Who can attend? - Anyone whose life has been affected by Asperger Syndrome.
Where? - 17th Street Station, 1648 Poly Drive, Billings MT
If interested in attending, call Valerie at 406/245-1770 or Paula at 406/248-6186 to confirm meeting dates and location.
Link: Intermountain training
Download intermountain_training_brochure_helena_may_10.pdf
Why they do what they do-How understanding brain development can lead to greater sympathy for children
Intermountain will present a dynamic training about how understanding brain development can lead to greater empathy for children. This training is designed for those making decisions about at-risk and special needs youth – parents, juvenile justice workers, mental health professionals, educators, child care workers and church leaders.
The training is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Carrol College - O'Connell Hall Rm 107, 1601 N Benton Ave, in Helena. There is no charge to attend, however, seating is limited. To register contact Maggie Long, communications manager, at maggiel@intermountain.org or 406-457-4803.
Continue reading "Why They Do What They Do - May 10 - Helena" »
Link: ADA Symposium
The National ADA Symposium is an annual three day conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws that has earned the reputation as the most comprehensive event available on the ADA
Early Bird Registration Fee:
$400.00
Registration after April 15th:
$475.00
Download BlackfeetNationBeneftsFair2008agd2withCE.pdf
Train the Trainer Seminar – Working Together
Information on:
- Social Security Retirement/ Survivor/ Disability/ Medicare
- Supplemental Security Income/Homeless Outreach Project/Appeals
- Social Security Employment Support Services
- Protection and Advocacy/Medicaid
- Tribal and Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Indian Health Service/Blackfeet Tribal Health Services
- Veterans’ Administration Benefits/ Bureau of Indian Affairs Human Services
- Blackfeet Manpower Program/ Experience Work Program
- Blackfeet Community Health Representatives Program
- Eagle Shield Services
Eagle Shield Senior Center
Browning, Montana
May 13th and 14th, 2008
For More Information Please Contact:
Elizabeth Wells, Blackfeet Manpower Program, 338-2111;
Carrie Jackson, New Eagle Shield Center, Browning, 338-7257;
Roberta Whiteman, Indian Health Service, Browning, 338-8904;
Gary Flom, Montana Center on Disabilities, MSU-Billings at 1-888-866-3822;
Roger Ala, DDS, Helena, at 1-800-545-3054
Link: NADD
Lauren R. Charlot, PhD, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA.
In this presentation, critical factors affecting the accurate diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in people with ID will be reviewed. Included among these are: the manner in which one’s developmental profile might impact on the clinical features of a psychiatric disorder; challenges in conducting a usual mental health evaluation of a person with ID; medical problems and medication side effects that may provoke or worsen alterations in mood, mental status or behavior; the ubiquitous nature of aggression and other challenging behaviors in patients with ID referred for psychiatric evaluation; disorders that may be over-diagnosed and problems which may be under-recognized. The importance of considering the effects of stress and change on mood and behavior are also emphasized with some discussion of how newer, positive behavioral assessment and treatment approaches can help to guide multimodal treatment of individuals with ID and psychiatric disorder.
Link: ADDA teleclasses
Living with ADHD: 'A' is for Anxiety
Sarah Wright
Teleclass are offered as an ADDA Member Benefit. The dial in information and handouts for each teleclass will be available in the members’ only area.
Not a member? Join today for as low as $45 (individual member rate) and gain access to all of ADDA’s teleclass series.
Link: Webinar - May 14, 2008
"What is Response to Intervention?" Join us on May 14 at 1:00 ET for our first webinar! The purpose of this webinar is to help state education agencies understand what RTI is, which can be used to provide tiered instructional services and to identify students with learning disabilities. This webinar will describe basic concepts of RTI and how it can be implemented in schools. Examples will be shared to illustrate how teams can be organized within schools to implement RTI.
Link: www.somt.org
For the third and final year, the Electric City will host the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games. This year’s Games will be held May 14th – 16th at various venues around Great Falls.
