Turning 14
An Introduction to the Transition Planning Process; A Workshop for Parents and Professionals
In Massachusetts Transition planning must begin at age 14 and continue throughout the high school years as students prepare to journey into a full and inclusive adult life. Coordinated and continuous transition preparation promotes better post school outcomes for students with disabilities.
This introductory Transition workshop will address:
. Development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills to support the student's vision.
. How Transition Assessments identify students' strengths and interests as well as areas of academic and functional skill development needed to support Transition goals.
. How the Transition Planning Form guides the conversation to develop Transition goals which lead to meaningful opportunities in education, training, employment and independent living.
Hosted by: FCSN
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Location: Family Empowerment at
The Inclusive Community Center
41 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Contact Person: Donna Kushi 413-585-8010 x 104 or
kushid@theassn.org to register
Any questions regarding this workshop should be directed to the host/contact individual listed above. A presenter from the Federation for Children with Special Needs will conduct this workshop.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, Schrafft Center, 529 Main
Street, Suite 1102, Boston, MA 02129
617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688, ext. 0 or
http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/home.php
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, supported in part by grant #H328M040001 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Showing posts with label special education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special education. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
CAUTION! Procedures Lite
DESE Advises Against "Procedures Lite"
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) posted an advisory that directs school districts to discontinue the process, called "Procedures Lite," where parents are asked to waive critical rights guaranteed by federal and state special education law.
Procedures Lite has already been adopted by a few school districts around the state. Advocates and parents mobilized against the Proecudures Lite waiver of rights and protections (such as an IEP), and MAC provided key leadership in advocacy efforts at the state level.
Many thanks to Attorney Bob Crabtree for taking the lead and joining with MAC and others to alert the parent community about the dangers of Procedures Lite.
And thanks to DESE for issuing such a clear guidance, ensuring that parents and children maintain legally mandated rights and protections necessary to ensure a level playing field.
(Update provided by Terry McLaughlin of the FCSN)
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) posted an advisory that directs school districts to discontinue the process, called "Procedures Lite," where parents are asked to waive critical rights guaranteed by federal and state special education law.
Procedures Lite has already been adopted by a few school districts around the state. Advocates and parents mobilized against the Proecudures Lite waiver of rights and protections (such as an IEP), and MAC provided key leadership in advocacy efforts at the state level.
Many thanks to Attorney Bob Crabtree for taking the lead and joining with MAC and others to alert the parent community about the dangers of Procedures Lite.
And thanks to DESE for issuing such a clear guidance, ensuring that parents and children maintain legally mandated rights and protections necessary to ensure a level playing field.
(Update provided by Terry McLaughlin of the FCSN)
Friday, September 30, 2011
IMPORTANT STATE HOUSE HEARING
* 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
* 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 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
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Reject or not reject the IEP
I love being reminded that cooperation and "team effort" can really work. This past week a client & I met with the ETL for her son's team. The parents had rejected the IEP in part because the goals &/or objectives were vague & not measurable. The ETL was very generous with her time, giving us 90 minutes and never making us feel like she needed to be elsewhere. Rather, she listened to our concerns and suggestions for improving the current goals & objectives. When we left, we had a much clearer picture of what this student would be working on this year.
A few suggestions:
*When you have concerns with a proposed IEP, DO NOT reject the entire IEP.
Reject parts of the IEP. Remember, you can reject what is missing from the
IEP.
*When you reject part of the IEP, put in writing what you are rejecting & attach it
to the rejected IEP. Include as much detail as you can, for example:
p. 6 PLEP B: we need to check assistive tech devices/services, & travel
training
p. 9 Goal 1: Communication: "Susie will improve her communication skills" is
vague & unmeasurable. (If you have a suggestion for the goal, write it in.)
*Before rejecting the IEP in part, you can call the ETL and inform him/her of
your concerns. He/she may be able to make the changes and send you a new
proposed IEP within a day or 2 for you to sign. This step prevents delays in
implementing the IEP. If the ETL is unable to make the changes, then reject
the IEP in part and attach a description of what you want changed/included &
request a meeting to discuss your concerns.
I hope these suggestions are helpful and please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns:
413-695-8456 or send me an email: h.e.advocacy@gmail.com
A few suggestions:
*When you have concerns with a proposed IEP, DO NOT reject the entire IEP.
Reject parts of the IEP. Remember, you can reject what is missing from the
IEP.
*When you reject part of the IEP, put in writing what you are rejecting & attach it
to the rejected IEP. Include as much detail as you can, for example:
p. 6 PLEP B: we need to check assistive tech devices/services, & travel
training
p. 9 Goal 1: Communication: "Susie will improve her communication skills" is
vague & unmeasurable. (If you have a suggestion for the goal, write it in.)
