Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Bridges4Kids' Top 12 National Websites for Parents & Professionals Working With Children Who Have Disabilities Jackie D. Igafo-Te’o, Bridges4Kids, October 19, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Top12Websites.html#top This is a list of our top 12 favorite websites that would relate to almost any disability, and has content related to disability, education and/or parenting those with disabilities. These are the places that we turn for information first. We consider these to be the most content-rich websites out there today. NH State Ordered to Return Grant; Special Education Money Diverted Daniel Barrick, Concord Monitor, October 14. 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Monitor10-14-05.html#top The federal government has ordered New Hampshire's Department of Ed to repay a nearly $500,000 grant that was intended for disabled students but was spent by the state on teacher training programs. U. S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Schaffer v. Weast Peter W. D. Wright, Esq., Wrightslaw.com http://www.wrightslaw.com/news/05/schaffer.oral.argument.htm Schaffer v. Weast, the Court heard oral arguments on the burden of proof in special education cases. In a dispute between parents and school officials, should schools be required to prove that the plans they propose are adequate and appropriate? FL Parent Says School Misuses its Timeout Room Abhi Raghunathan, St. Petersburg Times, October 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Times10-13-05.html#top The punishment is considered so harsh the state urges it be used only as a last resort. It's called "secured seclusion" and allows teachers to confine children, many of whom suffer from severe emotional problems, in tiny, sealed rooms. MA State Eyes 'Recovery' Schools For Sober Students Boston.com, October 7, 2005 http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/10/07/state_eyes_recovery_schools_for_sober_students/ The first "sobriety school" in Massachusetts could open in Boston as early as January, available to high school students who complete a drug or alcohol treatment program. Recovery schools were part of an initiative Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey proposed in the spring as a way to combat substance abuse. "If you put a child back in an environment where drugs are available, that child has no chance to stay in school," Healey said. Beating Prompts Burton Teen to Leave 'Wrong Crowd' Behind Rickey Hampton, Lansing State Journal, October 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/LSJ10-11-05.html#top Aaron Brank can remember only parts of the evening last January. First, there was the drinking at a friend's house. Then there was the beating. Bridges4Kids Featured Website: Crash Survivors Network http://crashsurvivorsnetwork.org/ The Crash Survivors Network is part of the Kettering University's Crash Safety Center. The Center is dedicated to keeping kids safe in cars. The network is a non-profit dedicated to helping families who experienced loss due to a motor vehicle crash. FL Miami-Dade Schools May Split Genders Matthew I. Pinzur, Miami Herald, September 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Pinzur9-15-05.html#top When the single-gender classes began last year -- voluntary for both students and teachers -- the results were jarring. In co-ed fourth-grade classes, 33 percent of boys and 59 percent of girls passed the state's standardized writing test. In the single-gender classes, those figures jumped to 86 percent for boys and 75 percent for girls. Are Single-sex Classrooms the Best Way to Teach Kids? Peg Tyre, Newsweek, September 19, 2005 http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9287947/site/newsweek/ Three years ago, Principal Jeff Gray realized that his school needed help—and fast. Test scores were the worst in the county and the students, particularly the boys, were falling far behind. Gray revamped the curriculum and divided the classes by gender. Gray says the gender-based curriculum gave the school "the edge we needed." Tests scores are up. Discipline problems are down. Bridges4Kids Featured Project: Suitcases For Kids http://www.suitcasesforkids.org/ This organization donates suitcases to foster children who move from home to home and usually carry their belongings in plastic garbage bags. They seek donations of suitcases, but will also accept large duffel bags and backpacks.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
Survey: No Child Left Behind & Its Affect on Your Children & Community GiveKidsGoodSchools.org, September 29, 2005 http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey.zgi?p=WEB224MKRERCAV The participation of concerned citizens like you is vital in the efforts to improve and strengthen our public schools. On September 29, GiveKidsGoodSchools.org launched an online survey on how No Child Left Behind is affecting your child, school, and community. A healthy national debate must include all voices – especially yours. The survey consists of 28 questions, plus a series of demographic questions, and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Do High School Students Need the Support of Their Parents to Achieve? Youth News Team, September 26, 2005 http://dennis4353.home.insightbb.com/ynt/pressrelease.htm Consider some survey highlights: 69% of students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher (equivalent to a B-plus) report having parents who regularly help them select classes; Students with GPAs of