Family to Family February Digest

February Digest of Events and Resources

February 3rd, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Reinforcement: It’s more than just M&Ms and ‘Good Job’”: Sponsored by FEAT Houston and presented by Jenifer Dantzler at the University of Houston. For more information, contact Carol Sloan at cysloan@earthlink.net.

February 4th - 6th “Texas Transition Conference”: The Texas Transition Conference is an annual 3 day conference that equips individuals with transition information in the hopes of improving outcomes for postsecondary education and employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. Sponsored by the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University, Region VI Educational Service Center, the Statewide High School Transition Network, and the Texas Effectiveness Study. Held at the College Station Hilton Hotel and Conference Center. Internationally recognized experts in the field of transition, Dr. Ed O’Leary and Dr. Paula Kohler, will be the keynote speakers. For more information, go to http://tti.cehd.tamu.edu/index.htm.

February 7th, 6:30 - 9 p.m. NW Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America monthly meeting: Networking begins at 6:30 p.m. Speakers begin at 7 p.m. Cynthia Singleton will present on the Autism Insurance Bill. Cynthia will also be available for “Q & A” on what parents need to know about autism and all aspects: diet, legislative advocacy, supplements, therapy and education. Stephanie Hulshof will present on ABA and non-verbal and verbal learners. Held at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375, North Campus Education Building. For more information, contact 281-686-0103 or NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com.

February 11th, 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 Freeway, Houston 77074, Room B. The presentation is free, but reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13 or ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com.

February 13th, 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 ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com or 713-957-1600 ext. 13.

February 15th - 16th “Meeting the Challenge of AD/HD 20th Annual Conference”: Sponsored by Cook Children’s Medical Center and the Attention Deficit Disorders Association – Southern Region. Held at The Sheraton North Houston Hotel. This event is designed for parents, educators, adults with ADD and healthcare professionals. The general session speaker will be Jefferson Prince M.D., with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Author Chris Dendy will present several sessions including parenting teens. Over thirty breakout sessions will cover a wide variety of topics. Special rates for hotel and early registration end 1/31/08. A limited number of scholarships covering registration and hotel are available for individuals or families coping with ADHD. For further information, call 281-897-0982 or visit www.adda-sr.org.

February 18th, 6:30 - 8 p.m. “Texas Special Education Public Input and Information Meeting”: The Region 4 Education Service Center will host a Texas Special Education Public Input and Information Meeting on behalf of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to gather input on special education in Texas. The meeting is part of the Texas Continuous Improvement Process (TCIP) and is not a public hearing. The 2007-2008 public meetings will be open for any interested stakeholder to attend. For more information, contact Dr. Rebecca Martinez at rmartinez@esc4.net or 713-774-6383, or Dr. Cynthia Barrett at cbarrett@esc4.net or 713-744-6345.

February 20th - 23rd “2008 Inclusion Works! Conference”: Presented by The Arc of Texas at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX. The state’s premier conference on inclusive education is celebrating its 15th year! As always, we bring you top experts from across the nation to share the latest research, information and practical strategies you can use in your own district, school, classroom or family. Registration is limited to the first 1,200, and the conference frequently sells out before the registration deadline of January 23rd. For more information, go to www.thearcoftexas.org or call (800)-252-9729.

February 22nd, 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 Freeway, Houston 77074, Room B. The presentation is free, but reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13 or ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com.

February 23rd, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. “In God’s Image Conference”: Sponsored by the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at St. Theresa Church, 6622 Haskell St., Houston, 77007. This is a conference for Pastors, Deacons, Seminarians, Directors of Faith Formation, Catechists, Pastoral and Social Justice Ministers, Families, Friends and Care Providers of children or adults with disabilities, and all with a heart for disability ministry. Cost is $10 per person before February 11th, and then $12 per person after (includes lunch). For more information, registration, or questions about financial assistance to attend the conference, contact Charleen Katra at 713-741-8793 or ckatra@archgh.org.

February 23rd, 10 a.m. - noon “Tips for a Successful ARD Meeting”: Presented by Partners Resource Network – Path Project at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2601 Montgomery Rd., Huntsville. For more information, contact Gail Wright at 936-291-2097 or walkercountypath@yahoo.com.

