Spring 2009 SBISD Parent Trainings

Trainings for Parents of Students with Special Needs
Spring 2008-2009

Brothers and Sisters: Caring for the Siblings of Children with Special Needs
Thursday, January 22, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Administration Building (955 Campbell), Room 275
Presented by Kim Peterson, M.A., LPC-I – MedCare Pediatric Group

Bridging the Gap from High School to College
Learn about programs available at Houston Community College related to Pre-College Skills, Workforce Certificates, and Job Readiness
Wednesday, February 18, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Administration Building (955 Campbell), Board Room
Presented by Sue Moraska, HCC/VAST Program

SSI and SSDI – What’s the Difference?
Presented by Andrew Hardwick, Social Security Administration
and
Work Incentives for Young People with Disabilities
Presented by Juanita Gonzalez, Social Security Administration
Wednesday, March 4, 5:00PM-6:30PM (English Presentation)
6:30PM-8:00PM (Spanish Presentation)
Administration Building (955 Campbell), Board Room

Building Community Skills
Thursday, March 26, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Administration Building (955 Campbell), Room 275
Presented by Matthew Bridges, Private Consultant
www.bridging-lives.com

Registration is not required.
For more information, please call 713-365-4795.

Entrenamiento Para Padres de Estudiantes con Necesidades Especiales
Primavera 2009

Hermanos y Hermanas: Cuidado para Hermanos de Niños con Necesidades Especiales
jueves 22 de enero, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Edificio Administrativo (955 Campbell), salón 275
Presentado por Kim Peterson, M.A., LPC-I – Grupo MedCare Pediatric
Presentación en inglés; habrá interprete disponible

Conectando el espacio de la Escuela Secundaria a la Universidad
Aprenda Sobre Programas Disponibles en Houston Community College Relacionados para Habilidades Pre-Universitarias, Certificaciones en Mano de Obra y Preparación para Trabajos
miércoles 18 de febrero, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Edificio administrativo (955 Campbell), Board Room
Presentado por Sue Moraska, Programa HCC/VAST
Presentación en inglés; habrá interprete disponible

SSI y SSDI – ¿Cual es la Diferencia?
Presentado por Andrew Hardwick, Administración del seguro Social
Y
Incentivos de Trabajo para Jóvenes con Discapacidades
Presentado por Juanita González, Administración del seguro Social
miércoles 4 de marzo, 5:00PM-6:30PM (Presentación en inglés)
6:30PM-8:00PM (Presentación en español)
Edificio Administrativo (955 Campbell), Board Room

Desarrollo de Habilidades Sociales para Estudiantes con Autismo de Alto Funcionamiento
miércoles 11 de marzo, 9:00AM-11:00AM
Primaria Buffalo Creek (2801 Blalock), salón R106
Presentado por Cynthia Orrego, Ph.D. – Premier Psychological Services
Presentación en español

Construyendo Habilidades de la Comunidad
jueves 26 de marzo, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Edificio Administrativo (955 Campbell), salón 275
Presentado por Matthew Bridges, Consultante Privado
Presentación en inglés; habrá interprete disponible

No se requiere registro previo.
Para obtener mas información llame al 713-365-4795.

Family to Family February Digest

Jan. 24th - Feb. 8th “You Can’t Take it With You”: Presented by Dionysus Theatre. Using actors with disabilities along side those who are able-bodied, Dionysus Theatre is a catalyst in breaking down barriers, changing lives and attitudes toward those with disabilities. For more information, call 713-728-0041 or go to www.dionysustheatre.org.

Jan. 29th, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 3rd Annual Financial Empowerment Forum for People with Disabilities: Free event presented by the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019. You will receive valuable information on free Income Tax Preparation Services, Earned Income Child tax Credits, Housing and Employment Resources, Credit Management and Repair, Identity Theft Prevention, and so much more!! The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center is wheelchair-accessible. This event will be captioned and ASL sign language will be provided. If alternate reasonable accommodation is required, please contact us by noon, Jan. 21st, at 713-837-9041.

Jan. 31st, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Shadow Training Workshop: Presented by The Shape of Behavior at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX. Domonique Randall, Ph.D., BCBA & Robin Wishkoski, M.Ed., BCBA will cover strategies to increase the success of children with disabilities in inclusive settings. How to know your child is ready for inclusion, preparation for inclusion, critical skills to focus on for better inclusive outcome, the way in which to teach in an inclusive setting, how to reinforce independence and fade the shadow/aide. Pre-registration by Jan 30th is required. $25 if register by Jan. 23rd; $35 if register after the 23rd. For more information, contact workshops@shapeofbehavior.com.

Feb. 5th, 7 - 9 p.m. Northwest Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America monthly meeting: Michelle Garcia will speak to mom’s on Caring for the Caregiver. New diagnosis and parent Q & A. Special speaker for dad’s in a separate area. Meeting for adults on the spectrum in a separate area. JOY-care for children and siblings provided with reservations-only (at least 1 week prior to meeting by contacting Tonya Magagh at respite4all@yahoo.com ). Held at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX. For more information, contact NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com or 281-686-0103.