at least 3.5 are nearly twice as likely to report having parents who sometimes or frequently attend school events as students with GPAs below 2.0 (equivalent to a C); and 61% of students with GPAs over 3.5 report sitting down with their families three or more times per week for dinner. One senior offered encouraging advice for parents navigating their relationships with adolescents, "Be a little nosey...Don't feel bad for asking questions, because it feels good to know someone cares." Pushy Parents Raise More Successful Kids Nolan Finley, The Detroit News, October 9, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/editorial/0510/09/A17-341977.htm Children of pushy parents are more likely to excel in high school, graduate from college and grow into young adults who are happier with their lives and more prosperous in their careers. The prevailing attitude is that children should be nudged, not pushed; nurtured, not nagged; encouraged to find their own way in an environment of low pressure and low expectations. But that doesn't produce nearly the results as a firm hand on the shoulder and the parental command of, "Go this way." Few children are getting that sort of direction from their parents, according to the Your Child survey of Michigan residents aged 18-30, conducted by EPIC-MRA. Only 30 percent of the young adults say their parents insisted on them going to college. Young adults who are most content with both life and work are the ones whose parents and teachers helped them to set goals. Few got that kind of help, however. Many indicated they trudged through high school without a care and without a clue. They couldn't make the connection between their classes and their future. Parents didn't talk to them enough about the value of education, the survey found, didn't start the conversation about college early enough and weren't forceful enough in discussing best choices. Fathers Are on the March...to School Stacy A. Teicher, Christian Science Monitor http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1005/p13s02-lifp.html A new initiative is encouraging minority fathers across the United States to become more involved in their children's education. Whether they got the announcement a week before or just as their child was heading out the door, they are here - fathers, grandfathers, and uncles taking time off work for participation in a national effort dubbed the Million Father March. Companies are Offering Assistance to Parents of Kids with Disabilities Sue Shellenbarger, The Wall Street Journal Online, October 14, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/WSJ10-14-05.html#top A code of silence has long kept parents of children with disabilities, from autism and Down syndrome to cerebral palsy and depression, from talking about their kids at work. Now, driven by growth in their numbers and in the cost of raising special-needs children, some of these parents are starting to "come out" at work. And a handful of employers are stepping up to help, with support groups, informational meetings and insurance benefits. Family Guide to Respite for Children in Michigan (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/fswg/FamilyGuideToRespite.pdf This document was developed with funding from a Real Choice System Change Grant for Community Living-Respite for Children. While it specifically addresses respite for families of children 0-18 years of age, respite is also available to families of adult consumers. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
Pre-K Really Pays Off Economically (PDF) Pre-K Now Research Series, September 2005 http://www.preknow.org/documents/WIEconImpactReport_Sept2005.pdf PreK Now has released a first of its kind statewide study for Wisconsin measuring the economic impact to Wisconsin’s K-12 system if the state expanded Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) to more children. The economic analysis found that: (1) Based on conservative estimates, implementing a high-quality, voluntary pre-k system increases total educational cost-benefits by 68 percent; (2) The largest proportion of cost savings in the education system are in reduced special education placement costs (approx. $42 million); and (3) Reduction in frequency of grade repetition ranges between 6-23 percent, with a representative estimate of 21 percent. Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Halloween Early Childhood Education, October 10, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/ECE10-10-05.htm Halloween is one of the most popular holidays with kids and grown-ups alike. How will you recognize this special day in your classroom while keeping the excitement at an acceptable level? Young children will surely love hearing a good Halloween story, and who doesn’t love trying a special Halloween treat? We’ve put together a “handful of Halloween” for you to use in your classroom, so have fun and happy pumpkin day to all! Opinion: Little Kids Need Good Teachers Too Andrew White, New York Daily News, October 13, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/Whilte10-13-05.htm Early education is the next frontier of public education reform. We know now, more than ever, how important quality preschool programs are to preparing city children to succeed in school and to helping families rise out of poverty. The Profound Effects of Zero-to-Three Language Learning on Later 3rd Grade IQ and Reading Scores Children of the Code Interview with Dr. Todd Risley http://www.childrenofthecode.org/interviews/risley.htm Dr. Todd Risley is co-author of the landmark book "Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children." In this interview Dr. Risley discusses the revolutionary findings of his work on the most comprehensive research project ever conducted on the home learning experiences of young American children. New SIDS Policy Recommends Pacifiers Lindsey Tanner, AOL News, October 10, 2005 http://articles.