Alternate versions of all documents are available by emailing jackie@bridges4kids.org. 

Include the address and title of the article with your request.

01-31-03

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » Inside the No Child Left Behind Law - Like many people, I am having difficulty understanding the new federal No Child Left Behind Law. It helps me to have well-informed advocates debate issues that confuse me. So two experts have kindly accepted my invitation to argue about the law in this column.

Children At-Risk » Read the article from Education News - Drug Testing: Results from a study of high school drug-testing provide evidence that random testing of student athletes can significantly reduce drug use.
 

Disability Info - Visual Impairments (VI) » Press Release: U.S. & Canada Adopt New Braille Terminology
 

Breaking News and Medicaid » Schools Decry New Guidance on Medicaid - A battery of district officials nationwide are alarmed by proposed Medicaid guidelines that they say could mean striking losses in aid for coordinating medical services for needy students, particularly those in special education.
 

Breaking News and Supt. Watkins » MI State schools chief finds positive things happening in Wayne-Westland - Tom Watkins may want to keep a date open on his calendar this spring.  From the looks on Pat Colligan's third-graders, he'll be buying the pizza for a party for their 100 percent mastering of multiplication tables through the number nine.

Lead Poisoning » MI Hazards lurking in soil as children play - High lead levels abound in Detroit and metro area.

Lead Poisoning » MI DETROIT REACTION: Council calls for action on lead concerns

01-30-03

Breaking News » MI Educator and State Rep Jerry Kratz Dies of Heart Attack

Breaking News » U.S. Senate Passes Jeffords Amendment to Increase Special Education Funding

Inspiration » Ha Ha! Jonathan IS a Little Brother - This morning there was a brief skirmish over the VCR. Not an atypical situation in a family of children, of course, but this skirmish had an interesting twist to it.

Breaking News, General Ed Reform, and Cultural Issues » Failure Starts Young - A school is for: a) diversity; b) learning to read?

Disability Info - Autism » Mercury and Autism - In a study that adds to the debate over the origins of autism, researchers have concluded that infants who received vaccines containing a mercury-based preservative did not have unsafe mercury levels in their blood.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with Special Education (pdf version) - click here.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Medical Terms Associated with Special Education (pdf version) - click here.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with Psychological Evaluations (pdf version) - click here.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with the Employment of People with Disabilities (pdf version) - click here.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with Managed Care (pdf version) - click here.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (pdf version) - click here.

01-29-03

Breaking News » U.S. The State of the Union for Americans with Disabilities

Statistics » Resources Added: Special, Updated Report by KIDS COUNT "The Right Start for America's Newborns" and Child Trends: dedicated to improving the lives of children by conducting research and providing science-based information to improve the decisions, programs, and policies that affect children.

Michigan News - Midland County » Accessible - The colors and noise stood out immediately. Thatched-style green roofs are coupled with bright yellow railings and blue poles at Midland's newest playground. Excited because everything was new and different, children ran, shouted and blew into their noisemakers.

Breaking News and Summer Camp » MI Expanding Opportunities: Arc of Livingston Summer Camp Support - In the summer of 2003, the Arc will be offering this support to children aged 4-18 who are eligible for special education services and reside in Livingston County.

Breaking News » U.S. Year 2002 Tax Benefits for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities
 

Cultural Issues: Organizations  » Resources Added: National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
and MELD: Programs to Strengthen Families (MELD)
 

Disability Info - Speech & Language Impaired and Hearing Impairments » FACT SHEET: Telephone Access for People with Speech Disabilities

Events Calendar » Workshops from CHADD of Oakland/Macomb: Medication Update (February 11), The Explosive Child (March 11), Finding a Career that Works With ADHD (April 8), and Is It ADHD or ? (May 13) click here for more information.

Events Calendar » Free Overview: The Sensory System Connection: Dyslexia to Autism will take place on February 11, 2003.  This event will take place in Birmingham, MI - info

Children At-Risk and Community Schools » Featured Program: Lights On Afterschool! is the only nationwide event calling attention to after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.

Community Living - Recreation » List of Kids Clubs in Michigan (Alphabetical by City)

Medicaid and Recent Court Cases » COURT: Medicaid Rules Wrong on parent/Non-Parent Benefits
 

Children At-Risk » Resource Added: Eva’s Place provides a safe, supportive environment for victims of domestic and sexual assault.  Every person has the right to live a non-violent life, free of fear (located in Sanilac County, Michigan).

Disability Info - Hearing Impairments » Resource Added: Deafuture.com - Their mission is to provide access to information about laws, education, and related services to hearing families and relatives with deaf children, building a community that will enable them to reach their maximum potential.

Michigan News - Wayne County » Teen Court changes venue - Judge, student jury to sit at Plymouth High site.
 

