Family To Family January Digest of Events and Resources
January 9th, 10 a.m. – noon “Fine Motor Skills… Write Out of the Box”: Presented by Family to Family Network’s Family Friends Program at 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041. Occupational Therapist, Marianne Gibbs, will present a hands-on workshop. Her easy to learn activities help to increase the knowledge of fine motor skills and help improve pre-schoolers’ and early primary students’ future handwriting. Please R.S.V.P. by January 4th as space is limited. (No children please.) For more information or to R.S.V.P., call Carolyn or Joanie at 713-466-6304.
January 9th, 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.
January 10th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Benefits and Employment in 2008: Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and SSI”: Presented by Michael Walling, the author of “The Guide to Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives”, 16th Ed., 2008 and other publications on SSA benefits. Registration fee is $129. Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 24888 I-45 N., The Woodlands, 77386. For more information including how to register, call 610-696-1551 or go to www.wallinginc.com.
January 10th, 7 - 9 p.m. “Overview of Special Education Issues for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders”: Presented by FEAT-Houston at the Tracy Gee Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston. Phone: 713-266-8193. Karen Sneed, Director of Education at the Arc of Great Houston, will be presenting. Her overview will include Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and specific interventions such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and TEACCH.
January 11th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Beyond the Basics: Social Security, SSI, Medicaid and Medicare”: Presented by Michael Walling, the author of “The Guide to Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives”, 16th Ed., 2008 and other publications on SSA benefits. Registration fee is $129. Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 24888 I-45 N., The Woodlands, 77386. For more information including how to register, call 610-696-1551 or go to www.wallinginc.com.
January 12th, 8 a.m. - noon “2008 Texas Children’s Kids’ Fun Run”: Texas Children’s Hospital invites children ages 5 to 15 (K - 8), including those with special needs, to participate in its annual Kids’ Fun Run in conjunction with the Chevron Houston Marathon. The event includes both a walk/wheelchair/run “no-boundaries” 1K (1/2 mile) course and a non-competitive 3K (1.8 mile) course to meet the needs of all participating children. Parents may run with their children. The race course covers a portion of the actual marathon course, and all participants finish their run by crossing the official Chevron Houston Marathon finish line. For more information or to register online, go to www.texaschildrenshospital.org/funrun or contact Mallori Ramey at 832-824-2047 or kidsruninfo@texaschildrenshospital.org.
January 14th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Getting Ready for Annual ARDs”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA’s Conference Center, 7033 SW Freeway, Houston 77074. Come join us and learn how to walk into ARDs prepared to advocate for a child’s best interests. Topics covered will include organizing school paperwork, reviewing your child’s educational records and using this information to create meaningful goals and services. We will discuss pragmatic tips for making ARDs run smoothly and efficiently. The presentation is free, but reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13 or ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com.
January 15th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Preparing for ARDs (Clinic)”: Presented by Family to Family Network at 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041 (the northwest corner of N. Eldridge and FM 529). Parents are an important part of the ARD committee. Every member of the committee must prepare for ARD meetings, including parents! Learn how to prepare so that you can be an active and involved participant in your child’s ARD meeting. Following a short presentation, we will break into small groups based on subjects of interest to discuss specific needs. Bring your questions, your child’s educational paperwork (including current ARD documents) 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.
January 22nd, 7 p.m. “Preparing for ARDs (Open Forum)”: Presented by Family to Family Network- Katy at Kingsland Baptist Church. Parents are an important part of the ARD committee. Every member of the committee must prepare for ARD meetings, including parents! Learn how to prepare so that you can be an active and involved participant in your child’s ARD meeting. Questions on the topic will be answered following a short presentation. For more information, contact Brenda Nelson at 713-466-6304 or f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net.
January 22nd, 8 a.m. “Hiring and Disability Management Solutions”: This Business Diversity Network Breakfast is the result of a partnership between the City of Houston, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, The WorkSource, and Career and Recovery Resources, which aims to support local businesses with direct access to a talent pool of qualified job seekers with disabilities. The goal is to educate local employers about how they can take advantage of the vast support system that it is available to hire qualified applicants and hire and retain people with disabilities. The Mayor’s Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities will promote networking opportunities. Venue: Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star, Houston, 77074. Phone: 713.778.6500 RSVP to Cheryl Guido by January 15th at cheryl.guido@dars.state.tx.us or Cell: 281.686.5866 or Office: 713.802.3101.
January 24th, 7 p.m. “Eldridge & W. Little York Autism Support Group”: Do you have a child with autism in your life? Do you want to connect with people who understand the joys, challenges, and juggling act? I'm a working parent of an 8-year old son with autism and am starting a support group for caretakers of children with autism in the Eldridge/W. Little York area to network, share resources, ideas, and information. Please join us for our first meeting at 5711 Cielio Bay Ct in Lakes on Eldridge North. Bring your ideas and a few photos of your family for a get-to-know you meeting. For questions, information, or to RSVP, e-mail Kathleen at tas_@hotmail.com or call (713) 856-9968.
January 25th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. “Intellectual Disabilities/Mental Retardation and Special Education Needs”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA’s Conference Center, 7033 SW Freeway, Houston 77074. In this presentation, Karen Snead, the Director of Education at The Arc of Greater Houston will be discussing the types of special education services that may help a child with mental retardation succeed to the best of his or her ability. Important considerations such as curriculum, behavior, testing, goals and transition related services will be covered. Preregistration is required. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13 or ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com.
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. Register by January 20th to avoid late registration fee. For more information, go to http://tti.cehd.tamu.edu/index.htm.
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.
