Archived 2005 - 2006  Announcements & Events

Complete the Special Education (SPED) Unit Allocation Personnel Request forms for the 2006 Summer Services Program. Determine the unit allocations and related services needed in order to staff the open receiving/clustered summer centers.

Download the flyer above to read more details and view our winning teams!

Click here to read/download IDEA Family Forum Flyer

Click here to read/download IDEA Family Forum Registration Form

For additional information on each site, click on the link above or call Allison Cruz-Mitchell, toll-free at 800-580-7801, or via email at allisoncm@fddc.org.

Download flyer for additional information.

Download the flyer for additional information.

Play and Say! A Developmental Learning Group from June 5 - July 14, 2006

Mind - Body Program from June 17 - August 9, 2006
 

FOR WHOM:      Children and adults with developmental, sensory, and/or physical disabilities.

Because the need will surely be greater than the amount available, please submit the names of those with the greatest needs.

FOR  WHAT:       Emergency funding for: Rent/mortgage assistance, Utilities (electric, gas, water, telephone). Food (including supplements and formula). More limited funding is also available for diapers, supplies, and other essentials such as clothing.

ELIGIBILITY:    Individual receiving assistance must reside in Miami-Dade County.

 These funds are available from more than one funding source, and other eligibility requirements vary.  Based on the information provided, CCDH staff will identify all sources of funding for which the individual and/or their family may be eligible.

REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY BY FAX OR E-MAIL, AND WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THE FORM BELOW.

TIME SENSITIVE REQUESTS (E.G., EVICTION NOTICES, FPL FINAL NOTICES, ETC.) WILL RECEIVE PRIORITY.  

Download form

Pre-conference registration for the conference will begin February 14, 2006. There is no conference registration fee.  For information regarding the content of this message, please contact Kathy Burton at: Kathy.Burton@fldoe.org

Download the Florida Department of Education memo for additional information.
 

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute is currently accepting applications for the 2006 Ford CHLI Leadership Program. We are seeking eight highly-qualified university students to participate in our intensive six-week program, which will run from June 17 to July 29, 2006. Application deadline is Friday, April 14, 2006. Please distribute the attached application materials to your respective contacts. Applications may also be downloaded on the CHLI website (www.chli.org).

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Buia at Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute at mbuia@chli.org or at 202-429-2033.

Eight college students will be selected to participate in the 2006 Ford Motor Company CHLI Leadership program.  Participants will travel to Washington, D.C. to take part in a six-week internship program consisting of professional leadership development workshops while learning about local and state government, federal government, national advocacy organizations, and policy development.  Interns will have the opportunity to interact with appointed and elected officials, as well as other community members and leaders from across the country. 

To apply, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents of Hispanic or Portuguese Origin

• Be residents of and/or attending college in the following states: California, Florida, Texas or Puerto Rico

• Be enrolled in an accredited four year college/university or two year community college

• Submit a completed application form, personal statement, legislative analysis, resume, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts

The program will start June 17, 2006 and end on July 29, 2006. Compensation will be provided in the form of Air fare and housing accommodations during Washington, D.C. stay, $2,000 stipend and Metro card provided for transportation.
 

St. Thomas University offers a Master’s Degree in Special Education that prepares candidates to teach in Exceptional Student Education (K-12) classrooms.  As part of their Master’s degree students may choose to complete a Reading Endorsement, ESOL Endorsement or a Gifted Endorsement.  The program can be completed in one year. 

St. Thomas University offers two summer sessions of six weeks each.  The first summer session begins:    May 15, 2006 and ends June 24, 2006.  The second summer term begins:  June 26, and ends August 05, 2006.  If you are interested or would like additional information contact:

Dr. Walter Cegelka, ESE Graduate Coordinator& State Liaison Officer, Education Department, St. Thomas University  at  (305) 628-6576 or via e-mail at  wcegelka@stu.edu
 

The conference will be targeting families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing students to allow them to explore options available for them as well as future employment opportunities for their Deaf/Hard of Hearing child. Speakers will be sharing experience as a Deaf person working in their field. This conference will show parents and the Deaf/Hard of Hearing students that they can work at a meaningful job after graduating from high school.

If you plan to attend, please contact:

Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Sarah Harris sharris@ccdhh.org or Family Center on Deafness training@familycenterondeafness.org

Download additional information.

Friday & Saturday, May 12 - 13, 2006
Emerald Coast Conference Center in Okaloosa Island, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

Course Description
This outstanding 2-day conference, will provide the latest knowledge in improving the lives of people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Informational Flyer

Miami-Dade Autism Speaks Invites you to join us for a very special upcoming event:
 

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 help us celebrate the success of the 2005 Miami-Dade Walk
at the Annual Jimmy Morales & Team Nora Karaoke Challenge at Mosaico & Selero Restaurant
(the former Firehouse) located on 1000 South Miami Ave. (in downtown Miami)
Awards will be given out at this event to this year's Top Teams
Click Here to download a flyer

Autism Speaks is proud to announce The 2007 Miami-Dade Autism Speaks Walk Chairs: Jimmy Morales, Thomas Whitehurst and Dr. Michael Allesandri

Miami-Dade Walk is moving to February in order to move away from hurricane season!
The Miami-Dade Walk for Autism Research is set for Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, mark your calendars early and save the date!  (2007 Walk Registration will begin the end of May) 
 

Miami-Dade Autism Speaks Invites you to join us for two very special upcoming events 
 

Saturday, May 6, 2006 
be part of the first South Florida AFL-CIO/Autism Speaks Golf Classic at Miami Springs Country Club
Click for More Information 

Download flyer for additional information.

