Extra special services for special needs families Published Aug. 19, 2010 MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Airman & Family Readiness Center now has information, referral, and support services for Special Needs families. The Department of the Air Force has made changes to the program known by most as the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). This has historically been a function under the Medical Group with a primary responsibility of identifying families with special needs (Q-Coding) and coordinating with other installations to determine whether or not the needs of that family are able to be met at the proposed "gaining" installation for next duty assignment (PCS move). In most cases under that scenario, when approved to move, the family would arrive at their newly assigned base and have the personal responsibility of finding the resources in that community to address the specific needs of their family member or members. The program that exists within the Medical Group responsible for identification and assignment coordination is now called the Special Needs Identification and Assignment Coordination (SNIAC) program. This program continues it's function and will work in partnership with the new Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) within the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The goal is to raise awareness and provide Special Needs families information and referrals for the full spectrum of resources and programs available in the on and off base communities to assist them with their particular needs. The A&FRC will host a resource event called the Informational Network of Exceptional Educational, Developmental & Support (I-NEEDS) Resource Fair on Friday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MacDill Youth Center. It will include an agenda of mini seminars to raise awareness about special needs. The event is open to the entire base, especially families with special needs. Call the A&FRC at (813) 828-0145.