pluk enews for the week of october 20-24, 2003 volume 2 issue 16pluk.org/enews/oct_20_03.pdf ·...

PLUK eNews October 20-24 2003 1

PLUK eNews for the week of October 20-24 2003 Volume 2 Issue 16

Welcome to the weekly PLUK eNews

We are proud to present news of interest for Montana families of children with disabilities

and chronic illnesses and for the professionals and educators who serve them however it does not constitute an endorsement

Highlights

PLUK Associate Board of Missoula sponsoring 2nd Annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo November 11th2

Billings Blue Coupon Book for Sale3 Camera and monitors for ABA training Available3 News 3

No Child Left Behind mdash really Why I like this law3 Appeals court parents can represent their children in disability disputes 4 Students who are blind can still sit in the drivers seat 4

HealthMedical News 4 Senate passes bill prohibiting genetic discrimination4

ADAAccess5 Invitation to People with Disabilities to Participate in a Survey on Use of Medical

Equipment 5 TransitionEmployment5

Job applicants with disabilities to benefit from fact sheet on rights throughout hiring process5

TechnologyWebResources6 Site has the vision-impaired in mind Larger type is just the beginning 6 Free Resource Guide from the US Department of Education on ADHD and

Education Identification Intervention Key to School Success7 TrainingWorkshopsMeetingsConferences in Montana 7

MT Council on DD Announces Fall Public Forum Schedule7 Region IV CSPD Web Site for Training activities in the Bozeman area 8 SIGN LANGUAGE Jefferson High School begins October 22 Clancy8 Echoes of Abuse Traumatic Brain Injury October 30-31 Billings 8 Lifespan Respite Trainings Oct 21 - Feb 17 Billings8 Parentrsquos Guide to the Special Education Process CST IEP Referral October 28

Missoula 8 PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD November 3 Bozeman 9 Understanding Social Cognitive Deficits across the school and home day November

4 Polson 9 The Nuts and Bolts of running social thinking programs November 5 Polson 9 Otter Creek Math - ldquoHow to Successfully Teach Math Facts amp Word Problem

Strategies to All Studentsrdquo Nov 8 Glendive9 Expanding Relay Horizons for All Montanans November 12 Missoula10 Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 17 Kalispell10 Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 18 Missoula10 Friendship Club- Building Connections with Kids November 18 Missoula11 PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD December 1 Bozeman11 Annual Holiday Social Saturday December 13 Missoula11 PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD January 12 Bozeman11 Positive Behavior Supports January 17 2004 Billings 11


Differentiated Instruction January 21-22 2004 Polson11 Beyond High School- Whatrsquos Next January 27 Missoula 12 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 2 2004

Kalispell12 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 3 2004

Missoula 12 The ABCs of Preschool Special Education February 24 Missoula12 Positive Behavior Supports March 13 2004 Billings13 Individuals with Disabilities Networking Banquet March 20 Missoula13 Click of Reading Comprehension April 19 2004 Missoula 13 Click of Reading Comprehension April 20 2004 Kalispell13 A Focus on Self Advocacy April 27 Missoula13

TrainingWorkshopsConferences outside Montana 14 Satellite Broadcast Connecting Schools Families and Communities to Improve

Student Achievement A Practical Application of Research October 2214 Bullying Teasing Youth Violence and Prevention Addressing the Needs of Youth

with Disabilities Friday October 24 2003 1ndash 200 pm Central Time14 TASH conference ndash Dec 10-13 Chicago15 National Autism Summit Set For November 200315 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference January 14-17 Florida15 Technology Reading and Learning Difficulties San Francisco January 29-31 2004

16 Announcing A Series of Conference Calls on the Social-Emotional Development of

Young Children16 ILRU Web Casts17

Fun Events 17 Magical Tymes Party November 11 Missoula17 Be sure to mark your calendar with these future events 17

How you can help17 Preferred Savings Guide for sale17 Get your Albertson Community Partners card18

Selected Sources18 1 Monday Morning in Washington DC httpwwwinclusionresearchorg18 2 Rocky Mountain DBTAC httpwwwadainformationorg18 3 Transition Newsflash Montana Center on Disabilities

httpwwwmsubillingsedutransition18 4 PEN Weekly NewsBlast httpwwwpubliceducationorg 18 5 Reference Points Transition updates from the TATRA Project

httpwwwpacerorgtatratatrahtm 18 6 The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

httpaidtacruralinstituteumteduTrainingCalendarhtm 18

PLUK Associate Board of Missoula sponsoring 2nd Annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo November 11th

The event begins at 600pm at the Missoula Childrenrsquos Theatre (200 North Adams St Missoula MT 59802) Tickets are $20 apiece and include admission to ldquoJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor

Dreamcoatrdquo at the Theatre admission to the ldquoWine and Cheese Partyrdquo (all food and drink is free) and participation at the ldquoMagical Silent Auctionrdquo This makes Christmas shopping a breeze All proceeds go to help with PLUKrsquos growth in the Missoula area To reserve your


tickets call Linda Thompson the Ticket Chair at 251-3906 or write PLUKrsquos Missoula address PO Box 16714 Missoula MT 59808

