Professional Education and Respite Service Inc.
Newsletter
Dear Families, Friends, and Professionals:
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, and you don't have much of a choice but to deal with it and meet the challenge head on. I recently had a personal experience that made me realize that life is precious and that these types of challenges only make you stronger. Some of our readership certainly can relate to this as they deal with their children's disabilities everyday. This issue is dedicated to a Celebration of Life and meeting life's challenges head on.
Sincerely,
Jesse A. Kushner, M. Ed.
President, Professional Education and Respite Service Inc.
www.thePERS.com
NEW WEBSITE
Professional Education and Respite Service Inc. is pleased and proud to present the launch of its new website now located at www.thePERS.com The site is complete with an explanation of services, FAQ, References, copies of our newsletters starting with this newsletter, and employment information.
In This Issue
Why I Love My Life
By Ted Polito
My name is Ted Polito. I am 33 years old and I have Down syndrome. I live in Colorado with my parents.
I work at a coffee shop. I like my job. I make good smoothies and I serve people - that's what I like best. I like seeing the regulars. Some people bring their dogs for a walk.
I have good friends and a big family. I have 9 nieces and 11 nephews. I see them a lot. They all live in Colorado and most nearby. They come to my Buddy Walk and I help them, too.
I volunteer at my church, St. Joan of Arc and have served Mass for 20 years. I also usher at The Arvada Center Theater. I see lots of plays.
Volunteering is good for me. I like helping at the Buddy Walk and the Poker Run and I meet lots of people. Music is my favorite pastime and I would like to work for a DJ or a band sometime. It's my dream. I serve on the Mile High Down Syndrome Board of Directors. They are good to me and I have learned a lot.
I don't like the words retarded or disabled, 'cause I feel fine and I'm doing OK.
Blessed day
Posted June 13th, 2009 by Cjs_Mom
So many times I blog out of frustration but today is the start of something new! Today I am sharing what a blessed day we had! Cj spoke several sentences today, granted it wasn't completely clear, but I felt like we carried on a conversation for the first time! :) We were able to get outside and enjoy beautiful weather and enjoy each other's company. He was able to swim and I was able to sit on the sidelines and watch him! :) It was just a glorious day and I had to share.
http://www.autism-blog.com/autism-categories/inspirational-stories
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Parents: How My Child Inspires Me
How My Child Inspires Me
By Delois Meyer
My child inspires me with her ABCs and 123s.
My daughter, Abigail, is 3 years old and she has a love for letters and numbers. This is a genuine interest she has had since she was able to pick up a book. Abigail's love for the alphabet and counting is my inspiration, but she began inspiring me long before she knew her letters and numbers.
Abigail was an early Christmas present three years ago, born near Colorado Springs. She was delivered by emergency Cesarean 10 days early -- only weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces. Because of the emergency situation of her birth, moments before she was about to be born, doctors told us she would be unresponsive and they would have to revive her. My daughter was an inspiration in the first seconds of her life - surprising everyone in the room with the sounds of her strong cries. Not only was she responsive, but she also scored high on her first test - a perfect Apgar score. Abigail had already determined she was a strong person out to prove to the world she could do amazing things.
The moment my husband and I found out our daughter had Down syndrome is as vivid today as it was then. I can see every gesture being made, I remember where each individual was standing around my recovery bed, and I can still hear every sound that happened during the moment we were given the news about our daughter. The pediatrician on call told us about 20 minutes after her birth. She started out by telling us that our daughter had characteristics of Down syndrome and asked us if we knew what that was. She told us she would order the test done to determine what she suspected. My husband asked, in her opinion, if she was sure our daughter had Down syndrome, and the pediatrician said, "Yes."
Her next words were, "I'm so sorry." The news that she had Down syndrome put us in a state of mourning. We were despondent, not knowing anything about Down syndrome and not getting a lot of resources we desperately craved at the hospital. If someone would have told me the day my daughter was born that at the age of 3, she would know all the letters of the alphabet and her numbers through 20, I would not have believed it. I knew having a child would change our lives, but I had no idea having a child with Down syndrome could change so many of my thoughts, wants and beliefs.
