PLUK eNews August
23, 2004
http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Aug_23_04.htm
Volume 3 Issue 2
Welcome to PLUK's electronic
newsletter!
(Download the printable pdf version at: http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Aug_23_04.pdf
)
We are proud to present news of interest for Montana families of children with disabilities and special health care needs, and for the professionals and educators who serve them; however, it does not constitute an endorsement.
Founders Day Celebration, September 8, Billings
The Board of Directors, volunteers and staff invite you to attend PLUK's
annual Founders Day Celebration at the Mansfield Center, September 8 at 6pm.
Julie Beckett, the National Policy Director of Family Voices will be the keynote
speaker. Call Sheryl at the PLUK office, 406/255-0540, to reserve a spot for our
20th anniversary!
Evergreen Spina Bifida meeting in Butte, September 25
Evergreen Spina Bifida Association promotes well being, education, and
socialization of all people affected by Spina Bifida and fosters public
awareness of this birth defect. ESBA serves the states of Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.
Members of the Evergreen Spina Bifida Association are adults or children with
spina bifida, parents, friends, relatives, and professionals with an interest in
this spinal tube birth defect.
The Butte meeting is at Sliver Bow pizza, 3500 Harrison Ave on September 25 from
6pm-8pm. Everyone is invited. Come to talk or learn, teach and just not feel
alone in what we our going through.
For more information contact Paula Christensen 406/683-4793.
New Support Group Starting in Missoula
Missoula HOPE ABC is a support group for parents which will be starting this
fall. If you would be interested in helping plan the initial meetings, or if you
want to be notified of the first meeting, please contact Melanie Martin-Dent, mmartindent@yahoo.com
or 406/546-7006.
Update: Paraprofessional or "Aide"
In the August 6, 2004 issue of eNews http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Aug_06_04.htm
we reprinted an article from Wrightslaw basically stating that
"paraprofessional" should be used in place of "aide" http://www.wrightslaw.com/heath/parapro.aide.htm.
We received a response from Tim Harris of the Early Assistance Program at
Montana's Office of Public Instruction to clarify this issue for Montana
Families:
"…The contention on their part is that parents must articulate that they want a paraeducator/paraprofessional rather than an aide, because if they don't, they won't get what they want. Furthermore, IEP teams determine the level of participation in a student's education an aide will provide. This having to articulate the right word is not true in Montana. We don't play a semantic game with parents regarding the services provided by an aide or paraeducator. This may be true elsewhere, but not here…"
If you have any questions about this issue, Tim would be happy to respond. He may be reached in Helena at 406/444-4402 or tharris@state.mt.us.
Planning is the Key to Success
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." - John Wooden,
basketball coach
Can you imagine educating a child with a disability without a master plan?
You do not know about the child's disability, how the disability affects the
child's learning, or how the child needs to be taught. You do not know what
services and supports the child needs. Is it reasonable to think you will figure
this out as you go along?" (Chapter 2, Creating Your Master Plan,
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy)
If you are like many parents, you are confused about your role. What do you need
to learn? How can you ensure that the school provides your child with quality,
appropriate special education services?
Long-Range Planning
You need to make long-term plans for your child. You are the constant factor
in your child's life. You represent your child's interests. If your child does
not receive an appropriate education and master the skills necessary to be an
independent, self-sufficient member of the community, you will deal with the
outcome.
Your Role as Project Manager
Project managers organize, plan, monitor progress, anticipate problems, and
ensure that jobs get done. On long complicated projects, project managers are
essential to success.
Your child's special education is a long-term project. As the parent, you are
the logical person to step into the role of special education project manager.
Learn the most common reasons why projects fail, and why you need to make plans,
define goals, organize information, and build relationships. Learn about the
skills, information and attitude you need to act as your child's special
education project manager.
Read more at http://www.fetaweb.com/01/plan.prepare.htm.