Billings Blue Coupon Book for Sale Parents Lets Unite for Kids is selling the Billings Area Preferred

Savings Guide This is the blue book that has the buy one get one free or other discount coupons There are 282 different coupons with an expiration date of August 31 2004

The book includes coupons for food ski rentals Big Timber Water Slide Billings Mustangs Billings Symphony Herbergers Scheels YMCA ZooMontana hair salons tire and dry cleaning businesses etc The books are $2000 each and can be purchased from PLUKs office or by calling 255-0540 If you have any questions please contact Bernice at the above telephone number They will only be available through October 31st

Camera and monitors for ABA training Available This miniature camera and monitor is used for monitoring the training room and is

available to families who are performing ABA training in their homes Two of these units have been donated by families who have used them in their homes PLUK is making them available for long-term loan as a part of their resource library If you would like to try one of these units just call the PLUK technology center at 800-222-7585

News

No Child Left Behind mdash really Why I like this law October 05 2003 Letter to the Editor Charleston Gazette Bill Byrne I am an attorney who represents children with disabilities For more than 25 years I

have watched school after school ldquodrop the ballrdquo mdash and not give proper education services to disabled children The only recourse is for courageous and determined parents to take on school systems and make them follow the law often leading to costly and painful lawsuits

The federal No Child Left Behind law changes all this and puts the burden on school systems to show that schools are doing their job The law requires schools to be accountable for the progress of students mdash all students mdash not just ldquothe best and the brightestrdquo

The law requires schools to test all children to see where they are to establish a baseline and then to measure progress Importantly schools canrsquot lump all kids together so that the bright ones bring up the average for all Schools have to measure progress in subgroups so we can see on annual report cards how the school is doing with disabled kids poor kids minority kids and kids of migratory workers for whom English is a second language These are the groups of kids who historically get left behind

In addition to this report card aspect there are provisions for reading programs tutoring and teacher improvement There is valid criticism about these provisions being an ldquounfunded mandaterdquo but history teaches us that this kind of criticism puts the cart before the horse If we waited for ldquoadequate fundingrdquo for anything important wersquod never get anywhere Like wheelchair ramps and nonsmoking sections the law has to demand certain behavior and accountability mdash and then the system finds the money to follow the law


Read the complete article at httpwwwreedmartincomwhyilikenclbhtm

Appeals court parents can represent their children in disability disputes October 09 2003 httpwbz4comnhnewsNH--DisabilitySuits-

enresources_news_html BOSTON (AP) Parents can sue on behalf of their disabled children without hiring a lawyer

to make sure their child gets an appropriate public education a federal appeals court ruled Thursday

The 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a New Hampshire case in which the parents of a disabled boy had sued two school districts the Plymouth School District and the Pemi-Baker Regional School District over his individualized education program

Normally parents who are suing on behalf of a child must hire a lawyer the court said in a 30-page opinion written by Justice Sandra Lynch

The appeals court noted that the school districts were concerned that permitting parents to sue without a lawyer would cause more meritless lawsuits to be brought under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

ldquoThe concern is realrdquo the three-judge panel found But it continued ldquoOur view is that Congress thought that risk an acceptable price to

payrdquo to ensure that disabled students get a free and appropriate education Pointing out that school districts are usually represented by lawyers which gives them an

advantage the court said ``We find it unlikely that Congress intended to put parents who attempt to proceed pro se at the even greater disadvantage of preventing their suits from going forward at all

Students who are blind can still sit in the drivers seat By Tristana Santos Rocky Mountain News October 8 2003 Looks like were going to burn some rubber now shouted Kasey Cannon 25 sitting

behind the wheel of a PT Cruiser on Tuesday morning Coaches at MasterDrive academy in Englewood Colo held their collective breaths while

Cannon stepped on the gas and drove for the first time She has been blind since birth Cannon was one of 20 students of the Colorado Center for the Blind who took driving

lessons at MasterDrive on Monday and Tuesday Read complete article at httpwwwicancomnewsfullpagecfmarticleid64EEC46A-

8C80-4588-84699580BBECB18Ccxnewsnewsarticlecfm

HealthMedical News

Senate passes bill prohibiting genetic discrimination The Senate today passed a bill that would prohibit insurers and employers from using

genetic information to make coverage and employment decisions By a vote of 95-0 the Senate passed the bill that now will go to the House for consideration

Some members of the insurance lobby objected to the bill arguing that it would increase insurers regulatory burden without improving consumer protection Imposing restrictions beyond those already in place could hurt the very people they are intended to help by limiting the ability of insurers to appropriately and fairly set premiums said Health


Insurance Association of America President Donald Young in a written statement Sen Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) applauded the bill which among other things would prohibit health plans from requiring that beneficiaries take a genetic test -- by Jeff Tieman

httpwwwmodernhealthcarecomdailydose2003-10-14_dailydosehtmlts3

ADAAccess

Invitation to People with Disabilities to Participate in a Survey on Use of Medical Equipment The reason we are asking people to fill out this survey is to learn more about what types

of medical equipment people with disabilities have found hard to use Later we will make changes to some types of medical equipment making them easier for people to use

