Events/Conferences in Montana::

May 2005

Petro Theater Screening "Charlie's Lake" Features Billings Native, May 26, Billings
(From Ian Elliot, MSU-Billings)
Mayfair Films, in collaboration with the Montana Center on Disabilities at MSU-Billings is proud to announce the screening of "Charlie's Lake" the story of Jon Whitmer and his family, long time residents of Billings, MT. The 45-minute film reveals Jon Whitmer's perspective on his life as a survivor of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the various issues and events that come up in a typical year. The screening will also provide an opportunity for audience members to dialog with individuals directly involved with the making of this documentary.
When: 7:00 PM Thursday May 26th-Doors open 6:30 PM
Where: Petro Theater, MSU-Billings campus
Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. The facility is accessible and admission is free.
A reception, arranged by Sue Dow of STEP, will follow in the Fireplace Lounge, located on the ground floor of the adjoining Student Union Building. Petro Theatre is located on the lower level of Petro Hall on the MSU-Billings campus (building #4 on the MSU-Billings campus map located at http://www.msubillings.edu/campus/maintour.htm ).
For further information please call Ian Elliot at the Montana Center on Disabilities - MSU-Billings at: 406-657-2172 or toll free at 1-888-866-3822

June 2005

Financial Planning for Families Teleconference, June 2, Missoula, Butte
Date: June 2, 2005, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Missoula, Ruby's Convention Center
Teleconference site: Butte
Presenters: Nancy Gibson, Chris Siegler, & parent panel
Information/Registration: http://www.pluk.org/training/Financial.htm 

LDA OF MONTANA ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING, June 4, Billings
(From LDA of Montana)
We are reorganizing the Learning Disabilities Association of Montana! After years of service to this organization, Rosie Wathen has asked to step down from her position of leadership. Barbra Lefler has asked for help with arrangements for an organizational meeting of people in Montana interested in re-activating LDA of Montana. Ms. Lefler will arrive in Billings from the national headquarters in Pittsburg to help us organize.
The meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2005 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Mansfield Health Educational Center. Lunch will be provided. We will be electing new leadership and developing strategies for the kind of organization that we want in Montana. Everyone is welcome. New board members and officers are expected to stay and attend the entire meeting.
Help shape the future of your LDA! Your input is welcome, spread the word and join us!
For more information, contact Mark Taylor, LDA of Montana, at (406) 259-3110, or mark@learningclinic.com. 

Region 3 CSPD: REWARDS Decoding Program, June 6, Billings
Presented by Gail Adams
Many students falter in reading at the middle school level because they have not learned strategies to use in decoding longer words. This lack of advanced decoding ability affects fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary achievement. This session will teach participants to use REWARDS, a multisyllabic decoding program that has been well documented as an effective remedial strategy for students in grades 4-12.
Register online at http://www.msubillings.edu/mcdregister. 

Two-Day Picture Exchange Communication System Training Workshop, June 6 & 7, Great Falls
Presented by Christine Cavarretta, BCBA & Michela Figini-Myers, BCABA, Holiday Inn- Great Falls, 1.3 ASHA CEUs
For registration information, visit us online at http://www.pecs.com  or call toll free 888-732-7462. For general information, contact Judy Barrett at jbarrett@pecs.com  or call 302-368-2515. If you are interested in sending 5 or more people, please contact us regarding group discounts.

2nd Annual Montana Institute on Educational Technology, June 6-10, Great Falls
This event combines topical seminars on classroom technologies, best practices, applications and more.
An Administrator / Counselor track has been added this year. Four (4) short workshops will be offered on Tuesday, June 7 covering topics such as online learning, dual enrollment, gender equity and more. Please see insert for more information and how to register.
Credit and CEU's: All workshops are eligible for the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Renewal Units. 2 Graduate Credits are available, but require that participants enroll in all five days of the institute as well as an additional assignment. Participants wishing to receive college credit will be required to pay tuition/fee costs.
Location: Montana State University-Great Falls College of Technology
Registration: $75 per day or $200 for full institute; fee includes lunch and course materials. RITE Project Partners and Central Montana Tech Prep Consortium Members will receive registration fee waivers.
For more information or to register, visit http://outreach.msugf.edu/MIET/. 