The International Dyslexia Association Florida Branch presents its 2006 Annual Conference - Spring into Literacy: Reading, Research, Dyslexia on April 30 and May 1, 2006 at the West Palm Beach Marriott Hotel

The conference is for parents, educators and all professionals involved with individuals with learning disabilities.   The featured speakers are Dr. Sally Shaywirz,  Dr. Bennett Shaywitz and Dr. Joesph. Torgesen who are highly recognized experts in the field of reading disabilities.

Download the flyer for additional information.
 

Excellence in Early Childhood: Raising the Bar

Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Colonnade Hotel, 180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables,

Featuring dynamic breakout sessions in English, Spanish and Creole

and keynote addresses from NAEYC Deputy Executive Director, Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D.

and Jose Luis Orozco.

Receive Inservice Training Hours or Continuing Education Units towards CDA Renewal or

Master Plan Points towards Teacher Recertification.

For info call Carol Montealegre 305.461.2645 or Rita Turk 305.936.1580. Make checks payable to South Florida Association of Young Children. To avoid a late fee, registration information must be postmarked on or before 4/14/2006.
Mailing Address: c/o Diane Goldman * 442 Madeira Ave.* Coral Gables, 33134

Download Flyer for additional information.

The workshop will provide training on how to implement a social skills instructional model developed by Dr. Bellini. The workshop will integrate research on social-emotional functioning with practical and effective strategies for teaching social skills to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The five-step model provides a systematic and comprehensive framework to guide parents and practitioners in the development and implementation of social skills programming.

Scott Bellini is the Assistant Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is also a licensed psychologist working in a private practice where he develops and delivers social, emotional, and behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with ASD.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Jeannie Bowles at UF Jacksonville CARD ~ Ph: 904-737-5239 ~ Email: jeannie.bowles@jax.ufl.edu

Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/UFJAX-Belliniflyer-042706.doc

The Children's Clinic sponsors upcoming lectures on Sensory Integration

18001 Old Cutler Road, #368  Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
(305) 251-7477

Parents or General Audience…

Learn what Sensory Integration is, how to identify a child’s specific sensory needs, and what can be done at home or school to help a child’s behavior, attention, and learning.

Monday, April 24, 2006

6:00-7:30pm

Sensory Planet Gym @ Healis Rehab Center

Cost:  $5 (can pay at the door but must pre-register)

Pediatric Therapists or Teachers…Part II

(Note: attendance to part 1 lecture is beneficial, but not required)

Get a hands-on application of Sensory Integration techniques that you can use in the clinic or natural setting. Learn problem-solving strategies for SI treatment or creating sensory diets.

Please wear comfortable clothes for activity participation.

Friday, April 28, 2006

11am-1pm

Sensory Planet Gym @ Healis Rehab Center

Cost:  $10 (can pay at the door but must pre-register)
 

This workshop is geared toward parents, family members and others who interact directly with children who engage in challenging behaviors. The presenter will outline a process for determining why children engage in challenging behaviors and then present some practical ways to help support positive behaviors. The majority of this workshop will be devoted to teaching audience members how to use specific techniques to teach new skills and shape appropriate replacement behaviors. The following topics will be discussed: (1) How children learn behaviors; (2) What challenging behaviors may be communicating to others,  (3) Using children’s natural routines and interests to teach new behaviors, and (4) Supporting your children’s positive behaviors in everyday life. A question and answer session will follow.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Jeannie Bowles at UF Jacksonville CARD ~ Ph: 904-737-5239 ~ Email: jeannie.bowles@jax.ufl.edu

Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/UFJAX-Gabouryflyer-042206.doc

Marilyn Volker, sexuality educator for the past thirty five (35) years, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Sexology and an Associate Fellow of The American Academy of Clinical Sexologists. She sits on the faculty of four South Florida universities – University of Miami, Florida International University, St. Thomas University, and Barry University.

Learner Outcomes:

• Identify 2 common myths regarding sexuality and autism/related disabilities
• Cite 4 components of sexual identity of ALL individuals
• List 3 major concerns for students/adults with autism and sexuality
• Discuss 3 specific strategies for each of the above concerns
• Recall 2 resources helpful in addressing sexuality concerns.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Lisa Roll at UF Gainesville CARD ~ Ph: 352-846-3455 ~Toll Free: 800-754-5891 ext 5 ~ Email: lisa.roll@mbi.ufl.edu

Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/UFGV-Volker-042106.doc

The 2006 You Make a Difference! Awards for Teachers Who Practice Inclusion

The Florida Developmental Disability Council, Inc. is proud to present the Third Annual “You Make a Difference” Award.

The award ceremony will be held in June 2006, in conjunction with the Quarterly Meeting of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, at the Embassy Suites Miami International Airport, 3974 NW South River Drive, Miami, FL.

