* Reinstate Attorney's Fees to encourage settlement
* Assign Burden of Proof to school districts to promote fair process
WHAT: State House Special Education Legislative Hearings
WHEN: October 11, 2011, 10 a.m.
WHERE: State House, Room A-2,
The Joint Education Committee will conduct a hearing on OCTOBER 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Room A-2 of the State House where testimony will be heard on important special education bills that have been filed this session to reinstate important protections to level the playing field for students with disabilities.
Parents and Advocates are encouraged to come to show support for the bills and visit your legislators.
If you are unable to attend the Oct 11th hearing, please call or e-mail your own state representative and state senator and ask them to support these important special education bills. (If you are not sure who your representative is visit www.wheredoIvotema.com)
PHONE CALLS, LETTERS, E-MAILS ARE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE!
Ask your representative and senator to please support the following bills:
1) H. 168 An Act Relative to Equal Educational Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
(Lead Sponsor: Rep. Speliotis)
--- Reinstate Attorney's Fees to Encourage Settlement and Reduce Costs:
This bill addresses the right of parents to recover attorney's fees when their special education case settles as a result of their due process appeal. In 2001, a Justice Rehnquist decision by the US Supreme Court (Buckhannon, 2001) effectively created a two-tier system, barring many low and middle-income families from accessing special education rights and services by stating that attorney's fees could not be awarded if they prevail through settlement. This bill would reinstate parents' rights to recover attorney's fees as previously available prior to 2001. This is critical to encourage prompt resolution and settlement of disputes, reduce litigation costs for families and school districts, reduce the lengthy delays which harm children deprived of essential services for months and sometimes years, and help ensure that children of all income levels receive equal educational opportunities.
-- AND --
2) S. 203 An Act to Provide Fair Process for Students with Disabilities ("Burden of Proof")
(Lead Sponsors: Sen. Eldridge, Rep. Wolf )
--- Assign Burden of Proof to School Districts to Promote Fair Process:
This bill establishes that school districts have the burden of proof in special education cases brought to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), reinstating Massachusetts procedural practice that was set aside following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (Schaffer, 2005). The Supreme Court's decision effectively required parents to carry the burden of proof in the majority of cases under federal law. As emphasized by the dissent, however, districts have significantly greater access to the information, expertise, and resources required for litigation than parents, and placing the burden of proof on parents creates an unfair onus on families trying to achieve equal educational opportunities for their children. The burden of proof should be assigned to school districts as a matter of fairness to level the playing field, and to help deter costly disputes.
Please visit www.massadvocates.org for further information about these and other important bills that will be heard by the Joint Education Committee on October 11, including H. 1950 An Act to Promote Inclusive Transition Programs for Students with Severe Disabilities, S. 193 An Act to Maintain Short Term Objectives for Students with Disabilities, and H. 1040 An Act to Promote Cost-effective, High Quality In-District Programs for Students with Disabilities.
If you have any questions, please contact Johanne Pino at jpino@massadvocates.org or call her at 617-357-8431 x 234
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
TRANSITION WORKSHOP
The following information is from Terri McLaughlin of the Federation for Children with Special Needs.
"Planning a Life, Making the Most Out of High School"
High school is a time when all students need to be actively involved in planning for their future. At this critical juncture, students and families must be informed, proactive, involved and hopeful. The process can be overwhelming for families because resources and information about Transition planning, Transition assessments and Transition services are often difficult to find.
We are pleased to announce the FIRST Planning a Life conference for the 2011 - 2012 school year!
NOVEMBER 4TH & 5TH (FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
SEVEN HILLS FOUNDATION
81 HOPE AVENUE
WORCESTER, MA
"Planning a Life: Making the Most out of High School" is a two day conference packed with Transition planning information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22. Transition planning, needs to be on schedule to ensure a systematic, purposeful, and individualized educational experience.
Plan now to attend to find out about "what you need to know, when you need to ask, and who you need to go to for answers." Our goal is to establish a statewide network of proactive knowledgeable parents working in partnership with their local school districts to develop individualized Transition goals in the IEP.
