fall updates, workshops, and news feeds contents

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Issue 2 • October 2005 • www.pluk.org

Contents2 Upcoming Events4 PLUK Training Events5 Training Registration

Form6 Training and Events

Calendar9 Hurricane News10 Quality Matters11 Ideas & Answers12 Back Page

Fall Updates, Workshops, and News FeedsBy Dennis Moore, Executive Director

We just finished a complete revision of PLUK's Special Education Handbook for Parents in Montana. The genesis of the revision started from the December 2004 Re-authorization of IDEA (the federal law that mandates Special Education services for children) by Congress and the implementation that was announced this summer. Bob Runkel, Montana's Director of Special Education assisted PLUK with the revision process along with Doug Doty from Montana Office of Public Instruction. We appreciate both of them for helping with the changes and assisting PLUK with serving families in Montana. We're also kicking off some new training opportunities this fall including an Extended Workshop on Autism, featuring Germaine Suefert from Colorado. These are day long trainings with an in depth presentation on the topic. Others include sessions on ADHD, Financial Planning and Challenging Behavior, Challenging IEPs: Strategies for Parents and Schools. The last session features an old friend to families from Missoula, Mike Fredrickson.

If you are a regular visitor to the PLUK web site (http://www.pluk.org) you may have noticed some new features. We’ve added an entirely new technology, PLUK News Feeds. Right now there are feeds for News, PLUK events, Trainings, Resources, and Library Materials. If you haven't already checked it out, please do so and let us know what you think. Just go to the website and click onto “News Feed” links on our homepage. Explore the links and articles and check out the videos that are provided. We think you'll enjoy the feature.

We're excited about the technology and how it fits in perfectly with our mission to provide information and training to parents. It's an entirely new way to keep parents completely informed with all the current news and happenings in our world.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.” -- Charles Dickens

PLUK News feeds help you to find the information you need.

October 8, Kalispell

Kids (big and small) Dinosaur Workshop & An Evening - Featuring Montana’s own World Famous Paleontologist, John “Jack” Horner, Curator of Paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies Jack Horner, the famed Montana paleontologist will speak on October 8th in Kalispell at a workshop for kids and during the evening’s dinner. Mr. Horner spoke at a similar event for

PLUK in 2003 in Billings, and he drew quite a crowd, both at the workshop and the dinner. PLUK Executive Director Dennis Moore was quoted concerning the event, “Jack is a member of PLUK’s Honorary Board of Directors and wants to do what he can to help PLUK and our kids and families. It’s a real treat to hear him speak and talk about our state and its prehistoric past.”

For more information and to reserve tickets for the event, call PLUK’s Office at 800 222-7585. Space is limited for both events and we encourage those interested in attending to register soon. You may register online for both events.

PLUK Associate Boards Now Number 17 PLUK now has 17 active Associate Boards in Montana meeting and helping with the program’s growth. The newest of the groups are on the 7 reservations in the state. Most of the Boards now have officers including a Chairperson position. Groups meet as an average every month and have from 15 to 20 members. Associate Boards provide a voice from their regions of what is needed and what PLUK can do to assist. For information on the Board in your region or to join a group, call the PLUK office at 800 222 -7585.

2 Monthly Update October 2005 | www.PLUK.org

Monthly Update

Media Director: Roger HoltStory Editor: Elisabeth Mills,Emerald Scribe, http://www.emeraldscribe.com

Design: Rosanna Buehl, QBMMPublishing, http://www.qbmm.com

Circulation: 7,500

This is a publication of Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK), a private, nonprofit Montana organization founded in 1984 by a group of parents of children with special needs. Monthly Update is available in alternative formats by request.Principal OfficePLUK516 N 32nd StBillings MT 59101-6003

800-222-7585 (toll free )406-255-0540 (Voice)406-255-0523 (FAX)

[email protected]://www.pluk.org

Printed by Midland Printing inBillings • 259-0438

October 8, Billings

“A Fresh Canvas,” featuring Nationally Acclaimed Artist, Kevin Red Star - Art Workshop for Kids, Dinner, and Art Auction