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20051010095409990001 Babies should be offered pacifiers at bedtime, and they should sleep in their parents' room - but not in their beds - in order to lessen the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, the nation's largest group of pediatricians says. MO Preschool Programs Struggle For Funding Trisha Howard, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, September 18, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/Howard9-18-05.htm Studies show that children start learning at birth and that those who participate in high-quality preschool programs do better academically in the short term and in the long run. But preschool often faces an uphill battle for funding. Computer Games Help Train Kids to Pay Attention eSchool News, September 29, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/eSchool9-29-05.htm In what is believed to be the first real evidence to support what is becoming a growing field of inquiry, the use of special computer games to "train" their brains improved the ability of healthy children to pay attention during scientific trials, researchers reported Sept. 26. Their research has important implications for schools, which are charged with educating an increasing number of students with attention disorders. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Bridges4Kids Featured Publication: The 2005-06 edition of the Michigan Directory of Service Providers The 2005-06 edition of the Michigan Directory of Service Providers for Infants, Toddlers, and Students with Disabilities is now available on the Center for Educational Networking Web site. You can download the complete directory or specific sections in a PDF format. Hard copies of the directory are $10.50 (plus shipping and handling). For ordering information or to download sections of the directory, go to http://www.cenmi.org/se_directory.asp. The directory is intended for parents, educators, and other service providers seeking resource information related to the educational needs of children, students, and clients. The directory contains contact information about resources for children ages birth to three with special needs and their families (Michigan's Early On population) and students ages 3-26 with disabilities. Information on Public Input RE: Proposed Targets for State Performance Plan Jacquelyn J. Thompson, Ph.D., Director, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, October 7, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Thompson10-7-05.html#top The Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services is soliciting input from stakeholders via a web based survey. The survey will be available from 10/12/05 - 11/7/05. State Board of Education Rejects Publicizing School Accreditation Status; Superintendent Suggests Doing Away With Accreditation Gongwer News Service, October 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-11-05.html#top The Dept of Ed is trying to find ways to draw attention to schools' accreditation status, but State Board of Education members could not agree that the plan presented Tuesday was the right way to do that. Board of Education: Eat Right, Stay Healthy MIRS, October 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-11-05.html#2 The State Board of Ed today adopted a “wellness policy” as a guideline for local school districts to follow to ensure that all school students provide nutrition information needed to “adopt healthy eating behaviors” and that reimbursable school meals meet federal program requirements and nutrition standards. Education Training Vouchers Help Foster Youth Attend College http://www.bridges4kids.org/powerpoint/EducationTrainingVoucher_files/frame.htm A PowerPoint presentation from Michigan's Department of Human Services. Youth In Transition Program Provides Financial Assistance to Foster Care Youth http://www.bridges4kids.org/powerpoint/EducationTrainingVoucher_files/frame.htm A PowerPoint presentation from Michigan's Department of Human Services. State Board Gearing Up For Big Finish MIRS, October 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-11-05.html#3 The State Board of Education is going to wrap up its year in a big way based on anticipated action at its December meeting. The board is expected to take final action on Education YES! accreditation measures, implement a school improvement framework, and adopt a mandated statewide school curriculum. School Improvement Framework MIRS, October 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-11-05.html#4 The School Improvement Framework (SFI) is being created to assist public schools and public school districts in the review of their policies and practices to help improve and enhance student achievement - a process that requires a 3 to 5 year school improvement plan mandated by state law. Mini-grants are now available to support LDA’s Healthy Children Project! Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/healthychild.htm to learn more about this project or visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/minigrantapplica.pdf (PDF) to download an application. Applications are currently being accepted.