The "You Make a Difference" Award recognizes teachers, teaching teams, administrators, assistants, therapists, and others, in Florida public and private schools that practice inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in the classroom and in other educational setting.

This year we’re starting earlier so that parents and others who wish to nominate their favorite candidates will have plenty of time to complete the nomination forms and send them in.   For criteria and nomination forms, click here. All nominations forms must be received by April 14, 2006.

If you have any questions about the awards, please contact Education Task Force Program Manager Allison Cruz-Mitchell at 1-800-580-7801 or by email at allisoncm@fddc.org
 

FREE Regional Training Opportunities

• April 13, 2006
  Enhanced Milieu Teaching: Parent- Implemented Communication Interventions for Young Children with ASD

Presented by Dr. Ann Kaiser

9:00 – 4:00 pm Registration 8:30 – 9:00 am

Holiday Inn Select

316 West Tennessee Street

Tallahassee, Fl 32301

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe current empirical research base for Enhanced Milieu Teaching for children with ASD

• Discuss key Enhanced Milieu Teaching strategies including environmental arrangement, responsive interaction, and milieu teaching strategies

• Identify the purpose and philosophy of the KIDTALK parent training model

• Discuss empirical research for parent-implemented language interventions

• Define key KIDTALK parent training strategies for teaching parents including analysis of home environments, goal setting with families, and the design of interventions that work for individual families

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Renee English at FSU CARD ~ Ph: 850-488-4072 ~Toll Free: 800-769-7926 ~ Email: renglish@mailer.fsu.edu

Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/FSU-Kaiser041306.pdf
 

Miami-Dade Business Leadership Network offers Turning Diversity into Dollars: The Many Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Hilton Miami Airport, 5101 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, FL 33126

Download the flyer for additional information.
 

FREE Regional Training Opportunities

April 5, 2006
 

Multi-Modality Supports for Communication, Cognition and Play: Strategies for Young Children on the Autism Spectrum

Presented by Linda J. Burkhart, Technology Integration Specialist

9:30 am – 4:30 pm : Registration starts at 9:00 am

Hernando Elementary School - Multi-purpose Room

2353 N. Croft Ave

Hernando, FL 34442

Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/UFGV-Burkhart-040506.doc

This full-day workshop provides state-of-the-art methods for teaching language and communication skills in the classroom. These scientifically-validated methods are the most effective means of teaching these critical skills to children with language delays. This workshop will provide participants with a complete understanding of the “Verbal Behavior” approach as well as how to implement the strategies in a classroom setting. This workshop is appropriate for autism support staff, teachers, behavior specialists, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, parents of children with language delays, and other professionals.

Download flyer for additional information.
 

• April 1, 2006
  
  Asperger Syndrome: Learning Strategies from Beginning to End
  Presented by Ketty Patiño Gonzalez Ph.D., Diane Adreon, M.A., & Jennifer Durocher, Ph.D.

This training is for educators and parents interested in information about Asperger Syndrome, common learning problems associated with Asperger Syndrome, and school and home based interventions. Issues related to the impact of executive functioning and learning will be discussed.  In addition, a panel discussion will be held at the end with all of the presenters.

Presentation Titles:
“Common Learning Problems in Autism and How to Solve Them” – Ketty Patiño Gonzalez, Ph.D.
“Building Skills for Real Life” – Diane Adreon, M.A.
“Starting, Organizing, and Finishing Tasks: The Importance of Executive Functions” – Jennifer Durocher, Ph.D.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Ashley Shugar at UM-NSU CARD ~ Ph: 954-262-7770 ~ Email: shugar@nova.edu

Download the flyer for additional information.
 

Parent Leadership Development Project (PLD) is hosting a Family & Friends Picnic

Date:  Saturday, April 1^st, 2006
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Kendall Indian Hammocks Park
Address:  11395 SW 79th Street Miami, FL   33173
Cost:  $ 5.00 Per Family

RSVP before March 28, 2006 to  Maryann Gonzalez     (305) 815-6195, (305) 225-9154 or Tanya James  (305) 302-0301, Email:  Thehitman071@peoplepc.com 

P.S. Don’t forget your bikes, scooters, skates, and any fun activity you would like to bring to the park.  Picture time is from 12:00 to 2:00pm. Food will be served from 11:00 to 1:00pm.  There will be a bounce house, face painting, and many other fun activities.

The UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI joins Galerie D’Art Nader in presenting ArtAbilities Collection: Promoting the abilities of children with disabilities on Friday, March 31, 2006

Reception: 6:00 PM TO 10:00 PM with a $10 donation at the door

1911 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,  Coral Gables, Florida Telephone: 305-444-1720

For more information visit http://www.galeriedartnader.com/

Session B: A Medley of Findings Regarding Early Childhood Issues will take place on March 17, 2006 and includes the speakers: Dr. Jeff Brosco,  a Developmental Pediatrician and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Ms. Paula Lalinde, Director, Training Division, MCCD, UM, Ms. Michelle Schladant, Associate Director, Training Division, MCCD, UM and Dr. Carole Fox Abbott, a  psychologist and long time advocate for young children with special needs.  The session highlights include a discussion of the primary findings from an early childhood study conducted by UM, the impact of the research findings on our community; four ways in which programs can increase family involvement and the accountability systems in place to measure them.