For several years, Kevin Red Star, a nationally acclaimed Crow artist from Roberts, Montana has helped with donations to PLUK and the program’s auctions. Recently, he agreed to increase his involvement with PLUK and agreed to participate with a project in Billings on October 8th, 2005. This event will include a workshop for kids, where he’ll work with groups of young people to produce their own art. He’ll also participate in a dinner and art auction and speak to the audience, helping to raise funds for PLUK. The fall 2005 event is scheduled for October 8th with 2 workshops to be held during the day (one at 10AM and one at 1PM). In the evening, beginning at 6:00 PM there will be a dinner and auction (both silent and live) at the Billings

Sheraton, featuring an array of items. For more information or for tickets to either the Art Workshop or the Dinner/Auction, call PLUK’s office at 800 222-7585 or 406/255-0540 in Billings. Dennis Moore, PLUK Executive Director was asked about Kevin Red Star’s involvement with PLUK and responded, “We’re excited about Kevin helping and particularly excited about the event in October. Kevin genuinely cares about our kids and wants to do what he can to help PLUK.”

October 14, Great Falls

2nd Annual Old Fashioned Variety ShowSponsored by the Great Falls Associate Board of PLUK On October 14th PLUK Volunteers and members of the Great Falls Associate Board will hold their 2nd Old Fashioned Variety Show featuring an array of wonderful area entertainers. The show specializes in showcasing entertainers from the region—everyone from magicians to singers and dance troupes. The Old Fashioned Variety Show is set for October 14th at the University of Great Falls Auditorium starting at 7PM. Proceeds will benefit PLUK programs in the Great falls area. For more information or tickets, call PLUK’s office at 1-800-222-7585. Please call early to order or reserve tickets. Tickets are also available at the door.

November 8, Missoula

5th Annual “Magical Tymes Party” Sponsored by the Missoula Associate Board of PLUK

For the last five years, PLUK’s Associate Board in Missoula has held an exciting event in late fall to kick-off the Holiday Season and help PLUK with growth in that area. This year is no exception and the Board is busy planning the 2005 “Magical Tymes Party.” The event is set for November 8th and will be held at the Missoula Children’s Theatre, featuring the play Paint Your Wagon. The event will include heavy hors oeuvres, wine and cheese, both a silent and live auction and tickets to the play. It’s a wonderful event, fun for all and a great way to help PLUK with growth in the Missoula area. For more information or tickets to the “Magical Tymes Party”, call Linda at 251-3906 in Missoula or PLUK’s office at 1-800 222-7585.

February 10 & 11, Billings

2006 Sports FestivalSponsored by the Billings Associate Board of PLUK PLUK’s Planning Committee for the 2006 Sports Festival has already been meeting and planning details for the event. It’s set for February 10th and 11th with the Saturday portion of the Festival to be held at the Montana State University – Billings Athletic Building. Groups and activities are being lined up at this time and committee members are excited about the event. There will also be a Friday night Sports Celebrity Dinner and details, including the celebrities will be announced soon. Scott Harris, member of the Associate Board in Billings has agreed to chair the event for the 2nd year. This will be the 5th year PLUK has held the Sports Festival. Anyone interested in helping with the event should call PLUK’s office at 406 255-0540.

Monthly Update October 2005 | www.PLUK.org 3

Chris Horn, Kansas City Chiefs, was a special guest speaker at the 2005 Sports Festival.

“Ignorance, the root and stem of everything evil.” -- Plato


Upcoming PLUK Training Events For the most current information and to register, visit http://www.pluk.org/training/.

MissoulaOctober 6, 2005, Challenging Behavior, Challenging IEPS: Strategies for Parents & Schools presented by The Division of Educational Research and Service; Mike Fredrickson 10:00AM – 4:00PM (lunch on own), Quality Inn – 3803 Brooks Parents can help schools to work positively with their children. Understanding, communicating, and using positive behavioral support strategies to help students with disabilities or challenging behaviors become academically and behaviorally successful in school. (5 training hours)

KalispellOctober 14, 2005, Special Needs Financial Planning featuring a parent panel & Tom Adolph of Waddell & Reed Financial Services 10:00AM – 4:00PM (lunch on own), The Summit – 205 Sunnyview Ln A parent panel will discuss real world issues and their experience in financial planning. Professionals in the field of financial planning will present information on wills & trusts, guardianship, Special Needs trusts and issues surrounding financial security for families of children with special needs. (5 training hours)

