Upcoming Events
December 9, 2013
Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Power of Positive Communication
Norwalk, CT
On Monday, December 9, 2013, Norwalk SPED Partners, Norwalk Public Schools and SPED*NET Wilton will host a presentation by Dave Sylvestro, MA entitled, “Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Power of Positive Communication” The workshop will be held from 7 pm. to 9 p.m. at West Rocks Middle School located at 81 West Rocks Road in Norwalk, Connecticut.
For more information contact SPED*NET Wilton at 203-761-0680.
December 9, 2013
Special Education Law and Advocacy Workshop
Madison, CT
On Monday, December 9, 2013, Special Education Law Attorney Lawrence W. Berliner will host and moderate a free workshop with neuropsychologist Dr. Shelley Pelletier to help parents navigate their child’s journey through special education. The workshop will take place at 7 p.m. at Vista Vocational and Life Skills Center located at 107 Bradley Road in Madison, Connecticut.
Special Education Law Attorney Lawrence W. Berliner will present this interactive workshop, and will focus on:
- managing your child’s school year and beyond
- pursuing your child’s basic legal and educational rights
- how to make the IEP Framework for Success
- PPT preparation: 5 questions parents need to ask at their next PPT meeting
Dr. Pelletier will discuss:
Space is limited to 25 participants. For more information or to register, contact Deborah Berliner at 203-255-0582 or lwb.esq@gmail.com.
December 9, 2013
The CT Autism Guidelines Forum
Hartford, CT
On Monday, December 9, 2013, State Representative and Chair of the Human Services Committee Catherine Abercrombie will sponsor a forum on the CT Autism Guidelines. The forum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 2c at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut.
The forum is intended to discuss the launch of The Connecticut Guidelines to a Clinical Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the state’s definitive guide to diagnosis for young children. The guide will provide a consistent and comprehensive framework for professionals in the state. Parents, professionals, legislators and individuals with autism are encouraged to attend. Senior Medical Advisor Dr. Mark Swanson, MD, MPH, formerly of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, will present the keynote address “Harnessing the Power of the Autism Movement to Improve Children’s Lives.”
For more information, please contact Tierney Giannotti at 860-679-1500 ext. 1516 or tgiannotti@uchc.edu.
December 10, 2013
Autism: Continuing the Conversation – Preparing for Breaks/Social Groups
Groton, CT
On Tuesday, December 10, 2013, The Light House will host a presentation entitled, “Autism: Continuing the Conversation – Preparing for Breaks/Social Groups.” The presentation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Light House located at 46 Plaza Court in the Groton Shopping Plaza in Groton, Connecticut.
Jonathan Dean and Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager, SLP will present the workshop.
For more information or to reserve your seat call 860-445-7626 ext. 115.
December 11, 2013
Planning for College: What Students with Disabilities and Their Families Need to Know
Middletown, CT
On Wednesday, December 11 2013, Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center will present a free workshop for students with disabilities, their parents and educators entitled, “Preparing for the Transition from School to Adult Life: The Basics.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Middlesex YMCA located at 99 Union Street in Middletown, Connecticut.
Students with disabilities and their families will learn about the importance of planning early for the transition to college. Participants will begin to understand the barriers to college success and learn tips and student attributes that support success. Information will also be presented regarding the changes in legal requirements when transitioning to college.
Registration is required. To register, visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org.
December 12, 2013
Assistive Technology and Employment for Students in Transition
Cromwell, CT
On Thursday, December 12 2013, the CT Tech Act Project (CTTAP) and Transition Consulting, LLC will present “Assistive Technology and Employment for Students in Transition.” The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, Connecticut.
The conference presenters will be Arlene Lugo, Program Director, CTTAP, and Karen Stigliano, Consultant, Transition Consulting, LLC. Participants will:
- explore assistive technology that is commonplace in the workforce
- examine tools that will help improve one’s organization and time management skills
- investigate AT resources and solutions on the internet for employees and employers
- examine and improve hard and soft skills success on the job
- utilize the Field Guide and Hiring Gauge with employers
The registration fee is $75 per person. View the event flyer for more information.
January 8, 2014
Steps to Success Toolkit Training
Higganum, CT
On Wednesday, January 8, 2014, Bridge SEPTA will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Steps to Success Toolkit Training: Understanding an Effective Individualized Education Program.” The workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Regional School District 17 Central Office located at 57 Little City Road in Higganum, Connecticut.
Parents of students with disabilities are invited to attend this training to learn how to use the Steps to Success Toolkit:Understanding an Effective Individualized Education Program (IEP): How to Know if Your Child is Making Progress to determine if their children are making progress in school and how to develop an appropriate program. This is an interactive training and participants will leave with a toolkit filled out with their children’s information. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their children’s IEP, most recent evaluation reports and some work samples.
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.
January 13, 2014
PANDAS/PANS: Transforming a Devastating Chronic Illness into a Treatable Disorder
Norwalk, CT
On Monday, January 13, 2014, SPED*NET Wilton, Norwalk SPED Partners and Norwalk Public Schools will host a presentation by Nancy O’Hara, MD entitled, “PANDAS/PANS: Transforming a Devastating Chronic Illness into a Treatable Disorder.” The presentation 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.
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS, is a common autoimmune disorder with far-reaching movement, behavioral, and cognitive consequences. Ongoing clinical experience and emerging research reveal that the depth and scope of problems stemming from PANDAS/PANS is much more extensive than previously thought. While OCD and tics are still common, other issues like anxiety, bedtime fears, inability to control urination, aggression, and deficits in learning, attention, and social interaction are among the many manifestations that result from PANDAS/PANS and impair the daily functioning and cognitive progress for many children. Heightened clinical suspicion and more appropriate and comprehensive treatment with antibiotics and immune-modulating therapy will transform PANDAS/PANS from a devastating chronic illness with episodic flares into a treatable disorder.
For more information or to register, contact Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680 or spednet_wilton@comcast.net.
January 23, 2014
Sensory Processing and its Impact on Learning and Behavior
New Canaan, CT
On Thursday, January 23, 2014, SPED*NET New Canaan will host a presentation by Melody Cohen, Occupational Therapist, entitled, “Sensory Processing and its Impact on Learning and Behavior.” The presentation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Waveny House in the Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Melody has extensive professional training in sensory integration/processing, DIR, Floortime, neuro-development treatments, brain gym, neuro-kinesthetic approach to handwriting, fine/visual motor skills and designing sensory diets.
For more information or to register, contact Judi Anders at judianders@sbcglobal.net.
February 8, 2014
Making it Happen in Connecticut – Special Education Advocacy Workshop
Norwalk, CT
On Saturday, February 8, 2014, STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way will host a workshop by Nora Belanger, Esq., and Anne Treimanis, Esq. entitled, “Making it Happen in Connecticut – Special Education Advocacy Workshop.” The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, located at 182 Wolfpit Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Belanger and Treimanis will share information on how to obtain FAPE. Participants will leave with knowledge and concrete strategies to improve their children’s IEPs.
Participation is limited to 30 participants. The registration fee is $125. For more information or to register, contact STAR, Inc. at 203-846-9581 ext 303 or email Linda Snell at lsnell@starinconline.com or Carmen Giuliani at cgiuliani@starinconline.com. Pay online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/STARCT.