For your review and convenience we are enclosing, by attachment, the Agenda for Sessions A and B as well as the registration form for your completion.  You are also able to access this information on line at: http://pediatrics.med.miami.edu/mailman/medical_issues.htm

 The registration form and your payment is mailed to:

 Wanda Denise Castro

Medical Issues and the Growing Child Conference

Mailman Center for Child Development

1601 NW 12th Avenue

Room 2008A

Locator Code: D-820

Miami, Fl   33136

• March 17, 2006
  
  Multisensory Learning Environments for Special Populations
  Featured speakers include Rick Rader, MD, Jason Staal, Ph.D., Linda Messbauer, MA, OTR/L, Gillian Hotz, Ph.D. and others

This one-day workshop will feature a series of speakers discussing the benefits of multisensory learning environments for special populations including those with autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation, traumatic brain injury and dementia. This workshop is open to all educators, but is geared particularly towards those in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and special education.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Jose Antonio Muñoz at UM-NSU CARD ~ Ph: 305-284-3722
Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/UM-%20Rader%20Staal%20etc%20%2003%2017%2006.doc
 

Download informational flyer

Download Registration Form
 

Download flyer for additional information.

The Parent Academy and the Office of Community Education and School-Age Childcare are sponsoring Read Across Miami, a FREE evening for families to celebrate the joy of reading, on Friday March 3rd, at the Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  The Families Building Better Readers workshop will be offered, Tootsie the Clown will perform her Dr. Seuss show, and Arts for Learning will conduct Arts for Literacy storytelling activities. All areas of the museum will be open for families to explore and enjoy.

For more information, please call The Parent Academy office at 305-995-2680.

Download additional information.

Download the 2005-06 Application Form

“Information Sharing Forum” Tuesday, February 28, 2006 from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm at NOVA Southeastern University, North Miami Beach Campus located at 1750 NE 167 Street, Rooms: 172 & 173

Atte   Representatives from several agencies will be available to discuss eligibility criteria, share information, and answer individual
          questions about their services.

D      

          Download additional information. (English)

          Reunión para Compartir Información (Español)

For more information, please call The Parent Academy office at 305-995-2680.

Download additional information.
 

Download the flyer for additional information.
 

Session A: Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disorder and an Intervention that Works will take place on February 17, 2006 and features the presenter Diane Adreon, Associate Director, University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Ms. Adreon will discuss the stops on the autism spectrum and how having a   child with autism impacts the family.  In addition, Roni Bader-Tables, Executive Director, Prekindergarten Program for Children with Disabilities and Paula Leticia Grundy Blair, Teacher for Prekindergarten Children with Disabilities, MDCP-S will describe the components of LEAP (Language Enrichment Activities Program), a successful inclusionary, intervention program for children with autism.

Session B: A Medley of Findings Regarding Early Childhood Issues will take place on March 17, 2006 and includes the speakers: Dr. Jeff Brosco,  a Developmental Pediatrician and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Ms. Paula Lalinde, Director, Training Division, MCCD, UM, Ms. Michelle Schladant, Associate Director, Training Division, MCCD, UM and Dr. Carole Fox Abbott, a  psychologist and long time advocate for young children with special needs.  The session highlights include a discussion of the primary findings from an early childhood study conducted by UM, the impact of the research findings on our community; four ways in which programs can increase family involvement and the accountability systems in place to measure them.

For your review and convenience we are enclosing, by attachment, the Agenda for Sessions A and B as well as the registration form for your completion.  You are also able to access this information on line at: http://pediatrics.med.miami.edu/mailman/medical_issues.htm

 The registration form and your payment is mailed to:

 Wanda Denise Castro

Medical Issues and the Growing Child Conference

Mailman Center for Child Development

1601 NW 12th Avenue

Room 2008A

Locator Code: D-820

Miami, Fl   33136

• February 16, 2006
  
  Helping Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Communicate , Presented by Rebecca Klaw, MS, Med.
  
  This workshop is designed for teachers who work with the full range of students who have the diagnosis of Autistic Disorder, PDD/NOS and Aspergers Syndrome. The characteristics of autism will be described and the development of communication and social skills in children with autism as contrasted to neurotypical children will be discussed. Throughout the day, visual strategies as well as other proactive means of building communication and social skills will be presented. The day will end by introducing a handful of teaching strategies and/or activities that can be done in inclusive classrooms, in small group environments, or one-on-one. Videotapes will be used for illustration.

Learning objectives:

• Participants will become familiar with the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including the common challenges in communication, social relatedness, restricted interests and sensory differences. 
• Participants will learn about the development of communication in typically developing children and how this compares to what is usually seen in children with ASD.
• Participants will understand the need for each child to have access to a suitable communication system and how to go about facilitating communication in children with significant disabilities.
• Participants will understand the particular communication and social needs of the more able child with ASD.
• Participants will become familiar with a variety of activities that can be used in the school for bolstering communication.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Tanisha Dobney at USF CARD ~ Ph: 813-974-6168 ~ Toll Free: 800-333-4530 ext 46168 ~ Email: tclarke@fmhi.usf.edu

Flyer and registration form: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/USF-Klaw%2002%2016%2006.doc

Assistive Technology ... as defined by legislation is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with disability.”

