For people with various disabilities which make speech difficult, including cerebral palsy, autism, Parkinson's Disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and others, the key to effective communication is "Augmentative and Alternative Communication", or AAC for short. AAC refers to methods that make communication easier for people who find it hard to communicate by speech. These methods include electronic talking aids, computers, books and boards with pictures, letters, words, or phrases, and sign language. AAC can help people to communicate more effectively at any time, in any place, with anyone, and about anything.
Unfortunately, many people who need AAC do not get the training and assistance that they need to use AAC everywhere in their daily lives. Many times families, friends, and teachers are not familiar with AAC or mistakenly assume that the person cannot benefit. As a result, people with limited or no speech may spend many days or years unable to communicate their needs, feelings, hopes and dreams.
Resources that can help:
ABLE Tech offers an assistive technology resale & recycle program as well as help with device financing.
Toll Free: (888) 885-5588
Website: http://okabletech.okstate.edu/
Assistive Technology Training Online Project
Provides internet-based training in both general and specific areas of adapted computer use. Focuses on technology that addresses the needs of students with disabilities in elementary classrooms.
http://atto.buffalo.edu/
The Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center for Oklahoma Public Schools offers a full range of services, including: comprehensive assessment, consultation, custom fabrication and modification of assistive technology devices, assistance with identifying funding sources, training, and augmentative communication and computer access labs.
Toll free: 1-800-700-OATC (6282)
Website: http://www.theoatc.org/ATOSDE_services.asp
Rehab Tool's Free Search Service
Assistive technology specialists will conduct personalized product searches, recommend appropriate solutions, and send you relevant links and references to the products that best meet your needs and requirements.
http://www.rehabtool.com/search.html
Technical Assistance Manual for Using Assistive technology in the public schools
http://sde.state.ok.us/Curriculum/SpecEd/Forms.html
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Celebrate Family Day on Sept 28, 2009
Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenTM is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s kids substance free. Family Day reminds parents that Dinner Makes A Difference!
For more info on this national event and tips on how to keep your kids safe from substance abuse visit the CASA Family Day website.
For more info on this national event and tips on how to keep your kids safe from substance abuse visit the CASA Family Day website.
Clear, easy-to-use website for parents & teachers of students with LD
LD.org offers busy parents a "one-stop shop" — answering their questions about learning disabilities (LD) and providing free, helpful resources for their entire family as they move along their "LD journey."
Check out the new sections they've developed:
LD Basics
Provides "The Basics" about various types of learning disabilities and helps to make sense of the latest research surrounding LD and learning.
In the Home
Offers real-life suggestions to help parents manage the day-to-day challenges and expectations of having a child with LD.
At School
Information that teaches parents how to advocate for their child within the school system by empowering them with information about their child's rights.
College and Work
Provides helpful strategies and tools for parents whose children are transitioning from high school to work or college.
On Capitol Hill
Highlights education and civil rights legislation that directly impacts students with LD and their families.
Publications and More
Parents, students and education professionals alike can access all of NCLD's high-quality free resources about learning disabilities -- parent advocacy guides, signs & symptoms lists, printable worksheets, & recorded webchats on current LD issues.
This is a tremendous source of practical info that you won't want to miss. Click here to visit!
Check out the new sections they've developed:
LD Basics
Provides "The Basics" about various types of learning disabilities and helps to make sense of the latest research surrounding LD and learning.
In the Home
Offers real-life suggestions to help parents manage the day-to-day challenges and expectations of having a child with LD.
At School
Information that teaches parents how to advocate for their child within the school system by empowering them with information about their child's rights.
College and Work
Provides helpful strategies and tools for parents whose children are transitioning from high school to work or college.
On Capitol Hill
Highlights education and civil rights legislation that directly impacts students with LD and their families.
Publications and More
Parents, students and education professionals alike can access all of NCLD's high-quality free resources about learning disabilities -- parent advocacy guides, signs & symptoms lists, printable worksheets, & recorded webchats on current LD issues.
This is a tremendous source of practical info that you won't want to miss. Click here to visit!
Register Now for “Free Online Resources to Prevent Bullying” Webinar
Partner with PACER to prevent bullying
The fourth annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, Oct. 4 -10, 2009, encourages communities nationwide to work together to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all students. This Webinar will provide an overview of the free activities and materials to help reduce bullying communitywide. Parents and professionals will learn about innovative bullying prevention Web sites for kids and teens, contests, classroom toolkits, and more.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 2 p.m. (central)
Where: Online. (Participants will need a computer and a phone line.)