Feb. 9th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Interpreting School and Medical Evaluations: Basics of Tests and Measurement”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA”s Conference Center, 7033 SW Frwy., Houston, 77074. Training is free. RSVP is required. For more information, contact ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com or 713-957-1600 ext. 15.

Feb. 11th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 2nd Annual Housing, Employment and Resources Expo for People with Disabilities: Hosted by the City of Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E. For more information or to register, go to http://www.houstontx.gov/here/.

Feb. 11th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Special Education 101”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at 3737 Dacoma, Suite E., Houston, 77092. Special Education 101 is an overview of federal and state law governing public school special education procedures. Child and parent rights are discussed along with referral processes and practical tips for securing an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Cost is $25 and includes handouts, resource guide and It’s A New Idea manual. (Some individuals may qualify for 50% scholarship.) RSVP required 3 days in advance. For more information, contact ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com or 713-957-1600 ext. 15.

Feb. 14th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County: For children with a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum, ages 1-12. Siblings of all ages are also welcome. This month’s location is Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Blvd., Sugar Land. Group meets the 2nd Saturday of the month. Locations vary. RSVP required. For more information or to rsvp, contact Susan Garczynski at susan@susangar.com or 281-726-2665.

Feb. 14th, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Relatives as Parents Conference: Free conference for grandparents and other relatives who are raising kin children. Held at The University of Houston, Student Services Bldg. 1. (Easy access, wheelchair accessible, free parking.) Topics include: Self-care, Legal Issues, Impact of Substance Abuse on Families, Parenting Teens & Teen Issues, Dealing Effectively with Schools, Finance for RAPs, Planning & Resources and more. Register now, seating is limited! For more information or to register, email Angie Grindon at agrindon@uh.edu or call (713)743-0608 or (713)743-5491.

Feb. 17th - 18th “Art of Negotiation for Special Ed. Teams”: Two-day training presented by the DARS-Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at Harris County Community College – SE Campus, 6815 Rustic Ave., Houston, 77078. Participants will learn about the various communication roles team members may utilize, the 7 types of conflict that occur in our communications and interactions, and how to match their negotiating and communication styles and strategies to the problem conflict to be resolved. Presenter, Janie Ruppmann, has more than 30 years experience in the development and implementation of effective practices particularly in the areas of inclusive schools, effective workplace solutions for individuals with significant disabilities, and in preparing parent and educators to work together collaboratively. For more information, contact 512-407-3250 or dhhstraining@dars.state.tx.us. (Training will also be offered in Austin on Feb. 14th-15th.)

Feb. 20th, 9 a.m. - noon “Fitting the Puzzle Pieces Together: How to Decide What is Needed… Accommodation, Modification, and Explicit Instruction”: Presented by Neuhaus Education Center at 4433 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX. Topic: Connecting sources and strategies to find solutions for students who struggle with learning to read. Price: $35. Scholarships are available for tuition only. Online registration available at www.neuhaus.org. For more information, call 713-664-7676.

Feb. 23rd - 25th Texas Transition Conference 2009: Annual three-day conference that equips individuals with transition information in the hopes of improving outcomes for postsecondary opportunities for youth with disabilities. To be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Austin. Pre-registration deadline (to avoid higher onsite/late fee) is Jan. 23rd. For more information, go to http://ttc.tamu.edu/index.htm.

Feb. 24th, 7 p.m. “In Our Own Voice”: Presented by Family to Family Network-Katy and NAMI-Houston at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy. “In Our Own Voice” is a unique public education program developed by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), in which two trained adult consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. Audience members will have the opportunity to offer feedback and ask questions. For more information, call 713-466-6304.

Feb. 25th - 28th Inclusion Works Conference 2009: Join the festivities at the 16th Annual IW Conference, where you will work with the best of the best researchers, authors, presenters and practitioners in the field of educational practices to support inclusive education. To be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin. Register early! Registration is limited, and the conference usually sells out before the deadline of Feb. 13th. For more information, go to www.thearcoftexas.org.

Feb. 26th - 27th “Reaching My Own Greatness”: A two day “Train the Trainer” workshop hosted by the Brazoria County Center for Independent Living (BCCIL) at the Danbury Medical Professional Center in Angleton. The trainees will be youth with disabilities, ages 14 to 26. Participating youth will experience fun, hands-on activities. They will explore issues of self-esteem and learn: 1) how to communicate their dreams and plan to reach those dreams; 2) about dealing with life’s “road blocks” when they occur; and 3) how to give back to their community. At the end of the training, each youth will get materials/curriculum to offer the training to their peers and groups in the community. Participants can bring a support person to the workshop to help as needed. For more information or to sign up for the workshop, contact Chamane Barrow at BCCIL at 979-849-7060. Space will be limited to the first 30 participants who sign up.

