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PLUK eNews February
25, 2005
http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Feb_25_05.htm
Volume 3 Issue 12
Welcome to PLUK's electronic
newsletter!
(Download the printable pdf version at: http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Feb_25_05.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.
New Bone Marrow Model May Help Treat Sickle Cell
Disease
Researchers at Imperial College London, where the bone marrow model was
created, hope that clinicians will eventually use it to advance effective
treatments for sickle cell disease. The model "mimics the movement of
oxygen and all the cells in the bone marrow," according to a February 20
News-Medical.Net article announcing the presentation of the model at a recent
European conference. Researchers believe that "ultimately this should make
it possible to analyze how the cells would react to different drugs," since
"examining the living bone marrow that produces blood cells is difficult
because currently it can only be looked at through very invasive surgery."
To read the rest of this News-Medical.Net article, go to http://www.news-medical.net/?id=7842.
WXRL 1300 AM, Disability News and Views Radio Show on
Bullying, Sunday, Feb. 27, 3-4PM MST
Sunday February 27th 3-4PM MST, Disability News and Views, Topic: Bullying.
Guests: Stephanie Bryn, U.S. Dept. of Health Resources and Services
Administration and Teen Expert's Matthew Cavedon and Lindsey Good.
Call 716-681-1313 to make on-air comments Sunday 3-4 PM MST or email monica@disabilitynewsradio.com.
Monica Moshenko, Host
Does YOUR school district have an anti-bullying policy and program in place?
Are you aware of the current laws in your State on bullying?
FACT: Children who are bullied are more likely to be depressed, lonely,
anxious, have low self-esteem, feel unwell and absent from school frequently,
think about suicide and commit suicide.
FACT: Students who are bullied may fear going to school, using the bathroom, and
riding on the school bus.
FACT: Research indicates that children with special needs are at a higher risk
of being bullied than other children.
FACT: Children that bully are more likely to get in frequent fights, vandalize
property, steal, drink alcohol, smoke, be truant from school, drop out of school
and carry a weapon?
Tune in Sunday to hear Youth Expert Panel (YEP) "Tweens" Matthew
Cavedon and Lindsey Good, along with Captain Stephanie Bryn, MPH, U.S. Public
Health Service, HRSA/Maternal and Child Health Bureau as they share important
information about bullying and answer your questions.
TAKE a Stand, Lend A Hand, Stop Bullying Now! Campaign.
Learn more at http://www.disabilitynewsradio.com.
NAAR Program Focus of Feb. 28th Cover Story
(Courtesy of NAAR) Newsweek: Baby Sibling Research---NAAR's High Risk Baby
Sibling Autism Research Project is the focus of the Feb. 28th cover story in
Newsweek magazine. The story calls the baby siblings research project "some
of the most exciting new work" taking place in the field of autism
research. The project, a partnership with the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), focuses on early detection and diagnosis. Learn more at http://www.autismwalk.org/site/R?i=yrIWso7zt5P3SBmqSLYN_g...
Newsletter Available From the Child and Adolescent
Bipolar Foundation
(From CABF) The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) is a
parent-led, not-for-profit, Web-based membership organization of families
raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for, early-onset bipolar disorder.
Membership is free for families. CABF was founded by a national steering
committee of concerned parents active in BPParents, an Internet support group.
The CABF online community includes parents, researchers, medical doctors,
neuroscientists, social workers, therapists, civic leaders, teachers, and
others. The Professional Advisory Council includes leading experts on bipolar
disorder.
To access the CABF Newsletter visit http://www.imakenews.com/cabf/. To learn more about CABF go to http://www.bpkids.org/
Internships At The John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts
INTERNSHIPS OPPORTUNITIES AT THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING
ARTS
Internships offer meaningful learning opportunities and on-the-job experiences
to college juniors/seniors, graduate students, and recent college graduates
(within two years of graduation) who are interested in beginning careers in
performing arts management and/or arts education. The Kennedy Center welcomes
and encourages students with disabilities to apply. Deadline for application is
March 1, 2005. Information and application forms can be found at www.kennedy-center.org/education/vilarinstitute/internships.