BillingsOctober 18, 2005, Diagnosis Autism featuring Germaine Seufert, MA NBCC of Consulting Services for Children & Dr. Laura Nicholson, Developmental Pediatrician 9:00AM – 5:00PM (will include lunch), Sheraton Hotel Conference Center – 27 N 27th St There will be multiple speakers at this session covering different aspects of dealing with autism spectrum disorders. Germaine Seufert has worked in the Children’s Hospital in Denver and has over eight years of experience working with children with autism and their families. Dr Nicholson is a Developmental Pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic in Billings. She works across the state with families who have children with autism spectrum disorders. (7 training hours)

ADHD: Where We Stand Today (Three sessions in Browning, Billings & Miles City)October 20, Browning, Blackfoot Early Childhood Center, 517 S Peigan - 10:00AM – 4:00PM (includes lunch)November 16, Billings, Mansfield Center – 1145 N 30th St - 9:00AM – 4:00PM (lunch on own)November 17, Miles City Community College - 2715 Dickinson - 10:00AM – 4:00PM (lunch on own)Featuring Stephanie Luehr, PLUK Family Support ConsultantThese workshops will be humorous, upbeat, fast-paced, and it are designed to benefit both parents and professionals by providing the latest information and research on ADHD. (5 training hours)

Parent Scholarships: PLUK is offering a limited number of parent scholarships to cover registration fees. Please contact the PLUK office at 1-800-222-7585 to request an application.

Credit: We are happy to pursue accreditation for any of our participant needs. At present, the following credits are available: * Certificates of attendance for everyone * OPI renewal units for Montana Teachers * Montana Early Care and Education Career Development


Universal PLUK Training Registration Form(you may also register online at http://www.pluk.org/training/)

__ October 6, Missoula • Challenging Behavior, Challenging IEPs:

Strategies for Parents & Schools ($99)

__ October 14, Kalispell • Special Needs Financial Planning ($99)

__ October 18, Billings • Diagnosis Autism ($130)

__ October 20, Browning • ADHD: Where We Stand Today ($99)

__ November 16, Billings • ADHD: Where We Stand Today ($99)

__ November 17, Miles City • ADHD: Where We Stand Today ($99)

__ I am a parent and I would like a scholarship application.

Role: __Parent, __Educator, __Professional, __Other_____________

Organization

Name

Address

City State Zip Code

Phone

Email

Special Accommodations:

Total amount due: $_________

Check (Payable to PLUK, Sent to: 516 N. 32nd St, Billings, MT 59101-6003)

Credit Card (Payable by phone, call the PLUK Office)

Purchase Order

Send registration to PLUK, 516 N 32nd St, Billings MT 59101

Fax registration to 406/255-0523 or call 1-800-222-7585

Make copies of this form for additional registrations.


Sensory Integration Tool KitOctober 4-5 - HelenaPresented by Diana Henry, MS, OTR/L Ms. Henry demonstrates how user-friendly sensory integration and sensory processing enhance the environment by making it “sensory safe “ for students, parents, and teachers. Attendees will learn how to use chair balls in classrooms, daycares, and homes by participating during the hands-on lab work. To register, contact Debbie Olson at 406/324-2005. For more information on Diana Henry and Sensory Integration, visit her web site at: http://www.henryot.com/about.asp.

Early Brain Development, Relationships with Families & Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health October 5 - Sioux Falls SD This workshop will be presented by Christopher Watson, M.S., M.A. and Lillian Duran, M.A. from the Center for Early Education and Development at the University of Minnesota.http://www.usd.edu/cd/b3training/

“Diabetes Care in Montana 2005” October 6-7, Missoula Sponsored by Montana Diabetes Project; University of Washington School of Medicine; The University of Montana School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Services; and others Call 406-243-2094.

“Childbirth: Learning by Sharing”October 6-7 - Missoula 15th Annual Rocky Mountain Conference Sponsored by Community Medical Center Contact: Michelle Gnagey at 406-327-4153 or e-mail [email protected].

Behavior, IEPs and parents & schoolsOctober 6 - Missoulahttp://www.pluk.org/training/ Presented by The Division of Educational Research and Service; Mike FredricksonParents can help schools to work positively with their children. Understanding,

communicating, and using positive behavioral support strategies to help students with disabilities or challenging behaviors become academically and behaviorally successful in school.

