Upcoming Events
May 23, 2013
Building Resilience in a Challenging World – Nurturing the Inner Life of Children
Fairfield, CT
On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, Fairfield Public Schools will host a presentation by Ms. Linda Lantieri entitled, “Building Resilience in a Challenging World – Nurturing the Inner Life of Children.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fairfield Warde High School in Faifield, Connecticut.
For more information, contact Chris Librandi at clibrandi@fairfieldschools.org.
May 30, 2013
SIT for Autism: A Training for Babysitters
Old Lyme, CT
On Thursday, May 30, 2013, LEARN will host free a workshop presented by Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders for parents, babysitters and others interested in caring for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. “SIT for Autism: A Training for Babysitters” will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at LEARN located at 44 Hatchetts Hill Road in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Tips and strategies for babysitters and caregivers of individuals with ASD will be shared as well as a “Sit Kit” which provides support materials.
For more information, or to register, contact the Center of Excellence on ASD at 203-392-5929.
May 30, 2013
Legal and Financial Planning For Your Child with Special Needs
Meriden, CT
On Thursday, May 30, 2013, The Arc of Connecticut will host a workshop for families entitled, “Legal and Financial Planning For Your Child with Special Needs.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Arc of Meriden/Wallingford located at 200 Research Parkway in Meriden, Connecticut.
The following questions will be discussed:
- What steps do I take to ensure I have the legal right to continue to make critical decisions about child’s life and safety once he/she turns 18?
- Should I become my child’s Guardian? Conservator? What are the implications of my choice?
- What steps do I need to take to secure my child’s financial future once I am gone
- What is a special needs trust?
- How can I save for my child’s future without disrupting their benefits?
- How can I save for my child’s future when I can’t even save for my own?
The presenters of this workshop will be Frank Cathcart, a principle partner in the law firm of Steinberg & Cathcart, and Stuart Hawkins from The MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning.
For more information or to register, contact Shannon Jacovino at 860-246-6400 ext. 102 or sjacovino@arcofct.org.
May 30, 2013
IEP Goals 101: A Guide for Monitoring Student Learning
Bethel, CT
On Thursday, May 30, 2013, Bethel Special Education PTO will host a free workshop for parents of children with special needs presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “IEP Goals 101: A Guide for Monitoring Student Learning.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Media Center at Berry School located at 200 Whittlesey Drive in Bethel, Connecticut.
This training will teach participants how to identify and use key information to incorporate into the present level of academic achievement and functional performance (pages 4 &5 of the Individualized Education Program). Participants will also learn how to create measurable goals and objectives.
Registration is required. Register online at www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.
May 31, 2013
Engaging Families and Patients as Partners in the Medical Home Initiative
Hartford, CT
On Friday, May 31, 2013, the Home Visitation and Parent Engagement Workgroup of the Governor’s Early Childhood Education Cabinet will sponsor an event entitled, “Engaging Families and Patients as Partners in the Medical Home Initiative.” The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 1D of the Legislative Office Building located at 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
The event agenda is below:
8:30-9:00 Registration and Refreshments
9:00-9:30 Welcome
- Elaine Zimmerman—Chair, Governor’s Early Childhood Education Cabinet
- Workgroup on Home Visitation/Family Engagement – Sandra Carbonari, M.D.— President, Hezekiah Beardsley CT Chapter of the American
Academy of Pediatrics
9:30-11:30 Plenary Session: Framing the Issue: Eileen Forlenza, Colorado Department of Health
- Colorado’s Approach
- Family engagement success stories
- Progression of Leadership
- Readiness Indicators
- Self-Assessment
- Potential Activities for Providers at All Levels of Engagement
- Role of the Provider
- Role of the Family/Patient
- Tips and Resources
11:30-12:30 Lunch and Networking (LOB Cafeteria)
(Lunch stipends are available to parents/caregivers of children with special health care needs who attend)
12:30-1:30 Strategies
- Expert Panel Featuring Connecticut Content Experts
- Top 5 Strategies for Families
- Top 5 Strategies for Providers
- Dr. Right-Dr. Knotright Video
- Group Discussion
- Action Planning
1:30-2:00 Wrap-Up and Next Steps
For more information or to register, visit www.cga.ct.gov/coc.
