05-Nov-2008 Enewsletter

 
 

 

MCDSIG News and Events

  1. MCDSIG Meeting on Friday, November 14th from 6:30-8:30pm-(at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale) Group members will discuss projects in their communities which advocate for people with disabilities and raise awareness.  We will try to provide childcare, but if anyone has friend or relative who would be willing to volunteer or a professional who would work for pay. please let us know as soon as possible.  Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 11th so we can get an accurate count for childcare.
     

  2.  MCDSIG Holiday Party Saturday, December 6th from 9:00am-12:00pm-(at Marjeane's Caterers in Lansdale)         There    will be breakfast, music by Daria, our yearly raffle and a visit from Santa!  We will be sending out an email soon with the details, cost and RSVP dates.  This is a fun event every year and we hope to see you all there!

                  

  

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

  1. Classroom Set Up and Management: Linking Behavior and Instruction to Increase Student Achievement

    When:    11/07/2008- PaTTAN-King of Prussia 
    Time:       9:00 am - 3:30 pm
    Credits offered:  Act 48 Clock Hours, Psych, BACB
    Description:   Classroom management is a critical component when addressing the academic needs of all learners. An environment that is comprised of consistent routines and clear expectations provides students with the structure they need and removes the non-academic barriers so learning can take place.
    During this training session participants will review evidence based strategies used to effectively manage a classroom and determine which strategies they will implement.
    You may register directly on-line by visiting     www.pattan.net and entering the Registration On-line page. 
    General Registration Information and Questions:
    King of     Prussia:  Dana Colson at 800-441-3215 x 266 or dcolson@pattan. net
     

  2.  Montgomery County Right to Education Local Task Force. -Access the meeting schedule (once per month except in the summer) by www.mcltf23.org, or by going on the IU's website.  Most of the meetings are at the IU in Jeffersonville, but they try to switch it up so people in far-reaching Montco don't always have a far drive.  There are speakers, info sharing, and lots of work to improve special education in Montgomery. County. The group reports up to the PA State Task Force, who brings the issues to the government.
     

  3.  ARC In Service Community Calendar-Free!

November 2008

(5) Autism and Early Intervention (Ages Birth to 3 Years)
Tuesday, November 11th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(6) Transition from School to Adult Life (Education based)
Wednesday, November 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(7) Chapter 14 Regulations/ Mainstreaming vs. Inclusion?
Wednesday, November 19th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

December 2008

(8) Effective Due Process Review
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(9) Wills/Guardianships and Powers of Attorney
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

January 2009

(10) Sexuality and People with Disabilities
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(11) Transition at Age 5
Tuesday, January 13th, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

February 2009

(12) ESY-Criteria, Eligibility and Determination
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(13) PUNS and the Waiting List
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

March 2009

(14) Behavioral Health and Wraparound Services
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(15) Preparing to Apply for SSI
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Locations-

The Montgomery County sessions are being held at the Arc offices in Eagleville on the lower level.
The Arc of Montgomery, Berks and Bucks Counties
3075 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, PA 19403
610-265-4700
www.marcpa.org

Registration– SEATING IS LIMITED SO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

By E-mail— Send to pbradley@marcpa.org. Type “REGISTER” in the subject line and send along with your name, address and phone number and # of people attending (include their names too) .Reminder e-mails will be sent a few days before the session.

By Phone— Call 610-265-4700 x 345 and follow the instructions. Reminder calls will be made a few days before the session.

  1. Little Wonders-Sports, Social Skills, Sensory and Gross Motor Therapeutic Group Activities for Children with Special Needs. 8-Week Session begins November 8th. (For complete class descriptions, please visit www.littlewonderscenter.com )
     

  2. Special Needs Novena at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in the Northwest section of Philadelphia.  Each year they celebrate a 9 day Solemn Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the fall.  The dates for this year’s celebration are Monday, November 17 to November 25, 2008. 

They have a special invitation to families with Special Needs members on Sunday, November 23rd. The Services at 9am and 12:05pm on this day will also be interpreted in American Sign Language. If you have a large group and want to arrange bus parking please call ahead at 215-848-1010.

