Upcoming Events
May 16, 2012
Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities
Manchester, CT
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Manchester Community College Institute on Disability and Community Inclusion, CT Council on Developmental Disabilities, t-he Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities and the A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will sponsor a dialogue and discussion with Erik Carter, Ph.D. entitled, “Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities: Strategies that will work in your community.” The event will be held from 8:30am to 3pm at Manchester Community College.
Service providers, people with disabilities, families, parents, religious leaders and others are invited to attend to share and hear strategies about or how to welcome people with disabilities in their congregations, so that they may fully participate. Teams from both faith and spirituality communities are encouraged to attend.
Dr. Erik Carter is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. His lectures bring practical ideas to life with the use of anecdotes, quotes and examples of successful strategies.
Space is limited for this free event. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012FaithbasedConference to register. For more information, contact Gabriela Freyre-Calish at 860-679-1500.
May 16, 2012
ADHD and Dyslexia Presentation with Brian Grazer
New York City, NY
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the Child Mind Institute’s Adam Jeffrey Katz Memorial Lecture will feature Academy Award winning producer Brian Grazer who will speak on the topic of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and dyslexia. The presentation, sponsored by CHADD, Hunter College, the International Dyslexia Association, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, The Parents League of New York City, Parents Magazine and Project Eye-to-Eye, will take place in two sessions, part one will take place from 4pm to 5pm and part two will take place from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Both parts will be held at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in New York City.
Part one, entitled, “ADHD: Causes, Policy, Stigma, and Medication,” will be presented by Stephen P. Hinshaw, Ph.D. and focus on current controversies surrounding ADHD, what we know about its causes, its changing patters over the lifespan, sex differences in symptoms and outcomes, and how medications and behavioral treatments can be combined for optimal results. Part two, will be presented by Brian Grazer and Harold S. Kopelwicz, MD. Harold S. Koplewicz, MD, one of the nation’s leading child and adolescent psychiatrists and president of the Child Mind Institute, will have an intimate and candid conversation with Brian Grazer about the challenges and successes of living with dyslexia. Academy Award®-winning producer Brian Grazer has been making movies and television programs for more than 25 years. As both a writer and producer, he has been personally nominated for four Academy Awards, and in 2002 he won the Best Picture Oscar® for A Beautiful Mind. In addition, Mr. Grazer produced this year’s Oscar telecast.
Tickets are $10 for one session and $15 for two sessions. For more information or to register, visit childmind.org/katzlecture.
May 16, 2012
Toilet Training Your Special Needs Child
Litchfield, CT
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Torrington Local Interagency Coordinating Council of Birth to Three in conjunction with EDUCATION CONNECTION and CT Family Support Network will host a workshop presented by Ashley Hickey entitled, “Toilet Training Your Special Needs Child.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Education Connection located at 355 Goshen Road in Litchfield, Connecticut.
The presentation will include information on:
- importance of positive reinforcement
- potty training methods including trip training, intensive training, bowel training and night-time training
For more information or to register, contact Trish Butler at 203-826-9739 or email ctfsnnorthwest@gmail.com.
May 18, 2012
NEAT Seating and Mobility Seminar and EXPO
Hartford, CT
On Friday, May 18, 2012, The NEAT Center at Oak Hill (New England Assistive Technology Resource and Education Center) will host the “NEAT Seating and Mobility Seminar and EXPO.” The event will be held from 9am to 3pm at The NEAT Center at Oak Hill located at 120 Holcomb Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
Occupational and physical therapists, educators and related service professionals are invited to attend this event to view the latest in assistive technologies and talk with experts, vendors and professionals. Featured presentations will include:
- “Positioning to Learn Function” presented by Deborah Bubela, Ph.D., P.T.
- “Mobility Devices: Choosing the Best Way to Navigate the Environment” presented by Barbara Crane, Ph.D., P.T., ATP
- App-Tastic Beginnings: OTs and PTs” presented by Nicole Feeney M.Ed.
Visit the NEAT website for more information or to register.
