CESA #1 FamilyEducator Link Newsletter: 10/08/13

The upcoming months hold many opportunities to participate in learning events to enhance your knowledge of Special Education in Wisconsin in order to help your child or the children you serve in their education journey. There is a nice variety of online learning events, in-person workshops and conferences. Please take a moment to see what is available for families and educators in Wisconsin. Past newsletters can be found at: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/newsletter.cfm. If you learn of events or information that you would like to share with others, please contact Amy Elfner, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator, at aelfner@cesa1.k12.wi.us or 262-787-9500 ext. 9564.

Communication Options for Families

Options Available if You Have Questions or Disagree with a Decision of the School Families and schools have a "built-in" partnership with the child as the focus. This partnership will grow when families and school staff work together. Disagreements may happen, but working together improves your childs education. The Communication Options for Families document will help parents determine who they can talk to when questions and disagreements arise. The document is found on the CESA #1 SPED Parent Education Network webpage at: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/parent_Education_network.cfm

Find a District Family Engagement Liaison

Many school districts in the CESA #1 area have local parents trained to be a resource for families in their school District, they are referred to as District Family Engagement Liaisons (DFELs). A DEFL is a parent in your school district who has a child with a disability and has received training in the area of IEPs, Transition from high school to the adult world, and Communication. A DFEL can be a valuable resource and connection for parents and staff in a school district. A current list of CESA 1 area District Family Engagement Liaisons can be found at: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/parent_Education_network.cfm

WORKSHOPS, TRAININGS, WEBINARS & MEETINGS

CESA #1
http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us

AppyLand: A Voyage thru Apps for Children Ages Birth to 8

This hands on workshop with demonstrate and explore the use of the iPad for the very young child. Apps will be demonstrated in the areas of: speech and language development, cognitive skill development, songs, fine motor, literacy, alternative communication and more. Presented by Paula Walser, CESA #6 Please bring your own fully charged, iOS device for this workshop When: November 6, 9:00 am-3:30 pm Where: CESA 1; N25 W23131 Paul Rd, Pewaukee, WI Cost: $55/person; Click Here to Register.

Serving on Groups that Make Decisions: A Guide for Families

Gain strategies and build understanding to help families confidently and actively participate in a decision making group. Workshop is open to all. Presented by Cheri Sylla, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator When: November 7, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Where: CESA 1, N25 W23131 Paul Rd, Pewaukee, WI Cost: FREE; Click HERE to register

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Nuts & Bolts of IEPs

Families DO need to understand the Individual Educational Program (IEP), the vehicle by which their son or daughter is entitled to services and supports through their school district. They need to understand how the IEP is structured, what rights and responsibilities all parties have, what they can do to work proactively in partnership with school staff, and finally, if they disagree with the school, what they can do to resolve the issue. Presented by Cheri Sylla & Amy Elfner, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinators When: November 14, 9:00 am-11:00 am, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm OR 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Where: CESA 1, N25 W23131 Paul Rd, Pewaukee, WI Cost: FREE; Click HERE to register

Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative

www.wspei.org Parents in Partnership/Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment Trainings Parents In Partnership is a Leadership Development Opportunity for Parents of Children with Disabilities PIP is a statewide program in which a group of parents and other caregivers meet together five times during the year to: share their family stories, challenges, joys and triumphs of raising their children. At PIP participants will learn about community and statewide resources for children with disabilities; explore issues around health, education, policy making, legislation, inclusion, self-determination, family well-being, and IDEA Special Education Law Registration is now open! For 2013-2014 date and location information, or to register, visit: www.wspei.org or Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_par_partn._

Wisconsin DPI
http://dpi.wi.gov Frequently Asked Questions about Making SLD Eligibility Decisions, updated The updated document, Frequently Asked Questions about Making SLD Eligibility Decisions, has been posted at http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_ld. In anticipation of the upcoming sunset on the significant discrepancy criterion, we are updating the SLD Technical Guide for Eligibility Determination and the SLD criteria checklists and forms. We will let you know when these are available

