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PLUK eNews March
14, 2005
http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Mar_14_05.htm
Volume 3 Issue 14
Welcome to PLUK's electronic
newsletter!
(Download the printable pdf version at: http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Mar_14_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.
U.S. Senate Passes Genetic Nondiscrimination Bill
(Courtesy of Justice for All)
From the Health Privacy Project, www.healthprivacy.org
Yesterday (2/17/05), the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination Act of 2005, which establishes protections against genetic
discrimination with respect to health insurance and employment. The bill, S.306,
was introduced by Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and prohibits employers
from using genetic information in employment decisions and insurance companies
from denying coverage or basing premium rates on genetic information.
The legislation also prohibits a group health plan or an issuer of a health
insurance group health plan from "requesting or requiring" an
individual or family member to undergo a genetic test. In addition, S. 306
establishes privacy protections for genetic information held by employers,
employment agencies, labor organizations, and others.
[Despite support from the Bush Administration, passage in the House of
Representatives appears slim. Last year, a similar bill was passed in the Senate
and died in the House.]
This legislation could mark a bold step in protecting patient privacy and
encouraging full participation in health care. Advances in genetics could
produce untold benefits for disease prevention, detection, and management, but
without trust that their health information will remain confidential and will
not be used against them, many patients will withhold participation from both
individual testing and research initiatives.
Access the text of S.306 through this article link from Health Privacy.org http://www.healthprivacy.org/info-url_nocat2303/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=262369
HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED
SERVICES
Editor's Note: The MiCASSA legislation, S. 401, is currently with the Senate
Finance Committee. At press time, no further action has been taken for S.401.
(Courtesy of Justice for All)
A Press Release From Senator Tom Harkin:
HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
Legislation would increase access for people with disabilities and older
Americans
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005, Washington, D.C.-- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today
announced that he introduced the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and
Supports Act of 2005 (MICASSA). The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Arlen
Specter (R-PA), would increase access to community-based services and supports
to Americans with disabilities and older Americans.
"I strongly believe that it is important to level the playing field and
give eligible individuals equal access to community-based services and
supports," Harkin said. "This vital legislation will open the door to
full participation by people with disabilities in our neighborhoods, workplaces,
our economy, and our American Dream."
Specifically, MICASSA gives individuals who are currently eligible for nursing
home services and institutional facilities equal access to community-based
attendant services and supports, and establishes a demonstration project to
evaluate service coordination and cost sharing approaches for those eligible for
both Medicaid and Medicare. The legislation also provides additional funding to
states to help them reform their long-term care systems and increase the
provision of home and community based services.
"This legislation is needed to truly bring people with disabilities into
the mainstream of society and provide equal opportunity for employment and
community activities," Harkin said.
The following Senators co-sponsored the Harkin-Specter legislation: Edward
Kennedy (D-MA), John Kerry (D-MA),
Joseph Biden (D-DE), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Jon Corzine
(D-NJ), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Frank
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), and Christopher Dodd (D-CT).
Visit Senator Harkin's website for related information at http://harkin.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=232219.
Request for Comments on Proposed Changes in Federal
Regulations on Employment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
(From USA Jobs www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei-special_hiring.asp)
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is proposing changes to regulations
regarding appointments of persons with mental retardation and severe physical
and psychiatric disabilities. These changes will provide agencies the authority
to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether these individuals can receive an
appointment based solely on medical documentation submitted by the applicant.
You may submit comments, identified by RIN number (3206-AK58), by visiting http://www.regulations.gov
or e-mailing employ@opm.gov (include
"RIN 3206-AK58" in the subject line of your message).
Submission deadline: March 14, 2005.
More On SB 291
(From The Bozeman Chronicle, www.bozemandailychronicle.com)
Home school parents worry about proposed testing law
By WALT WILLIAMS, Chronicle Staff Writer
March 7, 2005
HELENA -- By the end of first grade, Kristin Schuster of Bozeman realized that
her daughter, Sara, needed special attention. Sara, 9, has Down Syndrome. She
was lagging behind her classmates in academics, and she found the other students
in her special-needs classes too distracting. Sara needed one-on-one help, but
her public school didn't have the resources to do that.
