Monday, Jul. 21, 2008

Support Groups: Disabilites

BIG VALLEY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY: For relatives, friends, siblings, foster parents, professionals and members of the general public who have an interest in Down syndrome. Meets Thursdays, 6:30-9 p.m., at Community Christian Church, 8410 Lower Sacramento Road, Stockton. E-mail bvdss@live.com or visit bigvalleydss.com.

CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: Modesto group meets the first Thursday of each month, 6-8 p.m., at Sierra Vista, 14th and K streets. For more information, call Michael or Tasha, 551-2972, or e-mail mposlaniec@yahoo.com. Turlock group meets the last Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Turlock Professional Park/Family Resource Center, 2111 Geer Road, Suite 208. For more information, call Wes Lange, 535-7821, or e-mail turlockasd@hotmail.com.

CENTRAL VALLEY AMPUTEE SUPPORT: A self-help group that provides encouragement and aid in coping for amputees, family and friends. Meets 10 a.m.-noon the third Saturday of the month at Doctors Medical Center, 1441 Florida Ave., Conference Room 3, Modesto. Contact Darrell, 521-6730, or Velda, 577-3313.

CENTRAL VALLEY ASPERGER SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP: This group is forming for children and parents. Call Anne or Tasha for more information, 847-0272.

HEALING HEARTS: For parents, siblings and people with special needs. Meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 2200 Coffee Road, Modesto. Call 577-5121; cell, 380-5344; or e-mail caroli2d@aol.com.

HEAD INJURIES: For adults who have had a traumatic brain injury. Facilitated by a psychologist, group meets at

4 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, Doctors Medical Center cafeteria annex room, 1441 Florida Ave., Modesto. 523-0999.

LOST CORDS: For people who have undergone a laryngectomy. Facilitated by a speech therapist. Modesto Rehabilitation Hospital, 730 17th St., Modesto. 800-227-2345 or 524-7242 (select Option 3).

MODESTO EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP: Offers emotional support and practical tips to people with epilepsy and their families. Meets 3-4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month, West Side Medical Center, 401 E. Paradise Road, Modesto. Call Mary at 524-8843 or visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

MODESTO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF-HELP GROUP: For those diagnosed with MS and their families. Meets the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon, at First American Title, 1506 H St., Modesto. Contact Pati, 524-8329.

MODESTO NEUROPATHY SUPPORT: Meets the third Monday of each month at 2 p.m. Neuropathy affects the nervous system, mainly affecting the arms, legs, hands and feet. It causes unpleasant and painful sensations such as numbness, and tingling in the extremities. For more information, contact Noreen, 846-0954, or Mary, 526-6439.

SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCATES FOR UNDERSTANDING (SNAFU): A parent-founded nonprofit dedicated to educating parents on the educational and other rights of their disabled children. Free advocating advice and services, including attending IEPs with parents. Weekly support groups every Thursday, 9 a.m., Heartland Community Church, corner of Main and Acacia, Ripon. Offers moms' nights out and other social gatherings. For more information, contact Shirley, 321-6510, or Mary Ann, 599-1050; e-mail valleysnafu@verizon.net, or check the Web site www.valleysnafu.com.

TURLOCK MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF-HELP GROUP: For those diagnosed with MS and their families. Meets the fourth Saturday of each month (except November and December) 10:30 a.m.-noon, Medic Alert Building, 2323 Colorado Ave. Enter at back employee entrance. Contact Francis Patterson, 667-2184, or Bill White, 664-1427.

TURLOCK NEUROPATHY SUPPORT: Meeting at Perko's, 3191 Geer Road, 10 a.m. Led by Bev Anderson, president of The Northern California Chapter of The Neuropathy Association. If sufficient interest, a group will be formed. Neuropathy affects the nervous system, mainly affecting the arms, legs, hands and feet. It causes unpleasant and painful sensations such as numbness, and tingling in the extremities. For more information, call 1-877-622-6298 or e-mail info@pnhelp.org.

DISABILITY SUPPORT GROUP: All people with disabilities welcome, whether disabled since birth or newly disabled. Share common experiences and learn about useful community services. The peer group meets the first Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and the goals group meets the third Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at DRAIL, 221 McHenry Ave., Modesto. 521-7260.

PERFECT GIFTS: For mothers of children with special needs. Prayer, networking and fellowship among moms who understand one another. The Bridges classroom is open to care for children with special needs during group time. Meets 9-10:30 a.m. Mondays, 1324 11th St., Room 709, First Baptist Church, Modesto. 521-0181, ext. 2307. www.fbcmodesto.com.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED SUPPORT: For people with macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa, their friends and families. Meets 2-4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, Doctors Medical Center conference center, 1141 Florida Ave., Modesto. Thom Ingebretson, 527-2119 or VIP House, 522-8477, or www.maculardegeneration.org.

Changes or additions to this list should be sent to Healthy Living, Features, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352 or to living@modbee.com.