Disability News	*top*
Self-Determination: What Is It? Why Is It Beneficial? How Is It Best Taught? Sharon Field for Focus on Results, September 2005 http://www.cenmi.org/focus/transition/sept05/article_05-04.asp This document examines the value and impact self-determination can have on the lives of persons with disabilities. Self-determination is the understanding and ability to act on personal strengths and limitations. Bridges4Kids Review: Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorder Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, October 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel3.html#6 Understanding Sensory Dysfunction is a clear and comprehensive resource to identifying and addressing sensory dysfunction in children, using a range of practical strategies to help them reach their full potential at home, at school and in the community. Parents of Bipolar Teenager Reach Out to Others Patricia Rice, St. Louis Post Dispatch, October 6, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/PostDispatch10-6-05.html#top When two teens return to school after hospital stays, one student is greeted with colorful welcome banners and hugs all around. The other student observes friends duck behind locker doors so they don't have to talk to him. Bridges4Kids Featured Website: Kyle Maynard: It's Not What I Can Do; It's What I Will Do http://www.kmaynard.com Kyle Maynard is one of the most inspiring young men you will ever hear about. Due to a rare birth defect called congenital amputation, Kyle was born without arms and legs. "We didn't think he'd ever be able to live on his own," remembers Anita, Kyle's mother. Then Kyle's dad made a pivotal decision that would ultimately bless his son in ways he could not have known. The Maynards would raise Kyle with a lot of love—but no special treatment. IL First Lady Patti Blagojevich Announces Illinois Becomes First State in the Nation to Offer a Statewide Food Allergy Educational Program The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), September 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/FAAN9-29-05.html#top First Lady Patti Blagojevich today announced that Illinois schools will now be better equipped to protect children from potentially life-threatening food allergies. The First Lady launched a new awareness campaign targeted at educating school personnel and students on the dangers of food allergies. 'No Excuses' Fuels Amputee's Success Katie Oliveri, Lansing State Journal, October 9, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/LSJ10-9-05.html#top Born with a rare disorder called congenital amputation, Kyle Maynard - despite the absence of both his arms and legs - became one of the top high school wrestlers in Georgia. "You may look at me and say, 'That sucks you have no arms or legs,' but that doesn't matter," said the University of Georgia sophomore. "There's nothing I'm not going to be able to achieve." Bridges4Kids Featured Website: Ramapo For Children http://www.ramapoforchildren.org/html/home.htm Ramapo’s mission is to serve children with a wide range of emotional, behavioral and learning problems in a dynamic and stimulating learning environment, providing educational and recreational experiences that promote social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. Ramapo’s specific focus is to provide adventure-based experiential learning programs that develop character, competence and build community in children from preschool age through late teens, and in families. Ramapo’s newest initiative, Ramapo Training, provides on-site staff training and program support for educational and recreational programs serving at-risk and special needs children. Courage Nicole Geary, Lansing State Journal, October 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/LSJ10-10-05.html#top Hair was her worst enemy. The disease was fighting each follicle, but the battle raged much deeper than the roots. By freshman year, Caitlin Riley was losing more than brunette locks. Her confidence was crushed. Her faith was faltering. "I thought that if God loved me, he wouldn't give me something that caused so much pain," she said. Alopecia areata doesn't hurt. But being bald in high school breaks down a teenage girl. From Despair of Dyslexia Springs Hope Gail Opper, Detroit News, October 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/DetNews10-16-05.html#top Determination to find help for son prompts one mother to reach out to other kids in need. Autism Awareness