Before I fully understood Down syndrome, I did know what to expect from my daughter. I have to admit, in the beginning, my expectations were not high. That expectation changed when Abigail was about six weeks old. My husband and I met a 3-year-old boy with Down syndrome in our pediatrician's office. This little boy was getting into things, talking, walking - doing everything typical of a 3-year-old child. This boy was actually the first inspiration to my family. Since that day, I have made it a priority to have Abigail out in public as much as possible. I want her to be familiar and comfortable with people in public and I want those in public to be familiar and comfortable with her. Abigail is a social little girl who makes friends wherever she goes. She says, "Hi" and waves to people standing in line at stores. People seem drawn to my daughter. Strangers come up and talk to my daughter and me, asking questions about Down syndrome. My daughter and I have dispelled many myths and mistruths about Down syndrome in our conversations with strangers. At the age of 3, she is already educating people and helping to break down stereotypes.
Abigail has inspired me to help others understand Down syndrome and all the great things individuals with Down syndrome can accomplish. People who meet my daughter and have no knowledge about the genetic condition, seem surprised that she knows all the letters of the alphabet and numbers. I do not want these skills to be surprising to others. I want people in my daughter's community to know I have high expectations for my daughter. I want educators at my daughter's school to know I have high expectations for them in how they teach my daughter. Abigail has the capability to do many things, and I want to be sure she has the resources and the support she needs to make those accomplishments happen.
My daughter inspires me in many ways - her charming smile, empathetic nature, quick pats, hugs and kisses. Abigail has a genuine ability to see the good in everyone and the wondrous beauty that surrounds her. She helps me to see things a little brighter and to feel a little deeper.
Abigail is helping make subtle changes in her community one letter and one number at a time. This strength she has is my inspiration to make great changes happen for her and for all individuals with Down syndrome.
Give my Mom some room
Posted July 5th, 2009 by DylanMom
Inspirational Stories
Dylan's' first fireworks. He was so excited, not only about the fireworks, but about the fact that he could stay up beyond his 8:30 bedtime. We arrived at the flower city (Rochester NY) with 90 minutes to spare, but this was not enough. We drove around and around trying to locate a spot to park. No luck. There were folks everywhere, in-front and behind. Finally my 5 year old Autistic son yells from his car seat, 'hey, give my Mom some room, we needs to park', no movement, he screams again 'did you hear me?'
Needless to say, we still have to work on patience and discuss the consequences of road rage with Dylan, but he is my knight.
http://www.autism-blog.com/autism-categories/inspirational-stories
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Embrace the Gift of Positivity
It is hard to believe we have already traveled through ½ of the year. I hope you have found your journey filled with excitement, joy, friendship, love and any difficulties you may have experienced has not stifled your positive attitude, energy for life and pursuit towards your goals. With the challenges many have during these uncertain economic times it is easy to fall into negative feelings and attitudes. When we see and hear about all of the humanity injustices, our world resources being depleted and degraded, lack of jobs, the gap between the rich and the poor / middle class growing, causing many individuals to slip into poverty and become homeless and hungry can make one become negative. Extreme immediate changes in one's life causes some to go into "Fight or Flight" mode and act and engage in battles for their own survival. Several feel this is the only way to act to survive. A few will even emotionally abuse the disabled and others in these trying times to get ahead. Some of the people who may make hurtful comments may not be acting in such a way if times were not so challenging and difficult, in my opinion.
I hope you have accomplished positive work in these difficult times. With a positive attitude, courage and believing in your skills, talents and letting your inner beliefs and passions hold true, you can make a difference!
It may be hard to break out of a negative frame of mind if your negative thoughts get a tight stranglehold on your inner beliefs in yourself. One good way to keep positive in what seems like challenges is to look at the difficulties and obstacles from another perspective.
An immediate way I can ground myself is to ride on paratransit. Paratransit is a service to drive the disabled who cannot drive themselves, provided in some areas. I am completely blind and ride paratransit to get to some locations. When I ride paratransit I ride with many people with a broad range of disabilities. Just the other day on the way to work I was sitting in the back seat. I was the only person in the car and was holding a pleasant conversation with the driver when it was time to pick up another passenger. When the driver helped the passenger get in next to me, I cheerfully greeted the person as I looked towards their face, with a heartfelt "hello, how are you today?" I did not hear an answer, so I asked again. The driver then told me the person sitting directly next to me cannot speak. I thought to myself as I looked towards this person, I wonder if they had any expression on their face of acknowledgment of what I had said. Since all I can see is blackness, I had no idea if they were even looking towards me as I attempted to greet them. Before I reached my destination this person got out of the car with help from the driver, without my being able to communicate with them, for whatever reason, I never knew why this person could not speak. These true to life, real experiences always make me think about what priorities should be most important in my life and what should be valued. This experience brought back memories of when I did not have the ability to speak for a while after I lost my vision. I wondered if this person's lack of ability to speak was permanent or temporary.
