How OKN was born

My photo
O'Hana Kids' News was started by Josh & Heather Ackman, when they were looking for events & activities for their son, Zephaniah, to participate in. Zephaniah, is in a wheelchair, due to his terminal condition of Menkes Syndrome. O'Hana Kids' News was founded in June 2010, when the Ackmans realized that many families were looking for the same information for their children.

Resources for Families



As I receive information on organizations, I will update this page.

Adaptive Toy Resources for Families 

This gentleman, gives classes on how to adapt YOUR toys!!
Aaron Miller
aaronmiller555@gmail.com


These have FREE checkout for use of the toys, just contact them for more information.

 AT4ALL
www.AT4ALL.com 

Children's Rehab Center, GRAND ISLAND
308-398-5170
Contact Carole Ostdiek for information on their Tech Tots program

Children's Respite Care Center, OMAHA
NW LOCATION (402)496-1000
SW LOCATION (402)895-4000
www.crccomaha.org Click on Tech Tots Lending Library
Contact Sarah Tselentis
stselentis@crccomaha.org

ESU #3, LA VISTA
402-597-4894
www.esu3.org 
Contact Dixie Trevarthen
Dixie.trevarthen@esu3.org 

Faith Regional Heath Services Rehab Services, NORFOLK
402-644--7348 ext. 7396
Contact Nikki Fischer for information on their Tech Tots program

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, LINCOLN
(402)486-8617
www.madonna.org
Contact Michelle Wiggins on their Tech Tots program


Resources for Families

A Special Sitter, OMAHA
Respite Providers
www.aspecialsitter.com

Adapted Devices, OMAHA
Special Products for Special People, making switches, toys and devices made with customizable options and adapted to fit your individual needs
(402)659-6894
www.adapteddevices.com
aaron@adapteddevices.com

Ager Play Center, LINCOLN
Play center for kids with special needs ages 6 mo to 5 years
(402)-441-7901 or (402)-441-8666
ager@lincoln.ne.gov 


ALLPlay Miracle League Baseball
Contact Bruce Froendt at 402-305-5020


 AMC Theaters, OMAHA & COUNCIL BLUFFS
Providing movies for kids with special needs.  We have the sound turned down, the lights turned up and you can bring your own snacks.
OMAHA: (402)691-0000 Oakview Theater
COUNCIL BLUFFS: (712)325-8924 Star 17 Theater
www.amctheatres.com

Anne Tapley, Ph.D., LMHP, CPC, LLC, LINCOLN
Providing counseling for children, adolescents, families, individuals & couples.
Also an Asperger Support Group
(402)-489-2218

ARC of Lincoln/Lancaster County
(402)421-8866
Website:  www.arclincoln.org

ARC of Nebraska
(402)-475-4407
www.arc-nebraska.org
info@arc-nebraska.org 

ARC of Platte County, COLUMBUS
(402)563-1699
arcpc@megavision.com

Art Planet, LINCOLN
“Providing Art Classes for Special Needs Kids”
Website: www.artplanetlincoln.com 
(402)610-2295

ASD Network
“Provides ASD related training, resources & support for schools & families across the state”
402-472-4194
Website: www.unl.edu/asdnetwork/ 

At4All
A free online service to list and find equipment in Nebraska
(888)806-6287
Website:  www.at4all.com

Autism Action Partnership
www.autismaction.org 

Autism Family Network, LINCOLN
"Autism Support Group"
(402)440-4502
www.autismfamilynetwork.org
Contact Vicki Depenbusch

Autism Society of Nebraska
(800)580-9279
Website:  www.autismnebraska.org

Autism Support Group & Respite, GRAND ISLAND
Contact Brandi at asn_grandisland@autisnebraska.org 

Autism Support Group for kids, OMAHA
Contact Shawn Neff at (402)861-1947

Autism Support Group for Adults, OMAHA
Contact Carol Salber at (402)658-9962
Email: csalber30@gmail.com

Behaven Kids
www.behavenkids.com
LINCOLN Contact: contactus-lincoln@behavenkids.com (402)423-6464
OMAHA Contact: contactus-omaha@behavenkids.com (402)926-4373
SARPY Contact: mhausmann@behavenkdis.com (402)616-3136