So, Schuster gave up her career as an insurance agent to home school her
daughter. Sara has since made remarkable improvement, according to her proud
mother.
"Sara is very intelligent," Schuster said in a telephone interview.
"I think she has great potential if she has the right environment."
Now a state lawmaker is proposing a law that would prevent Schuster from home
schooling Sara if her daughter doesn't test well. No parent with a
developmentally disabled child would be able to pull their child out of school
unless they first meet certain requirements.
Read more of this article from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle at http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2005/02/13/news/homeschooldisabled.txt
Mobility International-Internships with International
Exchange and International Development Organizations Are Available
Tokyo, Japan Exchange Application Deadline March 15, 2005
(Courtesy of MIUSA)
Mobility International USA (MIUSA), is an organization devoted to empowering
people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through
international exchange and international development, and is proud to provide
this Web page listing over 20 internship opportunities in international
development and international exchange, including information about the
sponsoring organization, internship duties, deadlines, financial aid
information, and contact information. Check out the newest opportunities at http://www.miusa.org/publications/tipsheets/internships/.
More MIUSA News: Come with us to Japan!
MIUSA is leading a 16-day exchange program to Tokyo, Japan for young leaders
with disabilities.
PROGRAM FEE:
$850 per person, includes international airfare, lodging, meals and activities
Generous scholarships for program fee available to qualified applicants
TENTATIVE DATES:
July 31 - August 15, 2005
ELIGIBILITY
U.S. citizens, Age 18 - 24 as of July 30, 2005. People with disabilities, people
from minority backgrounds, first-time international travelers, and people with
low-incomes are encouraged to apply. Application Deadline: March 15, 2005. For
more information, visit http://www.miusa.org/exchange/.
To fill out a PDF application for the Tokyo trip, go to http://www.miusa.org/exchange/Japan2005application.doc.
Applications can be submitted by email, please see the form for more
information.
NBC Series "Autism: The Hidden Epidemic" Now
Available on DVD
(From PACER.org)
Want a DVD copy of the recent NBC programs on Autism? NBC has arranged to offer
these programs on DVD through the Autism Speaks website at www.autismspeaks.org.
The DVD costs just a penny (since the NBC website system does not recognize
"free" items) and shipping and handling is $4.95. Delivery takes about
6-8 weeks.
To order a copy of the NBC series, email your name and shipping address to info@autismspeaks.org.
**Due to the high volume of requests, you may get an error message saying the
email was undeliverable because the recipient's mailbox is full. It is possible
that you will need to re-send your request at a later date.
State-by State Listing of Potential Impacts From
Federal Budget Cuts
(Courtesy of EveryChildMatters.org)
Want to know how the federal budget could affect programs for Montana children?
Interested in educational activism on behalf of children across the U.S.? Visit
Every Child Matters Educational Fund at www.everychildmatters.org
and learn about the legislative trends that impact education, health care, and
children's rights.
To read how the federal budget may affect Montana programs for children and
families, go to http://www.everychildmatters.org/site/DocServer/2006_Cuts_-_Montana.pdf?docID=2950.
Little Acorn Journals Keep Track of Medical Information
(From www.thelittleacorn.net)
Little Acorn is devoted to helping parents, caregivers, and patients track their
health information. The founder of Little Acorns, Erin Hopf, is the mother of
two children. Her daughter has Cystic Fibrosis. In order to make sure that
"answers to myriads of doctors, nurses, insurance companies, etc [were]
100% correct" Erin Hopf created a record journal that was specific to her
daughter and to CF. Eventually Hopf broadened her business "to include
journals for other diseases, as well as a health journal to track her son's
health, since we know that children not born with life-threatening illnesses
still manage to see the doctor often as well!"
According to Little Acorn, "these journals track and organize, doctors
visits, height and weight, drug history, childcare, hospital stays, and much
more. They are sold in sheets also so that you can purchase them and add as
needed."
Check out the Little Acorn website at www.thelittleacorn.net.
Education News Parents Can Use: Next broadcast, March
15, 2005
A television series about ways to ensure children's educational success
http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html
Education News Parents Can Use focuses on schools, learning and the No Child
Left Behind Act of 2001. On the third Tuesday of each month during the school
year, Education News airs live via satellite, offering parents and anyone else
with an interest in education vital information about getting involved in
children's learning.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to send a message to Education.TV@ed.gov or call at 1-800-USA-LEARN.
