Bridges4Kids News Digest

National News	*top*
SCHOOL SEGREGATION GROWING IN CALIFORNIA, STUDY FINDS Civil Rights Project, Harvard University http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/education/13643511.htm California's schools are among the most segregated in the nation -- and they are becoming even more divided, with Latino and African-American students clustered together and isolated from whites. "Segregation is growing in degree and complexity as the nation becomes increasingly multiracial," said Gary Orfield, lead author of the report. "We have to get away from thinking of segregation as something that came out of the Old South -- and think about how it's happening in the new California." In general, the study said, schools with high concentrations of blacks and Latinos have less-qualified teachers, lower levels of student competition, more limited curriculum, more serious health problems and a higher dropout rate. There are also fewer fluent native speakers of standard English, a skill that's essential in college. Bridges4Kids Documentary Review: Murderball Bridges4Kids, January 10, 2006 “More intense and nerve-racking than anything you’ve ever seen on Sports Center.” - Details This gripping documentary chronicles the ongoing rivalry between Team USA and Team Canada in “murderball” – the original name for wheelchair rugby. Filmmakers were given a two and a half year all-access pass to the locker rooms, bedrooms, families and churches of several of the American athletes as they trained for and competed in Athens at the 2004 Paralympics. These are unforgettable athletes. As one filmmaker said, “The guys we got to know get up earlier, exercise longer, eat healthier, travel more, get hotter girlfriends, and most of them can kick our aes.” Many are now training for the 2008 showdown at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. This is a great movie that will have you on the edge of your seat. Now out on DVD. Warning: Contains graphic language and some frank sex scenes. Enhancing High School Reform: Lessons from Site Visits to Four Cities (PDF)** American Youth Policy Forum, November 2005 http://wwwaypf.org/publications/EnhancingHSReform.pdf This report from the American Youth Policy Forum summarizes practices and policies that were successful in innovative high schools visited recently by national policymakers. STUDY SHOWS PILOT SCHOOLS MAKING SUBSTANTIAL GAINS (PDF) Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) http://www.ccebos.org/ProgressPromise_exec.summ.pdf Unique to Boston, Pilot Schools are generally small schools that set their own course in everything from curriculum and budget to schedule and staffing. Each Pilot School is guided by its own governing board. A study released by the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) found Pilot School students performing better than the district averages across every indicator of student engagement and performance, at every grade level, and on every test administered as part of the MCAS (the state standardized test). They also had a higher college going rate, higher attendance and lower suspension rates. Dan French, Executive Director of CCE, said, "This data suggests that the Pilot model of granting schools control over their resources and holding them to increased accountability is a powerful formula for improving our urban public schools." Abuse of the Stimulant Adderall is Prevalent Among Students, Who Use it as a Study Aid Kara Hughett, Jacksonville Times-Union, January 9, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/Hughett1-9-06.html#top Ron Woodall began taking Adderall when he was 11 years old. He had already been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and had the usual signs: His attention was everywhere and his grades were lousy. When he got to college, he found out there was a lot of interest in his pills. Friends began asking for them. Drug Abuse: Get Ready For New 'Ice' Age Providence Journal, January 22, 2006 http://www.projo.com/education/content/projo_20060122_edwatch22.34a6bbf.html Bend your knees, Eastern Seaboard, you are probably in for a nasty new drug epidemic. New Bullying Prevention Web Site Launched http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org Children in second through sixth grades now have an entertaining, safe way to learn how to respond to bullying. PACER's new Kids Against Bullying Web site includes a cast of 12 animated characters, celebrity videos, kid videos, Webisodes, games, contests, stories, artwork, poems, information, and much more. While the site is for all children, children with disabilities are specifically integrated throughout the Web site. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: PBS Teacher Source http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/ This amazing website has over 3,000 lesson plans, online professional development opportunities, cross-curriculum projects, and much more. You can search for information by topic areas such as arts and literature, health and fitness, math, science, social studies, pre-K-2, and library media.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