Link: Live eSeminar
This course is designed to provide professionals with an overview of the communication options available to children who are diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing. At the completion of this session, participants will be able to utilize information in this course in their counseling of families as they make educational and therapy decisions for their children. This is an introductory level course intended for professionals working with families.
Link: Games
The Games for the Visually Impaired is held each spring at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Campus in Great Falls. Approximately fifty athletes from around the state compete in track and field, gymnastics, gym activities, bowling and swimming. This event is a competitive weekend for blind and low vision students ranging in age from three to twenty-one.
For information, phone 406/771-6080.
Link: Audio Conference Series
This session will highlight the best practices learned by the Walgreen Company and Cincinnati Children's Hospital in regards to the recruitment and hiring of people with disabilities. Participants will learn what it took within these organizations to mobilize administration, management as well as all employees in support of this effort and the benefits that they have realized as a result. Strategies and common sense approaches will be discussed. Both Walgreen's and Cincinnati Children's Hospital have become models in the business community for embracing people with disabilities as part of their diverse workforce.
Link: iTransition
PEPNet-South will host a free TeleTraining for Interpreters, Administrators, Disability Services Providers, and others on May 21, 2008 at 2:00 PM (Eastern) until 3:30 PM entitled: An Inside Look: iTransition: A Free Online Curriculum.
This one and a half hour TeleTraining is designed to share information about PEPNet's free Online Transition Curriculum. iTransition is a series of four, free e-Learning transition modules created by PEPNet to assist middle school, high school, and first-year college students with their successful transition from high school to college or work. These modules were designed for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, ages 14 through adult, but are also applicable to students with other disabilities.
Link: BloomsConnect.org
Titled "Bloom's
Connection: Unraveling the Mystery," the conference is sponsored by the
Bloom's Support Network and is designed to provide information on the
independent living movement to an underserved segment of the disability
community. Participants will share experiences, tips, and strategies for
"living the good life."
Bloom's syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic condition, meaning that
both parents must be carriers in order to pass it along to a child. The
syndrome is a rare condition affecting all of the body systems. While the
syndrome impacts individuals in different ways, there are some common
characteristics: a long, narrow face; small and slight stature; and
decreased immune system responses.
Link: Information
International perspectives on progressive notions of recovery, family supports, community membership, ending forced impoverishment and system change requirements will be part of the focus of the conference. The meetings will feature leaders from across disability and aging and relate the efforts being made across the world to make freedom a reality for individuals with disabilities. This conference is dedicated to laying a foundation across disability and aging for moving publicly funded systems of support/care from the paternalism of the past to true equality in the future.
Link: ADDA Teleclasses
Teleclass are offered as an ADDA Member Benefit. The dial in information and handouts for each teleclass will be available in the members’ only area.
Not a member? Join today for as low as $45 (individual member rate) and gain access to all of ADDA’s teleclass series.
Link: NADD
Joan B. Beasley, Ph.D., Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Waltham, MA
A community assessment process used in various states in the U.S. to evaluate services for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs is presented. A major goal of the assessment is to identify resource gaps that may lead to the use of expensive and restrictive services, emergency services, and lengthy or unnecessary psychiatric inpatient hospital stays. In the case of children and adolescents, service outcomes include the trend toward out-of-state placements for some individuals. A process to analyze the system, include all stakeholders in problem solving, identify gaps, and develop effective solutions will be discussed. A model program to better meet the needs of children in their communities will be presented.
Link: MMHA
It will include a variety of speakers and workshops on mental health issues ranging from geriatric populations, rural workforce creation, suicide, and biological interactions with psychiatric drugs, plus much more. As part of the conference, we are hosting a “Heroes in the Fight” dinner, which recognizes and celebrates the heroic work of many people who fight for better mental health and better lives on a daily basis in their community. Persons who best exemplify ongoing care and dedication in this field are nominated by their peers within the local mental health community. We are looking for nominations for this dinner, please go to heroesinthefight.org or contact MMHA for more info.