This conference is open to everyone. Registration is free for families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, through Transition Works! a grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Additionally you can apply for scholarships through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Call 617-770-7676 or go to Council Empowerment Funds Program but, you MUST register first!
Go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php and download the conference brochure.
Send your registration with payment today to the Federation’s Boston office, attention: Wanda.
If you need additional information, contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Avoid the waitlist and register TODAY!
"Planning a Life, Making the Most Out of High School"
High school is a time when all students need to be actively involved in planning for their future. At this critical juncture, students and families must be informed, proactive, involved and hopeful. The process can be overwhelming for families because resources and information about Transition planning, Transition assessments and Transition services are often difficult to find.
We are pleased to announce the FIRST Planning a Life conference for the 2011 - 2012 school year!
NOVEMBER 4TH & 5TH (FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
SEVEN HILLS FOUNDATION
81 HOPE AVENUE
WORCESTER, MA
"Planning a Life: Making the Most out of High School" is a two day conference packed with Transition planning information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22. Transition planning, needs to be on schedule to ensure a systematic, purposeful, and individualized educational experience.
Plan now to attend to find out about "what you need to know, when you need to ask, and who you need to go to for answers." Our goal is to establish a statewide network of proactive knowledgeable parents working in partnership with their local school districts to develop individualized Transition goals in the IEP.
This conference is open to everyone. Registration is free for families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, through Transition Works! a grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Additionally you can apply for scholarships through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Call 617-770-7676 or go to Council Empowerment Funds Program but, you MUST register first!
Go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php and download the conference brochure.
Send your registration with payment today to the Federation’s Boston office, attention: Wanda.
If you need additional information, contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Avoid the waitlist and register TODAY!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Talia's Story -- Life with Dravet Syndrome
Please check out this short video about one of my clients living with Dravet Syndrome, which is a life threatening seizure disorder. I will be participating in a "walk" to raise money for research on Oct 2, 2011 in Simsbury, CT.
Go to:
teamtalia.org
learn more about Dravet Syndrome & the Oct 2nd walk.
To contribute go to:
https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/DravetSyndromeFoundation/nationalwalk/loginExec.do
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Transition Planning - Workshop
SAVE THE DATE for the Federation’s Transition Conference “Planning A Life”. Planning A Life is two full days of Transition information, resources and strategy.
For those of you with children approaching 14 years of age or between 14 and 22 years old, transition planning is key for future success. The Federation For Children With Special Needs offers a two day conference on this topic. I can attest to it's usefulness as I attended in April 2010 in Springfield.
This conference is held 3 times each school year, on the first Friday and Saturday in November, February and April, the first will be held November 4 & 5, 2011 from 8:30 – 4:30 in Worcester at the Seven Hills Foundation.
The brochure with registration is available online at http://www.fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php
Space is limited to 65 so please sign up early. Register today.
For more information, contact:
Terri McLaughlin
Information Specialist
Transition Projects
Parent Training and Information (PTI)
Federation for Children with Special Needs
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120
617-236-7210, ext. 336
tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Web: http://fcsn.org
Youtube: http://youtube.com/fcsnvideos
Twitter: http://twitter.com/fcsn
Donate: https://fcsn.org/giving_events/donate.php
For those of you with children approaching 14 years of age or between 14 and 22 years old, transition planning is key for future success. The Federation For Children With Special Needs offers a two day conference on this topic. I can attest to it's usefulness as I attended in April 2010 in Springfield.
This conference is held 3 times each school year, on the first Friday and Saturday in November, February and April, the first will be held November 4 & 5, 2011 from 8:30 – 4:30 in Worcester at the Seven Hills Foundation.
The brochure with registration is available online at http://www.fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php
Space is limited to 65 so please sign up early. Register today.
For more information, contact:
Terri McLaughlin
Information Specialist
Transition Projects
Parent Training and Information (PTI)
Federation for Children with Special Needs
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120
617-236-7210, ext. 336
tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Web: http://fcsn.org
Youtube: http://youtube.com/fcsnvideos
Twitter: http://twitter.com/fcsn
Donate: https://fcsn.org/giving_events/donate.php
Monday, April 4, 2011
Greenfield Virtual Academy online xPo
Learn more about the public, tuition-free Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield and K¹² from the convenience of your own home!