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 serve 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.
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 in the monthly digest may submit a brief description and contact information to info@familytofamilynetwork.org by the 15th of the month prior to the month that the event will take place (i.e. by January 15th for a February event, etc.). 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.
January 9th, 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.
January 10th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Benefits and Employment in 2008: Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and SSI”: Presented by Michael Walling, the author of “The Guide to Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives”, 16th Ed., 2008 and other publications on SSA benefits. Registration fee is $129. Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 24888 I-45 N., The Woodlands, 77386. For more information including how to register, call 610-696-1551 or go to www.wallinginc.com.
January 10th, 7 - 9 p.m. “Overview of Special Education Issues for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders”: Presented by FEAT-Houston at the Tracy Gee Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston. Phone: 713-266-8193. Karen Sneed, Director of Education at the Arc of Great Houston, will be presenting. Her overview will include Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and specific interventions such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and TEACCH.
January 11th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “Beyond the Basics: Social Security, SSI, Medicaid and Medicare”: Presented by Michael Walling, the author of “The Guide to Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives”, 16th Ed., 2008 and other publications on SSA benefits. Registration fee is $129. Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 24888 I-45 N., The Woodlands, 77386. For more information including how to register, call 610-696-1551 or go to www.wallinginc.com.
January 12th, 8 a.m. - noon “2008 Texas Children’s Kids’ Fun Run”: Texas Children’s Hospital invites children ages 5 to 15 (K - 8), including those with special needs, to participate in its annual Kids’ Fun Run in conjunction with the Chevron Houston Marathon. The event includes both a walk/wheelchair/run “no-boundaries” 1K (1/2 mile) course and a non-competitive 3K (1.8 mile) course to meet the needs of all participating children. Parents may run with their children. The race course covers a portion of the actual marathon course, and all participants finish their run by crossing the official Chevron Houston Marathon finish line. For more information or to register online, go to www.texaschildrenshospital.org/funrun or contact Mallori Ramey at 832-824-2047 or kidsruninfo@texaschildrenshospital.org.
January 14th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Getting Ready for Annual ARDs”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA’s Conference Center, 7033 SW Freeway, Houston 77074. Come join us and learn how to walk into ARDs prepared to advocate for a child’s best interests. Topics covered will include organizing school paperwork, reviewing your child’s educational records and using this information to create meaningful goals and services. We will discuss pragmatic tips for making ARDs run smoothly and efficiently. The presentation is free, but reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13 or ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com.
January 15th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Preparing for ARDs (Clinic)”: Presented by Family to Family Network at 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041 (the northwest corner of N. Eldridge and FM 529). Parents are an important part of the ARD committee. Every member of the committee must prepare for ARD meetings, including parents! Learn how to prepare so that you can be an active and involved participant in your child’s ARD meeting. Following a short presentation, we will break into small groups based on subjects of interest to discuss specific needs. Bring your questions, your child’s educational paperwork (including current ARD documents) 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.
January 22nd, 7 p.m. “Preparing for ARDs (Open Forum)”: Presented by Family to Family Network- Katy at Kingsland Baptist Church. Parents are an important part of the ARD committee. Every member of the committee must prepare for ARD meetings, including parents! Learn how to prepare so that you can be an active and involved participant in your child’s ARD meeting. Questions on the topic will be answered following a short presentation. For more information, contact Brenda Nelson at 713-466-6304 or f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net.
January 22nd, 8 a.m. “Hiring and Disability Management Solutions”: This Business Diversity Network Breakfast is the result of a partnership between the City of Houston, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, The WorkSource, and Career and Recovery Resources, which aims to support local businesses with direct access to a talent pool of qualified job seekers with disabilities. The goal is to educate local employers about how they can take advantage of the vast support system that it is available to hire qualified applicants and hire and retain people with disabilities. The Mayor’s Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities will promote networking opportunities. Venue: Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star, Houston, 77074. Phone: 713.778.6500 RSVP to Cheryl Guido by January 15th at cheryl.guido@dars.state.tx.us or Cell: 281.686.5866 or Office: 713.802.3101.
January 24th, 7 p.m. “Eldridge & W. Little York Autism Support Group”: Do you have a child with autism in your life? Do you want to connect with people who understand the joys, challenges, and juggling act? I'm a working parent of an 8-year old son with autism and am starting a support group for caretakers of children with autism in the Eldridge/W. Little York area to network, share resources, ideas, and information. Please join us for our first meeting at 5711 Cielio Bay Ct in Lakes on Eldridge North. Bring your ideas and a few photos of your family for a get-to-know you meeting. For questions, information, or to RSVP, e-mail Kathleen at tas_@hotmail.com or call (713) 856-9968.
January 25th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. “Intellectual Disabilities/Mental Retardation and Special Education Needs”: Presented by The Arc of Greater Houston at MHMRA’s Conference Center, 7033 SW Freeway, Houston 77074. In this presentation, Karen Snead, the Director of Education at The Arc of Greater Houston will be discussing the types of special education services that may help a child with mental retardation succeed to the best of his or her ability. Important considerations such as curriculum, behavior, testing, goals and transition related services will be covered. Preregistration is required. For more information or to RSVP, contact 713-957-1600 ext. 13 or ksnead@thearcofgreaterhouston.com.
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. Register by January 20th to avoid late registration fee. For more information, go to http://tti.cehd.tamu.edu/index.htm.
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.
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 serve 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.
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 in the monthly digest may submit a brief description and contact information to info@familytofamilynetwork.org by the 15th of the month prior to the month that the event will take place (i.e. by January 15th for a February event, etc.). 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.
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