Jana Lehman, Program Director
Montana Mental Health Association
205 Haggerty Lane, Suite 170
Bozeman, Montana 59715
406.587.7774
jana@montanamentalhealth.org
www.montanamentalhealth.org
Download play_project_save_the_date.pdf
SAVE THIS DATE! - Saturday May 31, 2008
P.L.A.Y. Project Level II Workshop
High Functioning Autism
presented by Dr. Richard Solomon
Techniques and methods for teaching social skills and improving behavior
for school-age children (age 4-8) with high-functioning autism. A brief overview
of Developmental Individual Relationship-Based Interaction (DIR) and Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters. (P.L.A.Y.) principles are included.
Location: Mansfield Center, 2900 12th Ave. North in Billings.
For questions or reservations call Audrey Pierce-Seeley at 406-252-9600 or 1-800-627-7889
Register online at www.esgw-nrm.easterseals.com
Link: Riot Teleconference
Register by: May 26, 2008
You are invited to join us in a National Conversation on Advising Self-Advocacy Groups!
The self-advocacy movement has grown stronger over the years and is here to stay. Success, though, often depends on self-advocates getting the support they need. This support is offered by individuals called “advisors.” We understand that advising a self-advocacy group is not always easy. Advisors want to be helpful. But sometimes advisors give too much help, or too little. And sometimes advisors don’t give the right kind of help at all. Anybody who advises a self-advocacy group understands how rewarding it can be… and how hard!
* How is the relationship between self-advocates and their advisors evolving?
* What support do advisors need to do their job well?
* What indicators can we use to describe "good" advising?
Begins at 3 pm est/1 pm Mountain runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Costs: $25 per phone
Link: ADDA Teleclass
Teleclass are offered as an ADDA Member Benefit. The dial in information and handouts for each teleclass will be available in the members’ only area.
Not a member? Join today for as low as $45 (individual member rate) and gain access to all of ADDA’s teleclass series.
Link: Summer Programs
The Learning Weekend for families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children is a creative program that provides opportunities for families of sensory impaired children to learn about deafness, share their experiences with other families, and learn how to communicate more fully with each other in a warm, caring atmosphere.
For information, contact Sarah Eyer, 406/225-4373, seyer@msdb.mt.gov
Link: WY-PIC
Sponsored by the Parent Information Center of Wyoming, this conference will offer information and support about the maze of systems encountered by families who have young children with special needs.
Phone WY-PIC at 800-660-9742 for more information.
Link: MASP
Download MASP08SummerInstitute.pdf
The topic will be Developmental Psychopathology in Schools and cover things like pediatric Bipolar Disorder, Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, PTSD, and assessment and intervention at school for these, presented by Stephen E. Brock, PhD. It will take place, as usual, on June 8-10, 2008, Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon at the Mansfield Health Education Center in Billings.
“Child of Mine” Workshops coming to Helena
The Ellyn Satter Institute is an organization dedicated to the area of eating competence and the feeding relationship. Pam Estes, a registered dietitian from the Ellyn Satter Institute, will be presenting two educational lectures in June 2008. Make plans now to attend one or both of these special events. Both events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.
The first public lecture is "Solving Childhood Eating Problems," and will be offered Monday, June 9, 2008 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. The second is an all day workshop, "Helping Children Eat and Grow Well in Childcare," and will be offered Tuesday, June 10, 2008 from 8:45a.m. – 5 p.m. Both events will be at St. Peter’s Hospital Education Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, Montana.
For more information, contact Deby McNally, (406) 444-4347.
Link: ISSI
Deaf Culture in the 21st Century: How has it Changed and How Do We Teach it to d/hh Students?