*Before rejecting the IEP in part, you can call the ETL and inform him/her of
your concerns. He/she may be able to make the changes and send you a new
proposed IEP within a day or 2 for you to sign. This step prevents delays in
implementing the IEP. If the ETL is unable to make the changes, then reject
the IEP in part and attach a description of what you want changed/included &
request a meeting to discuss your concerns.
I hope these suggestions are helpful and please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns:
413-695-8456 or send me an email: h.e.advocacy@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL!
The start of another school year, seems like just yesterday we were welcoming summer. I have always loved the start of the new school year, whether as a student, a teacher, or a principal. The hope and excitement of what the new year will bring, seeing old friends/colleagues again, cooler weather, new clothes... how could one not be excited to walk back through those front doors? Unfortunately, many of you reading this post know all too well the stress and anxiety of "Back to School." You worry that your child will struggle to make friends or be the target of bullying. Will the teacher(s) see that special being you have the privilege of loving unconditionally? Will the teacher(s) be willing and able to make the necessary accommodations so your child can access the curriculum? Will you have to "fight" to get the services you know your child needs and has a legal right to?
If I may offer a few suggestions that may help:
1. Keep the channels of communication open: via telephone, note, email etc. Try not to assume that you know why a decision was made, ask why. Try not to assume that you are intentionally being left out the loop, pick-up the phone or send an email asking what's going on. Let the school know when your child didn't sleep well, or lost a beloved pet.
2. Think positive! Leave the past in the past. As hard as that is to do, assume that this year is going to be a successful year for your child and communicate that through your attitude. Try not to show or discuss your frustration in front of your child. Children are egocentric and will assume responsibility for your frustration. They may also assume your anger and bring it back to school with them, which, chances are will only lead to more frustration for you.
3. Bring people with you to your team meetings. When you attend a team meeting as a parent, you are thinking with your heart and emotions, which is appropriate for the situation. Therefore bring family &/or friends to support you, to take notes, to share their knowledge and experience of your child with the team. Of course, always notify the school in writing whom your are bringing. (Bringing food such as cookies, grapes, crackers or nuts also changes the tone of the meeting quickly.) If possible, never attend a team meeting alone.
4. Create or find a network of support for yourself. Join your school's special education PAC... now there's a source of support & knowledge to tap into. Consider attending workshops through organizations such as SPaN (spanmass.org) or the Federation for Children with Special Needs (fcsn.org), or join a network group specific to your child's disability. The benefits to such networking are many, such as: knowing you are not alone, having people to talk to who have been through what you are experiencing, and free advice from people who know exactly what you are talking about and can empathize with you.
I hope this blog is helpful to someone & I especially hope that each of you has a magnificent school year. HERE'S TO A SUCCESSFUL 2010/2011 SCHOOL YEAR!!!
If I may offer a few suggestions that may help:
1. Keep the channels of communication open: via telephone, note, email etc. Try not to assume that you know why a decision was made, ask why. Try not to assume that you are intentionally being left out the loop, pick-up the phone or send an email asking what's going on. Let the school know when your child didn't sleep well, or lost a beloved pet.
2. Think positive! Leave the past in the past. As hard as that is to do, assume that this year is going to be a successful year for your child and communicate that through your attitude. Try not to show or discuss your frustration in front of your child. Children are egocentric and will assume responsibility for your frustration. They may also assume your anger and bring it back to school with them, which, chances are will only lead to more frustration for you.
3. Bring people with you to your team meetings. When you attend a team meeting as a parent, you are thinking with your heart and emotions, which is appropriate for the situation. Therefore bring family &/or friends to support you, to take notes, to share their knowledge and experience of your child with the team. Of course, always notify the school in writing whom your are bringing. (Bringing food such as cookies, grapes, crackers or nuts also changes the tone of the meeting quickly.) If possible, never attend a team meeting alone.
4. Create or find a network of support for yourself. Join your school's special education PAC... now there's a source of support & knowledge to tap into. Consider attending workshops through organizations such as SPaN (spanmass.org) or the Federation for Children with Special Needs (fcsn.org), or join a network group specific to your child's disability. The benefits to such networking are many, such as: knowing you are not alone, having people to talk to who have been through what you are experiencing, and free advice from people who know exactly what you are talking about and can empathize with you.
I hope this blog is helpful to someone & I especially hope that each of you has a magnificent school year. HERE'S TO A SUCCESSFUL 2010/2011 SCHOOL YEAR!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
WELCOME
Welcome to my blog. I am Sandra Fitzpatrick of High Expectations Advocacy. I hope to use this site to share information with parents of children with special needs about accessing the appropriate services for your child's unique needs in the public schools. I will share information about special education laws, the evaluation & IEP process, research, workshops that may be of interest to you, resources, 504 plans, transition planning, person centered planning & networking, among other things. I am looking forward to creating a site that supports parents in advocating for their children. Please visit this site often & share it with other parents who might find it helpful.
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