“Looking through the Kaleidoscope” October 13-15 - Bellevue WA Washington Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference Call Janielle Harris at 253-854-2565 ext. 23, or 800-727-3107 ext. 23, or email [email protected]

Special Needs Financial Planning October 14 - Kalispellhttp://www.pluk.org/training/ Featuring a parent panel & Tom Adolph of Waddell & Reed Financial Services A parent panel will discuss real world issues and their experience in financial planning. Professionals in the field of financial planning will present information on wills & trusts, guardianship, Special Needs trusts and issues surrounding financial security for families of children with special needs.

The Division for Early Childhood ConferenceOctober 14-15 - Portland ORhttp://www.dec-sped.org/conference_05/about_the_conference.html The 21st Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families DEC’s Annual Conference is the place to learn about a wide range of important issues facing those who work with young children with special needs and their families. Participate in conference sessions, workshops, facilitated cracker barrel discussions, research roundtable discussions, poster sessions and more!

Montana Psychological Society Fall ConferenceOctober 14-15 - Chico Hot Springshttp://wtp.net/mpa/2005_fall_ce_conference.htm A Psychologist’s and Mental Health Practitioner’s Survival Guide to the Legal System: Bambi versus Godzilla or Detente?-

Training and Events CalendarThe following is a listing of training activities/events happening around Montana, nationally, and online. Parents who need financial assistance in order to attend trainings may apply for parent training grants through the PLUK office. For the most up-to-date calendar of training, visit the PLUK Training & Conferences Calendar link at http://www.pluk.org. Send us training information at [email protected].


October 14 - Chico Hot Springs (just one of the sessions to be presented) Dr. Schutz’ workshop will focus on the difficulties psychologists and other mental health professionals face in translating clinical reality into forensic reality when interacting with the legal system. Most practitioners receive little or no formal training on how to relate to the legal system, though contacts with attorneys and the courts are not at all uncommon in the course of a clinical practice and are integral to the practice of forensic psychology.

Closing The Gap - “Computer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation”October 18-25 - Bloomington MNhttp://www.closingthegap.com/conf/index.lasso#topics Assistive Technology resources for children and adults with special needs.

Diagnosis Autism: Resources and OptionsOctober 18 - Billingshttp://www.pluk.org/training/ Featuring local parents and professionals with - Germaine Seufert, MA NBCC of Consulting Services for Children Dr. Laura Nicholson, Developmental Pediatrician Multiple speakers will cover different aspects of dealing with autism spectrum disorders. Germaine has worked in the Children’s Hospital in Denver and overall has over eight years of experience with children with autism and their families. Dr. Nicholson is a Developmental Pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic in Billings. She works with families across the state who have children with autism spectrum disorders.

Reaching New Heights: Improving Student Outcomes in a Diverse WorldOctober 20-22 - Albuquerque NMhttp://www.dcdt.org/ DCDT National Conference -- 2005 Theme: “Reaching New Heights: Improving Student Outcomes in a Diverse World.”

The Council for Learning Disabilities Conference October 20-22 - Fort Lauderdale FLhttp://www.cldinternational.org/c/@SNAM2IhlhZDBw/Pages/conference.html “New Horizons in Learning Disabilities: Research-based Practice,” 27th International Conference on Learning Disabilities.

ADHD - where we stand todayOctober 20 - Browninghttp://www.pluk.org/training/ Featuring Stephanie Luehr, PLUK Family Support Consultant These workshops will be humorous, upbeat, fast-paced, and it is designed to benefit both parents and professionals by providing the latest information and research on ADHD. PEPNet Teleconference - Language and Literacy Programs for Students who are Deaf or Hard of HearingOctober 20http://www.pepnet.org/teleconfer.asp “Designing, Implementing and Managing Successful English Programs: Language and Literacy Programs for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Educational Settings”The purpose of this live teleconference is to provide English teachers, sign language interpreters, direct service providers, and administrators with proven practices in designing, implementing, and managing successful English programs. Panelists from around the country will share their own creative and experimental work experiences on what it takes to maintain a successful English literacy program for students with hearing loss in educational settings.

