Upcoming Events
February 4, 2012
Relaxation for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum
Groton, CT
On Saturday, February 4, 2012, Children First Groton and Bright Horizons Family Solutions will host a day of relaxation for parents of children on the autism spectrum. Events will be held between 2pm and 4pm at Bright Horizons Groton located at 40 Highrock Road in Groton, Connecticut.
Attendees will:
- learn stress-relieving tips from local yoga instructor, Melissa Rockwell
- enjoy the pampering of massage and salon volunteers
- receive treat bags and information from our local Walgreens
- give your children time for hands-on sensory-based activities, provided by knowledgeable volunteers and early childhood teachers
- (for parents of children 3 and younger)have the option to enjoy some pampering time in the same rooms designed to allow your children to play
- meet other families in the area to talk to and gain invaluable support
For more information, or to register, please contact Christy McElroy at cmcelroy@tvconnect.net or 860-235-5391.
February 4, 2012
Gratitude Grows at Home “Problem Child: Confessions of an Aspie”
Middletown, CT
On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Ryan Woods Autism Foundation and Autism Speaks will host a presentation by Daryl Blonder entitled Gratitude Grows at Home “Problem Child: Confessions of an Aspie.” The presentation will be held at 2 pm in Suite 102 in the lower level of Riverview Center located at 100 Riverview Center in Middletown, Connecticut.
The attendance fee is $10. Daryl will be available for book signing after his presentation. For more information call 860-346-8777 or visit the event website.
February 7, 2012
Steps to Success Toolkit Training
Farmington, CT
On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, Bristol Special Education PTO and Farmington SEPTA will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Steps to Success Toolkit Training – Understanding an Effective Individualized Education Program (IEP): How to Know if Your Child is Making Progress.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Farmington Community Center located at 321 New Britain Avenue in Farmington, Connecticut.
Participants will learn how to use the toolkit to develop an appropriate program and to determine if their children are making progress in school. This will be an interactive training in which participants will fill out the toolkit. Please bring a copy of your child’s IEP, most recent evaluation reports and some work samples.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
February 8, 2012
Designing Child Specific Interventions for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Stamford, CT
On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, Greenwich Education Group will host a presentation by Yale Child Study Center entitled, “Designing Child Specific Interventions for Children on the Autism Spectrum.” The presentation will be held fro 7pm to 8pm at 44 Commerce Road in Stamford, Connecticut.
Kathleen Koenig, MSN, APRN, Clinical Specialist in Psychiatry, Associate Research Scientist at Yale Child Study Center, will present. In this presentation, Ms. Koenig will focus on evidence based methods and strategies for improving social development and how these must be customized to fit the child with an autism spectrum disorder.
Visit www.childstudycenter.yale.edu/training/greenwichregistration.aspx to register. To learn more about the Yale Child Study Center, visit www.childstudycenter.yale.edu or contact Emily Hau at emily.hau@yale.edu or call 203-737-4380.
February 8, 2012
Understanding Your Child’s IEP – A Comprehensive Breakdown
Shelton, CT
On Wednesday, February 8, 2012 and Wednesday, March 14, 2012, Valley Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO) will present a two-part training session entitled, “Understanding Your Child’s IEP – A Comprehensive Breakdown.” The sessions will be held from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at Plumb Memorial Library located at 65 Wooster Street in Shelton, Connecticut.
For more information, or to register, contact Valley SEPTO at 203-305-2468 or info@valleyspecialeducationpto.org.
February 9, 2012
Parenting Children with Disabilities: Stories of Challenge and Triumph
Fairfield, CT
On Thursday, February 9, 2012, Fairfield University will host a discussion led by Dr. Christine Siegel, entitled, “Parenting Children with Disabilities: Stories of Challenge and Triumph.” The discussion will focus around the book “Schuyler’s Monster: A Father’s Journey with His Wordless Daughter” by Robert Rummel-Hudson. The event will take place at 7pm at Fairfield University Bookstore located at 1499 Post Road in Fairfield, Connecticut.
February 9, 2012
Legislative Breakfast and Meet & Greet
Hartford, CT
On Thursday, February 9, 2012, CT Family Support Council and the CT Family Support Network invite families to attend the annual legislative breakfast and meet and greet. The event will take place from 9:30 am to noon in the 2nd Floor Atrium at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut.
Meet Connecticut families and hear of the power of state services that embrace Family Support Guidelines. Listen to opportunities to safely reduce government spending. Comment on the 2012 Family-Identified priorities and recommendations to optimize support for our most vulnerable citizens.
February 14, 2012
After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities
Norwich, CT
On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, the Arc Connecticut will offer a free workshop, made possible by The STAR Foundation, entitled, “After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 7:30pm at The Arc New London County located at 125 Sachem Street in Norwich, Connecticut.
