Wednesday, October 22, 2008

October is Learning Disabilities Month

Learning Disabilities Month is a time when people pay particular attention to children and adults with learning disabilities. During this month, LD OnLine is asking everyone to teach one person one new thing about learning disabilities.

Need some info or ideas to get started? LD Online has put together a page just for you.

Print a fact sheet to share with someone you know.
E-mail one of the brief articles to a friend, using the "e-mail" icon to the right of each article
Offer to read a children's story about learning disabilities to your child or at a local classroom, daycare or library

If everyone does a little, a LOT can be accomplished!

Brainline....new website for individuals living with TBI

If you teach, know, or live with someone who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), here's some good news for you. LD Online has recently launched BrainLine, a comprehensive website for anyone whose life has been affected by TBI.

You can find authoritative, useful, and timely information and resources here. BrainLine has specific sections for people with TBI, their families and friends, and professionals.

Click here to visit BrainLine >>

Website Empowers Those with Disabilities to Vote

My Voice, My Vote is a website that encourages young adults in all situations, including those with disabilities to make their voice heard through voting.

The site includes many resources geared towards informing and assisting youth who want to learn about the voting process and make a difference in their communities. The website also includes an open-captioned video on the voting process in Minnesota that is applicable to many different situations.

Click here for voter registration information specific to Oklahoma.

An Estate Plan Built for Special Needs

With wall street and the state of our economy constantly in the news, each financial decision takes on more and more importance. Families planning to protect the future of a child with special needs have even more issues to consider.

Rachel Silverman of the Wall Street Journal offers tips for families in her WSJ article, An Estate Plan Built for Special Needs

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Planning Ahead: Seizure Emergencies

EP Magazine presents this primer article on the necessity for a seizure emergency plan, and for added awareness and education about the administration of emergency antiepileptic medication within the school environment.

To view the full article and online via EParent.com, click here

You can also view the archive recording, for free, on EP LiveOnline of the related Web seminar on seizures by clicking here. The recorded seminar is titled, "Managing Seizure Emergencies within the School Environment: A Seminar for Professionals & Caregivers".

October Proclaimed as Parent Involvement Month Statewide

In collaboration with the Oklahoma Parent Information and Resource Center (OK PIRC) and the Oklahoma Congress of Parents and Teachers (OK PTA), Governor Brad Henry issued a proclamation declaring October as Parent Involvement Month for the state of Oklahoma.

With this proclamation, the state legislature acknowledges that parental involvement, not income or social status, is the most accurate predictor of student achievement in school. The proclamation, issued on October 1, 2008, states that families can create a home environment that encourages learning; can communicate high yet reasonable expectations for their children?s achievement and future careers; and become involved in their children?s education and the community.

The OK PIRC and OK PTA will be distributing Parent Involvement Calendars and Parent Involvement Checklists to schools statewide to encourage parents to get involved with their child?s school. The calendar and checklist are also available at the OK PIRC website, www.okpirc.org. OK PIRC is a statewide technical assistance and training center whose mission is to build partnerships between schools and families to increase student achievement and parental engagement, birth to high school. OK PIRC is available to assist families with ideas for getting more involved in the education and development of young students, and to train educators on how to increase parental involvement in their schools. For more information about parent involvement, technical assistance and support, please contact the OK PIRC at (405) 478-4078, www.okpirc.org or the OK PTA at (405)681-0750.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

2008 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference

The Fall Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference is an Oklahoma tradition. Oklahoma has a high percentage of grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren - emotionally, physically and financially. This conference will provide grandparents with resources and education to ensure their success.

Dates: Oct. 29 & 30, 2008

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m

Location:
New Covenant Christian Church
12000 N. Rockwell
Oklahoma City, OK

For more information, contact Claire Dowers at (405) 522-4510
or click here to view/print a conference brochure