Transition Services in the Public SchoolsOctober 21 & November 1 Billings Transition Services in the Public Schools: A Look at Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for Students Age 16 and Older. Resources will include: Exploratory activities, community connections, books, videos, websites, and more! Topics to be covered: * What is Transition? * When should I begin Transition planning? * What is the public school’s role in

transition, including IDEA changes? * Who should be involved in transition

planning? * What does a quality transition plan look

like? * Futures planning or person-centered

planningTime: 10:00-11:15 amCost: *FreeLocation: Deaconess Billings Clinic Conference Rm 4, or by phone.Address: 2825 8th Avenue North Billings 59101 Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in learning about the transition process


Presenters: Sandy Taylor, Bobbie Thurston and Erin CartwrightCall Sandy or Bobbie to register @ 1-800-222-7585 or 255-0540.Email Sandy or Bobbie at [email protected] or [email protected] materials here: http://www.pluk.org/Pubs/training/Transition_08-18-2005.pdf.

Mainstreaming Students with Hearing LossOctober 20-21 - Gallaudet Universityhttp://www.clarkeschool.org/mainstreamfall.html. The Mainstream Center at CLARKE School for the Deaf presents 26th Annual Fall Conference on Mainstreaming Students with Hearing Loss: “Empowering Students” October 20-21, 2005, Sheraton Springfield Hotel One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA A conference designed for: Teachers of the Deaf, Audiologists, Parents, Consultants, Classroom Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, School Administrators, SPED Teachers, Oral Transliterators/Interpreters, Adjustment Counselors, Cochlear Implant Therapists, Psychologists, Early Intervention Specialists, Guidance Counselors, Tutors/Classroom Aides, and Graduate Students.

DIBELS in an Outcomes-Driven ModelMissoula - October 25-26http://www.cspd.net/. This seminar will provide the conceptual framework about the big ideas in early literacy, dynamic indicators and how the pieces and decisions work together. Participants will learn how to implement the decision- making model as well as receive an introduction on the administration and scoring of the DIBELS measures Finally, the presenter will discuss how to use the DIBELS data collection for decision making at the systems level. Sponsored by Region V Comprehensive System of Personnel DevelopmentContact: Nancy Marks at [email protected] or 728-2400 ext 1088, visit the website http://www.cspd.net/.

“Hope, Resiliency, and Success: AD/HD Interventions for a Lifetime” October 27-29, Dallas, TXhttp://www.chadd.org/webpage.cfm?cat_id=14 The CHADD conference--to be held Oct. 27-29 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel--will offer educational opportunities crucial to supporting individuals facing AD/HD and to professionals who want to enhance their skills and treatment of the disorder. The 2005 CHADD Conference will provide value at its best, with new programs, topics and speakers. Along with continuing education credits (CEU and CME), attendees can take advantage of local and global networking, professional/business opportunities and the most comprehensive trade show of AD/HD products and services.

“Opening Doors: An Invitation to Learn and Celebrate Together,” October 27-29 - Boise IDhttp://previewmysite.com/cp-of-idaho.com/home/cpi/terry/conference_web/Conference_Home.htm A conference focusing on providing information and training in the areas of: Disability Awareness - Mental Health Issues - Employment Services - Developmental Disability Services for Children and Adults - Professional and Personal Growth - Leadership and Supervision - Self Advocacy - NEW: Early Childhood Services track Annual Training Conference, sponsored by Community Partnerships of Idaho and Idaho Council on Developmental DisabilitiesContact: Patricia Scott at 208-376-4999 ext. 225 or visit the website.

ZERO TO THREE: National Training InstituteNovember 4-6 - Washington DChttp://www.zerotothree.org/nti/ 20th National Training Institute - KEEPING BABIES ON THE MAP - Progressive Policies, Cutting-edge Research and Innovative Practices NTI is considered the premiere training event for professionals who focus on early care, health, and education. It attracts over 1,500 people from across the nation and the world, who come together to advance their learning, interact with top experts in the infant/family field, and connect with a vital network of colleagues from coast-to-coast.