May 31, 2013
Fostering Independent Communicators in the Work Force for Individuals with ASD
Waterbury, CT
On Friday, May 31, 2013, the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Connecticut will host a workshop entitled, “Fostering Independent Communicators in the Work Force for Individuals with ASD.” The workshop will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut. The workshop will be presented by Jen Titus, MS, CCC-SLP.
For more information or to register, contact jennifer.kowitt@uconn.edu.
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June 4, 2013
SIT for Autism: A Training for Babysitters
Litchfield, CT
On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, Northwest Medical Home Initiative at St. Mary’s Hospital will host free a workshop presented by Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders for parents, babysitters and others interested in caring for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. “SIT for Autism: A Training for Babysitters” will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at EDUCATION CONNECTION located at 355 Goshen Road in Litchfield, Connecticut.
Tips and strategies for babysitters and caregivers of individuals with ASD will be shared as well as a “Sit Kit” which provides support materials.
For more information, or to register, contact the Center of Excellence on ASD at 203-392-5929.
June 5, 2013
Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure
South Windsor, CT
On Wednesday, June 5, 2013, SWAN Parenting Programs will host a workshop presented by Stuart Hawkins of MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning entitled, “Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure.” The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. at Charles Enes Community Center located at 150 Nevers Road in South Windsor, Connecticut.
This workshop educates families on the importance of planning for the future of their child or dependent with special needs. It will address important issues such as:
- Special Needs Trusts
- Protecting Government Benefit Eligibility
- Guardianship and Conservatorship/ Guardian Ad Litem
- Financial Security and Funding Options
- Letters of Intent
For more information please contact Stuart at shawkins@hartford.nef.com.
June 5, 2013
Bullying in CT Schools and Summer Programs: Learn How to Protect Your Child
Danbury, CT
On Wednesday, June 5, 2013, Danbury Children First will present a workshop in English and Spanish entitled, “Bullying in CT Schools and Summer Programs: Learn How to Protect Your Child.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Avenue School located at 82 Park Avenue in Danbury, Connecticut.
This training will not only help participants recognize the difference between conflicts, bullying and harassment but teach you what is required by the school and summer programs to keep a child safe.
A light dinner, childcare and a magic show by Danny Diamond will be provided for the children.
Registration is suggested by June 3rd. For more information or to register, contact Danbury Children First at 203-797-8088 or email lindak@danburychildrenfirst.org.
June 6, 2013
Navigating Employment: Road Map of Connecticut Resources
Middletown, CT
On Thursday, June 6, 2013, CT ASPE will hold their annual membership meeting and training presentation. This year’s presentation is a panel presentation entitled, “Navigating Employment: Road Map of Connecticut Resources.” The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Connecticut Valley Hospital in the Lee Auditorium in Middletown, Connecticut.
The presentation will offer guidance on how individuals, families and providers can access supports toward optimal employment success.
Participants will learn:
- What employment means to ASPE
- What each state agency offers in services
- What each state agency offers in services
- How individuals can access and benefit from services
- How to navicate across agencies
- Who to contact and when to contact
- How to assist individuals in securing and maintaining employment
Registration is free. For more information or to register, contact Valerie Reyher at The Kennedy Center, Inc. at vreyher@kennedyctr.org.
June 6, 2013
Bullying and Harassment of Students with Special Needs: An Overview of Legal Obligations & Strategies to End Mean Behavior through the IEP
Danbury, CT
On Thursday, June 6, 2013, Danbury Children First will present a workshop entitled, “Bullying and Harassment of Students with Special Needs: An Overview of Legal Obligations & Strategies to End Mean Behavior through the IEP.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Avenue School located at 82 Park Avenue in Danbury, Connecticut.