BraveHearts Grief Support Group, June 7, Billings
BraveHearts is a grief support group for children, teens, and families. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the Mayflower Congregational Church. Every meeting includes refreshments, fun activities, and story time. Registration is required for this free program. Please call Amy at 247-3300 for more information and to register.
Meeting Schedule:
June 7 Memories (A Year to Remember)
June 21 Memory Box (Be sure to bring keepsakes . . . photos, cards, music, etc. to put in the box.)

Input Sought from Healthcare Providers and Client Advocates at PASSPORT Summits, June 8, Kalispell
As the PASSPORT to Health program enters its twelfth year of successfully managing the delivery of health care to Montana's Medicaid clients, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is planning summits to determine if the current operation of the PASSPORT to Health program is the most effective way to meet its objectives.
The Department stresses that attendees should look at the program in a truly comprehensive way; therefore, no idea is off the table for consideration. "Change to the PASSPORT program, whether slight or radical, may be in order," said Mary Angela Collins, Managed Care Bureau Chief. "These summits will provide a forum for providers to identify parts of the program they feel are ineffective or outdated. All we ask is that ideas fit within our goals for managed care."
PASSPORT to Health's objectives include fostering a medical home between providers and clients, which promotes appropriate care and reduces costs, as well as assuring adequate access to primary care.
One-day facilitated summits are planned for locations across the state:
o Kalispell on June 8, Kalispell Regional Medical Center
o Missoula on June 15, St. Patrick's Hospital
A cross-section of PASSPORT stakeholders are invited, including: PASSPORT providers, specialists, and other non-PCPs, representatives from billing companies, hospitals, FQHCs, RHCs, the tribal health community, and client advocates.
Implemented in 1993, the PASSPORT program has been successful in saving over $20,000,000 annually. These savings allow the program to provide services to people who may not have otherwise received them, and help maintain provider reimbursement rates. In addition to meeting its financial objectives, the PASSPORT program has been well received by 80% of its PCPs and clients.
If you have ideas to offer, and would like to participate in one of the summits, contact PASSPORT Program Officer Niki Scoffield at (406) 444-4148 or niscoffield@mt.gov.  For a copy of the agenda and more details, visit Montana Medicaid's website at www.mtmedicaid.org. 

Impact of Childhood Disability: Understanding the Parents' Journey from Grief to Growth, June 10-11, Billings
In a long-awaited conference opportunity, parents and caregivers are invited to join national presenter and author, psychologist Ken Moses, PhD, for a two-day conference exploring childhood disability and its impact on families and caregivers. The conference-sponsored by St. Vincent's Healthcare (and in cooperation with Billings Public Schools, STEP, and ECI)-will be held at the Mansfield Health Education Center. CEUs are available and free childcare will be offered during the Saturday session. Space is limited please register early. Call Health Access, St. Vincent Healthcare, at 406-657-8792 to register.
Cost: $50-$100. A limited number of scholarships, courtesy of the Children's Clinic, are available to parents of children with special needs. Financially strapped, need to attend, and can't swing full registration? Call Health Access, St. Vincent Healthcare, at 406-657-8792 and ask about the "$10 dollar option."

Family Learning Weekend for the Visually Impaired, Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind, June 10-12, Great Falls
A FREE three-day weekend in Great Falls at MSDB is designed specifically for families with children who are visually impaired. This weekend is packed with ideas. A nationally renowned keynote speaker, Judith Lesner from the National Association of Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI), will be speaking to families about the importance of parent advocacy. She will present with her son, Jacob Lesner-Buxton, who will be addressing the current issues in the education of the blind. Both Judith and Jacob are experienced will be working with our parents to design a Montana chapter of NAPVI. For more information, please contact MSDB at 1-800-882-6732 or Barb Rolf, Outreach Vision Consultant at (406) 251-5674.