Cost: Free
Presenter: Julie Hertzog, PACER's Bullying Prevention Project director
Registration: Register at GoTo Webinar.
Registrants will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about how to join the Webinar.
Agenda
• Introduction to PACER's new Teens Against Bullying Web site—a bullying prevention site for middle- and high-school students
• Highlights of PACER's Kids Against Bullying Web site—a bullying prevention site for elementary school students
• Overview of activities for schools and organizations—resources teens, professionals, and parents can use to engage, empower and educate others about bullying prevention.
The fourth annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, Oct. 4 -10, 2009, encourages communities nationwide to work together to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all students. This Webinar will provide an overview of the free activities and materials to help reduce bullying communitywide. Parents and professionals will learn about innovative bullying prevention Web sites for kids and teens, contests, classroom toolkits, and more.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 2 p.m. (central)
Where: Online. (Participants will need a computer and a phone line.)
Cost: Free
Presenter: Julie Hertzog, PACER's Bullying Prevention Project director
Registration: Register at GoTo Webinar.
Registrants will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about how to join the Webinar.
Agenda
• Introduction to PACER's new Teens Against Bullying Web site—a bullying prevention site for middle- and high-school students
• Highlights of PACER's Kids Against Bullying Web site—a bullying prevention site for elementary school students
• Overview of activities for schools and organizations—resources teens, professionals, and parents can use to engage, empower and educate others about bullying prevention.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
First Hand Foundation - Help for Health Related Expenses
The First Hand Foundation helps pay for children's health related expenses that are not covered by insurance.
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1.The child must be 18 years of age or younger (a child 18 – 21 can be considered if under the care of a pediatrician and in a child-like state).
2.The child must be under the care of a pediatrician.
3.The case must involve a child with a specific need.
4.The request must be clinically relevant to the health of the child.
5.There must be no existing insurance coverage for the requested expenses.
6.An application for expenses already incurred will not be considered for First Hand Foundation funding.
If the child meets the above criteria, please review the types of expenses First Hand covers.
Expenses Covered:
•Treatment: Expenses associated with clinical procedures, medicine, therapy, prosthesis, etc.
•Equipment: Expenses associated with wheelchairs, assistive technology equipment, care devices, hearing aids, etc.
•Displacement: Expenses associated with families of seriously ill children who must travel away from their home during treatment—lodging, food, gas, parking and transportation
•Vehicle modifications: Expenses associated with lifts, ramps and transfer boards
Expenses NOT Covered:
•Home modification projects
•Any alternative and experimental drugs, treatment or therapy where there is controversy in the medical community with respect to specific treatment
•Wheelchair-accessible van purchases
•Any requests for research funding, mass population grants or other nonprofit organizational grants
•Any request for debt reduction / past medical bills
•Copays and deductibles
For more info visit the First Hand Foundation website or call the foundation at (816) 201-1569.
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1.The child must be 18 years of age or younger (a child 18 – 21 can be considered if under the care of a pediatrician and in a child-like state).
2.The child must be under the care of a pediatrician.
3.The case must involve a child with a specific need.
4.The request must be clinically relevant to the health of the child.
5.There must be no existing insurance coverage for the requested expenses.
6.An application for expenses already incurred will not be considered for First Hand Foundation funding.
If the child meets the above criteria, please review the types of expenses First Hand covers.
Expenses Covered:
•Treatment: Expenses associated with clinical procedures, medicine, therapy, prosthesis, etc.
•Equipment: Expenses associated with wheelchairs, assistive technology equipment, care devices, hearing aids, etc.
•Displacement: Expenses associated with families of seriously ill children who must travel away from their home during treatment—lodging, food, gas, parking and transportation
•Vehicle modifications: Expenses associated with lifts, ramps and transfer boards
Expenses NOT Covered:
•Home modification projects
•Any alternative and experimental drugs, treatment or therapy where there is controversy in the medical community with respect to specific treatment
•Wheelchair-accessible van purchases
•Any requests for research funding, mass population grants or other nonprofit organizational grants
•Any request for debt reduction / past medical bills
•Copays and deductibles
For more info visit the First Hand Foundation website or call the foundation at (816) 201-1569.
Norman Family Support Network
The Norman Family Support Network is ready to help you kick-off the school year by hosting a parent meeting on Thursday, September 10 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center.
