FORT LIBERTY, N.C. – Military families with loved ones who have special needs face a range of unique challenges, especially when considering their constant relocation and the frequent adjustments required by military life. Just like every other military family, they face the difficult task of moving to new places, sometimes multiple times a year. But on top of that, they also navigate the complexity of finding the right resources and services to meet their loved ones’ special needs. Many times, these families don’t know where to begin looking for support, and even when they do find resources, they often encounter long waitlists and seemingly insurmountable checklists. All of this can quickly lead to feelings of frustration and isolation from the broader community.
The Army Community Service Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Support is designed to help link active-duty military families with loved ones who have special needs to various medical, educational, and recreational resources within their local community. The program aims to alleviate some of the challenges that these families face while fostering a sense of connection to others. EFMP Family Support collaborates with multiple agencies throughout the community, working to address barriers to care and bringing vital, accessible resources and educational or recreational activities directly to these families.
One of the primary goals of the EFMP Family Support is to provide positive, adaptive outlets for military families with special needs. These outlets come in the form of numerous educational programs, awareness campaigns, and recreational activities that have been specially adapted to meet the specific needs of these families. Inclusivity through adaptive activities is one of the core principles that underpins these initiatives. By offering adaptive activities tailored to the unique needs of each individual, EFMP ensures that every family has the opportunity to experience social inclusion, build meaningful relationships, and develop skills that improve both individual and collective well-being.
Through these programs, family members not only gain opportunities to experience inclusivity but also to build self-confidence and reliance. As participants engage in adaptive recreational activities, they improve mobility and fitness, enhance cognitive abilities, and strengthen bonds with others who share similar challenges and experiences. These opportunities ultimately contribute to an improved standard of living and overall quality of life for the entire family.
To further support these efforts, the ACS EFMP Family Support office has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Assistive Technology Program to host a special Adaptive Recreation and Gaming Resource Fair. This event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at the Smith Lake Recreation Center. The goal of the resource fair is to provide families with disabilities the chance to connect with others in similar situations while gaining hands-on experience with the latest in adaptive recreational technology and gaming options.
The event is open to individuals of all ages and disabilities, and will feature agencies from the local community that offer adaptive activities for every family to try. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of activities and displays, including video games, dance sessions, fitness activities such as hand cycling and martial arts, as well as outdoor experiences like fishing and hunting. There will also be therapeutic animals on site, providing additional interactive experiences.
“Our families deserve every opportunity to get and stay connected within the community,” says Amy Melendez, Exceptional Family Member Program Manager. “Supportive adaptive environments like this promote community integration and help reduce the ongoing challenge of social isolation among individuals with disabilities.”
This event and others like it are part of a larger effort to ensure that military families with special needs are not only able to access the resources and services they require but also feel truly included and connected to the broader community. By offering such inclusive and adaptive opportunities, the EFMP Family Support program helps create a sense of belonging, empowering families to thrive despite the unique challenges they may face.
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