WHERE WOULD THE CUTS BE MADE UNDER THE PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET?
An Analysis of Reductions in Education, Human Services, Environment, and
Community Development Programs
CBPP recently released a new analysis of the impact of the President's budget on
an array of domestic programs, including education, environmental protection,
and programs that serve low- and moderate-income families, children, the
elderly, and people with disabilities. The analysis includes state-by-state
estimates of the President's proposed funding reductions by 2010 -- expressed
either in dollar terms or numbers of people impacted -- for several specific
program areas: education, WIC, children & family services, housing vouchers,
child care, LIHEAP, HIV/AIDS treatment, community development, and grants in aid
to states & localities.
Check out the links below for more detailed information (both web and PDF
versions are available).
Press Release:
http://www.cbpp.org/2-22-05bud-pr.htm
http://www.cbpp.org/2-22-05bud-pr.pdf
3pp.
Report:
http://www.cbpp.org/2-22-05bud.htm
http://www.cbpp.org/2-22-05bud.pdf
16pp.
State Tables:
http://www.cbpp.org/2-22-05bud-tables.pdf
22pp.
Report with State Tables:
http://www.cbpp.org/2-22-05bud-reportandtables.pdf
42pp.
Preemie Boutique Online at BabyLinQ.com
The need for preemie clothes and the desire for preemie products and gifts
is at the heart of Sjona Lindquist's website http://www.babylinq.com. According
to a recent press release from PR Newswire, Lindquist is "a recognized
authority in preemiewear" and "listens to the needs of parents whose
preemies are in the Neonatal NICU."
To visit this unique site, click on http://www.babylinq.com.
To read the PR Newswire, go to http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prwebxml205827.php.
Region III CSPD: Seating, Positioning, and Power
Mobility Workshop, April 11, MSU-Billings
This is a one-day workshop where vendors and suppliers will show their
products including seating systems, power and manual wheelchairs and standers.
There will be plenty of opportunity for hands-on training in all of the
sessions. The focus of this workshop will be equipment for the pediatric
patient. A representative from Quickie, Jay and Sammons/Preston will present a
half-day morning session. The one-hour morning session will include a
presentation on "seating" and an opportunity for hands-on training. In
the afternoon, there will be one-hour sectionals with Invacare, Snug Seat, Prime
Engineering and Pride power wheelchairs. Registration deadline is April 4, 2005.
Registration Fee: $10.00
Register Online at www.msubillings.edu/mcdregister
Support PLUK at the Apple MUG Store
Check out the Apple Mug Store and the PLUK user group gets one percent back
on everything you purchase from the MUG Store ... which means that if you and
your fellow PLUK Supporters buy from the MUG Store, PLUK can get everything from
software to new computers for FREE! The MUG store has free freight, RAM rebates,
aggressive pricing on new and pre-owned Macs and great closeout deals.
The passwords to get into this exclusive User Group site are:
12/1/2004 - 3/30/2005
User ID: mug / Password: store http://www.applemugstore.com
Getting There: Helping People with Mental Illness
Access Transportation
GETTING THERE: HELPING PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES ACCESS TRANSPORTATION
(SMA04-3948).
Studies find that transportation services and resources for mental health
consumers are fragmented, unused, or unavailable in many communities. SAMHSA/CMHS
developed this report in response to these findings to outline specific
transportation barriers and to discuss ways to address or resolve them for
mental health consumers. Now available in print only. To order, go to http://store.mentalhealth.org/publications/ordering.aspx
or call 1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services; (TDD) 1-866-889-2647.
GAO Autism Report Published
The GAO (Government Accountability Office) recently released a new report
entitled "Special Education: Children with Autism." The report
examines several trends, including: the number of students with autism being
served under IDEA, the services provided to those children, and the estimated
costs of the special education services. The full report can be accessed online
at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05220.pdf.
