Upcoming Events
March 11, 2010
Developing the IEP
Middletown, CT
On Thursday, March 11, 2010, the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Developing the IEP.” The workshop will be held 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut located at 386 Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut.
This training focuses on how parents can be actively and effectively involved in the development of the Individualized Education Program. Participants will learn the key components of an IEP and will become familiar with the new Connecticut IEP forms. It will off er guidance about developing measurable goals and tips for monitoring a student’s progress.
Registration is required by March 8th. For more information or to register, please contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.
March 15, 2010
Developing the IEP
Manchester, CT
On Monday, March 15, 2010, Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center will present a free workshop hosted by Manchester SEPTA and Manchester Public Schools entitled, “Developing the IEP.” The workshop will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the media center at Elizabeth Bennet Academy located at 1151 Main Street in Manchester, Connecticut.
This training focuses on how parents can be actively and effectively involved in the development of the Individualized Education Program. Participants will learn the key components of an IEP and will become familiar with the new Connecticut IEP forms. It will off er guidance about developing measurable goals and tips for monitoring a student’s progress.
Registration is required by March 11th. To register, please contact Beth Litrico at 1-860-647-3475.
March 15, 2010
Opportunities for Special Needs Students at the University/College Level
Glastonbury, CT
On Monday, March 15, 2010, Glastonbury SEPTA will host a presentation by Jackie Santiago of UCONN Pupil Services entitled, “Opportunities for Special Needs Students at the University/College Level.” The presentation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Glastonbury High School library.
For more information, please contact Colleen Poliner at colpol24@gmail.com.
March 16, 2010
Respite Care Presentation
Unionville, CT
On Tuesday, March 16, 2010, Farmington SEPTA will host a free presentation by Beth Nyerick, Special Educator, entitled, “Respite Care.” The presentation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Farmington Community Center located at 321 New Britain Avenue in Unionville, Connecticut.
Ms. Nyerick provides respite care for children with various disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, developmental delays, seizure disorders, learning disabilities, emotional issues, and medically fragile children. She is interested in networking with parents to find out what types of services are most needed. In addition, she would like to share with you some things you should consider when considering using respite services including potential sources for funding. Beth is a special education teacher with 23 years of experience and has worked with children from preschool to adulthood with a range of special needs.
The presentation will be preceded by a SEPTA business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Farmington SEPTA meetings are open to teachers, parents, grandparents and anyone with an interest in special education. Please contact Kathy Wolkner at 860-674-9005 or bestchoice_1@hotmail.com for more information.
March 17, 2010
Next STEPs (Support and Training for Educators and Parents)
Meriden, CT
Beginning Wednesday, March 17, 2010, Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center will present a free training series entitled, Next STEPs (Support and Training for Educators and Parents).” The series will continue March 24th, 31st and April 7th. All sessions will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Child Guidance Clinic located at 384 Pratt Street in Meriden, Connecticut.
Next STEPS prepares parents and educators of children with special needs to enable them to advocate more effectively for appropriate educational services for their children. This training will provide information on:
- Special Education Laws
- Planning an Appropriate Educational Program
- The Parent’s Role in Educating Children with Disabilities
Space is limited and registration is required. Please contact at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org CPAC for more information or to register.
March 19, 2010
A Forum in Early Childhood Inclusion: Supporting Young Children with Severe Disabilities in School and Community Settings: Enhancing Participation Through the Use of Assistive Technology
Hartford, CT
On Friday, March 19, 2010, The Partnership for Inclusive Practices will sponsor “A Forum in Early Childhood Inclusion: Supporting Young Children with Severe Disabilities in School and Community Settings: Enhancing Participation Through the Use of Assistive Technology.” The forum will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Crowne Plaza Hartford- Downtown located at 50 Morgan Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
This workshop will present information on how to design inclusive learning opportunities for young children with disabilities through the use of adaptations and assistive technology. Participants will learn how to use an interview format to identify activities/routines in which to embed adaptations/AT so that young children’s participation and learning is increased in inclusive natural learning environments: the home, community, and school. The presenter will be Philippa ‘Pip’ Campbell, PhD, OTR from Thomas Jefferson University.
For more information, please call 860-679-1500. Register online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9NBQ2GV by March 10, 2010.
March 20, 2010
Gluten Free Cooking with Rob Landolphi
Mansfield, CT
On Saturday, March 20, 2010, the Connecticut Family Support Network Northeast Region and Mclaughlin and Associates, LLC will host “Gluten Free Cooking with Rob Landolphi.” The demonstration will be held at noon at the First Congregational Church of Christ located at 549 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center, Connecticut.
All are invited to attend this free presentation which will include cooking demonstrations, samples and handouts including “kid-friendly” recipes and cookbooks available for purchase. Children are welcome with parental supervision.