Download flyer for additional information

Family Educational Fair as an informative event for the Haitian families of children with special needs is being sponsored by the Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resource Systems - South, Parent Services on February 11, 2006 at Toussaint L'ouverture Elementary from 2:00 - 6:00 PM

Download the flyer for additional information.
 

• February 10, 2006

Building Social Relationships: A Systematic Approach for Teaching Social Interaction Skills to Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Presented by Scott C. Bellini, Ph.D.

Training Description: Workshop will provide an overview of a social skills instructional model recently developed by Dr. Bellini at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism.  This session will provide the participant with conceptual information on social functioning, as well as practical strategies for implementing a social skills program.  The session will begin by providing relevant information on the social-emotional characteristics of children and adolescents with ASD.  A five-step model of social skills instruction will be presented which provides the framework and rationale for the selection and delivery of intervention strategies.  Participants will be given strategies for identifying and analyzing typical social skill deficits in students with ASD.  Participants will also be provided information on the use of effective social skills strategies for individuals with ASD.

Target Audience: autism teachers, resource teachers, inclusion teachers, speech language pathologists, and parents

Scott Bellini is the Assistant Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) at Indiana University, Bloomington.  He is also a licensed psychologist working in a private practice where he develops and delivers social, emotional, and behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with ASD. 

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Irene Mazloom at UCF CARD ~ Ph: 407-737-2566 ~ Toll Free: 888-558-1908~ Email: ucfcard@mail.ucf.edu

Download the flyer and registration information: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/Bellini.doc
 

SHOWCASING ABILITY AND EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES begin Monday, January 30: 10:00am to 11:00am and 11:00am to 12:00pm Room 4207, the M. J. Taylor Lounge:  To kick off our celebrations, two distinguished people with disabilities will share their experiences and provide some tips on how to succeed as a person with a disability.

Download the flyer for additional information.

Breaking Down Barriers: Accessible Informational technology Workshops for Parents of Students with Disabilities and Other Interested Parties. The Disability Independence Group (DIG), Miami & The Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, Atlanta, Georgia with Sponsorship from the South Florida Center for Independent Living.

PARENT WORKSHOPS

                  January 25, 2006            West Dade Regional Library

                                                                   9445 Coral Way

                                                                   6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

                  January 26, 2006              North Dade Regional Library

                                                                   2455 NW 183^rd St.

                                                          6:00 PM – 8:00 PM      

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Contact: Shanti Aaron at shantiaaron@bellsouth.net or (305) 717-0013

Download flyer for additional information.

Announcing the 13th Annual CARD Conference on January 21-22, 2006 at the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza in Tampa, Florida.  The Pre-Conference Day is scheduled for January 20, 2006

For more information visit the CARD-USF web page at http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu and click on the link at the bottom of the page that will take you to the flyer.

You can also go directly to the flyer and download a PDF version of the flyer at:
http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/FullPageAdd.pdf

If you have any questions, contact Donna Casella at dcasella@fmhi.usf.edu or 813-974-6168. We will see you all in Tampa in January.
 

January 21 2006 at the Half Pint Learning Center in Gainesville, FL

Free Lunch and Free Child Care will be offered.

Download the flyer for details.
 

Download flyer for additional information.
 

• January 9, 2006

Autism and Asperger Syndrome: Classroom Strategies that Really Make a Difference
Presented by Elisa Gagnon, M.S. Ed.

Elisa Gagnon, M.S. Ed. is a consultant, author and speaker specializing in Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. She has over 15 years of experience working with this population of children and is currently a consultant with Blue Valley Schools in Overland Park Kansas. She is the author of This is Asperger Syndrome (with Brenda Smith Myles) and Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism.

Learner Outcomes:

• Identify Characteristics of Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• Become familiar with practical, research-based strategies to teach vital social and academic skills
• Understand how to significantly reduce tantrums and meltdowns
• Become familiar with visual supports including social stories, power cards, and "smoosh books"
• Become familiar with the Asperger Advantages
   

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Leannis Maxwell at UF Gainesville CARD ~ Ph: 352-846-3455 ~ Toll Free: 800-754-5891 ext. 5 ~ Email: Maxwell@mbi.ufl.edu

Download the flyer and registration information: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/UFGV%20-%20Gagnon.doc

• January 9, 2006

Developing Pragmatic Language Skills for Social Interaction
Presented by Elsa Abele, CCC, SLP

This workshop will discuss the needs of children with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, and other related disabilities who are in need of services to increase their skills in social communication, or pragmatic language, so they can succeed in school.  The emphasis is on training professionals in working with students who need to learn social communication skills in an explicit manner from a language perspective.  The material will cover diagnosis of social communication deficits, goal setting, and infusion of the principles into regular classroom settings.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Debbie Leach at FAU CARD ~ Ph: 561-297-2055 ~ Toll Free: 888-632-6395~ Email: dleach@fau.edu

Download the flyer and registration information: http://doepartnership.usf.edu/trainings/FAU-Abele.doc
 

Download the flyer for additional details.
 