Feb. 27th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. “Learning Disabilities and Special Education Needs”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA”s Conference Center, 7033 SW Frwy., Houston, 77074. Training is free. RSVP is required. For more information, contact ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com or 713-957-1600 ext. 15.

Mar. 7th, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. 4th Annual Special Education Parent Conference and Resource Fair: “Making a Difference Together” Presented by Family to Family Network and Katy ISD’s Special Education Dept. at Morton Ranch High School, 21000 Franz Rd., Katy 77449. This free conference is open to family members of children from age birth to adult with any type of learning or developmental disability. Parents will be provided information on a wide variety of topics throughout the day. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to http://www.familytofamilynetwork.org/SpecialEvents.html or call 713-466-6304.

Mar. 9th - 10th 2009 Texas Statewide Independent Living Conference: “Relay Independence: No Challenge Too Great!” Presented by the Texas State Independent Living Council; the Dept. of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS); and the Austin Resource Center for Independent Living. To be held at the Courtyard Marriott (Downtown), Austin. Registration fee is $50 and deadline is Feb. 6th. Stipends are available. For more information and registration form, go to www.txsilc.org.

2nd Thursday of each month, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Visions for Tomorrow Evening Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston. For parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with a brain disorder (ADHD, PDD/Autism, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or any other emotional or behavioral concern). You are not alone! Location: The Well, Grace Presbyterian Church (Seagler and Westheimer), 10234-A Westheimer, Houston. For more information, contact Diane Goyette at diane@goyette.info or 713-896-1153.

Last Wednesday of each month, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Visions for Tomorrow Daytime Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston. For parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with a brain disorder (ADHD, PDD/Autism, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or any other emotional or behavioral concern). You are not alone! Location: The Catholic Community of St. Cecelia, 11720 Joan of Arc Dr. in the Community Center, room 202. Future meetings will be held the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, call Debby Brown at 281-493-9854 or Diane Goyette at 713-896-1153.

3rd Saturday of each month, North Houston Autism Play Group: This group will provide social opportunities for children with Autism (ages 1-12) and their families while building a support network in Harris and Montgomery County. For more information, contact Janet at nhautismplaygroup@sbcglobal.net or 713-962-0474.

Sign Up for Legislative Issue Reports: Prior to each State Legislative Session, the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities invites Texas citizens and disability organizations to sign up to receive Legislative Issue Reports that will be sent each Friday until the Session ends. January 13th will begin the 81st Session. To receive reports, send an email to Angela English at aenglish@governor.state.tx.us listing which issue areas you are interested in. Issue Area Options are: Access, Communications, Education, Emergency Management, Health, Housing, Recreation, Transportation, Veterans, Workforce. Or you can request All Issue Areas.

Spring Arts Classes: The River Performing and Visual Arts Center located at 1475 West Gray, Houston 77019, kicks off the spring semester of Saturday arts classes for students with special needs on Saturday, Jan. 24th between the hours of 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Hourly classes are offered in drama, dance, art, and music for special children, ages 3 - 19, who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or are economically disadvantaged. Siblings are welcome to participate also. Classes are $100 each for the semester, but financial assistance is available. For a registration packet, go to http://www.theriver.org/upload/spring2009registration_67702.pdf. For a scholarship application, go to http://www.theriver.org/upload/2008summercampscholarshiprequirements_43658.pdf. For more information, call 713-520-1220 or go to www.theriver.org.

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ATTENTION

Parents of Children in Special Education

• Are your Child's ARD meetings confusing or overwhelming?
• Do you know what ARD and IEP stand for?
• Do you wish you knew more about the ARDprocess and the development of the IEP?

Find the answers to all your questions at our:

ARD Workshop Presented by The ARC of Greater Houston

Monday, November 10th at 7:00 PM,

In Room 275 of the SBISD Administration Building,

955 Campbell RoadChildcare will be available.

Please RSVP to Suzanne Doler, SEPAC Chair, mandsdoler@hotmail.com

Please come and learn about SEPAC and see how we are working to educate parents on services available to their special needs children and how best to get those services.