What You Need to Know About the Common Core State Standards
http://commoncore.dpi.wi.gov/what-you-need-know-about-common-core

Transition Improvement Grant www.wsti.org Transition Coordinator Meeting

Parents are welcome! Please join us for our Transition Coordinator Meeting. Target audience is any special education staff and supporting agency staff working with transition aged youth. For registration and agenda details, please see: http://www.wsti.org/e-news/2013/08/08/tcnmtgagenda10082013 When: October 8, 2013 8:30-3:30\ Where: Jefferson Inn, Wausau, WI

Elmbrook Schools Transition Network

The Elmbrook Family Transition Network was established as a means for families to gather together to learn about resources and network with each other on topics related to the transition of students with special needs out of the school system. Questions regarding this network should be directed to Megan Rindal, Transition Coordinator, rindalm@elmbrookschools.org or (414) 587-5982.

Special Education Transition Resource Fair

Over 30 agencies/colleges in attendance, along with two breakout sessions: 6:00 to 6:30: UW-Milwaukee and WCTC, along with DVR will present the differences in policies and accommodations between high school and college. 10/07/13

7:00 to 7:30: A representative from the ADRC and Waukesha County family care agencies will discussion long-term care options and access When: Wednesday, October 23rd, 5:30-8:00pm-, Where: Brookfield East High School Fieldhouse Meetings for the rest of the year will take place at 6:00pm at the Elmbrook Central Administrative Offices Board Room at 13780 Hope St., Brookfield Wednesday, November 20th- Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) web overview by Megan Rindal Wednesday, December 18th- Tentative topic: Housing supports and options in Waukesha County Wednesday, January 15th- Panel of local students who access support services at colleges, along with some local college providers who work with students with disabilities Wednesday, February 19th- Employment panel with DVR and local employment support service providers Wednesday, March 19th- Guardianships/Trusts- (Meeting in room 173 at CAO, not Board Room)

Parents United www.parentsunitedwi.org

Parents United is a consortium of Waukesha County school districts that have joined together in providing high quality speakers on a wide variety of educational topics. Open to parents and professionals, the programs are developed based on input from the Special Education and Pupil Services directors from the sixteen districts. For a complete listing of the 2013-2014 programs, please visit the website above. Daytime Programs 9:00 11:30 a.m. All daytime programs to be held on Wednesdays at Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI unless otherwise stated October 9, 2013: Using the iPad Purposefully Free Apps Built in Capabilities Accommodations Readability Presented by: Brian Yearling, M.Ed, Instructional Technologies Integrator, Special Ed Coordinator for AT & SLP Patty Hovel, MS, CCC-SLP, School District of Waukesha November 13, 2013: Anxiety & Its Effects on School Performance School Attendance Phobias Physical & Psychological Issues Presented by: William Schacht, MS, LCSW, Tracy Pritzl, PsyD, BCBA-D, Performance Enhancement Health Services, S.C. Evening Programs 6:00 8:30 p.m. All evening programs to be held on Tuesdays October 15, 2013: Positive Coping Skills How to Help Your Child Build Resilience and Navigate Safely Through Life Presented by: Suzy Roundy-Schmidt, LCSW, Cornerstone Counseling Services

WI FACETS www.wifacets.org
Registration is required for all workshops. Contact Sandra McFarland: 877-374-0511 or smcfarland@wifacets.org. Requests for any special accommodations must be made at least two weeks before the event. WI FACETS-sponsored workshops are free. Some stipends may be available to parents to help support their attendance at WI FACETSsponsored workshops (to help with child-care, transportation).