Let's work together to fight off negative attitudes, incorrect perceptions and thoughts that will hinder our ability and others to do work at our best potential. If I was not open to considering the possibilities of others, I might assume incorrectly, just because I could not communicate with the person I rode with on paratransit they were not capable of positive work, but in reality they could have been ingenious and were on their way to work to do very valuable, creative and important work that benefits all of us. Try not to let the distractions of the challenges make you lose your focus on what you really value. Do not stifle and blow out the flame of the positive energy of people you do not understand. We need all of the positive people working together to solve our complex problems we currently have. I hope with the help of other positive and courageous people we can all draw from our strengths to help us pursue our goals and dreams in these extraordinarily challenging times. I believe positive energy can flow through virtual connections.
Has anyone noticed increased challenges for the disabled during these challenging times? Does anyone want to share your accomplishments this year,that you are grateful for? Any lessons learned? Anything you need help with during these difficult times?
Remember we are all extraordinary people. No verbal words or misinterpretations can tear down our true inner souls. They can only put superficial wounds in our outer body that will hurt terribly at times, although these assaults should not be treated as fatal and bring us down. Embrace the gift of positivity!!
Bill Tipton
Contributing Author
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/
July 11, 2009 in Disabilities, Inclusion, Inspiration, Leadership, People with Disabilities, Self-Help
RESOURCES FOR CELEBRATING LIFE!
CELEBRATE FOOD & NON-DIETING
- Cultivating Health! A Resource Guide & Healthy Weight Kit
The Resource Guide contains easy-to-use information for creating a healthier lifestyle. It covers Healthy Attitudes, Physical Activity and Healthy Eating. Get the Healthy Weight Kit to learn tips, tools and strategies for optimizing your weight and your health.- Resource Guide, $5.00
- Healthy Weight Kit, $15.00
- Thin For Life, Eating Thin For Life, by Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D., (2003), Chapters Publishing LTD., Shelburne, Vermont, 05482
- Intuitive Eating, by Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D. and Elyse Resch, M.S., R.D., (2003), St. Martin's Paperbacks
- Lickety-Split Meals, by Zonya Foco, RD, (1998), ZHI Publishing; www.zonya.com, 1-888-884-LEAN
- Making Peace With Food, by Susan Kano, (1989), Harper & Row, Publishers, New York
- Outwit Your Weight & Outwit Your Weight Journal, By Cathy Nonas, R.D., and Julia VanTine with Jennifer Bright, (2002), Rodale Press
- The Non-Diet Solution- 6 Winning Ways to Permanent Weight Loss, by Laurel Mellin, M.A., R.D., (1997), Reagan Books. An excellent book on transforming emotional eating patterns.
- The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution, by Dr. Phil McGraw, (2003), The Free Press, New York, www.drphil.com
- The Zen of Eating, by Ronna Kabatznick,Ph.D., (1998), By The Penguin Putnam, Inc.,
www.Penguinputnam.com - 500 Fat-Free Recipes, by Sarah Schlesinger, (1994), Villard Books, New York
- Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites, by The Moosewood Collective, (1996), Clarkson Potter Publishers, New York
CELEBRATE MOVEMENT
- Biomarkers-The 10 Keys To Prolonging Vitality, by William Evens, Ph.D. and Irwin H. Rosenberg, M.D., (1991), A Fireside Book Published by Simon & Schuster
- 365 Activities for Fitness, Food and Fun for the Whole Family, Ideas to help your family get fit, avoid boredom, and have fun, Julia Sweet, (2001), McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books
- I Know I Should Exercise, But..." Seven steps to remove your "but" from activity planning. (1998), Joe Sweeney, Pacific Valley Press
- It's Your Move,by Robert Sweetgall & Robert Neeves, (2002), Creative Walking, Inc., 1-800-762-9255
- Walk The Four Seasons- Walking and Cross-Training Logbook,(1992) www.goyaasma.com
- Sports Nutrition Guidebook - Eating to Fuel Your Active Lifestyle,(1997), by Nancy Clark, M.S., R.D., Human Kinetics Press
- Stretching, by Bob Anderson, (2000), Shelter Publications, Inc.