  1. Assembly for the student body, teachers and administrators-We Are ALL WONDERfully Made! Sensitivity Training Assembly for the Student Body on Disabilities & Special Needs.  Presented by Eric J. Pollock, owner of Little Wonders. This Assembly is offered all year and can be scheduled at anytime. To schedule this assembly or for more information: Call 610-275-KIDS (5437)
     

  2. Upcoming NEACDA Events

Friday, November 7, 9 am to 2 pm
Inclusive Education for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities

Presented by June Downing, PhD, Professor Emerita of Special Education at California State University, Northridge
Teachers, administrators, and other providers will learn:
• To identify learning opportunities within the general education curriculum for students with moderate and severe disabilities of all ages
• How to adapt the general education curriculum to make it both physically and meaningfully accessible to students with moderate and severe disabilities
• To embed student interests into curricular materials and activities
• To identify the connection between individual student goals and objectives and curricular standards

Parents and other caregivers will learn:
• To recognize the benefits for all students and teachers when students with moderate and severe disabilities are included in general education
• To identify learning opportunities within the general education curriculum for students with moderate and severe disabilities of all ages
• To learn how to assist with material adaptations to support their children in general education activities
Location: Montgomery County Norristown Public Library Public Community Room, 1001 Powell Street, Norristown
Any questions or to register, call 484-213-2703 or email contact@neacda.org.


Tuesday, November 18, 7 to 8:30 pm
Empowered Parents Created Powerful Transition IEPs

Presented by Jennifer Graham, founder of on TRACK, Transition Resources and Advisors for Challenged Kids
Parents and caregivers will learn how to:
• Develop person-centered academic and work-related transition goals: what works and what doesn’t, and what to ask for
• Advocate with knowledge by knowing your rights: IDEA transition mandates; PaTTAN annotated IEPs; working with The Arc
• Access adult provider agencies and find the right match
• Integrate best models of transition-to-work for successful outcomes into your child’s IEP
• Develop a PASS Plan: Plan to Achieve Self-Support for SSI recipients
Location: Montgomery County Norristown Public Library Board Room, Second Floor, 1001 Powell Street, Norristown
Any questions or to register, call 484-213-2703 or email contact@neacda.org.
 

  1. Little Wonders PARENT NETWORKING GROUP -Informal Meeting for Parents to Meet and Share Information. All parents or caregivers of children with special needs are welcome to attend .There is no charge for this event.

Guest Speaker:   Celia Litman-Celia is the President and Co-Founder of CMK Development Inc, as well as the owner of Autism Resource Connection (ARC) which provides advocacy services to parents of children on the Autism Spectrum. A Survival Guide for Parents that have Children with Special Needs and The “Nitty-Gritty” of Advocacy Tuesday, November 18th at 7:30pm at LITTLE WONDERS Child Growth & Development Center, Inc®.  RSVP is preferred, but not necessary (email: eric@littlewonderscenter.com  or call 610-275-KIDS) (Please, no children)

 

Prenatal

 

  1. Scientists hail unborn child Down's Syndrome test A new blood test could tell a pregnant woman if her unborn child has Down’s syndrome, scientists say. The technique, tested at Stanford University in the United States, is designed to look for tell-tale chromosome fragments in a blood sample.
     

  2. A new blood test could tell a pregnant woman if her unborn child has Down’s syndrome, scientists say. The technique, tested at Stanford University in the United States, is designed to look for tell-tale chromosome fragments in a blood sample.

 

Inspirational

  1.  Blog: "Daniel Drinker Documentary"
    Daniel and William Drinker are brothers who are making a documentary together. Dan is 23 and has Down syndrome. You can find all of the scenes they've completed thus far and much more on this blog: http://dandrinker.blogspot.com/ 
     

  2. Children to design Christmas cards for Her Majesty's Treasury  Children with Down syndrome have been chosen to create the design for the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer's 2008 Christmas cards. The cards will highlight the abilities of young people who have Down syndrome to a global audience of thousands of policymakers, business and finance leaders. The cards will also draw attention to the work of Down Syndrome Education International.

    The design selection process is open to children who have Down syndrome and live in the UK. A panel of judges, including famous Maisy mouse illustrator and author Lucy Cousins and young people with Down syndrome will select a shortlist of 12 designs. The Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP and his wife Margaret will choose one of the shortlisted designs to feature on HM Treasury's cards. All twelve shortlisted artists will receive an invitation to tea with the Chancellor and his wife at No. 11 Downing Street.

     

  3. Man with Down syndrome hits goal of earning black belt Despite a runny nose and a barking cough, Bruce Stolp joined his fellow karate students
     

  4. Inspiring teen enjoys his own 'Rudy' moment  Three years ago, he was the boy who hid behind a tree and eavesdropped as his younger brother’s football coach pumped up the team. Patrick Nicholson, who has Down syndrome, refused to speak. And if the coach asked him how he was doing, he’d run away.
     

  5. Breaking the myths of Down syndrome CHICAGO — Every few weeks, Angie Picchi, a 28-year-old with Down syndrome, and her mother, Linda, stand up before another group of doctors. Together, they launch into what they refer to as "The Talk.
     