01-28-03

Breaking News and Disability Info - Autism » A New Approach to Autism - MIND Institute Sees Parents as Essential to a Cure; According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism is now 10 times more common today than it was 10 years ago. What's behind the rise in the autism rate? Are we just diagnosing the disease better? [source]

Disability Info - Anorexia, Depression, Prader-Willi, and Schizophrenia » Jewels That May Help Explain Behavioral Disorders Found Among 'Junk' DNA - Scientists have been looking for genes that can explain behavioral disorders for 20 years without much success. According to L. Alison McInnes of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, that may be because they have been concentrating their efforts in the wrong places in the genome.

Community Living - Vacations » Free Michigan Vacation: Little Mary's - This facility is a year round, family oriented, FREE vacation located in Wellston, Michigan on Crystal Lake. It serves families who have children with catastrophic, debilitating, life threatening or terminal illnesses.

Disability Info - Fragile X Syndrome and Inspiration » Human Touch: Jake Porter’s emotional story has gripped the Southern Ohio region

Legal Research and Professional Development » New Copyright Exemptions for Distance Educators: The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act - click here for more info.

01-27-03

Breaking News » MI MDE Memo: Michigan's Budget Challenges & Opportunities

Charter Schools » Directory of Michigan Public School Academies Added

Disability Info - Autism » Making Their Way: Despite Critics, Autistic Youths Still Typing - Autism is like a heavy curtain between its sufferers and the outside world, and when facilitated communication was introduced, it seemed like the curtain had lifted and autistic people were at last able to reveal themselves.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform » Joel Klein's 'Principal' Challenge - Principals are retiring in record numbers, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein is threatening to fire 50 of them and big factory-like high schools and middle schools are being broken up into numerous smaller schools, each with a principal in charge.

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » Detroit Free Press Q & A: Protecting against lead paint, Detroit Free Press Lead Q & A: Protecting against tainted soil, and Education & Prevention: Few kids are tested, leaving thousands in need of help

Children At-Risk » Homeless Children and Youth: Resources - To ensure that homeless children and youth in Michigan have access to a free and appropriate public school education. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Subtitle VII-B) of 2002, part of No Child Left Behind, requires the Department to implement the following - click here to view.

About Us » Bridges4Kids Advisory Council Member Lee Porter: School Reinvents Learning - For Howell alternative class at Renaissance Alternative School, science can be fun.

Inspiration » Instructions for Life in the new millennium from the Dalai Lama

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with Sensory Integration (pdf version) - click here.

Disability Info » Specialty Glossary by Calvin & Tricia Luker: A Family Guide to Common Terms Associated with Speech Therapy (pdf version) - click here.

01-26-03

IEP Topics - Sample Letters and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » Letter requesting Functional assessment of behavior and positive behavior support plan - click here.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and IEP Topics - Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) » Felix is an inquisitive, resourceful 15-year-old high school student with traumatic brain injury. He has struggled academically and behaviorally for years. In middle school, when presented with a difficult or complex assignment, he would frequently whine, stomp his feet, or hit his teacher or another student. When reprimanded, Felix would often run out of the room and, on several occasions, left the school grounds without permission. Click here to download this brief and to learn about the plan developed for Felix (pdf version).

Private Schools » Resource: The National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) - A non-profit association whose mission is to represent private special education programs and affiliated state associations and to ensure access for individuals to appropriate private special education programs and services as vital components of the special education continuum. The association consists of private early intervention services, schools, residential therapeutic centers, and adult living programs that serve both privately and publicly placed individuals with disabilities.

Private Schools » Questions and Answers on Obligations of Public Agencies in Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents at Private Schools

Cultural Issues - Websites » Resource Added: Proyecto Vision - The First National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities - The World Institute On Disabilities has launched this program to address the lack of outreach to Latinos and to also assist Latinos with accessing critical services that lead to employment.

01-25-03

Parenting » U.K. Parental quality at issue - Study says kids raised by mom or dad alone have more problems.

Breaking News and Disability Info - Autism » Breaking Through: Boy Sheds Light on Autism Mysteries - Tito's mother had somehow found a way to communicate with her autistic son.
 

Breaking News » MI Interest Groups to Talk Tax Increases; Protest Planned

Breaking News » MI Straus, Gire, Curtin Head Education Board

 
Breaking News » MI House Committee Meeting Schedule for 2003

Events Calendar » MI-Access Live Teleconference on State Assessment for Students with Disabilities will take place on January 29, 2003 - info

Breaking News and Michigan » MI Confusion over its name concerns MINDS Program - Operators of a nonprofit, Oakland County mental health awareness agency fear their reputation could be undeservedly marred in connection with controversy over alleged wrongdoing at Oakland Schools.

Contact your Legislator » Resource: www.SpecialEdVoters.org is dedicated to identifying, endorsing, and publicizing political candidates that support special education and other related issues that affect children with special needs.

