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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES - SCHOOL AGE
Welcome to SHARP!!Click for our Monthly Update ~ Click for our Monthly Calendar
SHARP is a multi-faceted program designed for you! Our programs are filled with a variety of activities to help you develop hobbies, talents, friends and independence. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions: What Does SHARP Stand For?Sports, Habilitation, Arts and Recreation Program. What is SHARP?SHARP gives you lots of activities to participate in, so you are always learning new things. We have been rock climbing, played football, and developed better fitness. Cooking is always fun and counseling time gives us an opportunity to share what it’s like to be a visually impaired kid in a comfortable environment. We enter our creative projects in the State Fair and art competitions throughout the United States. Music and drama are included, too. Our recreational activities help us develop hobbies and interests that carry over into our daily lives and possible career choices. SHARP is a physically active program that promotes independence. You are expected to follow group directions and treat your friends with respect. When you learn a new skill you are encouraged to share it with the group and help someone else learn! SHARP is a learning opportunity. If you come to the program, you will be expected to try everything we do. You don’t really know what you like and don’t like until you give it a try! How Do I Sign UP?SHARP is an open-entry, open-exit program. That means you can come when you want. You do not have to come every week, but you are welcome if you do! When you come to SHARP for the first time, you sign a permission slip that is good for the whole year. Sometimes we have special events, like camping or a field trip that you have to sign up for in advance. That allows us to get enough tickets and chaperones. You will always find those listed in the calendar. If there is a special event, be sure to sign up by the deadline so you don’t miss out. Otherwise, you can come when you want. If you need to sign up for a special event you can call the SHARP line at 602-678-5800, ext. 416, or send SHARP an email.
What Do I Need to Bring?You always need to bring your lunch to SHARP. You can bring money for the soda machine if you want, but, otherwise, you don’t need anything. Sometimes, if there is a special event, you might be asked to bring enough money to pay for it, like when we go camping or to the State Fair. How much will always be listed in the calendar. If you’re short on cash that day, don’t worry! Everyone is always welcome, whether they bring money or not! Can I Bring a Friend?Your friends are always welcome to share in the fun. If you want to bring your friend to a special event, make sure you sign them up, too. And remind them they need a lunch. How Long Are the Programs?The first Saturday of the month is usually our “Super” Saturday. It runs from 9:00-3:00. Most of the other Saturdays are from 9:00-2:00. Sometimes we might be gone longer if we go on a field trip. The times will always be listed in the calendar. What if I Don’t Want to Come All Day?You can come to SHARP for however long you want. If you are going to arrive after 9:15 or leave before the end of the program, let the Coordinator know. We keep the building locked for security reasons. If we know to expect you, we will wait at the door and let you in! When we go on a field trip, you need to be on time, though, so we are not late.
How Do I Get the Calendar You Keep Talking About?The calendar is always published in every SHARP Update. You can also click on the calendar to go to that page. The Update is given out in braille on the first Saturday of the month, so you can pick up a copy then. You can also call the SHARP Line at 602-678-5800, ext. 416 to hear a recorded message about upcoming activities. I Can’t Get to SHARP by Myself. Can You Help?We sure can! We have vans that transport from the East Valley, the West Valley and the North as well. We encourage you come with your parents the first time, so they can meet the staff and the kids, and fill out your permission forms. If you are interested in transportation, call the SHARP line and leave a message. The driver will call you back and let you know if there is room in the van and where you need to go, and at what time, to be picked up. If you use FBC transportation, it is important that you communicate directly with your driver once transportation is established so they know when you will be coming and when someone else can have your seat on the van. You also need to be courteous on the van. Disrespectful behavior will cause you to lose your seat on the van.
I Have Some Special Needs? Can I Still Come?SHARP is open to anyone of school age with a vision impairment. If you need more one-on-one attention, talk to the Coordinator and we will develop a plan that will let you participate as fully as you can. If you are DDD Title XIX, SHARP is a Day Treatment and Training Program you can take advantage of. Talk to your caseworkers about signing up. Once you do, we can get an assistant for you so assistant so you can get the attention you need and still be a part of the group. Will There Be Kids My Age There?Most SHARP kids are between the ages of 7 and 16. There are some younger kids and some older kids, too. If you are not sure if SHARP is for you, come one time and find out. What If I have More Questions?Feel free to contact the SHARP program by email or on the SHARP Line (602-678-5800, ext. 416). We want you to have a great time at SHARP and will do everything we can to make this a successful program for you!
SHARP SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION
Be sure to check here for the dates for our 2008 program!
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PROGRAMS/SERVICES
Services for Children of school age (K through 12th grade) or younger:
Services for Transition Age Youth and Adults:
Services for All Ages:
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