Basic Rights Workshops

Free Workshops on Parents' Basic Rights in Special Education

I will be giving the above workshop on behalf of the Federation for Children with Special Needs at two locations:

MONDAY OCT. 24, 2016
     Place: Turners Falls High School
                222 Turnpike Rd.
                Montague, MA. 01351

     Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm



TUESDAY OCT. 25, 2016
     Place: Granby Jr/Sr High School
                385 East State St.
                Granby, MA. 01033

     Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Disability Events in MA

SPED Child & Teen website listings this week include:

www.spedchildmass.com

Free & Accessible Pools Across Massachusetts 

Outdoor Swimming Pool Lifts are at all of the State Parks and Recreation's pools. The pools are free. Find them in Attleboro, Brockton, Brighton, Chicopee, Clinton, Fall River, Fitchburg...Read More

Accessible & Direct Paths to Buzzards Bay Beaches

Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Demarest Lloyd Memorial State Park, and Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation will be the first Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beaches to have …Read More

Accessible Beaches/Beach Wheelchairs in Massachusetts

The DCR Universal Access Program for Massachusetts state parks allows free use of the chair, however a companion is needed to push. Reservations are required. Parks include: Artesani, Bear …Read More

Chromebooks as Assistive Technology for Learners with Special Needs: Workshop

Boston Easter Seals - August 16th, Worcester Easter Seals -  August 17th. Hands-on workshops that cover Chromebooks as technology for learners with various special needs, including students with visual impairment, dyslexia, dysgraphia…Read More

Sensory Movies, Fun & Recreation that Includes ALL Abilities

Sensory Storytime - Waltham

Waltham Public Library, July 30th. For children with autism or other developmental disabilities who are biologically or developmentally aged 3 - 6 and their neuro-typical peers. There will be Books, Songs & quiet Read More

Free Outdoor Movies in Boston

The Prudential Center, the Hatch Shell, and Boston Harbor Hotel will offer free, outdoor, family-friendly movies. Please check with each venue for accessibility and if ASL and other accommodations can be arranged.   …Read More

AMC Sensory Friendly "Ghostbusters"

AMC Sensory Friendly "Ghostbusters", July 26th, 2016, In Boston, Braintree, Burlington, Danvers, Framingham, Methuen, North Darthmouth, Somerville, and Tyngsboro. AMC Theater Sensory Friendly films provides...Read More

Adaptive Kayaking in State Parks

Adaptive Kayaking in Goshen, Natick, Waltham, & Worcester, July 14th - September 1st. The State of Massachusetts DCR Universal Access program offers adaptive and accessible kayaking in State parks. Cost for most …Read More

Did You Find an Inclusive Camp Yet?

Our Camps 2016 page has information on over 100 inclusive and special-needs summer programs in Eastern, Central and Western Massachusetts. Now is the right time to find the perfect program for your child. Read More

Especially for Me! For Deaf or Hard of Hearing Kids

July 30th, Discovery Museums, Acton. For Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children. RSVPs required. Held in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Children's Hospital Boston. Kid are welcome to enjoy …Read More

Adaptive Summer Skating

Cronin Rink in Revere, August 31st, 2016. The Skating in Summer Social is hosted by the Universal Access Program for an afternoon of skating, socializing, and snacking. Join people of all abilities to skate and  …Read More

Adaptive & Accessible Canoeing

Erving, Wendell, Westfield, July 12th - August 23rd. The State of Massachusetts DCR Universal Access program offers adaptive and accessible kayaking in some Massachusetts State parks…Read More

Summer Ice Hockey for Special Needs

Endicott College in Beverly, July 29 & 30. For players with developmental disabilities, the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) gives people of all ages and abilities a chance to learn and grow by playing hockey…Read More

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Receive special-needs events, conferences, workshops, camp information and more. Next newsletter dates: July 27, August 10th, 2016 (Tentative) Read More

Events & Workshops

Health Care For All Community "Listening Sessions"

Worcester Public Library - July 20th, Lowell - July 27th, Plymouth - July 28th, Boston/Children With Special Needs Listening Session - August 18th....Read More

Let's Get Organized

Newburyport Senior & Community Center, August 1st. Discover ways to keep track of your child's IEPs, evaluations, progress reports, doctor reports, test results, and more. This Family Ties of Massachusetts workshop …Read More

Camp CreATe Assistive Technology Conference

Concord, NH, August 1st - 5th. A hands-on experience making, taking, and exploring Assistive Technology for home, school, work, and play. For individuals with disabilities or their family members, educators…Read More

Special Education Law & Advocacy Conference

Sturbridge, October 27th. The goal of this conference is to provide tools to help you be the advocate your child needs in life to succeed. Learn about laws that give you the right to request services for your child …Read More

Autism Events, Family Fun & Grants

Walk & Kickoff Event - Western Mass

Wilbraham, July 20th. Free. An opportunity for area families to learn more about autism resources in your local community, meet up with other families, learn about the Autism Speaks Walk and...Read More

Walk & Kickoff Event at Cowabungas'  - NH

Hookset, NH, July 28th. Free. A family event for area families to join Autism Speaks Northern New England at Cowabungas Inflatable Playground, and learn more about the upcoming walk, autism resources in your local community…Read More

Water & Safety Scholarships for Autism

Applications deadlines are August 15th & November 7th, 2016. This fund is not for individuals, only for organizations that provide qualified swimming and water safety lessons specifically for individuals with autism…Read More

Teens & Young Adults

Community Based Day & Employment Supports Forum

Fitchburg, The Arc of Opportunity, July 27th, 2016. This will be a brainstorming session for Community Based Day and Employment Supports programming happening …Read More

Making the "Real Lives" Law Real!