• January 2, 2006 - 8:30-3:30

Setting Up a Classroom Using the Pyramid Approach to Education
Presented by Anne Hoffman, M.Ed.

Location: Fruitville Elementary School Cafetorium              
               601 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL  34232

The Pyramid Approach to Education is a step-by-step approach to developing environments that blend motivational systems with functional activities and creative communication strategies.

This dynamic presentation provides educators with many practical examples for setting up and running an effective classroom for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Pyramid Approach to Education is reviewed and participants learn to apply these components to the classroom. Topics include physical set up of the room, use of reinforcement systems, determining appropriate lesson formats, and data collection. In addition, many organizational tips are provided so that materials are accessible to students/staff, and schedules are in place for students/staff.  Participants will leave with easy to implement strategies that will improve any educational environment.

Participants will learn to define staff roles and responsibilities to improve classroom management and how to organize the classroom setting and materials to improve educational performance. 

Who should attend: Administrators, teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals working with students with autism and other developmental disabilities.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Tanisha Clarke-Dobney at USF CARD ~ Ph: 813-974-6168 ~ Toll Free: 800-333-4530 ~ Email: tclarke@fmhi.usf.edu

Download flyer for additional information.
 

Download flyer for details.

Download the flyer for additional information.

Download the flyer for additional details.

Download flyer for details.
 

The Able Trust is currently accepting applications for the Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a unique leadership program that will take place July 20 – 23, 2006, in Tallahassee. Fifty current high school sophomores and juniors who have disabilities will be selected as delegates for the forum. The YLF, which is co-sponsored by The Able Trust and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, is designed to bring together young people with disabilities with leadership potential and help prepare them for the future. 

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, December 9, 2005.  For more information about the Florida Youth Leadership Forum, visit www.floridaylf.org.

Download 6 page information packet.
 

December 9, 2005

Training Description: The ILAUGH Model of Social Cognition helps to demonstrate how social processing difficulties for students with Autism and Asperger Syndrome impact not only social skills, but also the ability to work as part of a group and focus on specific academic tasks.  Training will address assessment, IEP goal writing and treatment strategies.  This workshop is noted for its depth in explaining WHY students with social skills difficulties have related academic challenges, which impact them across their school day and home day.

Target Audience: This training is appropriate for autism teachers, resource teachers, speech language pathologists, and parents.

Michelle Garcia Winner is a speech language pathologist specializing in treatment of students with social cognitive deficits including Asperger Syndrome and Autism.   She is the author of “Inside out:  What Makes the Person with Social Cognitive Deficits Tick” (2000) and “Thinking About You, Thinking About Me (2002).  Michelle has presented world wide; this is her first Central Florida training.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Irene Mazloom at UCF CARD ~ Ph: 407-737-2566 ~ Toll Free: 888-558-1908 ~ Email: ucfcard@mail.ucf.edu

Download the flyer and registration information         

National Inclusive Schools week Teacher's Expo 2005 is scheduled for December 7, 2005 5:00 - 7:00 at Signature Gardens 

Calling all inclusive teacher teams!

Want to show off your great work?  Come and be part of the 5th annual National Inclusive Schools Week Teachers' Expo on December 7, 2005 for a presenter's application please email Cathy Orlando at corlando@dadeschools.net
 

A series of programs sponsored by the Alliance of Families With Deaf Children and the Broward County Library
System is starting.   The programs will offer signed stories for children up to about 12 years old, as well as literacy programs and workshops.  For more information, contact Jennifer Jones at 954-370-1145 or via e-mail at jennifer@affwdc.org3

The first one is Saturday, December 3^rd, 2005 at the BCC South Library in Pembroke Pine.  The topic of the first parent workshop is “Behavior Management and Communication Tips."

 Download flyer for additional information.
 

Download Press Release
 

November 17, 2005

The school environment poses many challenges for students with AS or HFA. When school personnel are provided with an understanding of why these difficulties take place, it is often easier for them to understand and implement specific strategies to address these challenges. This workshop will focus on helping school personnel see the school day through the eyes of the individuals on the spectrum. Practical strategies for teaching this population will be presented. Areas covered will include teaching academic content, determining appropriate accommodations, providing social and organizational supports, increasing motivation, and reducing the likelihood of problem behaviors.

Diane Adreon, M.A. has over 24 years of experience working with individuals with autism, PDD-NOS, Asperger's Disorder and their families. Since 1993, Ms. Adreon has served as Associate Director of the UM CARD. Ms. Adreon is coauthor (with Myles) of Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success. Ms. Adreon has presented nationally and internationally on Asperger’s Disorder, as well as having authored several articles on this subject.

For questions specific to this training, please contact Stephanie Lamb at FSU CARD ~ Ph: 850-488-3514 ~ Toll Free: 800-769-7926 ~ Email: stephanie.lamb@comm.fsu.edu

Download the flyer and registration information      
 

Breaking Down Barriers: Accessible Informational Technology Workshops for Parents of Students with Disabilities and School Personnel

Presented by The Disability Independence Group (DIG), Miami & The Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, Atlanta, Georgia with Sponsorship from the South Florida Center for Independent Living

                 November 15, 2005          North Dade Regional Library

                                                                   2455 NW 183^rd St.

                                                                   6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

                  November 16, 2005          West Dade Regional Library

                                                                   9445 Coral Way

                                                                   6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

 TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact: Shanti Aaron at shantiaaron@bellsouth.net or (305) 717-0013

Download complete flyer.
 