Disability Is Natural
(From www.disabilityisnatural.com)
The Disability is Natural website and newsletters rose from parent advocate,
Partners in Policymaking graduate, and national presenter Kathie Snow's
experiences as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy. In 2001, after ten years
as a public speaker, Kathie wrote the Disability is Natural book, created a
companion video and a line of products to promote new ways of thinking, and
launched this website. In addition, her Disability is Natural Free Press Email
newsletter includes articles on innovative change, strategies for inclusion, and
other new ways of thinking!
Visit Disability is Natural online at www.disabilityisnatural.com.
Starkey Hearing Foundation
The Starkey Hearing Foundation received a lot of popular press late in 2004
following an episode of the popular ABC Network home improvement/feel-good
series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" when a fourteen year old boy
was awarded a college scholarship from the charitable medical foundation and
Hear Now affiliate.
Following a brief inquiry from PLUK staff, Starkey Hearing Foundation Executive
Director Debbie Wright offered this email:
Our mission is to provide hearing aids to those persons around the world who
cannot afford to buy them. We provide approximately 10,000 domestically and
approximately 10,000 internationally per year. If you have someone who needs a
hearing aid, please let us know and we'd be happy to help.
So the world may hear,
Debbie Wright
Executive Director
Starkey Hearing Foundation
866.354.3254
972.239.9637-fax
Interested? Learn more about the efforts of Starkey Hearing Foundation at www.sotheworldmayhear.org.
Information on Section 504 from Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw offers a variety of Section 504 resources on their website,
including: the difference between Sect. 504 and IDEA, and examples of common 504
questions. Looking for more information? Wrightslaw is known for advocacy
resources and a burgeoning list of disability-related case law, legal news, and
free publications.
Check it out at http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.index.htm.
Camp Eureka Natural History Camp for Children with
Visual Impairments
(Courtesy of the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind)
Children 8-12 years old who are blind or have severe visual impairments are
invited to explore Montana's wetlands and forests under the guidance of expert
educators and naturalists who are specially trained to work with children who
have visual impairments.
Sponsored by the Montana Conservation Science Institute in Missoula, Camp Eureka
is a summer camp in the Teller Wildlife Refuge, where children with visual
impairments can explore nature with safe, interactive activities and plenty of
time for play, story telling, music and games. Camp Director, Beth Underwood is
an environmental education (EE) specialist for the Montana Conservation Science
Institute and has designed and directed EE programs for two national wildlife
refuges in western Montana. She was twice recognized as state environmental
educator of the year. As an educator with visual impairment, she has a special
appreciation for the power of the natural world to foster confidence and
curiosity in children with visual impairment.
This year the camp is scheduled for June 20-23, 2005. Registration is $100 and
the $25 deposit is applied to the registration cost. For more information,
contact Beth Underwood at underhogg@montana.com.
Print a PDF Camp Eureka brochure at http://www.msdb.mt.gov/campbrochure_web.pdf
2005 EXITE Camp
The EXITE (Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp, hosted
by IBM, 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.
To learn more about the camp, visit http://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. To print an
application, go to http://www.pacer.org/stc/exiteApplication.pdf.
Applications are due on May 2, 2005.
Very Special Arts Choir Brings Emotion to Music
(Courtesy of the Missoulian)
By TYLER CHRISTENSEN for the Missoulian, March 10, 2005- Music--even technically
perfect music--is best delivered with feeling.
The VSA Choir was formed eight years ago to give adults with special needs a way
to express their musical abilities and to meet other people, said Alayne Dolson,
the executive director of VSA Arts of Montana.
"I was looking at what was happening to young people that were just leaving
their high school programs," Dolson said. "When they graduated, they
were often wait-listed."
Rather than wait for a slot in another program to open, Dolson thought they
could find another way to socialize once a week. She convinced Malcolm Lowe,
well known for his involvement with Missoula Children's Theater, to direct the
choir.
Thus, the VSA Choir was born. It now boasts 30 members, some of whom Dolson has
known since she taught them as preschoolers.