Tips for everyday fitness and most sports. Clear illustrations are easy to follow. - Easy Does It Yoga, Safe and gentle yoga for those challenged by age, chronic health problems, injury, or inactivity. Alice Christensen, (1999), American Yoga Association
- Exercise Videos: Collage Video has hundreds of videos and DVD options from physical limitations to aerobics, strength, and flexibility. Free catalog. 1-800-433-6769; www.collagevideo.com
- Exercise: A guide from the National Institute on Aging. This exercise video addresses strength, flexibility, and balance for beginners or those over 50. Includes an 80-page booklet, which is available separately free upon request. Contact: NIAIC, Dept. W, P.O. Box 8057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057, 1-800-222-2225
- National center for Physical Activity and Disability,Phone them to describe your needs and personalized resources can be sent to you. Web site has information on adapting physical activity to the needs of people with disabilities, support groups, and more. 1-800-900-8086
CELEBRATE SIMPLICITY, BALANCE & PERSONAL EVOLUTION IN LIFE:
- Simplify Your Life- 100 Ways To Slow Down and Enjoy The Things That Really Matter, by Elaine St. James, (1994), Hyperion, New York
- The Simple Living Guide, by Janet Luhrs, (1997), Broadway Books, New York
- Work to Live, by Joe Robinson, (2003), www.worktolive.info/ ;Reclaim your life & sanity!
CELEBRATE SELF-NURTURING & SELF- ESTEEM
- Learning To Love Your Self, by Gay Hendricks, (1982), Prentice Hall Press, New York
- Living Juicy-Daily Morsels For Your Creative Soul, & The Bodacious Book of Succulence by Sark (1994), Celestial Arts, Berkeley, California. For a catalog, call: (800) 841-BOOK. www.campsark.com
- Self-Esteem, by Matthew McKay, PH.D. & Patrick Fanning, (2000), New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
- Healing from Depression: 12 Weeks to a Better Mood, by Douglas Bloch, M.A., (2002), Celestial Arts Publishers, www.healingfromdepression.com
- The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook, by Martha Davis and Mathew McKay, (2002), New Harbinger Publication, Inc.
- Women's Comfort Book, By Jennifer Louden, (1992), Harper-Collins, NY
- You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise L. Hay, (1984), Hay House, Santa Monica, CA
New Resources in the Spotlight
http://ttaconline.org/staff/s_resources/s_resources.asp?disability=true- Virginia's Assistive Technology Priority Project
Description: The Assistive Technology project addresses priorities of VDOE with centralized coordination, implementation, and dissemination of information about the laws which define AT devices and services, the process of consideration of AT by Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, and AT assessment and resources.
Visit: www.vaatpp.org - CAST- Transforming education through Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Description: CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all.
Visit: www.cast.org - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others. (family/families)
Visit: chadd.org - Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
Description: AHEAD is a professional membership organization for individuals involved in the development of policy and in the provision of quality services to meet the needs of persons with disabilities involved in all areas of higher education.
Visit: www.AHEAD.org - Accessible Instructional Materials Center of Virginia (AIM-VA)
Description: The Virginia Accessible Instructional Materials Center (AIM-VA), part of the Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities at George Mason University, will produce and deliver accessible instructional materials for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in Virginia who have students with an IEP indicating a need for alternate formats of printed materials.
Visit: www.aimva.org - Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center (ARCC)
Description: The Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center (ARCC) at Edvantia is one of 16 regional comprehensive and 5 content centers that make up the Comprehensive Center Network funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the comprehensive centers is to provide state education agencies with intensive technical assistance to address the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements and meet student achievement goals. (Service area includes Virginia.)
Visit: www.arcc.edvantia.org/ - Intervention: Lexia Reading (June 2009)
Description: Lexia Reading is a computerized reading program that provides phonics instruction and gives students independent practice in basic reading skills. Lexia Reading is designed to supplement regular classroom instruction. It is designed to support skill development in the five areas of reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel. (From IES What Works Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences)
Visit: ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/reports/beginning_reading/lexia/index.asp - Make It Visual: Supports for ASD
Description: Visual supports use various cues to help individuals perform skills with greater independence. Visual supports provide structure, prevent problems, intervene in problem situations, improve communication/language, give information, increase attention, support routines, are quickly and easily interpreted and help individuals clarify their thinking (Hodgdon, 1999). This wiki lists links to multiple visual support resources and websites.