-ASL, English & Math: How Does it All Jive? — Dwight Alston and Sandy Paradis
-Classifiers: Elementary/Middle School Science — Tadd Cohen
-Classifiers: High School Science — Tadd Cohen
-Voice Interpreting — Jean Kelly
-Working with Students & Families from Diverse Backgounds — Dr. Sandy Bowen
-Early Vocabulary and Language Development — Kristin Negilski
-Advanced Bionics — Arlie Adam and Natalie Schmitt
-Wednesday Night Entertainment — SignStage Theatre - Bill Morgan, Cynthia Howell, Erin LaFountain
-A Journey Through Different Educational Environments — Amy June Rowley
This Institute has been an excellent source of professional development for educational interpreters, speech-language pathologists and teachers of the deaf who are working with students with deafness in our public schools. The Institute also provides an excellent opportunity for these personnel to learn about research-based practices and share instructional strategies with personnel from other states.
Montana OPI will pay for the registration fees of speechlanguage pathologists, educational interpreters and teachers of the deaf who are employed by a public school or special education cooperative and are providing services to a student(s) with deafness. The information memorandum and the Request for OPI Stipend to Pay Registration Fee to the 2008 ISSI form are available at the following link: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pub/pdf/speced/link/08ISSIMemo.pdf.
Link: http://www.brookespublishing.com/toolsinstitute/
Come to the Early Childhood Tools Institute, and go home with the practical knowledge you need to conduct effective screening, assessment, and intervention and ensure real progress for every child.
Link: Montana ASCD
Download montana_educators_institute_2008_brochure.pdf
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Leading & Learning Under the Big Sky
June 9-12, 2008
Helena, MT
Continue reading "Montana Educators' Summer Institute - Jun 9-12, Helena" »
“Child of Mine” Workshops coming to Helena
Submitted by Kim Pullman on 3/27/08.
The Ellyn Satter Institute is an organization dedicated to the area of eating competence and the feeding relationship. Pam Estes, a registered dietitian from the Ellyn Satter Institute, will be presenting two educational lectures in June 2008. Make plans now to attend one or both of these special events. Both events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.
The first public lecture is "Solving Childhood Eating Problems," and will be offered Monday, June 9, 2008 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. The second is an all day workshop, "Helping Children Eat and Grow Well in Childcare," and will be offered Tuesday, June 10, 2008 from 8:45a.m. – 5 p.m. Both events will be at St. Peter’s Hospital Education Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, Montana.
For more information, contact Deby McNally, (406) 444-4347.
Link: CTAT
This one-day conference will include sessions on:
Dealing with Fatigue at Work
PTSD and TBI in Returning OEF/OIF Military
Mock Interviews, Coaching and Disclosure
Self-Employment for People with Brain Injury
Panel of Veterans and Department of Defense Experts
and many more!
Link: ADDA Teleclass
Teleclass are offered as an ADDA Member Benefit. The dial in information and handouts for each teleclass will be available in the members’ only area.
Not a member? Join today for as low as $45 (individual member rate) and gain access to all of ADDA’s teleclass series.
Link: Employment Conference
This two-day conference will include sessions on:
Practical Employment Solutions for Ex-Offenders
Working Effectively with Aggressive or Threatening Customers
Model Youth Employment Programs
Vocational Rehabilitation Data on Transition and Promising Practices
Blast Injuries and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Leadership Panel
and many more!
Link: Summer Programs
The Family Learning Weekend is a creative program designed to be both informative and empowering for families. The Learning Weekend provides opportunities for families to share about blindness and visual impairment, share their experiences with other families, and communicate with one another in a warm and caring atmosphere.
If you would like additional information, please contact MSDB at 1-800-882-MSDB or at info@msdb.mt.gov.
Link: T.E.S.T.