01-24-03

Breaking News » MI Michigan Alternative to Pro-Rata School Cuts Looks Less Likely

01-22-03

01-21-03

Breaking News » MI EARLY ON - JENNIFER GRANHOLM: Get involved to change young lives

Events Calendar » The Livingston County Family Support Network presents "Natural Health & The Immune System" (Howell, MI) this event will take place on February 25, 2003 - info

Events Calendar » Conference: "School Choice and Special Ed: Extending Choice and Opportunity to Children With Disabilities" will take place on February 13, 2003 and will be broadcast live via the Internet - info

Events Calendar » The Autism Society of Michigan's Spring Conference 2003 will take place on April 11, 2003 in Ann Arbor, MI - info

Events Calendar » The "Autism One" Conference will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on May 2-4, 2003 - info

01-20-03

Breaking News and Juvenile Justice » A Ray of Hope in the Juvenile Justice System

01-18-03

Breaking News » MI Report on Education Department to go to Granholm

Breaking News and Medicaid » MI State Assesses Federal Rule on Medicaid for Emergency Services

Breaking News and Child Care » MI Auditors Urge Better Records Review for Child Care Providers

Ask the Attorney » Question: I am a high school teacher. Recently I found out that a student's grade from last year has been changed without my consent. He failed the class because of lack of effort. The mom had him tested and found that he has an IQ of 89. She said the district was not meeting her son's needs. He does not qualify for special education. Does a district have the legal right to change my grade without my consent?  Answer: Click here to see John's Answer.

01-17-03

Events Calendar » FREE Workshops in Wayne County: Laws and Rights of Parents of Children with Special Needs, Single Parenting and its Implications, and Children's Literature and its Role in the Life of a Child - will take place on February 1, 2003 at Wayne County Community College.

Book Reviews » Children's Book & Workbook Review: For Pete's Sake! and A Workbook For Pete's Sake! by Linda Verville - Click here to read the Bridges4Kids review of these two books.

Events Calendar » VACCINE SEMINAR: The Sanctity of Human Blood - dates throughout 2003; locations in California, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Florida, Washington, and Nevada.

Inspiration » Give Life a Chance - There aren't many people that know the story behind my own son's birth.  It's just one of those things I've been silent on, and not one I have shared with Ben or his sister.  In the words that follow, you will understand why.

Inspiration » The Blueberry Story - A business leader learns his lesson. "I have received many kind words for telling the blueberry story, but the real credit goes to the teacher."

Breaking News and Bullying in Schools » AR 5 teens charged in taped assault - Group beat special education student at bus stop, police say.

Featured Website: The Stuttering Foundation of America - Provides free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.

01-16-03

Breaking News and IEP Issues - High Stakes Testing » Fail the Test, Forget the Diploma: No Exceptions for Special Education Students

Breaking News and Parenting » Safe, but sorry - Today's kids are more secure than ever, but their parents are more worried than ever. Are we 'protecting' our children to death?

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Mediation » MI Free mediation services - Free services can help schools and parents communicate before battle lines are drawn.  Call 1-800-8RESOLV (1-800-873-7658)
 

01-15-03

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » MI Fewer kids at risk for lead poisoning - New gasoline formulas bring a dramatic drop; other hazards persist.

Breaking News and Disability Issues - Mentally Impaired » MI Jail poses danger to mentally ill - Lack of staff training puts disturbed inmates at greater suicide risk.

Legal Research » National Council on Disability (NCD) Addresses Detrimental ADA Rulings by Supreme Court
 

Breaking News » Upcoming HBO Documentary: Graduating Peter - Some years ago, an excellent documentary entitled Educating Peter told the story of a child with mental retardation being included in a first grade general education class — the struggles and amazing successes. The video won several awards for it’s ability to engage the heart as well as mind.

01-14-03

Breaking News » MI Oakland Schools has new role for deputy - Official to take lead in restoring credibility.

Breaking News » MI State Schools Get Fed Funds for After-School Programs - Schools in 12 cities will receive nearly $11.2 million in federal money to help fund programs for students both before and after school, Governor Jennifer Granholm said Monday.

IEP Issues » Download the (pdf) Special Education Glossary by Calvin and Tricia Luker

Charter/Private Schools » Private Schools section updated.

Court Cases and Private Schools » Court Case Involving Unilateral Placement: Florence County Sch. Dist. IV v. Shannon Carter (510 U. S. 7) - Shannon’s parents filed this suit in July 1986, claiming that the school district had breached its duty under IDEA to provide Shannon with a “free appropriate public education,” § 1401(a)(18), and seeking reimbursement for tuition and other costs incurred at Trident. After a bench trial, the District Court ruled in the parents’ favor.

Michigan News - Job Opportunities » Kids Care of Michigan currently has opportunities to participate within the health plan. There are 3 available positions open for a Kids Care member, parent or primary caregiver of a child or adult member that has or is eligible for CSHCS.
 

Parenting and No Child Left Behind » Parent Involvement Policies and the Law: What Parents Need to Know

01-13-03

Breaking News » MI Editorial: The Time is Right for Changes at County Intermediate District

Breaking News and Disability Info - Dyslexia » U.K. Scientists Claim Dyslexia can be Treated in a Flash - A treatment for the symptoms of dyslexia that uses flashing lights to stimulate the brain can help sufferers improve their spelling and reading skills, its backers claim.
 