Visit: makeitvisual.wetpaint.com - Autism Internet Modules (AIM) Project
Description: This project is designed to provide comprehensive information to assist those working and living with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder as they work to increase their knowledge and skill. The AIM project will develop a series of 60 modules by the time the project is complete on topics including assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment. (parents, professionals)
Visit: www.autisminternetmodules.org/ - Interactive Collaborative Autism Network (ICAN)
Description: The Interactive Collaborative Autism Network (ICAN) is a project supported by U.S. Department of Education grant H324M000047. A series of modules categorized into eight domains have been developed. Each module has been carefully planned and developed so that a variety of individuals, such as parents, teachers, and other professionals interested in the education of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, will be able to utilize the information.
Visit: www.autismnetwork.org/about/index.html - The Puzzle of Autism
Description: A 38-page guide published by the National Education Association (NEA). It explains the common features of autism and suggests effective classroom strategies for improving communication, sensory, social and behavioral skills. The Puzzle of Autism was produced in collaboration with ASA's former Director of Information and Referral Services Ayda Sanver. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the National Association of School Psychologists also contributed to the guide.
Visit: www.nea.org/home/18459.htm - ThinkCollege.net
Description: Doors to colleges are opening for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in many different ways all over the country. This website is designed to share what is currently going on, provide resources and strategies, let you know about training events, and give you ways to talk to others. The information is for transition aged students as well as adults attending or planning for college. It provides resources and tools for students, families, and professionals.
Visit: www.thinkcollege.net - Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews: Special Issue on Down Syndrome (October 2007)
Description: This issue of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews is devoted to Down syndrome. It includes articles on Education and children with Down syndrome: Neuroscience, development, and intervention; and Families of persons with Down syndrome: New perspectives, findings, and research and service needs. (family/parent/parents)
Visit: www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/issuetoc?ID=116325663 - The Virginia Network of Consultants (VNOC) Professionals Working with Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Description: The purpose of this network is to provide consultant services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing in school divisions and state operated programs in Virginia. VNOC is designed to promote and enhance educational services for the child or provide needed training for personnel.
Visit: www.vcu.edu/partnership/VNOC/ - SAMHSA'S What a Difference a Friend Makes (web site and brochure) January 2009
Description: This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) site is here for people living with mental illness-and their friends. You'll find tools to help in the recovery process, and you can also learn about the different kinds of mental illnesses, read real-life stories about support and recovery, and interact with the video to see how friends can make all the difference. The "What a Difference a Friend Makes" brochure is attached.
Visit: www.whatadifference.org/ - SAMHSA'S National Mental Health Information Center
Description: This web site is a component of the United States Department of Health and Human Services- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Health Information Network. (Mental Health)
Visit: mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/ - Graphic Organizers (Education Oasis)
Description: This site has 58 graphic organizers that you can download for free, from the following categories: cause and effect, character and story, compare and contrast, sequence, cycle, timeline and chain of events, vocabulary development and concept and miscellaneous.
Visit: www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/graphic_organizers.htm - CAST- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Book Builder
Description: Use this site to create, read, and share engaging digital books that build reading skills for students. Your universally designed books will engage and support diverse learners according to their individual needs, interests, and skills. (Create an account to create, modify, and save books.)
Visit: bookbuilder.cast.org/ - Starfall.com
Description: Teachers around the world use Starfall.com and Starfall high-quality educational products as an inexpensive way to make the classroom more fun and inspire a love of reading and writing. Parents use Starfall to prepare their children for school, and to support them once they are there. Starfall is an educational alternative to other entertainment choices for children. Primarily designed for first grade, Starfall is also useful for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade.
Visit: www.starfall.com/ - The Center for Universal Design: Environments and Products for All People
Description: The Center for Universal Design (CUD) is a national information, technical assistance, and research center that evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products. Our mission is to improve environments and products through design innovation, research, education and design assistance.
