Upcoming Events
March 11, 2014
CT Council on Developmental Disabilities Public Forum
West Hartford, CT
On Tuesday, March 11, 2014, the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities will hold a public forum from 10am to noon at Beth El Temple located at 2626 Albany Avenue in West Hartford, Connecticut.
The CT Council on Developmental Disabilities is funded through the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act “to engage in advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities …… and contribute to a coordinated, consumer and family-centered, consumer and familydirected, comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.”
The Council is interested in input on the following questions:
- What initiatives should the Council fund?
- What activities and events the Council should support?
- What other ways can the Council work to achieve their mission
- What are the major issues facing people with disabilities and their families in the state?
For more information contact the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities at 860-418-6160, 860-418-6157, 800-653-1134 or via email at molly.cole@ct.gov or cathleen.adamczyk@ct.gov.
March 12, 2014
Summer Camps and Recreational Activities for Children with Special Needs
Danbury, CT
On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, CT Family Support Network will host a presentation on summer camps and recreational activities for children with special needs. The presentation will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at LICC at Broadview School located at 72 Hospital Avenue in Danbury, Connecticut.
The presentation will offer parents an opportunity to meet with representatives from local and statewide camps, share information with other parents and discuss funding resources.
For more information or to register, contact Trish Butler at 203-826-9739 or tbutler@ctfsn.org.
March 12, 2014
Parent Leadership and Advocacy Training
Farmington, CT
Beginning Wednesday, March 12, 2014, the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will present a six session “Parent Leadership and Advocacy Training.” The sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, and August 13 at the UCEDD located at 270 Farmington Avenue (The Exchange) in Farmington, Connecticut.
The training will help parents learn how to advocate for their children’s needs as well as to improve the quality of life for other children and families in Connecticut.
Session topics will include:
- Honoring the Past: History of Disability Services and Policies
- Learning the Ropes: Early Intervention and Special Education
- Navigating the Maze: Transition and Independent Living
- Making Government Work: Legislative Advocacy
- Understanding Health Care and Coverage
- Getting Your Message Across: Effective Communication for Parents
Register online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LWZKR9B. For more information contact Anne Marie Davidson at 860-679-1589.
March 13, 2014
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children
Watertown, CT
On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Watertown Special Services will host a workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Library Media Center at Polk Elementary School located at 435 Buckingham Street in Watertown, Connecticut.
This interactive workshop will help participants change the way they view and react to challenging behavior. Parents play an integral role in supporting their child who may exhibit challenging behaviors by preventing, managing, and de-escalating problem behaviors.
Participants will:
- gain insight into what their children’s behavior is communicating
- how to use positive behavior supports to encourage the development of new communication skills
- develop practical strategies for promoting children’s success
For more information or to register, contact Kate Weingartner at 860-945-2788 or weingartenerka@watertownps.org.
March 15, 2014
Autism Parent Boot Camp: Transition- OMG
Waterbury, CT
On Saturday, March 15, 2014, Autism Services and Resources Connecticut (ASRC) and Connecticut Medical Home Initiative (CMHI) Northwest Region, St. Mary’s Hospital, will begin a Saturday seminar series entitled, “Autism Parent Boot Camp: Transition- OMG.” The other three sessions will be held on March 22nd, April 5th, and April 26th. All sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital in the Medical-Dental Conference Center, Room G02 located at 55 Franklin Street in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Session 1: General Overview of Transition: Planning for When the School Bus Stops Coming; Transition and the IEP; Common Core Standards; The Adult Services System
Session 2: Transition to Adulthood: Legal and Financial Issues What happens when your teen becomes an adult, estate planning, state and federal benefits, guardianship, conservatorship, how the adult system works.
Session 3: Issues in Transition Specific to Teens with ASD: Vocational, Community Access, Secondary Education, Independent Living
Session 4: Interactive Planning Workshop: Participants will work in small groups with a transition consultant to help create personal “to do” lists that can be implemented immediately to begin the journey to adulthood.
Seating is limited. For more information or to register, contact ASRC at 203-265-7717 or sara@autismconnecticut.org.
March 17, 2014
Vacations with Autism and Other Special Needs
Stratford, CT
On Monday, March 17, 2014, Stratford SEPTA will host a presentation by Alan Day entitled, “Vacations with Autism and Other Special Needs.” The workshop will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Second Hill Lane Elementary School in Stratford, Connecticut.