Teachers will learn to utilize academic achievement data and integrate technology tools to deliver standards-based, differentiated instruction & assessment in an engaging format. Each participant will:
1. Utilize district assessment data to determine grade-level & content specific skill deficiencies
2. Establish measurable classroom goals and develop individual learning strategies
3. Understand questioning strategies to maximize learning engagement
4. Create specific assessments to monitor progress using CPS, ExamView Assessment Suite & Learning Series, and sample standardized test questions
5. Collaborate in grade-level learning teams to create remediation & extended learning opportunities for students
Link: MBI summer institute
Download MBI2008SummerInstituteFlyer.pdf
The 2008 MBI Summer Institute is scheduled for June 16-20, 2008, at Montana State University in Bozeman. Information is available regarding the Institute by clicking on the following link:
http://opi.mt.gov/PDF/MBI/MBI_SavetheDate2007.pdf
Susan Bailey-Anderson
406-444-2046
sbanderson@mt.gov
Link: Audio Conference Series
Psychiatric conditions are the leading charge category for complaints filed with the EEOC. Data gathered by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that more than one in five American adults experiences some diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Employers are often concerned that accommodating individuals with psychiatric disabilities is more difficult and costly than accommodating those with physical disabilities. This session will address the realities of accommodating individuals with disabilities in the workplace and offer practical solutions for employers.
Link: ADDA Teleclasses
Teleclass are offered as an ADDA Member Benefit. The dial in information and handouts for each teleclass will be available in the members’ only area.
Not a member? Join today for as low as $45 (individual member rate) and gain access to all of ADDA’s teleclass series.
Link: 2008 Seminar
We are pleased to announce the University of Montana will offer its annual Transition Seminar on June 18-20, 2008. This seminar is designed for high school juniors, seniors and others who are soon to be college freshmen. Please spread the word about this event and consider using the Seminar for your students' transition services.
The three-day seminar facilitates the transition for students with disabilities from secondary to post-secondary education into any institution of higher learning. The seminar offers an opportunity for students to develop self- determination skills and provides a forum to instruct and inform students of their rights and how to access campus and community resources. When students with disabilities recognize the right to request reasonable program modifications and effectively convey that request, they are able to compete on equal footing with their peers. Having knowledge of available resources and effective communication skills better prepares students to realize their academic and career potential.
The cost for each participant is $110.00. This includes tuition, campus dormitory fees, meals at the university cafeteria, and seminar materials. The transportation costs are not included. The registration deadline is June 2, 2008.
The 2008 Seminar information, including the registration form, is now available at http://www.umt.edu/dss
We look forward to hearing from you and from your students.
Sincerely,
Jim Marks
Director of Disability Services
University of Montana
jim.marks@umontana.edu
http://www.umt.edu/dss/
Download win_preconference_registration_2008.pdf
Harrison Medical Center, Kitsap County DD, and Able Opportunities, Inc. has an exciting story to tell. They’ve been collaborating to develop and run WIN, an adult placement program designed to help businesses to hire more people with developmental disabilities. Over the past two years, ten employees have been hired through WIN! Join us for information about how you can replicate this project, and to better assist people with more significant disabilities.
Link: Summer
The Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind offers two separate but unique summer camps. The programs target communication, social interaction, independent living skills and use of technology for students between the ages of 9-14 (7 and 8 year-olds will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the deaf camp only) who have hearing impairments or deafness, and for those ages 9-16 who have blindness or visual impairments. The week-long programs provide room, board and entertainment at no cost to the student.
If you would like additional information, please contact MSDB at 1-800-882-MSDB or at info@msdb.mt.gov.
Link: MREA
Throughout this past year MREA has continued to hear from schools and educators across the state of the need for a time when rural school teachers, administrators and trustees can come together for a time of learning and sharing. In reality the large majority of Montana’s Schools are rural!….so this year’s summer conference has been specifically designed to meet this need as relayed to us by many of you across our state. In the past we’ve also welcomed educators representing five neighboring states in our region of the Northwest, and we want to extend a special invitation to educators in these areas to consider joining us again this year.
Link: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/08MENTORtraining.pdf
The Teacher Mentors and Coaches Trainer Institute, sponsored by the OPI, is an Institute that will provide professional development to teacher leaders and other education personnel interested in providing professional development to districts or schools that are in the process of developing or have developed a teacher mentor program.
Link: ADDA Teleclasses
Teleclass are offered as an ADDA Member Benefit. The dial in information and handouts for each teleclass will be available in the members’ only area.
Not a member? Join today for as low as $45 (individual member rate) and gain access to all of ADDA’s teleclass series.
