Upcoming Events
April 23, 2014
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: What You Need to Know
New Milford, CT
On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, New Milford Public Schools “Parents as Partners” will host a free workshop for parents and educators presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: What You Need to Know.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sarah Noble Intermediate School located at 25 Sunny Valley Road in New Milford, Connecticut.
Families will be introduced to a new way of thinking about their children’s behaviors and about the need to advocate for behavioral supports. The workshop will provide an overview of functional behavioral assessments and positive behavior interventions.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration to register or contact CPAC at cpac@cpacinc.org or 1-800-445-2722 for more information or to register.
April 23, 2014
Identifying Youth at Risk for Serious Mental Illness
Willington, CT
On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, Success Special Education PTO will host a presentation by Barbara C. Walsh, PhD. entitled, “Identifying Youth at Risk for Serious Mental Illness.” The presentation will be he held at 6:30 p.m. at Willington Library located at 7 Ruby Road in Willington, Connecticut.
Dr. Walsh is with the Yale University School of Medicine where she oversees clinical evaluation and treatment performed on young people and provides education on the early warning signs of serious mental illness in young people to a wide variety of communities. Dr. Walsh has over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field.
Topics to be covered include: the early warnings signs of serious mental illness in young people; what we know about the best treatment options for these young people; information about free services offered to youth and families.
For more information, email info@successsepto.org or call Cathy Britschock at 860-429-8333 or Brenda Stenglein at 860-429-1059.
April 24, 2014
Yale Child Study Center Program for Anxiety Disorders Forum For Concerned Parents and Professionals
New Haven, CT
On Thursday, April 24, 2014, Yale Child Study Center will present the 1st annual Yale Child Study Center Program for Anxiety Disorders Forum For Concerned Parents and Professionals. The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cohen Auditorium in the Yale Child Study Center located at 230 South Frontage Road in New Haven, Connecticut.
The program will include discussion regarding the following questions:
- How do I know if a child has anxiety?
- How does anxiety affect children at school and with their peers?
- How does childhood anxiety impact the family?
- What are the latest developments in treatment?
- How do families and providers find help?
The conference fee is $75 per person and includes a light breakfast and validated parking in the Air Rights Garage. To register, visit www.regonline.com/spotlightonanxiety. For more information, contact Linda Isakson at 203-785-7205 or linda.isakson@yale.edu.
April 25, 2014
Parents and Kids Night Out
Rocky Hill, CT
On Friday, April 25, 2014, Decoding Dyslexia-CT will host a Parents and Kids Night Out. The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bounce U located at 712 Brook Street in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
Children will be allowed to play and use the equipment while the parents get to know each other. Admission is $9 per child and adults are free. For more information, visit the event website.
April 28, 2014
The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education
Bloomfield, CT
On Monday, April 28, 2014, Bloomfield Support Group will host a free workshop for parents presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Laurel Elementary School located at 1 Filley Street in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Families of children with disabilities are encouraged to attend and will learn how to become more active participants in their
children’s education. The workshop will include information on laws relating to special education, preparing for meetings at
school and the special education referral process.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration to register or contact CPAC at cpac@cpacinc.org or 1-800-445-2722 for more information or to register.
April 29, 2014
Transition to College: The Keys to Success
Rocky Hill, CT
On Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Rocky Hill Public Schools will host a regional family transition night entitled, “Transition to College: The Keys to Success.” The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the library of Rocky Hill High School located at 50 Chapin Avenue in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
The panel of presenters will include:
- Tony Carberry: Central CT State University, Associate Director of Recruitment & Admissions
- Jeff Buskey: Eastern Connecticut State University, Assistant Director of Admissions
- Hilary Phelps: Middlesex Community College, Disability Support Services Coordinator
- Susan Woods: Porter and Chester Institute, Porter and Chester Liaison
- Caroline McCall: University of Connecticut – Hartford Branch, Admissions Officer
The evening will include panel and breakout sessions on the following topics:
- application process
- remedial classes
- assistive technology
- course selection
- summer courses
- organizations on campus
For more information or to register, contact Tina Mendes at 860-258-7701 x174 or mendest@rockyhillps.org. Registration is required by April 23, 2014.
