PLUK News feed

Public Notice: 2012 State of Montana's Annual State Application under Part C of IDEA

Click here to download the Annual State Application Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as Amended in 2004 for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2012

What:
This is a Public Notice that the State of Montana has its Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for the Federal Fiscal Year of 2012 available for Public Notice and Comments. The document will be available for review from January 30, 2012 to March 28, 2012. The comment period for the application will be open from February 27, 2012 until March 28, 2012, during this comment period there will be 5 public meetings held within communities around the state. The application and locations of the public meetings are available online here and http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/fssac/, by calling 406-444-2995, or at the Devlopmental Disability Services Offices located below:

Region 1 Developmental Disabilities Services 226 6th St S Glasgow, MT 59230	Region 4 Developmental Disabilities Services 3075 N Montana Ave Rm 108 Helena, MT 59620
Region 2 Developmental Disabilities Services 201 First St S Ste3 Great Falls, MT 59405	Region 5 Developmental Disabilities Services 2675 Palmer, STE B Missoula, MT 59808
Region 3 Developmental Disabilities Services 2121 Rosebud Dr Ste C-1 Billings, MT 59102	Developmental Services Division/DDP Central Office 111 Sanders/Room 305 P.O Box 4210 Helena, MT 59604

Copies of the updated policies and procedures may be obtained by writing to or phoning the Developmental Disabilities Program, or may be viewed at the location and time of the hearing. Notice is further given to individuals with disabilities that this hearing is being held in a physically accessible place. Please notify the Developmental Disabilities Program within 48 hours of the public hearing if you have special needs for which this agency will need to make arrangements.

When/Where:

March 13, 2012 Mile City, MT 7 pm 3521-94 Business Loop	March 14, 2012 Billings, MT 7pm 2121 Rosebud Dr Ste C-1
March 20, 2012 Helena, MT 7pm 111 Sander Street - auditorium	March 21, 2012 Missoula, MT 7 pm 2675 Palmer Street
March 26, 2012 Great Falls, MT 7 pm 201 1st St. South, Suite #3

For more information, contact:
Erica Swanson, Part C Coordinator at 406-444-5647.

Consultation, Collaboration and Coaching: Tools for Providing Meaningful AT Support - Webinar - Feb. 23, 2012

Click here for complete information or here to register!

What:
Effective assistive technology (AT) service providers use a variety of strategies, including direct service to students, consultation to teachers, and collaboration with team members in their work to integrate AT into the everyday routines and activities of students with disabilities. This webinar will address each of these strategies and provide an introduction to the exciting potential of coaching to improve AT services. Training in specific coaching strategies will be provided as well as practice opportunities. Participants will receive forms to help organize and document their practice as well as resources to help develop new consultation, collaboration and coaching skills.

When:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Contact:
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
Toll-Free: 877-OUR-ATIA (687-2842)
Phone: 312-321-5172
Fax: 312-673-6659
E-mail: info@ATIA.org

 

Core Vocabulary: Why Use It? - Webinar - Feb. 15, 2012

Click here for complete information or here to register!

What:
This webinar provides introductory information about core vocabulary.  It explains the difference between core vocabulary and extended vocabulary, then addresses the top 5 reasons that people give for not providing core vocabulary to individuals with AAC needs.  It addresses the issue of representing core vocabulary with pictures, along with strategies for organizing core vocabulary for maximum production of generative language.  It is an introductory presentation for anyone new to the field of AAC.

When:
February 15, 2012
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Mountain Time

Contact:
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
Toll-Free: 877-OUR-ATIA (687-2842)
Phone: 312-321-5172
Fax: 312-673-6659
E-mail: info@ATIA.org

 

Assistive Technology & UDL in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports - Webinar - Feb. 9, 2012

Click here for more information! or here to go straight to registration!

What:
This past summer, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Project at the University of South Florida (funded by the FLDOE) implemented the Technology & Learning Connections: AT & UDL Team. Consisting of a team coordinator, five regional technology coordinators, and five AT/UDL resource librarians, the TCL Team is responsible for the development of an MTSS Framework for technology that includes accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, instructional technology, UDL, and virtual instruction/assessment. This presentation will share our work to date.

When:
Thursday, February 9, 2012
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time

Contact:
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Toll-Free: 877-OUR-ATIA (687-2842)
Phone: 312-321-5172
Fax: 312-673-6659
E-mail: info@ATIA.org

Paraeducator Mid-Winter Conference: Instructional Strategies that Promote Student Success - Bozeman - Feb. 20, 2012

Click here for complete information and registration!

What:
Instruction in any classroom is a responsibility shared by all teachers and paraprofessionals regardless of level or content. Educators who accept this idea are already a step ahead - but for teachers and paraprofessionals who may have never had the opportunity to learn how to teach basic instructional support and engagement strategies, the task is daunting.