The Power of Early Childhood Relationships in Shaping a Lifetime of Health and Resilience, June 11, Kalispell
(Courtesy of The Nurturing Center)
Dr. Bruce Perry (Senior Fellow, Child Trauma Academy and longtime clinician, teacher and researcher) will present "The Power of Early Childhood Relationships in Shaping a Lifetime of Health and Resilience" at the West Coast Hotel in Kalispell. This workshop is recommended for medical professionals, social service and educational professionals, child care professionals, foster parents, family members and other interested individuals.
Dr. Perry will:
· Provide an overview of the key principles of neurodevelopment crucial for understanding the role of experience in defining functional and physical organization of the brain
· Describe emerging clinical and research findings concerning maltreated children that suggest the negative impact of abuse, neglect, and trauma on brain development.
· Outline the clinical implications of a neurodevelopmental approach to child maltreatment.
Registration rates vary ($40, $75). CEUs are available. For more information and a registration form, please contact The Nurturing Center at (406) 756-1414, Toll Free 1-800-204-0644, or email info@nurturingcenter.org.  Registration forms are due by June 1st.

MASP Summer Institute, June 12-14, Billings
Jack M. Fletcher, PhD (professor, Dept. of Pediatrics at University of Texas Health Sciences Center-Houston, Assoc. Director Center for Academic and Reading Skills (CARS)), will present "Neuropsychology of Developmental Disorders." Explore the origins of brain dysfunction, review the behavior systems model, discover the current concepts behind the behavior-brain relationship, and investigate learning disabilities identification, intervention, and research.
The Institute will be held from Sunday June 12 through Tuesday June 14, 2005, at the Mansfield Health Education Center in Billings. CEUs are available. Fees vary ($110-$145)
Download the MASP SI Brochure at http://www.pluk.org/MASP_SumInst_2005.pdf. 

Walk F.A.R. for NAAR Autism Walk, June 12, Great Falls
To date, NAAR has committed $21.1 million to fund 211 autism research projects and fellowships worldwide - more than any other non-governmental organization. NAAR has been able to make these investments, in large part, through the success of Walk F.A.R. for NAAR, the signature fundraising and autism awareness event of NAAR. Each year, walks throughout the USA, Canada and England attract thousands of walkers and raise millions for research.
Great Falls Walk http://www.autismwalk.org/greatfalls 
Help spread the word about the Montana Walk F.A.R. for NAAR event. Download the event flyer at http://www.autismwalk.org/site/DocServer/Great_Falls_Walk_Flyer_FINAL.pdf?docID=705.  Want to build a Walk F.A.R. team, check out http://www.autismwalk.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fundraising_tips. 
Find out more about the Walk F.A.R. for NAAR Events at http://www.autismwalk.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage. 
Interested? Want to Learn More?
Penny Martin--Local Volunteer Leadership--406.771.3998 or j.martin@bresnan.net 
Scott R. Moore--Pacific Northwest Regional Director
National Alliance for Autism Research - 1370 Stewart Street - Seattle WA 98109
206.464.5182 smoore@naar.org  http://www.autismwalk.org  or http://www.naar.org 

Power Mobility Camp, June 13-17, Billings
Located at MSU-Billings campus, the purpose of the camp is to allow any individual an opportunity to try power mobility. Several sessions are encouraged for evaluation. For more information, please call Mary O'Connell, PT, ATP at 1-800-732-0323 or 406-243-5688. People of all ages, with any disability, are welcome.

Special Education in Montana Teleconference, June 16, Missoula
Date: June 16, 2005, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Billings, Mansfield Center
Teleconference sites: (none at this time)
Presenter: Kathy Manley Coburn
Information/registration: http://www.pluk.org/training/SPEDlaw.htm 

July/August 2005

REGION 1 CSPD Reading Institute, July 25-28, Glendive
Region I CSPD Reading Institute (8:00 - 5:00) July 25-28, Dawson Community College
OPI Renewal Units Available
Graduate Credits (15 hours, $100 ea. 2 credits max.) from MSU-Billings
July 25 - "Read Naturally" Esther Eustice, 8 AM-5 PM
July 26 - "REWARDS" Judy Bushman, 8-11:30 AM-12:30-2:30 PM, "Phonics for Reading" Helen Murphy, 2:30-5:00 PM
July 27 - "Beginning Early Literacy and Language" Lucy Hart Paulson, 8 AM-5 PM
July 28 - "DIBELS" Janell Pickart, 8 AM-5PM
Registration Costs: $25/day, $100 for all 4 days. Contact Helen Murphy for registration information at dmurphy@midrivers.com.  Registration Deadline: July 11, 2005

