PLUK News feed

Free One Day Guided Group Discussion on the Independent Living Movement - Missoula - Oct. 7, 2010

Connect with others. Culture begins with a common history, come share your stories and learn about others, locally and nationally. Become a part of Disability Culture.

If interested in attending, Contact Mary Olson at Summit Independent Living Center by October 1st, 2010:
molson@summitilc.org or 728-1630

What:
A Free One Day Guided Group Discussion on the Independent Living Movement

When:
October 7th, 2010
9:30 am - 4:00 pm (Lunch included.)

Where:
SUMMIT ILC
700 SW Higgins Conference Room
Missoula, MT

Advocacy Power - More Parents Leading the Way

• Advocacy Power - More Parents Leading the Way - Annotated

   

  tags: parent leadership advocacy

  • We receive wonderful stories about parents who have become seasoned and powerful advocates for their children. Now these parents are paying it forward by providing advice and information to others, developing advocacy study groups, or training parents, service providers, and educators in special education advocacy.

2010-11 Region IV Reading and Math Intervention Workshops - Multiple Dates/Locations

Click here to download the full flyer and registration (PDF)

Region IV CSPD is pleased to offer a range of training opportunities on the following Reading and Math Intervention programs. All the programs are research-based and are effective in a Response to Intervention tiered model.

READ WELL K, 1, and Plus with Molly Blakely
September 13, 2010 – 8:30-4:00 - Comfort Inn -1370 North 7th Avenue– Bozeman, MT
Read Well K is an evidenced-based comprehensive reading program. Participants will become familiar with both the whole class and the small group components of Read Well. The instructional presentation skills necessary to effectively and efficiently teach for mastery will be modeled and opportunities for practice will be provided. Read Well 1 and Read Well Plus are evidenced-based comprehensive reading programs. These materials can be used as a whole class approach providing a core program. A brief overview of whole class instruction and materials will be provided.

CONNECTING MATH CONCEPTS/CORRECTIVE MATH with Molly Blakely
October 4, 2010 – 8:30-4:00 - War Bonnet Hotel -2100 Cornell Avenue – Butte, MT
Connecting Math Concepts (CMC) is a research-validated developmental math program designed to be utilized with students in grades 1st – 6th. Corrective Mathematics (CM) is a research-validated, specialized math program designed to be utilized as a remedial/intervention program for those students in grades 4th – 12th who have not mastered basic math skills. The program has four basic strands: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Both CMC and CM utilize explicit instruction to teach necessary pre-skills as well as basic math skills and strategies. In this in-service, you will learn the rationale for CMC and CM, how to teach the pre-skills and strategy lessons embedded in the program, how to provide adequate practice and how to give the initial placement test, as well as on-going mastery assessments.

READING MASTERY I/II with Molly Blakely
October 11, 2010 – 8:30-4:00 -Wingate Inn –2007 North Oakes Street – Helena, MT
This session will focus on teaching beginning reading skills using Reading Mastery I and II. Participants in this session will learn and practice presentation techniques for phonemic awareness tasks, word attack, story reading, comprehension activities, fluency interventions and independent work. This session will also cover placement testing, grouping, scheduling, and acceleration procedures. Reading Mastery I and II are programs that are typically utilized with Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students.

READING MASTERY III/IV and Signature with Molly Blakely
October 12, 2010 – 8:30-4:00 - Wingate Inn – 2007 North Oakes Street– Helena, MT
Reading Mastery is a research-validated, specialized reading program designed to teach readers to read for information, as well as respond to literature. This training is designed for general educators, special educators, and reading teachers who will be using Reading Mastery as a core program or as an intervention during the school year. The training is appropriate for teachers serving students in 2nd through 6th grades.

The program emphasizes word attack, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency development. Each level is a year-long intervention that utilizes explicit instruction to teach students to become successful readers. In this in-service, you will learn the rationale for Reading Mastery, how to teach the pre-skills and strategy lessons embedded in the program, how to provide adequate fluency practice and how to give the initial placement test, as well as on-going mastery assessments.

CORRECTIVE READING – DECODING with Molly Blakely
November 29, 2010 – 8:30-4:00 – Comfort Inn – 1370 North 7th Avenue- Bozeman, MT
This session provides training on the Decoding strand of the Corrective Reading program. Corrective Reading is designed for 3rd – 12th grade students who have not learned to read in other programs and do not learn on their own. These multilevel programs may be used in regular classrooms or in special needs settings such as Chapter I, resource rooms, special education, etc. Participants in this session will learn how to administer the placement test, how to systematically teach the lessons so that students learn how to read accurately, increase rate and fluency, build vocabulary and respond to comprehension items. The instructor will model various lesson components and participants will have the opportunity to practice the lessons.