Bikes and Trykes, CENTRAL, NE(308)398-5170
Website: www.bikesandtrykes.webs.com 
Email: centralnebraskaambucs@gmail.com
Contact Sally Sazama, President

Brain Injury Association of Nebraska(402)-423-2463
Website: www.biane.org 

CHADD Support Group, OMAHA
For families and caregivers of children & adolescents with ADHD
Bobbielafolletteshuey@yahoo.com 

Challenger Little League, OMAHA
Baseball League exclusively for children with special needs
www.challengerlittleleague.org
admin@challengerlittleleague.org

Cheer & Dance Express, LINCOLN
Providing Dance lessons for kids with special needs
402-489-5111
www.cheeranddanceexpress.com 

Children's Rehabilitation Center – GRAND ISLAND  & HASTINGS
(308)398-5170 Grand Island
(402)463-2077

Children's Respite Care Center, OMAHA
(402)496-1000 Northwest Location
(402)895-4000 Southwest Location
Website:  www.crccomaha.org


Conservatory of Contemporary Dance, LINCOLN
Dance lessons for kids with special needs
(402)405-6470
EMAIL Monya: ccdance@gmail.com

 Continuum Financial/Mass Mutual - Special Needs Trusts'
(402)343-8376

DADS - Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, OMAHA

Down Syndrome Association for families of Nebraska
(402)421-1338
Website: www.dsafnebraska.org
Contact Lori Tackett  lori@dsafnebraska.org

Down Syndrome Super Mom's Coffee, OMAHA
Support Group for Mom's who have kids with Down Syndrome
Casie Schlueter at (402)658-4564
Email: casieschlueter@yahoo.com
FACEBOOK: DSSMGroup

 Dreams Unlimited, LINCOLN
“Helping organize events for kiddos with special needs & their families, also have funding available to help with the cost of Art Planet & Ager Play Center for families, contact us today”
Contact Mary Ebers (402)420-2099

Dynavox Technologies

Website:www.dynavoxtech.com

Western Iowa AAC Consultant:

Janette Bereuter at Janette.Bereuter@dynavoxtech.com

Eastern Iowa & Kansas Consultant:

Tina Dowd-Anderson at Tina.dowd-anderson@dynavoxtech.com

Western Nebraska Consultant:Ashli Florang at Ashli.florang@dynavoxtech.com

Easter Seals Nebraska
(800)650-9880
(402)345-2200
www.campeastersealsne.com
www.ne.easterseals.com
Contact Tony Lewis at
tlewis@ne.easterseals.com
Contact Mike Tufte at
mtufte@ne.easterseals.com


Easterday Recreational Center, LINCOLN Park & Recreation
(402)441-7901
Contact Debra Williams at
dwilliams@lincoln.ne.gov


Epilepsy - Camp You Can!, CASS COUNTY
www.epilepsylife.com

 Epilepsy Foundation of North/Central IL, IA, NE
www.epilepsyheartland.org/
Contact Laura Neece-Baltaro OMAHA
(402)680-1158 (cell)
(402)-559-3014 (office)
Email: efnebraska@efncil.org 
Contact Jennifer Koehlmoose, RURAL NEBRASKA
(402)340-9294
Email: efnebraska2@efncil.org 

Epilepsy Resources in Nebraska
www.facebook.com Online parent group "Touched by Epilepsy Support Group" per Jennifer Koehlmoos
www.facebook.com Online updates on epilepsy "Epilepsy Opensource" Like & sign up for RSS feeds
http://touchedbyepilepsy.wordpress.com  Parent Blog

Epilepsy Support Group, OMAHA
Stacey Doty at (402)850-7680
Email: sdoty77@hotmail.com

 ESU #3, LA VISTA
(402)597-4894
www.esu3.org

ESU #4, AUBURN
(402)274-4354
www.esu4.org

 Families CARE, KEARNEY
Services for those that are parenting children/youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, & peer support also.
(308)237-1102
kbennetts@familiescare.org 

 FirstHand Foundation
Resource for families with uncovered medical needs for their kids
www.firsthandfoundation.org

 Handprints & Footsteps Pediatric Therapy Center, LINCOLN
Offering OT, PT and Speech Therapies
(402)420-2099
www.handprintsandfootsteps.com

Heart Heroes Capes for kids with CHD
Providing Super Hero capes for kids with CHD, Call for one if you have a child with CHD
www.heartherocapes.com
heartheroes@yahoo.com