Cards (PDF) Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o and Carolyn Gammicchia, October 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/AutismCards.pdf Have you ever been confronted in a public place about your child's behaviors? Have you ever tried to say something kind or informative but the words escape your lips during this emotional time? Use these cards to educate and inform those who may criticize your child in social situations. "Our child has Autism. We'd like to thank you for your concern. We are making every attempt to allow our child, who is affected by Autism, to experience every day activities that others may take for granted." Learn Something New: Emotional Impairment, Disorder or Disability http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/EmotionalDisorder.html For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
Planning and Prevention Strategies Reduce Problems at IEP Meetings Judith Greenbaum, Ph.D. from CEN's Focus on Results, September 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Greenbaum9-05.html#top Many parents and educators approach an individualized education program (IEP) team meeting with a certain amount of caution. Parents and educators feel this way even though evidence shows that most IEP team meetings proceed rather quickly and quietly. IEP team participants may worry that some-thing will go wrong or that participants will disagree, or they may feel unprepared. MI Free mediation services http://www.cenmi.org/msemp/centers.asp Free services can help schools and parents communicate before battle lines are drawn. Call 1-800-8RESOLV (1-800-873-7658) for more information. A Student's Guide to the IEP (PDF) Marcy McGahee-Kovac, NICHCY, 2nd Edition, 2002 http://www.bridges4kids.org/StudentGuideIEP.pdf The Student’s Guide series is written especially for students with disabilities. U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Transition Related Changes in IDEA United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services http://www.cenmi.org/focus/transition/sept05/article_05-03.asp This document introduces the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services' (OSE/EIS) priority for transition during 2005-2006 and addresses language changes to transition provisions from the newly reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Inside you will find data, explanations, and resources relating to secondary transition. 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 Question: Last week my child’s IEP Team met to create a new IEP. I disagree with the IEP, what are my options? Answer: Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA/q47.html to see John's Answer. 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 Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Program Sponsored by Family Network on Disabilities WHEN: November 5, 2005 WHERE: Woodland Baptist Church, 9607 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34202 DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw training programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call Mary Smith at (941) 928-0682 or visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.11.fl.htm. The International Dyslexia Association's 56^th Annual Conference "Reading In The Rockies" WHEN: November 9-12, 2005 WHERE: Adams Mark Hotel, Denver, Colorado DESCRIPTION: Attend the premier event in the field of learning disabilities! Listen to hundreds of noted experts in the LD field, covering topics such as diagnosis, teaching approaches, math, spelling, comprehension, ADHD, social issues, early intervention and more. Visit our exhibit hall and learn about teaching resources, assistive technologies, schools with programs for students with learning disabilities, and other related items. Share information with co-workers, colleagues, professionals and others. All session and exhibits will in at the Adams Mark Hotel. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call IDA at 1-800-ABC-D123, e-mail us at info@interdys.org or visit our website at www.interdys.org. For room reservations, call the hotel at 303.893.3333 or 1.800.444.2326 and identify yourself as attending The International Dyslexia Association conference so that the appropriate room rate will be applied. Look for additional information about the conference in the Spring 2005 issue of Perspectives. New York Summer Options For Children & Teens With Special Needs WHEN: Saturday, 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.