"It's exciting to see them develop some social skills, some community
awareness," said Dolson, who accompanies the choir on piano.
Group members are proud of their singing, Dolson said. They work together and
form lasting friendships. They make it fun - like when some of the singers who
work together at McDonald's changed the words of one song to "feed them all
burgers and fries."
Mary Jane Belz, a music education specialist at the University of Montana, was
invited to hear the choir for the first time six years ago.
"Well, I walked in and the first thing that happened was one of the singers
rushed right in and hugged me," Belz recalled. "That's the spirit of
the choir. It's just a loving group."
She made observing the group, which uses the University of Montana's Music
Building for its Thursday night rehearsals, a requirement for the students in
her music education classes.
Read the rest of this article at http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005/03/10/news/mtregional/news08.txt
American School Board Journal-Special Report
(Courtesy of asbj.com)
The Medicated Child
The number of students who take medication at school continues to grow
By Kathleen Vail
Every year, the Los Angeles Unified School District doles out about 450,000
doses of medication to its students. Children are taking a variety of medicines
-- anything from short-term antibiotics to insulin, psychotropic drugs, and
medications to treat asthma, says Karen Maiorca, director of nursing services
for L.A. Unified. In the district, the nation's second largest, 70,000 children
have asthma and 1,600 have diabetes.
L.A. Unified is hardly alone among school districts in the heavy
responsibilities it bears in handing out medicine to students. Schools all over
the country -- in rural, suburban, and urban districts of all sizes -- are
helping their students manage chronic and acute illnesses, both physical and
mental.
About 13 million children in kindergarten through 12th grade take medication in
any two-week time period, according to a study by Ann Marie McCarthy, an
associate professor at the University of Iowa. Most common are AD/HD
medications, followed by over-the-counter and asthma medications, respectively.
In another study, looking at changes in medication in schools, McCarthy found
that students were taking about 200 different kinds of medications in 2003, up
from the 58 found in a late 1980s study.
Read the rest of this report at http://www.asbj.com/specialreports/0305SpecialReports/S1.html
Limiting Gene Therapy for Kids
(Courtesy of Wired News, www.wired.com/news/)
08:07 AM Mar. 05, 2005 PT, WASHINGTON -- Federal health advisers recommended
Friday that gene therapy treatments for children with a severe immune deficiency
be restricted to those who have no alternative.
The Food and Drug Administration convened the panel after a 3-year-old French
boy became the third child to develop cancer after receiving gene therapy for
treatment for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, or X-SCID.
The FDA had asked U.S. researchers doing similar work to put it on hold.
Doctors and scientists on the advisory panel said they didn't want to hold up
the therapy for children who have already failed to respond to bone marrow
transplants, an alternative treatment. But they noted that the number of such
children-who under Friday's recommendation would still be able to have
experimental gene therapy -- is very small.
Read more of this Associated Press article at http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,66806,00.html.
NCWD for Youth Newsletter
(From NCWD for Youth)
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) for Youth assists
state and local workforce development systems to better serve youth with
disabilities. The NCWD/Youth, created in late 2001, is composed of partners with
expertise in disability, education, employment, and workforce development
issues. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of
Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the NCWD/Youth is housed at the Institute
for Educational Leadership
In addition to dozens of publications and resources, the NCWD Youth newsletter,
the "Intersection" is available to help readers improve services for
youth with disabilities. New subscribers can signup at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/intersection/signup_form.php.
All comments and inquiries should be sent to intersection@ncwd-youth.info.
The monthly newsletter is also available online at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/intersection/index.html#content
GW Micro Sponsors Video Description Service for New ABC
Drama, "Blind Justice"
(Courtesy of GW Micro)
(FORT WAYNE, IN) - GW Micro, makers of the Window-Eyes screen reader, is proud
to announce their sponsorship of the Video Description Service of "Blind
Justice," a new drama on ABC television. The program first aired on March
8th, 2005.
Ron Eldard plays NYPD detective Jim Dunbar who is shot, and struck blind, while
on duty. A year later, Jim is reinstated and working cases while battling
expectations from his colleagues, his wife and himself.