Travel agent Alan Day, who specializes in serving families with special needs (and whose son has Autism Spectrum Disorder), will share special things families should consider during the planning stage of a vacation as well as tips for the actual trip. His agency can provide specialized, experienced aides to support children on a trip. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their own vacation experiences, including planning considerations such as whether to travel during the summer or during the school year.
For more information or to register, visit www.facebook.com/stratfordsepta or email info@stratfordsepta.org.
March 17, 2014
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children
Norwalk, CT
On Monday, March 17, 2014, Norwalk SPED Partners and SPED*NET Wilton will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children.” The workshop will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at West Rocks Middle School located at 81 West Rocks Road in Norwalk, 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.
March 19, 2014
Transition Resource Expo
Trumbull, CT
On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, Cooperative Educational Services (CES) will host their 13th annual transition resource expo. The expo will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at CES located at 25 Oakview Drive in Trumbull, Connecticut. The snow date is March 26th.
This is a valuable opportunity to inform parents, students and educational staff of services and programs for individuals with disabilities as they transition from school.
For more information contact Margo Sheldon at 365-8877 or sheldonm@ces.k12.ct.us.
March 19, 2014
A Place to Live That I Can Call Home
Cromwell, CT
On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities and coordinated by the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the UConn Health Center will sponsor a conference entitled, “A Place to Live That I Can Call Home: Exploring Housing Opportunities for People with Disabilities.” The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell located at 100 Berlin Road in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Attendees will learn how to move towards their goals and end their journey with a place to call home. Gail Fajoy, the keynote speaker, will present “Home: More than Just an Address.” Breakout sessions will be provided by Gail Fanjoy, KFI’s Director of Home Supports and Development, Barbar Cyr, H.O.M.E. Project Directory, Linda Rammler, M.ED, PhD and Petere Love, PhD.
Register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D65XCCB or visit www.uconnucedd.org. For more information, contact Anne Marie Davidson at 860-679-1589 or adavidson@uchc.edu.
March 19, 2014
Early Childhood Advocacy Day
Hartford, CT
On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, the CT Early Childhood Alliance will host Early Childhood Advocacy Day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Old Judiciary Room (3rd Floor) of the State Capitol located at 210 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
Parents, children, teachers, administrators and local early childhood council members are invited to attend to hear from key policymakers and learn about issues and advocacy including:
- The bill to create the Office of Early Childhood that will coordinate and implement early childhood programs
- Governor Malloy’s proposal to expand preschool access for over 4,000 children by 2019
- Proposed rate increases to maintain and increase quality in early childhood programs
- How to advocate for children
For more information or to RSVP, contact Samantha Dynowski at dynowski.ceca@gmail.com.
March 26, 2014
Preparing for a PPT Meeting
Derby, CT
On Wednesday, March 26, 2014, North Star Parent Support Group will host a presentation by Maureen Fox, Special Education Advocate, entitled, “Preparing for a PPT Meeting.” The presentation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Derby located at 137 Derby Avenue in Derby, Connecticut.
For more information or to register, contact Cathy Adamczyk at 203-751-2417.
March 26, 2014
Transition Expo 2014
Meriden, CT
On Wednesday, March 26, 2014, ACES Regional Transition Network, SERC and the CT State Department of Education will sponsor a transition expo from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton located at 275 Research Parkway in Meriden, Connecticut.
Students ages 14-21 and their parents are encouraged to attend to speak to representatives from the following agencies:
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
- Kennedy Center Travel Training
- College Representatives
- Social Security Administration
- Employment Service Providers
- Kids as Self Advocates (KASA)
- Probate Judge (to answer questions on guardianship, etc.)
- New England Assistive Technology at Oakhill (N.E.A.T.)
- Connect-Ability
For more information, contact Stephanie Critch, Transition Coordinator at Hamden Public Schools at 203-407-2040 ext. 5559 or scritch@hamden.org, or Deborah Kohan, Transition Coordinator at Meriden Public Schools, at 203-235-7962 ext. 154 or debbie.kohan@meridenk12.org.
March 27, 2014
Summer Camps and Recreational Activities for Children with Special Needs
Hartford, CT
On Thursday, March 27, 2014, CT Family Support Network and AFCAMP will host a presentation on summer camps and recreational activities for children with special needs. The presentation will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at HARC, Inc. located at 900 Asylum Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
The presentation will offer parents an opportunity to meet with representatives from local and statewide camps, share information with other parents and discuss funding resources.
For more information or to register, contact Pam Scott-Ashe at 860-548-9959 or pscottashe@afcamp.org.
