PLUK eNews for the week of November 10-14, 2003 Volume 2 …pluk.org/eNews/Nov_10_03.pdf · Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled Parents, Let's Unite for Kids will be conducting

PLUK eNews November 10-14 2003 1

PLUK eNews for the week of November 10-14 2003

Volume 2 Issue 19

Welcome to the weekly PLUK eNews We are proud to present news of interest for Montana

families of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses and for the professionals and educators who serve them however it does not constitute an endorsement

The brain is a wonderful organ It starts working the moment you get up in the

morning and does not stop until you get into the office --Robert Frost Highlights

PLUK Associate Board of Missoula sponsoring 2nd Annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo November 11th2

PLUK ITV training for November 18 3 Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled 3 Enrollment Begins for ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo in Billings 3 News 4

EXAMINING THE CALL FOR UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN4 HELPING CHILDREN WITH EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS SUCCEED4 NO SOCIAL PROBLEM LEFT BEHIND 5

HealthMedical News 5 Bring Out the Best in Your Child5

Education 5 New Compendium on Inclusive Education 6

ADAAccess6 National disability groups file brief in support of web access6

TechnologyWeb Resources 6 Closing The Gap Online Forums 6

TrainingWorkshopsMeetingsConferences in Montana 7 Region IV CSPD Web Site for Training activities in the Bozeman area 7 Expanding Relay Horizons for All Montanans November 12 Missoula7 Tech Seminar AlphaSmart and Dana November 12 Billings8 Tech Seminar AlphaSmart and Dana November 14 Missoula8 Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 17 Kalispell8 Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 18 Missoula8 Friendship Club- Building Connections with Kids November 18 Missoula8 Teachers Tech Show amp TellTrue Confessions amp Low-Tech Solutions November 19

Wingate Inn Bozeman 9 Administrators Workshop AT Policy amp Procedures November 20 Wingate Inn

Bozeman 9 Lifespan Respite Trainings Nov 18 - Feb 17 Billings 9 PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD December 1 Bozeman9 Tech Seminar IntelliTools Solutions December 11 Missoula9 Tech Seminar Math Solutions for Struggling Students December 12 Missoula9 Annual Holiday Social Saturday December 13 Missoula10 Enrollment Begins for ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo in Billings10 PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD January 12 Bozeman10 Positive Behavior Supports January 17 2004 Billings 10


Differentiated Instruction January 21-22 2004 Polson10 Beyond High School- Whatrsquos Next January 27 Missoula 11 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 2 2004

Kalispell11 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 3 2004

Missoula 11 The ABCs of Preschool Special Education February 24 Missoula11 Positive Behavior Supports March 13 2004 Billings12 Individuals with Disabilities Networking Banquet March 20 Missoula12 Click of Reading Comprehension April 19 2004 Missoula 12 Click of Reading Comprehension April 20 2004 Kalispell12 A Focus on Self Advocacy April 27 Missoula12

TrainingWorkshopsConferences outside Montana 13 National Autism Summit November 19 13 TASH conference ndash December 10-13 Chicago13 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference January 14-17 Florida13 School Reform and Inclusive Education January 22-24 Denver14 Technology Reading and Learning Difficulties San Francisco January 29-31 2004

14 ILRU Web Casts14

Fun Events 15 Magical Tymes Party November 11 Missoula15 Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled15 PLUK ldquoKIDS AT HEART BANQUET 2004rdquo COMMITTEE PLANNING THE FEBRUARY

EVENT15 PLUKrsquos 3RD ANNUAL ldquoSPORTS AND RECREATION FESTIVALrdquo TO BE HELD AT THE

SHRINE BUILDING ON FEBRUARY 21 200416 How you can help16

Get your Albertson Community Partners card16 Selected Sources16

1 Monday Morning in Washington DC httpwwwinclusionresearchorg16 2 Rocky Mountain DBTAC httpwwwadainformationorg16 3 Transition Newsflash Montana Center on Disabilities

httpwwwmsubillingsedutransition16 4 PEN Weekly NewsBlast httpwwwpubliceducationorg 16 5 Reference Points Transition updates from the TATRA Project

httpwwwpacerorgtatratatrahtm 16 6 The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

httpaidtacruralinstituteumteduTrainingCalendarhtm 16

PLUK Associate Board of Missoula sponsoring 2nd Annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo November 11th

The event begins at 600pm at the Missoula Childrenrsquos Theatre (200 North Adams St Missoula MT 59802) Tickets are $20 apiece and include admission to ldquoJoseph and the

