Archive for the ‘Programs’ Category

It’s the happiest place on Earth, right? Well at least it is again for my family. Just over six years ago we went to Disneyland as family; at the time I was engaged and being the oldest I still had younger brothers and sisters at ages: 4, 7, 13, and 15. What better way to spend time as a family? That is unless your sister is autistic, just started talking and can’t handle crowds (she was the 7 year old).

It was still pretty early in the day, and we had gone on one ride: Pirates of the Caribbean (have to hit that first so the line isn’t crazy long). Then we head over to It’s a Small World and my sister lost it. There were just too many people and it was too loud. Absolutely the worst environment for her at the time. We were in a different city and country (I’m originally from Canada), and nothing was the same as home. Well after paying for tickets which I’m sure you know are not cheap, my Mom and sister spent the rest of the day in the hotel room with my poor sister in complete melt-down mode.

Fast forward 6 years. Mom is once again ready to try and brave Disneyland. Only this time my sister is now a teenager of 14 that still has problems with crowds, my brother who is 11 had Fetal Alcohol Effect (adopted) and can’t keep his hands of off things and people and a grandson (my son) who is also autistic. Are we absolutely insane?

Well it was wonderful! From a friend I learned about the absolutely wonderful Guest Assistant Pass program. These things are an answer to prayers (really!). You go into City Hall just inside the gates and tell them why your child needs special assistance at the park. They don’t want to know what your child has been diagnosed with they just want to know how it affects them in the park. For example my sister can’t handle the crowds. These passes aren’t just for the child, it also includes passage for up to 6 people accompanying them. We got passes for all 3 of our special children so our entire group was covered to travel together if wanted or break up into as many as three groups. So instead of waiting in all the long lines we got to go in the exits or Fastpass lane to ALL the rides. AWESOME!!! We got to ride all the rides we wanted to even thought it was crazy busy (4 hour line for Pirates of the Caribbean at one point).

If only we had know about this 6 years ago. We would have been going much more often. Disneyland I LOVE you again!!!

Early Intervention is key for children with special needs. This is a list of where to go for help for children under 3, in Utah. Find either the school district or county in which you reside.

Central Utah Health Dept. 435-896-5451
70 Westview Dr., Richfield UT 84701
(Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne Counties)

Davis Family Enrichment Center 801-402-0677
320 S 500 E, Kaysville, UT 84037
(Davis County)

DDI VANTAGE Early Intervention Program 801-266-3939
3950 S 700 E, Suite 101, SLC, UT 84107
(Salt Lake/Granite School Dist., Murray School Dist., Tooele, Duchesne Counties)

Jordan Child Development Center 801-412-2510
7501 S 1000 E, Midvale UT 84047
(Jordan School District)

Kids On The Move 801-221-9930
475 W 260 N, Orem UT 84057
(Alpine School District)

Kids Who Count 801-423-3000
PO Box 1039, Salem UT 84653
(Nebo School District)

Prime Time 4 Kids 435-789-5409
1360 W Hwy 40 Ste 1, Vernal UT 84078
(Uintah, Daggett Counties)

Provo Early Education Program 801-374-4965
100 N 600 E, Provo, UT 84606
(Provo School District)

San Juan School District E.I. 435-678-1222
200 N Main, Blanding UT 84511
(San Juan County)

Southeastern Utah Dist. Health Dept. 435-637-3671
25 W Main, PO Box 644, Castle Dale UT 84513
(Carbon, Emery, Grand Counties)

Summit County Health Dept. E.I. 435-615-3925
6505 Landmark Dr. Park City UT 84098
(Summit, Wasatch Counties)

Southern Utah University E.I. 435-586-6070
2390 W HWY 56 STE 1, Cedar City UT 84720
(Beaver, Iron, Garfield, Kane Counties)

The Learning Center for Families 435-673-5353
1192 W Sunset Blvd. #2, St George UT 84770
(Washington County)

Up To 3 435-797-3727
USU,UMC 6810, Logan UT 84322-6810
(Cache, Rich, Box Elder Counties)

Weber School District E.I. 801-476-5460
955 West 12th St., Ogden UT 84404
(Weber, Morgan Counties)

Statewide Services

Deaf/Blind Services 801-629-4732
742 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, UT 84404-5204

Parent Infant Program 801-629-4743
742 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, UT 84404-5204