Art and Poetry Contest for Youth, Deadline February
28,2005
Every year the National Center for Learning Disabilities conducts a national
art and poetry competition for youth between the ages of 4 and 18.The
competition is highlighted at their annual Benefit, Voices of Our Children,
Voices of our Future. A first place prize of $100, and two second place prizes
of $50, will be awarded to the winning schools in each category. All winners
will be publicly acknowledged on NCLD's Web site, www.LD.org,
and at the Benefit on April 21, 2005 in New York City. Entries are due February
28, 2005. For more information go to http://www.ld.org/awards/.
National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with
Disabilities Telephone Seminar, February 28
The NDPC-SD is hosting "Dropout Prevention: The Ex-Student's
Perspective" a telephone seminar presented by Dr. Larry Kortering,
Professor of Special Education, Appalachian State University. The seminar will
explore student's opinions of high school and the impact of those opinions when
developing retention policies and intervention strategies. Participants can call
in questions during the question and answer period.
Registration Fee: $75.00. Includes single-line telephone access and one set of
reproducible materials. Register by calling 1-800-775-7654 (to pay by purchase
order), or online at http://www.dropoutprevention.org/NDPC-SD/.
ICARE Schools Project, Call for Nominations
The ICARE Schools project at Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) seeks
nominations of middle-grades schools that successfully involve all families in
the education of their children with disabilities. The project will study
schools that use innovative approaches to engage families from culturally,
linguistically, and socio-economically diverse backgrounds in the creation and
implementation of their child's Individual Action Plan (IEP). Nominations must
be received by March 15, 2005.
After a systematic nomination, application, and review process, the project will
select three middle-grades schools that demonstrate successful parent
involvement and positive outcomes for students with disabilities. The study will
explore the attitudes and activities of educators and families that foster
meaningful involvement at these schools. Selected schools will receive national
recognition, professional development opportunities, and a stipend.
To learn more, or to nominate a school, visit http://www2.edc.org/icareschools/
or contact icareschools@edc.org
or
1-800-969-3440 x2183. ICARE Schools is funded by the U. S. Department of
Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
2005 EXITE Camp
"PACER and IBM are looking for 30 motivated girls with
disabilities" to participate in the EXITE (Exploring Interests in
Technology and Engineering) Camp. Hosted by IBM, the camp will be held at PACER
Center July 21, 25, 27, 29, August 2, and 4. The camp is a free opportunity open
to any middle school girl with a disability. The application deadline for
interested individuals is May 2, 2005.
To learn more about the camp or to fill out an application, visit www.pacer.org/stc/exite.htm
or call 952-838-9000. An information session for parents will be held on Monday,
March 7, 2005 and Monday, April 18, 2005 from 7 to 8 p.m. at PACER.
U.S./Japan Cross-Cultural Exchange Opportunity
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is accepting applications for a summer
leadership and disability exchange program in Tokyo, Japan. They are looking for
young people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 24 to take part in
this exciting international exchange experience. The tentative dates are July
31-August 15 2005, and the application deadline is May 15, 2005. The program fee
is $850 and scholarships are available. More information can be found on MIUSA's
Web site at: http://www.miusa.org/exchange/japan_summer_2005.
Exceptional Parent 2005 Resource Guide
EPLibrary is extremely pleased to announce the 2005 Edition of the Annual
Resource Guide: Directories of National Organizations, Associations, Products
& Services is now available at $19.95. Hot off the presses, and for a
limited time only, this brand new updated version comes with FREE SHIPPING AND
HANDLING.
This year's guide, the largest ever, contains almost 200 pages of information
including:
Comprehensive Listing of National Resources for Specific Disabilities
Parent to Parent Programs
Parent Training and Information
Alliance for Technology Access Center and State Assistive Technology Programs
Adaptive Recreation Organizations
Title V
Federal and Federally Funded Information Resources
National Information and Advocacy Resources
National Association of Protection and Advocacy Services
Association of University Centers
ADA Projects
Early Intervention, toddler programs and preschool special education resources
Canadian Resources
Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
To order go to: http://www.goemerchant7.com/index.cgi?ST=buy&Action=add&Merchant=exceptionalparentmagazinen&ItemNumber=EP650RGCC1&Add=1
Medical ID Bracelets A Kid Would Wear? You Bet!