FREE Telephone Workshops

10/8 Response to Intervention, 12-1pm 10/9 How to Record Special Education Services in the IEP (I-9 Form), 12-1pm 10/10 WI Special Education Mediation System & Facilitated IEPs, 12-1pm 10/07/13

10/14 Challenging Behaviors: Next Steps Part II (Early Childhood Workshop), 12-1:30pm 10/15 Early Childhood and Assistive Technology, 12-1pm 10/16 What is Disability Rights Wisconsin & How Can DRW Assist?, 12-1pm 10/17 Programa de Educacin Individualizado (IEP) Parte I, 12-1pm. 10/19 Sexuality and Puberty, 11am-12pm, Milwaukee Support Group, Autism Support Group, 12-1:30pm, WI FACETS Office, Milwaukee 10/22 Assistive Technology Information for Families, 7-8pm 10/23 Guide to the New On-line Postsecondary Transition Plan, 12-1pm 10/26 Grupo de Autismo: Cmo Preparar a su Hijo para la Vida Adulta, 10am-12pm. Oficina de WI FACETS Milwaukee 10/30 Family Involvement and Transition, 12-1pm

Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin www.chw.org Guardianship 2013 Workshop -Plan for the Future of Your Youth with Special Needs
This hands-on Transition Workshop is for parents and caregivers of youth who need a legal guardian when they turn 18. Presented by Attorneys Kristin Occhetti, Quarles & Brady, and Rock Pledl, Pledl & Cohn. The court process and legal forms will be explained, but participants will not be able to seek answers for the individual situation. RSVP by October 4 to: SERC@chw.org or 414-266-3188. When: Saturday, October 12 8:00 am-11:45 am Where: Childrens Hospital Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wi

Parents Place www.ppacinc.org

Parents Place is a family resource center for families with children ages 0-18. Parenting is a tough job and a tremendous responsibility. All families can benefit from sound parenting information and support. Registration required for all classes: www.ppacinc.org

Love & Logic on Tuesdays, October 1-22, 2013 from 5:30-7:30pm Parenting: The Early Years/Born Learning on Wednesdays, October 16-30, 2013 from 5:30-7:00pm Social Skills/Self Esteem on Tuesdays, October 15-29, 2013 from 5:30-7:00pm
Adult Anger on Mondays, November 11-25, 2013 from 5:30-7:30pm Kids Managing Anger on Tuesdays, November 5-26, 2013 from 5:30-7:00pm The Nurturing Program on Mondays, November 4-25, 2013 from 5:30-7:00pm The Perfect Storm on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 6:00-7:30pm

Family Voices of Wisconsin

www.fvofwi.org Did you know? Now you know! This training provides a comprehensive overview of health care and coverage, community supports and service and resources for children and youth with disabilities from birth through young adulthood: Columbus, October 22, 5:30-8:30 pm. Contact sbreitbach@waisman.wisc.edu or 800-532-3321 Lacrosse, November 7 5-8 pm. Contact Rose at rmarsh@co.chippewa.wi.us or 800-400-3678 To learn more about the training go to the Family Voices website -fvofwi.org/training-and-events/about-our-trainingspresentations/

Foro Latino
Celebrating Families of Children with Special Needs Your Family is invited to the 11thAnnual Foro Latino. Completely in Spanish(Interpreters for English speakers available upon request) Introduction to Special Education Services; Community/Medical Resources for children with special needs Strategies for Managing Behavior; IEP Process; Childrens activities Dinner, Door Prizes, Music& Lots of Fun. To register or for more information, please call (414 643-0022) When: Friday, November 8, 2013, 4:30 PM-8:30 PM Where: South Division High School, 1515 W. Lapham Blvd. 10/07/13

IndependenceFirst www.independencefirst.org
New Directions: Ozaukee County Support Group for People with Disabilities. Coordinator-in-charge: Leah Simmons, Lead ILS Coordinator, (414) 937-5913 or lsimmons@independencefirst.org When: Meets the 1st Friday of the Month; October 4, November 1, December 6, 10:00-11:00 AM Where: Family Enrichment Center, Conference Room E, 885 Badger Circle, Grafton, WI 53024

