LinkAbility Family Report & Resources
What is SWMAP (South West Missouri Autism Project)
The Southwest Missouri Autism Project (SWMAP) serves individuals in 23 counties throughout southwestern Missouri. Individuals are served through the Joplin and Springfield Regional Offices. In order to be eligible for Autism Project services, individuals must be eligible to receive services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities and have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
What Do They Offer?
- Parent Trainings
- Social Groups
- Respite-Occasionally
- Social Skills Curriculum
- Assistance with Learning Individual Living Skills
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)-Waitlists are in place
Providers:
- EasterSeals Midwest
- Judevine Center for Autism
- Burrell Autism Center
- Abilities First
- Arc-CounterPoint
- Ozark Center for Autism
- Preferred Family Healthcare
How Do I Sign Up?
Request to meet with your Service Coordinator to discuss potential services, providers, and an amendment to begin SWMAP services! Once approved, your chosen provider(s) will reach out to you to begin your intake process!
Impact Snapshot
460
And counting, individual served
03
Counties: Stone, Taney, & Ozark
187
Waivered Individuals
Sensory Friendly
Activities in Branson
Shepherd of the Hills: They offer wheelchair accessibility for their Dinner Shows, their original Outdoor Drama, and the Inspiration tower. The dinner shows offer a vegetarian meal, as well.
WonderWorks: They offer many accommodations for guests with disabilities, but one of our favorite features is their “Sensory Days” events, where they modify the entire attraction and invite those with sensory needs to visit on special event days. A full list of their accommodations for guests with different types of needs can be found on their website.
Branson Aquaplex at RecPlex: Sensory Swim is a FREE and quiet time at the Branson AquaPlex designed for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders and differing abilities to enjoy the AquaPlex without the crowds. There will be no music playing, and fountain features will be turned off during this time. More information can be found online.
Branson Landing partnered with Shay & Pals, an organization that helps those with sensory issues by providing calming trailers for use at special events. During the Landing’s special events, such as their Summer Concert Series, the trailer is parked near the fountains and is available for use free of charge to anyone with sensory issues or overstimulation needing a place to calm and refocus away from the crowds.
Silver Dollar City: Thanks to Mercy Health Systems, Silver Dollar City now has two Family Calming Spaces at the park so visitors with sensory processing disorder can step away from the sights, sounds, and smells for a while! With a minimum of 14 days advance notice, Sign Language interpretation can also be requested for special events and shows.
Fun Mountain has sound blocking headphones as well as elevator access to a more calming downstairs space with more secluded rides upon request.