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatrdquo at the Theatre admission to the ldquoWine and Cheese Partyrdquo (all food and drink is free) and participation at the ldquoMagical Silent Auctionrdquo This makes Christmas shopping a breeze All


proceeds go to help with PLUKrsquos growth in the Missoula area To reserve your tickets call Linda Thompson the Ticket Chair at 251-3906 or write PLUKrsquos Missoula address PO Box 16714 Missoula MT 59808

PLUK ITV training for November 18 httpwwwplukorgITVhtm Topic Special Education Law and Practice Speaker Kathy Manley-Coburn JD When Tuesday November 18 2003 600-800pm MST Session Description Kathy is the co-author of the Montana Special Education Law Handbook Kathy will give

an overview of the law the special education process and will focus particularly on discipline issues She will also offer time for questions on these topics and any other issues

How to participate 1 Register by calling 800-222-7585 or visit httpwwwplukorgITVhtm 2 Attend one of the 100 possible studios located around the state (at least three

people must register to activate a site) 3 View the session ldquoliverdquo over the internet from any computer All sessions are video-taped and available through the TRICPLUK Library and on a web

archive For information on current active sites registration and all sessions visit the web site httpwwwplukorgITVhtm or call the PLUK office at 800-222-7585

Next Session December 9 2003 on the No Child Left Behind Act with BJ Granbery State Director of Title I Programs

Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled Parents Lets Unite for Kids will be conducting art workshops

on Tuesdays in November We will be making Christmas ornaments The workshops will be on the following Tuesdays - November 11 and 18 from 330 to 500pm at PLUKs office located at 516 North 32nd Street The participants will be making ornaments to put on PLUKs tree (to be donated to the Festival of

Trees which will take place December 5 - 7 at the Expo Center at Metra Park) The participants will also be able to take home some ornaments to put on their own Christmas tree Please call 255-0540 to sign up or if you have questions or would like additional information

Enrollment Begins for ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo in Billings ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo is a curriculum designed by STEP Inc to equip parents with

information tools and skills that support them to advocate effectively for appropriate services for their children with disabilities The training covers a wide variety of topics including communication service coordination access to resources rights in the education planning process and collaboration with service providers and other professionals The course includes approximately 40 hours of classroom training and is anticipated to be conducted one evening a week and one Saturday a month over the next several months in


Billings (Schedules for training in other regions will be developed early next year) The initial meeting of interested parents is planned for December 16 at 630 pm at the STEP offices in Billings (1501 14th Street West 210) At that time the class schedule will be developed to accommodate the participantsrsquo needs as fully as possible There is no charge to participate in ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo If you would like to enroll in ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo or would like more information please contact Ann Treece at STEP (248-2055)

News

EXAMINING THE CALL FOR UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN Good preschools have much to offer but should they be universal Some research

suggests otherwise Childrens Defense Fund estimates that state-sponsored prekindergarten programs currently serve some 750000 kids These programs carry an annual price tag of $17 billion Per-capita costs for universal preschool are likely to rise as programs improve in quality and as better trained and newly accredited teachers receive higher pay The Committee for Economic Development (CED) a group of blue-chip stock corporations that supports preschool for all says $4000 to $5000 is a rough starting point for a child attending a part-day part-year program If all eligible children attended publicly funded prekindergarten CED officials say annual costs could run as high as $415 billion Some politicians and early childhood advocates might like to provide prekindergarten programs for all of the nations 83 million 3-and 4-year-olds But current budget deficits appear to be dampening state governors and legislators enthusiasm for universal preschool According to Susan Black considerable evidence shows that impoverished kids -- compared to those from middle- and upper-income families -- gain the most from preschool Benefits for well-off children are questionable however and that raises an important question Should universal prekindergartens be offered to all preschoolers regardless of their familys socioeconomic status Or should it be provided only to the most needy children

httpwwwasbjcomcurrentresearchhtml

HELPING CHILDREN WITH EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS SUCCEED The majority of students with emotional problems sit undetected in general education

classrooms What can a teacher do to help these youngsters learn According to Martin Henley and Nicholas Long teachers and caregivers should first be aware of and sensitive to warning signs of developing emotional problems Second they should use the following strategies to help students overcome their emotional barriers to learning

