06-03-09
Upcoming Events »
MI
Updated list of dates for Teens Using Drugs:
What to Know and What to Do
05-25-09
Upcoming Events »
MI Response to
Intervention: Building a Collaborative Culture to Assist the Struggling Student
will take place on October 10, 2009 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Wayne County
Community College District Western Campus, 9555 Haggerty Road, Belleville, MI
48111. For more information, visit
http://idamich.org.
05-17-09
Upcoming Events »
MI Extreme Makeover:
Autism Education Edition will take place on July 29-31, 2009 in Grand Rapids,
MI. If you haven’t already heard, the Horizons team is holding a big 3-day
workshop in July and you are invited! This event is unlike any we have
previously offered, and will allow attendees to take their work with students
who have autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders to the next level. We’re
going to lay out information and systems that will allow you to get to the core
challenges your students face. There will be tons of great content, discussion,
activities, and take-home resources; along with time for networking and
relaxation. It will truly be unlike any workshop event you have ever attended.
You can get all the details about the workshop (and get some great free
resources) by going here
www.extrememakeoverautism.com.
05-16-09
Breaking News
»
Bridges4kids
Featured Resource:
Michigan Law School Program
04-25-09
Breaking News
»
MI
Mercury Bills Pass House - On April 22nd, the Michigan House of
Representatives passed a five-bill package that would put further restrictions
on the use and presence of mercury. The package includes HB 4277 (prohibits
placement of mercury in landfills or incinerators except for under limited
circumstance and require labeling of mercury-added products), HB 4278 (requires
manufacturers to paste a mercury warning label on their products), HB 4280
(requires mercury distributors to give a safety sheet to everybody to whom they
sell their product), HB 4281 (bans mercury from thermometers and other
products), and HB 4279 (would ban mercury from button cell batteries). Despite
this passage in the House, it's unclear whether the Senate will change the
legislation or simply push it aside in favor of budget issues.
04-23-09
Autism »
Map of Michigan Parent Support Options: Autism Spectrum Disorders updated
04-15-09
Breaking News
»
MI
Michigan Administrative
Rules for Special Education Supplemented With IDEA Federal Regulations
(4/09)
04-11-09
Breaking News
»
MI
Gubernatorial Appointments to Statewide Independent
Living Council Announced
Summer Camp »
MI
Registration Going on Now for 2009 A+ Summer College Youth Program - Kids in
grades 2-8 can take summer fun classes at Lansing Community College! Classes
will be held July 13th – August 7th at LCC East in East Lansing off of Hagadorn
Road. Additional classes will be held August 3rd – August 7th at the Livingston
Center in Howell for students entering grades 6-8. These week-long, half-day
classes provide hands-on learning opportunities in the visual and performing
arts, technology, language and science. For a list of classes visit
http://lcc.edu/ece/aplus.
Upcoming Events »
MI ASM 2009 Spring
Expo "Resources Across the Lifespan" will take place on May 16, 2009 from 10 am
- 3 pm at Oakland Schools in Waterford, Michigan. Visit
http://www.autism-mi.org
for details.
Upcoming Events »
MI
Literacy Symposium: Motivating
Adolescents to Read and Write will take place on May 7, 2009 from 4:30-8:00 pm
at WISD, 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48103. Michael W. Smith from Temple
University will discuss motivating adolescents to read, both in and out of
school. Smith is the author of "Reading Don't Fix no Chevies" and "Going with
the Flow: How to Engage Boys (and Girls) in their Literacy Learning". There will
be a panel discussion at the conclusion of the evening featuring Dr. Smith and a
couple of local experts working in these areas. To register, call (734) 369-3366
or visit http://www.aabookfestival.org.
Upcoming Events »
MI Special Author
Appearance - Dr. Perri Klass will take place on May 16, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the
Chemistry Auditorium #1800 in Chemistry Building, Univ. of Michigan 930 N.
University Ave. Ann Arbor MI 48109. Dr. Perri Klass, author of "Quirky Kids" and
"Treatment Kind and Fair" and other books, will be interviewed by Ann Arbor
pediatrician Chris Elkins, in a conversation about family, medicine, and
writing. Dr. Klass is also the President of Reach Out and Read, a national
program that works with pediatricians and nurses to help parents read to their
children. For more information or to register, call (734) 369-3366 or
www.aabookfestival.org.
04-02-09
Breaking News
and Bullying
»
'Square Peg' Students More Often Targets of Bullies - Studies show
students with learning disorders or attention problems are especially vulnerable
to bullying. These are the students who, when bullies "shop around" for their
targets, provide that satisfying reaction to make the aggressors keep coming
back for more, experts say. And while their more street-wise aggressors may be
adept at flying under the school staff's radar, those with learning differences
never quite figure it out. It may be what leads some teachers to tell targeted
students that their own behavior has led to the bullying. "It sounds extreme, I
know, but it's like when a woman is raped and they say she asked for it.”