We are looking specifically at four categories of medical equipment sect Diagnostic Equipment

Monitoring--such as thermometer blood pressure cuff cardiac stress test Imaging-such as x-ray MRI mammogram ultrasound equipment

sect Procedural Equipment FurnitureFixtures-such as tables chairs Manual Tools-such as defibrillator dental drill

sect Therapeutic Equipment Drug Therapy-such as syringes infusion pumps ventilators Physical Therapy-such as rehabilitation or exercise equipment

sect Assistive Technologies (used either as or with medical equipment) MobilityPostureManipulation-such as wheelchair brace reacher SensoryCommunicationCognition-such as hearing aid speech aid personal digital assistant (PDA)

If you have a disability and have experience trying to use any of these types of medical equipment we invite you to volunteer to fill out our survey You have a choice of four ways to take part

1 Online on the Internet-go to httpwwwrerc-amiorgpersonalstarterhtm 2 On a computer-download from httpwwwrerc-amiorgpersonalstarterhtm 3 On paper-download from httpwwwrerc-amiorgpersonalstarterhtm 4 Or contact staff by email at inforerc-amiorg by telephoneTTY at (800) 832-

0524 or by mail at RERC-AMI co CDIHP Western University of Health Sciences 309 E 2nd Street Pomona CA 91766-1854

If taking part in the survey by telephone please contact staff at inforerc-amiorg or call (800) 832-0524 to set up a time

Thank you for your interest in this important project RERC on Accessible Medical Instrumentation httpwwwrerc-amiorg Jack Winters Director jackwintersmarquetteedu Molly Story Co-Director mollyhumanspectrumdesigncom

TransitionEmployment

Job applicants with disabilities to benefit from fact sheet on rights throughout hiring process EEOC Provides Answers About Interviews Testing Reasonable Accommodations Medical

Information


WASHINGTON -- As National Disability Employment Awareness Month begins the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today released a new fact sheet designed to educate job applicants on how Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects their rights throughout the hiring process This tool is EEOCs most recent strategy in a series of efforts under President Bushs New Freedom Initiative to advance the employment of individuals with disabilities The fact sheet is available at httpwwweeocgov

The fact sheet covers employer obligations such as the provision of reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities who need assistance during the hiring process Accommodations may include providing or modifying equipment providing written materials in an accessible format (for example Braille) providing sign language interpreters and ensuring that interviews are held in accessible locations Applicants who require reasonable accommodations from prospective employers must request them and be prepared to explain why accommodation is needed

The new publication also explains the ADAs rules on when employers may seek medical information from applicants Before making a job offer an employer cannot require a medical examination or ask questions that are likely to reveal that an applicant has a disability The fact sheet reviews the types of questions that are prohibited during interviews and on applications and discusses what questions an employer may ask of applicants with obvious disabilities such as deafness or loss of a limb

President George W Bush has proclaimed October 2003 to be National Disability Employment Awareness Month a time when private sector entities federal state and local government agencies and advocacy organizations showcase the abilities of people with disabilities and focus attention on removing barriers to employment This years national theme is America Works Best When All Americans Work

In addition to enforcing Title I of the ADA which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector and state and local governments and the Rehabilitation Acts prohibitions against disability discrimination in the federal government EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits employment discrimination based on race color religion sex and national origin the Age Discrimination in Employment Act which prohibits discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older the Equal Pay Act and sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 CONTACT Lisa Fisher Jennifer Kaplan (202) 663-4900 ndash Voice (202) 663-4494 ndash TTY

TechnologyWebResources httpvisionconnectionorg

Site has the vision-impaired in mind Larger type is just the beginning By Janet Kornblum USA TODAY Reagan Stone cant drive because she has a degenerative eye disease So she turns to

the Internet to do a lot of the things she used to do in her car like banking and shopping A special computer program that magnifies her computer screen allows her to see a lot of

what is on the Net But some Web sites look more like a tangled mess of dead ends than a sleek information superhighway

A site launched Thursday will provide an alternative for people like Stone VisionConnectionorg is aiming to become the Yahoo for the 40 million people worldwide who are blind and 140 million who have only partial sight

VisionConnection features large type legible fonts reverse contrast and text-only pages for people with partial sight It is designed specifically so screen readers and magnification


software work with it and it provides links to many sites that are easy to use for those who are vision-impaired or blind It also offers resources for those with vision problems

Read the complete article at httpwwwusatodaycomusatonline200310145585970shtm

Visit the site at httpvisionconnectionorg

Free Resource Guide from the US Department of Education on ADHD and Education Identification Intervention Key to School Success This resource guide provides a basic overview of the science of and research on ADHD

which is described as a neurological condition that involves problems with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that are developmentally inconsistent with the age of the child In addition legal issues surrounding the identification of and educational services for children with ADHD also are addressed

httpwwwedgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtmladhd-res This guide is also available on the PLUK web site httpwwwplukorgpubhtm