Blackhawk Technical College, Human Resource Diversity Deptarment

http://www.blackhawk.edu/ Saturday-Oct. 12 (The Hope Institute of Uganda) Out of Africa will have an event here from 12-3:00 in the North Commons. Tuesday-Nov. 5: Native American Grammy award artist, musician, speaker, Bill Miller will perform at 5:00-in Commons. Monday-Nov. 11: Brian King, father of 3 sons w/autism and he is a cancer survivor will speak on autism at 11:30 in the Triangle room Tuesday-Nov. 12: Susan OHalloran, diversity consultant will present the Diversity of Religions at 4:00 in the Commons Wednesday-Nov. 13: Andre Kohn will present Cultural Competence and Racial Micro-aggressions at 5:00 in the Commons Thursday- Nov. 14: Paul Gorski a professor at George Mason University will present Moving from Diversity Awareness to Action at 5:00.

CONFERENCES
We are More Alike than Different: Strategies for Leadership and Success Institute for Learning Partnership 15th Annual Fall Conference Free no cost to attend! Register online: www.uwgb.edu/learnpart For more information contact Juliet Cole of the Institute for Learning Partnership at (920) 465-5094 or colej@uwgb.edu When: October 17-18, 2013 Where: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311-7001

24th Annual Children Come First Conference

Who should attend? Anyone caring for, working with or interested in the well-being of children and youth with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health or substance use challenges. Scholarships may be available, on a limited basis, to parents and primary caregivers involved in the day-to-day care of a child or adolescent with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health or substance use challenges. Registration is open! http://fs11.formsite.com/wifamilyties/2013CCF/index.html When: November 11th, 2013 Where: Stony Creek Inn, 1100 Imperial Ave., Rothschild, WI, 54474 You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations Phone: 715-355-6858 Fax: 715-355-0913. Link to hotel website: http://www.stoneycreekinn.com/hotel/travel/wausau/home.do. Tell them you are part of the Children Come First Conference. You must call by October 13th to receive the discounted room rate of $70 per room, per night.

Wisconsin APSE 2013 Annual Conference Employment FirstLets Go!

This year we are featuring a pre-conference of interest to both employers and employment service providers - Pam Brown of Manpower, Inc. will be conducting an afternoon session entitled, "Teachable Fit - A New Approach for Easing the Talent Mismatch". We will also have national APSE's HR Connect coordinator, James Emmett, as our keynoter. We also are very pleased to feature a free evening Transition Information Session for students and parents with representatives from DVR, DHS and DPI as well as parent leaders. To register for the PreConference and/or Full Day Conference :Click this link: http://www.regonline.com/wiapse2013 When: October 16 & 17, 2013 Where: Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 10/07/13

Autism Society of Wisconsin Fall Conference All Kids Can Succeed: Effective Interventions for Behavioral and Social Challenges Presented by Jed Baker
Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, an organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. He is on the professional advisory board of Autism Today, ASPEN, ANASWER, YAI, the Kelberman Center and several other autism organizations. In addition, he writes, lectures and provides training internationally on the topic of social skills and managing challenging behaviors. Registration Autism Society Member Rate: $120; Regular Rate: $150 Register Online When: October 16, 2013 Where: Kimberly, WI

2013 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference The Six Degrees of Self-Determination

This year's conference theme, Six Degrees of Self-Determination, uses the idea that we are all connected and we can use our connections to accomplish something good. Self-Determination is strong in Wisconsin and self-directed supports are one of the most creative tools available for individuals with disabilities to get the support they need to get the life they want. Who should attend? Adults and transition-aged youth with disabilities and their family members, service providers, educators, state employees, IRIS staff, MCO staff, ADRC staff, county staff, and support brokers. When: October 29-31, 2013 Where: Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells, WI Click HERE to register. Click HERE for conference agenda