If you need further information contact Denielle at dmiller@bridgeband.com

Two Training Teleconferences Added to SAMHSA ADS Center Archive

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services	4350 East West Highway, Suite 1100 Bethesda, MD 20814 1-800-540-0320 promoteacceptance@samhsa.hhs.gov
New Archived Teleconferences now available on the SAMHSA ADS Center Website: ·        Building an Inclusive Society ·        Mental Health in the Military: The Path to Resilience and Recovery ———————————————————————————— Building an Inclusive Society In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) June 29, 2010   This training teleconference provides: a historic overview and in-depth introduction to the ADA, Disability Rights, and the Psychiatric Survivor Movement and its leaders; important information about the international influence of the ADA and the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from a global perspective; and finally an overview of the Community Living Initiative and other exciting projects. To listen to this teleconference and access the teleconference materials, please click on the following link: http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/training/teleconference06292010.aspx We also encourage you to share this information with interested friends and colleagues. Some comments from participants about this teleconference “The backgrounds and examples shared gave me a peek into the experience of both working with and/or having a disability in our society.” “Most of the information was familiar to me but it was my first experience with consumers/survivors who operate at these levels.  This brought a new depth to the information, for me, in the area of peer support and stigma, supportive employment, etc.” “I gained a much greater appreciation of the evolution, breadth, and depth of the disabled rights movement.” ———————————————————————————— Mental Health in the Military: The Path to Resilience and Recovery August 3, 2010 This training teleconference provides: a brief history of mental health in the military, its impact on service members and their families, as well as the current thinking and recommendations for systems-level improvements; an overview of challenges that confound care in the military, positive steps for self-care that veterans can take to find resilience and wellness at the individual level; and finally a personal perspective on mental health problems faced by service members and their families from the wife of a returned solider.   To listen to this teleconference and access the teleconference materials, please click on the following link: http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/training/teleconference08032010.aspx We also encourage you to share this information with interested friends and colleagues. Some comments from participants about this teleconference “With the increasing number of suicides, substance abuse, domestic violence, etc. that has occurred among our military personnel during this time there has been a great need to understand this is a pervasive problem. I was glad to hear the military is taking greater steps to recognize, accept, and offer treatment, and training related to PTSD.” “A clear history of where we were previously and how we got where we are. An overall picture to utilize in looking at how we need to address Veteran needs.” “All three parts were valuable; I liked the historical overview of the military and mental health system, the evidence-based practices and current treatment protocol for veterans, and the military family perspective.  I am sending this webinar link to the Military Subcommittee group of which I am a part, so National Guard and Air Guard leadership can access this webinar.  It was one of the best webinars I have experiences with the ADS Center.  All three speakers were knowledgeable, dynamic and passionate about working with veterans.  The military wife who spoke really helped to put a face on the issue.” ———————————————————————————— Other archived SAMHSA ADS Center teleconferences The SAMHSA ADS Center offers archived teleconferences on a broad range of topics. To find a complete list of these teleconferences, please visit http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/default.aspx. Training sponsor These teleconferences are sponsored by the SAMHSA ADS Center (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health), a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services. For more information about the SAMHSA ADS Center, please explore the Web site: http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/.

Survey: Your Thoughts on Developmental Disabilities and You and Your Family

Justice For All, in partnership with Easter Seals, has retained/hired national polling firm Harris Interactive to conduct a survey about how family members are affected by developmental disability. Millions of American families today have someone in their family with a developmental disability; by taking part in this research you are helping raise awareness of the types of issues you and your family encounter. What's this survey about? In this survey, we would like to hear your thoughts on how developmental disabilities affect you and your family. What will the survey be used for? Justice For All and Easter Seals will jointly use these findings to educate policymakers and service providers on the needs of families living with disability today. How long will it take? 15 minutes Will my answers be secure? Your answers will be secure, anonymous, and will not be used for marketing or solicitation of any kind. If you are ready to take the survey and make your thoughts heard just click on the link below! Click here to start the survey! *If you have other friends or family who are affected by developmental disabilities in their immediate family who would like to take part in this research, please feel free to forward the following survey link to them: Public Survey Link!

2010 TASH Conference on Significant Disabilities - Denver - Dec. 8-11, 2010

Register now and SAVE! Early registration ends September 1 Visit www.TASH.org/2010TASH to register

35th Annual TASH Conference December 8-11, 2010  Sheraton Hotel  Denver, Colorado  Register today and SAVE! Register by September 1 and save up to $90. Click here to visit the TASH Conference website to register.  Your Registration Includes  Wednesday - Dec. 8 Welcome Reception Thursday - Dec. 9 General Session I Exhibits Breakout Sessions Poster Session Conference Reception  Friday - Dec. 10 General Session II Breakout Sessions Saturday - Dec. 11 Self-Advocate Forum Instructional Training Community Living Training Early Career Professionals Forum