November 14, 2005 

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities require early intervention to maximize their potential for learning now and in the future. It is imperative that the early intervention services provided be intensive and customized to the special needs of each individual child. It is essential that behavior deficits and excesses are properly evaluated and that treatments are based on the function of the behavior. This presentation will focus on developing an understanding of autism and related early intervention services.  Developing classroom assessment tools and Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) will be a focus of the presentation as well.  The presentation will also address how to teach social skills needed by children with autism to enable them to be incorporated into a typical classroom, and it will explore dealing with challenging behaviors often associated with autism.

For questions specific to this training, please contact Jeannie Bowles at UF Jacksonville CARD ~ Ph: 904-737-5239 ~ Email: jeannie.bowles@jax.ufl.edu

Download the registration and additional details.
 

November 4, 2005     THIS IS A RESCHEDULED DATE!!!

This presentation will focus on historical information regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders with a biological explanation of brain development in individuals with this diagnosis. Definitions and distinctions between Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome will be drawn while emphasis is provided on identifying key issues of sensitivity in students/individuals with Asperger’s. Information provided will include areas to monitor, educational implications, social/behavioral treatment options as well as an explanation as to

thought processes of individuals with Asperger’s /Autism. An additional comparison of boys and girls with Asperger’s will also be presented as it relates to understanding and treatment options. Finally, resource options/ideas will be discussed.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact Stephanie Lamb at FSU CARD ~ Ph: 850-488-3514 ~ Toll Free: 800-769-7926 ~ Email: stephanie.lamb@comm.fsu.edu

Download the flyer and registration information

Download the flyers for additional information. 
Registration Form
Participant Profile Form

Download flyer for additional information.

THIRD ANNUAL INSTITUTE, Building a Livable Community for ALL

Monday, October 31st, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel

400 SE Second Avenue

8:00AM - 3:30PM

Miami-Dade’s human service systems share the same challenge that all human service systems confront; the fact that our human service system is in fact, as The Rockefeller Institute’s Mark Ragan put it, “a patchwork of local programs, each with its own goals, rules, bureaucracies, funding mechanisms, and service delivery processes…it is a mix of ‘stovepipe’ or ‘silo’ programs and services, many serving the same populations, but with little direct interaction, sharing of information, or coordination.” 

As it stands today, Miami-Dade individuals and families do interact with multiple service agencies, caseworkers, intake forms, different locations with differing eligibility criteria with little to no interagency coordination.  Strategies and lessons learned that begin to move human service systems toward greater collaboration and integration will be the topic of Mark Ragan’s keynote presentation at the October 31^st Alliance for Human Services’ Annual Institute.

All Abroad the I & R Express
A Conference for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers of Children with Special Needs

Saturday, October 22, 2005
West Hernando Middle School
14325 Ken Austin Parkway
Brooksville, FL  34613

Download the flyer for details.
 

Download flyer for details.
 

• October 28, 2005

Social Interventions for Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders ...Presented by Gail McGee, Ph.D.
Participants will:
- Become familiar with social skills training targets and strategies for preschool children with ASD.
- Be able to describe 2 strategies for promoting interactions between typical peers and children with autism.
- Be able to increase opportunities for social peer interaction and social programming in their existing classrooms.

This training is appropriate for Pre-K autism teachers, VPK and VE Pre-K teachers who have or may have students with ASD in their classrooms, providers of early intervention (Part C) and parents of children under 6.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact UCF CARD ~ Ph: 407-737-2566 ~ Toll Free: 888-558-1908 ~ Email: ucfcard@mail.ucf.edu

Download the complete flyer for further details.
 

Shake-A-Leg Miami is located 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove FL, (located on the water’s edge of Biscayne Bay, in the same parking lot as Monty’s restaurant).  Other artists will be joining this art exhibit in donating a portion of the proceeds of their sales to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.

 Download flyer for additional information.
 

Florida Symposium on Early Childhood Hearing Loss is being held September 29 - October 1, 2005 in St. Agustin, FL.  This is a large, extremely informative conference that is held at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine.  Scholarships are available. 

Download the flyer for additional details.
 

Download flyer for complete details.
 

This is a daylong conference for parents of children with disabilities.  Parent can expect to cover a wide range of topics, from dealing with challenging behaviors to enhancing social skills and learning at-home reading and mathematics teaching tips. The event is for adults only.

The keynote speaker is Tim Piccirillo, a sometime-comedian, college graduate, author and career coach who was born with Tourette's syndrome.

Pre-registration is recommended. Cost of $10.00 includes materials, lunch and parking. Call 754-321-2211 for additional information.
 

• September 20, 2005

‘Real World’ Help for Teaching Social Communication Skills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Preschool and Elementary Settings...Presented by Mary Brown & Pam Dwyer
Children with ASD need intensive focus on social language skills. The recent surge of information that has become available on teaching this population can make it difficult for

teachers to figure out what is needed and how to incorporate it into the daily routine. This workshop is designed to provide ‘Real World’ strategies for teaching social and

communication skills to young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This forum will provide activities and ideas that are easily incorporated into daily classroom schedules thus

providing social communication success for all students.