This hands-on session will examine Before, During, and After reading strategies that can be applied in all classrooms and support increased comprehension of any content area text. Paraprofessionals will practice the strategies and receive tools to begin immediately applying the new learning when they return to their classrooms.

When all teachers and paraprofessionals have students use common strategies, it leads to greater independence, more responsibility in the learning, and increased student outcomes for all students.

When:
February 20, 2012
9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Where:
1325 N. 7^th Avenue
GranTree Inn
Bozeman, MT  59715

Contact:
Denielle M. Miller, Coordinator
Phone: (406) 587-4970
Email: dmiller@bridgeband.com

Trainer of Paraeducator Academies(TOPA) Train the Trainer Session - Laurel - March 7, 2012

What:
The Trainer of Paraeducator Academies (TOPA) train the trainer session is designed for experienced educators that have worked with paraprofessionals. The session will provide an overview of the essential skills needed to be an effective presenter, how to use Powerpoint presentations, and will give each participant access to online information to teach the twenty two academies. These academies provide a solid working foundation for teachers and paraprofessionals that create a common understanding of special education goals, objectives, and language. These trainings are a great way to create a team approach to meet the needs of students.

When:
March 7, 2012
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where:
Laurel Administration Building, Board Room
410 Colorado Avenue, Laurel

Contact:
Stephanie Zickefoose
Director YWCCSSC
Phone: (406)628-7903
Email: stephanie@ywccssc.k12.mt.us

Montana Vocational Rehabilitation - YouTube

• Montana Vocational Rehabilitation - YouTube

  tags: Montana vocational rehabilitation video

  • MAPS created this short film that tells the story of how Vocational Rehab helps youth get educated, connected and ready for life.

TSA: Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions

• TSA: Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions

  tags: travel TSA

  • Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

    TSA strives to provide the highest level of security while ensuring that all passengers are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, TSA launched TSA Cares, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.

    Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares will serve as an additional, dedicated resource specifically for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying.

Answers About Dyslexia and other Learning Differences – to Ensure Success in School and Life - Bozeman - Dates Listed

What:
This free seminar shines new light on how the natural ability to think in pictures can be a disability in word thinking settings.  10 – 15% of the population struggle with learning, are often misunderstood, leading to frustration and low self-esteem.  Strategies exist for those working hard and not getting the results they expect. 

* Thinking style—Learning differences
* The two facets of Dyslexia: The disability…and THE GIFT
* Why creativity holds a critical key to visual-spatial learning
* Overview of Davis® Dyslexia Correction Program
* Teacher Renewal and Continuing Education Units Available
* Strategies to use your way of thinking to your advantage

Presenter: Elsie Johnson, DDAI Certified Facilitator, Educational Therapist

When:
Thursday, February 23, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 25, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 21, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday. May 19, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Where:
Pilgrim Church, 2118 South 3rd Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715

Contact:  
Elsie Johnson 
Phone: 406-282-7416
Email:  elsie@thelearningoptions.com
Website: www.thelearningoptions.com
Seating is limited - Pre-registration is required. 

2012 Girls For A Change Conference - Bozeman - February 25, 2012

Some of this year's workshops include:
Writing, Bollywod Dancing, Understanding Money, Dance NIA, DIY Fashion, International Culture, Intro to College, Japanese Drumming, Taekwondo, Personality Exploration, Sustainable Energy, Cooking and more!

What:
Keynote speaker and President of Montana State University, Dr. Waded Cruzado is the first woman and first minority to serve as a university president in the state of Montana. Her commitment to teaching and volunteer service is certain to be an inspiration for all Montana girls.

History of GFAC:
Girls for a Change is a grass-roots initiative designed to empower girls to embrace their future--confident in their individuality, supported by friends, parents and mentors, and secure in their ability to lead and achieve self-sufficiency, fulfillment, balance and success. Founded in 1997 by sixteen girls and their female mentors, Girls for a Change (GFAC) is a signature program of Thrive devoted to supporting and encouraging the successful development of girls.

GFAC Activities:
Each year GFAC plans an annual conference, does one local and one international community service project, participates and facilitates workshops and attends a retreat. GFAC participants also meet and facilitate activities with international visitors resulting in an ongoing dialogue about girls' and womens' issues in different cultures.

Outcomes of GFAC:
Girls feel confident about themselves and their ability to succeed--Girls gain public speaking skills--Girls are empowered to accomplish their goals and dreams--Girls learn what strengths they already possess and how to build on those strengths--Girls learn that there are all different kinds of beauty--Girls gain exposure to other girls from different social, cultural and international backgrounds--Girls learn to work together as a team.

When:
Saturday, February 25, 2012

Where:
MSU Strand Union Building
Bozeman, MT

Contact:
Email: gfac@allthrive.org
Phone: (406)587-3840
Website: allthrive.org