Disability Info - Dyslexia » Schoolboy's Dyslexia Website Wins Plaudits - A website set up by a dyslexic boy to help other people with dyslexia has been named one of the top 12 sites of 2002 by Yahoo! UK & Ireland.

Breaking News and Inspiration » David Jayne Is New Mobility's Person of the Year! - David Jayne, imprisoned by ALS, is fighting the Medicare homebound rule that says he must be a prisoner in his home to receive support services.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » Introduction to Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) by Tricia Luker

Medicaid » The Medicaid HCB Waiver: The Alternative to Institutionalization
 

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Childhood snoring study links sleep problems to hyperactivity - New research suggests children who snore face nearly double the risk of being inattentive and hyperactive, providing fresh evidence of an intriguing link between sleep problems and attention deficit disorders.

Breaking News and Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Parents Must Make Hard Decisions To Help Their Son - Like most parents, Dennis and Cindy Collins of Loris were excited about their son Zach's first day of kindergarten last year. To their surprise, however, only two days into the school year, the Collins received notification from Daisy Elementary that he had been suspended for disorderly conduct.
 

01-12-03

Breaking News » MI Oakland Schools: Redmond stripped of duties

Patient Bill of Rights » Question:  I was under the impression that it is impossible to sue insurance companies and that is one reason why legislators were pushing for a patients bill of rights.  Is this true?  Answer:  Click here to read Tricia Luker's answer.

01-11-03

Child Care/Respite » The Child Care Bureau - The Child Care Bureau is dedicated to enhancing the quality, affordability, and availability of child care for all families. The Child Care Bureau administers federal funds to states, territories, and tribes to assist low-income families in accessing quality child care for children when the parents work or participate in education or training.

Breaking News and Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Ritalin is safe - and it works - Research dispels fears that drug hurts kids, and finds that it actually helps brains grow.

Links - Education » Updated: Hot List of K-12 School Sites online which includes a master registry of K-12 schools, organized by state and grade level. 

01-10-03

Breaking News and Parental Involvement » Calling All Parents: Wireless phones on campuses offer quick access for teachers

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » More Parent Power: New Law Pledges Details on Needy Schools - Parents haven't even begun to realize their new power under the No Child Left Behind Act, pushed by President George W. Bush and approved by Congress last year.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » LA States argue schools can't measure up - The problem being cited by many state and local officials is that the law also requires school systems to raise the achievement levels of students in each of five racial and ethnic subgroups, as well as among low-income students, those with limited English skills and disabled students every year.

Breaking News, Immunization Information, and Disability Info - Autism » Debate over vaccine amendment - Last-minute addition to homeland security bill shields makers.

Breaking News and Community Living - Housing » MI New program helps disabled buy homes - Special community partnership assists 2 local women with home ownership.

Ask the Advocate » Question:  I have a boy in my 6th grade class that was diagnosed with Lupus at the beginning of the school year. He has missed 18 days already this year. I have actually taken assignments to his house and the hospital for him, but he continues to fall behind. IEP requests were refused twice b/c he would not be attending special education classes in school. The principal even had the nerve to tell this boy's father that he shouldn't be in school and should have a private tutor.  He is very bright and I would hate to see him fall further behind, but without an IEP providing the steps that need to be taken for him, its inevitable. I have even offered my own personal assistance when he is unable to attend school, but the admin refuses.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Answer:  Click here to see our answer.

Events Calendar » COPAA's Fifth Conference will be held at the Hyatt Orlando in Kissimmee, Florida, on March 13-16, 2003.  The COPAA conference will be of most interest to parents, advocates and attorneys who represent or are interested in representing special education students.  Click here for more info.

Children At-Risk » Ohio firm succeeds with new ways of educating dropouts - Do states need new kinds of schools that educate high school dropouts?
 

01-09-03

Upcoming Events » WEB CAST: Self-Determination -- A Transfer of Power - January 22, 2003, 3:00 Eastern with Tom Nerney, President of the Center for Self-Determination

Events Calendar » Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council's Fourth Annual Legislative Reception will take place on February 18, 2003 in Lansing, Michigan - info

01-08-03

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » Introduction to FBA and PBS: Functional Behavioral Assessment by the Center for Effective Collaboration & Practice (CECP) - This website gives relatively clear information and provides some templates for collecting data in a pdf file format.

Disability Info - Autism » Five Early Signs of Autism - Timmy was the perfect baby. Quiet and complacent, at 10 months he could play by himself for hours, allowing me to read the paper or do the housework. Unlike our friends' children, Timmy was so much less demanding of our attention.

Contact Your Legislator » MI Updated Gongwer Directories to State Government Available Online - Updated directories of executive branch and legislative officials are online at <www.gongwer.com/gongdir.html>. The directories for House and Senate members include clickable icons for each member's email address, their office location and telephone and fax numbers.

