The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council is currently taking applications for the next Partners in Policymaking class.
Partners is a free advocacy training class for parents of children with developmental disabilities, adults with disabilities and advocates. It is one weekend a month from August through May and all classes are in OKC. ODDC provides meals during training, travel reimbursement, lodging for those who live more than 60 miles away, all books and will pay for respite if necessary to attend the classes.
Topics covered include: History of Services and Perceptions, People First language, Inclusive Education and IEPs, Inclusive Community Living, Sexuality and Disability, Employment, State and Federal Legislative Process, Medicaid and Medicare, Natural Family Supports, Behavior and Non-Aversive Interventions, Advocacy Strategies, Working with the Media and many others.
Class interviews begin next week and will be ongoing through mid June (unless filled sooner) so get your applications in soon!
Please visit the ODDC website to view the Partners video, get more information, and download the application.
Questions? Call LeAnna Hart at: 800-836-4470 or 405-521-4984.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Autism Training - Video or Online Course
Autism Training Video
This video is a basic introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) appropriate
for family members, school personnel including teacher assistants and general education staff as well as community members who want to learn about this increasingly prevalent disorder and basic effective strategies for interacting with individuals with ASD. Created by the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP)in conjunction with World Class Communication Technologies, LLC in 2005. The statistics quoted in the original production are now out of date. The 2007 prevalence rate for ASD according to the Centers for Disease Control is now 1 in 150. IATTAP is producing a second DVD that will provide more indepth information on the “Ten Guiding Principles” introduced here and will soon have Spanish versions of both.
Training Video Content
** Introduction & Assuming Competency
** Person-Centered Planning
** Characteristics of ASD:
1. Concrete, literal learners
2. Visual learners
3. Generalization of Knowledge
4. Sensory Processing
5. Rote Memory and Imitation
6. Concern with Sameness
7. Imaginative Play
8. Social Skills and Perspective
** Inclusion
** Educational Challenges
** 10 Guiding Principles
1. Establish Clear Communication System
2. Embed Visual Strategies
3. Establish Daily Schedule
4. Use Applied Behavioral Analysis
5. Structure Self-Stimulatory Behavior
6. Use Discrete Trial Training
7. Identify Reinforcers
8. Provide Opportunities to Make Choices
9. Avoid Talking too Much
10. Evaluate Programming
** Building Friendships for Children with ASD
** Teaming
** Collaboration
** Transition Book
** Planning for the Future
Another resource from Illinois: Free Non-Credit Course
This is a comprehensive training designed to build foundational knowledge in working with young children with autism. They offer open start & ending dates. Take this course at your convenience. Free course includes 54 hours of coursework involving lectures, video, research and activities. This is a foundation level training. 54 CPDU/CEUs available upon successful completion. Early Intervention credentials available. Visit the link above for more details.
This video is a basic introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) appropriate
for family members, school personnel including teacher assistants and general education staff as well as community members who want to learn about this increasingly prevalent disorder and basic effective strategies for interacting with individuals with ASD. Created by the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP)in conjunction with World Class Communication Technologies, LLC in 2005. The statistics quoted in the original production are now out of date. The 2007 prevalence rate for ASD according to the Centers for Disease Control is now 1 in 150. IATTAP is producing a second DVD that will provide more indepth information on the “Ten Guiding Principles” introduced here and will soon have Spanish versions of both.
Training Video Content
** Introduction & Assuming Competency
** Person-Centered Planning
** Characteristics of ASD:
1. Concrete, literal learners
2. Visual learners
3. Generalization of Knowledge
4. Sensory Processing
5. Rote Memory and Imitation
6. Concern with Sameness
7. Imaginative Play
8. Social Skills and Perspective
** Inclusion
** Educational Challenges
** 10 Guiding Principles
1. Establish Clear Communication System
2. Embed Visual Strategies
3. Establish Daily Schedule
4. Use Applied Behavioral Analysis
5. Structure Self-Stimulatory Behavior
6. Use Discrete Trial Training
7. Identify Reinforcers
8. Provide Opportunities to Make Choices
9. Avoid Talking too Much
10. Evaluate Programming
** Building Friendships for Children with ASD
** Teaming
** Collaboration
** Transition Book
** Planning for the Future
Another resource from Illinois: Free Non-Credit Course
This is a comprehensive training designed to build foundational knowledge in working with young children with autism. They offer open start & ending dates. Take this course at your convenience. Free course includes 54 hours of coursework involving lectures, video, research and activities. This is a foundation level training. 54 CPDU/CEUs available upon successful completion. Early Intervention credentials available. Visit the link above for more details.
Yes, You Can! Online
New Interactive Web Edition of Popular SCI Self-Care Guide
Washington, DC -- Paralyzed Veterans of America's (Paralyzed Veterans) Yes, You Can!, A Guide to Self-Care for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury, is now available in an expanded, updated and interactive fourth edition online
Information is power, and making vital self- help information available to millions of people with disabilities, their families and their caregivers is a core part of our mission, said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of Paralyzed Veterans. Yes, You Can! helps people with disabilities help themselves. Now this essential resource can be accessed by anyone who has a computer with an Internet connection.