Whether you’re newly enrolled for the fall, awaiting approval for your student, or just interested in learning more, the Massachusetts Virtual Academy (MAVA) at Greenfield Online xPo event gives you all the information you need—all from the convenience of your own home!
This online xPo will include presentations about K¹²—the largest provider of online-based education programs for grades K–12 in America—and the award-winning K¹² curriculum.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit with MAVA teachers in an interactive online forum. As the real authorities on the K¹² curriculum and online learning with MAVA, teachers will share their experiences with you about how we're helping so many families realize their children’s true, personal potential.
Enrollment for the 2011–2012 school year is now open. Join us at our Online xPo event to learn more. Space is limited, so register today!
Whether you’re newly enrolled for the fall, awaiting approval for your student, or just interested in learning more, the Massachusetts Virtual Academy (MAVA) at Greenfield Online xPo event gives you all the information you need—all from the convenience of your own home!
This online xPo will include presentations about K¹²—the largest provider of online-based education programs for grades K–12 in America—and the award-winning K¹² curriculum.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit with MAVA teachers in an interactive online forum. As the real authorities on the K¹² curriculum and online learning with MAVA, teachers will share their experiences with you about how we're helping so many families realize their children’s true, personal potential.
Enrollment for the 2011–2012 school year is now open. Join us at our Online xPo event to learn more. Space is limited, so register today!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
TRANSITION RESOURCE FAIR IN WESTERN MA.
PARENTS, STUDENTS, EDUCATORS-
LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS THAT OFFER SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES DURING THE TRANSITION STAGE AND AFTER TURNING 22. TALK TO AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES, PICK UP INFORMATION FROM OVER 20 EXHIBITORS AND ARRANGE TO MEET INDIVIDUALLY FOR FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS.
ATTEND THREE MINI-SEMINARS
· 688 AND THE TRANSITION PROCESS- WHAT ARE THE TIME LINES? – 6:30-6:50
· WHAT’S HAPPENING IN POST SECONDARY EDUCATION?- 7:00-7:30
· HEAR ABOUT EMPLOYMENT AND DAY PROGRAM MODELS – 7:45-8:30
STUDENTS, TRY OUT SOME ACTIVITIES IN THE SELF-ADVOCACY ROOM!
CHECK INTO A SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF TRANSITION AGE STUDENTS. WE CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS TOGETHER.
WHEN: TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE: *HOPKINS ACADEMY CAFETERIA, 131 RUSSELL STREET, HADLEY
QUESTIONS? CONTACT HAMPSHIRE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
585-8010 EXTENSION 205 OR 207
SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES,
FRANKLIN/HAMPSHIRE AREA OFFICE
AND
THE HAMPSHIRE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS THAT OFFER SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES DURING THE TRANSITION STAGE AND AFTER TURNING 22. TALK TO AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES, PICK UP INFORMATION FROM OVER 20 EXHIBITORS AND ARRANGE TO MEET INDIVIDUALLY FOR FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS.
ATTEND THREE MINI-SEMINARS
· 688 AND THE TRANSITION PROCESS- WHAT ARE THE TIME LINES? – 6:30-6:50
· WHAT’S HAPPENING IN POST SECONDARY EDUCATION?- 7:00-7:30
· HEAR ABOUT EMPLOYMENT AND DAY PROGRAM MODELS – 7:45-8:30
STUDENTS, TRY OUT SOME ACTIVITIES IN THE SELF-ADVOCACY ROOM!
CHECK INTO A SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF TRANSITION AGE STUDENTS. WE CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS TOGETHER.
WHEN: TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE: *HOPKINS ACADEMY CAFETERIA, 131 RUSSELL STREET, HADLEY
QUESTIONS? CONTACT HAMPSHIRE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
585-8010 EXTENSION 205 OR 207
SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES,
FRANKLIN/HAMPSHIRE AREA OFFICE
AND
THE HAMPSHIRE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
Thursday, March 10, 2011
TRANSITION WORKSHOP
If your child is between the ages of 14 & 21, and has special needs you don't want to miss this workshop!!