Breaking News and Home Schooling » CO Testing Rules Sock Colorado Cyber School - A dispute erupted when the ratings came out on the Branson Alternative School. State officials marked Branson down as one of the worst schools in the state, but angry supporters blame brick-and-mortar rules for artificially depressing the online school’s results.

Breaking News and Community Living » MI Open-Captioned Movies in Metro Detroit Every Week - EMAGINE Novi has made a commitment to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities and will present a new open-captioned movie each week with show times throughout the day, everyday.

01-07-03

Breaking News » U.S. 'No Child Left Behind' a Misnomer? - U.S. policy might alienate disabled.

Inspiration » Read the Article:  For the Love of Pete - Linda Verville saw a lesson to be shared in the life of her deaf and blind dog Pete, and decided to write a children's book.

Legal Research » NEW! Abused Child Returns to School With Legal Protections from Wrightslaw's Special Ed Advocate - "Sometimes, we learn about a case that triggers intense emotions and a strong desire to right a wrong. Alex R.'s case triggered these responses. We are waiting to hear if Illinois school officials will right this wrong."

Featured Resource: The non-profit American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse, run by St. Clare's Health Services in New Jersey, helps families and professionals to find and form self-help support groups for almost any specific illness, disability, addiction, bereavement situation, parenting, caregiver concern, abuse, or other stressful life situation.

Upcoming Events » Macomb/St. Clair ASA Sweetheart Ball - The Macomb/St. Clair County Chapter of the Autism Society of America cordially invites you to attend our Annual Sweetheart Ball on February 8th.  Click here for more information.

College and Financial Aid » College Savings Advice Websites:  www.collegesavings.org and www.savingforcollege.com

Disability Info - Hearing Impaired » Class Helps 3-year-old Through Disability - With five of his classmates, Christopher sits in a diminutive chair at a low table eating a snack at Lynchburg City School's Hutcherson Early Learning Center.

Breaking News » New Teaching Approach Shuns Labeling Children - Sonia DeAgazio's Clifton third-graders listening to the words as they followed along with the book, part of the Schools Attuned method.

Breaking News » Art That Heals - At first glance, the casual observer might suspect it to be an abstract by a professional artist, a medium-sized piece of work that would fall into the same category as other abstracts that adorn the museum's walls.

Community Living - Transportation » The US Department of Transportation has just announced a web site for individuals with disabilities to submit comments on transportation services for individuals with disabilities. Click here for more information.

01-06-03

Children At-Risk » Ozone House - Founded in 1969, Ozone House, located in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan, was a pioneer in creating services to runaway and homeless youth.  Now Ozone House serves all youth in crisis.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » 1st International Conference on PBS - The World of PBS: Science, Values & Vision - March 26 & 27, 2003 in Orlando, Florida

Contest Notification & Details: (AACC) Autism Arts Conference Connection Contest 2003 - where winners select their own conference to attend (no purchase necessary).

01-05-03

Breaking News and Disability Info - Autism » Study: Autism in Rhode Island by Dr. Ed Yazbak - Read the report from Dr. Yazbak on his findings during this study in Rhode Island.  "It was sad to write.  I hope that it increases awareness...."

Ask the Attorney » Question: I have just discovered that my child's Title I funded school has not complied with the parent involvement requirement since 1996. The principal wrote and disseminated a home/school compact on her own without ever holding a parent meeting or even consulting the PTO organization. Parent involvement in this school is virtually non-existent and clearly, the administration prefers it that way. What recourse do concerned parents have?  Answer:  Click here to see John's Answer.

Parenting - Health Questions & Answers » What's earwax? Why do I have a belly button? What's a burp? You asked and we answered! Check out the answers to all your health questions - click here.

Section Updated: Adoption Information & Resources

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Health Alert: FDA Approves New AD/HD Drug; New Drug Exempt From Some Prescription Rules - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new drug to help people with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). The drug is called Strattera. It is the first ADHD drug not defined as a stimulant. What does that mean? It is exempt from some strict prescription rules and patients will be able to call for refills and get samples from doctors. No more pick-up only, 30-day limited prescriptions that expire in a few days!

01-04-03

Events Calendar » "Diagnosis and Treatment of AD/HD: Complex Cases" will take place in Grand Rapids on January 21, 2003 - info

Events Calendar » Educational Lecture of New Zealand “Dyslexia & Mathematics” - Lecture series runs during March and April 2003 - click here for more information.

01-03-03

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » MI Detroit Must Get The Lead Out - Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has embraced the slogan, "Kids, Cops, Clean" in creating a focus for his administration. Part of that program must include addressing the health concerns of as many as 18,000 children who have some level of lead poisoning in their systems.

Community Living » Entertainment EXTRA!  Movies featuring characters with disabilities - Disability is a minority that has been featured in some way throughout Hollywood's history -- from major star turns like Sean Penn's in "I am Sam" to smaller parts such as John Leguizamo playing Toulouse-Lautrec in "Moulin Rouge!"  iCAN has put together a wonderful list of movies crossing all genres and disabilities.  Check it out!