Visit: www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/index.htm
Upcoming Events in the Spotlight
http://ttaconline.org/staff/s_events/s_events.asp?disability=true- Got AT? A Showcase of Possibilities for Unlocking Student Achievement
Date and Time: 7/20/2009 9:00 am ---- 7/20/2009 4:00 pm
Description: You are invited to participate in this one day event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center to assist you in developing a plan on how assistive technology can be used to adapt curriculum materials across the content areas for students with disabilities. Highlighted at this event will be 100 invited AT vendors from across the country, AT ideas and solutions from the Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC) and a Keynote by William Reeder, Fairfax County Public Schools entitled "Solutions and tips for developing a plan to incorporate the use of assistive technology for your school division". Each participant will receive a copy of the newly published Assistive Technology Considerations Document upon registration and TTAC staff will available throughout the day to answer questions about any forms contained on this CD. The concession area at the Convention Center will be open from 11:00 to 1:00 for purchase of food. Please make plans to attend this one day event with all staff members that use Assistive Technology in your school system. This event will be sponsored by VDOE and will be provided at No COST to your division. Travel costs including meals and hotel expenses will have to be incurred by your division. - Literacy-Based Interventions that Support Communication: Pre-K through Secondary
Date and Time: 7/29/2009 8:30 am ---- 7/29/2009 4:00 pm
Description: This workshop (presented by Joanne M. Cafiero, Ph.D.) will demonstrate the design and implementation of literacy-based language interventions with the premise of the innate potential of every student. It will be held at the Marriott Richmond West in Glen Allen, VA. The registration fee is $50. Register Early-Space is limited! - Developing a Bright Future
Date and Time: 8/3/2009 8:30 am ---- 8/7/2009 5:00 pm
Description: The Virginia Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education, invites you to the across-the-board 2009 Career and Technical Education Summer Professional Development Institute, Developing a Bright Future, from Monday, August 3, 2009, through Friday, August 7, 2009, in Richmond. The Institute will officially begin with a series of across-the-board professional development programs on August 4, 2009, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. On August 3, 5, 6 and 7, each CTE program area's professional association will provide industry certification training, technical update workshops, and teacher recognition programs. - Opening Doors- Unlocking Potential: Developing Self-Determination and Academic Skills with Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Date and Time: 8/4/2009 8:30 am ---- 8/4/2009 4:00 pm
Description: This one day conference will be held in two different locations: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, VA and Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at the Sheraton Park South in Richmond, VA. This conference, designed for teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing, related service providers and all who work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing in Virginia Public Schools, will focus on two very important issues: self-determination and effective instructional strategies. The registration deadline is July, 14, 2009 and the cost is $35. - Steps to Success Videoconference (Richmond, VA)
Date and Time: 8/8/2009 10:00 am ---- 8/8/2009 5:00 pm
Description: The Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Virginia Department of Education are collaborating to host the National Technical Institute for the Deaf's "Steps to Success" videoconference on August 8, 2009. The target audience for this program is families of students who are deaf or hard of hearing and in middle school, with a special focus on students who are African American, Latino, or Native American. NTID assures us that this program will also benefit families of and professionals serving any middle or high school student who is deaf or hard of hearing and who want more information about college. It is free and will be held at the Virginia DRS Office (8004 Franklin Farms Drive). - Vincent Carbone- Autism and Verbal Behavior
Date and Time: 10/7/2009 8:00 am ---- 10/9/2009 4:00 am
Description: Verbal Behavior- Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Autism or Other Disabilities. This workshop is 200.00 until September 23, 2009. After this date registration will be 220.00. In addition, there is a professional group rate of 185.00 per person for groups of 5 or more. Please see attached file for additional information and to register for this event. - Virginia Middle School Association (VMSA) 20th Annual Conference
Date and Time: 10/16/2009 8:00 am ---- 10/16/2009 5:00 pm
Description: The Virginia Middle School Association (VMSA) is pleased to announce its 20th Annual Conference at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Marilyn Friend will present the keynote address focusing on inclusive practices in middle level education. Dr. Friend is currently Chairperson and Professor of Education in the Department of Specialized Education Services at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where she teaches coursework on inclusive practices and collaboration among service providers. - 2009 VA CEC Annual Conference- Balancing Trends And Issues: 21st Century Special Education
Date and Time: 10/17/2009 8:00 am ---- 10/17/2009 4:00 am
Description: The Virginia Council for Exceptional Children (VA CEC) Annual Conference will be held at Regent University in Virginia Beach. Peter W.D. Wright, ESQ (from Wrightslaw) will be the keynote speaker. Early Registration (before August 1, 2009) is $100. (parent/parents/families/family) - VT & RU T/TAC Collaborating for Student Success: Creating Inclusive Communities Conference