TrainingWorkshopsMeetingsConferences in Montana

MT Council on DD Announces Fall Public Forum Schedule The Montana Council on Developmental

Disabilities (MCDD) and the Montana Advocacy Program (MAP) announce a series of public forums across Montana

The purpose of this series of forums is to gather input on the future needs of persons with developmental disabilities their families and the

developmental disabilities service system The forums will be held in the following communities and locations The forums will be held from 700PM to 900PM in each location Please feel free to contact Council offices at 443-4332 or MT toll-free 866443-4332 with any questions

We hope you will be able to attend a Forum in your area 1028 - Miles City - DEAP Office 2200 Box Elder 1029 ndash Billings - Region III DDP Offices 2121 Rosebud 115 ndash Butte ndash BSW 207 N Montana Avenue

In addition to these public forums a series of consumer only focus groups and interviews will be held at Warms Springs State Hospital the Montana Developmental Center and the Montana Brain Injury Association and with the Montana People 1st Senate A satellite downlink METNET forum for all other system stakeholders will also be added to this schedule and the date and time for that Forum will be announced shortly

The public input received through these forums will be used by the Council in developing our priorities of issues to address with Council resources The Montana Advocacy Program will use the public input to assist in refining program goals and activities Additionally in years past the Developmental Disabilities Program has used this public input to assist in defining potential legislative recommendations

The Council has also developed a written survey tool to solicit input on issues facing persons with developmental disabilities their families and other persons in the service delivery system If you are unable to attend one of the forums please consider completing


the survey tool you can receive on by calling Council offices at 1866-443-4332 (MT toll-free) or 406443-4332

A report will be published in January summarizing the public input received from these forums To be added to the report distribution list or for any questions regarding the Forums please contact Council offices at the numbers listed above

Region IV CSPD Web Site for Training activities in the Bozeman area

httpmemberstripodcomloriruffierindex1htm

SIGN LANGUAGE Jefferson High School begins October 22 Clancy

Times Wednesdays 630 - 830 pm for 5 weeks Fees $1000 - one time Adult Ed fee payable to Jefferson High School plus $1500

workbook fee Location Clancy School Instructor Sarah Eyer An opportunity for beginning and intermediate signers to learn vocabulary and

techniques for communicating in sign language Vocabulary may be generalized for use with all populations but emphasis will be given to communicating with childrenand having fun Join us

For more information or to register contact the Superintendents office at 225-3740 email lcareyjhsk12mtus or stop by the Supes office at JHS

Echoes of Abuse Traumatic Brain Injury October 30-31 Billings

The Brain Injury Association of Montana and Billings Area Family Violence Task Force are sponsoring the 14th annual McGuire Memorial Conference on Family Violence to be held in Billings October 30-31

Lifespan Respite Trainings Oct 21 - Feb 17 Billings

Here is a listing of future trainings available through Community Lifespan Respite at STEP Inc All trainings will be from Noon ndash 1pm and there will be a light lunch served

Please RSVP to Tami Haan 869-3031 by the Friday before each training sect October 21 ndash Nancy Fee from St Johns on AlzheimerrsquosSenior

Dementia sect November 18 ndash Sue Bailey from YCCOA on Senior Services Available

in The Community sect December 16 ndash PT in Motion on Lifting and Transfers sect January 20 ndash Molly Mills from PLUK on Grief and Loss sect February 17 ndash Janine Williams from Lifespan Respite on Caring for Someone with

Alzheimerrsquos

Parentrsquos Guide to the Special Education Process CST IEP Referral October 28 Missoula My child is in special education what is my role Mike amp Kristin Maxwell parents and

educators will share the special education process and strategies to help parents partner with schools Location Franklin School 1901 S 10th St West Room 5R

Hosted by IDEA PTA as a part of their Positive Parent-Professional Partnerships All programs are free Business meeting held from 645-715pm program follows 715-


915pm Child care vouchers are available OPI renewals also available For Program Information Contact Nancy Marks MCPS Special Ed Coordinator 728-2400 ext 5036

nmarksmcpsk12mtus To receive information about IDEA PTA events programs and other items of interest

contact Mary Hall at hoythomesmontanacom PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD November 3 Bozeman

November 3 - ADHD AND SCHOOL - with speaker Ron Laferriere Local School Psychologist and Special Education Director will present on ADHD in the

context of school services Topics will include identification evaluation services and how parents can work effectively with schools

This presentation will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202 S Willson Ave Bozeman from 700-830 PM Childcare can be arranged in advance by calling 877-847-8890 (toll free) For more information contact Maria Albin PLUK Family Support Bozeman at malbinplukorg or 877-847-8890

Understanding Social Cognitive Deficits across the school and home day

November 4 Polson Designed for parents and professionals to understand the inner mind of

persons with social deficits including those high on the Autism Spectrum (Aspergers Syndrome) or with a Non-Verbal Learning Disability