The first few months after a spinal cord injury (SCI) are a stressful and uncertain time. Yes, You Can! is written expressly for the newly injured and is an invaluable lifelong reference for all people with disabilities, helping them gain knowledge and confidence to address the important issues related to living with SCI.
With the new online version of Yes, You Can! You'll be able to:
* Download the book for free
* Email the book to a friend
* Conduct keyword searches
* Bookmark any page
* Print any page
* Instantly click on dozens of website references that are all hot-linked
* Take an online tutorial on how to use the book
For over two decades, Yes, You Can! Has been compiled and edited by Stephen P. Burns, MD and Margaret C. Hammond, MD and more than 40 experts from the Seattle VA Health Care System. Having answers is central to personal care and independence for people who have SCI and the new fourth contains the most up-to-date information available. The popular publication is organized into four main topic areas:
*How SCI Affects Your Body
*Maximizing Your Function
*Coping and Living with SCI
*Staying Healthy after SCI
Each section covers several subtopics and concludes with a list of print, online or community resources for obtaining additional information. Yes, You Can! equips people with disabilities with essential information on how they can lead healthy, productive lives and reintegrate fully into the community.
To order a print version of the new fourth edition of Yes, You Can!, please
visit www.pva.org/publications or call toll-free 888-860-7244. Price: $20 plus shipping and handling; Paralyzed Veterans members $6 plus shipping and handling.
Washington, DC -- Paralyzed Veterans of America's (Paralyzed Veterans) Yes, You Can!, A Guide to Self-Care for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury, is now available in an expanded, updated and interactive fourth edition online
Information is power, and making vital self- help information available to millions of people with disabilities, their families and their caregivers is a core part of our mission, said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of Paralyzed Veterans. Yes, You Can! helps people with disabilities help themselves. Now this essential resource can be accessed by anyone who has a computer with an Internet connection.
The first few months after a spinal cord injury (SCI) are a stressful and uncertain time. Yes, You Can! is written expressly for the newly injured and is an invaluable lifelong reference for all people with disabilities, helping them gain knowledge and confidence to address the important issues related to living with SCI.
With the new online version of Yes, You Can! You'll be able to:
* Download the book for free
* Email the book to a friend
* Conduct keyword searches
* Bookmark any page
* Print any page
* Instantly click on dozens of website references that are all hot-linked
* Take an online tutorial on how to use the book
For over two decades, Yes, You Can! Has been compiled and edited by Stephen P. Burns, MD and Margaret C. Hammond, MD and more than 40 experts from the Seattle VA Health Care System. Having answers is central to personal care and independence for people who have SCI and the new fourth contains the most up-to-date information available. The popular publication is organized into four main topic areas:
*How SCI Affects Your Body
*Maximizing Your Function
*Coping and Living with SCI
*Staying Healthy after SCI
Each section covers several subtopics and concludes with a list of print, online or community resources for obtaining additional information. Yes, You Can! equips people with disabilities with essential information on how they can lead healthy, productive lives and reintegrate fully into the community.
To order a print version of the new fourth edition of Yes, You Can!, please
visit www.pva.org/publications or call toll-free 888-860-7244. Price: $20 plus shipping and handling; Paralyzed Veterans members $6 plus shipping and handling.
COPAA announces Webinar Training Series on Reading
Announcing COPAA’s Inaugural Webinar Series: Understanding Reading: Development, Assessment, and Instruction - A Four Part Webinar Series
In this four part series Dr. Holden and Dr. Farrall will introduce participants to the stages of reading development, issues related to reading assessment and the principles of direct, systematic multisensory instruction.
They will review how reading skills develop in typical learners with the struggle experienced by those with educational disabilities and dyslexia; and will discuss the role of Response to Intervention (RTI) in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions.
Part One: Learning to Read - Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Participants will learn about the oral language foundation for reading, and how young children acquire the rules for phonics based upon their awareness of sound patterns in words. Dr. Farrall will discuss the significance of delays in the acquisition of basic reading skills and how to use current research to advocate for instruction that will be effective for children of all ages with reading challenges.
Part Two: Reading to Learn - Thursday, July 9, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Dr. Holden will continue the discussion of how reading develops. Building on the skills addressed in Part One, Dr, Holden will discuss the importance of reading fluency as a necessary skill for reading comprehension. She will also discuss the higher-level language skills (vocabulary, sentence structure, and inferential thinking) that contribute to a deep understanding of text. Participants will learn about current research in fluency and reading comprehension as a means of better understanding the needs of young readers.
Part Three: Assessment - Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Children with reading difficulty vary in their profiles as readers and in their instructional needs. What works for one child may not be appropriate for another. A good reading assessment will provide a foundation for establishing current skills level, making decisions regarding appropriate types of remedial programs, scoring systems, and documenting progress. Participants will learn about the components of a comprehensive reading evaluation, scoring systems, and how to relate performance on reading tests to the writing of IEPs and remedial instruction.
