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| Special Needs Parent groups are vitally important partners in the education of our students with special needs. Use this page to find out more about resources, contacts and information for parents of special needs students. To be added to the Lake Washington PTSA Special Needs Group email distribution list, please contact Chairperson Julie Shalaby. This list is a phenomenal resource for local contacts, information, meeting reminders and summaries, as well as access to files on our LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Yahoo! web site. This list is not shared with anyone. News: Lake Washington PTSA Special Needs Committee If you are a parent or a teacher of a student for whom sticker charts, rewards and other behavior programs just don’t seem to work, or your student gets frustrated and melts down or simply puts on the brakes, this presentation will explore these and other issues through the methods described by Dr. Ross Greene in his books “Lost at School” and “The Explosive Child.” The presenter brings her personal experience helping families and schools with these challenges. Participants will learn how these methods help to guide children to avoid meltdowns, gain skills in frustration tolerance and flexibility and improve adult-child communication. Sara is the parent of a former "challenging" child, and has been a trainer for 25 years. She teaches parenting classes to parents with children encompassing a wide range of disabilities. She received training from Dr. Ross Greene, author of "The Explosive Child" at his Center for Collaborative Problem Solving. Sara currently serves on the board of directors for ADD Resources and the King County chapter of the Autism Society of WA. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Childhood Stress & Anxiety Tuesday, November 2nd from 7 – 8:30 PM Location: Carson Elementary Commons (1035 244th Ave. NE, Sammamish) Presenter: Chris McCurry, Ph.D. This presentation will cover: · How stress and anxiety show up in the lives of children at various ages and stages. · With anxiety and stress so common, when should parents be concerned and seek professional advice? · Recent advances in understanding childhood anxiety disorders. · Strategies for responding to your child’s stress and anxiety. · Tools for promoting resilience in your child. Chris McCurry, Ph.D., is a clinical child psychologist in private practice specializing in the treatment of childhood anxiety. He is a clinical assistant professor in the departments of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. He has recently completed his first book entitled, Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance: a powerful new approach to overcoming fear, panic, and worry using acceptance and commitment therapy. For more information about his work & book, please visit his website. Recommended for Parents of Elementary School Children. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education
Arc at the Park Playdate- Highland Center Gym- November 6th The weather is getting blustery, and the kids are getting restless--
Do you need a place for them to burn off some energy?
Join us for a playdate at the Highland Community Center Gym on Saturday, November 6th 10 am to 12 noon. 14224 Bel-Red Rd, in Bellevue.
Bring your families-- sibs are welcome. The toys that are available are geared for children up to age 6, but we are not setting an age limit, you know your child best. There are mats that even babies and toddlers can enjoy. There are places for families to sit and visit as well. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Bridge Disability Ministries
Family Spiritual Retreat
A DAY OF SPIRITUAL CARE, SHARING & LEARNING
FOR FAMILIES OF YOUTH IN TRANSITION
Saturday, November 6, 2010
9am to 3pm
Hosted by
Calvin Presbyterian Church
18826 3rd Ave NW
Shoreline, WA 98177
You are invited to a gathering to discuss spirituality
and other important issues surrounding your transitioning youth.
Focus: Value, Worth, Employment, A Fulfilling Future, Social Relationships
Come and enjoy a day of…conversation & opportunities…for growth & strength.
Care will be provided for your youth (15 years+) or young-adult with disabilities along
With lunch & activities.
PLEASE RSVP TO LINDAM@BRIDGEMIN.ORG BY 10/29/10 OR CALL 425-885-1006, EXT#118 FOR MORE INFORMATION _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Early autism intervention: Connecting science and practice Date: November 9, 2010
Location: Seattle Pacific University
Science Building, Room 112
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
An explosion of research on the causes and consequences of autism, from genes to brain to behavior, has taken place over the last 20 years. This new information provides opportunities to families, clinicians, and scientists who are working to improve the lives of people with ASD. This talk will present on some of the exciting progress in developing evidence-based intervention for very young children with autism spectrum disorders and the connections between science and practice that make this progress possible.
For more information contact: Bev Wilson, Ph.D. Website: www.spu.edu/spfc
No Boundaries 2010/11 Travelling Exhibit, "Metamorphosis" Opens November 10th!
Creative Activities/VSA Washington is pleased to announce the Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony for "Metamorphosis". This event is Free and open to the Public – no reservations required.
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
6 PM – 8 PM
Awards Ceremony at 6:30
Harrison Street Gallery
Seattle Center House – 3rd Floor
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
ASL Interpretation and an Audio-Descriptive Exhibit Tour will be provided!