Living Well with a Disability Program Report
States are struggling with increases in Medicaid spending for people with
disabilities. Medicaid recipients with disabilities who participated in the
Living Well with a Disability program reported striking reductions in their
limitations from secondary conditions, and also reduced their use of medical
services. The potential net benefit to Medicaid of implementing the Living Well
program would be significant. To find out more, read: "Living Well and
Medicaid: Better Health for Consumers, Lower Costs for States" at:
http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/health/Medicaid.htm.
Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) training
seminar, September 8-10, Helena
The Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) of the Department of Public
Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is sponsoring a three day Institute for
Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) training seminar Wednesday, 9/8/04 through
Friday, 9/10/04 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena. The session is
entitled Positive Approaches to Solving Behavior Challenges. Attendees will be
given an overview of proven non aversive intervention techniques to assist staff
who work with persons with developmental disabilities who exhibit maladaptive
behaviors. The instructor, Dr. Tom Willis, is Associate Director of the
Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis and an internationally recognized
authority on topics of behavioral assessment, the design of non aversive
behavioral support services and staff management strategies for total quality
assurance. More information about Dr. Willis is available at http://www.iaba.com.
This three day event will be useful for a wide range of staff. Direct service
workers, Family Support Specialists, Quality Improvement Specialists, DD Case
Managers, program managers and others involved in the client planning process
will benefit from this training. Parents, special education teachers and aides
and persons in the mental health system serving persons with dual diagnoses
(MI/MR) will also benefit.
For more information, contact Perry Jones at 406/444-5662 or pjones@state.mt.us.
Or contact Sandi Cory at 406/444-2995 or scory@state.mt.us.
It Takes Two to Talk, September 7 - November 23,
Billings
It Takes Two to Talk is just one of the Hanen Parent Training Programs used
worldwide. This class is designed for parents of children with speech/language
delays. Children who are not yet talking or using very limited language, such as
one or two word sentences, would benefit from this program. The Hanen approach
involves parents as language facilitators.
Extended family and other people involved in the child's life are welcome to
attend.
The Hanen Parent Training Program serves two purposes. The first being to
educate the parents and assist them in becoming an active part in their child's
communication development. The second is that the parents gain support from
others attending and learn from each other. We begin as strangers and conclude
as friends.
Please contact the Scottish Rite Language Clinic for more information or to
register. Phone 406/259-1680 or email srldc@wtp.net
(subject: It Takes Two).
Group says counties slow on access
By LINDA HALSTEAD-ACHARYA, Of The Gazette Staff
COLUMBUS - In the rotunda of the Stillwater County Courthouse, a nondescript
beige phone and a two neon-pink signs provide the keys to courthouse access for
people with disabilities.
The signs instruct anyone needing assistance to call the appropriate office. In
a typical year, the two busiest offices in the courthouse together get about 12
calls for assistance, said Stillwater County Commissioner Maureen Davey. Most
often the visitor simply needs help with some paperwork and is met by courthouse
staff.
According to a report from the Montana Advocacy Program (MAP), that kind of
limited access is apparently common statewide and doesn't meet Americans With
Disabilities Act requirements.
In a letter to Stillwater County commissioners in late July, MAP said its survey
of the the courthouse revealed several areas of concern, among them the lack of
an elevator to access the courtroom and lack of ADA accessible restrooms and
drinking fountains. The letter also cited a recent Supreme Court decision
related to a Tennessee case that requires states to provide access to courts.
Read the complete article at: http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/08/14/build/state/31-access.inc.
Out of the Darkness Walk, September 16, Billings
An Out of the Darkness walk is planned for Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004 from
6:00 AM until 7:30 AM in downtown Billings. The purpose of this non-competitive
event is to provide funds to support suicide prevention programs and to raise
community awareness. This walk is a signature event of the American Foundation
of Suicide Prevention held throughout the United States during September-October
2004. The walk is approximate 2.5 miles beginning at the Mansfield Center at 12
Avenue north and 30th Street. Each walker is encouraged to solicit sponsors
totaling a minimum of $150. To register in advance for the walk, please contact
Alyce Compton at 406-257-0749 or register online at the website http://OUTOFTHEDARKNESS.ORG.
