RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
An array of community services for families with special-needs members will be showcased during an information fair this month at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 693.
Presented by Randolph's Exceptional Family Member Program, the event takes place Jan. 26 from 5-6:30 p.m.
"The purpose of the information fair is to provide information on the resources available at Randolph and in the local community to special-needs families here," said Tracy Bramlett, EFMP coordinator.
The Air Force established the program to prevent active-duty assignment failures due to lack of resources for special-needs family members and to minimize stress during permanent changes of station. The EFMP seeks to identify medical and educational needs of family members in support of active-duty sponsor reassignment and civilian employment.
Ms. Bramlett, who began her duties in October, said one of her duties is to ensure families with special-needs members are given information on community resources at current and future assignments.
More than a dozen organizations and programs will be represented at the EFMP information fair, including the Military and Family Life Consultant and Tricare ECHO, or extended care health option, programs at Randolph.
Among the organizations in the San Antonio area that will be featured are Project MEND, or Medical Equipment Network for Those With Disabilities; the Pediatric Therapy Association, which offers speech, occupational and physical therapy; Morgan's Wonderland, a fun park for children and adults with special needs; Children's Association for Maximum Potential, also known as CAMP, which offers camping experiences to persons with special needs; and the Brighton School, which provides family and community education and developmental services to children with disabilities.
Representatives of local school districts are also expected to attend.
Ms. Bramlett, who hopes to conduct an information fair twice a year, said the event will provide variety and allow parents to more easily seek out the resources they need.
"I want parents to be well-equipped with information so they can also network themselves," she said. "Also, I still don't know what all of their needs are, so I wanted to make sure I covered a gamut of services."
For more information on the Exceptional Family Member Program Information Fair, call Ms. Bramlett at 652-5321 or e-mail her at tracy.bramlett.2@us.af.mil.