01-01-03

Breaking News, Child Care, and New Legislation » MI Engler Signs into Law Bill Exempting School-Based Child Care from Licensing Requirements

12-31-02

12-30-02

Ask the Advocate » Question: I have a 9 year-old son in the 4th grade.  He has been diagnosed with Autism and is included in a regular ed setting with adaptations, modifications, and a full-time teacher's aide.  My question is about social skills and how to write goals and objectives for the IEP.  Do you have any suggestions, ideas, or know of any models that may be useful to me and the team?  Answer:  Click here to see our answer.

12-28-02

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Read the article "Experts Advise Treating Kids With ADHD Just Like Other Kids in Most Situations" - Evidence Shows That Following This Advice When Teens Learn to Drive Can Be A Dangerous Mistake.
 

Legal Research » Lawyer Software Gets Thumbs Up - Nature sends fleas to irritate dogs and lawyers to irritate humans. But there are software programs that can minimize the legal bite and itch, and one of them is Family Lawyer 2003 Deluxe Home and Business from Broderbund software for Windows 98 and later machines.
 

Bullying » Secret Service Offers School Security Tips - Agents Tout Tactics Used to Protect VIPs.
 

12-27-02

Breaking News, Inspiration, and College » CA Don't take it out on the students - A community college teacher writes the governor.
 

12-26-02

Breaking News, General Ed Reform, and Cultural Diversity » Truth in Labeling - When it comes to special ed and African-American kids, it's time for... Truth in Labeling.

Immunizations » New shot may curtail crybabies - FDA approves five-in-one immunization for infants. But, vaccine overload/Autism link not explored.

Breaking News and Bullying » Big Legal Victories For Gay Students And Teachers - In groundbreaking rulings, the courts have sent school boards a clear message: Do more to stop gay bashing or pay the price.

IEP Issues - Evaluation and Due Process » Factors to Consider when Selecting an Expert by Rosemary Palmer, Esq.
  

IEP Issues - Evaluation and Due Process » Using an Expert as An Effective Resource by Jennifer L. Bollero, Esq. - Expert opinions are necessary in special education. No matter how knowledgeable they are about their disabled children, parents should rely on the opinions of trained professionals to help them make informed decisions about therapeutic and educational interventions.
 

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » Low-Performing Schools Sign Up for Tutoring Services - Utah's low-performing schools are inking expensive, and, they hope, effective deals to offer free tutoring services to low-income students as required under the federal No Child Left Behind education reform law.

Legal Research, IEP Issues - Evaluation, and Due Process » Observations from the Transom by Brice Palmer - Beyond the technical, legal, and ethical considerations of expert witness testimony is the continuing effort by education agencies and their legal counsel to restrict the ability of parent attorneys and advocates to adequately argue on behalf of disabled children and their parents.

Community Living » FEATURED RESOURCE SITE: Independent Life Resources - A World of Resources for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and the chronically ill. Assistance available for those who provide for their care, health needs, and support. Includes easy-to-use directories, articles, news, community-based program materials, and consulting services.

IEP Issues - Sample Letters » Links to letters added, including complaint letter templates.

IEP Issues - Goals and Objectives » Resource Publication: The Assessment of Basic Language and  Learning Skills - Tells where your child is and what his next goal should be in 26 different areas.

Parenting » Through the Looking Glass is a non-profit agency that works with families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. 

12-24-02

Breaking News, General Ed Reform » Ohio firm succeeds with new ways of educating dropouts - Life Skills schools emphasize computer labs, constant testing.

Literacy » CA Learning to love books, even before reading - Program lends materials to eager kids.

Disability Info - Autism » PA "Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Services For Children with Autism-Related Disorders" (pdf version) results from statewide hearings held throughout Pennsylvania to identify areas in which services should focus to bring about positive results for young children with autism-related disorders.

Education YES! » Education YES! PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. J. Hughes (12/02)

12-23-02

Breaking News » MI Lawmakers to return Dec. 30 for charter school bill

Children At-Risk » School District Mission Widens - Being homeless meant moving across the street for Fruitridge Elementary School first-grader Cameron Thomas.

Disability Info - Autism » The Hands-On Parent Education (HOPE) Center, a program offered by Beaumont Hospital's Center for Human Development, provides intervention for families with preschool-age children diagnosed with autism.  Click here for more information.