Part Four: Direct, Systematic Multisensory Instruction – Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Much misunderstanding surrounds the definition of multisensory instruction and this seminar will not only dispel many myths but also clarify what multisensory reading instruction means. Teaching the concepts that serve as a structure to the English language is just as important as teaching the letters themselves. The very basic concepts will be discussed and participants will see how these concepts become part of a true multisensory reading lesson. Some direct modeling of steps in a multisensory reading lesson will be included.
In this four part series Dr. Holden and Dr. Farrall will introduce participants to the stages of reading development, issues related to reading assessment and the principles of direct, systematic multisensory instruction.
They will review how reading skills develop in typical learners with the struggle experienced by those with educational disabilities and dyslexia; and will discuss the role of Response to Intervention (RTI) in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions.
Part One: Learning to Read - Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Participants will learn about the oral language foundation for reading, and how young children acquire the rules for phonics based upon their awareness of sound patterns in words. Dr. Farrall will discuss the significance of delays in the acquisition of basic reading skills and how to use current research to advocate for instruction that will be effective for children of all ages with reading challenges.
Part Two: Reading to Learn - Thursday, July 9, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Dr. Holden will continue the discussion of how reading develops. Building on the skills addressed in Part One, Dr, Holden will discuss the importance of reading fluency as a necessary skill for reading comprehension. She will also discuss the higher-level language skills (vocabulary, sentence structure, and inferential thinking) that contribute to a deep understanding of text. Participants will learn about current research in fluency and reading comprehension as a means of better understanding the needs of young readers.
Part Three: Assessment - Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Children with reading difficulty vary in their profiles as readers and in their instructional needs. What works for one child may not be appropriate for another. A good reading assessment will provide a foundation for establishing current skills level, making decisions regarding appropriate types of remedial programs, scoring systems, and documenting progress. Participants will learn about the components of a comprehensive reading evaluation, scoring systems, and how to relate performance on reading tests to the writing of IEPs and remedial instruction.
Part Four: Direct, Systematic Multisensory Instruction – Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern)
Much misunderstanding surrounds the definition of multisensory instruction and this seminar will not only dispel many myths but also clarify what multisensory reading instruction means. Teaching the concepts that serve as a structure to the English language is just as important as teaching the letters themselves. The very basic concepts will be discussed and participants will see how these concepts become part of a true multisensory reading lesson. Some direct modeling of steps in a multisensory reading lesson will be included.
"Roadmap to Pre-K RTI: Applying Response to Intervention in Preschool Settings"
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is pleased to offer the accompanying materials from the May 20th webinar, "Roadmap to Pre-K RTI: Applying Response to Intervention in Preschool Settings."
In this webinar, Drs. Mary Ruth Coleman and Froma Roth, two of the authors of NCLD's new publication, explore the Roadmap to Pre-K RTI: Applying Response to Intervention in Preschool Settings, as a way of helping early childhood experts, policy makers, advocates and others gain a basic understanding of the essential components of RTI and begin to develop and plan their own RTI implementation plan.
Read the Guide
View the webinar (registration required)
Download the Powerpoint Handout
In this webinar, Drs. Mary Ruth Coleman and Froma Roth, two of the authors of NCLD's new publication, explore the Roadmap to Pre-K RTI: Applying Response to Intervention in Preschool Settings, as a way of helping early childhood experts, policy makers, advocates and others gain a basic understanding of the essential components of RTI and begin to develop and plan their own RTI implementation plan.
Read the Guide
View the webinar (registration required)
Download the Powerpoint Handout
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Autism Resources Online
Autism spectrum disorders: Screening and early identification.
Responding to the interest of the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, NECTAC queried Part C and Section 619 Coordinators about their screening measures, diagnostic instruments and procedures, and trends in identifying young children with ASD under the age of five years. Hot off the press, here's what NECTAC found (4 pages).
http://www.nectac.org/~pdfs/pubs/queries/queries_asdscreening.pdf
And speaking of autism spectrum disorders ...
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Library offers a new edition of its knowledge path on ASD, an electronic guide to resources about screening for ASD, diagnosis, treatment and intervention, communication, education, vocational challenges, and impact on family life. Available online at:
http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_autism.html
Responding to the interest of the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, NECTAC queried Part C and Section 619 Coordinators about their screening measures, diagnostic instruments and procedures, and trends in identifying young children with ASD under the age of five years. Hot off the press, here's what NECTAC found (4 pages).
http://www.nectac.org/~pdfs/pubs/queries/queries_asdscreening.pdf
And speaking of autism spectrum disorders ...