You're invited to attend the 35th Annual TASH Conference this December in Denver! This year's conference, entitled Embracing Difference ... It's Time!, will be held December 8 - 11, 2010, at the Sheraton Denver Hotel in beautiful Denver, Colorado. The TASH Conference is the largest and most progressive international conference advancing equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Registration is open, so come join fellow advocates, families and professionals at the TASH Conference this December! Register prior to September 1 and SAVE up to $90. Click here to register! TASH Conference highlights: 200 peer-reviewed sessions on the top issues impacting people with disabilities today, including education, community living, employment, human rights and much more! The opportunity to network with like-minded advocates, families and professionals to share stories, research and connect on the issues that matter most to you! The popular Self-Advocates Forum (December 11) created and led by other self-advocates - the focus is on making choices to enhance your future! 30+ exhibitors featuring practical products and services to enhance the work and life of people with disabilities and professionals in the field. TASH Night Out Welcome Dinner and Awards Ceremony TASH TECH Workshops: The TASH Conference features a variety of TASH TECH workshops designed to meet the interests of every attendee. This year's TASH Conference will include workshop sessions on December 8 in full-day and half-day formats. Below is a sample of the TASH TECH workshops offered. Click here to view a complete list of full-day and half-day workshops! PBS goes to preschool: supporting all young children within inclusive early childhood programs Examining TASH's national employment agenda Recognizing yourself in the eyes of the client: effective application of cultural reciprocity Curriculum supports in secondary schools: getting to the "what" of school Breakout Sessions: Attendees enjoy breakout sessions on the topics most relevant to equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Join us December 9-10 during the Conference for engaging sessions on: Inclusive Education Community Living Employment Human Rights People of Color Other Cross-Topical Areas Review a complete description of breakout sessions by clicking here . Keynote Speakers: The TASH Conference features the leading experts and influencers affecting change in the disability movement. Keynote speakers during the 35th Annual TASH Conference will ignite passion and foster knowledge for the critical work ahead. Douglas Fisher, Professor, San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif. Kathy Martinez, Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policy, Department of Labor, Washington, D.C. Julie Petty, Self-Advocate and Consultant, Fayetteville, Ark. Kathie Snow, Author, Woodland Park, Colo. Additional information on keynote speakers can be found at the TASH Conference website by clicking here . Volunteer Information: TASH appreciates the support of volunteers during the conference. If you would like to be a part of the 2010 TASH Conference as a volunteer, please complete an application and submit by October 1, 2010. Click here to download the volunteer application form.

Peer Support and Peer Providers: Redefining Mental Health Recovery - Webinar - Sept. 21, 2010

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services	4350 East West Highway, Suite 1100 Bethesda, MD 20814 1-800-540-0320 promoteacceptance@samhsa.hhs.gov
SAMHSA ADS Center Training Teleconference Peer Support and Peer Providers: Redefining Mental Health Recovery September 21, 2010 Peer support is a relationship and dialogue based on connection and trust. When we create this kind of relational environment, we can step back and see things from new angles, creating possibilities that couldn’t have previously existed. —Shery Mead, Peer Support Consultant What is unique about peer support services and what can mental health providers, family members, and other stakeholders learn from the success of this approach?  What systems-level and policy changes are need to enhance the culture of healing and recovery in mental health services, based on mutual relationships of learning, safety, and trust? What are the research findings that have shown peer support to be an evidence-based practice that enhances well-being outcomes? SAMHSA ADS Center invites you to a free training teleconference entitled “Peer Support and Peer Providers: Redefining Mental Health Recovery”. This training teleconference will help current and past recipients of mental health services, U.S. service members and their families, health providers, advocacy organizations, family and peer support leaders, and the general public explore the questions above. Register Today! To learn more and to register, please visit the following page: http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/default.aspx. We encourage you to share this invitation with interested friends and colleagues. Please note: Registration will close at 3:00 p.m., MT, on September 17, 2010. Date and Time Tuesday, September 21, 2010 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Mountain Presenters Jean Campbell, Ph.D. University of Missouri School of Medicine- Columbia Steve Harrington, J.D., M.P.A. National Association of Peer Specialists Shery Mead Shery Mead Consulting Questions? This training teleconference will include a question-and-answer session. We invite you to submit questions at any time before or during the teleconference. To submit questions before the teleconference, please e-mail promoteacceptance@samhsa.hhs.gov. Speakers will answer as many questions as possible during the question-and-answer session, but we cannot guarantee that your question will be answered during the teleconference. We will provide each presenter’s contact information so that you may contact him or her directly for a response or additional information. Please note: You may submit anonymous questions. If you provide your name and organization when submitting a question, we may use it during the call. Training Sponsor This teleconference is sponsored by SAMHSA ADS Center, a project of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). CMHS is a center within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Please explore the SAMHSA ADS Center Web site for more information: http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov .

Northwest Oklahoma Special Education Institute - El Reno, OK - Sept. 16, 2010

You can also go to www.OklahomaParentsCenter.org to register online!

Special Bond Gives Strength to Local Woman Living With Autism | News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana | Local Top Stories

• Special Bond Gives Strength to Local Woman Living With Autism | News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana | Local Top Stories - Annotated

   

  tags: autism asperger syndrome

  • For the nearly one and a half million people living with autism in the United States, life can be a struggle.
  • But for one local woman, a four-legged companion has helped her find her voice, and given her the strength to share her message.

Appeals Court Says Family Can Seek Damages For 'Lost Opportunity' - Disability Scoop

• Appeals Court Says Family Can Seek Damages For 'Lost Opportunity' - Disability Scoop - Annotated

   

  tags: autism Court

  • A federal appeals court decision this week may open the door for families to seek damages in cases where a child’s need for special services is ignored.

    The decision came in a lawsuit alleging that Hawaii schools deliberately neglected the needs of two girls with autism during their formative years.