Support your child and school community by becoming aware of legal obligations to students with special needs involved in bullying and harassment. You will learn to help your child by being able to identify at least three techniques to incorporate into your child’s IEP, whether your child is the target of bullying or demonstrating bullying behaviors.
A light dinner, childcare and a magic show by Danny Diamond will be provided for the children.
Registration is suggested by June 3rd. For more information or to register, contact Danbury Children First at 203-797-8088 or email lindak@danburychildrenfirst.org.
June 8, 2013
Legal and Financial Planning For Your Child with Special Needs
Hartford, CT
On Saturday, June 8, 2013, The Arc of Connecticut will host a workshop for families entitled, “Legal and Financial Planning For Your Child with Special Needs.” The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at NEAT Marketplace at Oak Hill School located at 33 Coventry Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
The following questions will be discussed:
- What steps do I take to ensure I have the legal right to continue to make critical decisions about child’s life and safety once he/she turns 18?
- Should I become my child’s Guardian? Conservator? What are the implications of my choice?
- What steps do I need to take to secure my child’s financial future once I am gone
- What is a special needs trust?
- How can I save for my child’s future without disrupting their benefits?
- How can I save for my child’s future when I can’t even save for my own?
The presenters of this workshop will be Frank Cathcart, a principle partner in the law firm of Steinberg & Cathcart, and Stuart Hawkins from The MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning.
For more information or to register, contact Shannon Jacovino at 860-246-6400 ext. 102 or sjacovino@arcofct.org.
July 13, 2013
CPAC Friends and Family Summer Picnic
Waterford, CT
This year’s CPAC Friends and Family Summer Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from noon to 4 p.m. at Camp Harkness in Waterford, Connecticut.
Families and friends are invited to attend to meet other families of children with disabilities in Connecticut, enjoy a day at the beach and park, crafts, activities, games, entertainment and lunch.
Registration for this free event will open on June 1, 2013.
July 28 – August 2, 2013
UCONN College Prep Program
Storrs, CT
The University of Connecticut Center for Students with Disabilities will present UCPREP, a four-day college prep program, this year from July 28th through August 2nd. The program will take place at the UConn Storrs campus.
This is a summer transition program for high school students with disabilities who plan to attend college. We ran a very successful program in 2011 and have made some enhancements based on student and parent feedback and program assessment. UCPREP is an immersion program that allows students to experience college life on the impressive UConn Storrs campus. Center staff will provide carefully planned strategy instruction on topics such as time management, organization, study skills, notetaking, and overall academic readiness and students will also have the opportunity to experience a college lecture taught by a UConn professor. Sessions on identifying strengths, choosing the right college or university, and transition planning will also be offered. Social activities will include a challenge course, movie night, game night, an off-campus outing, and many other fun, age appropriate opportunities.
For more information, contact Jacqueline Santiago, Regional Campus Coordinator/ Program Specialist, at the Center for Students with Disabilities, at 860-486-2020 or jacqueline.santiago@uconn.edu or visit www.csd.uconn.edu.
October 19, 2013
The Spectrum Unplugged
Willington, CT
On Saturday, October 19, 2013, FOCUS Center for Autism will present “The Spectrum Unplugged.” The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Willington Public Library in the Community Room.
The SPECTRUM Unplugged is a presentation by a panel of experts who are on the autism spectrum. Attendees will hear firsthand about panelists experiences and how they impacted their lives at home, school and in the community. Attendees will:
- Find out what works and what doesn’t work with the ASD population
- learn the importance of relationships
- learn what interventions work for the panelists when they are in crisis
- gain a better understanding of sensory issues and the Circle of Anxiety
For more information, contact Willington Success SEPTO President, Cathy Britschock at 860-429-8333.