May 19, 2012
Pathway to Promise with Promise
New Haven, CT
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, New Haven Promise in partnership Arte Inc. will host a workshop for students in grade K-8 and their parents entitled, “Pathway to Promise with Promise.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm at New Haven Public Library Ives Branch located at 133 Elm Street in New Haven, Connecticut.
Participants will learn how New Haven Promise is working to create a college-going culture in New Haven’s prek-8 schools and what you can do at home to reinforce the message.
A light meal will be offered. For more information or to register, call 203-776-6473 or email betsy.yagla@newhavenpromise.org.
May 19, 2012
Parents United for Our Children
New Britain, CT
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Central Connecticut State University will present a Latino Educational Conference entitled, “Parents United for Our Children.” The conference will be held from 9am to 3pm at Central Connecticut State University in Memorial Hall. Most sessions will be presented in Spanish.
The conference will focus on preparing for college life. There will be a panel of experts and informative workshops that will offer strategies for choosing a college, financial aid information and more.
For more information or to register, visit www.ccsu.edu/orientation or call 860-832-0056.
May 22, 2012
A Forum to Learn About the Autism Division Medicaid Waiver
Hartford, CT
On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, the Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center and ASCONN will host a forum to learn about the Autism Division Medicaid waiver coming to Connecticut for adults on the spectrum. The forum will be held at 10am at the Legislative Office Building in room 1D located at 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
Speakers will include:
- Governor Dannel P. Malloy
- Representative Cathy Abercrombie
- Commissioner Terry Macy, Department of Developmental Services
- Amy Porter, Director of Rehabilitation Services
- Lois Rosenwald, Executive Director, ASRC
For more information or to RSVP, please call 203-265-7717.
May 22, 2012
Career and Transition Fair
East Hartford, CT
On Thursday, May 22, 2012, BESB will present the 2012 Career and Transition Fair for students parents. The fair will take place from 10am to 2pm at Goodwin College in the Goodwin Community Room located at 1 Riverside Drive in East Hartford, Connecticut.
There will be presentations and information from:
- BESB VR
- Career Exposure
- Summer Youth Employment Program
- DDS
- Department of Labor
- Mentor Outreach
- Community Employers
- Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
Lunch will be provided and parking is free. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Barry Rita at 860-602-4069 or Robbin Keating at 860-602-4222.
May 23, 2012
Brain Connections: New Insights in Neuro-Developmental Disorder Research
Derby, CT
On Wednesday, May 23, 2012, North Star Parent Support Group will host a presentation by Dr. Kimberly Smith, Clinical Director at Health Brain Pediatrics in Milford, entitled, “Brain Connections: New Insights in Neuro-Developmental Disorder Research.” The presentation will be held from 7pm to 9pm at First Congregational Church of Derby located at 137 Derby Avenue in Derby, Connecticut.
Researchers are discovering surprising similarities in the brains of kids with a broad range of cognitive and developmental disorders. Many of these children’s brains are developing ‘asymmetrically’ – so neural connectedness (communication) between regions is compromised versus typically developing peers. This conception of developmental disorders can be seen directly on MRI and even implied on EEG (which measures electrical brainwave activity). In this lecture, participants will see these pictures and learn about some of the theorized causes. The presenter will discuss how and why these differences impact executive function, sensory and motor integration, and cognitive skills. We will also review the full range of what can be done to encourage the brain to develop more evenly (including drug and nondrug choices). Literature out of Yale University and other research schools will be discussed.
A light supper will be served. For more information or to register, contact Cathy Adamczyk at cathy@northstarsupportgroup.com.
May 24, 2012
The iPad as a Low Vision Aid
Hartford, CT
On Thursday, May 24, 2012, The NEAT Center at Oak Hill will host a workshop presented by Steve Famigliette and Nicole Feeney entitled, “The iPad as a Low Vision Aid.” The workshop will be held from 9am to noon at The NEAT Center at Oak Hill located at 120 Holcomb Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
Participants will gain information about the iPad as a tool for people who are blind or have impaired vision. Accessibility features included in the iPad and iPhone will be reviewed and demonstrated. These features include Voiceover and Zoom. Third party apps (sold in the App Store) will also be reviewed to help participants decide which apps may be most beneficial to for their specific needs.