NCLB: What Parents Need to Know Peter Kickbush, The Achiever, January 19, 2006 Parents and community leaders looking to understand how the No Child Left Behind law benefits their children may glean a greater knowledge of the legislation from a new brochure published by the U.S. Department of Education. No Child Left Behind: What Parents Need to Know summarizes the tenets of the 2002 law that seeks to ensure a high-quality education for every student and to close the achievement gap between children who typically perform well in school and those who do not—many of whom are from minority racial and ethnic groups, have disabilities, live in poverty, or do not speak English as their first language. The 12-page illustrated brochure provides, in simple language, the principles of the law that hold accountable all public K-12 schools, defining such terms as "accountability," "adequate yearly progress" and "flexibility." The publication also explains how schools are accountable to parents in providing report cards that reveal how a student, the school, the district and the state are faring based on test results data. Included is a sample graphic of a report card that simplifies these data. For a copy of No Child Left Behind: What Parents Need to Know, visit http://www.ed.gov or order it toll-free, while supplies last, at (877) 4ED-PUBS with identification number EAT0264P. The Center for Rural Education http://www.ed.gov/nclb/freedom/local/rural/ The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new resource on the specific issues facing rural schools - particularly the challenges in implementing No Child Left Behind. The Center will provide information to local, state, and federal policymakers. Nearly 42 percent of the country's public schools are in rural communities or small towns. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Self-Discipline May Beat Smarts as Key to Success Jay Mathews, Washington Post, January 17, 2006 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/16/AR2006011600788.html A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers suggests that self-discipline and self-denial could be a key to saving U.S. schools. According to a recent article by Angela L. Duckworth and Martin E.P. Seligman in the journal Psychological Science, self-discipline is a better predictor of academic success than even IQ. “We believe that many of America's children have trouble making choices that require them to sacrifice short-term pleasure for long-term gain, and that programs that build self-discipline may be the royal road to building academic achievement." Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: AblePlay http://www.ableplay.org A toy rating system and website that provides comprehensive information on toys for children with special needs so parents, special educators, therapist and others can make the best choices for the children in their lives with disabilities. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network http://www.nathhan.com/ A Christian-based homeschooling network focused on children with special needs. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: BrainPOP http://www.BrainPop.com A web site that features hundreds of educational topics covering English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, and Technology. BrainPOP movies are correlated to the National Education Standards for Grades 5-8, which means that the movies are created based on what kids have to know. While BrainPOP is designed for grades 5-8, users range from age 8 to age 18. BrainPOP topics are explored with 2-5 minute Animated Movies, Interactive Quizzes, Experiments, Comic Strips, Timelines, How-To features and Printable Activity Pages. Sign up for a free 14-day trial. One year family subscriptions are $79. Special rates are available for teachers and schools. Financial Aid Tips http://www.financialaidtips.org This very comprehensive website should be the first place you visit for financial aid information. Everything you need to know about is here. The site sponsor is a former financial aid counselor at a major university who also worked as a loan officer for a major student loan provider. He writes, "I have written this site as a free public service to students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not be aware of all the resources available to them." Safety Tips & Safety Checklists (PDF) SafeKidsUSA Child Care for Providers and Parents - English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF38.pdf Fire Safety - English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/fire_checklist.pdf Fire Safety - Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/fire-Span.pdf Follow the Leader - English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/SK_Week_2005_checklist.pdf Follow the Leader - Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF130D.pdf Home Safety - English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/home-Eng.pdf Home Safety - Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/home-Span.pdf Pedestrian Safety - English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF4C9.pdf Pedestrian Safety - Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ped-Span.pdf Poison Safety--English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/Poison_Safety.pdf Poison Safety--Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/Poison_Safety--Spanish.pdf Water Safety Checklist For Adults -English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF277C.pdf Water Safety Checklists for Adults -Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF277E.pdf Water Safety Checklist for Kids -English http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF2780.pdf Water Safety Checklist for Kids -Spanish http://www.usa.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF2782.pdf For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