Link: VCU Webcast
Today, families and learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond the production side of employment to include measures of social competence and involvement as well as life satisfaction. To this end, this presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting learners with ASD to be competent, productive, and socially included coworkers and colleagues. This includes issues related to effective communication, understanding social challenges and the hidden curriculum, behavior support, production competence and interdependence.
Link: ADDA Meeting
The national conference brings together the most committed people in the AD/HD community; people who are interested in helping themselves and others learn how to better manage their lives, including the professionals who work with the ADDA is committed to helping adults with AD/HD lead better lives through education, networking, and support.
Who Should Attend:
ADDA brings together the entire AD/HD Community!
This program is planned to meet the needs of physicians, nurses, HR professionals, educators, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, coaches, individuals with AD/HD, their partner, and their families.
A variety of educational formats are planned, to encourage the exchange of new scientific and practical information and support the interchange of opinions regarding care and management issues relevant to the AD/HD Community.
Topics will include:
* Medical Management
* Science and Research
* Psychological Treatment
* Workplace and Career Issues
* College and Educational Issues
* Life Skills
* Family and Relationship Issues
* Non-AD/HD Spouses
* Time Management and Organization
* Women's and Men's Issues
* Coaching
Link: NDSC
July 11-13, 2008 at The Seaport World Trade Center on Historic Boston Harbor. Interest has been high, so registration may be limited. Online registration is now available, so make sure to sign-up early.
The Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind offers two separate but unique summer camps. The programs target communication, social interaction, independent living skills and use of technology for students between the ages of 9-14 (7 and 8 year-olds will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the deaf camp only) who have hearing impairments or deafness, and for those ages 9-16 who have blindness or visual impairments. The week-long programs provide room, board and entertainment at no cost to the student.
If you would like additional information, please contact MSDB at 1-800-882-MSDB or at info@msdb.mt.gov.
Link: MYLF
MYLF (pronounced “my life”) is a unique career and leadership training program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities. By serving as delegates from their communities at a 5-day intensive training, youth with disabilities will cultivate leadership, citizenship, and social skills.
Download mylf_08_app.pdf
Link: T.E.S.T.
Teachers will learn to utilize academic achievement data and integrate technology tools to deliver standards-based, differentiated instruction & assessment in an engaging format. Each participant will:
1. Utilize district assessment data to determine grade-level & content specific skill deficiencies
2. Establish measurable classroom goals and develop individual learning strategies
3. Understand questioning strategies to maximize learning engagement
4. Create specific assessments to monitor progress using CPS, ExamView Assessment Suite & Learning Series, and sample standardized test questions
5. Collaborate in grade-level learning teams to create remediation & extended learning opportunities for students
Link: ADA Update
Mark the 18th anniversary of the ADA by joining this audio conference as we listen to representatives of the Federal Agencies present an update on their litigation, technical assistance and enforcement efforts over the past year. Participants will have an opportunity to pose questions to the presenters regarding issues in their own workplace or community.
Speaker: John L. Wodatch, Chief, Civil Rights Divison, U.S. Department of Justice
Link: Georgetown University
The Training Institutes will focus on developing local systems of care for children and adolescents with or at risk for emotional disturbances and their families. Systems of care emphasize community-based care, comprehensive and individualized services and supports, services provided within the least restrictive environment, full participation of families and youth, coordination among child-serving agencies and programs, and cultural and linguistic competence. In-depth, practical information will be provided on how to develop and operate systems of care and how to provide high-quality, effective, clinical interventions and supports within them.
The Institutes are designed for a variety of individuals including state and local policy makers, administrators, planners, providers, clinicians, case managers, families, youth, advocates, managed care organizations, educators, researchers, evaluators, students, and others concerned with improving services for children and families. Individuals representing local mental health and other child-serving agencies, including education, child welfare, health, juvenile justice, early childhood, and substance abuse systems, together with families and youth, are encouraged to attend, as well as state-level partners from all of these sectors. Opportunities will be provided for networking among state and local stakeholders.