(1) Make learning relevant (2) Help students establish positive peer relationships (3) Teach behavior management skills (4) Identify and deal with depression (5) Support activities that foster feelings of competence strengthen social relationships and bolster self-efficacy (6) Help students cope with stress and (7) Instill hope More than anything else troubled youth need to know their lives can improve When teachers provide a refuge from the bad in a students life they inspire hope and help students see that the past is not necessarily a prelude to the future More information and a graph outlining warning signs for emotion problems can be found at

httpwwwascdorgpublicationsclass_lead200311henleyhtml


NO SOCIAL PROBLEM LEFT BEHIND If the politicians who enacted the No Child Left Behind law really believed it would

accomplish the noble goal expressed in its title then they clearly do not understand the daunting challenges facing our public-education system and they should not be making education policy writes Ron Wolk a Public Education Network board member No Child Left Behind is designed to force schools that enroll disproportionate numbers of poor minority and non-English-speaking students to make every one of them proficient But its pure folly to expect schools to accomplish this as long as we tolerate the widespread poverty and racism that almost guarantee that such students will be at risk of academic failure This is not to say that societys problems must all be solved before our schools can succeed with poor minority and immigrant students There is no doubt that too many of the countrys public schools are failing because of the way they are organized and the way that they do business especially those serving the neediest students We urgently need to change our public schools -- to make them smaller and more diverse in their offerings to focus more on the child and personalize education to anchor them in the real world and make them more relevant to the needs interests and talents of the students and to make them more flexible No Child Left Behind with its punitive provisions and overemphasis on standardized testing does none of these things It is likely to do more harm than good There are however some provisions of No Child Left Behind that could help improve schools such as programs to improve teacher quality and provide opportunities for professional development increased choice for students in low-performing schools and emphasis on improving reading instruction But even these provisions have been compromised because the president and the Congress werent committed enough to provide the necessary funding to implement them Where No Child Left Behind will ultimately take us is unclear At worst it may lead to chaos and even less public confidence in public education At best it may fade away because it cannot be implemented Meanwhile if the federal enforcers keep tightening the noose the majority of schools are likely to be on the endangered list

httpwwwpubliceducationorgpapersopeds-wolk_102203asp

HealthMedical News

Bring Out the Best in Your Child Research has shown that how things work out for children depends more on their

relationship with their parents than anything else Even daycare hours and quality are less important So if you want your child to behave acceptably you must stay emotionally close If your child acts in-your-face and dont-carish you must make sure he knows you still love him even when you dont love the way he behaves

Children begin to build their self-image by seeing themselves reflected in the mirror of adults reactions They decide theyre good people or the opposite on the basis of what you seem to think of them Studies have shown that if adults treat particular children as if they were cooperative kind and intelligent (and todays fighting at the playground just an aberration) the kids will tend to live up to those expectations But if adults treat children as aggressive stupid and tiresome chances are theyll act accordingly

Read the complete article at httpwwwhunterdonhealthonlineorghealth_dept_detailscfmid=1715

Education


New Compendium on Inclusive Education TASH has just published the second edition of The Foundations of Inclusive Education -

A Compendium of Articles on Effective Strategies to Achieve Inclusive Education This compendium presents the latest research on inclusion in one place and covers both the conceptual underpinnings of inclusion as well as the strategies that have proven effective across the country - both the whys and hows of achieving true inclusion in todays classrooms Order on-line at httpwwwtashorgpublicationsfoundations_for_inclusionhtm A complete Table of Contents is available on-line as well or call 410-828-8274 ext 0 during business hours Eastern Time httpwwwtashorg

ADAAccess

National disability groups file brief in support of web access Nov 4 2003 -- Ten national disability rights groups are filing a friend-of-the-court brief

today in Miami urging the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to ensure that the World Wide Web is accessible to persons with disabilities

Last October US District Court Judge Patricia Seitz in Miami Florida ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply to the on-line services of Southwest Airlines To expand the ADA to cover virtual spaces would be to create new rights without well-defined standards wrote Judge Seitz in her ruling

Read the complete article at httpwwwaccessiblesocietyorgtopicswebaccessbrief1103adawebaccesshtml

TechnologyWeb Resources

Closing The Gap Online Forums Closing The Gap Forums is a discussion board exploring the many ways that technology

is being used to enhance the lives of people with special needs Please feel free to participate in the discussions listed below and share this valuable resource with friends and colleagues There is no fee to participate

httpwwwclosingthegapcomforums and check out the Featured Discussions Talking Word Processors as a Meeting Point for Special Ed and The Mainstream Moderated by Bill Peet PhD CEOOwner Interest-Driven Learning Inc Louise Dannehl NEAT South Central Regional CoordinatorFunding Coordinator This discussion will be a venue for all caregivers who have helped children learn to read

and write with a talking word processor to share their stories Low Tech Solutions By Low Tech Ladies Moderated by Gina Simos Nordrum Special Educator Milwaukee Public Schools Valerie Hoehnke Speech Language Pathologist Milwaukee Public Schools Susan Loesl Adaptive Art Therapist Milwaukee Public Schools Mary Beth Werner Occupational Therapist Milwaukee Public Schools Creative Access from Kindergarten to Graduation