"Blind Justice" is the newest network television series, and the first
for ABC, to offer video description service. "Descriptive video"
describes the alternate audio channel that plays narration that describes what
is being shown on a television program or movie. It allows a person who is blind
or visually impaired to hear an added voice describing actions and images that
cannot be discerned by listening to the dialog and sound effects alone.
"We're very excited to partner with We See TV on this project," said
Erik Deckers, Director of Sales and Marketing for GW Micro. "We think
television is for everybody, and we think We See TV is visionary in their
efforts to make it accessible to everyone. We're glad to be able to help with
that in any way we can."
"Blind Justice" holds up a mirror to society's tendency to pigeonhole
people before we even meet them. It deftly details the struggles Jim Dunbar
carries with him as he strives to overcome the stigma and prejudice associated
with this disability. And it does this without ever stereotyping the principals,
especially avoiding the temptation to make Jim a hero without the flaws, doubts
and imperfections of humanity.
Amber McLain, Vice President, Executive Director of Sales for We See TV, said,
"GW Micro is the perfect partner for We See TV, since both companies strive
to enable visually impaired persons to equally participate in a contemporary
lifestyle. As a computer user who is blind, I rely on the effectiveness and
stability of the Window Eyes screen reader both at home and at work. Now GW
Micro is reaching out to the blind community in a new way by providing funding
for described television. Adding audio description to 'Blind Justice' will give
millions of blind viewers an equal opportunity to enjoy the program."
In an attempt to achieve the perfect balance of description versus the program's
original audio, WeSeeTV realizes that many in the audience want more details,
more description, and more information. To that end, WeSeeTV offers enhanced
descriptions of sets, characters and any other pertinent information on its
website, www.weseetv.com. All
visitors to the We See TV website are also encouraged to participate in an
online survey. This will help WeSeeTV and GW Micro understand viewers' thoughts
of description in general and the show in particular. The survey will launch on
Tuesday the 8th.
We See TV has also partnered with Close Caption Service, which provides a
written transcription of the audio portion of television programs for viewers
who are hard of hearing, to help make "Blind Justice" accessible to
more viewers.
For more information, contact Erik Deckers, Director of Sales and Marketing, at erik@gwmicro.com
or Amber McLain, Vice President, Executive Director of Sales, at amber@ambermclain.com.
Solutions Marketing Group-Insights into American
Industry, Access to the Corporate Mindset
(From Solutions Marketing Group)
The Solutions Marketing Group (SMG) is "a marketing consulting firm which
designs innovative strategies for businesses to target the untapped market of 54
million consumers with disabilities." SMG offers an email newsletter and
website to help readers monitor a variety of topics concerning people with
disabilities and American industry, including: Profiles in Excellence,
Accessibility, Employment, Customer Service, Marketing and Announcements.
Developed in 1998 by founder and president, Carmen Jones, SMG has become a
leader in marketing and offers a strong voice for consumers with disabilities
and the companies who seek their business.
To sign up for the SMG Newsletter visit http://www.disability-marketing.com/newsletter/.
Easter Seals and PAAS Easter Egg Dyes Team Up, E-Cards
"Spread Some Springtime"
(Courtesy of Easter Seals)
For more than 70 years, the Easter Seals seal has been an American -- and
springtime -- tradition! This year's free e-cards, which feature the original
lily artwork from the 2005 seals, are perfect to send for Easter or Mother's Day
-- or just to brighten any day! Remember, there's no limit to how many e-cards
you can send, and you can personalize them with your own message. Help spread
some springtime -- and the word that Easter Seals provides services that make a
difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. View and send
the cards from http://www.easterseals.com/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1021.
Send an e-card and then vote on the Web site of our sponsor, PAAS® Easter Egg
Dyes, for the winning design for their 125th anniversary Easter egg. You'll be
registered for a chance to win great prizes for the Easter season.
Access for All: How Distance Education Addresses
Learning Needs
(From PBS Campus Previews, http://www.pbs.org/campus/006_News/006-00.html)
By Candace Kramer
Access for All: How Distance Education Addresses Learning Needs
It's not hard to understand why online distance learning - providing the ability
to participate in education anytime and anywhere - is popular. Online education
allows people from all walks of life, from stay-at-home moms to busy employees,
to conveniently connect to learning options.