Registration will also be available onsite at the south door of the Mansfield
Center beginning at 6AM on September 16th. Sponsors are also needed. If you
cannot participate in the walk, you are invited to be a sponsor through a
monetary contribution of a check or money order payable to the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Bearing the Olympic Torch for Diabetes Awareness
Posted 08/12/2004, Anne Peters Harmel, MD
Our patients often teach us more than we could ever teach them. Gary Hall,
Jr, an 8-time Olympic medal winner, is one such patient. I was with him when he
won 4 of those medals, and I am heading to Athens to see if he can win more.
This is the first in a series of reports as I start my journey to the birthplace
of the modern Olympics; in this report I will recount my past 6 years as the
physician on the team of an elite athlete.
Read the complete article at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/487237.
IBM accessibility: It's business, not charity
Officials push universal design to make technology more usable, by Margaret
A.T. Reed
Accessibility is no longer merely a philanthropic endeavor for IBM Corp.
Producing accessible solutions is now part of a business initiative to make
technology more usable for everyone, rather than only people with disabilities.
The baby boomer generation will soon reach retirement age, but 80 percent of
Americans plan to work well past that point. Twenty percent of the population
will be 65 or older by 2030, and based on current figures, at least half of that
group is likely to have a disability, according to a 2003 report called
"How Will Boomers Fare at Retirement?" by the AARP, formerly the
American Association of Retired Persons. Disabilities include hearing, vision
and mobility loss - all factors that impair a person's use of technology.
The rising number of senior citizens creates a high demand for technology that
is adaptive to their needs. For this reason, a shift in how people view
accessibility is needed, according to Frances West, director of IBM's Worldwide
Accessibility Center. "All of us are going to get old eventually, [so] all
of us can benefit."
To read more, go to http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2004/0809/tec-ibmaccess-08-09-04.asp.
ADA extends 'auto-mobility
By ANGELA ANDERSON , Citizen staff 08/10/2004
Adaptive Driving Access salesman Jason Roberts shows a vehicle that has been
adapted to be wheelchair accessible.
When Tom Poole's brother-in-law, Lacy Taylor, was rendered paralyzed after a car
accident, Poole decided to change his line of work. The former construction
worker decided he wanted to make a living selling cars. Thirteen years later,
Poole is not simply selling cars, he is selling mobility.
Poole's company, Adaptive Driving Access Incorporated, is among the fastest
growing mobility dealerships in Houston. The company modifies vehicles for
people with disabilities, allowing those who are unable to walk, or in some
cases even move their arms, the opportunity to be in the drivers' seat. Poole
said that after Taylor's accident he became very concerned with how difficult it
was to get him in and out of a car.
Read more at http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12654666&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532238&rfi=6
Kennedy Foundation Seeks Fellowship Applicants for 2005
Parents or close family members of a child with intellectual and
developmental disabilities are invited to submit applications for a one-year
fellowship in Washington, DC, to learn how legislation is initiated, developed
and passed by Congress and regulations distributed by federal agencies.
Candidates should have solid policy experience in state-level advocacy,
education, development of community supports and services, or similar areas,
beyond the level of benefit solely the candidate's own child. Salaried
experience in the field is not a requirement. Mid-career professionals in the
field of intellectual and developmental disabilities are invited to submit the
applications for a one-year fellowship in Washington, DC, to observe and
participate in federal public policy development through work as staff of a
congressional committee or federal agency. Outstanding policy experience is
sought in 1) state level advocacy; 2) education, law, economics, criminal
justice, international issues, child welfare or other social services, housing
community organizing, etc.; 3) health or mental health care policy affecting
persons with intellectual disabilities; or 4) development of family support
services. The deadline for either fellowship is September 1. Address questions
to Jill Fosse, 301-565-5476. For application details go to http://www.jpkf.org.