Moderated by Teri Brogdon Project Coordinator Project Participate at JFK Partners University of

Colorado OS X Perspectives Moderated by David Clark Web Accessibility Consultant Richard Wanderman Educational Technology Consultant Post your questions and comments about Apples latest operating system and its new

accessibility features To participate in these discussions visit httpwwwclosingthegapcomforums

TrainingWorkshopsMeetingsConferences in Montana

Region IV CSPD Web Site for Training activities in the Bozeman area

httpmemberstripodcomloriruffierindex1htm

Expanding Relay Horizons for All Montanans November 12 Missoula Everyone knows that communications on the telephone is more difficult if you are deaf or

hard of hearing without the right telephone toolsrdquo Thats why Montana Relay has set up an event to showcase new technologies for the hearing and hearing-impaired alike With help from these new services and products telephone communication has never been easier Please join us for demonstrations workshops guest speakers and more Refreshments will be provided and make sure you check in at the entry table to receive your ticket for the raffle

Note There will be two different sessions on November 12 2003 One for Kids and one for Adults

1st Session-Calling All Kids Date November 12 2003 Time 100pm to 300pm Where Western Montana Clinic-Broadway Building

500 West Broadway-Conference Center 1 Missoula MT 59801

During this session there will be workshops guest speakers and much more Bring your teachers and friends 2nd Session-Adults Event Date November 12 2003 Time 500pm to 800pm Where Western Montana Clinic-Broadway Building


During this session there will be presentations demonstrations refreshments and more


For more information and details call us at 1-866-735-2968 VTTY reply to infomontanarelayorg or visit us online at httpwwwmontanarelayorg

Tech Seminar AlphaSmart and Dana November 12 Billings

This seminar is co sponsored by AlphaSmart It is a time for you to come and receive information and hands on experience with new products and hear LOTS of implementation ideas

For information call 406-388-7831 or LankutisTaolcom

Tech Seminar AlphaSmart and Dana November 14 Missoula This seminar is co sponsored by AlphaSmart It is a time for you to come and receive

information and hands on experience with new products and hear LOTS of implementation ideas


Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 17 Kalispell Part 1 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and

strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading Sessions can be taken individually but it is recommended they be taken as a series

Administrators general educators special educators paraeducators parents agency personnel and others interested in meeting the needs of all kids are invited to participate

Register at the Region V CSPD Online Registration Web site httpwwwcspdnet or contact Nancy Marks at nmarksmcpsk12mtus or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more information

Improving the decoding amp fluency of struggling readers November 18 Missoula

Part 1 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading Sessions can be taken individually but it is recommended they be taken as a series



Friendship Club- Building Connections with Kids November 18 Missoula

A panel of educators and parents will share ideas on how to start a Friendship Club to help facilitate building friendships and support networks for children with disabilities Location Russell School Library 3216 Russell Street

Hosted by IDEA PTA as a part of their Positive Parent-Professional Partnerships All programs are free Business meeting held from 645-715pm program follows 715-915pm Child care vouchers are available OPI renewals also available For Program Information Contact Nancy Marks MCPS Special Ed Coordinator 728-2400 ext 5036

nmarksmcpsk12mtus To receive information about IDEA PTA events programs and other items of interest

contact Mary Hall at hoythomesmontanacom


Teachers Tech Show amp TellTrue Confessions amp Low-Tech Solutions November 19 Wingate Inn Bozeman This is a time for teachers to celebrate and share successes (no success is too small) and

also to learn from the true confessions of two technology EX-pertshellipTerry Lankutis and Leslie Mullette We will not only talk about what weve done wrong but show you some really cool SIMPLE strategies and NO-TECH and LO-TECH tools that are very effective with students of all ability levels Amazing how simple things can make a difference in the behavior and academic performance of students (Cofacilitators Terry Lankutis amp Leslie Mullette) Contact Terry at 388-7831 or lankutisTaolcom

Administrators Workshop AT Policy amp Procedures November 20 Wingate Inn

Bozeman Why reinvent the wheel There are many school districts around the country that have

policies and procedures in place for the staff to refer to when considering Assistive Technology This session will share some of the best examples and start you well on your way toward developing or improving your own (Cofacilitators Terry Lankutis amp Leslie Mullette) Contact Terry at 388-7831 or lankutisTaolcom

Lifespan Respite Trainings Nov 18 - Feb 17 Billings

Here is a listing of future trainings available through Community Lifespan Respite at STEP Inc All trainings will be from Noon ndash 1pm and there will be a light lunch served