This is a family-friendly and totally accessible event – ASL Interpretation AND an Audio Descriptive Tour of the Exhibit will be provided! Please feel free to share this invitation with others who might be interested.
No Boundaries is a juried traveling exhibit showcasing works by NW artists with disabilities.
The intent of this program is to create opportunities for artists with disabilities and to launch or expand careers in the arts. This exhibit not only serves its participants, it also provides an enriching arts experience to its viewers.
SPD Foundation’s 11th International Symposium - Nov 12-14, 2010 Register Now for the 11th International Institute and Symposium in Seattle! Discounted tuition rates end 10/15/10. Click here for registration form and information. Don’t miss Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR, Diana Henry, MS, OTR/L, Rosemary White, OTR/L, Ira Glovinsky, PhD, Barry E. Stein, PhD, Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR and many other thought provoking speakers at the 11th International Symposium and Institute! On November 12-14, 2010 parents, OTs, PTs, educators, SLPs and healthcare professionals from around the world will be meeting at the Westin in Bellevue, Washington to join in the New Conversations on Sensory Processing Disorder. Our pre-symposium institute is professional level content focused on assessment of SPD. The two-day symposium will feature two tracks of presentations addressing the latest on SPD research, intervention, the evolution in education and parent solutions. On Saturday, November 13th, you may also wish to participate in the optional Sensory Integration Global Network luncheon or the parent event in the evening. Register for the free luncheon at the same time you register for the conference.
GIRLS SELF-DEFENSE & EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP, GIRLS AGES 8-14 years - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13th 1-3pm
$20 if paid by Oct 31st, $25 after Oct 31st
Must pre-register. Get $5 off for each friend you sign up (friend must be new to harmony arts).
No previous experience needed, open to all levels. Girls will practice self-defense skills, including boundary setting, verbal de-escalation, walking away from a situation, saying no, escaping grabs, street safety and strikes & kicks. Fun physical drills, games, writing & discussions enhance self-esteem, positive body image & self-expression. Relaxation techniques are included. Fun, safe and supportive environment welcomes all girls. Instructor is certified Integrated Movement Therapist, and sensative to issues of trauma and general pre-teen \ teen challenges.
Some full and partial scholarships may be available. Please ask for more information.
Please contact us for more information:
Harmony Arts - Tristan Elliott
(206) 229-7582
tristan@harmonyarts.us
http://www.harmonyarts.us/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ HOPE and Epilepsy Conference Saturday, November 13, 2010
Seattle Children's Hospital (Wright Auditorium), Seattle, WA
8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Speakers:
A Vietnam Veteran's Experience
Ray Moncini, Vietnam Veteran, and wife, Shirley Moncini, VA Epilepsy Center of Excellence-Seattle
Epilepsy 101
Ednea Simon, MD, Swedish Neuroscience Institute
Current Research in Pediatric Epilepsy
Edward Novotny, MD, Seattle Children's Hospital
Psychosocial Aspects of Pediatric Epilepsy
Hillary Shurtleff, PhD, and Molly Warner, PhD, Seattle Children's Hospital
Marcia Herivel, LICSW and Sheryl Kalbach, LICSW, Seattle Children's Hospital
Legal Issues Around Epilepsy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Lindsay Halm, Esq., Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender
Healthcare Coverage and Epilepsy
Brian Keeley, Esq., Bullivant Houser Bailey
Sandra Widlan, Esq., Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender
Navigating the School System and Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Carol Carruthers, Washington Sensory Disabilities Services
Living Independently with Epilepsy
Peggy Friel, MSW, Swedish Neuroscience Institute
Register by email (name, address, phone, email): ptorres@epilepsynw.org
Register by phone: 503-228-7651 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signing Time Benefit Concert
Rachel Coleman, Emmy Nominated Star of Signing Time, to Perform Benefit Concert in Seattle on November 20th.
This event was made possible through a Community Action Project grant from the Foundation For Early Learning, generous donations from the Jorge Posada Foundation, Grand Event Rentals, The Issaquah Holiday Inn, Washington Hands and Voices and individual Donors. Also essential are the volunteers who offered their time and energy. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Signing Time Foundation. Donations made online or at the concert will also benefit the Signing Time Foundation, and will be tax-deductible.