Palin raises hope for parents of disabled kids

By SHANNON McCAFFREY Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press
Sept. 8, 2008, 9:17AM
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Polishing off his strawberry-banana yogurt, Jacob Moore races to his keyboard with a whoop, picks his way through "Pop Goes the Weasel" and gives his mom a high five. This is the average stuff of childhood, and it has not come easily to the 8-year-old with Down syndrome.
For his mother, Heidi Moore, achieving average "is like climbing Mount Everest." The family has been clambering up with the help of therapists, 15 surgeries, prayer and a tight-knit community of parents whose children live with the disorder.
That network is abuzz with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's arrival on the national scene as Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate. A little more than four months ago, Palin, 44, gave birth to a son, Trig, with the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome.
Palin hoisted the sleepy-looking infant into her arms after delivering the biggest speech of her career before cheering delegates at the Republican convention and a television audience of 40 million.
In her address, she had a special message for families with special-needs children: "I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."
It was an electrifying moment for those parents and their advocates.
Parents of children with Down syndrome say they often feel misunderstood by those who question their decision to have a child with a disability. They said many people fail to realize that medical, educational and legislative advances have dramatically improved life for those born with Down syndrome.
And they hope Palin's example will convince more parents that they, too, can handle the challenge of a Down syndrome child. Up to 90 percent of women who learn their fetus has Down syndrome terminate their pregnancy, studies suggest.
"For the first time, we have a mom in a position like that who's been through the emotions we've been through," said Michelle McCarthy of Ainsworth, Iowa. One of her 8-year-old twins has Down syndrome.
Palin did not say what her White House advocacy would mean.
During her few years as governor, she vetoed $275,000 for Alaska's Special Olympics — half the amount being sought. Money for a program that helps rural school districts provide special education has remained flat. But she supported another legislative proposal to boost spending for students with special needs by some 175 percent in 2011.
Disability advocates said she hasn't been a strong voice for their cause — at least not yet.
"It hasn't been on her radar screen," David Fleurant, executive director of the Disability Law Center of Alaska.
Still, many say her value if elected vice president could be less about laws or dollars and more about raising awareness — simply by raising her son in the public eye.
David Tolleson, executive director of the National Down Syndrome Congress, said it was invaluable for people to see the Palins at the convention as "a happy, normal family passing the baby around."
Tolleson said that might resonate with parents who agonize over what to do when they receive a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. Advocates worry even more pregnancies might be aborted because of the rise of prenatal testing.
Testing for Down syndrome was once offered routinely only to women age 35 and older. But the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommended in 2007 that doctors begin to offer the screening — now done through a blood test rather than a riskier amniocentesis — to all prospective mothers regardless of age.
Women who might not have learned until they gave birth that their child had Down syndrome now can find out in time to choose an abortion early in the pregnancy.
Some 5,500 infants are born with Down syndrome every year, the government says, and an estimated 350,000 Americans live with it. Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic birth defects, affecting roughly one in 800 births. Its severity varies.
Advocates say doctors often don't provide good information to scared, pregnant women who receive a prenatal diagnosis and are too quick to recommend abortion. Congress has come up with money to improve the quality of information for health professionals.
Down syndrome is characterized by mental retardation of varying degrees, and distinct physical features. Babies tend to be limp and quiet. They can have a multitude of other problems: Nearly half will have a heart defect, some serious enough to require surgery soon after birth. About one in 10 are born with intestinal abnormalities that can require surgery.
They also are at increased risk of thyroid problems, hearing loss, vision problems and leukemia. Many develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms starting in their 30s. However, better treatments for some of these conditions have increased the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome to about 55.
Once institutionalized at birth, children with the condition now have access to an array of home therapies, and public schools are legally bound to accommodate them.
Gail Williamson, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, said she remembers stares and whispers when her son Blair, now 29, was a child.
She credits the late 1980s television show "Life Goes On," which featured a character with Down syndrome, with helping to change attitudes. She said Palin's visibility could have a similar effect with a new generation.
Moore agrees.
A former oil industry executive who now works as an advocate on disability issues from her suburban Atlanta home, Moore acknowledges Jacob's surgeries and therapies have drained their bank account, even with help from Medicaid.
But she'd never make another choice.
"Look at my son," she said. "He's reading at an age-appropriate grade level. He's writing his name. He's playing piano," Moore said. "Will he be an astronaut? No. But maybe he'll be a teacher's assistant ... or a musician."
"My hope for him is to be a healthy, happy, productive, taxpaying member of society."
___
On The Net:
National Down Syndrome Society: http://www.ndss.org
National Down Syndrome Congress: http://www.ndsccenter.org

Family to Family September Digest

September Digest of Events and Resources

Sept. 3rd, 7 - 9 p.m. “Music Therapy to Engage the Child with a Disability”: Presented by Side by Side at the Johnny Arolfo Center, 400 W. Walker, League City (by the League City Pool and Police Station). Catherine M. Alexander, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow, will be speaking. To view her website, go to: http://harmonylanestudios.com/music/index.html. For more information on the meeting or to RSVP, contact Renee’ at 281-332-9270 or bennett4@prodigy.net.

Sept. 4th - 7th, US Autism & Asperger Assoc. 2008 International Conference: Held at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel in Austin. For more information, go to http://usautism.org/2008_conference_austin/2008_usaaa_conference_overview2.htm. For scholarship information, go to http://usautism.org/2008_conference_austin/2008_usaaa_conference_partial_scholarship_program.htm.

Sept. 4th, 7 - 9 p.m. NW Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America monthly meeting: Held at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Pkwy., Tomball, 77375, North Campus. For more information, contact NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com or 281-686-0103, or go to www.Autism-Society.org/Chapter1006.

Sept. 5th - 7th, Coalition for Texans with Disabilities 30th Annual Convention: To be held at the Holiday Inn El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio. Stipends available. For more information, go to http://www.cotwd.org/convention.php.