Please RSVP to Tami Haan 869-3031 by the Friday before each training sect November 18 ndash Sue Bailey from YCCOA on Senior Services Available

in The Community sect December 16 ndash PT in Motion on Lifting and Transfers sect January 20 ndash Molly Mills from PLUK on Grief and Loss

sect February 17 ndash Janine Williams from Lifespan Respite on Caring for Someone with Alzheimerrsquos

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD December 1 Bozeman

December 1 - EXPLOSIVE INFLEXIBLE CHILDREN - with speaker Tina Visscher LCSW Tina is a child and family therapist in private practice She will explore the many

pathways that lead a child to develop explosive and inflexible behavior what skills they tend to lack and interventions that will help them develop better coping skills

This presentation will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202 S Willson Ave Bozeman from 700-830 PM Childcare can be arranged in advance by calling 877-847-8890 (toll free) For more information contact Maria Albin PLUK Family Support Bozeman at malbinplukorg or 877-847-8890

Tech Seminar IntelliTools Solutions December 11 Missoula

This seminar is co sponsored by IntelliTools It is a time for you to come and receive information and hands on experience with new products and hear LOTS of implementation ideas


Tech Seminar Math Solutions for Struggling Students December 12 Missoula It is a time for you to come and receive information and hands on experience with new

products and hear LOTS of implementation ideas For information call 406-388-7831 or LankutisTaolcom


Annual Holiday Social Saturday December 13 Missoula Bring your favorite ethnic holiday dish or dessert to share Join friends and family

members of IDEA PTA for a relaxing get-together Location Ron amp Nancy Marksrsquo 3524 S 3rd West Missoula

Contact Nancy Marks MCPS Special Ed Coordinator 728-2400 ext 5036 nmarksmcpsk12mtus To receive information about IDEA PTA events programs and other items of interest



information tools and skills that support them to advocate effectively for appropriate services for their children with disabilities The training covers a wide variety of topics including communication service coordination access to resources rights in the education planning process and collaboration with service providers and other professionals The course includes approximately 40 hours of classroom training and is anticipated to be conducted one evening a week and one Saturday a month over the next several months in Billings (Schedules for training in other regions will be developed early next year) The initial meeting of interested parents is planned for December 16 at 630 pm at the STEP offices in Billings (1501 14th Street West 210) At that time the class schedule will be developed to accommodate the participantsrsquo needs as fully as possible There is no charge to participate in ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo If you would like to enroll in ldquoEmpowering Parentsrdquo or would like more information please contact Ann Treece at STEP (248-2055)

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD January 12 Bozeman

January 12 - COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES - with speakers from local organizations

Many supports and services are available locally to families affected by ADHD An array of speakers will provide an overview of what their organization can offer to families in the community Some of the organizations represented will include PLUK Special Care Coop Youth Imperative and others


Positive Behavior Supports January 17 2004 Billings

Positive Behavioral Supports Helping Our Students Change by Changing Ourselves by Dan Hobbs Session One The Quality and Content of Our Relationships with our Students 800-330 at MSU-Billings CEHS room 122 Deadline for registration is September 20th Sponsored by Region III CSPD Contact Debra Miller at dmillermsubillingsedu or 657-2312

Differentiated Instruction January 21-22 2004 Polson

This workshop will address the diverse learning needs of students in our schools Participants will explore the concepts and principles of differentiated learning They will investigate instructional and management strategies that can be used in academically diverse classrooms

Administrators general educators special educators paraeducators parents agency personnel and others interested in meeting the needs of

all kids are invited to participate



Beyond High School- Whatrsquos Next January 27 Missoula

A panel of parents educators and agency folks will share creative partnerships for addressing individual needs of students with disabilities transitioning into ldquothe real worldrdquo Location MCPS Business Building Board Room 915 South Ave West




Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 2 2004 Kalispell




Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 3 2004

Missoula Part 2 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and




The ABCs of Preschool Special Education February 24 Missoula

bull Assessments and placement bull Building Individual Education Plans bull Curriculum The MCPS special education preschool staff will share information on assessments

placement IEPrsquos and curriculum followed by a panel of parents of preschoolers who will discuss strategies for success Location Franklin Elementary School Preschool Room 1901 S 10th St West

Hosted by IDEA PTA as a part of their Positive Parent-Professional Partnerships All programs are free Business meeting held from 645-715pm program follows 715-


915pm Child care vouchers are available OPI renewals also available For Program Information Contact Nancy Marks MCPS Special Ed Coordinator 728-2400 ext 5036



Positive Behavior Supports March 13 2004 Billings Positive Behavioral Supports Helping Our Students Change by Changing