  6. Girl With Down Syndrome Named Homecoming Queen  Kristen Pass never met a stranger she didn't like.  She's always hugging or text messaging someone. But she could only imagine of ever becoming homecoming queen.  Check out the video at Click here: ABC News: World News.
     

  7. Tony Walter column: With Down syndrome comes admirable lovability I went to play at Hannah Platkowskis house this week.
     
  8. It's time to tell the truth about Down Syndrome As I mentioned last week, October is Down Syndrome Awareness month.
     
  9. Keith Scores A Touchdown Keith Griffith might have Down's syndrome but that's not stopping him from running the ball.
     
  10. Young Girl Meets Governor Palin  There were many people excited about Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's visit to Bangor Thursday. For one family from Orrington, including their child who has down syndrome, the rally was even more special.
     
  11. Man With Down Syndrome Receives Eagle Scout Honor A 41-year-old man with Down Syndrome has achieved the Boy Scout's highest rank.

Research

  1.  Taking the lead in Down syndrome research In a material world, the phrase "be beautiful, be yourself" would seem to be an oxymoron or, at the very least, words not uttered in the same breath.
     

  2. Preliminary research for Down Syndrome from Stanford University http://garnerlab.stanford.edu/
     

  3. Drug may help Down syndrome kids Can a drug that slows the mental decline of Alzheimer's patients also boost the thinking skills of children with Down syndrome?
     

  4. Changing Minds Foundation  The Changing Minds Foundation is offering a full-length movie which describes the drug protocol that they are endorsing (to improve cognition in Down syndrome) and shows the results of the private clinical trial that they conducted.  Proceeds from the sale of the movie will be used to support the PTZ Clinical Trial at Stanford University. The video is available through either of the following websites: www.changingmindsfoundation.org or www.changingmindsfoundation.com.
     

  5. Sie Foundation launches campaign for Down syndrome research
    The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation on Thursday launched a multimillion-dollar campaign, with the goal of increasing public and private research to eradicate the ill effects associated with Down syndrome.
     

  6. Surveys: Participation Needed by Down Syndrome Community
    Please take a few moments to participate in two surveys for University of South Carolina Grad Students:
     

    1. You are invited to participate in a Genetic Counseling Master's Thesis Project to define balanced information about Down syndrome. This study combines the complementary perspectives of parents and genetic counselors for the construction of guidelines to ensure that the first information parents receive about their child's diagnosis is balanced, accurate, and consistent. Participation involves completing an online survey. The online survey will be available until November 30, 2008 at midnight, and can be viewed at the following URL:
      http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4PH0aW70hR_2bgfvqxUJfwHw_3d_3d
       

    2. My name is Allison Bellomo and I am a senior Genetic Counseling student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.  I am conducting a Masters thesis project entitled "The Perspective of Prenatal Genetic Counseling in the Down Syndrome Advocacy Community."  The purpose of this study is to gain more information about the views and opinions of prenatal genetic counseling and prenatal genetic diagnosis within the Down syndrome community by surveying members of NDSS and NDSC.  The goal of this study is to use the information to better serve patients within the prenatal genetic counseling setting and to encourage more communication between advocacy organizations and genetic counselors.  I value your experience and believe that by completing the survey provided by the link below you can help others gain a better understanding of what you, a member of NDSS, think about prenatal genetic counseling.  If you are interested in this research project, please complete the following survey by clicking on the link below.  Your participation is greatly appreciated. URL:
       http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DTyB_2f5wJzjzuvNnEIzDfkQ_3d_3d
       

  7. Study will examine how children with Down syndrome learn Researchers at the University of Denver Morgridge College of Education are conducting a groundbreaking study that will compare two early literacy intervention approaches to educating young children with Down syndrome. The Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Educational Fund is funding the study, which hopes to improve teaching methods for children with the condition.
     

  8. The Sue Buckley Research Fund

    Launched last Christmas, The Sue Buckley Research Fund is focused on delivering measurable improvements in developmental and educational outcomes for people with Down syndrome. This five year appeal has already attracted substantial support since it was launched.

    The fund is focused on scientific research that will deliver results in the near term. Building on proven approaches to helping people with Down syndrome progress in all areas of development, the fund backs international research groups and scientists focused on practical interventions that improve quality of life.

    Through The Sue Buckley Research Fund, Down Syndrome Education International is:

    • accelerating progress in scientific research to better understand the precise needs of people with Down syndrome to inform more effective care, support and education
    • developing programmes to advance speech, language, social and cognitive abilities from birth that can be woven into daily family life and integrated into preschool support and intervention services and classroom activities
    • providing global access to high quality, evidence-based information and advice to families and professionals to promote effective care, support and education

    The appeal is making great progress, but we still need your continued and generous help.