Visit the NEAT website for more information or to register.
May 24, 2012
The Rights of the Food Allergic Child in the School Setting: Section 504 of the ADA
Madison, CT
On Thursday, May 24, 2012, KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center will host a presentation by Attorney Lawrence Berliner entitled, “The Rights of the Food Allergic Child in the School Setting: Section 504 of the ADA.” The workshop will be held at 7pm at SARAH in Action located at 51 Boston Post Road in Madison, Connecticut.
For more information or to register, please contact Kathy Fadel at kidsteps-fcc@sarah-inc.org or 203-453-7592 extension 2.
May 24, 2012
Strategies to Help Your Child Transition and Prepare for New Summer Schedules and Routines
New Canaan, CT
On Thursday, May 24, 2012, SPED*NET New Canaan will host a workshop presented by Francine Baffa, PhD, BCBA-D, entitled, “Strategies to Help Your Child Transition and Prepare for New Summer Schedules and Routines.” The presentation will be held from 10am to noon at the Waveny House in Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Dr. Francine Baffa will discuss how to plan for this with your child and help them transition more smoothly. She will address the use of schedules and other strategies, including the use of daily routines and ways to add structure to blocks of open time in functional ways. Additionally she will speak to how to prepare for the end of summer and return to school. Dr. Francine Baffa, BCBA-D has been specializing in autism spectrum disorders for over 15 years, helping children, families and educators realize their maximum potential.
For more information, or to register, contact Meghan Cioffi at meghan@cioffi5.com.
May 30, 2012
Behavior Modification: A Breakdown in Different Methods
Shelton, CT
On Wednesday, May 30, 2012, Valley Special Education Parent Teacher Organization will host a workshop by Nicole Rivera, M.Ed. entitled, “Behavior Modification: A Breakdown in Different Methods.” The workshop will be held from 6:30pm to 7:45pm at Plumb Memorial Library located on Wooster Street in Shelton, Connecticut.
For more information, contact Laura Marcinauskis at 203-906-2880 or Natalie DiDente at 203-305-2468.
May 30, 2012
The Impact of Technology on Children: The Pros, the Cons, and a Need for Balance
Darien, CT
On Wednesday, May 30, 2012, The Southfield Center for Development will host a presentation entitled, “The Impact of Technology on Children: The Pros, the Cons, and a Need for Balance.” The presentation will be held from 7pm to 8:30pm at 85 Old Kings Highway North in Darien, Connecticut.
Dr. Christopher Bogart, Executive Director of The Southfield Center for Development, and David Kucher, Executive Functions Coach and Learning Resources Teacher at New Canaan Country School, will share the pros and cons of the increased role that technology plays in the lives of our children and the influence of the use of technology on study skills and social interactions. Parents will learn strategies for setting guidelines for technology use and to model a balance between technology use and other endeavors.
For more information or to register, contact Christi Zacarola at 203-202-7654 or christi.zacarola@southfieldcenter.com.
June 2, 2012
Managing Escalating Behavior: A Course for Parents
East Hartford, CT
On Saturday, June 2, 2012, PMT Associates, in association with the Department of Developmental Services, will host a workshop for families entitled, “Managing Escalating Behavior: A Course for Parents.” The workshop will take place from 9:30am to 2pm at DDS North Region Office located at 155 Founders Plaza, 255 Pitkin Street in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Participants will gain new insight about themselves and how to handle difficult, sometimes embarrassing, behavioral situations. Course topics will include:
- preventative strategies
- de-escalation techniques
- verbal diffusion
- personal safety
- escorts and physical assists
The training is free and registration is limited to 25 parents. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact John Tiemey at john.tiemey@ct.gov or 860-616-2046.