Early Childhood Programs Entail Costs, but the Paybacks Could Be Substantial Lynn A. Karoly, M. Rebecca Kilburn, Jill S. Cannon, James H. Bigelow, and Rachel Christina http://www.rand.org/publications/randreview/issues/fall2005/returns.html For the substantial percentage of children who are disadvantaged there is now a critical mass of completed scientific research to answer the underlying question of whether early childhood intervention programs can yield long-term benefits. We have compiled solid evidence that investments in high-quality early childhood programs do promote healthy physical, mental, social, and emotional development among children at risk, improving their subsequent life outcomes during school age and beyond. A Variety of Early Childhood Interventions Have Generated Favorable Economic Returns RAND Review, Fall 2005 http://www.rand.org/publications/randreview/issues/fall2005/cpiece.html Economic analyses of early childhood interventions have shown that effective programs can repay the investments through government savings, social benefits, and individual benefits. Such favorable economic returns have been demonstrated for programs that use various approaches to early intervention, including those that focus on home visiting or parent education, as well as those that combine home visiting or parent education services with early childhood education. The programs named in the table below have been subjected to rigorous benefit-cost analyses. MI ISD Districts Awarded Over $1 Million to Offer Early Education Gongwer News Service, January 11, 2006 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/1-06/Gongwer1-11-06.htm The Early Childhood Investment Corporations on Wednesday awarded $1.24 million in grants designed to increase learning capacity for young children. Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Winter Arts Education World's Early Childhood Education Newsletter, January 9, 2006 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/1-06/ECE1-9-06.htm It's a brand new year - a time when many of us entertain thoughts of new goals, new ideas, or new experiences. Bring some newness into your classroom by incorporating the arts into everything. MI Download the Key Player Packet for Winter 2006 (PDF; size=539k) http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/KeyPlayerWinterJan2006.pdf For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Free Bulk Copies Available: Family Guide to Respite for Children in Michigan http://www.bridges4kids.org/fswg/FamilyGuideToRespite.pdf Printed copies of the booklet Family Guide to Respite for Children in Michigan (follow link above) can be ordered at NO CHARGE. Parent groups, nonprofits...let us know how many you want (in multiples of 50), your name, organization, address, and how you plan to use them. Hurry - supplies will go fast! You must be a Michigan-based organization or group to receive these booklets. Send requests to igafoteo@ameritech.net. The Michigan Volunteer Registry is Live http://www.bridges4kids.org/counties/Volunteer.htm#registry The Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP) has officially launched the MI Volunteer Registry. The on-line system is currently taking names and information from willing volunteers prepared to assist in the case of a natural or public health emergency. To register go to www.mivolunteerregistry.org. You may also visit the OPHP Website at www.michigan.gov/ophp for more information. Additional help is available by contacting help-mivolunteerregistry@michigan.gov or 866-636-6324. Michigan Department of Education Information on Nonpublic and Home Schools (PDF) Michigan Department of Education, August 2005 http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Info2005_132227_7.pdf Auxiliary Services for Nonpublic School Children Michigan Department of Education http://www.state.mi.us/orr/emi/admincode.asp?AdminCode=Single&Admin_Num=34000291&Dpt=ED&RngHigh=; Job Opportunity: Public Health Parent Partner The Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Family & Community Health is seeking a Public Health Parent Partner to work with the Early On system. This part-time position is based in Lansing, Michigan. Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/2006MDCH-PH-EO.pdf to view the job description (PDF). Application process closes on February 7, 2006. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Michigan State Board of Education's New High School Graduation Requirements http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-38924---,00.html
Disability News	*top*
Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: Wrightslaw's Yellow Pages for Kids http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com Looking for Professionals in Your Area? To answer your requests for help, Wrightslaw built Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities for every state and territory. Your state Yellow Pages includes listings for psychologists, educational diagnosticians, therapists, health care providers, academic tutors, special education schools, advocates, attorneys, support and study groups, and others who provide services to parents and children. Getting Listed: If you help parents and caregivers get services for children with disabilities (i.e., as an evaluator, educational consultant, academic tutor, advocate, attorney, special ed school, etc.) or you facilitate a support or study group, please submit an application be listed on your state Yellow Pages for Kids. Just send an email to app@yellowpagesforkids.com for an application then follow the instructions that are sent back to you. It's quick, easy - and free! Bridges4Kids Book Review: Special Needs Trust Administration Manual: A Guide for Trustees Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, January 24, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel.html#12 The Special Needs Trust Administration Manual is an invaluable guide for anyone who is managing a Special Needs Trust for a person with disabilities. Free Health Guide for Adults with Spina Bifida (PDF) Spina Bifida Association of America http://www.sbaa.org/site/DocServer/SBAA_Health_GuideCD.pdf A comprehensive, easy-to-use manual, from the Spina Bifida Association of America, that will help guide you to good health. There are chapters that include what you need to know about: feeling great, looking good, living healthy with spina bifida, and managing your own health. Growing Up Together: A Booklet About Friends with Autism (PDF) The Autism Society of America http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/Growing_Up_Booklet.pdf In this booklet, you will learn about kids you may meet who have autism and how you can be their friend. New Autism Resource Available American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/bst/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=4126 The 44-page booklet, developed by the Academy's Autism Expert Panel, was written to answer the questions of parents of children who have ASD or used as a resource for health care professionals to provide to parents upon their child's diagnosis. The booklet defines ASD, discusses the clinical features, and describes the full range of interventions commonly used with children with ASD over the lifespan. The booklet also addresses special concerns in the teen and adult years as well as financial and legal planning. Finally, a list of recommended books and web sites is provided. Michigan Convenes Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Planning Workgroup http://www.cenmi.org/asd/ Visit the website to learn more, to comment, or to join the listserv. The ASD Planning Workgroup's task is to engage in a planning process that will produce recommendations to assure appropriate screening to identify children with ASD and the assure appropriate assessment, diagnosis and treatment/interventions for children, ages 0-6, with ASD, making available to parents choice of practices that are evidence based and effective, based on the consensus of experts, including clinicians and parents. The recommendations will be conveyed to the Human Services Directors by September 2006. Bridges4Kids Food Review: Gak's Snacks Allergy-free Treats Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, January 24, 2006 "Our mission is to make it easier for children and families with food allergies to enjoy baked goods like everyone else." These amazing treats are sure to delight everyone in your household. The entire facility, along with all products, are absolutely 100% free of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat and dairy. When I first heard this, I honestly thought to myself "how good can they really be without containing several of the key baking ingredients that we all know and use so freely?" So, to find out, I did the ultimate taste test in my home. I gave two kinds of Gak's Snacks cookies to my husband and kids. The cookies were a huge hit. They wanted more! At that point, I had to try them. The cookies were absolutely bursting with flavor and freshness. Then came the true test...the apple coffee cake. I took this item to a family gathering during the holidays. My nephew Jared, who is severely allergic to eggs and dairy, was among those around the table at dessert time. He soon asked "Are there eggs or dairy in this cake, Aunt Jackie?" I had gotten so used to answering "Yes, Jared. Sorry but you can't have this." Not this time! I was thrilled to say "Nope! I checked the label and you can eat some, if you want to." He dug in...he raved...other family members soon followed. Thanks to Gak's Snacks, we were all able to eat the same dessert together. There was no separate dessert for Jared. You can learn more about Gak's Snacks or purchase some for your family at http://www.gakssnacks.com/default.aspx. Resources for People with Learning Disabilities (PDF) Adult Literacy & Learning Disability Forum, January 2006 http://ldaofmichigan.org/LDResources.pdf This document is designed as an online resource for service providers. It will be most convenient if used on a computer. All red text below is hyper linked. Within the document, click on the red text to jump directly to the web site, e-mail address, or section of the document. Brain Injury Association of Michigan http://www.biami.org The Brain Injury Association of Michigan is a non-profit organization that brings together people with brain injury, their families, friends, and concerned professionals to improve the quality of life that people experience after brain injury. The Michigan Cleft Network http://www.MiCleft.org Offers valuable resources and information, family-connections, educational training, inspiration to new parents, emotional support, and assistance with issues that may arise in social development and healthcare coverage for children with craniofacial anomalies. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: Emergency Preparedness Resources http://www.bridges4kids.org/Emergency.html#top This amazing website sponsored by PBS, the Public Broadcasting System, has over 3,000 lesson plans, online professional development opportunities, cross-curriculum projects, and much more. You can search for information by topic areas such as arts and literature, health and fitness, math, science, social studies, pre-K-2, and library media. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
GA Family Sues School System RE: Closet as “Time out Room” WALB News 10, South Georgia, January 11, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/WALB1-11-06.html#top In February, we introduced you to Boone Garvey, an autistic child who attended Lee County Primary School. His mother said Boone had been locked in a closet at school as a punishment for misbehaving. The school system defended the action, saying the closet was, in fact, a "time out room." IEP Goals & Objectives: A Tactics and Strategy Session Pete & Pam Wright, The Special Ed Advocate Newsletter, January 18, 2006 http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/Tactics_Strategy_IEPs.html In this article by Pete & Pam Wright, you will learn about Present Levels of Performance, Private Educational Specialist or Consultants, Measurable Annual Goals, Including Academic and Functional Goals, Accommodations & Modifications, Low Expectations, Lack of Skills, Avoiding Methodology Disputes, and more! For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html New York Summer Options For Children & Teens With Special Needs WHEN: January 28, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street NYC (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.). DESCRIPTION: Representatives from 70 New York City day camps and sleepaway camps in the northeast will be on hand to help parents and professionals plan productive summer experiences for children with disabilities. The Fair will also feature information on travel programs, remedial education programs, volunteer and job opportunities and early childhood programs. Spanish and sign language interpreters will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Fair is presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., (212) 677-4650. 19th Annual Research Conference "A System of Care for Children's Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base" WHEN: February 22-25, 2006 WHERE: Tampa, Florida DESCRIPTION: This annual conference is a nationally recognized forum to explore contemporary, empirical research on systems of care that promote the emotional and behavioral well-being of children and their families. This event is designed for researchers, evaluators, administrators, policy makers, advocates, and family members interested in applied practical systems-of-care research. Call for Papers Deadline is October 31,2005. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For registration information visit http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu. Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association's 10th Annual NLDA Symposium “A Decade of Progress in NLD” WHEN: March 10-11, 2006 WHERE: South San Francisco Conference Center, San Francisco, CA DESCRIPTION: At our 2-day event for parents and professionals, noted expert in learning disabilities, Rick Lavoie, plus over 30 nationally- and internationally-known speakers will present on the many interrelated aspects of Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Parents and professionals (MD, RN, SLP, OT, MFT, LCSW, psychologists, educators) will receive vital information on NLD, with special emphasis on the latest research and effective strategies to help individuals of all ages with NLD. Continuing education, ongoing poster session, exhibitors, and bookstore will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on registration, schedule, speakers, and program, visit www.NLDline.com, www.NLDA.org, or email NLDAsymposium2006@excite.com. National ADA Symposium & Expo WHEN: April 10-12, 2006 WHERE: America's Center, Downtown St. Louis, MO DESCRIPTION: The National ADA Symposium is the most comprehensive conference available on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. The National ADA Symposium features an extensive session schedule with tracks in architecture, government, education, employment, and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Eric Stockton, Symposium coordinator, ada@missouri.edu. Further information can be found at www.adaproject.org. YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network 27th Annual International Conference “Pathways to Success in Developmental and Learning Disabilities: Innovative Programs, Strategies and Policies that Work” WHEN: May 1-5, 2006 WHERE: Crowne Plaza Manhattan Hotel, 1605 Broadway, New York City, NY DESCRIPTION: The five-day conference will feature more than 300 prominent speakers from throughout the United States and abroad. More than 150 seminars and workshops will focus on