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Library offers a new edition of its knowledge path on ASD, an electronic guide to resources about screening for ASD, diagnosis, treatment and intervention, communication, education, vocational challenges, and impact on family life. Available online at:
http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_autism.html
New at NICHCY
This month from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
NICHCY has maintained a core of key publications for many years, updating them every time our nation's special education law is reauthorized or significant changes occur in the field. Here are the latest to get complete facelifts so they are not only shiny-new again but are also consistent with the requirements of IDEA 2004 and its regulations.
Categories of Disability Under IDEA (GR3)
If you're familiar with NICHCY products, then you'll know this one by its former name, "Disabilities That Qualify Infants, Toddlers, Children, and Youth for Services under the IDEA." A long and frightening title, wasn't it, but no more. If you want to find out how IDEA defines the disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for services (see, the old title did make sense), this publication will tell you. Posted online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/gr3.pdf
Your Child's Evaluation (BP1)
What's involved in evaluating a child to determine if he or she has a disability and is eligible for special education and related services? Find out in 4 easy-to-read pages that describe IDEA's requirements for evaluation. Posted online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/bp1.pdf
Your Child's Evaluation (BP1)
Here is a comprehensive but brief look at the special education process from start to finish. It begins with the question "Why is my child struggling in school?" and goes on to describe the evaluation process under IDEA, how eligibility for special education is determined, and what's involved in writing and implementing the individualized education program (IEP), the crown jewel of special education. New provisions in IDEA regarding IEP meetings are also detailed. The publication finishes with brief looks at reevaluation and IDEA's vehicles for resolving disputes that may arise between parents and school systems. Find the revamped and expanded LG1 online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/lg1.pdf
Developing Your Child's IEP (PA12)
Written expressly for parents by a parent, this 28-pager gets to the heart and soul of the IEP. It looks at every component of this all-important document, otherwise known as the Individualized Education Program. Every child with a disability receiving special education under IDEA must have an IEP, and parents are important members of the team that develops it. Want to be more involved in that process? New and shiny, this publication stands ready to help.
Find it online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/pa12.pdf
NICHCY is also pleased to launch a new series of questions and answers about IDEA, beginning with these two offerings:
Questions and Answers about IDEA: Purposes and Key Definitions (QA1)
Find out what Congress established as the purposes of IDEA. Also learn how four of IDEA's key terms are defined: free appropriate public education (FAPE), child with a disability, special education, and related services. These 8 pages are yours for the reading and downloading, at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/QA1.pdf
Questions and Answers about IDEA: Parent Participation (QA2)
A parent's right to participate in meetings and decision making regarding their child's special education is one of IDEA's foundational principles, strongly supported through explicit provisions and guarantees. Go straight to the heart of the matter in this 12-page Q&A summarizing parental rights of participation and describing prior written notice, the procedural safeguards notice, and the in's-and-out's of parental consent. Enjoy, at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/QA2.pdf
NICHCY has maintained a core of key publications for many years, updating them every time our nation's special education law is reauthorized or significant changes occur in the field. Here are the latest to get complete facelifts so they are not only shiny-new again but are also consistent with the requirements of IDEA 2004 and its regulations.
Categories of Disability Under IDEA (GR3)
If you're familiar with NICHCY products, then you'll know this one by its former name, "Disabilities That Qualify Infants, Toddlers, Children, and Youth for Services under the IDEA." A long and frightening title, wasn't it, but no more. If you want to find out how IDEA defines the disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for services (see, the old title did make sense), this publication will tell you. Posted online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/gr3.pdf
Your Child's Evaluation (BP1)
What's involved in evaluating a child to determine if he or she has a disability and is eligible for special education and related services? Find out in 4 easy-to-read pages that describe IDEA's requirements for evaluation. Posted online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/bp1.pdf
Your Child's Evaluation (BP1)
Here is a comprehensive but brief look at the special education process from start to finish. It begins with the question "Why is my child struggling in school?" and goes on to describe the evaluation process under IDEA, how eligibility for special education is determined, and what's involved in writing and implementing the individualized education program (IEP), the crown jewel of special education. New provisions in IDEA regarding IEP meetings are also detailed. The publication finishes with brief looks at reevaluation and IDEA's vehicles for resolving disputes that may arise between parents and school systems. Find the revamped and expanded LG1 online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/lg1.pdf
Developing Your Child's IEP (PA12)
Written expressly for parents by a parent, this 28-pager gets to the heart and soul of the IEP. It looks at every component of this all-important document, otherwise known as the Individualized Education Program. Every child with a disability receiving special education under IDEA must have an IEP, and parents are important members of the team that develops it. Want to be more involved in that process? New and shiny, this publication stands ready to help.