Please register by March 15, 2010 to Joe Mclaughlin at joem6@charter.net or 860-423-5399 or Mona Tremblay at advocatefor2@yahoo.com, monatremblay@sbcglobal.net or 860-928-6514.
March 22, 2010
4th Annual Grace Curtis Stand Up and Be Counted Day
Mystic, CT
On Monday, March 22, 2010, Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center will sponsor the 4th Annual Grace Curtis Stand Up and Be Counted Conference. This year’s conference is entitled, “Year of the Parent: A Parent’s Journey.” The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mystic Marriott located at 625 North Road in Groton, Connecticut.
Irene O’Connor, WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News, will be the Master of Ceremonies. Speakers will include, Tom Kasprzak, author of “Plain Vanilla with Rainbow Sprinkles,” a story about raising a daughter with Down Syndrome, Janette Phillips, parent of a child with Bipolar, Asperger’s Syndrome and learning disabilities, and Shonda Schilling, co-author of “The Best Kind of Different: Our Family’s Journey with Asperger’s Syndrome.”
The registration fee is $75. For more information, please view the conference brochure or contact Christina Murphy at cmurphy@lighthousevocedcenter.com or 860-445-7626 extension 100.
March 22, 2010
Communication Workshop
Killingly, CT
On Monday, March 22, 2010, the Northeast School Readiness Council will sponsor a free communication workshop presented by Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW. The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Killingly Public Library located at 25 Wescott Road in Killingly, Connecticut.
The workshop is designed to help participants:
- describe their concerns
- listen effectively
- notice tone of voice and body language
- use “chain of command” properly
- speak in a way that influences people to help themselves and their children
For more information or to register, please contact Christine Rosati at 860-779-6770 or cgrosati@msn.com.
March 24, 2010
Becoming an Effective Advocate for Your Child: How to Take the First Step to Secure Educational Supports for Your Child
Darien, CT
On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, the CT Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) and the Southfield Center for Development will co-sponsor a free workshop entitled, “Becoming an Effective Advocate for Your Child: How to Take the First Step to Secure Educational Supports for Your Child.” The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. at The Southfield Center for Development located at 85 Old Kings Highway North, 2nd floor in Darien, Connecticut.
The presenters will be Heather White, Director of Educational Services at The Southfield Center for Development and Founder of Brain Builders Tutoring, and Ann McCarthy, Founder of Advocacy for Kids and Managing Director of The Southfield Center for Development.
For more information or to register, please contact CACLD at 203-838-5010 or at cacld@optonline.net.
March 24, 2010
Family to Family Education Program:Mental Health
Middletown, CT
On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, NAMI- Newington Area will begin a free 12-week Family to Family Education Program on mental illness. The series will take place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at CT Valley Hospital in Page Hall in Middletown, Connecticut.
The series will cover information regarding: schizophrenia, depression, bipolar and anxiety disorders; coping skills such as handling crisis and relapse; basic information about medications; listening and communication techniques, problem solving skills, recovery and rehabilitation as well as self care around worry and stress.
For more information, or to register, please contact Nancy at 860-523-4773.
March 25, 2010
The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education
Guilford, CT
On Thursday, March 25, 2010, Guilford Youth and Family Services will host a free workshop for parents and professionals presented by CPAC entitled, “The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education.” The workshop will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Guilford Youth and Family Services located at 36 Graves Avenue in Guilford, Connecticut.
Parents of children with disabilities will learn how to become more active participants in their children’s education. The workshop will include information on evaluations, record keeping, Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 and dispute resolution.
Registration is required by March 22nd. Please contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
March 27, 2010
Taking the Bull by the Horns: Parents and Schools Working Together to Create Safe Schools
Farmington, CT
On Saturday, March 27, 2010, the Learning Disability Association of CT (LDA of CT) will host their annual conference on bullying prevention entitled, “Taking the Bull by the Horns: Parents and Schools Working Together to Create Safe Schools.” The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Farmington, Connecticut.
Parents and teachers will learn to work collaboratively to prevent bullying in their schools. Participants will learn about bullying, the laws in CT and strategies to make a difference. Presenters will include Jo Ann Freiberg, PhD., Educational Consultant with the Bureau of Accountability and Improvement, Jennifer Laviano, Esq and Suzanne Goodison, principal of the RW Carbone Elementary School in East Haven.
The registration fee is $25 per person. For more information or to register, please visit LDA of CT’s website.
March 29, 2010
Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs
New London, CT
On Monday, March 29, 2010, Connecticut Family Support Network will host a presentation entitled, “Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs.” The presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, Connecticut.
Parents or guardians of a children with special needs should attend if they are thinking about the following questions.