March 27, 2014
Toilet Training Your Child with Special Needs
Danielson, CT
On Thursday, March 27, 2014, CT Family Support Network, Medical Home Initiative and PACT (Parent Advocacy Collaboration Team) will host a presentation by Ashley Hickey entitled, “Toilet Training Your Child with Special Needs.” The presentation will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Killingly Public Library located at 25 Westcott Road in Danielson, Connecticut.
Information will be shared regarding the importance of positive reinforcement and potty training methods including trip training, intensive training, bowel training and night-time training.
For more information or to register, contact Heather Graveline at 860-546-9289 or hgraveline@ctfsn.org.
March 31, 2014
Autism Education Conference
Groton, CT
On Monday, March 31, 2014, The Light House will present the 8th Annual Autism Education Conference. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mystic Marriott located at 625 North Road, Rte 117, in Groton, Connecticut.
Speakers will include:
- Barbara Boroson, Author of Living on the Edge – Parenting a Child on the Autism Spectrum
- Dr. Nancy O’Hara, Pediatrician at Integrated Health Care for those on the autism spectrum and children with neuro-developmental disorders
For more information or to register visit www.lhcampus.com.
April 1, 2014
How Do I Know If My Child Is Making Progress?
Bristol, CT
On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, Bristol Special Education PTO will host a free workshop for parents and educators presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “How Do I Know If My Child Is Making Progress?” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Bristol Library located at 5 High Street in Bristol, Connecticut.
This workshop will introduce participants to the importance of reviewing data provided by the school to determine whether or not a child is making progress. Participants will learn how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and
other tools to determine what data should be collected and how to utilize it to ensure that a child is making continuous progress.
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 1, 2014
CT’s Achievement Through Technology Conference
Cromwell, CT
On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, Connecticut Tech Act Project and Partners will present “CT’s Achievement Through Technology Conference.” The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut.
The conference will focus on assistive technology for education, employment and community living. There will be 13 break-out sessions on topics including:
- Talking with the iPad
- Standards Based Curriculum from the Cloud for Students with Significant Disabilities
- Assistive Technology and Transition to College
- Workplace Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
- AT for Independent Living
- Reading, Writing and Organizational Tools for All Students – Elementary through Postsecondary
View the full list of conference sessions and register on the CT Tech Act website: www.cttechact.com/conference. For more information, contact Arlene Lugo at 860-424-4881.
April 2, 2014
Together We Will: Connect Learning Through Technology
Cromwell, CT
On Wednesday, April 2, 2014, the State Education Resource Center and CT’s Birth to Three System will host the 21st annual Together We Will conference entitled, “Together We Will: Connect Learning Through Technology.” The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Keynote speaker Chip Donohue, Ph.D. will present “Everything I Needed to Know About Tech and Young Children I Learned From Mr. Rogers?” In his presentation, Chip Donohue will share the guidelines and principles from the NAEYC/FRC joint position statement on technology and interactive media, along with inspirational quotes and video clips from Mr. Rogers to make sure we use technology and digital media in effective, appropriate, and intentional ways.
The registration fee is $80 per person and includes lunch. For more information, view the conference brochure or contact Tyrese Bolden, Senior Education Services Specialist at 860-632-1485 ext. 210 or bolden@ctserc.org. Register online at www.ctserc.org/tww.
April 3, 2014
Summer Camps and Recreational Activities for Children with Special Needs
Danielson, CT
On Thursday, April 3, 2014, CT Family Support Network will host a presentation on summer camps and recreational activities for children with special needs. The presentation will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church located at 247 Broad Street in Danielson, Connecticut.
The presentation will offer parents an opportunity to meet with representatives from local and statewide camps, share information with other parents and discuss funding resources.
For more information or to register, contact Heather Graveline at 860-546-9289 or hgraveline@ctfsn.org.
April 6, 2014
A Doctor Q&A Panel on PANS/PANDAS
Quincy, MA
On Sunday, April 6, 2014, the New England PANS/PANDAS Parent Association will present a Q&A with doctors who are PANS/PANDAS specialist. The panel will take place from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Quincy High School Auditorium located at 316 Hancock Street in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Panelists will include:
- Susan Swedo, M.D., Chief Pediatrics & Developmental Neuroscience Branch at the NIMH
- Madeleine Cunningham, PhD., Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Moleculera Labs
- Beth Latimer, M.D., Pediatric, Adolescent and Adult Neurologist
- Nancy O’Hara, M.D., Pediatrician, Center for Integrative Health
- Mark Pasternack, M.D., Unit Chief, Pediatric Infectious Disease at Massachusetts General Hospital
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nepandasparents.com or email info@nepandasparents.com. Admission is $35.
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 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.
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.