February 24th, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. “Autism and Law Enforcement (Open to Public)”: Presented by The Greater Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America at the MHMRA Conference Center (one story building behind 7011 SW Freeway, Houston, TX). Dennis Debbaudt, the author of Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, will be speaking. Fee is $5/person with pre-registration. After February 11th or at the door, fee is $10/person. (Law Enforcement Personnel in uniform will be admitted free of charge). Sorry, no childcare available. For more information, contact 713-513-7575 or ghcasaconference@aol.com.

February 25th, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Autism and Law Enforcement (Training for Professional Peace Officers)”: Presented by The Greater Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America at the Houston Police Academy. The instructor will be Dennis Debbaudt, the author of Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Law Enforcement Personnel who attend will receive 8 hours of TCLEOSE credits. The Houston Chapter will provide a free boxed lunch for pre-registered School District Police who attend. For more information or to register, call 713-970-4664 or go to www.houstoncit.org.

February 26th, 6:30 p.m. Mom’s Night Out!: Family to Family Network- Katy will be meeting for dinner at the Red Oak Grill, 2004 S. Mason Rd., Katy. RSVP is requested. Please contact Brenda Nelson at 713-466-6304 or f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net if you will be able to join us.

February 26th, “Fort Bend Area Job Fair”: Presented by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and partnering with The WorkSource, The Arc of Fort Bend, and other local agencies to connect local employers with persons with disabilities. Approximately 25 employers should be in attendance, ready to interview and hire prospective individuals. There will also be a few vendors, agencies and exhibitors who serve the disability community. For more information or to register, contact DARS - Rosenberg at 281-239-1230 and The WorkSource - Rosenberg at 281-344-0279.

February 29th, 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. “5th Annual SCEC Conference: Meeting the Needs of All Learners”: Presented by the Sam Houston Council for Exceptional Children and featuring Nationally Recognized Keynote Speaker, Temple Grandin, Ph.D. “Exploring Autism: Thinking in Pictures”. Held at the Region VI Professional Development Center, 3332 Montgomery Rd., Huntsville. Registration deadline is February 15th. There will be no onsite registration and conference space is limited. For more information, contact James Williams, President/Conference Director at Jew001@shsu.edu or 832-452-3155.

February 29th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. “Developing IEP Goals & Objectives”: Presented by The Arc of Fort Bend at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond 77469. PowerPoint presentation will take approximately 1.5 hours with more individualized Q&A following. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Sewell at 281-494-5924 or cbsewell@arcoffortbend.org.

March 1st, 8:30 a.m. - 4:14 p.m. “Making a Difference Together: 3rd Annual Special Education Parent Conference and Resource Fair”: Sponsored by Family to Family Network and Katy ISD’s Special Education Department. This a free event held at Morton Ranch High School, 21000 Franz Rd., Katy, 77449. Pre-registration is recommended to avoid long lines and allow you to choose the sessions you would like to attend. Most sessions will be limited to 30 participants and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For session descriptions and online registration, go to www.familytofamilynetwork.org and click on Special Events. For more information, contact Brenda Nelson at 713-466-6304 or f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net.

March 6th, “Wrightslaw Special Education & Advocacy Conference”: Presented by the Northwest Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Pkwy, Tomball, TX 77375. Early registration deadline (with reduced fee) is February 1st. Registrants will receive 2 books: Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition and Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition. For the conference agenda, go to www.wrightslaw.com/speak/08.03a.tx.htm. For additional information, call 281-686-0103 or email NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com.

Register now for Saturday a.m. Performing and Visual Arts Classes: Provided by The River, a performing and visual arts center for children with special needs, at the City of Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center. This program begins Saturday, January 26th and concludes mid-April. Registration is available for download at http://www.theriver.org/upload/spring_2008_reg_95206.pdf. This form can be completed on-line and emailed back to us. Or the registration material can be printed and faxed/mailed back to us by clicking on the Programs link at www.theriver.org. If you’d like further information you can call Eileen Ramos at 281-797-3796 or 281-373-3023.

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