- What will I do for summer programming?
- What will I do after summer school is over?
- What summer camps have other special needs children attended and did they like it?
The event is free but registration is required before March 25th. For more information or to register, please contact April Dipollina at the CT Family Support Network-Southeast at adipollina@lmhosp.org or 860-271-4371.
March 31, 2010
The IEP and You: Understanding the Nuts and Bolts of Your Child’s Individualized Education Plan
Darien, CT
On Wednesday, March 31, 2010, the CT Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) and the Southfield Center for Development will co-sponsor a free workshop entitled, “The IEP and You: Understanding the Nuts and Bolts of Your Child’s Individualized Education Plan.” The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. at The Southfield Center for Development located at 85 Old Kings Highway North, 2nd floor in Darien, Connecticut.
The presenters will be Heather White, Director of Educational Services at The Southfield Center for Development and Founder of Brain Builders Tutoring, and Ann McCarthy, Founder of Advocacy for Kids and Managing Director of The Southfield Center for Development.
For more information or to register, please contact CACLD at 203-838-5010 or at cacld@optonline.net.
March 31, 2010
Your Dependent With Special Needs, Making Their Future More Secure
South Windsor, CT
On Wednesday, March 31, 2010, SWAN Parenting Programs will host a free workshop entitled, “Your Dependent With Special Needs, Making Their Future More Secure.” The workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. at South Windsor Community Center located at 150 Nevers Road in South Windsor, Connecticut.
Anthony Recck of MetLife Center for Needs Planning will present. 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
These vital issues discussed ensure not only lifetime care but also quality of life for your loved one. It provides a unique opportunity to learn from people who have personal experience with these same issues.
For more information or to register, please contact Ginny Molleur at 860-648-6361 extension 314.
April 1, 2010
Theory of Mind Development: The Impact on Listening, Literacy and Social-Emotional Development for Children with Hearing Loss
Wethersfield, CT
On Thursday, April 1, 2010, CREC Soundbridge will host a workshop entitled, “Theory of Mind Development: The Impact on Listening, Literacy and Social-Emotional Development for Children with Hearing Loss.” The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Soundbridge Auditorium located at 123 Progress Drive in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Dr. Carol Flexer will present. Auditory brain development plays a pivotal role in the acquisition of spoken communication, reading, and social-emotional skills in all children, and particularly for children with all degrees of hearing loss.
Registration is required by March 24th. Please contact Nancy Gonzalez at 860-539-4260 ext. 4200 or ngonzalez@crec.org.
April 7, 2010
Response to Intervention and Special Education in Connecticut: What Parents Need to Know to Ensure Their Child’s Success
Darien, CT
On Wednesday, April 7, 2010, the CT Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) and the Southfield Center for Development will co-sponsor a free workshop entitled, “Response to Intervention and Special Education in Connecticut: What Parents Need to Know to Ensure Their Child’s Success.” The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. at The Southfield Center for Development located at 85 Old Kings Highway North, 2nd floor in Darien, Connecticut.
The presenters will be Heather White, Director of Educational Services at The Southfield Center for Development and Founder of Brain Builders Tutoring, and Ann McCarthy, Founder of Advocacy for Kids and Managing Director of The Southfield Center for Development.
For more information or to register, please contact CACLD at 203-838-5010 or at cacld@optonline.net.
April 7, 2010
Navigating Special Education Law and Advocacy: Attorneys Representing Parents and School Boards Discuss the Issues
Fairfield, CT
On Wednesday, April 7, 2010, FAVOR will sponsor a free seminar entitled, “Navigating Special Education Law and Advocacy: Attorneys Representing Parents and School Boards Discuss the Issues.” The seminar will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fairfield Public Library located at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield, Connecticut.
The seminar will address what every parent should know about their child’s basic special education rights in and outside of school. Hear both sides of the story and learn how attorneys representing parents and school boards can work together to resolve various disputes. Phillip J. Cohn and Michelle Laubin will present.
Registration is requested. Please contact Phillip Cohn at pcohn@mychildsrights.com or 203-604-6770 for more information or to register.
April 8, 2010
Public Hearing for Proposed Revisions to CT Procedural Safeguards Document
Middletown, CT
On Thursday, April 8, 2010 a Public Hearing will be held to discuss the proposed revisions to the Connecticut Procedural Safeguards document. The hearing will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SERC in Room MCR2 (the “Fishbowl”) located at 25 Industrial Park Road in Middletown, Connecticut.
The proposed revisions can be viewed on the CT State Department of Education’s website. Any questions can be directed to Teresa C. DeFrancis, Bureau of Special Education, Connecticut State Department of Education, at 860-713-6933.