Find it online at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/pa12.pdf
NICHCY is also pleased to launch a new series of questions and answers about IDEA, beginning with these two offerings:
Questions and Answers about IDEA: Purposes and Key Definitions (QA1)
Find out what Congress established as the purposes of IDEA. Also learn how four of IDEA's key terms are defined: free appropriate public education (FAPE), child with a disability, special education, and related services. These 8 pages are yours for the reading and downloading, at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/QA1.pdf
Questions and Answers about IDEA: Parent Participation (QA2)
A parent's right to participate in meetings and decision making regarding their child's special education is one of IDEA's foundational principles, strongly supported through explicit provisions and guarantees. Go straight to the heart of the matter in this 12-page Q&A summarizing parental rights of participation and describing prior written notice, the procedural safeguards notice, and the in's-and-out's of parental consent. Enjoy, at:
http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/QA2.pdf
Thank President Obama for all that he's done for people living with disabilities
Easter Seals President and CEO Jim Williams recently visited the White House to personally thank President Obama for all that he's done for people living with disabilities – and to urge him to continue to keep the needs of individuals living with disabilities a top priority in health care reform.
Go to this link to send your own message to President Obama today! It's really easy-I just did it!
During his first months in office, President Obama has already:
1. Signed the State Children's Health Insurance bill, a top priority for Easter Seals; and
2. Designated funds in the economic stimulus package to go directly to programs that improve the lives of those with disabilities.
3. President Barack Obama's budget proposal for fiscal year 2010 also includes
increased funds for employment assistance for people with disabilities as well as autism research and awareness, among other programs.
The White House released full details of the president's approximately $3.5 trillion budget proposal this week, which includes $17 billion in cuts. The budget must now pass through Congress before going into effect October 1.
The budget proposal includes:
. IDEA: $11.5 billion for special education. Coupled with stimulus funds already set aside for 2010, total federal spending on special education is slated to reach nearly $16 billion.
. Autism: $211 million which includes more than $140 million for autism research funded through the National Institutes of Health. In addition, Obama wants $22 million to help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitor and improve early diagnosis and $48 million for the government to increase autism awareness.
. Employment: An increase of $10 million for the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor.
. Mental health: $125 million to provide mental health care to kids and teens with emotional disorders.
. Social Security: $11.6 billion to decrease the backlog of disability claims at the Social Security Administration.
. Civil Rights: $145 million to increase the number of attorneys handling civil rights cases at the U.S. Department of Justice.
. Miscellaneous funds: $8 million for Centers for Independent Living and other programs benefiting those with disabilities.
Go to this link to send your own message to President Obama today! It's really easy-I just did it!
During his first months in office, President Obama has already:
1. Signed the State Children's Health Insurance bill, a top priority for Easter Seals; and
2. Designated funds in the economic stimulus package to go directly to programs that improve the lives of those with disabilities.
3. President Barack Obama's budget proposal for fiscal year 2010 also includes
increased funds for employment assistance for people with disabilities as well as autism research and awareness, among other programs.
The White House released full details of the president's approximately $3.5 trillion budget proposal this week, which includes $17 billion in cuts. The budget must now pass through Congress before going into effect October 1.
The budget proposal includes:
. IDEA: $11.5 billion for special education. Coupled with stimulus funds already set aside for 2010, total federal spending on special education is slated to reach nearly $16 billion.
. Autism: $211 million which includes more than $140 million for autism research funded through the National Institutes of Health. In addition, Obama wants $22 million to help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitor and improve early diagnosis and $48 million for the government to increase autism awareness.
. Employment: An increase of $10 million for the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor.
. Mental health: $125 million to provide mental health care to kids and teens with emotional disorders.
. Social Security: $11.6 billion to decrease the backlog of disability claims at the Social Security Administration.
. Civil Rights: $145 million to increase the number of attorneys handling civil rights cases at the U.S. Department of Justice.
. Miscellaneous funds: $8 million for Centers for Independent Living and other programs benefiting those with disabilities.
Join the Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community
Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community is accepting applications to join their community. They currently have three families at the ranch, and are looking to add two more right now….. and several more once the new homes are built.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY: They have two 2 bedroom/2 bath homes available for a single foster parent, a small foster family and/or grandparent(s) raising their grandchildren.
The newer homes that will be built can accommodate a family of 4-7 people.
Their goal is to support foster parents and foster children in the best way possible to increase foster parent retention, reduce multiple placements and have sibling groups stay together. The parents are not employed by Peppers Ranch, but receive a subsidy to assist with the care of the children and lease a beautiful home from Peppers Ranch for $1 a year.
If you know of any foster parent that might benefit from the assistance they are offering, please pass along this information.
Contact Info for Peppers Ranch:
Peppers Ranch, Inc.
P.O. Box 3814
Edmond, OK 73083
Phone: 405-348-8333
CURRENT AVAILABILITY: They have two 2 bedroom/2 bath homes available for a single foster parent, a small foster family and/or grandparent(s) raising their grandchildren.
The newer homes that will be built can accommodate a family of 4-7 people.
Their goal is to support foster parents and foster children in the best way possible to increase foster parent retention, reduce multiple placements and have sibling groups stay together. The parents are not employed by Peppers Ranch, but receive a subsidy to assist with the care of the children and lease a beautiful home from Peppers Ranch for $1 a year.
If you know of any foster parent that might benefit from the assistance they are offering, please pass along this information.
Contact Info for Peppers Ranch:
Peppers Ranch, Inc.