Ms. Wright will be speaking on Advocating for your Child and Educating Them About His/her Disability. Barbara has a private counseling practice in Norman and is familiar with the challenges that children with disabilities face both in school and the community.
This meeting will give parent tools to assist their child(ren) while boosting their self esteem. A new component to meetings this year will be that after the speaker, parents will have an opportunity to ask general questions and obtain help from mentor parents and disability advocates.
You Are Not Alone!
The Norman Family Support Network is a support group and community resource for any parent, guardian, caregiver, provider, or educator that have or interact with children who have ANY disability.
We are not a disability specific group. A child does not need to have a diagnosis or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place for you to join us at a meeting or contact us.
If you suspect a disability, are new to the world of Special Education, or a seasoned "pro", we would love to hear from you!
The primary focus of the Norman Family Support Network is education of the Federal Special Education laws (IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504: Civil Rights Law, and similar). We want to help parents form a productive relationship with their child's school while understanding the correct process and procedures under the law. We want to see children obtain the most appropriate education, regardless of their disabilities or learning differences. Our goal is to provide families with the support that they need!
2009-10 Meeting Dates and Topics
Sept. 10, 2009
Topic: Advocating for your Child and Educating Your Child on his/her Disability
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
Oct. 8, 2009
Topic: Parent's Rights
Speaker: Kayla Bower, JD; Oklahoma Disability Law Center
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
Nov. 12, 2009
Topic: The IEP Process - Help me figure this all out!
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
Jan. 14, 2009
Topic: Reading Intervention - My child is behind, what can I do?
Speaker: Dr. Carrie Brown, Payne Education Center
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
March 4, 2009
Topic: Learning Disabilities Simulation (Sensitivity Training)
Hands on Workshop - Open to NPS staff, physicians, Police Officers, Siblings
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: To Be Announced
April 8, 2009
Topic: Positive Behavior Interventions
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
See us on the web at: www.normanfamilysupportnetwork.blogspot.com, call us at 306-8558 or 820-6650, or email us at normanfsn@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you on September 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Wright will be speaking on Advocating for your Child and Educating Them About His/her Disability. Barbara has a private counseling practice in Norman and is familiar with the challenges that children with disabilities face both in school and the community.
This meeting will give parent tools to assist their child(ren) while boosting their self esteem. A new component to meetings this year will be that after the speaker, parents will have an opportunity to ask general questions and obtain help from mentor parents and disability advocates.
You Are Not Alone!
The Norman Family Support Network is a support group and community resource for any parent, guardian, caregiver, provider, or educator that have or interact with children who have ANY disability.
We are not a disability specific group. A child does not need to have a diagnosis or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place for you to join us at a meeting or contact us.
If you suspect a disability, are new to the world of Special Education, or a seasoned "pro", we would love to hear from you!
The primary focus of the Norman Family Support Network is education of the Federal Special Education laws (IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504: Civil Rights Law, and similar). We want to help parents form a productive relationship with their child's school while understanding the correct process and procedures under the law. We want to see children obtain the most appropriate education, regardless of their disabilities or learning differences. Our goal is to provide families with the support that they need!
2009-10 Meeting Dates and Topics
Sept. 10, 2009
Topic: Advocating for your Child and Educating Your Child on his/her Disability
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
Oct. 8, 2009
Topic: Parent's Rights
Speaker: Kayla Bower, JD; Oklahoma Disability Law Center
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
Nov. 12, 2009
Topic: The IEP Process - Help me figure this all out!
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
Jan. 14, 2009
Topic: Reading Intervention - My child is behind, what can I do?
Speaker: Dr. Carrie Brown, Payne Education Center
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
March 4, 2009
Topic: Learning Disabilities Simulation (Sensitivity Training)
Hands on Workshop - Open to NPS staff, physicians, Police Officers, Siblings
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: To Be Announced
April 8, 2009
Topic: Positive Behavior Interventions
6:30-8 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Center, 421 E. Acres Street
See us on the web at: www.normanfamilysupportnetwork.blogspot.com, call us at 306-8558 or 820-6650, or email us at normanfsn@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you on September 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Bookshare.org - free memberships for students & schools
BookShare, an online collection of digital books, textbooks, and newspapers for people with print disabilities, now offers free memberships for qualifying U.S. students and schools. Bookshare offers more than 50,000 digital books, textbooks, teacher-recommended reading, periodicals and assistive technology tools.
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