Autism and Disorders of Relating and CommunicatingNovember 9-13http://www.icdl.com/training/ Featuring the following panels:* Can Autism Be Prevented? Reliable Early Indicators and Safe and Effective Preventive Interventions * Biomedical Interventions to Improve Memory, Cognition & Language * New Findings on Immunology and Autism * Emerging Neuroscience, Brain Imaging and Genetic Findings * Integrating the Best of the Best: Using the DIR/Floortime Model as a Framework to Organize Different Interventions into a Comprehensive Approach that Meets the Unique Needs of Each Child and Family. * The ICDL Diagnostic Manual: Pinpointing and Mobilizing the Building Blocks of Language, Sensory Processing, Learning, Thinking and Social Skills * Learning Communities and Learning Relationships: For Older Children and Adults with ASD * Understanding Families: Turning Challenges Into Strengths.

Hurricane news...

How You Can Help The Victims Of Hurricane Katrina

http://www.redcross.org/ or 800-HELP-NOW

By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005

Relief, the Red Cross can provide shelter, food,

counseling, and other assistance to those in

need.

Hurricane Help for Schools

http://www.ed.gov/news/hurricane/index.

html

Providing Supplies for Schools Serving

Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina

Many schools are accepting students who

cannot attend their own schools because of

Hurricane Katrina. If your school is serving

students displaced by the hurricane and if

you need books, clothes, or other supplies,

please state what you need. The name of your

school, its address, and what you need will be

posted on the What Schools Need page.

Mississippi Emergency Shelter Available For Hurricane Victims with Autismhttp://www.nationalautismassociation.org/press090305.php Toccopola, MS - Peg Pickering, the mother of an autistic child, has offered to provide emergency housing for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders at Camp Yocona in Toccopola, MS.

Medicaid Actions To Help Katrina Stricken Areashttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1546 For questions about Medicare please call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit http://www.medicare.gov The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has acted to assure that the Medicare, Medicaid and State Childrens Health Insurance Programs will flex to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the Hurricane Katrina devastated states. Many of the programs normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children and persons with disabilities who depend

upon them.

Medicaid and Medicare waiver between states housing

hurricane survivors!

There will be a waiver between all of the

states housing hurricane survivors who were

already receiving Medicaid to have their

Medicaid accepted in their current location.

HUD Establishes Single Toll-Free Number

(1-888-297-8685) To Help Disaster Victims

With All Housing Concerns

Katrina Disaster Relief Information for People with

Disabilities and people who want to help them

http://katrinadisability.info/

This page will include information for

people with disabilities who need help and

also information for those who want to help

people with disabilities and need to know

how.

Quality Matters

TRIC/PLUK Library Available to Everyone in Montana

The TRIC/PLUK Library is a health sciences library that provides free access to disability related information. The Library contains various books, curricula, DVD’s, software, and videos. Stop in at the PLUK main office, give us a call, or e-mail us with your library requests.

October Features:

Autism Is A World Autism Is A World is a documentary about a girl named Sue Rubin, who is autistic. Sue was diagnosed and treated as mentally retarded until the age of 13 when she began to communicate using a keyboard. Now she is a junior in college. This DVD will take the viewer on a journey into Sue’s mind, her daily world and her life with autism.

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy This book will teach you how to plan, prepare, organize, and get quality special education services. You will also learn about:

• Your child’s disability and educational needs• Creating a simple method for organizing your child’s file• Devising a master plan for your child’s special education• Roles of experts: consultants and independent evaluators• Writing SMART IEP goals and objectives• Using test scores to monitor your child’s progress• Understanding parent-school conflict – why it is inevitable

and how to resolve it• Creating paper trails; writing effective letters• Writing persuasive “Letters to the Stranger”• Using worksheets, agendas, and thank you letters• Strategies to improve meeting outcomes• Negotiating for special education services

Other Wrightslaw books in the Library: Wrightslaw: Special Education LawWrightslaw: No Child Left Behind


Phone or email the TRIC/PLUK library if you would like to check out these items.

The TRIC/PLUK Library is open Monday-Friday (8AM – 5PM)

Call Toll Free with your requests,

800-222-7585 or email [email protected]

The Top Ten Hot Topics are:

ADD/ADHDAutism CurriculaDeaf/BlindEmotional Disorders Infant/Toddler/

Preschool Learning Disabilities Parenting Software Technology

Please call 1-800-222-7585, or email the TRIC/PLUK Library at [email protected], if you would like to check out these featured items or other resources.


Ideas and Answers (Note: We have left the original spelling and punctuation in this letter intact to demonstrate that learning disabilities can be a multigenerational family concern.)