Region 3 CSPD: Discipline and the Difficult Child, August 16, Billings
Presented by Gene Bedley
In this session, you will discover the importance of how you define your children. You will learn proven strategies for working with young children who are angry, difficult, or challenging. Highly practical solutions and strategies will be shared to help your students develop more responsibility and self-discipline at a young age. Ideas will also be shared for discussing difficult behavior with the child's parents.
You'll learn how to:
· Apply specific strategies that will help your difficult children make better choices
· Strengthen your young children's responsible and cooperative behavior within your program
· Organize your classrooms around the seven core ethical values that promote respect and responsibility
· Develop classroom management strategies to meet the fifteen needs of your difficult young children
· Help your preschool through second grade students accept responsibility for their choices
· Increase the work ethic in your young students
· Utilize music to strengthen student character in your classroom
· Help your troubled students achieve daily success in your classroom
· Encourage the development of problem solving strategies
· Intervene and calm down the angry young child
Register online at http://www.msubillings.edu/mcdregister. 

Online Training/Workshops/Events::

Online Notetaker Training
Online training of student notetakers is now available - it's comprehensive, interactive and free!
· Three modules take about 90 minutes to complete.
· Learn effective notetaking strategies!
· Complete the training at your convenience.
· Receive a printed certificate of completion.
Notetaker Coordinator's handbook suggests selection criteria, policies, and practices for using student notetakers effectively.
Collaborative effort of Camden County College, NETAC Central Office and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology.
Go to http://www.netac.rit.edu/onlinenotetakertraining.html. 

Events/Workshops/Conferences outside Montana::

Autism One Conference, May 26-29, Chicago IL
As always, Autism One 2005 features four major tracks to help parents and professionals make the most informed choices and decisions, they are: Biomedical Treatments; Behavior / Communication / Education Therapies; Complementary/Alternative Treatments; Government/Legal/Personal Issues. Each track offers three days of presentations focusing on particular treatments, research, and/or issues of that field. All presentations are open on a walk-in basis-conference registration covers them all.
Learn about the most effective treatments and therapies, how to obtain services and how to deal effectively with schools. Learn what to expect in future for the fields of medicine, education, government, and law.
For more information, visit http://autismone.org/homepage.cfm. 

IDEA Public Meetings, June 6, San Antonio
John H. Hager, assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), U.S. Department of Education, is pleased to share with you the schedule of a series of public meetings to be held during calendar year 2005 to receive comments on the proposed rules to implement programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.
Schedule:
· Monday, June 6, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
San Antonio, TX
· Friday, June 17, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Nashville, TN
· Wednesday, June 22, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sacramento, CA
· Friday, June 24, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Las Vegas, NV
· Monday, June 27, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
New York, NY
· Wednesday, June 29, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Chicago, IL
· Tuesday, July 12, 2005
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Washington, DC

People on the Move Sessions, June 8-9, Salt Lake City UT
The People On The Move program consists of two days of instruction for travel trainers, teachers, job coaches, bus operators, transportation coordinators, independent living specialists and others who assist people with disabilities in their use of public and private transportation so that they can go to school, jobs and other community destinations.
· Next Session is June 8-9, 2005: Salt Lake City, Utah (Register by May 27)
If you miss the May 27th deadline for Salt Lake City (June 8-9), there are other dates and cities; each is followed by the application deadline:
· September 7-8, 2005: Boston, Mass. (Aug. 3)
· November 14-15, 2005: New Orleans, La. (Oct. 3)

The Collaborative Assistive Technology Conference of the Rockies, June 9-11, Westminster CO
Attendees will learn about local and national perspectives on state-of-the-art assistive technology devices and services. Don't miss the largest assistive technology conference in the Rocky Mountain Region, with attendance estimated at over 600. With over 70 sessions geared toward every age and disability, there is something for everybody! Presenters are among the most respected in their fields. The goal of the conference is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through the appropriate selection and use of assistive technology. Anyone with an interest in assistive technology devices and services is welcome. Breakout sessions will focus on funding issues and legislation, education, employment, hands-on assistive technology training and the design and development of low-tech adaptive devices.
This conference is designed for people with disabilities and their families, special educators, teachers, government agency representatives, occupational & physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, public health administrators, legislators, rehabilitation counselors, employers, insurers, and people who need up-to-the-minute information about technology devices and services.
If you use or recommend assistive technology now - or you're planning to take advantage of all that technology can offer-this conference will give you the "inside track." With 70+ sessions covering all aspects of assistive technology, you'll have the opportunity to take a walk along today's technology landscape and 'surf' what tomorrow's technology will offer. With local and national presenters, this conference is your hands-on route to new insights and information, including:
Today's Assistive Technology Devices and Services
· Future Trends
· Changes in Legislation
· Case Studies
· Innovative Technology Applications
· Funding Strategies and Procedures
· Technology Assessment
Access a registration form at http://www.uchsc.edu/atp/conf2005/conf2005reg.htm. 