Sept. 5th, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Houston Area Respite Center (HARC) Parents Night Out: Our second Parent's Night Out location in the Down Syndrome Resource Center at Hwy. 290 and Tidwell will open on Friday, September 5th from 6:30-10:30pm. If you are interested in volunteering at either location, please contact Charlotte at 281-639-2788. We are looking for paid caregivers in addition to volunteers. Parents - Please help HARC by making reservations each week for Parents' Night Out. Reservations are needed by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday so that we can insure proper staffing. Reservations can be made by e mailing harc@harc-hou.org or calling 713-271-6001.

Sept. 8th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. “How to Write Meaningful IEP Goals”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA”s Conference Center, 7033 SW Frwy., Houston, 77074. Training is free. RSVP is required. For more information, contact ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com or 713-957-1600 ext. 15.

Sept. 10th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Special Education 101”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at 3737 Dacoma, Suite E., Houston, 77092. Special Education 101 is an overview of federal and state law governing public school special education procedures. Child and parent rights are discussed along with referral processes and practical tips for securing an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Cost is $25 and includes handouts, resource guide and It’s A New Idea manual. (Some individuals may qualify for 50% scholarship.) RSVP required 3 days in advance. For more information, contact ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com or 713-957-1600 ext. 15.

Sept. 12th, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. “Tests, Measurements & the Bell Curve”: Presented by The Arc of Fort Bend at the Albert George Library, 9230 Gene St., Needville, 77461. For parents, educators, agency representatives and the general public. Become an informed parent and better advocate for children with special needs! PowerPoint presentation lasts approx. 2 hours, with individualized Q & A following the presentation. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Sewell at 281-494-5924 or cbsewell@arcoffortbend.org.

Sept. 13th, 10 a.m. - noon Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County: For children ages 1-12. To be held at Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Blvd., Sugar Land. RSVP is required. Contact Susan Garczynski at susanbgar@earthlink.net or 281-726-2665.

Sept. 13th - Nov. 22nd Fall Classes at The River Performing and Visual Arts Center: The mission of The River Performing and Visual Arts Center, a 501c (3) non-profit organization, is to provide an accessible, affordable fine arts education for special children, ages 2 – 19 years of age, who have disabilities, chronic illnesses or are economically disadvantaged. Siblings are welcome. Registration is open for Saturday arts and enrichment classes in dance, drama, music and visual arts. Located at 1475 West Gray, Houston, 77019. For more program and registration information, go to: www.theriver.org.

Sept. 13th, 2008 Baytown Special Rodeo: The Baytown Special Rodeo Association is a 501C3 Non-Profit organization, and the event will once again be hosted by our friends at Eastside Honda. For more information, registration forms, and pictures from last year’s rodeo, go to: www.specialrodeo.com
Sept. 16th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ARD Clinic: “Understanding the Autism Supplement”: The Family to Family Network team will be on hand to answer your specific questions so that you can be well prepared for your child’s ARD meetings. Bring you questions, your child’s educational paperwork and a lunch. Held at the Family to Family Network Office, 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041. The clinic is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP as soon as possible to 713-466-6304 or f2fleslie@sbcglobal.net.

Sept. 16th, 7 - 9 p.m. Katy Autism Support Group monthly meeting: Held at St. Peters United Methodist Church – Asbury Hall. Please join our group online at KatyAutismSupport-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. For more information, contact group coordinator, Karen Jaggers, at kkinkaty@comcast.net.

Sept. 16th, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9th Annual Region 4 ESC Dyslexia Conference: Held at the Region 4 Education Service Center, 7145 W. Tidwell Rd., Houston, 77092. For more information, contact Carol McManus at 713-744-6360, cmcmanus@esc4.net or Jennifer Brock at 713-744-6355, jbrock@esc4.net. Or go to: http://www.esc4.net/default.aspx?name=rla.conf.upcoming.

Sept. 18th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 2nd Annual Housing & Employment Resources Expo for People with Disabilities: Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. This unique event will provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to meet with prospective employers, as well as representatives from various housing-related entities and other resource agencies. For more information, call 713-837-9097 or go to www.houstonhereexpo.org.

Sept. 19th, 9 a.m. - noon “Building Lifelong Reading Comprehension Skills”: Presented by Neuhaus at 4433 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX. Mary French, M.A., CALT, will present activities and strategies that promote engaged reading and build vocabulary for grades 3-12. Price is $75 (includes a $40 manual). Scholarships are available for tuition only. For more information or to register, go to www.neuhaus.org or call 713-664-7676.

Sept. 19th, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. “Tests, Measurements & the Bell Curve”: Presented by The Arc of Fort Bend at the Stimley-Blueridge Library, 7007 West Fuqua, Missouri City, 77489. For parents, educators, agency representatives and the general public. Become an informed parent and better advocate for children with special needs! PowerPoint presentation lasts approx. 2 hours, with individualized Q & A following the presentation. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Sewell at 281-494-5924 or cbsewell@arcoffortbend.org.