Heartland Speech & Language, LINCOLN
Offering Speech Therapy, Specializing in Cochlear, Autism & Many other special needs
(402)327-2500
www.heartlandspeech.com

HETRA - Heartland Equine Therapeutic Academy
(402)359-8830
www.hetra.org
Contact Jodi Teal 
jodi@hetra.org

Kindermusik Sign and Sing: Sign Language Class, LINCOLN
Shawna Gordon at (402)770-1486
www.kindermusik.com

Larry Zier & Associates, OMAHA
"Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services"
402-933-2882
www.larryzier.com

Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Therapy, LINCOLN
Offering PT, OT and Speech Therapy Services, NOW with 2 LOCATIONS in LINCOLN to serve you better
(402)742-7400
www.leapsandboundspt.com

Lifestyle Innovations for Epilepsy, Inc. aka LIFE - OMAHA

Lincoln Racquet Club, LINCOLN
Providing Swimming Lessons for kids with special needs
(402)423-2511

 Little Leaf Learning Center - OMAHA
Non-profit preschool for children with developmental disabilities 
(402)213-4688
Website: www.mylittleleaf.org
E-Mail: lovelearning.omaha@gmail.com

Little Musicians in Motion, OMAHA
This is a mommy/daddy and me musical jamboree class for kids with special needs
www.littlemusiciansinmotion.com

Lovaas Institute, OMAHA
(612)925-8365
www.lovaas.com
mwinfo@lovaas.com

Madonna ProActive, LINCOLN
Providing many activities for kids with special needs, including swimming lessons, bowing and adapted golf and other activities
(402)486-7791

 Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, LINCOLN
OT, PT & Speech; Children's Hospital also
(402)483-9534
www.madonna.org

Madonna School & Shop, OMAHA
School (402)556-1883
Shop   (402)551-5441

Website: www.madonnaschool.org

Marcus Theaters, LINCOLN & OMAHA
Providing first run movies, for kids with special needs.  Sound turned down, lights turned up!
LINCOLN: (402)441-0222
OMAHA: (402)898-7469
www.marcustheaters.com 

Metro Stars Gymnastics, OMAHA
For children with a disability or special need
(402)505-7600
info@metrostarsgym.com
www.metrostarsgym.com

Munroe Meyer Institute – Individual & Family Supports Coordination Office
“Offers Assistance to individuals with disabilities & their families, seeking resources & services including those available at Munroe- Meyer, as well as other providers, provides referral information to individuals & families across the age span, & conducts trainings & presentations on family suppor & leadership focusing on the family perspective & Developmental Disabilities.”
Website: www.unmc.edu/mmi/
Contact: Mark Smith (402)559-5744
His Email is: msmith@unmc.edu
Contact: Sarah Swanson (402)559-4573
Her Email is: Sarah.Swanson@unmc.edu

The Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired
(800)826-4355
(402)873-5513
www.ncecbvi.org

The Nebraska Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired
(877)809-2419
www.ncbvi.neb.gov

ncbvi.commission-board@nebraska.gov

The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
(800)545-6244
www.ncdhh.ne.gov

Nebraska Council for Exceptional Children
www.nebraskaec.homestead.com
nebraskacec@gmail.com

Nebraska Family Support Network (NFSN)
(800)245-6081
www.nebraskafamilysuport.org

Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association
nfapa@windstream.net

Nebraska Hands & Voices Support Group, OMAHA
Support Group for parents of kids who are deaf or hard of hearing
(402)203-0673
Website: www.handsandvoicesne.org
Contact: kris@handsandvoicesne.org or laryssa@handsandvoicesne.org


The Nebraska Respite Network
Providing assistance with coordinating respite, they have providers available who are experienced, Emergency Respite Funds, Funding available for respite for families who don't qualify for other programs, call today
Sarpy/Douglas Coordinator: Elizabeth Chentland (402)996--8444
echentland@gmail.com
Southeast Nebraska/Lincoln Coordinator: Misit McInteer (402)434-3494 ext. 103
misti@ywcalincoln.org 

The Nebraska Technical Assistance Project on Deaf-Blindness
Parent Groups across the state, call to be connected
(402)595-1810 Teresa Coonts
Email: Teresa.coonts@nebraska.gov

