Saturday, March 01, 2008

Family 2 Family March Digest of Events

March 1st, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 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 ends Feb. 25th and is highly recommended as most sessions are limited to 30 participants and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Walk-ins are welcome that day, but we cannot guarantee availability of all sessions. 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 1st, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. “Free Legal Clinic for Parents and Advocates”: HYLA’s Young Lawyers in Schools Committee presents “What’s so ‘Special’ About Special Education Law?” at The Monarch School, 1231 Wirt Rd., Houston, 77055. This clinic will provide a unique opportunity for everyone to learn more about the special education process from attorneys, advocates, and service providers. Coffee and lunch will be provided. There are a limited number of spaces, so please RSVP to Melisa Moncure at
moncure@bcm.edu.

March 6th, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. “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. Registrants will receive 2 books: Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition and Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition. For the conference agenda and registration information, go to
www.wrightslaw.com/speak/08.03a.tx.htm. For additional information, call 281-686-0103 or email NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com.

March 6th, 7 - 9 p.m. “Spring ARD Clinic with area Special Education Advocates": Monthly meeting of the NW Houston Chapter of the Autism Society of America held at Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375. Free for all to attend. Area advocates are invited to join our panel of ARD/IEP advocates to share about what they do and to assist parents with their questions on special education issues. Tables will be set up for organizations who serve parents with special educations concerns. An overview of the Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy Seminar will also be provided. For more information or to reserve a table for your organization (at no cost), contact
NorthwestHoustonChapterASA@yahoo.com. Childcare is provided, but you must register by contacting Denise Briley at 281-351-4979 or TheJOYLady@msn.com.

March 6th, 7 - 8:30 p.m. “ABA Overview with Q&A Session”: Presented by FEAT - Clear Lake at the United Way Building, 1300 Bay Area Blvd., Houston 77058. (New location – corner of Saturn and Bay Area.) Parents will be able to meet professionals and students who work with children on the autism spectrum using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). There will be a brief overview of ABA and a question and answer session for parents to find out what is available to them in the Clear Lake and surrounding areas. We regret we are unable to provide childcare.

March 6th, 6 - 8 p.m. “Conroe ISD Resource & Transition Fair”: Presented by Conroe ISD’s Department of Special Education Services, and held at The Woodlands College Park High School, 3701 College Park Dr. (Hwy. 242 & I-45). Exhibitors including colleges, state agencies, community social opportunities, estate planning/guardianship/trusts, parent support contacts, and residential/vocational options will be on hand. 30 minute sessions presented by the Social Security Administration, Tri-County MHMR, and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services will also be available. For more information, call 936-709-8210.

March 7th, 12:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. “Developing IEP Goals & Objectives”: Presented by The Arc of Fort Bend at the Albert George Library, 9230 Gene Street, Needville, 77461. For parents, educators, agency representatives and the general public. Become an informed parent and better advocate for students with special needs! PowerPoint presentation will take approximately 2 hours with more individualized Q&A following. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Sewell at 281-494-5924 or
cbsewell@arcoffortbend.org. (Specify date and location when RSVPing.)

March 8th “Boys and Girls Sure Learn Differently: Understanding Their Behaviors, Learning Styles and Classroom Needs”: Presented by Dan Hodgins, teacher and internationally renowned presenter with more than 30 years of experience in the field of early education and care. This would be an appropriate training for all individuals working with children and, of course, parents! Held at B.F. Terry High School, 5500 Ave. N, Rosenberg, 77471. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., Parents and Educators. 10 -11:30 a.m., Teachers, Administrators and other Child Educators. Admission begins at 8 a.m. and is free. For more information, call Joyce Trigger at 281-341-5001.

March 10th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. “Transition Planning”: 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.

March 11th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. “Early Childhood Transition (From ECI to PPCD)”: Presented by Family to Family Network at 13150 FM 529, Suite 106, Houston, 77041 (northwest corner of N. Eldridge and FM 529). Parents who have children transitioning from Early Childhood Intervention into the school district or parents who have young children with a disability that are just entering the school district should attend this clinic. Learn how the ARD process works before your first ARD meeting. Be prepared so that you can be the best advocate for your child. Bring your questions, your child’s education 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.

March 12th, 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.

March 13th, 7 - 8:30 p.m. “Visions for Tomorrow & Young Family Support Group monthly meeting”: Hosted by NAMI West Houston at Grace Presbyterian Church, The Well, 10234-A Westheimer Rd. This group is for parents and direct caregivers of children and adolescents with brain disorders and meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Diane Goyette at 713-896-1153.

March 13th, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. “Wrightslaw Special Education and Self-Advocacy Seminar”: Sponsored by The Autism Society of Collin County at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest, Dallas 75240. Presented by Pete Wright, one of the nation’s leading experts on special education. This one-day seminar is designed for all families involved with special education, regardless of their child’s diagnosis. Participants will receive two books, refreshments and lunch. Cost if register in advance is $60/person, $75/couple. Walk-in registration is $100/person or couple. Online registration:
www.arcdallas.org. Subject matter: www.wrightslaw.com.

March 14th, 12:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. “Developing IEP Goals & Objectives”: Presented by The Arc of Fort Bend at the Stimley-Blue Ridge Library, 7007 W. Fuqua, Missouri City, 77489. For parents, educators, agency representatives and the general public. Become an informed parent and better advocate for students with special needs! PowerPoint presentation will take approximately 2 hours with more individualized Q&A following. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cheryl Sewell at 281-494-5924 or
cbsewell@arcoffortbend.org. (Specify date and location when RSVPing). Cheryl Sewell will also need to be notified at least 48 hours prior to the event of any physical or communication needs that may impact your participation in this activity.

March 18th, 7 p.m. “What to Do When You Don’t Agree”: Presented by Side by Side at the Tad Akers Facility, 218 Clear Creek Ave., League City. Learn the appropriate steps to take when you don’t agree with ARD committee decisions. Dustin Rynders from Advocacy, Inc. will 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. For more information, contact Renee’ Bennett at 281-332-9270 or
bennett4@prodigy.net.

March 18th, 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.

March 25th, 6:30 - 9 p.m. “NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program”: Hosted by NAMI West Houston at Memorial Dr. Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Dr., Houston, 77024. This program is a free 12-week (2 ½ hours per week) course for families of individuals with severe brain disorders taught by trained family members. The curriculum focuses on bipolar disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, and OCD. The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. Call 281-893-2493 for registration (phone interview required). For more information, contact
philnapolitano@yahoo.com or go to www.namiwesthouston.org.

March 25th, 7 p.m. “What to Do When You Don’t Agree”: Presented by Family to Family Network-Katy at Kingsland Baptist Church. Learn the appropriate steps to take when you don’t agree with ARD committee decisions. Dustin Rynders from Advocacy, Inc. will 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. For more information, contact Brenda Nelson at 713-466-6304 or
f2fbrenda@sbcglobal.net.

March 29th, 10 a.m. - noon “Transition – Self-Advocacy Skills”: 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.

March 31st, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. “Making a Successful Transition to Post-Secondary Education”: Presented by Neuhaus Education Center’s College Share at the Neuhaus Education Center, 4433 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX. Sandi Patton from North Harris County Community College District Disability Services will present information on legal considerations in higher education, accommodations, reading and math requirements, and student rights and responsibilities. College Share is FREE and open to parents, literacy professionals, and students. Reservations are requested. Please call 713-664-7676 or visit
www.neuhaus.org/parentresources to make a reservation.

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