Family to Family November Digest of Events and Resources

November 13th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. “What to Do When You Don’t Agree”:
Presented by Family to Family Network at 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041 (the northwest corner of N. Eldridge and FM 529). Learn the appropriate steps to take when you don’t agree with ARD committee decisions. Dustin Rynders from Advocacy, Inc. will also be on hand to explain how to prioritize your concerns and give you information regarding mediation, the complaints process, and due process. The goal is always to reach agreement. Bring your questions, your child’s educational paperwork and a lunch . The clinic is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP as soon as possible to 713-466-6304 or f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net.
November 13th, 7 - 9 p.m. “Holiday Stress Reducer”: Presented by Behavior Plus at 902 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood 77546. If the holiday season is difficult for your child, come learn how to make this holiday season more enjoyable for the entire family! For more information, go to www.BehaviorPlus-Texas.com or call 281-482-7587.

November 14th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Special Education 101”:
Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at 3737 Dacoma, Suite E, Houston 77072. 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 the referral process and practical tips for securing an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Cost is $25 (individuals may qualify for a 50% scholarship). Please RSVP at least 3 days prior to the event. For more information or to RSVP, contact Karen Snead at 713-957-1600 ext. 13.

November 19th, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Emotional Disturbances and Special Education Needs”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA’s Conference Center, 7033 SW Freeway, Houston 77074, Room B. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13.

November 19th, 7 p.m. “Ask a Lawyer: Q&A on Mental Health Warrants and Other Legal Issues”: Presented by NAMI West Houston at The Connection Center, 13194 Memorial Dr. (in the TJ Maxx shopping strip on the north side of Memorial). For more information, call 713-984-2538 or email bccord@swbell.net.

November 27th, 7 p.m. “Transition to Junior High, High School and Beyond”:
Presented by Family to Family Network - Katy, at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy. Regardless of your child’s age, it is never too early to think about the next major transition. An experienced parent panel will present practical tips on how to help your child make a smooth transition to Jr. High, High School and into life beyond school. For more information, contact Brenda Nelson at 713-466-6304 or f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net.

November 29th - 30th “Teaching Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities to Speak: Advances in Techniques to Develop Functional Verbal Communication Skills”:
Hosted by The Learning Lane. Speakers: Nancy R. Kaufman, M.A., CCC/SLP, and Tamara S. Kasper, M.S., CCC/SLP, BCBA. This program will explain in detail how to implement the Kaufman and Kasper Approaches for improving verbal communication in children with developmental disabilities. Participants will learn how to systematically introduce motivators to encourage verbal communication, cuing and shaping techniques to improve speech intelligibility, and timing and rationale of fading cuing and shaping techniques. Held at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Register early, space is limited. For registration information and other details, go to www.nss-nrs.com or call 888-337-3866.

Updated “It’s a New IDEA!” 2007 Parent Manual is Now Available: This 61-page manual is an invaluable resource for families trying to understand the Texas special education system. The newly updated August 2007 version is available online on The Arc of Texas website, www.thearcoftexas.org, and Advocacy, Inc.’s website, www.advocacyinc.org, and can be downloaded and used by anyone. The manual incorporates the most recent changes in federal regulations and state law. For a printed version from The Arc of Texas, call 1-800-252-9729 or email rstatman@thearcoftexas.org.


Policy and Disclaimer:
It is the desire of Family to Family Network to share information and items that may be of interest to our email list subscribers. These items are not necessarily endorsed by Family to Family Network or our funders.
Organizations wishing to publicize events to the list may submit a brief description and contact information to info@familytofamilynetwork.org by the 15th of the month prior to the event. If you would like to be removed from this email list, please reply to info@familytofamilynetwork.org.

For more information about Family to Family Network go to www.familytofamilynetwork.org.