Free ADHD Brochures for Coaches, Tutors, and Other
Volunteers
For many children, the most rewarding part of the week is the time they
spend playing sports and participating in out-of-school activities.
"Helping Helpers" is a brochure for coaches, tutors, and other
volunteers that has tips on how to work with children in their groups who may
have a learning disability or Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. At no
cost, LDOnLine.org will send you copies of the brochure (minimum quantity is
100) to distribute to volunteers. Visit http://www.ldonline.org
for information.
Stories about Creative Solutions to Disability
Discrimination Wanted
The authors of a book titled "Everyday Law for Individuals with
Disabilities" are seeking examples of situations where people using the
principles of self-advocacy came up with creative solutions to disability
discrimination issues. The book is being written for lay audiences, and the
authors hope that it will help people using the principals of self-advocacy to
obtain their rights under the federal disability discrimination statues.
Specifically, the authors are looking for stories concerning employment, access
to facilities, grade and high school education, post-secondary education,
reasonable accommodations, transportation, housing and voting. If you have a
story you are willing to share on one of these topics (or any other), please
send an e-mail to Adam Milani at milani_a@mercer.edu.
Webpage: http://www.law.mercer.edu/faculty/index.cfm?staffid=60.
Montana Moving Toward Electronic Case Processing for
Social Security
By Roger Ala, Montana Disability Determination Services
The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Montana Disability
Determination Services (DDS) are migrating to a fully electronic case processing
system. For children's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims,
this means Social Security, medical, and school records will be maintained in an
electronic folder that is entirely paperless. The major reasons for moving to a
paperless environment are: (a) storage and retrieval of older files is
difficult; (b) paper files are sometimes lost and difficult to reconstruct; and
(c) HIPAA is intended to enable the use of electronic records.
We will try to keep you informed as we implement our electronic case processing
system. For additional information, please call Roger Ala at 800-545-3054 or
406/444-5727. You may e-mail me at Roger.Ala@ssa.gov.
My address is Disability Determination Services, P. O. Box 4189, Helena, MT
59604.
2004 Pocket Resource Guide for Free
EPLibrary is pleased to offer the 2004 Pocket Resource Guide for free.
That's right, you only pay for shipping and handling based on the shipping
method you select when placing the order.
This offer is brought to you through the generosity of Liberty Motor Company,
the largest manufacturer of rear entry wheelchair accessible minivans.
This guide provides, in a pocket version, 176 pages of information including:
and much much more!
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get the "bible" for the
disability community in the Pocket Version for only the cost of shipping and
handling.
To order simply go to: http://www.goemerchant7.com/index.cgi?ST=buy&Action=add&Merchant=eplibraryorg&ItemNumber=EP640RGFREE&Add=1
You might also want to call Liberty Motor Company toll free at (888) 578-8886
and thank the nice people for their generosity.
The Macintosh User Group Store
PLUK is an Apple User Group and anyone associated with PLUK may purchase
products at special pricing. Visit the following link: http://www.applemugstore.com
enter the following password to shop.
Password:
8/1/2004 - 11/30/2004- User ID: xserve / Password: raid
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for
Youth
A new resource is available to parents of and advocates for youth with
disabilities from the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for
Youth (NCWD/Youth). Intersection is a new no-cost electronic newsletter for and
about the workforce development system working with youth with disabilities. You
can view copies of current and back issues on the NCWD/Youth website at http://en.groundspring.org/en/go?j=6330179&u=49912.
Even better, you can subscribe and have Intersection sent directly to your
inbox, just sign-up at http://en.groundspring.org/en/go?j=6330179&u=49913.
Also, the NCWD/Youth website at http://en.groundspring.org/en/go?j=6330179&u=49914
includes useful information for youth with disabilities, families of youth with
disabilities, workforce development professionals, youth service providers,
employers and policymakers.
HOW HAS NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT AFFECTED PUBLIC
SCHOOLS?