The workshop is geared toward parents with children who have a developmental or intellectual disability and are between the ages of 15 and 21.
For more information, please visit www.arcofct.org.
February 21, 2012
After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities
Guilford, CT
On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, the Arc Connecticut will offer a free workshop, made possible by The STAR Foundation, entitled, “After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 7:30pm at SARAH, Inc. located at 246 Goose Lane #101 in Guilford, Connecticut.
The workshop is geared toward parents with children who have a developmental or intellectual disability and are between the ages of 15 and 21.
For more information, please visit www.arcofct.org.
February 22, 2012
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children
East Haddam, CT
On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, East Haddam Early Childhood Council and Family Resource Center will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children.” The workshop will be held from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in Room 202 at East Haddam Elementary School, located at 45 Joe Williams Road in Moodus, Connecticut.
This training will help participants:
- change the way they view and react to challenging behavior
- understand what a child’s behavior is communicating
- learn how to use positive behavior supports to encourage the development of new communication skills
- develop practical strategies for promoting children’s success
The snow date for this workshop is Wednesday, February 29th. Registration is required. Childcare is available upon request with registration. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
February 28, 2012
Special Education Day at the State Capitol
Hartford, CT
On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, parents, families and educators of students receiving special education services are invited to the CT State Capitol as the Special Education PTO Alliance celebrates special education in Connecticut public schools.
Special Education Day is intended to help raise awareness of special education and its importance to the lives of thousands of Connecticut’s children.
For more information, contact info@septoalliance.org or view the event flyer.
February 28, 2012
Exploring the Tools of Self-Advocacy
Woodstock, CT
On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, Woodstock Academy will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “Exploring the Tools of Self-Advocacy.” The workshop will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Commons at Woodstock Academy located at 57 Academy Road in Woodstock, Connecticut.
Students, with disabilities, parents and educators are invited to attend this free workshop. Participants will receive information about the tools available to help students learn self-advocacy skills and identify the skills necessary for students’ success. Participants will also hear from an adult with learning disabilities as he shares his experiences in the journey to adult life.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
February 28, 2012
After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities
Middletown, CT
On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the Arc Connecticut will offer a free workshop, made possible by The STAR Foundation, entitled, “After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 7:30pm at MARC Community Resources located at 124 Washington Street in Middletown, Connecticut.
The workshop is geared toward parents with children who have a developmental or intellectual disability and are between the ages of 15 and 21.
For more information, please visit www.arcofct.org.
March 6, 2012
What to do When You Disagree
Bristol, CT
On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, Bristol Special Education PTO and Farmington SEPTA will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “What to do When You Disagree.” The workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Douglas A. Beals Senior-Community Center located at 240 Stafford Avenue in Bristol, Connecticut.
The focus of this training is on positive communication and the continuum of conflict resolution options. Participants will learn several strategies for promoting positive communication within a team and will identify ways to resolve special education disputes including mediation, due process, and complaints.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
March 7, 2012
The Transition Process: From Birth to Three to Special Education
Waterbury, CT
On Wednesday, March 7, 2012, Children’s Therapy Services will host a free workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, “The Transition Process: From Birth to Three to Special Education.” The workshop will be held from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at Children’s Therapy Services located at 1389 Main Street, Suite 225 in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Families of children enrolled in Birth to Three will increase their
understanding of the transition process from Birth to Three services and will gain knowledge of the key components of special education services under IDEA. Participants will learn about their role as an equal partner of the PPT and ways that they can eff ectively advocate for their children and communicate with schools.
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
March 14, 2012
Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs
Westbrook, CT
On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Program will present a workshop in conjunction with the CT Family Support Network entitled, “Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs.” The workshop will be held at 6:30pm at SARAH in Action located at 1620 Boston Post Road in Westbrook, Connecticut.
The presentation will offer parents an opportunity to meet with representatives from local camps, share information with other parents and discuss funding resources.
For more information or to register, contact Kathy Fadel at 203-453-7592 extension 2 or kidsteps-fcc@sarah-inc.org.
March 16, 2012
Implications for the Asperger Community
Boston, MA
On Friday, March 16, 2012, AANE, MGH Youth Care and Northeastern will sponsor a conference entitled, “Current Research: Implications for the Asperger Community.” The conference will be held from 8am to 4:30pm in Blackman Auditorium at Northeastern University located at 360 Huntington Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts.
