STOMP: Working together for military families of individuals with disabilities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph A. Pagán Jr
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center sponsored a two-day workshop March 13-14 for military parents conducted by the STOMP Project of Washington Pave.

According to the Specialized Training of Military Parents handbook, STOMP was established because of the recognition that military families can face some unique challenges when they have a child with disabilities.

"STOMP is a national information center for military parents who have family members with disabilities," said Valerie Patterson, STOMP parent education coordinator. "We help them gain resources, learn the laws, and answer any other questions they may have."

Patterson and her colleague Sarice Tanvas, STOMP parent educator coordinator, are a traveling team, covering all branches of the military in support of the program.

"We will be going to more than 40 bases both stateside and overseas within the Air Force," said Tanvas. "Together we cover the world and take calls to help families all over."

Each year several bases are selected to host this workshop and Barksdale was more than happy to be on that list for 2014, said Sabrina Evans, Airman and Family Readiness Center Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator.

"EFMP, a mandatory enrollment program, works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, medical, educational and personnel services to families with special needs," said Evans.

Professionals from on and off the base community were invited to attend the class to address concerns, policies and services restrictive to the area, added Evans.

"I took this class to be informed on policies, laws, and other related sources concerning individuals who are under the EFMP," said Master Sgt. Joel Arcellana, 608th Air and Space Operations Center, combat operations division section chief.

Arcellana went on to explain that other than STOMP, there are many other agencies and avenues available to help family members with disabilities.

"This workshop is always a welcoming event, parents seem to walk away more empowered to advocate for their child's needs, encouraged to raise the bar of expectations regardless of the diagnosis or prognosis," said Evans. "Parents are refreshed in knowing that there are others who may have traveled their current roads and are willing to share their experiences, and that networking with other families and professionals can lead to new friends and support."

"Parents are the main advocate for their children and you don't ever have to accept or be pressured into anything," said Tanvas. "You have to get the information you want and advocate for your child at all times."

You are not alone and STOMP is here for you, added Patterson.

"We are parents of special needs so we know what you are going through."

For more information on STOMP call 1-800-5-PARENT or visit the website at www.stompproject.org.