Ourselves by Dan Hobbs Session One The Quality and Content of Our Relationships with our Students 800-330 at MSU-Billings CEHS room 122 Deadline for registration is September 20th Sponsored by Region III CSPD Contact Debra Miller at dmillermsubillingsedu or 657-2312

Individuals with Disabilities Networking Banquet March 20 Missoula

Celebrate Individuals with Disabilities Awareness month and attend the networking and awards banquet Location Doubletree Edgewater Time Beginning at 530

To receive information about IDEA PTA events programs and other items of interest contact Mary Hall at hoythomesmontanacom

Click of Reading Comprehension April 19 2004 Missoula


Administrators general educators special educators paraeducators parents agency personnel and others interested in meeting the needs

of all kids are invited to participate Register at the Region V CSPD Online Registration Web site httpwwwcspdnet or

contact Nancy Marks at nmarksmcpsk12mtus or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more information

Click of Reading Comprehension April 20 2004 Kalispell





A Focus on Self Advocacy April 27 Missoula

Panel of middle school and high school students parents educators and agency folks will share strategies for promoting self-advocacy skills Location TBA





TrainingWorkshopsConferences outside Montana

National Autism Summit November 19 The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of

Education (DOE) have just announced that they will host a joint summit to develop a national agenda on autism this November in Washington DC The two-day event entitled Autism Summit Conference Developing a National Agenda is set to be held on November 19 and 20 2003 at the Washington Convention Center

Please mark you calendars so you can attend and make known your views on those topics important to you For more detailed information about this very important Summit Conference click here or visit the ASA Web site (httpwwwautism-societyorg) and click on News

TASH conference ndash December 10-13 Chicago

NOW IS THE TIME to register for this years TASH conference which will be held Chicago December 10th - 13th and to make your hotel reservations at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Dont miss out on early-registration discounts - good through September 30th

The TASH Conference is the conference to attend to learn about the most progressive policy and practice issues affecting people with disabilities their families support providers and advocates Participants can choose from a menu of over 450 sessions showcasing the most progressive thinking practices and research in the areas of Adult Services and Supports Inclusive Quality Education across the Lifespan Ethics Values and Rights and more

Registration is easy Go to httpwwwtashorg2003conferenceregistrationhtm and register online or print out the registration form to send in You may also call us at 410-828-8274 x 0 and we will be glad to assist you

Here are some helpful links that will provide you with complete information about this years exciting conference For complete updated conference information - httpwwwtashorg2003conferenceindexhtm Complete list of topics sessions and speakers - httpwwwtashorg2003conferencesessions Hotel reservations travel arrangements and local Chicago info

httpwwwtashorg2003conferencemainhtm We look forward to welcoming you as a participant in this exciting event If you have

questions please call us at 410-828-8274 ext 0rdquo during east coast business hours Looking forward to seeing you in Chicago

Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference January 14-17 Florida ATIA 2004 serves as a leading forum for the Assistive Technology community to

participate in presentations and discussions about new technology practical applications and services Segments of the Assistive Technology industry (Augmentative and Alternative Communication Blindness Computer Access Curriculum Adaptations Deaf and Hard of Hearing Electronic Aids to Daily Living Games and Recreation Learning DisabilitiesStudy AidsLiteracy Low Vision and Mechanical Accessories and Mounting Devices) will be represented in various presentations demonstrations andor exhibits In addition a hands-


on lab will provide an opportunity to experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive technology devices and software available

httpwwwatiaorg

School Reform and Inclusive Education January 22-24 Denver httpwwwpeakparentorgconferencesasp Sponsored by the PEAK parent center in Colorado Topics will include sect Literacy sect Cultural Competency sect Positive Behavior Supports sect Functional Behavior Assessments sect Accommodations and Modifications sect Understanding Autism sect Differentiating Instruction sect No Child Left Behind Act ndash NCLB sect Early Childhood sect Personal Safety sect School Choice sect Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ndash IDEA sect Multi-Cultural Education sect School Vouchers sect Integrating the Arts in Curriculum sect Making Sense of Test Scores sect Quality Urban Schools sect Sound amp Engaging Curriculum sect Higher Education sect Self Advocatesrsquo Views and Voices sect Transition to Life After High School sect Conflict Resolution

For more information contact the PEAK Parent center at Phone 719-531-9400 Fax 719-531-9452 Hotline 1-800-284-0251 e-mail infopeakparentorg

Technology Reading and Learning Difficulties San Francisco January 29-31 2004 Educational Computer Conferences Inc sponsors the annual TRLD International