Administrators general educators special educators paraeducators parents agency personnel and others interested in meeting the needs of all kids are invited to participate

Register at the Region V CSPD Online Registration Web site httpwwwcspdnet or contact Nancy Marks at nmarksmcpsk12mtus or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more information

The Nuts and Bolts of running social thinking programs November 5 Polson

Designed for professionals teaching small group lessons parents are welcomed to attend Small group activities will occur across the day and emphasize how to educators can bring together socially awkward students A follow-up session will be scheduled for participants to connect back together and review progress problem-solve share ideas and consult with Michelle via a conference call



Otter Creek Math - ldquoHow to Successfully Teach Math Facts amp Word Problem

Strategies to All Studentsrdquo Nov 8 Glendive Dawson County Courthouse - 800am-430pm This 2-day workshop is designed to help 1-8 grade teachers learn

how to impact their studentrsquos math fact fluency and skills in solving word problems

Sponsored by Region I CSPD For more information and registration please call Helen Murphy CSPD Coordinator at 406-485-2143 (h) or 406-485-2321 (w)


Expanding Relay Horizons for All Montanans November 12 Missoula Everyone knows that communications on the telephone is more difficult if you are deaf or

hard of hearing without the right telephone tools Thats why Montana Relay has set up an event to showcase new technologies for the hearing and hearing-impaired alike With help from these new services and products telephone communication has never been easier Please join us for demonstrations workshops guest speakers and more Refreshments will be provided and make sure you check in at the entry table to receive your ticket for the raffle

Note There will be two different sessions on November 12 2003 One for Kids and one for Adults

1st Session-Calling All Kids Date November 12 2003 Time 100pm to 300pm Where Western Montana Clinic-Broadway Building

500 West Broadway-Conference Center 1 Missoula MT 59801

During this session there will be workshops guest speakers and much more Bring your teachers and friends 2nd Session-Adults Event Date November 12 2003 Time 500pm to 800pm Where Western Montana Clinic-Broadway Building


During this session there will be presentations demonstrations refreshments and more For more information and details call us at 1-866-735-2968 VTTY reply to

infomontanarelayorg or visit us online at httpwwwmontanarelayorg

Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 17 Kalispell Part 1 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and

strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading Sessions can be taken individually but it is recommended they be taken as a series



Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 18 Missoula

Part 1 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading Sessions can be taken individually but it is recommended they be taken as a series




Friendship Club- Building Connections with Kids November 18 Missoula

A panel of educators and parents will share ideas on how to start a Friendship Club to help facilitate building friendships and support networks for children with disabilities Location Russell School Library 3216 Russell Street

Hosted by IDEA PTA as a part of their Positive Parent-Professional Partnerships All programs are free Business meeting held from 645-715pm program follows 715-915pm Child care vouchers are available OPI renewals also available For Program Information Contact Nancy Marks MCPS Special Ed Coordinator 728-2400 ext 5036


contact Mary Hall at hoythomesmontanacom

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD December 1 Bozeman December 1 - EXPLOSIVE INFLEXIBLE CHILDREN - with speaker Tina Visscher LCSW Tina is a child and family therapist in private practice She will explore the many

pathways that lead a child to develop explosive and inflexible behavior what skills they tend to lack and interventions that will help them develop better coping skills


Annual Holiday Social Saturday December 13 Missoula

Bring your favorite ethnic holiday dish or dessert to share Join friends and family members of IDEA PTA for a relaxing get-together Location Ron amp Nancy Marksrsquo 3524 S 3rd West Missoula

Contact Nancy Marks MCPS Special Ed Coordinator 728-2400 ext 5036 nmarksmcpsk12mtus To receive information about IDEA PTA events programs and other items of interest


PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD January 12 Bozeman January 12 - COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES - with speakers from

local organizations Many supports and services are available locally to families affected by ADHD An array

of speakers will provide an overview of what their organization can offer to families in the community Some of the organizations represented will include PLUK Special Care Coop Youth Imperative and others


Positive Behavior Supports January 17 2004 Billings

Positive Behavioral Supports Helping Our Students Change by Changing Ourselves by Dan Hobbs Session One The Quality and Content of Our Relationships with our Students 800-330 at MSU-Billings CEHS room 122 Deadline for registration is September 20th Sponsored by Region III CSPD Contact Debra Miller at dmillermsubillingsedu or 657-2312

Differentiated Instruction January 21-22 2004 Polson


This workshop will address the diverse learning needs of students in our schools Participants will explore the concepts and principles of differentiated learning They will investigate instructional and management strategies that can be used in academically diverse classrooms

Administrators general educators special educators paraeducators parents agency personnel and others interested in meeting the needs of

all kids are invited to participate Register at the Region V CSPD Online Registration Web site httpwwwcspdnet or

contact Nancy Marks at nmarksmcpsk12mtus or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more information

Beyond High School- Whatrsquos Next January 27 Missoula

A panel of parents educators and agency folks will share creative partnerships for addressing individual needs of students with disabilities transitioning into ldquothe real worldrdquo Location MCPS Business Building Board Room 915 South Ave West




Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 2 2004 Kalispell




Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 3 2004

Missoula Part 2 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and




The ABCs of Preschool Special Education February 24 Missoula

bull Assessments and placement bull Building Individual Education Plans bull Curriculum


The MCPS special education preschool staff will share information on assessments placement IEPrsquos and curriculum followed by a panel of parents of preschoolers who will discuss strategies for success Location Franklin Elementary School Preschool Room 1901 S 10th St West




Positive Behavior Supports March 13 2004 Billings Positive Behavioral Supports Helping Our Students Change by Changing

Ourselves by Dan Hobbs Session One The Quality and Content of Our Relationships with our Students 800-330 at MSU-Billings CEHS room 122 Deadline for registration is September 20th Sponsored by Region III CSPD Contact Debra Miller at dmillermsubillingsedu or 657-2312

Individuals with Disabilities Networking Banquet March 20 Missoula

Celebrate Individuals with Disabilities Awareness month and attend the networking and awards banquet Location Doubletree Edgewater Time Beginning at 530

To receive information about IDEA PTA events programs and other items of interest contact Mary Hall at hoythomesmontanacom

Click of Reading Comprehension April 19 2004 Missoula


Administrators general educators special educators paraeducators parents agency personnel and others interested in meeting the needs

of all kids are invited to participate Register at the Region V CSPD Online Registration Web site httpwwwcspdnet or


Click of Reading Comprehension April 20 2004 Kalispell





A Focus on Self Advocacy April 27 Missoula

Panel of middle school and high school students parents educators and agency folks will share strategies for promoting self advocacy skills Location TBA





TrainingWorkshopsConferences outside Montana

Satellite Broadcast Connecting Schools Families and Communities to Improve Student Achievement A Practical Application of Research October 22 Source Southwest Educational Development Laboratory - To support those who plan and

provide preservice and inservice training for educators SEDLs National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools (the Center) is presenting its third annual satellite broadcast Connecting Schools Families and Communities to Improve Student Achievement A Practical Application of Research on October 22 from 2 to 330 pm Central Standard Time The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires districts and schools to involve parents in the development of plans to help low-achieving students meet challenging academic requirements build the schools and the parents capacity for more involvement and coordinate involvement strategies through such programs as Head Start Reading First Even Start and Parents as Teachers

During the satellite broadcast SEDL staff will present key finding from its recently published research syntheses discuss ways to make the case and introduce theoretical models and tools for three areas critical to establishing a sound parent involvement program needs assessment decision-making and trust-building and program evaluation For more information go to httpwwwsedlorgconnectionsroundtable2003broadcast2003html

Bullying Teasing Youth Violence and Prevention Addressing the Needs of Youth with Disabilities Friday October 24 2003 1ndash 200 pm Central Time The issue of bullying and teasing anti-bullying programs and how to deal with bullies in

schools has become a critical issue nationwide We now know that unless bullying is addressed early aggressively and proactively by adult leaders in schools and communities it can lead to serious short-term as well as life-long problems and consequences A recent report from the Council on Scientific Affairs within the American Medical Association estimates that approximately 37 million youths engage in and more than 32 million are victims of moderate or serious bullying each year

This teleconference call will address research basic information and best practice recommendations regarding youth with disabilities with respect to the following Bullying teasing and youth violence Peer pressure and itrsquos relationship to bullying and teasing Prevention and intervention

Instructions for Participation Dialing In Dial 703-925-2402 a couple of minutes before the call begins and refer to the NCSET Teleconference Call if asked by the operator During the call if using a speakerphone please press the mute button when listening The only cost to you is the long distance fee to the 703 area code You do not need to RSVP to participate in this call


What to Expect The first 30-45 minutes of the call consists of the speakers presentation Participants are then given the opportunity to ask questions Speaker Phones To limit static noise please press the mute button when listening

TASH conference ndash Dec 10-13 Chicago

NOW IS THE TIME to register for this years which will be held Chicago December 10th - 13th and to make your hotel reservations at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Dont miss out on early-registration discounts - good through September 30th

The TASH Conference is the conference to attend to learn about the most progressive policy and practice issues affecting people with disabilities their families support providers and advocates Participants can choose from a menu of over 450 sessions showcasing the most progressive thinking practices and research in the areas of Adult Services and Supports Inclusive Quality Education across the Lifespan Ethics Values and Rights and more

Registration is easy Go to httpwwwtashorg2003conferenceregistrationhtm and register online or print out the registration form to send in You may also call us at 410-828-8274 x 0 and we will be glad to assist you

Here are some helpful links that will provide you with complete information about this years exciting conference For complete updated conference information - httpwwwtashorg2003conferenceindexhtm Complete list of topics sessions and speakers - httpwwwtashorg2003conferencesessions Hotel reservations travel arrangements and local Chicago info

httpwwwtashorg2003conferencemainhtm We look forward to welcoming you as a participant in this exciting event If you have

questions please call us at 410-828-8274 ext 0 during east coast business hours Looking forward to seeing you in Chicago