April 29, 2014
Coping with Feeding Challenges in Children with Special Needs
Danbury, CT
On Tuesday, April 29, 2014, the Greater Danbury Child and Family Network, a Local Interagency Coordinating Council of Birth to
Three (LICC), the Family Focus Partnership, Education Connection and the Connecticut Family Support Network will host a workshop presented by Melissa Olive, Ph.D., BCBA-D entitled, “Coping with Feeding Challenges in Children with Special Needs.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Education Connection located at 345 Main Street in Danbury, Connecticut.
Missy, a former special education professor, has been designing and implementing interventions for children disabilities for 20 years. Her clinical work centers on severe challenging behavior, feeding disorders, and children with limited and/or non-verbal language. Her presentation will include a roundtable discussion followed by questions.
A light meal will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Trish Butler at 203-826-9739 or tbutler@ctfsn.org.
May 1, 2014
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children
Danielson, CT
On Thursday, May 1, 2014, CT Family Support Network – Northeast will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church located at 247 Broad Street in Danielson, Connecticut.
This workshop will help participants change the way they view and react to their children’s challenging behavior. Participants will learn what their children’s behavior is communicating, how to use positive behavior supports to encourage the development of new communication skills, and practical tips for promoting children’s success.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration to register or contact CPAC at cpac@cpacinc.org or 1-800-445-2722 for more information or to register.
May 1, 2014
Conference on Serving Adults with Disabilities
Westbrook, CT
On Thursday, May 1, 2014, the Connecticut State Department of Education, Adult Education and Literacy and CREC will sponsor the 22nd annual “Conference on Serving Adults with Disabilities.” The conference will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Water’s Edge Resort located at 1525 Boston Post Road in Westbrook, Connecticut.
The conference provides an opportunity for participants to meet with a wide representation of experts and professionals, along with family and friends of individuals with disabilities, and to discuss current strategies and knowledge on the broad spectrum of disabilities. C. Leslie Charles, CSP will present the keynote address entitled, “Love, Learning, and Lasting Commitment: The Art of the Fresh Start.”
Breakout sessions will include:
- Staying in the Game: From Recalcitrance and Resistance to the Rewards of Resilience – C. Leslie Charles
- A Model for Assessing Adult Learners and Developing an Intervention to Address Skill Deficits in Literacy – Margie B. Gillis, Ed.D.
- So who is in control; the rational you or the emotional you? – Nick Montano
- Overcoming Adversity: Living an Accessible Life – Stephen Emt
- Understanding Executive Functioning Through the Lens of Poverty – Laura DiGalbo, M.Ed.
- The Adult with Disability Nutritional Paradox: Stomaching Food Insecurity and Obesity in our ‘Land of Plenty’ – Anne Davis, Ph.D.
- Laugh for the Health of It – Laura Le
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): A New Hurdle for Job Seekers – Deborah Walker
The conference registration fee is $125. For more information or to register, visit www.crec.org/disabilities or contact Carol Boin at cboin@crec.org or 860-524-4048.
May 1, 2014
Help Your Child – and Yourself – Conquer Stress & Anxiety
Darien, CT
On Thursday, May 1, 2014, DarienSEPAC and Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities will sponsor a presentation by Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D. entitled, “Help Your Child – and Yourself – Conquer Stress & Anxiety.” The presentation will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Middlesex Middle School in Darien, Connecticut.
Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D. will discuss scientifically-documented strategies that heal the physical effects of anxiety and promote stress-resilience. Every child with a learning or developmental disability suffers from stress as an unavoidable response to daily academic and peer pressure. Chronic stress affects the body and mind: physical health, mood and self-esteem. Parents also experience anxiety, as they attempt to balance the demands of their own lives with understanding, supporting and advocating for their children. Dr. Eckerd, a licensed psychologist, will present proven tools to help you — and your child – effectively deal with this stress.