Date and Time: 10/19/2009 9:00 am ---- 10/19/2009 4:00 pm
Description: This conference will provide a high-quality professional development opportunity for educators, parents and all school community members to reflect on topics that relate to creating inclusive schools which embrace a culture of collaboration. The morning keynote will be presented by Dr. Susan Copeland and Dr. Liz Keefe, Associate Professors at the University of New Mexico. Much of their work in schools involves the implementation of effective inclusive practices for all students. Both speakers share a passion for reading and co-authored Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. There will be breakout sessions that include the topics of collaborative problem-solving, Universal Design for Learning, math instruction, literacy instruction, co-teaching, assistive technology, behavior support, possibilities beyond school, on-line collaboration, differentiation of instruction and more. - Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Moderate or Severe Disabilities - ONSITE
Date and Time: 10/20/2009 9:00 am ---- 10/20/2009 3:30 pm
Description: This workshop will take place on October 20, 2009 at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel. It will focus on teaching students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive settings. Topics discussed will include instruction in the key literacy components, lesson planning, and more. Key Presenters will be Dr. Susan Copeland and Dr. Liz Keffe, Associate Professors at the University of New Mexico. Workshop participants will receive a copy of the book Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities and a certificate of attendance. Please register for this workshop. Details regarding Registration for the REMOTE Sites will be posted in August - 20th Annual William & Mary Symposium on Professional Collaboration and Inclusive Education
Date and Time: 10/27/2009 ---- 10/27/2009
Description: "Powerful Partnerships: Connecting for Student Success"- Keynote Speaker: Jim Knight--Award winning Author, Researcher, and Consultant "Building Partnerships for Learning" (parent/parents/family/families) - 2009 Virginia Educational Technology Conference
Date and Time: 10/28/2009 ---- 10/30/2009
Description: The 2009 Virginia Educational Technology Conference will be held October 28-30, 2009, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. This will be the 15th year for the conference which addresses issues of concern to the K-12 technology community. The two strands for the 2009 conference will be leadership and instructional innovation.
Please come back for more details. - ASCD 2009 Conference on Teaching and Learning
Date and Time: 10/30/2009 8:30 am ---- 11/1/2009 12:00 pm
Description: You know that great education is more than just teaching the basics of math and literacy. Students also need to know the skills that it takes to succeed in the 21st century workplace. Now here's your opportunity to explore and learn about the education practices that help students learn these skills: · Information and communication skills · Thinking and problem solving · Interpersonal and self-direction skills · Global awareness · Financial, economic, and business literacy, and entrepreneurial skills · Civic literacy. This Conference takes place in Washington, DC - TechKnowledgy 2009 in Richmond, Call for Proposals
Date and Time: 11/19/2009 8:00 am ---- 11/20/2009 5:00 pm
Description: The TechKnowledgy 2009 planning committee invites all interested persons to submit proposals for one hour sessions on November 19, 2009. We seek sessions which will highlight the use of assistive technology in educational, vocational and community settings with students of all ages and disabilities. We hope to offer a variety of sessions covering all areas of assistive technology. Each room will be set theater style for 50 people and will include a table, microphone, LCD projector, and screen. Presenters must provide their own laptop computer and handouts. Proposals for one hour sessions must be received by April 1, 2009. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance by June 10, 2009. - Future Quest 2009- George Mason University
Date and Time: 11/21/2009 8:30 am ---- 11/21/2009 2:40 am
Description: Future Quest 2009 is a Free College & Career Forum for Students with DisAbilities, Parents & Professionals. The keynote speaker is Jennifer Kemp (Senior Policy Advisor with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy). She will present on "Facing Your Future: Steps to Creating the Life You Want." On-Site Registration begins at 8:00am in the Johnson Center at George Mason University (Fairfax Campus). This event is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Transition Coalition. For accommodations, please register by October 21, 2009. - VSTE's 2009-10 Annual State Technology Conference
Date and Time: 11/30/2009 ---- 12/2/2009
Description: VSTE sponsors the only statewide technology conference in Virginia. Over 1,000 attendees are excited each year by cutting edge technology sessions and workshops. We promise to overwhelm you with information, opportunities, knowledge and activities. In two and a half days, you can select from over 125 concurrent sessions, shair fare, bring your own Laptop (BYOL), Mission21, vendor, and special presentations. Visit our exhibitors and gather information on state of the art opportunities for education.
*Location: Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center (Roanoke, VA)
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Dear Friends,
We thank you and appreciate your support and willingness to spread the word about our services so we can provide help and assistance where and when needed.
Sincerely,
Jesse A. Kushner, M.Ed.
Professional Education and Respite Service Inc.
misterk@thePERS.com
www.thePERS.com