National Autism Summit Set For November 2003 The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of

Education (DOE) have just announced that they will host a joint summit to develop a national agenda on autism this November in Washington DC The two-day event entitled Autism Summit Conference Developing a National Agenda is set to be held on November 19 and 20 2003 at the Washington Convention Center

Please mark you calendars so you can attend and make known your views on those topics important to you For more detailed information about this very important Summit Conference click here or visit the ASA Web site (httpwwwautism-societyorg ) and click on News

Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference January 14-17 Florida ATIA 2004 serves as a leading forum for the Assistive Technology community to

participate in presentations and discussions about new technology practical applications and services Segments of the Assistive Technology industry (Augmentative and Alternative Communication Blindness Computer Access Curriculum Adaptations Deaf and Hard of Hearing Electronic Aids to Daily Living Games and Recreation Learning DisabilitiesStudy AidsLiteracy Low Vision and Mechanical Accessories and Mounting Devices) will be represented in various presentations demonstrations andor exhibits In addition a hands-on lab will provide an opportunity to experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive technology devices and software available

httpwwwatiaorg


Technology Reading and Learning Difficulties San Francisco January 29-31 2004 Educational Computer Conferences Inc sponsors the annual TRLD International

Conference Technology Reading amp Learning Difficulties which is held each January in San Francisco California Currently the International Reading Association (IRA) is co-sponsor of the TRLD conferences

Go to httpwwwtrldcom for information costs and registration

Announcing A Series of Conference Calls on the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children

The Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is launching a series of 10 conference calls focusing on the social-emotional development of young children (birth through five years old) The target audience for these calls includes early care and education providers agency administrators technical assistance providers and others working with young children and their families THESE CALLS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 100-230 pm (EST) ON THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE Date Topic 102903 bull Brain Research

bull Attachment 111903 bull Curricula for Promoting Healthy Social-Emotional

Development 121703 bull Screening amp Assessment for Infants Toddlers and

Preschoolers 12804 bull The Impact of Maternal Depression andor Substance Abuse

on Young Children 22504 bull Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Young Children

Involved with Child Welfare 33104 bull ECMH Consultation Models 42804 bull Relationship-based Interventions 52604 bull Children amp Trauma

National experts will serve as presenters as will practitioners who are involved in promising practices Presentations will highlight effective strategies for delivering family-driven culturally appropriate services in community-based settings Up to 200 individuals per call will be able to participate on a first-come-first serve basis Handouts including PowerPoint presentations will be provided to people who register for the calls Please send an email to mk73georgetownedu (MelKisha Knight) if you want to be added to the list for the first call Materials will be emailed to you More information to come


ILRU Web Casts ILRU is a program of The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) and is

affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine It is supported in part by public and private funding agencies including the US Department of Education--National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Go to httpwwwilruorgonline for a complete list of upcoming web casts and access to the archives of past sessions Here is a partial list of upcoming trainings that may be of interest to people in Montana

sect Wednesday October 22 2003 200 PM Central - Self Esteem - presented by Peg Nosek

sect Wednesday October 29 2003 200 PM Central - Poverty Welfare Reform and Disability - presented by Peter Blanck Johnette Hartnett and Michael Morris

Fun Events

Magical Tymes Party November 11 Missoula The Missoula Associate Board third annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo has been scheduled for

November 11 2003 Deborah Hayes Hyde is the Chair of the event and Ramona Holt is chairing the Sponsorship Sub-Committee For the last two years this event has been held in conjunction with a play at the Missoula Childrenrsquos Theatre In addition to the play participants may attend a ldquowine and cheese partyrdquo and a silent auction

This year the play is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Companies and groups are now lining up to sponsor the event and the committee assures us that it will be the best to date by far For more information on how to become involved call PLUKrsquos office at 800-222-7585 and we can put you in touch with the planning committee

Be sure to mark your calendar with these future events bull Kids at Heart Banquet February 7 2004 Billings bull Sports Festival March 2004 Billings

How you can help

Preferred Savings Guide for sale Parents Lets Unite for Kids is selling the Billings Area Preferred


The book includes coupons for food ski rentals Big Timber Water Slide Billings Mustangs Billings Symphony Herbergers Scheels YMCA ZooMontana hair salons tire and dry cleaning businesses etc

The books are $2000 each and can be purchased from PLUKs office or by calling 255-0540 If you have any questions please contact Bernice at the above telephone number


Get your Albertson Community Partners card

PLUK has joined Albertsonsrsquo Community Partners Card Program This program is designed to help non-profit organizations raise funds needed for their programs A percentage of your grocery total will be donated to PLUK All that is needed is to show your Community Partners card each time you make a purchase at Albertsons It does not cost you anything

If you are interested in assisting PLUK in raising funds this way please contact Bernice at 255-0540 to get a Community Partners card

