Inclusive Prepareness Center

Be prepared in case of an emergency. Formerly the Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness, this organization has family readiness materials, online planning and training, and Spanish language materials on planning for individuals with disabilities in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Click here to visit the Inclusive Prepareness Center

Want more? Here are 15 links to resources for people with disabilities, families, seniors and more.

Spanish Resources for parents of young children

The Get Ready to Read! web site recently launched a new section to assist Spanish-speaking parents in helping their children build skills before kindergarten. In addition, there are also resources designed to help parents and families talk with teachers and day care providers about questions they have about their child's development.

Conéctese a los nuevos recursos para padres que hablan español! El sitio de Internet de Prepárate a Leer! ha introducido recientemente una nueva sección para ayudar a los padres que hablan español a ayudar a sus hijos a desarrollar destrezas antes de entrar al jardín de infantes. Además, hay también recursos designados a ayudar a los padres y familias a conversar con los maestros y proveedores de cuidado infantil sobre sus preguntas relacionadas con el desarrollo de su hijo.

www.GetReadytoRead.org/SpanishResources

Don't miss the Govenor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities

Name: 2010 Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities

Start Date: March 8, 2010
End Date: March 9, 2010

Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 5 p.m.

Description: 2010 Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities
Keeping the Dream Alive

Location: Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
2501 Conference Drive
Norman, OK 73069

Contact Information: Gail Russell
(405) 521-6254
Gail.Russell@okdhs.org

More info & online registration available at:
http://register.oucpm.org/ddsd2010gov/

Registration Fee: $50
Registration Deadline: Feb. 22, 2010

Study Shows Oxytocin May Improve Social Skills for Some People With Autism

A new study shows people with high-functioning autism disorders, such as Asperger's syndrome, who were treated with oxytocin responded more strongly to others and displayed more appropriate social behaviors. Read more about the study and it's results at WebMD

Would you like to become an advocate for children with special needs?

Many people don't realize there is currently no certification process for advocates. But there is good training available. And you do need to understand the process and the regulations to be an effective advocate.

Wrightslaw offers some of the best training around on this topic. Recently they devoted an entire issue of their newsletter to advocate training. You can check it out here.

In Oklahoma another option is to complete the training offered by the Oklahoma Parents Center and become a Community IEP Partner. Click here to learn more about this program at the OPC website.

Rick Lavoie is coming to OKC - April 6, 2010

Attention teachers, parents, tutors and others interested in motivating & helping those who struggle to learn!

World-renowned Learning Disabilities expert, Rick Lavoie, will speak in Oklahoma City on April 6th, 2010.

Payne Education Center will host the Lavoie seminar at:
Crossings Community Center
2208 W. Hefner Road, OKC
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Rick authored the book, It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend.

His newest book and PBS DVD on student motivation, The Motivation Breakthrough: Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child (Book and DVD Bundle), were released in 2007 and were featured in USA Today.

After viewing Rick’s videos, former First Lady Barbara Bush stated,

"You really wowed us! I only wish that every parent and teacher in the United States today could also see your program."

Ginny Little, Retired Head of School, Oak Hall Episcopal School, Ardmore, OK, said,

“I am privileged to have enjoyed seven of Rick Lavoie’s presentations, and each time I was deeply rejuvenated about teaching children. He shares his wonderful philosophies and experiences in a manner easily understood, and one comes away with ideas that can be easily implemented. Rick Lavoie is highly motivating, and attending his workshop is the perfect solution to staff development!”

Admission to the afternoon seminar is $25 per person and we will be handing out Professional Development forms for the 3 hours of attendance. (If you are a member of ALTA, they have approved 3 hours for CEU credits.)

Space is limited, so sign up early to experience Rick Lavoie’s important message on behalf of children and adolescents with special needs. The Curriculum Vitae on Mr. Lavoie, if needed for verification of continuing education units, is available at www.ricklavoie.com.

Seats can be reserved by calling Payne Education Center at 405/755-4205 or by emailing to mari@PayneEducationCenter.org