Medical ID tags can be difficult for style-conscious kids to wear. Daisy
Sutherland has eased the minds of parents nationwide with her beaded Medical ID
bracelets. Made of high quality materials and completely customizable, the
lobster-clasp bracelets can coordinate with any of the other jewelry pieces that
Art Wear by Daisy offers, and are suitable for boys or girls. The bracelets are
also offered in adult sizes.
The bracelets do not include the ID tag in case customers want to use their
original tag. For those who want a handmade gift, they can purchase the ID tag
from Art Wear or from Oneida Medical Jewelry (http://www.oneida-medical-jewelry.com
) who will send the tag to Art Wear.
For more information, visit Art Wear by Daisy at http://www.artwearbydaisy.com
to browse the catalog of bracelets and other handmade jewelry.
Closing the Gap Forums
February Closing the Gap Forum: Video Magnification: The Good, the Bad,
and the Future
Moderator: Lou Lipschultz, CEO, OcuSource.com
We will be discussing features and ergonomic considerations of video magnifiers
currently available. To participate in this discussion visit:
http://www.closingthegap.com/forums
and check out the "Featured Discussions"
Upcoming Forums:
IntelliFeatures Match
Begins: March 1, 2005
Moderators: Mariangeles "Nena" Murphy-Herd, e-Learning Design Lab,
University of Kansas; Mary Dunbar, e-Learning Design Lab, University of Kansas;
Susan Bashinski, PhD., Bureau of Child Research, Assistant Research Professor;
Cathy Drobny, Educational Technology Consultant; Suzanne Feit, Curriculum
Developer and Training Specialist, IntelliTools
With a limited budget, what are creative ways to use limited hardware for access
assessment and training using the IntelliTools Classroom Suite?
Electronic Mentoring for Students with Disabilities
Begins: March 1, 2005
Moderators: Scott Bellman, Project Coordinator/Counselor DO-IT (Disabilities,
Opportunities, Internetworking, & Technology)
Discuss the benefits to students, available online programs, how to start your
own online mentoring community.
Activities and Camp for Families
Begins: March 20, 2005
Moderators: Jill E. Senner, PhD, CCC-SLP; Lesly Levitas, OTR/L; Pam Harris
Participants in this discussion will learn about camp and how naturalistic
summer recreation activities can provide rich communication opportunities for
AAC users.
Using Technology With Children With Cerebral Visual Impairment
Begins: March 25, 2005
Moderators: Roger Bates, Information Director, Inclusive Technology
Ltd/Inclusive TLC; Kay Wrench, Team Leader, Oldham Education Authority
A chance to share expertise and experiences on working with CVI children
Upcoming PLUK trainings and activities planned for
Winter/Spring 2005
PLUK associate boards around the state are sponsoring a number of trainings
and activities this coming year. Mark your calendar if you are interested in
participating.
Go to http://www.pluk.org/training
for more detailed information and registration.
March 2005
Title: Bullying: an Introduction to What we can do
Date: Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Interactive video conference airing statewide from Kalispell
Presenters: Stephanie Luehr
Title: ADHD: Where We Stand Today
Date: March 9, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Kalispell
Presenter: Stephanie Luehr
Title: Transition Services in the Public Schools for Special Ed Students
Date: March 19, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Where: Billings, Mary Alice Fortin Center Rm. A
Presenter: Sandy Taylor and Bobbie Thurston
Register for this session by calling 406-225-0540 or email bthurston@pluk.org,
or staylor@pluk.org. You may participate
by phone or in person.
Title: Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: Part 2
Date: March 21, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Kalispell, The SUMMIT
Presenter: Doug Cochran-Roberts
Other Community Activities
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.
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