P.O. Box 3814
Edmond, OK 73083
Phone: 405-348-8333
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"On the go" literacy activities for you and your child
The “On the Go” materials include 14 activities designed to be used outside the home: in the car, while walking, during bus rides, etc. The activities encourage early language and literacy development from birth through preschool. They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically. Each activity come with hints for how to modify them to meet the specific developmental needs of the child. Plus the activities are available in English, Spanish, Somali and Russian.
Click here to learn more and download a copy!
Click here to learn more and download a copy!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
FDA Warns Against Use of Botox for Cerebral Palsy
The Food and Drug Administration will require the makers of Botox and other drugs containing botulinum toxin to put an enhanced warning label on the drugs’ packaging. The move comes after reports of hospitalization and death in some children with cerebral palsy who were given Botox injections. Click here to read more....
Monday, May 4, 2009
Roadmap to Pre-K Response to Intervention
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has released, Roadmap to Pre-K RTI: Applying Response to Intervention in Preschool Settings. This report provides information on key components of Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks in preschool settings, how they relate to RTI in K-12 settings, examples of early models in the field (CO, DC, FL, IL, KS and MD) as well as resources for implementation and policy recommendations. The report is made possible by a grant from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation.
Autism resources for military families
Autism One is offering military families a $49 Conference Fee to attend the conference May 20-24 in Chicago!
These resources are from the National Autism Association:
The following are useful links for military families.
http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/
http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
http://www.am.dodea.edu/pages/employeelinks/specialeducation/specialeducation.htm
http://www.emilitary.org/
http://www.militaryonesource.com/
http://www.mytricare.com/
http://www.poac-nova.org/
http://www.stompproject.org/
These resources are from the National Autism Association:
The following are useful links for military families.
http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/
http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
http://www.am.dodea.edu/pages/employeelinks/specialeducation/specialeducation.htm
http://www.emilitary.org/
http://www.militaryonesource.com/
http://www.mytricare.com/
http://www.poac-nova.org/
http://www.stompproject.org/
Summer Advance 2009: Be Ready for Life
Summer Advance 2009 is a training program for educators, related service providers, and parents focused on supporting teens and young adults with autism between the ages of 14-21 to have a successful transition to adulthood.
Summer Advance 2009 is coming on June 22 - June 26 to Cheyenne Middle School in Edmond, Oklahoma!
This program is specifically designed to help improve long-term outcomes for teens and young adults affected by autism. Two options are available - a 2 day option of just Monday & Friday or a 5 day option covering the entire week's program.
This week is packed with valuable activities and hands-on learning opportunities and fun! There is something for everyone--parents, educators, community professionals and teens/young adults.
On Monday, our nationally recognized speakers will be Dr. Ruth Aspy and Dr. Barry Grossman. Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman are licensed psychologists, authors, and private providers specializing in the assessment and interventions for persons with autism spectrum disorders. Their book, The Ziggurat Model was awarded the Autism Society of America's National Award for Literary Work of the Year in Education.
The Ziggurat model is a framework for designing comprehensive interventions for persons with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The training will include how to identify the associated features of autism by using assessment tools that address the underlying characteristics of autism. The Ziggurat Model is used to design specific interventions to improve weaknesses. Since these weaknesses are often the barrier to independence, we will also learn how to develop positive programs to encourage success.
Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman use current TV videos to help the audience identify problems in teenagers that may not have been previously addressed and develop interventions that encourage success. The format for learning is fun and entertaining and very informative.
All individuals who register for this program are also invited back on Friday, June 26 at 1:00 PM, to hear James Williams, a 22-year old man attending Sam Houston University , who also has Asperger's Syndrome. James has been a national public speaker on Asperger's Syndrome and Post-Secondary Transition for the past five years. James will demonstrate that a young adult with Asperger's Syndrome, when provided with the appropriate social and educational interventions, can be independent and successful in their post-secondary/adult life. James is honest, entertaining, and sincere in telling his story. He will share his personal story of successes and struggles and you won't want to miss it.
We have 300 seats for these two sessions (Monday with Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman and Friday afternoon with James). Registration is $25 and can be completed on our website.
We encourage parents, school personnel, psychologists, speech therapists, and service providers to sign up for this class! This is a great way to access nationally recognized education locally in Oklahoma !
Summer Advance 2009: Tues - Friday, June 23 - 26
For those of you want to make a bigger commitment to understanding the needs of teens and young adults affected by autism, more training is available on Tuesday - Friday. This training is designed for a small group. Applications for participation Tuesday - Friday will be required due to the nature of the program. We will accept applications for 20 professionals and 10 families who have a teen or young adult between the ages of 14-21. Due to the limited number of participants, families and professionals must be able to attend all sessions all week to apply. (For families, at least one parent must attend Monday - Friday with teens/young adults attending Wednesday - Friday.) Use the pre-conference link to apply for the whole week!