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 Public Hearing: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Control Commission WHEN: October 24, 2005 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. WHERE: Genesee County Administration Building, Harris Auditorium, 3rd Floor, 1101 Beach Street, Flint, MI FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead/Hearing10-24-05.html for more information. For assistance with accessibility teleconferencing, or additional information, contact Amy Wiles at 517-482-9236 or 1-800-678-2299, or email awiles@healthmanagement.com. IDEA 2004 – How it affects Students with Disabilities WHEN: Tuesday October 25, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon WHERE: Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills MI 48334-3302 (South side of Twelve Mile, East of Farmington Road) DESCRIPTION: Congress amended the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in November 2004, changing the landscape for students who receive special education services and supports. The new law made big changes in eligibility, IEP process, due process hearings, and discipline. In this free presentation, Mark McWilliams of Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc., will give you an overview of the new law, discuss some self-advocacy tips, and answer your questions. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please let us know you will be coming by October 24. You can email etoakland@yahoo.com or call 248-888-4111 and leave a message. 2005 Michigan Youth Engineering & Science (YES!) Expo! WHEN: October 26, 2005 WHERE: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan DESCRIPTION: The first YES! Expo was held last year in Ann Arbor. It was such a success (16 universities participated, approximately 50 companies, organizations and foundations sponsored and exhibited, and over 15,000 tickets were distributed) that, in the interest of exposing young people to engineering and scientific fields of endeavor, it was decided to make YES! Expo an annual event. In the interest of attracting a larger and more diverse student body we have brought YES! Expo to Detroit and Ford Field. Our people working on this campaign in the Detroit area say there is a great hunger for exposure of this type in the schools they visit and we are excited to provide this opportunity for students. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Susan Williams at 284-342-4456 or by email expo@iei-net.com for more information. You are invited to visit our website at http://www.yes.mtu.edu for more information and to order free tickets. Play Attention Free Demonstration WHEN: October 26, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, 55 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI DESCRIPTION: In addition to the demonstration, Peter Freer, founder and CEO of Unique Logic & Technology will present a seminar on the latest developments in attention training and behavior shaping, with audience questions and answers immediately afterward. Come and learn how this powerful tool can work for you in home, professional, and educational settings. Play Attention is the most prestigious attention training system available. This is a can't miss event for those who are searching for solutions to troublesome attention problems. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register, call 800.788.6786 or visit http://www.playattention.com/. The Autism Society of Ingham County Presents "Taking A Look at Autism 2005" WHEN: October 28 & 29, 2005 from 9am-5pm, registration begins @ 8am WHERE: Comfort Inn, Okemos, MI 48864 DESCRIPTION: Dr. Mary Sharp is the Keynote on Friday and Lean on Us is the keynote for Saturday. In between there are 12 different breakout sessions on different therapies, (ABA, floortime, sensory, music), diet, services, special ed & mental health rights & more. There will be several vendors and informational booths on site. COST: Cost is $75.00 for 2 days & $40.00 for 1 day for parents & $100.00 for 2 day or $60.00 for 1 day for professionals. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Lori Swan at (517) 655-1895 or email aficlori@hotmail.com. Free Screening of "Juvies" WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Beaumont Hospital Administration Building Auditorium, 36oo W. l3 Mile Road, Royal Oak DESCRIPTION: The Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders, the Mental Health Association in Michigan, and AMI of Oakland County invite all to attend a FREE screening of “Juvies,” a Leslie Neale documentary that provides a riveting look at the lives of juveniles serving lengthy prison sentences. Mark Wahlberg and Mos Def narrate. A brief discussion will follow the film and light refreshments will be served. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please RSVP at info@michkids.org. Jack's Place for Autism 2^nd Annual Family Fun Day WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 2005 from noon - 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Oakland University's Recreation Center, Rochester, MI DESCRIPTION: You can visit our fun and games room filled with great games and prizes, sensory station, art center, information fair, and don't forget to bring your suits to swim at the recreation center pool! You'll also have a chance to sign up for new programs at Jack's Place for Autism at Oakland University. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call 248-370-2424 or email jacksplc@oakland.edu. Wrightslaw Advocacy Training Sponsored by Macomb Chapter of Autism Society WHEN: November 12, 2005 WHERE: Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield, Clinton Township DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw training programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more details on this Wrightslaw training session, visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.11mi.htm. To register, contact Annette Duda (586) 447-2235 or adudamccasa@yahoo.com. Town Hall Meeting “Ask the Advocates” Featuring Calvin and Tricia Luker WHEN: November 21, 2005 from 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. WHERE: Macomb Intermediate School District Educational Training Center, Room 103B, 44001 Garfield, Clinton Township, Michigan 48308 ~ Enter south side doors of building. DESCRIPTION: Calvin and Tricia will explain the special education complaint process and give hints on how to write a strong complaint. They also will answer your questions about what you can do when your child's IEP is not being followed. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please RSVP at everyonetogethermacomb@yahoo.com.
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

Planning and Prevention Strategies Reduce Problems at IEP Meetings