Sept. 20th, 10 a.m. “Destination Dignity 2008”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at the MHMRA Conference Center, 7033 SW Frwy., Houston, 77074. Destination Dignity 2008 will consist of a fun walk, which is a public event aimed at combating societal stigma faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The fun walk will be a non-competitive activity, followed by an educational program. This event will highlight the many abilities of those diagnosed with IDDs, educate about person-first language, and provide information on available community resources. For more information or to pre-order stigma-busting t-shirts or water bottles, contact Judy Kantorczyk at 713-957-1600 or visit www.mhmraharris.org and click “Mental Retardation & Autism Services”.

Sept. 23rd, 7 p.m. “The Sibling Support Project”: Presented by Family to Family Network - Katy at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy. Understand the underlying stresses, anxieties and pressures associated with having a sibling with a disability. Practical cognitive-behavioral interventions and pro-active sibling support will be explored as an integral component of family health. Siblings ages 7 and up are encouraged to attend this interactive session. Erin Webb, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will be presenting. For more information, contact Family to Family Network at 713-466-6304 or www.familytofamilynetwork.org.

Sept. 24th, 10 a.m. - noon Brown Bag Webinar: “Realistic Ways to Build Collaboration in IEP Meetings”: Hosted by Family to Family Network at 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041. Presented by Kathy Wilan, MPA. Brown Bag Webinars are internet based presentations by experts in their topics, hosted and archived by The Advocacy Institute. Feel free to bring your lunch. The training is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP as soon as possible to 713-466-6304 or f2fleslie@sbcglobal.net.

Sept. 25th, 6 - 8 p.m. Parents Supporting Parents 1 Year Anniversary Party: Held at the South Regional library in the Woodlands. Come celebrate us being one year strong. Contact Barbara Knighton for directions 832-364-6992.
Sept. 27th, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. “Successfully Managing Strong Willed and Defiant Children and Teens”: Presented by ADDA-SR at United Methodist Church, Memorial Dr., Houston, 77079. Kelly Smith, MS, will be speaking. $40 pre-registration at www.adda-sr.org or 281-894-6883. Registration deadline is Sept. 23rd. $45 walk-in.

Sept. 30th, 7 p.m. “Legislative Listening Forum”: Hosted by The Arc of Fort Bend County and Texana Center at the Marriott Hotel, Sugar Land Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, 77479. The Arc of Fort Bend and Texana Center have collaborated to form a focused, grass-roots level legislative impact campaign. Our objective is to inform legislators of the issues surrounding services for individuals with disabilities. We have invited local State Representatives, Senators, County Commissioners, the Sheriff, the County Judge and registered opponents to participate as panelists. We need persons with disabilities and family members to attend and support the families who are sharing their stories.

Oct. 3rd - 4th, Autism/Disability Resource Fair & Conference: Presented by the NW Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX. For more information, contact NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com, or go to http://www.autism-society.org/chapter1006, "View Documents" and "October 3-4, 2008". Early registration deadline (reduced fee) is Sept. 26th.

Oct. 17th - 19th, 2008 Arc of Texas Annual Conference: To be held at Camp For All in Burton, TX. Registration deadline is Sept. 15th. Space is limited. For more details and the conference family registration and stipend form, go to: http://www.capwiz.com/thearc/attachments/1_The_Arc_of_Texas_Conference_2008_Registration_Piece_Final2.pdf

Texas Project FIRST Special Education Updates: Texas Project FIRST is a website created by parents for parents of students receiving special education services. The website, a project of the Texas Education Agency and Family to Family Network, is committed to providing accurate and consistent information to families of students with disabilities. Go to www.texasprojectfirst.org and click on “Register for Updates” to receive monthly email updates as new information is added to the site.

Hurricane Katrina Survivor Study: Researchers at the Center for Disability and Development at Texas A&M University are conducting a study on the long-term recovery of survivors from Hurricane Katrina who have intellectual disabilities (mental retardation). If selected, individuals will participate in either an interview, telephone survey, or a focus group and be eligible for up to $50 in compensation. Interested individuals or their guardians (if applicable) should contact the Texas A&M project using their toll free number at 1-866-578-4366. All calls will be confidential and consent procedures will be carefully followed with all potential participants.
The Heart of Sailing Foundation: The Heart of Sailing Foundation is a non-profit charitable 501(c)(3) organization which provides recreational therapy and education in the form of a sailing experience to children and young adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. This is a FREE service. Our Greater Houston chapter was formed in May of 2007. For more information, go to www.heartofsailing.org or contact Captain Dave McCabe, davemccabe@heartofsailing.org 281-507-1867(m) ; 281-488-1780.
Disabled Parent Connection Website: Come visit our website, www.disabledparentconnection.org, to upload your pictures of equipment and items that your child is no longer using, or share your child’s story with other parents of children with disabilities. We encourage families to donate equipment, old books, adapted toys or large ticket items like hospital beds or lifting mechanisms. Help us spread the word about the website by telling your friends, family and service providers. You can also contact anita@disabledparentconnection.org to become one of our sponsors, or log onto the website to make a contribution.