Congress needs to know from individual citizens how NCLB affects your
community. The participation of concerned citizens is vital to the effort to
improve our public schools. GiveKidsGoodSchools.com has launched a quick online
survey to determine how No Child Left Behind has affected your child, school, or
community. (Even if you haven't noticed its effect, please take a moment to tell
us that.) It is critical that government and education leaders hear from
concerned residents about the impact of this law. With your input, policymakers
will be provided with concrete, "on the ground" information about the
effectiveness of the No Child Left Behind Act. Results of this survey will be
reported to Congress, the Administration and state and local policymakers.
http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey.zgi?p=WEB2PFFVXQ54
CURRICULUM COMMEMORATING 9/11 FREE TO EDUCATORS
NATIONWIDE
Families and Work Institute has created "9/11 As History," a free,
multi-dimensional curriculum to help youth, parents and educators address the
commemoration of Patriot Day, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001. Funded by Bank One Foundation, 16 age-appropriate lesson
plans for pre-K through grade 12 students were developed by individuals and
organizations with considerable expertise in addressing these issues including
Dr. Robin Gurwitch, director of early childhood intervention services at the
University of Oklahoma; The Anti-Defamation League; Reading Rainbow; Educators
for Social Responsibility; Do Something; and National Institute on Media and the
Family. Adhering to national education standards, the lesson plans have been
used throughout the United States and the curriculum has been adopted by the
school districts of Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Ariz. All resources can be
downloaded free of charge from:
http://www.familiesandwork.org/911ah/911ashistory.html
Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for
Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges
To successfully make the transition from school to adult life and the world
of work, adolescents and young adults need guidance and encouragement from
caring, supportive adults. The best decisions and choices made by transitioning
youth are based on sound information including appropriate assessments that
focus on the talents, knowledge, skills, interests, values, and aptitudes of
each individual. This guide serves as a resource for multiple audiences within
the workforce development system. Youth service practitioners will find
information on selecting career-related assessments, determining when to refer
youth for additional assessment, and additional issues such as accommodations,
legal issues, and ethical considerations. Administrators and policymakers will
find information on developing practical and effective policies, collaboration
among programs, and interagency assessment systems.
More information at: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/assessment.html.
PLUK trainings and activities planned for 2004-05
PLUK & associate boards around the state have planned a number of
training and activities for this upcoming school year. Mark your calendar if you
are interested in participating.
Statewide Interactive Videoconferences
Go to http://www.pluk.org/ITV.htm
for more detailed information
Other Training Activities
Other Community Activities
1. Monday Morning in Washington, DC, http://www.inclusionresearch.org
2. Rocky Mountain DBTAC, http://www.adainformation.org
3. Transition Newsflash, Montana Center on Disabilities, http://www.msubillings.edu/transition
4. PEN Weekly NewsBlast http://www.publiceducation.org
5. Reference Points: Transition updates from the TATRA Project, http://www.pacer.org/tatra/tatra.htm
6. The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar http://aidtac.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/TrainingCalendar.htm
7. Rural Policy Matters, http://www.ruraledu.org/rpm/rpm.htm
8. Technology for Nonprofits: http://www.techsoup.org
Parent's, Let's Unite for Kids - PLUK
516 N 32nd St
Billings MT 59101-6003
800-222-7585; 406-255-0540; 406-255-0523 (fax)
plukinfo@pluk.org
http://www.pluk.org
Edited by: Roger Holt rholt@pluk.org
Proofed & condensed by: Elisabeth Mills scribe@pluk.org
Mission Statement: Parent's Let's Unite for Kids unites parents, professionals, families and friends of children with special needs to support one another, and share information for the benefit of their children.
Vision Statement: Given information and support, individuals with disabilities and their families will feel empowered to advocate for themselves and participate fully in educational and community opportunities.
Statement on accessibility: Today, we endeavor to be conscious of the need for making all electronic information accessible, as we are aware of physical accessibility issues in our community. For design guidelines visit http://ncam.wgbh.org/cdrom/guideline/
Privacy Policy: We do not sell, rent, or lend the e-mail addresses of our subscribers.