Upcoming Events » FREE Presentations: For more information call Wendy Pohl 768-5256  Reviving De-Motivated Students - January 10 from 1 – 3:30 p.m., Kratz Ed Service Center, Room 1-2-3, John VerHeek, Ph.D., Presenter, The objectives of this workshop are to focus on the needs of students who are opting out of the system; techniques for promoting recommitment using the determined student’s strengths and vulnerabilities will be explored.  Autism Spectrum Disorders: Writing Social Stories – Correct, Concede and Teach - January 23 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kratz Ed Service Center, Room 1-2-3, Carol Gray, Special Ed Consultant, Presenter, Participants will learn how to write and implement Social Stories as well as a variety of other ideas to clarify social information.  Crisis Prevention Intervention - January 23 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kratz Ed Service Center, Room 122, Jennie Trap, Ph.D., Presenter, Clarifies elements of violent behavior, identifying how a crisis may escalate and conversely, de-escalate.  Parent Session on Direct Instruction - February 20 from 7 – 9 p.m., Kratz Educational Service Center, Room 1-2-3, Jackson, Michigan, Molly Blakely, Curriculum Specialist, Presenter, Direct instruction is a specific instructional approach in which students are taught specific skills and content in a very precise manner. Instruction is repeated until students master the skill before moving on to new skills.  

12-22-02

Breaking News and Bullying » Gay Bashing Most Common Bullying in Schools - Gay slurs have become the insult of choice among school bullies.

12-21-02

Breaking News and Literacy » Family Literacy: A Strategy for Educational Improvement - There is an overwhelming relationship between parental education levels, parental involvement, and children's school success. Family literacy directly affects the role and effectiveness of parents in helping their children learn.  Click here to download the pdf brief (size=222kb).

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » PA Schools rarely test water for lead - The dangerous metal can leach from plumbing. With no requirement, problems can be missed, experts say.

Breaking News » MI Gongwer 12-20-02 Governor's Appointments

Breaking News and Foster Care » MI Legislature Passes Bill Providing for Pilot Foster Parent Resource Centers

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. States Strive Toward Federal Compliance - While most states have moved quickly to meet the student testing requirements of the "No Child Left Behind Act" of 2001, a majority have not defined how they will measure "adequate yearly progress," how many students from a subgroup (disabled, racial minority, etc.) are needed in a school before their test scores will count for accountability purposes, or how to define a "highly qualified" teacher.

Breaking News, General Ed Reform, and Inspiration » Off to See the Wizard - When you add what the Scarecrow wants (a brain) to what the Tin Man wants (a heart) to what the Lion wants (courage) to what Dorothy wants (a home), you end up with a fully educated person.

12-20-02

Breaking News » "Leadership for a Changing World" - Leadership for a Changing World is seeking nominations of community leaders across the country who are successfully tackling tough social problems.

No Child Left Behind » Check out this guide available from Wrightslaw: A Parent's Guide to No Child Left Behind, by Suzanne Heath

Cultural Issues » Equity and Opportunity: Profoundly Multicultural Questions - We must address the deeply ingrained inequities of today's schools by asking difficult questions related to equity and access.
 

Breaking News and College » The Anne Ford Scholarship - Closing Date:  December 31, 2002; Amount:  $10,000 award; Eligible Applicants:  The National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc. (NCLD) is seeking applicants for the Anne Ford Scholarship, which is available to students of high merit in public or private secondary schools with an identified learning disability (LD). Financial need will be strongly considered.  Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Only U.S. citizens are eligible. Click here for more information.

Breaking News and Recent Court Cases » Gongwer 12-18-02 Supreme Court to Hear Durant IV Case

12-19-02

Breaking News and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » MI Program Targets Behavioral Ills - Approach helps kids discipline themselves.

12-18-02

12-17-02

Breaking News and Literacy » TX Reading by Nine: Brain studies may lead to reading revolution

Breaking News and Disability Info - Depression » The Kids are Hurting - Gripped by depression and anxiety, adolescents are swamping psychiatric wards and therapists' offices across the country.  "If this were an infectious disease, we would call this an epidemic."

Breaking News and General Ed Reform » Teacher Substitute costs are Reduced - The program assigns each campus a budget for substitute teachers and, at the end of the year, surplus funds are divided among the teachers at the school. [source]

IEP Topics - Discipline » PA Kindergartners Becoming More Frequent Targets of Suspension - The U.S. Department of Education does not break down school suspensions by grade level, but several researchers said they see anecdotal evidence that the youngest schoolchildren are being suspended more frequently. Kindergartners becoming more frequent targets of suspensions, researchers say.

Breaking News and Charter Schools » MI Gongwer 12-14-02 Charter Bill Felled by Impatient Senate, Plodding House

Breaking News » MI At school's new center, animals help students reach their goals - Therapy program offers interaction, rewards for progress; Students at Lansing's Beekman Center have a new place to do their work: Joe's Pet Shop.

12-16-02

Breaking News » MI Gongwer 12-12-02 Statewide Election of University Board Members Preserved

Positive Behavior Support: Section Updated

12-15-02

Breaking News and Professional Development » Honoring the Teacher's Heart - I am the son of two recently retired New York City Board of Education public school teachers. Combined, they racked up sixty-five years of service.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform » Tutor Restoration - Test-prep firms like Princeton Review are invading our grade schools. This is: a) good. b) bad.

12-14-02

Breaking News and School Climate » Students still afraid despite fewer school weapons, crime. Why? Bullies. - Metal detectors and surveillance cameras have sharply reduced weapons and crime at the nation's schools, but a government report says students are more afraid on school grounds than off because of a problem that hasn't changed: the school bully.