New Resource for Families Searching for Waiver Providers: The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has unveiled a new on-line resource that provides information to families that are seeking to find qualified local providers of Medicaid Waiver services including HCS, CLASS and Texas Home Living services. The information can be found at the following web address: http://facilityquality.dads.state.tx.us.

The Arc of Fort Bend County’s Youth Group: The Arc of Fort Bend is excited to again offer families with teens and young adults with MR, intellectual and/or related pervasive developmental disabilities an opportunity to participate in our youth group! The group was developed so that students with disabilities, aged 12-21, and their peers without disabilities can participate together in fun, social and recreational activities. At least one activity is scheduled per month. For more information, call Cheryl Sewell at 281-494-5924.


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September 2008 Meeting

ATTENTION!

All Special Education Parents and Staff
Please Join Us For Our First Meeting Of The New
School Year and
Meet Special Education Director
Deb Darmer
As She Gives Us Her Perspective For Special Education in SBISD for 2008 - 2009
Monday September 8th at 7:00 PM, In
Room 275 of the Administration Building

For more information please contact: Suzanne Doler, SEPAC Chair at mandsdoler@hotmail.com

Please come and learn about SEPAC and see how we are working to educate parents on services available to their special needs children and how best to get those services.

Childcare will be provided.

Special Dads for Special Kids

By MEGAN MANFULL

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

TYLER Jackson walked into the grocery store and immediately fell to the ground screaming. As his ears started hurting from his own noise, Tyler covered them tightly with the palms of his hands but kept yelling. His 6-4, 302-pound father stood by, watching helplessly.
As an offensive lineman for the Texans, Scott Jackson lines up without fear each day in practice, going head-to-head against defensive tackles even bigger than he is. But there at the grocery store, a 2 1/2 -year-old boy standing 40 inches and weighing 45 pounds rendered him helpless.
Scott had no idea what triggered the tantrum. Perhaps it was the Lightning McQueen birthday balloon, which made Tyler suddenly want to see the Cars movie. Maybe it was something else.
Sensing disdainful stares from fellow shoppers, Scott peeled his screaming son off the floor, threw him over his shoulder and quickly walked to the dairy section to get a gallon of milk.
With Tyler still kicking and screaming over his shoulder, Scott paid for the milk and rushed outside. As he put his son into the car, Scott knew he wouldn't be taking Tyler back to the grocery store.
Scott and his wife, Ashley, had concerns that something wasn't right. Previous errands had been nightmares as well, but keeping Tyler home didn't stop the tantrums. It also didn't ease their concerns that he still wasn't talking by age 2 1/2 . And it didn't make sense that he sometimes fell so deep into his own world that his parents worried he was deaf.
Doctors told Scott and Ashley that Tyler was just a late-developing boy. They were told Albert Einstein didn't talk until he was 3. Still, they kept pushing the doctors to look closer.
Finally, in March 2007, Tyler was diagnosed with autism.
"At first, I was skeptical," Scott said. "I didn't want to see anything wrong with our boy. But my wife was saying, 'Hey, while you were at practice or while you were on the road trip, I saw some things that scared me a little bit.'
"It was amazing how Ashley could say early on, 'This is difficult that we're getting this diagnosis, but we can help him a lot. He's a beautiful boy, and we're going to help him have a meaningful, rich life.' For me, that optimism and that faith in Tyler was something that has helped us work as a team to raise him. That's been something huge."
It didn't take long for Scott to start preaching the same message as Ashley, and this Father's Day is clearly a celebration in the Jackson household. It marks the completion of Tyler's first year of therapy, which was so difficult for Tyler in the beginning that he would cry for hours until he fell asleep in the middle of the classroom. It hurt his parents too much to even watch.
Father's Day also marks the culmination of a year of change for Scott, who was placed on injured reserve with the Texans and devoted his free afternoons last fall to attending therapy with Tyler so he could learn how to help his son at home.
After all, Scott's knowledge of autism at the time of his son's diagnosis was what he saw in the 1988 movie Rain Man. He thought of a person who memorized the phone book, and he immediately envisioned taking care of his son for a long time.
A kindred spirit
Texans special-teams coordinator Joe Marciano tried to thwart those concerns as soon as he heard about Tyler. Marciano, a single father, received the same diagnosis six years ago about his adopted son, Joseph, who is 8.
Marciano recently pointed to a Texans practice field at which a handful of kids had played catch during the final day of organized team activities. They waited through the two-hour practice session to get autographs and see their favorite players.
Marciano admitted his son couldn't do that.
"That's not him," Marciano said. "He has a weakness when it comes to the social aspect of life. He can do things other kids his age can't do. He types faster than me. He text messages. He can pick up the phone and call me. You can give him as many numbers as you want, line them up horizontally or vertically, he'll add them all up for you fast. Reading, spelling, math — that's his niche."