Workshop Title: PLANNING A LIFE: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL
(for students with disabilities)
Date: Friday, April 1st & Saturday, April 2nd 2011
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Place: SCAN360, 11 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, Massachusetts
I attended this conference last year and found it to be very helpful.
Come & Learn About:
*Creating a vision for the future
*Person Centered Planning
*Transition Requirements of IDEA 2004, The Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act of 2004
*Importance of transition assessments for best results
*Using the Transition Planning Form to prioritize and incorporate transition
goals into the IEP
*Employment, Job Development, Work Supports
*Making connections & networking with other families going through the transition
planning process
(Taken from: Planning a Life brochure developed by the
Federation for Children with Special Needs)
This conference is open to everyone. For families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, registration is free through Transition Works! a grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Additionally you can apply for scholarships (before 3/21) available through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Call 617-770-7676 Council Empowerment Funds Program but register first!
Register NOW space is limited!
Go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php and download the conference brochure.
Need additional information? contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Workshop Title: PLANNING A LIFE: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL
(for students with disabilities)
Date: Friday, April 1st & Saturday, April 2nd 2011
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Place: SCAN360, 11 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, Massachusetts
I attended this conference last year and found it to be very helpful.
Come & Learn About:
*Creating a vision for the future
*Person Centered Planning
*Transition Requirements of IDEA 2004, The Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act of 2004
*Importance of transition assessments for best results
*Using the Transition Planning Form to prioritize and incorporate transition
goals into the IEP
*Employment, Job Development, Work Supports
*Making connections & networking with other families going through the transition
planning process
(Taken from: Planning a Life brochure developed by the
Federation for Children with Special Needs)
This conference is open to everyone. For families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, registration is free through Transition Works! a grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Additionally you can apply for scholarships (before 3/21) available through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Call 617-770-7676 Council Empowerment Funds Program but register first!
Register NOW space is limited!
Go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php and download the conference brochure.
Need additional information? contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Transition to Adult Services Workshop Series
This workshop series is presented by:
EMARC Family Resource Center
PLACE: Malden High School, Cafeteria
77 Salem Street
Malden, MA. 02148
DATE: Wed. April 6th & 13, 2011
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
COST: $10 for the series (scholarships are available)
Pizza will be provided!
Series Agenda:
April 6th- Working with your School System:
Learn how to get the most out of transition planning...your rights and responsibilities, the IEP, ITP, and goal setting
Pat Pakos, Arc of Massachusetts
April 13th- Adult Services - What, How, and When?
DDS vs. Mass Rehab, Chapter 688, the Eligibility Process, Availability of Services, the Transition Plan and Procedures
Dorrie Freedman, Department of Developmental Services
Malden Residents may be able to attend at no cost,
thanks to a grant from WalMart. Contact us for details.
Advance Registration is required.
**This workshop fills quickly, so register ASAP!**
Register online at http://www.theemarc.org/workshoponlineregistration124.html
Or contact Michelle Faugno at 781-942-4888 x4018, or by email to: mfaugno@theemarc.org
EMARC Family Resource Center
PLACE: Malden High School, Cafeteria
77 Salem Street
Malden, MA. 02148
DATE: Wed. April 6th & 13, 2011
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
COST: $10 for the series (scholarships are available)
Pizza will be provided!
Series Agenda:
April 6th- Working with your School System:
Learn how to get the most out of transition planning...your rights and responsibilities, the IEP, ITP, and goal setting
Pat Pakos, Arc of Massachusetts
April 13th- Adult Services - What, How, and When?
DDS vs. Mass Rehab, Chapter 688, the Eligibility Process, Availability of Services, the Transition Plan and Procedures
Dorrie Freedman, Department of Developmental Services
Malden Residents may be able to attend at no cost,
thanks to a grant from WalMart. Contact us for details.
Advance Registration is required.
**This workshop fills quickly, so register ASAP!**
Register online at http://www.theemarc.org/workshoponlineregistration124.html
Or contact Michelle Faugno at 781-942-4888 x4018, or by email to: mfaugno@theemarc.org
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