National Leadership Summit on Employment for Youth with Disabilities, June 14-15, Washington DC
(From Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
In response to the need to improve high school experiences and post school outcomes for youth with disabilities, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) hosted its first National Leadership Summit on Improving Results for Youth in September 2003. More than 250 participants attended, including state agency leaders; policymakers; professionals representing general education, special education, career and technical education, workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and other agencies; parents; and youth with disabilities.
In order to continue the national conversation which occurred at the 2003 Summit, NCSET in partnership with federal agencies and national organizations will co-host a second National Leadership Summit on Improving Results for Youth in Washington, DC in June 14-15, 2005.
The goal of this event is to convene state-level teams of policymakers to examine the progress made in the implementation of the strategic action plans developed at the 2003 Summit, and to further build state/territory capacity to improve high school experiences that lead to successful post school outcomes for all youth.
Access http://www.ncset.org/summit05/  for more information and registration.

Classroom Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, June 14-17, Rapid City SD
The Center for Disabilities is presenting its Summer Autism Workshops, Structured Teaching and Classroom Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
June 14-17, 2005 in Rapid City, South Dakota
This workshop will focus on young or developmentally young individuals with Autism.
http://www.usd.edu/cd/autismtrainings/summer05.cfm 

From Roots to Wings: Guiding Youth With Disabilities to Employment, June 16-17, Washington, DC
(From Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
[Note, this conference follows the 2005 National Leadership Summit on Improving Results for Youth.]
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), State VR agencies, State educational agencies, youth leadership organizations, consumer organizations, and other stakeholder groups are planning a national conference that will offer learning experiences and networking opportunities for State VR agency and State education agency staff at both the state and local levels. This conference will bring together VR and education policymakers and practitioners, as well as personnel from collaborating agencies that work with transitioning youth with disabilities.
Access http://www.dtiassociates.com/rsatransitions/  for more information, including an agenda and registration.

Making Connections, Strengthening Communities, June 17-19, Cleveland OH
(Courtesy of CTCNet)
The Community Technology Center Network's major event is "the largest national gathering of community technology organizations, programs, and experts." The goal for the 2005 conference is to "to chart the progression of the community technology movement from a small grassroots effort, focused on technology access, to a growing national and international field of practice harnessing technology to meet human and social needs." According to CTCNet, the Annual Conference "is a gathering of our member organizations, leaders in the field, and others in related fields interested in creating equitable participation in information technology. CTCNet members receive a discounted registration rate and repeatedly cite this conference as one of the most important services CTCNet offers."
For registration rates and more information, visit the CTCNet website at http://www.ctcnet.org/conf/2005/attending/registration.asp05. 

Universal Design for Community and Systems Change, June 23-24, Portsmouth NH
(From Institute on Disability)
The Institute on Disability invites you to participate at "Communities for Everyone: Universal Design for Community and Systems Change," June 23 and 24, 2005 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel and Conference Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Community services and supports for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families continue to evolve. We have seen a significant paradigm shift over the past 30 years from an institutionally based system to a community based services system. Unfortunately, many people still are not part of their communities. In order for meaningful community participation to be successful, local communities must be accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of all residents.
Communities for Everyone is a two-day institute that will explore innovative approaches to building inclusive communities and creating sustainable systems change to support all residents to be full participants in community life. Workshops and keynote presentations will provide information that reflects current practices as well as future designs to create welcoming, accessible, and inclusive communities that support all residents.
Registration
Participants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis. A confirmation notice will be sent upon receipt of your registration. Registration and payment of the conference fee of $275 must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday June 17th, 2005. Late registrations will be considered only as space is available.
Mail or fax the registration form to: UNH, Institute on Disability, Real Choice
10 Ferry St. Unit #14
Concord, NH 03301
Telephone: (603) 228-2084 Fax: (603) 228-3270
For additional information or questions about registration, please contact Judy King at jaking@unh.edu. 
Visit the conference website at http://www.realchoicenh.org/June2005.html  for more details.