April 9, 2010
Together We Will Conference: Assessment: It’s Not Just a Tool
Cromwell, CT
On Friday, April 9, 2010, the Connecticut Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP); Connecticut Birth to Three System; Connecticut Division for Early Childhood (DEC); Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC); Connecticut State Department of Children and Families (DCF); Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE); Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH); Connecticut State Department of Social Services (DSS); and the State Education Resource Center (SERC) will present the annual Together We Will conference entitled, “Assessment: It’s Not Just a Tool.” The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Together We Will is an annual conference focusing on children age
birth to 5 with developmental delays. This year’s keynote speaker will be Stephen Bagnato, Ed.D.. His presentation is entitled, “Preventing the MisMeasure of Young Children: Focus on Professional Standards for Evidence-based Practice.”
Other sessions will include:
- LINKing Authentic Assessment for Early Childhood Intervention: Best Measures for Best Practices
- Alternative Assessment Approaches: Assessment for Learning
- Nuts and Bolts: Selecting Appropriate Assessments and Integrating Information
- Powerful Interactions: The Key to Effective Assessment
The conference registration fee is $60 per person. For more information or to register, please view the conference brochure or contact Yolanta Garcia, Project Assistant at SERC at 860-632-1485 extension 264.
April 10, 2010
Dyslexia Presentation
Putnam, CT
On Saturday, April 10, 2010, Doreen Bentley and the Northeast School Readiness Council will present a free dyslexia presentation. The presentation will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Putnam Middle School located at 35 Wicker Street in Putnam, Connecticut.
Susan Barton, leading dyslexia expert and founder of Bright Solutions for dyslexia will present. Learn why children with dyslexia struggle and what you can do to help.
Please register online at www.bentley.eventbrite.com or by phone to Patricia Bryant at 860-963-6940.
April 10, 2010
Autism Awareness Fair
Vernon, CT
On Saturday, April 10, 2010, the Vernon Public Schools Autism Spectrum Disorders Steering Community will host an Autism Awareness Fair. The fair will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Vernon Center Middle School cafeteria located at 777 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, Connecticut.
Have fun playing with puzzles and doing arts and crafts. Learn more about autism spectrum disorders through story telling, watching educational movies and visiting information booths. There will also be a free raffle.
Admission is free. For further information, contact Dianne Smith at dianne.smith@vernonct.org, Sarah Shapiro at sarah.shapiro@vernonct.org or Sally Sherman at 860-870-6000 ext. 137.
April 16, 2010
UConn Autism Event
Storrs, CT
On Friday, April 16, 2010, UConn School of Pharmacy invites students of the transition age (16-21) who have a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism for a day of fun filled events. Activities will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UConn School of Pharmacy in Storrs, Connecticut.
Beginning at 11:00am, pharmacy students will give a presentation regarding the profession of pharmacy. This includes the duties of a pharmacist, how a pharmacist can help your children and the importance of your children understanding their medication therapy. Next, at 12:00pm, lunch will be provided for you and your children along with students and faculty from the School of Pharmacy. Then at 1:00 pm your children will have the opportunity to participate in making a “medicine.” They will be paired with one or two pharmacy students, along with graduate students and professors for supervision. (None of the materials used in this exercise, will be harmful in any way).
Only twelve students will be able to participate in this program. Please contact Carlie Hershgordon at 267-577-4599 or carlie.hershgordon@gmail.com.
April 24, 2010
20th Annual Statewide Conference on Autism
Hartford, CT
On Saturday, April 24, 2010, the Autism Society of Connecticut will host it’s 20th Annual Statewide Conference on Autism. The conference will be held at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.
This year’s conference will feature Dr. Temple Grandin, who will speak on growing up and living with autism, her struggles, challenges and triumphs and most particularly on how we can help loved ones with autism to utilize their talents and strengths to lead successful, happy and productive lives. Dr. Peter Gerhardt, President of the Organization for Autism Research, will also speak about applied research and dissemination of evidence based information.
For more details or to register, please visit www.asconn.org or call 888-453-4975.
April 26, 2010
Navigating Special Education Law and Advocacy: Attorneys Representing Parents and School Boards Discuss the Issues
Wilton, CT
On Monday, April 26, 2010, the Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) will sponsor a free seminar entitled, “Navigating Special Education Law and Advocacy: Attorneys Representing Parents and School Boards Discuss the Issues.” The seminar will be held from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wilton Public Library located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton, Connecticut.
The seminar will address what every parent should know about their child’s basic special education rights in and outside of school. Hear both sides of the story and learn how attorneys representing parents and school boards can work together to resolve various disputes. Phillip J. Cohn and Michelle Laubin will present.
Registration is requested. Please contact CACLD at cacld@optonline.net for more information or to register.