Breaking News
»
Bridges4kids
Featured Product: SPIO Orthotic Garment -
SPIO is a snug orthotic garment that
surrounds the body with pressure-touch and mild proprioceptive input, which
promotes body awareness and the release of calming/modulating chemistry. SPIO’s
are useful for decreasing sensory seeking behaviors (such as excessive touching,
crashing and banging) which leads to improved safely and stability for the
child. SPIO’s patented material is breathable and can be worn alone or under
regular clothing during waking hours.
Breaking News
and Medication
»
Debate Over Drugs For ADHD Reignites - New data from a large federal
study paint a very different picture than the study's positive initial results,
reported in 1999. The latest data show that medications for ADHD, including
Adderall and Concerta, are useful in the short term but ineffective long-term.
The study also indicated that children who took the drugs for 36 months were
about an inch shorter and six pounds lighter than those who did not.
04-01-09
Breaking News
»
Obama: Bad Teachers Must Be Taken Out of Classroom - If the nation's
schools are going to see improvement, President Barack Obama says there has
to be a way to ease bad teachers out of the classroom. Obama was responding
Thursday to a question from a Philadelphia-area schoolteacher. The woman
looked away and refused to answer when Obama asked if she'd seen any
teachers whose work was so bad she wouldn't want her own children in that
class. Obama said some people just aren't meant to be teachers.
03-30-09
Breaking News
»
Horse Said to
be Guide, Ride for Woman with Special Needs - Last week we reported
on an expanding list of service animals for the disabled, including ferrets,
monkeys and horses. The story has ignited a controversy among some in the
disabled community who say using a horse to get around in a grocery store
goes too far. David Schechter reports.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders » page
updated.
Upcoming Events »
MI
Parent Education Day will take place on April 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, Lansing, MI 48933. Join us for the 7th Annual Parent
Education Day at the Capitol! Parents of children in early education will learn
how to make their voice heard in local government. Activities include workshops
and panel discussions on effective advocacy, tours of the capitol and meetings
with legislators from their district. Fee includes breakfast, lunch, program
materials and free T-shirt! For more information, contact
laura@mhsa.ws or 517-374-6472.
Upcoming Events »
MI
MHSA Spring Assembly Meeting will take place on April 21, 2009 from 8:00 AM
- 5:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel, Lansing, MI 48933. MHSA holds quarterly
meetings intended to cover business of the association and to provide networking
and education opportunities for parents, staff and directors of Head Start and
other early education programs. $125 Fee includes breakfast and lunch, all
program materials, and additional access to MHSA resources. Registration form
and additional information available at
http://www.mhsa.ws.
03-23-09
Upcoming Events »
NY
Building on Abilities: Promoting Person-Centered Programs and Policies will
take place on May 4-8, 2009 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at Crowne Plaza Manhattan
Hotel, 1605 Broadway, New York, NY. This year’s conference is designed for
professionals, family members and individuals with developmental and learning
disabilities.
Cost is $595.00 per person. To register or for more information, contact Abe
Wittenberg at 212-273-6193 or
abbe.wittenberg@yai.org.
03-21-09
Summer Camp »
MI
St. Francis Camp is a
non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that cognitively impaired
children and adults should have the right to experience life to its fullest. "I
find so many things impressive about this camp, like their 3 to 1 ratio, medical
accommodations, dietary accommodations with also gluten free diets, and so much
more."
03-18-09
Autism »
Map of Michigan Parent Support Options: Autism Spectrum Disorders updated
03-01-09
Autism »
New Michigan Resource:
Autism Hope - "We are a group of parents and professionals whose lives
have been impacted by a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have gathered
together to offer HOPE. We feel autism is treatable and will provide resources
and programs to help with your child's progress and development. Autism is
thought of as a life long sentence. Many parents are told their children will
never talk or live a "self-sufficient" life. We don't believe that! Early
Intervention is so important! You are not alone! You must have HOPE!"
02-26-09
Upcoming Events »
MI
Breaking Down the Walls: Working with Oppositional and Defiant Students -
Highlighting Prevention and Therapeutic Situational Management Strategies will
take place on Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. (registration
begins at 8 a.m.) at the MAISD Conference Center, 630 Harvey Street, Muskegon,
Michigan. This day long presentation will focus on
evidenced based strategies for working with students who present oppositional
and defiant behavior. While considering the needs of students with social
maladjustment (Attachment Disorder, Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorder)
and students with disabilities that manifest in anger management challenges and
defiance, strategies will be presented for preventing and diffusing outbursts
and developing long term coping strategies and replacement skills. Each
participant will receive a handout and a CD containing a toolbox of strategies
for oppositional and defiant students. Each participant will have an opportunity
to perform a competing pathways planning exercise on a defiant student. Register
online at
http://www.muskegonisd.org; Registration Deadline: Monday, March 9,
2009; For more information contact Latesha Johnson at (231) 767-7277 or
ljohnson@muskegonisd.org.