Online education makes it possible for small, dispersed groups to make contact
in one virtual space, as is the case when rural high school students enroll in
virtual classes whose class size their local school district could not support.
The students may not move around, but they are far from each other and the
classroom. Online education also makes it possible for those who travel often to
maintain their studies. Both corporate 'road warriors' and migrant workers can
continue their educations while they move from place to place.
Online learning also provides access to those for whom a peripatetic lifestyle
or vast distance is not the issue, and for whom learning can be a struggle.
According to the President's Committee on Employment of People with
Disabilities, an estimated 48.9 million people - nearly one in five - have a
disability. This article introduces the complex issues confronted by those with
learning disabilities and offers information and resources for further
exploration in overcoming learning barriers through online means.
Read the rest of Candace Kramer's February 4th column at http://www.pbs.org/campus/006_News/006-feb-04.html.
REFERENCE POINTS: Resources in Spanish
"LOS PASOS HACIA EL ÉXITO: CÓMO COMUNICARSE CON LA ESCUELA DE SU HIJO"
The Spanish version of "Steps to Success: Communicating with Your Child's
School" has been Developed by CADRE and its partner NICHCY. This resource
offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they
develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school. To access the
Spanish version of the document go to
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/successesp.cfm.
The English version can be found at http://www.directionservice.org/pdf/Steps%20to%20Success1.4pg.pdf.
"QUE NINGÚN NIÑO SE QUEDE ATRÁS: UNA GUÍA PARA LOS PADRES"
"No Child Left Behind: A Parents Guide" is now available on the web in
Spanish. It summarizes NCLB, answers questions about the law, and tells what it
means for parents. Both the Spanish and the English version can be found at http://www.ed.gov/espanol/parents/academic/involve/nclbguide/
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFERS RESOURCES IN SPANISH
The U.S. Department of Education has updated the link on its home page for
Spanish speakers. The site provides a range of educational related information
and can be accessed in Spanish through the home page by clicking "Recursos
en espanol" or by going to http://www.ed.gov/espanol/bienvenidos/es.
NEW WEB RESOURCES FOR LATINO PARENTS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND ADVOCATES
The Education Trust has recently unveiled a website for the Latino community, in
both Spanish and English, which features reports and resources for parents,
community leaders, and advocates. To view the website, go to http://spanish.edtrust.org.
HISPANIC HEALTH WEB SITE
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health has developed a Web site containing
fact sheets, in English and Spanish, covering health topics of special concern
to Hispanic Americans. You can also find news, actions to take, scholarship
information, and other resources on the site. http://www.hispanichealth.org/healthfacts.lasso.
ASA LAUNCHES SPANISH SECTION ON ITS WEBSITE
The Autism Society of America (ASA) announces the launch of a Spanish-language
section on its Web site. For more information go to http://www.autism-ociety.org/site/PageServer
and click on "En Espanol."
SchwabLearning.org ANOUNCES REVISION OF SPANISH WEB SITE
SchwabLearning recently announced the revision of their Spanish mini Web site.
Over 20 key articles have been translated into Spanish. For more information go
to http://www.schwablearning.org/espanol/index.asp.
AUTISM FACT SHEETS
Fact Sheets addressing medical research on Autism are available from National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development in English and Spanish. The
Spanish Fact Sheets can be found by scrolling down the page. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm?from=autism.
REACHING LATINOS WITH DISABILITIES
Eight steps for both asset building programs and disability organizations to
reach Latinos with disabilities, at
http://www.wid.org/publications/?page=equity&sub=200406&topic=tm.
"MY FUTURE MY PLAN" VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH
The curriculum, "My Future My Plan" is designed to motivate and guide
students with disabilities and their families as they begin early transition
planning for life after high school. The curriculum package is available in both
Spanish and English, for more information, go to http://www.ncset.org/publications/mfmp.asp.
Free Online Publications from WestEd
WestEd, a longstanding nonprofit, research, development, and service firm
that has worked for years "to promote excellence, achieve equity, and
improve learning for children, youth, and adults" offers free publications
and other resources on their website. Take a peek at dozens of listings at http://www.wested.org/cs/we/query/q/1379.
Learn more about WestEd's 35+ years of educational service and read about the
agency's newest efforts at http://www.wested.org.
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: 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
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