On Tuesday, Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman will help us apply what we learned on Monday to complete some case study intervention plans. Wednesday - Friday, we will have a track for the teens and young adults and a track for professionals and parents. During some sessions, we will come together to work on assessment and intervention plans. Some sessions will allow young people with autism to have access to persons who have jobs in their areas of interest. Young people will also enjoy attending a party on Thursday night!
The goal of the week is to have fun while developing intervention plans for the young adults with autism. We also want to our professionals to be trained and comfortable with the assessment, development of interventions, and positive reinforcement to allow young people to reach their potential.
For additional information visit the Oklahoma Autism Network website at www.okautism.org to learn more and to register.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Summer Advance 2009 is coming on June 22 - June 26 to Cheyenne Middle School in Edmond, Oklahoma!
This program is specifically designed to help improve long-term outcomes for teens and young adults affected by autism. Two options are available - a 2 day option of just Monday & Friday or a 5 day option covering the entire week's program.
This week is packed with valuable activities and hands-on learning opportunities and fun! There is something for everyone--parents, educators, community professionals and teens/young adults.
On Monday, our nationally recognized speakers will be Dr. Ruth Aspy and Dr. Barry Grossman. Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman are licensed psychologists, authors, and private providers specializing in the assessment and interventions for persons with autism spectrum disorders. Their book, The Ziggurat Model was awarded the Autism Society of America's National Award for Literary Work of the Year in Education.
The Ziggurat model is a framework for designing comprehensive interventions for persons with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The training will include how to identify the associated features of autism by using assessment tools that address the underlying characteristics of autism. The Ziggurat Model is used to design specific interventions to improve weaknesses. Since these weaknesses are often the barrier to independence, we will also learn how to develop positive programs to encourage success.
Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman use current TV videos to help the audience identify problems in teenagers that may not have been previously addressed and develop interventions that encourage success. The format for learning is fun and entertaining and very informative.
All individuals who register for this program are also invited back on Friday, June 26 at 1:00 PM, to hear James Williams, a 22-year old man attending Sam Houston University , who also has Asperger's Syndrome. James has been a national public speaker on Asperger's Syndrome and Post-Secondary Transition for the past five years. James will demonstrate that a young adult with Asperger's Syndrome, when provided with the appropriate social and educational interventions, can be independent and successful in their post-secondary/adult life. James is honest, entertaining, and sincere in telling his story. He will share his personal story of successes and struggles and you won't want to miss it.
We have 300 seats for these two sessions (Monday with Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman and Friday afternoon with James). Registration is $25 and can be completed on our website.
We encourage parents, school personnel, psychologists, speech therapists, and service providers to sign up for this class! This is a great way to access nationally recognized education locally in Oklahoma !
Summer Advance 2009: Tues - Friday, June 23 - 26
For those of you want to make a bigger commitment to understanding the needs of teens and young adults affected by autism, more training is available on Tuesday - Friday. This training is designed for a small group. Applications for participation Tuesday - Friday will be required due to the nature of the program. We will accept applications for 20 professionals and 10 families who have a teen or young adult between the ages of 14-21. Due to the limited number of participants, families and professionals must be able to attend all sessions all week to apply. (For families, at least one parent must attend Monday - Friday with teens/young adults attending Wednesday - Friday.) Use the pre-conference link to apply for the whole week!
On Tuesday, Dr. Aspy and Dr. Grossman will help us apply what we learned on Monday to complete some case study intervention plans. Wednesday - Friday, we will have a track for the teens and young adults and a track for professionals and parents. During some sessions, we will come together to work on assessment and intervention plans. Some sessions will allow young people with autism to have access to persons who have jobs in their areas of interest. Young people will also enjoy attending a party on Thursday night!
The goal of the week is to have fun while developing intervention plans for the young adults with autism. We also want to our professionals to be trained and comfortable with the assessment, development of interventions, and positive reinforcement to allow young people to reach their potential.
For additional information visit the Oklahoma Autism Network website at www.okautism.org to learn more and to register.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Do you know a child who struggles to write in school?
Students benefit when they compensate for writing problems. Why? Because the struggle to write often interferes with learning and prevents students from fully demonstrating what they have learned. Compensating helps them bypass the problem area and still accomplish the goal of the activity.
For ideas on how to help your child or student compensate for poor writing skills, check out this article at LD Online.
For ideas on how to help your child or student compensate for poor writing skills, check out this article at LD Online.
Free training on Autism
The Oklahoma Autism Network will be hosting FREE trainings in Tulsa in May and June 2009! They are listed below, if you would like to register call 405-271-7476, or you can email OAN at okautism@ouhsc.edu.
May 13th, 2009: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part I
This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. It is an introduction to autism including core characteristics, services and resources in the state, a framework for making decisions regarding interventions, and an overview of common characteristics of effective interventions.
May 27th, 2009: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part II
This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Learn strategies you can use now to support your child and family at home and in your community.
June 17th, 2009: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part III
This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Build your team. Make decisions about accessing services, funding, intervention approaches and support groups.