IEP Issues - Transition » New Resource Available! The Transition Services Project (TSP) has developed a new listserv. The list is TSPNews@match.org. Information will be posted regularly regarding upcoming events, grant opportunities, etc. on this list.  You can learn more about Michigan TSP by visiting them at www.mitsp.org. 

Featured Website: American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse - A keyword-searchable database of over 1000 national and international self-help support groups for addictions, bereavement, health, mental health, disabilities, abuse, parenting, caregiver concerns and other stressful life situations. Also lists local self-help clearinghouses worldwide, research studies, information on starting face-to-face and online groups, and a registry for persons interested in starting national or international self-help groups. Website made possible in partnership with Mental Health Net, the world's oldest and largest online mental health guide.

Ask the Attorney » Question: What can I do if an administrative complaint I made has been found valid but nothing has been done to address what my child lost due to the school not complying with IDEA?  Answer: Click here to see John's Answer.

Events Calendar » Michigan Collaborative Early Childhood Conference: January 22-24, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan - info

Events Calendar » NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Validator Training: January 24-25, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan - info

Events Calendar » MiAEYC 2003 Annual Conference: March 27-29, 2003 at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids, Michigan - info

Section updated:  PAC/SEAC/SPAC

12-13-02

Breaking News and Ed YES! » MI State Board finalizes plan to grade schools

12-12-02

Breaking News and Ed YES! » MI School ratings under Ed Yes! Letter grades would reveal more than MEAP scores - MI has wrestled for too many years over how to rate its schools.  On December 12th, the state Board of Education finally should launch an accreditation system that gives a letter grade, like a report card, to every public school.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform » Complaints About Teachers May Fall on Deaf Ears

Breaking News and Legal Research » You can now order your WrightsLaw books & resources through Bridges4Kids! - WrightsLaw will contribute a portion of every purchase made through this link to us.

Breaking News » MI Gongwer 12-10-02 Governor's Appointments

12-09-02

12-06-02

12-05-02

Breaking News » U.S. Bush signs tougher kids seat belt law

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Assistive Technology » Computer Mouse Designed for Little Hands - Savvy woman sees a need & designs a better computer tool for children's little hands & limited motor skills.

Breaking News and Detroit » MI Detroit Schools to hire auditor - Spending errors cause Burnley to add staff member to oversee purchase program.

Breaking News and Vaccination Information » Smallpox vaccine side effects catch doctors by surprise - As physical specimens, the Baylor University students were fit and healthy, the "creme de la creme," in the words of researcher Kathy Edwards. Yet when she inoculated them with smallpox vaccine, arms swelled, temperatures spiked and panic spread.

Breaking News and Charter Schools » MI Charter school study finds support is solid - MSU report may play role in effort to lift current cap.

Events Calendar » "There is Hope for your Out-of-Sync Child" will take place on December 11, 2002 in Waterford, Michigan - info

Medicaid Questions & Answers » Question: My 18 year old was approved for SSI early this year.  Two weeks ago he got his Medicaid card with a letter telling him that he must join a Medicaid health Plan to receive benefits.  We are in Wayne County and I would like to ask for some input which plan would be a good choice.  Click here for the answer.

PAC/SEAC/SPAC » Macomb County PAC Reps and Alternates Needed!  Click here to view the updated list of Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee Representatives and Alternates needed.

Medicaid/SSI/FSS » Medicaid Waivers in the State of Michigan:  The Michigan Department of Community Mental Health handles the Medicaid Waivers. They have closed the waiver slots for all adults and children. Michigan Protection and Advocacy (MPAS) has initiated action against the state for this. Here is a link to the article from MPAS regarding the waiver issue: http://www.mpas.org/Article.asp?TOPIC=10854.  Additionally, the requirements to meet skilled nursing needs in the state of Michigan changed radically as of February 1, 2002.

New topics added:  Community Schools and Brain-based Research

12-04-02

12-03-02

Breaking News » MI Local Comment: State needs a bigger cut of federal money - Better return would ease budget deficit.

Breaking News and Respite » Lifespan Respite Care Bill to be Introduced By The National Respite Coalition

Breaking News » MI Gongwer 12-03-02 Governor's Appointments

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. Federal rules put schools to test - Rules force penalizing schools when special-ed students fail to make gains on tests.  New federal education rules will force Florida to do what it has never done: penalize public schools when special-education students fail to make acceptable gains on statewide tests.

Breaking News and Literacy » MA Schools seek early reading on low scorers - Somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of Newton students are not reading at a proficient level ...and, the non-proficiency rate for students of color and students receiving subsidized lunches is more than twice the rate of the general school population.  Now, for the first time since 1973, each of Newton's 15 elementary schools has a full-time literacy specialist.

12-02-02

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Assistive Technology » MD Step-climbing wheelchair clears panel - Stairs soon may no longer be insurmountable obstacles for some of the nation's 2 million wheelchair users.