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
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
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