Omaha Children's Museum, OMAHA
Providing FREE Autism Nights, and FREE Nights for Kids with Compromised Immune Systems
(402)930-2353
www.ocm.org 
Sara Sherman
Email: ssherman@ocm.org

O.N.E. - Organizations Networking for Everyone, LINCOLN
“Impacting individuals with Special Needs”
(402)421-8866

Pediatric Parent Support Group, LINCOLN
For parents of kids with acquired disabilities
(402)499-4227 for Michelle Hawley
Email: mhawley@windstream.net
(402)483-9697 for Amy Nordness


Pediatric Therapy Center, PAPILLION
OT, PT & Speech Services
(402)932-2782
Website: www.ptcne.org
E-mail: info@ptcne.org

Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, NEBRASKA
Contact: Melissa Yeshnowski, NE State Chapter Co-Director (402)597-9307

Pro-Care 3, MILLARD
PT, OT and Speech Services
(402)330-3211 Ext. 139
www.procare3.com
Prudential, OMAHA
"Special Needs Solutions for ALL ages"
402-861-3676
Contact Cecilia Losee, Financial Professional
Cecilia.losee@prudential.com
PTI Nebraska - Parent Training & Information
A wealth of information for whatever need you may have in association with  your child who has special needs.
(402)346-0525
www.pti.nebraska.org

PTI Professional Parent Consultant @ Complete Children's Health, LINCOLN
(402)327-6061
Contact Jennifer Meints at 
Jennifer.meints@cch-neb.com

PTI Professional Parent Consultant @ Boystown Peds Bergan Mercy, OMAHA
(402)343-8585
Contact Heather McCormick at
Heather.mccormick@boystown.org

Red Dawgs Basketball, OMAHA
Basketball for kids with special needs, have won tournaments too numerous to mention!!  This is a traveling team! Players only need to have a lower body disability to participate.  We have sports wheelchairs for use!
Contact Mike Kult at wkult@mail.unomaha.edu
Contact Kelly Fischbach at kfischbach13@hotmail.com

RiteCare Clinic, UNL Barkley Center
Provides Speech Therapy Services and Testing
(402)472-0642

The Rose Theater, OMAHA
Deprecia Wright at (402)502-4617
Email: depreciaw@rosetheater.org

 Snyder Charleson Therapy Services, OMAHA
PT, OT and Speech Services
(402) 391-5002
Website: www.snydercharleson.com
Special Journeys for Special People
(402)884-1014

Stones Worth Stepping, Pediatric Therapy, OMAHA
PT, OT and Speech Services
(402)391-2001

Sunrise Equitherapy, LINCOLN
(402)781-2781
Website: www.sunriseequitherapy.com 
Contact: Julie Wood

True Buddy Farms, OMAHA
Providing kids with special needs the opportunity to see what is like down on the farm, with sheep to interact with!
402-578-2388
www.luvalamb.com
donna@luvalamb.com

Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children, WAVERLY
School & Home for kids with special needs
402-786-3625
Contact Sister Peggy Kucera, Principal
sr.peggy-kucera@villamarie.org

VODEC, COUNCIL BLUFFS
(712)328-2638
www.vodec.org 

Wingsong Equitherapy, LINCOLN
(402)730-6020
Website: www.windsongequitherapy.org

Yoga for the Special Child, LINCOLN
Yoga for children ages 10 weeks to teens who have special needs
(402)480-0685
debbiebuck@hotmail.com




Website Resources for Families


www.bookshare.org
www.helpkidzlearn.com

www.ourspecialkids.com

American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org

Autism Action Partnership
www.autismaction.org

Disability Information & Resources
www.makoa.org

Equipment for Special Needs
www.adaptivemall.com

Exceptional Parent
www.eparent.com

Family Connect
www.familyconnect.org
*for families with children who are blind or visually impaired

Mayors Commission for Citizens with Disabilities (OMAHA)
www.ci.omaha.ne.us/departments/mayor

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.  (NORD)
www.rarediseases.org

Nebraska Health & Human Services
www.hhs.state.ne.us

Nebraska Resource Referral
www.answers4families.org

Progression, a Shaken Baby Syndrome support group in Council Bluffs, IA
www.safebaby.org

Shoes for use with AFO's
www.hatchbacksfootwear.com





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