Six researchers will present on research findings pertaining to Asperger Syndrome and related Autism Spectrum Disorders. The presentations will be at an intermediate to advanced level, and researchers, professionals, families, and adults are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Speakers include:
- Christopher McDougle, MD “The Pharmacotherapy of Autism Spectrum Disorders”
- Dara Manoach, Ph.D. “Multimodal Neuroimaging in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Studies of Executive Function and Neural Connectivity”
- Connie Kasari, Ph.D. “Social Engagement at School”
- Nancy Kanwisher, Ph.D. “Attention in Autism: Different Preferences, Not Different Abilities”
- “Celine Saulnier, Ph.D. “Functional Implications of Adaptive Behavior Deficits in Higher Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Eye Tracking Paradigms to Screen for Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders”
- Matthew Goodwin, Ph.D. “Developing Innovative Technologies for Measuring & Communicating Physiological Features of Anxiety in Persons with Asperger Syndrome”
The conference fee is $100 per person. There is a student discount of $50 per person and a group discount for 3 or more people. The registration deadline is March 8, 2012. For more information, or to register, visit the event website.
March 19, 2012
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Young Children
West Haven, CT
On Monday, March 19, 2012, West Haven Public Schools 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 pm to 8 pm at Savin Rock Elementary School located at 50 Park Street in West Haven, Connecticut.
This training will help participants:
- change the way they view and react to challenging behavior
- understand what a child’s behavior is communicating
- learn how to use positive behavior supports to encourage the development of new communication skills
- develop practical strategies for promoting children’s success
Registration is required. Visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration or contact CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or cpac@cpacinc.org for more information or to register.
March 20, 2012
How to Make the IEP a Framework for Success: Raising the Bar at PPT Meetings
Madison, CT
On Tuesday, March 20, 2012, KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center will host a discussion and Q&A session with Special Education Law Attorney Lawrence Berliner and special guest Michele Isenberg, Executive Director of Wise Learning. The discussion will take place from 7pm to 0pm at SARAH in Action located at 51 Boston Post Road in Madison, Connecticut.
Attorney Berliner will discuss:
- student’s basic rights mandated by the IDEA
- understanding the goals and objectives in the IEP
- how to prepare for any PPT meeting throughout the year
- the annual PPT
- how to organize strategies and review the progress and plan for the school year ahead
- building a collaborative relationship with the school
- new developments in special education law
Michele Isenberg will discuss:
- parent advocacy
- students learning styles and how that translates to an IEP
- when extra help beyond the school day is required for a child with special needs
- how to define that help and how to obtain appropriate educational services
- designing a unique learning program to meet the needs of each student
- developing strategies to overcome learning challenges
For more information or to register, contact Kathy Fadel at 203-453-7592 extension 2 or kidsteps-fcc@sarah-inc.org.
March 20, 2012
After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities
Simsbury, CT
On Tuesday, March 20, 2012, the Arc Connecticut will offer a free workshop, made possible by The STAR Foundation, entitled, “After the Cap & Gown: For Your Child with Developmental Disabilities.” The workshop will be held from 6:30pm to 8pm at Simsbury Public Library located at 725 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, Connecticut.
The workshop is geared toward parents with children who have a developmental or intellectual disability and are between the ages of 15 and 21.
For more information, please visit www.arcofct.org.
March 20, 2012
Shoreline Early Childhood Community Forum
Westbrook, CT
On Tuesday, March 20, 2012, Westbrook Early Childhood Council will host the “Shoreline Early Childhood Community Forum.” The forum will take place from 3:45pm to 7:45pm at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School in Westbrook, Connecticut.
The purpose for gathering is to share knowledge about healthy early childhood development and to offer the opportunity for communication. A selection of information sessions for parents, early educators, and early care providers of children newborn to age five will be offered, with a networking supper in between sessions. Free childcare will be available.
For more information or to register, contact Seana Nygard at weccwellcoordinator@gmail.com or 860-399-7925.
March 25, 2012
6th Annual Grace Curtis Conferencee
Groton, CT
On Sunday, March 25, 2012, Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center will sponsor the 6th Annual Grace Curtis Conference: Stand Up and Be Counted Day. The conference will be held from 8 am to 4 pm at Mystic Marriott located at 625 North Road in Groton, Connecticut.
Speakers will include:
- Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children” and their Movement of Imperfection
- LeDerick Horne “Beyond Classification”
- Master of Ceremonies: Irene O’Connor, WFSB
Register online at www.lvecenter.com. For more information contact Katie Flynn at kflynn@lvecenter.com or 860-445-7626 x109. The registration deadline is March 9, 2012.
March 28, 2012
Tweens to Teens: How to Connect with the Alien at the Dinner Table
Darien, CT
On Wednesday, March 28, 2012, The Southfield Center will host a free workshop entitled, “Tweens to Teens: How to Connect with the Alien at the Dinner Table.” The workshop wil be held at 7pm at 85 Old Kings Highway North in Darien, Connecticut.
During the workshop, Dr. Lauren Pote will share parenting strategies to re-open the lines of communication, encourage tweens/teens to share their feelings in a productive way, respect your house rules, and strengthen the parent-child relationship, through mutual trust and honesty.
For more information or to register, contact Christi Zacarola at 203-202-7654 or christi.zacarola@southfieldcenter.com.