Conference Technology Reading amp Learning Difficulties which is held each January in San Francisco California Currently the International Reading Association (IRA) is co-sponsor of the TRLD conferences

Go to httpwwwtrldcom for information costs and registration

ILRU Web Casts ILRU is a program of The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) and is

affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine It is supported in part by public and private funding agencies including the US Department of Education--National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the Rehabilitation Services


Administration (RSA) Go to httpwwwilruorgonline for a complete list of upcoming web casts and access to the archives of past sessions Here is a partial list of upcoming trainings that may be of interest to people in Montana

bull Monday November 10 2003 200 PM Central Enhancing Self-Esteem in Women with Physical Disabilities - presented by Margaret A Nosek PhD and Rosemary B Hughes PhD

bull Wednesday November 12 2003 200 PM Central Asset Accumulation and Tax Policy for Persons with Disabilities - presented by Michael Morris Steve Mendelson Johnette T Hartnett EdD and Peter Blanck PhD JD

Visit the archive of past trainings at httpwwwilruorgonlinearchiveindexhtml

Fun Events

Magical Tymes Party November 11 Missoula The Missoula Associate Board third annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo has been scheduled for

November 11 2003 Deborah Hayes Hyde is the Chair of the event and Ramona Holt is chairing the Sponsorship Sub-Committee For the last two years this event has been held in conjunction with a play at the Missoula Childrenrsquos Theatre In addition to the play participants may attend a ldquowine and cheese partyrdquo and a silent auction

This year the play is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Companies and groups are now lining up to sponsor the event and the committee assures us that it will be the best to date by far For more information on how to become involved call PLUKrsquos office at 800-222-7585 and we can put you in touch with the planning committee Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled

Parents Lets Unite for Kids will be conducting art workshops on Tuesdays in November We will be making Christmas ornaments The workshops will be on the following Tuesdays - November 11 and 18 from 330 to 5PM at PLUKs office located at 516 North 32nd Street The participants will be making ornaments to put on PLUKs tree to be donated to the Festival of Trees which will take place December 5 - 7 at the Expo Center at Metra Park The participants will also be able to take home some ornaments to put on their own Christmas tree Please call 255-0540 to sign up or if you have questions or would like additional information PLUK ldquoKIDS AT HEART BANQUET 2004rdquo COMMITTEE PLANNING THE FEBRUARY

EVENT Liz Miller is chairing the ldquoKids at Heart Banquetrdquo Planning Committee

for the second year as the event develops into what is expected to be the largest and best yet On February 6th and 7th the ldquoKids at Heart Banquetrdquo will be held for the fourth straight year Julie Lovell committee member and emcee for the event coined the ldquoKids at Heartrdquo name 4 years ago The event is an effort to raise both public awareness and funds for PLUK It has grown each year and is slowly developing into a

large and very successful banquet The banquet is hi-lighted by an exciting silent auction with many wonderful items available Area companies sponsor the event and sponsors and tickets are already being reserved Seating is limited and anyone interested in reserving seats should call PLUKrsquos office This year the event is being planned for two nights with a


new component ndash a live musical act from Las Vegas For information or to volunteer to participate on the planning committee call PLUKrsquos office ndash 255-0540

PLUKrsquos 3RD ANNUAL ldquoSPORTS AND RECREATION FESTIVALrdquo TO BE HELD AT THE

SHRINE BUILDING ON FEBRUARY 21 2004 A Planning Committee has been meeting for the 3rd Annual

ldquoSports and Recreation Festivalrdquo This coming yearrsquos event is set on February 21 2004 at the Shrine Building in Billings The purpose of the event is to provide information and activities for kids and families on all of the sports and recreation opportunities in the area In addition to the information booths a Sports

Memorabilia Auction games activities food sports clinics Frisbee throwing competition team mascots the Billings Outlaws local sports celebrities and much more are all provided at the festival Last year 37 organizations joined PLUK for the event and had games activities information booths and much more Groups are signing up now for the festival The Sports Guys from KULR8 TV participated with the last event and will be on hand again this coming year The Planning Committee does have room for more members if anyone is interested in helping Call PLUKrsquos office to volunteer to participate on the committee ndash 255-0540

How you can help

Get your Albertson Community Partners card PLUK has joined Albertsonsrsquo Community Partners Card Program

This program is designed to help non-profit organizations raise funds needed for their programs A percentage of your grocery total will be donated to PLUK All that is needed is to show your Community Partners card each time you make a purchase at Albertsons It does not cost you anything

If you are interested in assisting PLUK in raising funds this way please contact Bernice at 255-0540 to get a Community Partners card