Selected Sources 1 Monday Morning in Washington DC httpwwwinclusionresearchorg 2 Rocky Mountain DBTAC httpwwwadainformationorg 3 Transition Newsflash Montana Center on Disabilities

httpwwwmsubillingsedutransition 4 PEN Weekly NewsBlast httpwwwpubliceducationorg 5 Reference Points Transition updates from the TATRA Project

httpwwwpacerorgtatratatrahtm 6 The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

httpaidtacruralinstituteumteduTrainingCalendarhtm PLUK eNews is published by Parents Lets Unite for Kids ndash PLUK 516 N 32nd St Billings MT 59101-6003 800-222-7585 406-255-0540 406-255-0523 (fax) plukinfoplukorg httpwwwplukorg

Edited by Roger Holt rholtplukorg Proofed amp condensed by Elisabeth Mills emaymillshotmailcom

bull Feel free to reprint and pass on to others bull To be removed just send a message to plukinfoplukorg with ldquoremoverdquo as the

subject bull To be added to the list send a message to plukinfoplukorg with your

nameaddresstelephone and email address bull If you have activities events trainings news or information you would like to

share send it to plukinfoplukorg bull Please be aware that some links provided are time sensitive Contact us if you

have difficulty accessing any of the information bull View an archive of all Weekly eNews at httpwwwplukorgeNewshtm


Mission Statement Parentrsquos Letrsquos Unite for Kids unites parents professionals families and friends of children with special needs to support one another and share information for the benefit of their children

Vision Statement Given information and support individuals with disabilities and their

families will feel empowered to advocate for themselves and participate fully in educational and community opportunities

Statement on accessibility Today we endeavor to be conscious of the need for making all electronic information accessible as we are aware of physical accessibility issues in our community For design guidelines visit httpncamwgbhorgcdromguideline


Differentiated Instruction January 21-22 2004 Polson11 Beyond High School- Whatrsquos Next January 27 Missoula 12 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 2 2004

Kalispell12 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 3 2004

Missoula 12 The ABCs of Preschool Special Education February 24 Missoula12 Positive Behavior Supports March 13 2004 Billings13 Individuals with Disabilities Networking Banquet March 20 Missoula13 Click of Reading Comprehension April 19 2004 Missoula 13 Click of Reading Comprehension April 20 2004 Kalispell13 A Focus on Self Advocacy April 27 Missoula13

TrainingWorkshopsConferences outside Montana 14 Satellite Broadcast Connecting Schools Families and Communities to Improve

Student Achievement A Practical Application of Research October 2214 Bullying Teasing Youth Violence and Prevention Addressing the Needs of Youth

with Disabilities Friday October 24 2003 1ndash 200 pm Central Time14 TASH conference ndash Dec 10-13 Chicago15 National Autism Summit Set For November 200315 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference January 14-17 Florida15 Technology Reading and Learning Difficulties San Francisco January 29-31 2004

16 Announcing A Series of Conference Calls on the Social-Emotional Development of

Young Children16 ILRU Web Casts17

Fun Events 17 Magical Tymes Party November 11 Missoula17 Be sure to mark your calendar with these future events 17

How you can help17 Preferred Savings Guide for sale17 Get your Albertson Community Partners card18

Selected Sources18 1 Monday Morning in Washington DC httpwwwinclusionresearchorg18 2 Rocky Mountain DBTAC httpwwwadainformationorg18 3 Transition Newsflash Montana Center on Disabilities

httpwwwmsubillingsedutransition18 4 PEN Weekly NewsBlast httpwwwpubliceducationorg 18 5 Reference Points Transition updates from the TATRA Project

httpwwwpacerorgtatratatrahtm 18 6 The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

httpaidtacruralinstituteumteduTrainingCalendarhtm 18

PLUK Associate Board of Missoula sponsoring 2nd Annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo November 11th

The event begins at 600pm at the Missoula Childrenrsquos Theatre (200 North Adams St Missoula MT 59802) Tickets are $20 apiece and include admission to ldquoJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor

Dreamcoatrdquo at the Theatre admission to the ldquoWine and Cheese Partyrdquo (all food and drink is free) and participation at the ldquoMagical Silent Auctionrdquo This makes Christmas shopping a breeze All proceeds go to help with PLUKrsquos growth in the Missoula area To reserve your








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Fun Events





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News






















HealthMedical News







ADAAccess















Information














































Alzheimerrsquos



































































































































httpwwwatiaorg



















Fun Events





How you can help








































HealthMedical News







ADAAccess















Information














































Alzheimerrsquos



































































































































httpwwwatiaorg



















Fun Events





How you can help



























ADAAccess















Information














































Alzheimerrsquos



































































































































httpwwwatiaorg



















Fun Events





How you can help





































































Alzheimerrsquos



































































































































httpwwwatiaorg



















Fun Events





How you can help























































































































































httpwwwatiaorg



















Fun Events





How you can help










































Fun Events





How you can help
























pluk enews for the week of october 20-24, 2003 volume 2 issue 16pluk.org/enews/oct_20_03.pdf ·...

Documents