Education

  1.  DANNY IEP 2006-This is a wonderful video shown by parents at an IEP meeting to the IEP team.  http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=X-1N-5S- YKM&eurl=http:// www.facebook. com/home. php
     

  2. Recent Changes to Special Education Law in Pennsylvania –(By Ira M. Fingles, Esq. & Hillary D. Freeman, Esq.)  In 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Education made changes to the protections afforded to students with disabilities. The most significant changes involve school districts' obligations regarding behavior in students with disabilities, and procedures facilitating parents' participation in their child's education. Click here to read the full article.
     

  3. Preparing for College (By Hillary D. Freeman, Esq.) -The obligations of post-secondary institutions in special education are quite different from the local high schools. Parents should realize, however, that the Individualized Education Plan do not transfer to college and beyond. Click here to read the full article.
     

  4. Wrightslaw Special Ed Advocate Newsletter

    8 Steps to Better IEP Meetings; Play Hearts Not Poker  http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/08/nl.0930.htm

    How to Prevent Reading Difficulties and Reading Failure  http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/08/nl.1007.htm

    No Reading Progress? Criteria for Remedial Reading Programs  http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/08/nl.1014.htm

    My Child IS Making Progress. Why Would the School Switch Reading Programs?   http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/08/nl.1021.htm
     

  5. US Dept of Ed, Institute of Education Services (IES) website:  WHAT WORKS CLEARINGHOUSE http://ies.ed. gov:80/ncee/ wwc/ “A central and trusted source of scientific evidence for what works in education."

Legislation

  1. Kennedy-Brownback Bill Signed Into Law -- Down Syndrome Advocates Prevail
     http://www.ndsccenter.org/gov/archives/101308.php

 

Adults with Disabilities

 

  1. The Right to Vote (By S. Paul Prior, Esq.) -With the presidential election approaching, it is important to consider the voting rights of people with disabilities. All citizens, regardless of their condition, who are over the age of eighteen and properly registered have the right to vote. The mere fact a person has a disability is not an automatic bar to voting. In New Jersey, there are two leading cases involving the rights of individuals with disabilities to vote. Both cases were handled by attorneys at our firm. Click here to read the full article.
     

  2. An Estate Plan Built for Special Needs by RACHEL EMMA SILVERMAN http://reno. wsj.com/article/ SB12235115594431 7491.html
     

  3. NDSC non-partisan advice for assisting people with disabilities in the voting process As the self-advocacy movement grows, more and more individuals with Down syndrome are participating in elections.  Even though every election is important - whether it is for local, state or national office - the Presidential election is the one that receives the most publicity and the highest voter turnout.  As election time approaches, we thought the non-partisan information below would be useful.  The first, published by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, is a fact sheet on assisting people with disabilities in the voting process.  It can be found at http://www.bazelon.org/pdf/VoterAssistFlyer.pdf
     

  4. Web Site/Video: "My Voice, My Vote -- Helping Young Adults with Disabilities Exercise Their Right to Vote"
    http://www.myvoicemyvote.org/

Employment Opportunities

Variety - The Children's Charity is seeking a School to Work / Transition Coordinator to develop, implement and supervise pre-vocational and community vocational work programs for students with disabilities at Variety's After School and Summer Programs.

Applicant must have a bachelor's degree and experience in the school to work field. 

Please send letter of interest and resume to:

Michael Birnbaum

Director, After School Programs

Variety - The Children's Charity

1520 Locust Street, 2nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Or email to:

michaelb@varietyphila.org

 

 

Websites

  1. One Place For Special Needs Website  Families can find similar families in their own neighborhood, search by age group and interest to set up play dates and social outlets for both child and parent.
    The website is fully searchable so parents can easily find programs and specialists in their area.  For instance, they can do a general search for a therapist or recreational program and they can enter search words like autism or swallowing for a very specific selection.  http://www.oneplace forspecialneeds. com
     

  2. downsed.org-Down Syndrome Education International (formerly The Down Syndrome Educational Trust) This website has a wealth of information
     

Books

  1. Books on reading and writing now online

    Further books in the Down Syndrome Issues and Information series are now available online. These include:

  2. Arabic and Vietnamese translations of Living with Down Syndrome book

    Arabic and Vietnamese translations of Living with Down Syndrome, by Sue Buckley, are now available online, thanks to translation work undertaken by Down Syndrome New South Wales.

    These new translations add to the growing availability of Down Syndrome Issues and Information resources in a range of languages. Alongside the English versions (available online for free), a range of other publications in the Down Syndrome Issues and Information series are also available translated into Spanish and Norwegian.