Angelman Syndrome Foundation: 2005 Conference, June 29 - July 2, Anaheim CA
http://www.angelman.org/angel/index.php?id=106 
The 2005 ASF National Conference will be held June 29 - July 2, in Anaheim California at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove.

National Down Syndrome Conference, July 7-10, Chicago IL
(From NDSS)
The NDSS National Conference is the country's premier conference on Down syndrome. The 2005 conference, "Imagine," will bring together parents, family members, professionals, teens and adults with Down syndrome, and siblings from across the country for education, networking, celebration and much more. This year's conference invites attendees to imagine the possibilities for the Down syndrome community - and how together we can make that potential a reality. The 2005 NDSS National Conference is presented in collaboration with the National Association for Down Syndrome, which serves the Chicago metropolitan area.
Why Should You Attend "Imagine"?
· Actively participate in helping to shape the vision of the future for people with Down syndrome.
· Learn best practices in education, health care, employment, community living and inclusion.
· Attend the Festival of the Arts 2005, featuring the many talents of people with Down syndrome.
· Learn from and meet top experts from around the country.
· Find out about the newest products, programs and services in the exhibit hall.
· Acquire the most up-to-date information on education, research and advocacy.
· Network with more than 900 conference participants.
· Learn about resources for babies, children, adolescents and adults with Down syndrome.
· Meet and network with hundreds of affiliate leaders from across the U.S.
Who Should Attend?
· Parents and family members
· Individuals with Down syndrome
· Siblings of individuals with Down syndrome
· Parent group leaders and advocates
· Educators and early intervention specialists
· Physicians, nurses and genetic counselors
· Psychologists, social workers and counselors
· Speech-language, physical and occupational therapists
Register online at https://programs.regweb.com/resourceone/ndss05/register/. 
For more information, visit http://www.ndss.org/content.cfm?fuseaction=NwsEvt.EvtConfNC. 

Classroom Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, July 19-22, Rapid City SD
The Center for Disabilities is presenting its Summer Autism Workshops, Structured Teaching and Classroom Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
July 19-22, 2005 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
This workshop will focus on individuals with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome.
http://www.usd.edu/cd/autismtrainings/summer05.cfm 

5th National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute, August 3-5, Chapel Hill NC
(Courtesy of NECTAC)
The Fifth National Early Child Inclusion Institute starts August 3rd in Chapel Hil, NC. Geared toward supporting inclusive environments for children from birth to age five, the institute offers speakers from NECTAC, PACER, CEC, and NCCIC, as well as presenters from the FPG Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill.
For more information, visit http://www.nectac.org/~meetings/InclusionMtg2005/mtghomepage.asp 

2005 National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH) Annual Conference, August 4-6, Honolulu HI
(Courtesy of NARMH)
The presentation tracts for this year's conference stretch beyond the customary and traditional mental health program areas, extending explicitly into the areas of dual diagnosis and forensic mental health services, with an emphasis on culturally based deliveries of care. The conference is fostering this effort to create greater dialogue among participants from the many sectors that touch people in need of mental health and substance abuse care and treatment, and to aide in dissolving some of the barriers to collaboration and integrated service development and delivery.
NARMH 2005 Conference Tracts:
· Systems Design and Management
· Child / Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
· Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program/Services
· State of the Art, New Bio-Medical Advances and Ethics
· Junior Rural Researchers Review
Conference details are available at www.narmh.org  or by calling (320) 202-1820.

Asperger Syndrome: Early Years and Beyond, September 12-13, Sioux Falls SD
Asperger Syndrome: Early Years and Beyond - Characteristics and Interventions
Presenter - Teresa Bolick, Ph.D. author of Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens and Teens Get Ready for the Real World and Asperger Syndrome and Young Children: Building Skills for the Real World
http://www.usd.edu/cd/autismtrainings/homepage.cfm 

Birth to three training, October 5, Sioux Falls SD
Early Brain Development, Relationships with Families & Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health