexible independent living supports through their Individualized Supported Living Arrangements program
HIT
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) and Residential Habilitation: group home residential settings with 24 hour care
Independent Habilitation: Provides individualized support to individuals in their own apartments or houses with as many hours of assistance as they need
Dakota Center for Independent Living
Provides transitional services for high schoolers transitioning into adulthood, housing options, independent skills training, and more
Community Options
https://www.communityoptionsnd.com/people-we-serve/#toggle-id-12
Check out their Day Habilitation Program - provides personalized activities within the community
HIT: Day Services
Sunset Pre-Vocation: Opportunities to work and earn a paycheck
Creative Learning: Volunteer/recreational activities (swimming, shopping, coffee, tours), work readiness skills
Rec/Leisure: For those who don't have vocational goals
18th St. Vocational: Often for individuals with ASD as the environment is calmer. Offers pre-vocational skills, self-regulation, preparation for change, social skill development, and more.
Employment Services: Assigned an employment specialist to get a job
ASPIRE Program: Social programming for individuals who are employed in the community and need social and recreational opportunities.
Easter Seals: Day Support Services
Community-based support that promotes employment, volunteering, and participation in leisure/recreation.
https://www.easterseals.com/support-and-education/living-with-autism/autism-after-age-21.html
Day program specifically for young adults with autism
Life Ed
Option to keep child in school until they are 21 years of age - education is more focused on developing life skills
Contact the case manager who facilitated your child's IEP meetings to learn more
Pride Inc.: Day Program
https://www.prideinc.org/programs-and-services/pride-inc/services-people-intellectual-disabilities
Day Habilitation: Personalized life skills training
Prevocational Services: Preparation for employment
Small Group Employment: Helps individuals maintain employment
Contact information for day program: https://www.prideinc.org/contact
Enable Inc.: Day Services
Personalized supports to increase opportunities for participation in leisure, work, and volunteering
Bridging the Dental Gap
Financially affordable option for dental care
A to Z Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Larry Steininger and his hygienists have been known to be kid-friendly with movies and games
Eye Center of the Dakotas
Dr. Tello has been known to be patient and playful with children
Boo to the Flu
https://www.sanfordhealth.org/classes-and-events/boo-to-the-flu
Opportunity for children to receive their vaccines in a fun and playful environment
Cystic Fibrosis of North Dakota
Financial assistance for those living with cystic fibrosis
CPable
Financial assistance for those living with cerebral palsy
ND Health Insurance Navigators
Provides assistance with understanding insurance terminology, comparing plans, and completing insurance applications
Family Voices of ND: Healthcare/Insurance Plans
Provides explanations and access to resources that help parents navigate healthcare for their children
Family Voices of ND: Publications
Provides extensive list of fact sheets to help parents understand the different aspects of health care and insurance
Early Intervention
Intervention for children ages 0-3 years
BECEP Early Intervention: https://www.bismarckschools.org/EI
University of Mary Pro Bono Clinics
https://www.umary.edu/academics/outside-the-classroom/pro-bono-clinics
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, athletic training, and exercise science
Students and faculty serve all ages free of charge
TR 4 Heart & Soul: Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Adaptive riding, trauma focused equine assisted learning, equine assisted learning, camps, equine assisted team building, life skills, equine facilitated psychotherapy, and more
Family Voices of ND: Equipment Resources
Provides information on ND associations that assist individuals with obtaining assistive technology
ND Assistive
Provides opportunities to trial adaptive equipment, guidance for purchasing and using equipment, and opportunities for financial assistance
Healthcare Equipment Loan Program (HELP)
Provides home healthcare equipment and other durable medical pieces for up to 90 days with no fee
Morgan's Legacy Gift
https://www.huntershope.org/home/partners/morgans-legacy-gift/
Provides a gift of up to $1,000 to families with a child with special needs to enhance their quality of life
NDAD Financial Assistance
Prescription medication, medical equipment/supplies, accessibility, travel assistance, and more
Autism Spectrum Assistance Program (ASAP)
Financial assistance for medical travels and respite care
Mad to Glad
Programs for emotionally intense children (ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, ODD)
Step-by-step guides to handling challenging behaviors, personalized coaching, opportunities to virtually meet other parents who have similar experiences and challenges, and strategies to support your family as a whole
Both free and purchasable resources
How long should my child be sleeping?
Provides recommended hours of sleep for infants (0-3 months), infants (4-12 months), toddlers (1-2 years), preschool-age (3-5 years), school-age (6-13 years), and teenagers (14-17 years).
Describes signs to be aware of that may indicate your child is not getting enough sleep.
8 Suggestions for Children's Sleep Quality and Duration
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/sleep-disorders/good-night-sleep
Provides simple and applicable education and suggestions on strategies to help children sleep better
Influence of Parents' Sleep Knowledge
Research study on the benefits of parents increasing their knowledge on sleep and how it can positively impact their children with autism
Table 1: Provides overview of strategies to try or to learn more about
Overarching concepts:
"Children who can fall asleep on their own at bedtime are more likely to fall back to sleep on their own during a night waking." (Reed et al., 2009)
"What children are exposed to immediately before sleep (e.g. parent present) is what they will likely require to fall back to sleep when spontaneously awakened." (Reed et al., 2009)
Examples:
Is your child not sleepy? Try avoiding naps later in the day and move their bedtime back to a later time.
Is your child scared? Try incorporating calming activities into their bedtime routine and add a dim light into their room.
Does your child want your attention? Try an extinction strategy, such as sitting in a chair in your child's room, but with your back to your child. Then, gradually move closer to the door every night. You can also try a bedtime pass.
Does your child wake up early in the morning? Try to give them a later bedtime or teach them to entertain themselves quietly in their rooms.
Bedtime Pass
https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/supplemental/pediatric-sleep-problems/The_Bedtime_Pass.pdf
Provides explanation of how to implement the bedtime pass strategy.
Purpose: To help children to stay in bed and fall asleep independently.
Method is supported by research: (Freeman, 2006), (Friman et al., 1999), (Moore et al., 2007)