key issues, including: Autism, Health Care, Early Childhood, Special Education, Advocacy, Workforce Issues, Residential Services, Sexuality and Social Skills, and many more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more conference information, visit www.yai.org/pid or contact Dalia Sztulwark at dsztulwark@yai.org, 212-273-6193 or 212-629-4113 (fax). On-line registration begins in March at http://www.yai.org. Caring Communities "World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo" WHEN: May 19-21, 2006 WHERE: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD DESCRIPTION: New to the Expo this year, we are adding an extra day to enjoy the exhibits, featuring SUNDAY as IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES AUTISM DAY! Pathfinders for Autism, the sponsoring organization will work with Caring Communities to plan this incredible day which will highlight an autism pavilion of support resources, targeted autism-related augmentative communication/assistive technology exhibitors, autism-related workshops and more! All Within the existing World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Caring Communities at 1-866-227-4644 or visit http://www.caringcommunities.org/. 18^th Annual Postsecondary Disability Training Institute WHEN: June 6-9 & 10, 2006 WHERE: Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center, Burlington, Vermont DESCRIPTION: The objective of this Training Institute is to assist concerned professionals to meet the unique needs of college students with disabilities. COST: Cost is $365 per person if registered by May 1, 2006. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://vm.uconn.edu/~wwwcped/06pti.htm or email Carrol Waite at carrol.waite@uconn.edu.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Events from the Autism Society of America's Oakland County Chapter (ASA/OCC) FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.asaoakland.org or click here to download the list (PDF) of nearly three dozen workshops, conferences, support groups, socials and other events taking place between January-March 2006. "Asperger's and Employment" Conference WHEN: February 14, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WHERE: DeCarlos Convention Center, 6015 East 10 Mile Rd., Warren, Michigan SPONSORS: This event is sponsored jointly by The Metro Detroit Rehabilitation Agency, the Autism Society of Michigan and the Autism Society of America, Oakland County Chapter. DESCRIPTION: Featuring international speaker Gail Hawkins. Gail is an innovative consultant and practitioner, a frequent guest speaker, and author of How to Find Work that Works for People with Asperger Syndrome. Sally Burton Hoyle of the Autism Society of Michigan will present on "Understanding Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: Psycho-social Aspects, prevalence and scope of need for services related to transition and employment". Nick Dubin will begin the conference, presenting on "My personal Experience as an Individual With Asperger's Syndrome". AUDIENCE: Self advocates, parents, agency and school professionals encouraged to attend. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Find more information or register online with a credit card at http://www.asaoakland.org. Macomb/St. Clair Chapter/ASA: Home-Based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) WHEN: February 16, 2006 from 7:00-9:00pm WHERE: St. Ephrem's Social Hall (Macomb County), 17 Mile & Dodge Park, Sterling Heights DESCRIPTION: Krista Kennedy, MS, LLP & Gina E. Truesdell-Todd, MS, LLP from Behavioral Building Blocks will present this free workshop. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information, contact Paula Bellhorn at 810-357-1679 or pbellhorn1979@hotmail.com. Promoting Positive Parent-Infant Relationships: Understanding the Implications of Attachment (Series) WHERE: DeVos Children's Hospital, East Auditorium, 100 Michigan Street, Grand Rapids, MI COST: Cost is $20.00 for each session (including lunch). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Register online at www.kentisd.org/earlyon for one or both of the following sessions: "Attachment Disorganization and Disorders of Attachment" (February 17, 2006), and "Understanding and Assessing Cry Problems in Early Infancy" (May 5, 2006). Parenting Classes CLASS TITLE/DATE: Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers will take place on March 8, 2006, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Parenting Elementary-Aged Children will take place on April 12, 2006, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Parenting Preteens & Teens will take place on February 8, 2006, 7:00 – 9:30 pm and again on June 3, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. Parenting Children with Special Needs will take place on May 10, 2006, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. WHERE: St. Mary-Mercy Hospital, Marian Women Center, 36475 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI. COST: Cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Debra Madonna at clarion@storytellerdesign.com for more details or to register.
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff Deborah Canja Chief Executive Officer deb@bridges4kids.org Jackie Igafo-Te'o Director of Information Technology & Information Systems jackie@bridges4kids.org Bella Djordjevski Resource Assistant news@bridges4kids.org