Joseph also was placed in intense therapy at age 2, and he slowly began to benefit. At 4, he spoke at the level of an 18-month-old. Now, he speaks at the level of a 5 1/2 -year-old but is thriving in a public school where he is mainstreamed. He has friends and is preparing to enter the third grade after receiving A's and B's on his latest report card.
His interests are similar to those of other 8-year-olds. The movie Kung Fu Panda is his current passion, and he loves to sing its theme song, Kung Fu Fighting.
Such updates from Marciano have comforted Jackson, who was so concerned about getting his son into the right therapy that he struggled to concentrate during OTAs last year.
"We have a lot of meetings, and your mind clearly wanders," Jackson said. "How do you focus when you know your son is at home and if you don't help him immediately he may digress further and sink into a deeper form of autism?"
After a two-month search, the Jacksons settled on a facility. For the past year, Tyler has attended school for more than six hours a day, five days a week. About two or three months into therapy, Tyler said "da-da" for the first time. About three months after that, he started saying phrases.
Tyler still battles issues unique to autism, but he has reached the major milestones for a typical child his age.
"When he said, 'Daddy, I love you,' it was unbelievable for me," Scott said. "Once he learned how to use words as sort of tools, that was the biggest breakthrough. Because before, he'd just scream, and we didn't know what he was screaming for. Now he says, 'I want milk.' Or, 'My pants are wet.' Or, 'I want to go for a bike ride.' That was what was bothering him before. He'd just sit here and scream about who knows what."
Special parenting required
Joseph Marciano's tantrums have decreased from 20 minutes to sometimes just five seconds. The head banging, hitting, punching and biting that used to accompany each screaming session also have subsided. Joseph now often scuffs his feet on the ground and pouts, a reaction Marciano realizes is similar to that of a typical 8-year-old.
"His issues aren't academics," Marciano said. "His issues are always going to be social. He's gotten a lot better. I don't think he's ever going to be the life of the party. But he just can't be disruptive when he doesn't get what he wants or his needs aren't met or they change the routine."
Since Joseph's diagnosis, Marciano has become a spokesman for Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and funding research into its causes and treatments. He has received hundreds of letters and e-mails from parents of autistic children, and he replies to all of them. Some of the parents he has met. Through it all, he has learned it takes a special parent to raise an autistic child.
Watching Scott Jackson up close, Marciano said Tyler is "absolutely" lucky to have the father he does.
"I can honestly say I've seen a commitment from Scott," Marciano said. "He asks all the right questions. He's going out and seeking all of the right resources. Plus, he's gone to another level than I have, and he's gone and gotten outside help to help him. He's doing all the right things and taken all the right steps."
It took some time to adjust initially. Tyler was always in the 99 percentile in the growth charts, and Scott got it into his mind that his son was going to follow in his daddy's footsteps.
But Scott has realized his dreams of Tyler someday donning an NFL uniform are unlikely.
The biggest battles Tyler will face each day will be in his mind rather than on the football field.
But as Ashley watches Tyler and Scott together on a day-to-day basis, she knows the similarities will still be there.
"Scott is a good football player, but he's good at a lot of other things," Ashley said. "He's smart. He's talented. He's very kind. And he's just very witty. These are talents Tyler can develop that can make him a lot like his dad. He doesn't have to be a football player to be like his dad or to be successful. There are a lot of other things that he can do to succeed to make us just as proud."
Watching Tyler grow
Scott plans to be there every step of the way for Tyler and his other sons. The Jacksons have a 14-month-old, Joel, and another son due July 2.
Even last August when he was in the midst of a training camp critical for his career, Scott opted not to stay at the team hotel just a few blocks from the Texans' workout facility. Instead, he drove home 30 minutes each night just to offer his support, even though the boys were sleeping when he arrived and not yet awake when he left in the mornings.
When he returns home from practices these days, Scott often sheds his workout clothes for swim trunks, takes his boys outside and hooks up the sprinkler, coming up with an educational game to play with Tyler as they run through the water. Other days, he totes them to their local park. An hour later, Ashley watches them walk back. Scott has both boys in tow, and his shirt is drenched with sweat.
"It was huge for me to realize it's not about him being a football star," said Scott, a member of Athletes Against Autism. "Right now, he's on the soccer team. He just runs around smiling. He never really kicks the soccer ball. But to me, it's priceless to see him out there just having fun.
"All day I sit there and watch film and am told of all the different little problems with footwork and handwork and how we need to run this play perfectly — which is my profession, and I love it. But this has given me a chance to look and see the beauty of just seeing someone enjoy themselves. He just loves being out there and doing things.
"You see these kids and all of the amazing things they could do. It's really broadened my idea what each person is capable of doing, despite handicaps or developmental delays or whatever they might be struggling with. They have unbelievable potential. And if we just support them, amazing things happen."
megan.manfull@chron.com