The San Diego Zoo has a new guide for guests with disabilities to help make your visit there comfortable. Plan ahead and take advantage of the many special accommodations they can provide for your family. Refer to the the Guide for Guests with Disabilities at the link below.

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This Regional Center of Orange County Recreation Resource Guide has local and regional places where you can take your families. Be sure to call ahead to see if there are special accommodations for children with developmental disabilities and to ensure that the hours and admission fees are correct.

http://www.ganinfo.org/pdf/Rec-Res-Guide-Updated-January-of-2009.pdf

This is a web site with excellent links for autism information and resources.

http://www.mastersinhealthcare.com/blog/2009/100-useful-sites-networks-and-resources-for-parents-of-autistic-children/

informs parents and professionals about the latest applied research, innovative educational ideas and experiences of family members. Articles feature researchers, local professionals and family members on topics such as Behavior Challenges, Visual Support, Transitions or Community Support. To view this resource online, use the link below.

http://www.autismnewsoc.org/other-issues.php

The head naturalist at Naturalist For You leads many local Orange County hikes. He has experience working with special needs kids and is willing to lead a hike if there is sufficient interest. He has suggestedthat a couple of short canyon hikes (Silverado and Black Star) would be most appropriate and that a small group would be best. If you are interested in having your grandchildren participate in this activity, please e-mail to Donna Furon at donnafuron@dslextreme.com or call (562)430-0624 with the following information: * Age(s) of child(ren) * Number of adults who would be coming * Preferences for weekday or weekend * Preference for morning or afternoon

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Contact your local AMC theatre for current schedules and costs.

Emergency Preparedness for People with Special Needs is a concern for all of our families, regardless of where we live. Having a plan and the necessary supplies ready for a possible evacuation is especially important and will make any emergency situation less stressful. You are welcome to download and print this important information.

http://www.ganinfo.org/pdf/Emergency Preparedness for People with Special Needs COCA.pdf

The "escort" of a child with autism is granted free entry. If two adults accompany the child, you may be able to use a "buy one full adult admission, child's admission is free" offer if it is available.

Round trip train rides can be lots of fun for grandchildren. If you are accompanying a child with disabilities, Amtrak will allow a caregiver or shadow to travel free of cost. Take Amtrak to San Juan Capistrano. Have lunch or just visit the near-by petting zoo. Take Amtrak to San Diego and visit the Zoo and/or the Wild Animal Park. Annual passes are relatively inexpensive.

Take walks together in local parks. Feed ducks, explore gardens and enjoy other park features. Check out information about local parks and beaches in our downloadable resources posted onsite at PRESENTATIONS >past, June 5, 2007.

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Telephone: (310) 440-4500 Noah’s Ark Exhibit -Opening June 26, 2007 Call for ticket information. Inside a floor–to–ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals, you and your family will play, build, climb, explore, collaborate, and more. Conduct a storm, help construct the ark, and bask in the glow of a beautiful rainbow.

At bowling alleys, ask for special gutter bumpers and ramps for balls. This will make bowling easier for grandchildren and more enjoyable for everyone.

Check into tickets for the children’s concert series at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Forty-five minute concerts are designed for children and afterwards, they provide a hands on opportunity with a featured musical instrument. Noisy children are acceptable.

Call ahead to amusement parks and other public places to inquire about special policies for people with disabilities. Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland and other places may offer discounted admission and one or more line passes for a caregiver or aide to accompany the child. A physician’s letter or other documentation about your grandchildren’s condition may be required to qualify.