Q: Im the mother of a 18 year old son he has a learing disability he reads at a primary leavel he has only been living with me for the past year and im so frustrated with the spical edd school system. iv all but given up on the school helping my son thy tell me it will take to long to teach him to read i cant seam to get any help for him. He is a seinor this year and im cocernd about his future, i need help to find a way to help him read or some tecknolage that will enable hin to read and funtion normaly in this world he is a bright happy child, but he is in a new school,town and has no friends yet. I feel like he is not going to have much of a future if i cant find a way help him.

A: This is a very frustrating position to be in and, unfortunately, one of the most common issues we deal with. Well over 50% of our calls will involve struggles with reading and writing because of a learning disability. It sounds as though the school is struggling and may also need some assistance. Luckily, because he has qualified for special education services, there are a number of things that can be done for your son.

1. If you believe the current program is not successful, then you have the right to call an IEP meeting to discuss your concerns.

2. Review and discuss his records, testing and interventions. What has been successful for him in the past and are theses strategies being used now?

3. If there is not enough information, you have the right to ask for an independent evaluation to gather additional information on possible interventions for your son. This can include technology to assist with reading.

4. The IEP team can also ask for additional training for the staff that works with your son in the strategies that may be effective.

5. Since he is 18, he now qualifies for adult services. Contact your regional Vocational Rehabilitation services office to qualify him for services. Bring them in to work with the team.

The goal is to find successful strategies and implement them so that reading is not a barrier to him achieving his life goals. Because he is able to read, just not to his intelligence level tells me that he has to work hard to decode regular print. Is it easier if the print is larger? Modify the print, the environment (lighting, noise, etc.) to see what makes a difference. How does he learn? Does he like to listen to books being read? This kind of information is important. It’s possible that all he needs is a quiet place with no distractions or overhead lights. Or he may need to “listen” to his books on tape. Because he is happy and bright says a lot about his attitude. Give him the right tools/strategies and he should be able to do anything he chooses. Reading shouldn’t be a barrier.Some excellent online resources are:http://www.ldonline.org/ http://www.schwablearning.org/worried.asp

Q: My son is bi-polar and has many emotional problems because of the bi-polar disease. We recently did an IEP and the school said that it was more appropriate for him to be labeled ED vs OHI. He meets criteria for both. In your opinion and experience what is the best label for my son to receive the proper education assistance. Would the information on his current IEP apply? Should we just change the label?

A: In most cases, the qualifying label isn’t that important since it does not refer to the child, only the areas of need. The goal is to qualify, the specific term doesn’t restrict services—it just lets you in the door. A good example is a child who qualifies under Visually Impairment and Learning Disabilities. The student would receive educational assistance for both needs regardless if the qualifying term is Visual Impairment or Learning Disabilities. The IEP addresses student needs in all areas. Identifying a student in each category of disability for which the student meets the criteria is useful for the IEP team in designing an educational program to meet that student’s educational needs.

If you have questions/concerns about your particular situation, just call 800-222-7585 to speak with one of our Family Support Consultants.

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October 8, Billings“A Fresh Canvas,” featuring Nationally Acclaimed Artist, Kevin Red Star - Art Workshop for Kids, Dinner, and Art Auction

For several years, Kevin Red Star, a nationally acclaimed Crow artist from Roberts, Montana has helped with donations to PLUK and the program’s auctions. Recently, he agreed to increase his involvement with PLUK and agreed to participate with a project in Billings on October 8th, 2005. This event will include a workshop for kids, where he’ll work with groups of young people to produce their own art. He’ll also participate in a dinner and art auction and speak to the audience, helping to raise funds for PLUK. The fall 2005 event is scheduled for October 8th with 2 workshops to be held during the day (one at 10AM and one at 1PM). In the evening, beginning at 6:00 PM

there will be a dinner and auction (both silent and live) at the Billings Sheraton, featuring an array of items. For more information or for tickets to either the Art Workshop or the Dinner/Auction, call PLUK’s office at 800 222-7585 or 406/255-0540 in Billings. Dennis Moore, PLUK Executive Director was asked about Kevin Red Star’s involvement with PLUK and responded, “We’re excited about Kevin helping and particularly excited about the event in October. Kevin genuinely cares about our kids and wants to do what he can to help PLUK.”

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