For more information, contact Darien SEPAC by visiting their website: dariensepac.wordpress.com/contact-us
May 3, 2014
Parent Leadership Training Conference
East Hartford, CT
On Saturday, May 3, 2014, Connecticut Special Education PTO Alliance will present the “Parent Leadership Training Conference.” The conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tastebuds Banquet Facility located at 1450 Main Street in East Hartford, Connecticut.
This conference is for parents, family members, care givers and anyone with an interest in advocating for children and youth with special needs. Leaders (and future leaders) of parent support groups will find this conference especially useful.
Conference attendees will receive a folder of information about resources for families and children, including the 2014 edition of “Special Education’s Greatest Hits” from the Connecticut SEPTO Alliance. Coffee, muffins and bagels will be served in the morning. Luncheon will be served at noon with time to network and connect.
Conference topics will include:
- special Education and parent involvement
- family-centered supports for children and youth
- new developments in career training for young people transitioning from school to adult life
- ideas for programs and parent empowerment
The registration fee is $30 per person and $25 for Connecticut SEPTO Alliance members. A limited number of scholarships are available. For more information or to register, email info@septoalliance.org. Registration fees will be collected at the door.
May 7, 2014
The Transition Process: From Birth to Three to Special Education
Waterbury, CT
On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Children’s Therapy Services will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “The Transition Process: From Birth to Three to Special Education.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Children’s Therapy Services located at 1389 West Main Street, Suite 225 in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Families of children enrolled in Birth to Three will increase their understanding of the transition process from Birth to Three services and will gain knowledge of the key components of special education services under IDEA. Participants will learn about their role as an equal partner of the PPT and ways that they can effectively advocate for their children and communicate with schools.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration to register or contact CPAC at cpac@cpacinc.org or 1-800-445-2722 for more information or to register.
May 8, 2014
My Child is on the Autism Spectrum…Now What?
North Haven, CT
On Thursday, May 8, 2014, CT Family Support Network will present a workshop entitled, “My Child is on the Autism Spectrum…Now What?” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at SARAH in Action Enrichment Center located at 556 Washington Avenue in North Haven, Connecticut.
The training will provide attendees with tools, knowledge and communication strateiges.
Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Deborah Pagano at 203-430-0242 or dpagano@ctfsn.org.
May 10, 2014
Navigating the Special Education System
Hartford, CT
On Saturday, May 10, 2014, SpEd Connecticut will host a workshop for parents entitled, “Navigating the Special Education System.” The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at SpEd Connecticut in the 5th Floor Conference Room located at 999 Asylum Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
The workshop will be broken down into the following three sessions:
Session 1: Before Your PPT presented by Harriet Clark and Judi Bunker
- PPT referral
- Record request and review
- Understanding evaluations
- Preparing an agenda
Session 2: During Your PPT presented by Diane Willcuts
- Who to bring
- To record or not to record
- How to express differences of opinions
- IEE requests
Session 3: After Your PPT presented by Attorneys Greg McMahon and Roger Bunker
- The follow-up letter
- What to do if you disagree
- Next steps
The registration fee is $25 per person. Scholarships are available. Lunch is included. For more information or to register, contact Fran Ficocelli at 860-560-1711 or info@spedconnecticut.org.
May 13, 2014
The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education
Danielson, CT
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Hearts, Hands and Homes Community Collaborative will host a workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Killingly Community Center located at 185 Broad Street in Danielson, Connecticut.
Families of children with disabilities are encouraged to attend this workshop to learn how to become more active participants
in their children’s education. The workshop will include information on laws relating to special education, preparing for
meetings at school and the special education referral process.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration to register or contact CPAC at cpac@cpacinc.org or 1-800-445-2722 for more information or to register.
May 14, 2014
Reaching Agreement by Working Together
Moodus, CT
On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center will present a free workshop for parents and educators of children with disabilities entitled, “Reaching Agreement by Working Together.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Nathan Hale Ray Middle School located at 73 Clark Gates Road in Moodus, Connecticut.