Selected Sources 1 Monday Morning in Washington DC httpwwwinclusionresearchorg 2 Rocky Mountain DBTAC httpwwwadainformationorg 3 Transition Newsflash Montana Center on Disabilities

httpwwwmsubillingsedutransition 4 PEN Weekly NewsBlast httpwwwpubliceducationorg 5 Reference Points Transition updates from the TATRA Project

httpwwwpacerorgtatratatrahtm 6 The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

httpaidtacruralinstituteumteduTrainingCalendarhtm 7 Rural Policy Matters httpwwwruraleduorgrpmrpmhtm

PLUK eNews is published by


Parents Lets Unite for Kids ndash PLUK 516 N 32nd St Billings MT 59101-6003 800-222-7585 406-255-0540 406-255-0523 (fax) plukinfoplukorg httpwwwplukorg

Edited by Roger Holt rholtplukorg Proofed amp condensed by Elisabeth Mills scribeplukorg

bull Feel free to reprint and pass on to others bull To be removed just send a message to plukinfoplukorg with ldquoremoverdquo as the

subject bull To be added to the list send a message to plukinfoplukorg with your

nameaddresstelephone and email address bull If you have activities events trainings news or information you would like to

share send it to plukinfoplukorg bull Please be aware that some links provided are time sensitive Contact us if you

have difficulty accessing any of the information bull View an archive of all Weekly eNews at httpwwwplukorgeNewshtm

Mission Statement Parentrsquos Letrsquos Unite for Kids unites parents professionals families and friends of children with special needs to support one another and share information for the benefit of their children

Vision Statement Given information and support individuals with disabilities and their

families will feel empowered to advocate for themselves and participate fully in educational and community opportunities

Statement on accessibility Today we endeavor to be conscious of the need for making all electronic information accessible as we are aware of physical accessibility issues in our community For design guidelines visit httpncamwgbhorgcdromguideline


Differentiated Instruction January 21-22 2004 Polson10 Beyond High School- Whatrsquos Next January 27 Missoula 11 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 2 2004

Kalispell11 Closing the Vocabulary gap robust vocabulary instruction February 3 2004

Missoula 11 The ABCs of Preschool Special Education February 24 Missoula11 Positive Behavior Supports March 13 2004 Billings12 Individuals with Disabilities Networking Banquet March 20 Missoula12 Click of Reading Comprehension April 19 2004 Missoula 12 Click of Reading Comprehension April 20 2004 Kalispell12 A Focus on Self Advocacy April 27 Missoula12

TrainingWorkshopsConferences outside Montana 13 National Autism Summit November 19 13 TASH conference ndash December 10-13 Chicago13 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference January 14-17 Florida13 School Reform and Inclusive Education January 22-24 Denver14 Technology Reading and Learning Difficulties San Francisco January 29-31 2004

14 ILRU Web Casts14

Fun Events 15 Magical Tymes Party November 11 Missoula15 Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled15 PLUK ldquoKIDS AT HEART BANQUET 2004rdquo COMMITTEE PLANNING THE FEBRUARY

EVENT15 PLUKrsquos 3RD ANNUAL ldquoSPORTS AND RECREATION FESTIVALrdquo TO BE HELD AT THE

SHRINE BUILDING ON FEBRUARY 21 200416 How you can help16

Get your Albertson Community Partners card16 Selected Sources16

1 Monday Morning in Washington DC httpwwwinclusionresearchorg16 2 Rocky Mountain DBTAC httpwwwadainformationorg16 3 Transition Newsflash Montana Center on Disabilities

httpwwwmsubillingsedutransition16 4 PEN Weekly NewsBlast httpwwwpubliceducationorg 16 5 Reference Points Transition updates from the TATRA Project

httpwwwpacerorgtatratatrahtm 16 6 The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

httpaidtacruralinstituteumteduTrainingCalendarhtm 16

PLUK Associate Board of Missoula sponsoring 2nd Annual ldquoMagical Tymes Partyrdquo November 11th

The event begins at 600pm at the Missoula Childrenrsquos Theatre (200 North Adams St Missoula MT 59802) Tickets are $20 apiece and include admission to ldquoJoseph and the

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatrdquo at the Theatre admission to the ldquoWine and Cheese Partyrdquo (all food and drink is free) and participation at the ldquoMagical Silent Auctionrdquo This makes Christmas shopping a breeze All
















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HealthMedical News





Education




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How you can help

























HealthMedical News





Education




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Documents

PLUK eNews for the week of November 10-14, 2003 Volume 2 …pluk.org/eNews/Nov_10_03.pdf · Christmas Ornament Workshops Scheduled Parents, Let's Unite for Kids will be conducting