2013 Across the Lifespan Conference

We are excited to announce the new collaboration that has formed to bring Wisconsin the exciting concept of CoConferencing. Wistech, WI-AHEAD, and the Department of Health Services have joined together to bring you one conference, one location, one exhibit hall, 40+ educational sessions and workshops with hundreds of networking opportunities. Attendees, presenters and exhibitors will all benefit from our collaboration. As the title implies, Across the Lifespan targets all age groups. This includes PK-12, post secondary education, adulthood and seniors. Our attendees represent the fields of assistive technology, education, case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and rehabilitation counselors. Students of these professions, consumers and family members also make up a fair share of our attendees. When: November 14 & 15 Where: Glacier Canyon Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Cost: Registration fee to attend the conference is $75.00. Visit: http://www.atacrosslifespan.org/ to register Vision Forward Connections Conference What: The Vision Forward Connections Conference is an opportunity for you to connect with teachers, parents, and agencies in the field of vision loss. Attached you will find the agenda for the conference. We have also included a summary of each session that is available as well as a short biography of each presenter. When: Saturday, October 26, 2013; 9:30 am 3:30 pm Where: Vision Forward Association, 912 N. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI 53213 Cost: $4 per person or $10 per family of 3 or more Please sign up online at VisionForwardConnections.eventbrite.com When you register, you will be entered in a drawing for a fabulous prize. For each guest you bring, you will be entered into the drawing again. The more guests you bring, the more prizes you will be eligible for. Please sign up by October 15th. We hope to see you there!Questions or concerns? Contact: Kathryn Brzakala, Teacher of Visually Impaired (414) 615-0166 or kbrzakala@vision-forward.org

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WEBSITES, Online RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Pacer Center, Champions for Children with Disabilities http://www.pacer.org/
Promotion of Healthy Relationships and Sexuality for Individuals with Disabilities This FREE fact sheet promotes healthy relationships and debunks myths about sexuality in relation to individuals with disabilities. It provides background information, facts, and resources, and also discusses solutions and promising steps in promoting healthy sexuality for individuals with disabilities. Published by the Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (MN LEND) at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota. Available on the Web at http://lend.umn.edu/docs/LEND-FACT-sexuality.pdf

ADDitude Magazine www.additudemag.com 11 Tips for getting your childs teacher on your side http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/27/slide-1.html Wrightslaw www.wrightslaw.com Frequently Asked Questions about IEPs
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.disputes.popup.htm

The CADRE Caucus

http://www.directionservice.org/cadre News from the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) The Caucus periodically updates you on new features and resources found at the CADRE website and in the world of special education conflict resolution. Working Together: Building Improved Communication: Included are short videos, a study guide and related resources on Listening Skills, Understanding Positions & Interests, and a module titled, The Tale of Two Conversations, which was developed in collaboration with the Office for Dispute Resolution in Pennsylvania. http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/modulemap.cfm Effective IEPs, Tested Tips: This brief document offers suggestions for convening successful IEP meetings. It includes preparation tips for parents and educators : http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/testedtips.cfm Steps to Success, Communicating with your Childs School: This brief publication offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school: http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/success.cfm Educating Our Children Together: This brochure offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school.: http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/EducatingOurChildren_01.cfm A current listing of resources, helpful websites and local organization information is available on the CESA #1 Family Engagement website: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/program_resources.cfm The CESA #1 Parent Educator Link Newsletter is published approximately monthly. CESA #1 is not a legal agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. We do not endorse any treatments, providers, or product information in this newsletter. As with any program for your child, parents are encouraged to thoroughly check out references when enrolling their child in any program. Any information contained in this newsletter is not intended as legal advice but only for informational purposes. Submissions from parents and professionals are welcomed. Questions regarding any information in this newsletter can be directed to: Amy Elfner CESA #1 WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator 262-787-9500 ext. 9564 or aelfner@cesa1.k12.wi.us 10/07/13