Mrs. Dwyer is a prekindergarten teacher working with children with ASD in an inclusive setting. Mary Brown is a practicing speech and language pathologist who has specialized in teaching social and pragmatic skills to children with ASD. Both presenters will provide information on practical and effective ideas for incorporating visual strategies, social skill development, and communication development into the ongoing school day.

This workshop is appropriate for teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, parents, or others working or living with young children on the autism spectrum.

Download Flyer
For Questions specific to this training, please contact Stephanie Lamb at FSU CARD ~ Ph: 850-488-3514 ~ Toll Free: 800-693-7872 ~ Email: stephanie.lamb@comm.fsu.edu
 

It will be a very busy days with lots of information for the parents and fun activities inside Parrot Jungle for the children in childcare.

Download the flyer in English

Download the flyer in Spanish / Informes en Español
 

2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL.
Pre-Concert Lecture at 3:00PM.  The concert begins promptly at 4:00PM.

Download the complete flyer for further details.
 

• September 6, 2005

Preparing Students with Disabilities for Real Work in the Real World ...Presented by Dale DiLeo
Participants will learn current best practices available in Florida to support career choices for people with disabilities, including career planning and preparation, job development, and on-the-job support using natural supports. The presenter will describe quality supported employment services, outcomes in terms of business benefits for employers, and lifestyle enhancement for youngsters with disabilities. He will discuss the role of agencies, schools and employers to maximize the promise of community jobs for all people with disabilities.

For Questions specific to this training, please contact USF CARD ~ Ph: 813-974-6168 ~ Toll Free: 800-333-4530 ~ Email: tclarke@fmhi.usf.edu

Visit their website for additional information.
 

• August 26, 2005

Asperger’s Syndrome
Presented by Timothy P. Kowalski

For Questions specific to this training, please contact: USF CARD  Ph: 813-974-6168  Toll Free: 800-333-4530 Email: tclarke@fmhi.usf.edu and/or download the Informational Flyer

*If you have difficulties downloading these flyers, please contact Tanisha Clarke-Dobney at 813-974-6168 or tclarke@fmhi.usf.edu.

• August 12 - 13, 2005

Sibshop Training
Presented by Don Meyer

For Questions specific to this training, please contact: Zory Sanchez at UM CARD  Ph: 305-284-6872 and/or download the Informational Flyer

• NEW!! August 15, 2005

Bridges to Adulthood for Learners with Autism & Related Disabilities: Targeting Skill Development for Future Environments

Presented by Dr. Peter Gerhardt

For Questions specific to this training, please contact: UCF CARD  Ph: 407-737-2566  Toll Free: 888-558-1908  Email: ucfcard@mail.ucf.edu and/or download the Informational Flyer

CEC Grant Application

CEC Project Proposal Data

2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove (just North of Grove Harbor Marina hangars, on the water) .

Download flyer for additional information.

•  Transitions for Secondary Students

•  Foundations/Introduction to Special Education

• Advanced Strategies in Mental Retardation

• Management and Motivation

These courses are sponsored by the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services to assist teachers seeking initial ESE K-12 certification or renewal of a professional certificate.  You may download a copy of the Virtual ESE Distance Learning Program flyer.

Download the flyer today!

March 2005 Newsletter

Courses toward a State Endorsement in Severe Disabilities will be offered this summer in a joint program between UF, FSU, and USF (and possibly other campuses). Distance education courses will be available for teachers interested in information in severe disabilities.

REVISED Download informational flyer now!

To learn more about the program, we invite you to visit our website www.doepartnership.org or download a PDF version of the brochure at http://doepartnership.usf.edu/brochure.pdf

We also encourage you to disseminate this information to all teachers, both general and special education, who you feel may be qualified and interested in participating in this program. The number of teachers or schools that may enroll are limited so apply today.
 

Project SEE: Special Education Endorsements.  Florida State University has received a U.S. Department of Education grant to provide tuition waivers and small stipends to practicing teachers wishing to earn the Florida Endorsement in Autism OR the Florida Endorsement in Severe or Profound Disabilities. Tuition waivers and stipends will be offered on a first come-first serve basis.

Download the flyer for additional information.
 

Download flyer with additional information.
 

Download flyer for details.
 

Download the flyer for additional information.

Learn more about the Professional Development Alternatives for Exceptional Student Educators (PDA-ESE)

Download the flyer for additional information.

Download Program Brochure  and Recruitment Flyer for more information! 

The Spring 2006 schedule of online courses offered via the statewide Virtual Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Distance Learning Program has been released.  The courses available are:

•  Instructional Strategies - ESE

• Advanced Theory & Practice: Behavior Disorders

• Secondary Transition for ESE

• Introduction to Autism

 Download Florida Department of Education memo and course offerings.
 

The University of Central Florida in collaboration with the Partnership for the National Urban Special Education Leadership Initiative, is offering an Education  Doctoral Program with a concentration in Special Education.  Click on memo for additional details.