Middletown, September 13th. This event is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals to use self-advocacy skills to participate in decisions about current service delivery, future…Read More

Massachusetts' Office on Disability's Employment Summit

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, September 16th. Free and open to the public. The Massachusetts' Office on Disability's Summit is an opportunity to hear 300+ opinion leaders/agenda setters from the disability…Read More

Are You Looking for an Event for a Specific Disability?
There are lots more events on every page! Find our Disability Tabs across the top of the website.

FREE Workshop on Housing Options for Those with Disabilities

Straight Talk from Families on Housing Options   ...when your loved one has a disability

Come learn from families who have used both creative and traditional housing options to eventually find the right supports, independence and community for their loved one. A Panel of Families will share their experiences with:   Adult Family Care                    Shared Living   Independent Living                   Family Support   Group Residences                     Creative Housing Options 

RSVPs not required but will help us provide a light breakfast. Reply to: marierugani@mcsnet.org   or   ingridflory@mcsnet.org,  413-782-2500  ext 321

SATURDAY JUNE 4, 2016 9:30AM-12:00PM at JERICHO 537 NORTHAMPTON STREET, HOLYOKE

Una Charla Directa de las Familias sobre las opciones de Vivienda ...cuando su ser querido tiene una discapacidad

Venga y aprenda de las familias que han utilizado las opciones de vivienda tradicional y las de vivienda creativa, y que con el tiempo han encontrado los apoyos, la independencia y la comunidad apropiada para sus seres queridos. Un grupo de familias compartirán sus experiencias sobre:   El Cuidado del Adulto por                  La Vivienda Compartida   la Familia   La Vida Independiente                        El Apoyo Familiar   Hogares Residenciales                       Las Opciones Creativas de Vivienda

Si usted necesita servicios de interpretación al español, es necesario que nos envíe su confirmación. Enviar su confirmación a: marierugani@mcsnet.org oingridflory@mcsnet.org,413-782-2500ext321

SABADO, 4 DE JUNIO DE 2016 9:30AM-12:00PM En JERICHO 537 NORTHAMPTON STREET, HOLYOKE

Independent Living Options for Adults with Disabilities

I just received the information below from Cathy Boyle of the Federation for Children with Special Needs.  This is very exciting news for our adult family members with disabilities! Check out the fact sheet link for more information.

S. 708, the accessory apartment loan bill, just passed through the Joint Committee on Housing and is on its way to Senate Ways and Means!!! This is huge, folks!!! If this bill goes all the way, it will help middle class families develop independent living options for their adult family members with disabilities.

To learn more about how your family might benefit if this bill passes, check out AHP's fact sheet on accessory apartments: http://autismhousingpathways.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Accessory-Apartments.pdf .

Thank you to Sen. Barbara L'Italien, Sen. Jason Lewis, Rep. Michael Day, Erin S. Riley, Maura Sullivan and everyone else at The Arc (Leo Sarkissian, Charlie Fiske), AFAM (Michael J Borr, Christine Hubbard, Karen Mariscal), and all the families who wrote or came out to testify!!!

Let's keep pushing forward!

Cathy Boyle

fcsntransition@yahoogroups.com

-- 

www.autismhousingpathways.net

building roads to home

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) & Other Neurobehavioral Conditions: 

Understanding a Brain-Based Approach

•   What is FASD?
  
•   How does it impact the brain?
  
•   Does brain = behaviors?
  
•   What to do about behaviors linked to FASD
  
•   Practical, individual strategies for reducing unwanted behaviors.
  
  Sponsored by Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder fafasd.org
  

Description:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a brain-based physical disability with behavioral symptoms. The brain-based approach to living with, caring for, and working with individuals and families impacted by FASD acknowledges the source of behaviors: the brain, and provides a set of research-based best practices for helping people with fetal alcohol exposure.
The 7-hour workshop includes current information on FASD and other neurobehavioral disorders, and a model for providing a brain- based approach when working with and caring for people with FASD. The goal is to shift from describing and reacting to behaviors to understanding them and structuring the individual’s environment for success.

Time & Place:
April 13, 2016  9:00 – 5:00 First Churches of Northampton 129 Main St., Northampton MA

Audience:
Parents and professionals caring for and working with individuals with suspected or diagnosed fetal alcohol exposure. Certificate of completion/contact hours will be issued at the workshop.

Pre-registration required.
$45 fee pre-pay, $55 at door. Seats are limited to 25. Pay via credit card through our website (fafasd.org)
or mail check to: FAFASD, 198 Sylvester Rd. Florence, MA 01062. Coffee, water, and snacks provided. Lunch on your own.

About the Presenter: Adrienne Ehlert Bashista is the mother of a 13-year old boy with FASD, and has studied with and been mentored by Diane Malbin, an internationally recognized authority on FASD. Adrienne is also the author of several books and articles about parenting children with neurobehavioral special needs including Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories. She is the founder of and Training Director of Families Affected by
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (fafasd.org). She lives in Florence, Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. She welcomes inquiries into training: adrienne@fafasd.org / 413 570 5966.

http://fafasd.org/workshops-and-training/

SAVE THE DATE!

Opiate Use & Disabilities: Increasing Resiliency & Decreasing Risk ​

When: April 2, 2016 - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where:Simmons College

How to register and get more information: http://www.masscec.org/events.html

 A Massachusetts Council for Exceptional Children Event