This workshop will help participants increase their understanding of the components of effective communication. The workshop will also explain the difference between positions and interests held by members of a team and will explain the continuum of dispute resolution options.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration to register or contact CPAC at cpac@cpacinc.org or 1-800-445-2722 for more information or to register.
May 21, 2014
Transition Skills: The Path to Adulthood
Farmington, CT
On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service
(UCEDD), in partnership with The State Education Resource Center of Connecticut (SERC), and the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) will present a training entitled, “Transition Skills: The Path to Adulthood.” The training will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 21st, May 28th and June 4th at the UCEDD, UConn Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut.
Families, parents, guardians and caregivers of adolescent and young adult children with disabilities, as well as people with disabilities ages 16-20 are invited to attend to learn the skills, information and resources needed to successfully navigate the transition to adulthood, relative to inclusive living, housing, employment, education and health.
The event is free to attend but registrants are encouraged to complete all three training sessions. Dinner will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Stanton Wolfe at contact.us.ucedd@uchc.edu or 860-679-1500.
May 22, 2014
CT Kids’ Court Essay Competition and Kids Speak
Hartford, CT
On Thursday, May 22, 2014, the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the state Department of Education will co-sponsor the CT Kids’ Court Essay Competition and Kids Speak. The CT Kids’ Court Competition will kick off with Kids Speak from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford, Connecticut.
The Kids’ Court Competition provides junior high and high school students with an opportunity to research a specific civil or human rights issue and advocate a position, initially in an essay and then orally before a panel of judges.
Kids Speak, which is the kickoff to the Kids’ Court Essay Competition, is a half-day program of interactive exercises, peer debate, improvisations, an interactive panel discussion and peer dialogue aimed at raising student’s consciousness about civil and human rights issues and reducing bullying and prejudice. Students from across the State of Connecticut and the tri-state area are invited to participate in this groundbreaking event. This year there are five topics for Kids Speak and the Kids’ Court Essay Competition. View the event flyer for more information.
Thousands of students have participated in Kids Speak and Kids’ Court over the years and the program has been very favorably received by educators and administrators. Past Speakers have included Governor Dannel P. Malloy, State Senators, a Supreme Court Justice, State Representatives, Representatives from the Mayor’s Office In Hartford, The Commissioner of Education and many more dignitaries. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Spaces are limited. For more information, view the event brochure or contact Cheryl Sharp at cheryl.sharp@ct.gov.
June 4, 2014
Authentic Engagement: Empowering Parents to Participate During the Preschool Years
<emWebinar
On Wednesday, June 4, 2014, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech will present a webinar for professionals working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families entitled, “Authentic Engagement: Empowering Parents to Participate During the Preschool Years.” The webinar will take place from noon to 1 p.m.
The webinar is free of charge. For more information or to register, visit www.clarkeschools.org/webinars or email webinars@clarkeschools.org.
September 10, 2014
Back to School: Supporting Students with Hearing Loss in Mainstream Classrooms
<emWebinar
On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech will present a webinar for professionals working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families entitled, “Back to School: Supporting Students with Hearing Loss in Mainstream Classrooms.” The webinar will take place from noon to 1 p.m.
The webinar is free of charge. For more information or to register, visit www.clarkeschools.org/webinars or email webinars@clarkeschools.org.
November 5, 2014
Partners in Learning: Supporting Parents of Infants and Toddlers Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
<emWebinar
On Wednesday, November 5, 2014, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech will present a webinar for professionals working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families entitled, “Partners in Learning: Supporting Parents of Infants and Toddlers Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.” The webinar will take place from noon to 1 p.m.
The webinar is free of charge. For more information or to register, visit www.clarkeschools.org/webinars or email webinars@clarkeschools.org.
July 12, 2014
CPAC Friends and Family Summer Picnic
Waterford, CT
CPAC’s annual Friends and Family Summer Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from noon to 4 p.m. at Camp Harkness in Waterford, Connecticut.
Families of children with disabilities are invited to attend to enjoy a day at the beach, lunch, games and activities.
More details and registration information will be coming soon.