June 4th, 2009: Dreams: How A Family Shaped Their Future
A parent/professional's real life story of inclusion. Dee Blose will share ideas on critical learning areas for children with autism and aspergers, how she approached the service system to support her son's needs and what she sees as the keys to her son's future success.
May 13th, 2009: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part I
This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. It is an introduction to autism including core characteristics, services and resources in the state, a framework for making decisions regarding interventions, and an overview of common characteristics of effective interventions.
May 27th, 2009: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part II
This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Learn strategies you can use now to support your child and family at home and in your community.
June 17th, 2009: My Child Has Been Diagnosed: What Should I Do? Part III
This training is designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism. Build your team. Make decisions about accessing services, funding, intervention approaches and support groups.
June 4th, 2009: Dreams: How A Family Shaped Their Future
A parent/professional's real life story of inclusion. Dee Blose will share ideas on critical learning areas for children with autism and aspergers, how she approached the service system to support her son's needs and what she sees as the keys to her son's future success.
Summer Camp experiences for children with special needs
Discover Camp
Sending a child to summer camp for the first time can be overwhelming for parents, especially when the child has disabilities. The Discover Camp web site provides information for parents to consider when selecting a camp for their child. It provides a description of camp types and questions to ask about the facilities, staff and camper care. Discover Camp is a collaborative project of the National Center on Accessibility, Bradford Woods and the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To learn more, visit
http://www.ncpad.org/get/discover/index-2.html
2009 Summer Camps
The following is a list of summer camps for individuals with disabilities in and near Oklahoma.
Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO) – A Christian camp for children and teens who have medical, physical or developmental disabilities. For more information about camp schedules, call (417) 476-2565, or check the web site at: http://www.campbarnabas.org
Make Promises Happen (Guthrie, OK) – A variety of camps offered year-round for children and adults who have disabilities and medical conditions. For more information, including a 2009 camp calendar, call 1-800-299-2811 or (405) 282-2811 or visit:
http://www.centralchristiancamp.org/promises.html
Camp Perfect Wings (McAlester, OK) – Scheduled from July 25-28, this camp is for children, ages 8-17 and adults 18 and older with special needs. For more information, call (405) 942-3800 or (405) 921-4245 or visit
http://www.bgco.org/5319?sct=campperfectwings
Camp Tumbleweed (OKC, OK) – A day camp for youth with disabilities, ages 13-21, in Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro area. The camp is located at the Dale Rogers Training Center main campus,2501N. Utah Ave., Oklahoma City. Camp sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,June 1 to July 31 (closed June 29 and July 3). For more information or an application, call Gayle
McGuire at (405) 946-4489, ext. 506.
I'm Learning to be ME! Summer Day Camp (Edmond, OK)- Summer Day Camp for kindegardeners through middle school children on the autism spectrum. Siblings and typical peers are also invited to join in the fun. June 22 - June 26 Monday-Friday. Sessions run from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. at Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Edmond, OK Price: $250.00 per session. Register online at:
http://www.autism-concepts.com/Events.html
Sending a child to summer camp for the first time can be overwhelming for parents, especially when the child has disabilities. The Discover Camp web site provides information for parents to consider when selecting a camp for their child. It provides a description of camp types and questions to ask about the facilities, staff and camper care. Discover Camp is a collaborative project of the National Center on Accessibility, Bradford Woods and the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To learn more, visit
http://www.ncpad.org/get/discover/index-2.html
2009 Summer Camps
The following is a list of summer camps for individuals with disabilities in and near Oklahoma.
Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO) – A Christian camp for children and teens who have medical, physical or developmental disabilities. For more information about camp schedules, call (417) 476-2565, or check the web site at: http://www.campbarnabas.org
Make Promises Happen (Guthrie, OK) – A variety of camps offered year-round for children and adults who have disabilities and medical conditions. For more information, including a 2009 camp calendar, call 1-800-299-2811 or (405) 282-2811 or visit:
http://www.centralchristiancamp.org/promises.html
Camp Perfect Wings (McAlester, OK) – Scheduled from July 25-28, this camp is for children, ages 8-17 and adults 18 and older with special needs. For more information, call (405) 942-3800 or (405) 921-4245 or visit
http://www.bgco.org/5319?sct=campperfectwings
Camp Tumbleweed (OKC, OK) – A day camp for youth with disabilities, ages 13-21, in Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro area. The camp is located at the Dale Rogers Training Center main campus,2501N. Utah Ave., Oklahoma City. Camp sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,June 1 to July 31 (closed June 29 and July 3). For more information or an application, call Gayle
McGuire at (405) 946-4489, ext. 506.
I'm Learning to be ME! Summer Day Camp (Edmond, OK)- Summer Day Camp for kindegardeners through middle school children on the autism spectrum. Siblings and typical peers are also invited to join in the fun. June 22 - June 26 Monday-Friday. Sessions run from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. at Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Edmond, OK Price: $250.00 per session. Register online at:
http://www.autism-concepts.com/Events.html
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