About the Signing Time Foundation:
Signing Time was developed based on her personal experiences. Rachel has seen firsthand the benefits of signing with ALL children, not only for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is committed to making ASL easily accessible to all families through the Signing Time series. The Signing Time Foundation (a 501 (c)(3) non-profit) is dedicated to making sign language fun and accessible to all children, creating a world in which all children can express themselves and be understood. For more information, please visit http://www.signingtimefoundation.org/.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Research project: Children with Cerebral Palsy We want to know how the physical activity of children with walking problems or cerebral palsy relates to what they do in their day to day lives. We are looking for children who: Have walking problems that started before age 2 Have any type of cerebral palsy or primary problem that is a developmental movement disorder May have hemiplegia, diplegia, walking quadriplegia, ataxia, spastic, mixed tone, athetoid, or dyskinetic Ages 2 years to less than 10 years Able to do some functional walking with or without help (walkers, gait trainers) Project requires a one time visit to Seattle Children’s Hospital of about 2 hours. Children and/or parents will complete surveys. The child will be tested for their gross motor and walking skills like a physical therapy visit. The child will be given an ankle monitor to wear for 7-10 days. They will return the monitor by mail with a questionnaire about what they did the last week. Families will receive a print out of their child’s walking activity The family will receive $40 for their time and effort Families will also receive mileage for the visit to SCH.
Contact:
Kristie Bjornson, PhD, PT
Ph: 206-884-2066,
Pediatrics, Developmental Medicine
Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Research Study Opportunity The Sandbox Learning Company is looking for children with developmental disabilities ages 7-15 to participate in a study titled, Daily Living and Community Skills Video Game for Children with Developmental Disabilities. The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSSRS) National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The purpose of the study is to create and evaluate a video game for children with developmental disabilities to learn daily living and community skills. Your child will play the video game in your home. The Principal Investigator (P.I.) will evaluate skill acquisition in the home and the community. Requirements for inclusion: Age 7-15. - An IQ in the moderate to severe range based on school records or a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from an outside physician or psychologist using DSM-IV criteria. Diagnosis of ASD also verified by the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS) as administered by the P.I. or Research Consultant.
- Receptive understanding of 95% or greater of the vocabulary in the script based on parent report checklist. This checklist will contain all of the game content words (i.e. nouns and verbs). Parents will check off all words their child comprehends in daily routines
- Functional goals such as purchasing, dressing, or preparing food included in their individualized education plan (IEP).
- Receptively identify numbers and words included in the game for their key skills.
- Possess fine motor skills to complete motor movements required for the skills.
- Independently complete 50% or less of the task analysis steps required to complete 18 of the skills in the game based on the P.I.’s evaluation of these skills with your child.
- Competently uses the mouse, Touch Window, or other device to move the curser.
- Standard scores below 70 on the Vineland Adaptive Scales Parent or Teacher Interview Version Daily Living Section. The parent or teacher survey version will be administered.
- Lives in the Seattle/Tacoma area.
Child participants will receive gift certificates totaling $100 to a store of their choice, and they will have the opportunity to learn daily living and community skills. You will receive $200 per month for ensuring they play the game, contacting the P.I. to evaluate their progress, and providing feedback about the system at the end of the study. You will be responsible for making sure your child plays the game each weekday. The study will take approximately 10 minutes per weekday for 16 weeks. The timeframe is dependent on skill acquisition so the number of weeks could vary slightly. For more information please contact Amy Maguire, Principal Investigator (800) 704-7815 ext. 5.
Wrightslaw Newsletter In This Issue . . .
Do you have unresolved issues with your school district? The Arc of King County is offering a limited number of legal consultations for families with children with developmental disabilities, who have unresolved special education issues. Christy Ibrahim, Attorney and Stacy Gillett, Special Education Legal Advocate, have generously offered to provide consultation to families over the next few months. Because we have limited appointments, our priority will go to: Please include a brief summary about the child and family, name of school district, and as many specifics about the special education issue that you know (i.e. placement, inclusion, eligibility, services such as O.T, P.T, SLP, ESY, discipline, transition, behavior support, eligibility, evaluation). Include information about any remedies that already may have been attempted. Tell us the child's disability or diagnosis, and any specifics about the family's situation. This summary might include whether an interpreter may be needed, whether this is a single parent family, and if the family's resources are limited in any other way (low income, parent with disability, difficulty obtaining other needed services or resources, etc). Let us know which of the times below might work for the family.
Resources & Links: The ARC of King County serves children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Developmental Disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Autism, Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and other similar conditions, occur prior to the age of 18 and are expected to last for life. Find out more about the resources that are available by visiting: www.arcofkingcounty.org | |
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