02-24-09
College & Financial Aid » bridges4kids
Featured Free Publication:
Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid: 2009-10
(Download the PDF file or order for free from
http://edpubs.ed.gov)
Advocacy/Self-Advocacy »
Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) Seeks Board/Task
Force Applicants - Calling All Youth with Disabilities! Are you
interested in getting involved with the national disability youth movement? Are
you between the ages of 12 and 24? Are you interested in learning how to inform
youth about their rights, give peer-support, training and to change systems to
include youth? If you answered "YES" to these questions, Kids As Self Advocates
(KASA) wants YOU! National Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) has positions open on
our Advisory Board and Task Force. We are looking for youth with disabilities,
between the ages of 12 and 24, to serve on the national KASA Advisory Board or
our national Task Force.
02-20-09
Breaking News »
Check out the latest edition of the LDA of Michigan's
Healthy Children
Project e-Newsletter
Autism »
Map of Michigan Parent Support Options: Autism Spectrum
Disorders updated
01-27-09
Upcoming Events »
MI
Only God is Able; Disability, Community and the Church will take place on
March 9-10, 2009 at Journey at Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI. This
conference features Brett Webb-Mitchell. Mr. Webb-Mitchell has a special
interest in the place and presence of people with disabilities in church and
community. He has served as a pastor, a chaplain, and as a seminary professor.
Currently he directs the School of the Pilgrim, a ministry that facilitates the
spiritual journeys of Christians to holy sites around the world, which Dr.
Webb-Mitchell sees as an expansion of his ministry of Christian education. He is
the author of many books, including three on people with disabilities: God Plays
Piano Too; Unexpected Guests at God’s Banquet: Welcoming People with
Disabilities in the Church; and Dancing with Disabilities: Opening the Church to
All God’s Children. Visit
http://journey.westernsem.edu/seminars/disability or send an email to
journey@westernsem.edu for more
details.
01-26-09
No Child Left Behind »
New Rules Give Credit to Underachieving Students for Making Progress -
More Pennsylvania schools this year are likely to make adequate yearly progress
on state tests because the federal government has approved a measure that
considers student growth, not just whether students are proficient.
Breaking News »
MI
Kids Count in Michigan - The Kids
Count in Michigan organization has release its 2008 Data Book on Michigan.
The book includes information regarding the welfare of children in the
state, including health aspects such as lead.
Breaking News
and Assistive Technology »
Creature Comforts: Assistance Animals Now Come in All Shapes and Species -
What’s most striking about Ann Edie and her miniature guide horse, Panda, is
that after the initial shock of seeing a horse walk into a cafe, or ride in a
car, watching them work together makes the idea of guide miniature horses seem
utterly logical. Even normal. So normal, in fact, that people often find it hard
to believe that the United States government is considering a proposal that
would force Edie and many others like her to stop using their service animals.
Breaking News
and Recent Court Cases »
OR Court Grants Cert in Private Placement Case
- The Supreme Court has granted certiorari in a private placement case from
Oregon, giving it a new opportunity to decide under what circumstances families
of students with disabilities can be reimbursed for the cost of private tuition.
Forest Grove Sch. Dist. v. T.A., 50 IDELR 1 (9th Cir. 2008), petition for cert.
filed (U.S. 09/03/08) (No. 08-305). The court announced its decision Jan. 16,
after first discussing it Jan. 9. Briefs by the district are due Feb. 25, and
briefs by the family of T.A. are due March 25. The Oregon case is important
because it gives the Court another chance to decide what Congress meant in 1997
when it amended the IDEA and described at least one scenario under which parents
could be reimbursed for the private education of a student with disabilities.
Under that scenario, a court or hearing officer may award tuition reimbursement
to the parents of a child who has previously received special education services
under public auspices if the district failed to offer FAPE. (From Special Ed
News, Jan 22, 2009)
01-20-09
Breaking News »
MI Highly Recommended!
The Education Law Center -
A one-stop resource for information on the laws that apply in a
school setting. ELC lawyers have years of practical experience and
include John Brower, Bridges4Kids’ resource attorney.
01-19-09
Breaking News »
Senators Praise Education Pick Duncan - Departing Chicago schools
chief finds a warm welcome at confirmation hearing.
Breaking News »
SketchUp: Kids
With Autism Love This Software - A program from Google, created for
architects, is an unexpected hit with children on the autism spectrum.
Upcoming Events »
MI
Life After High School will take place on January 28, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. at Eton Academy, 1755 Melton, Birmingham, MI 48009. Free and open to all
high school students and parents. Meet with counselors and recruiters from
schools and organizations that offer resources for students with learning
disabilities. Learn more by visiting
http://www.etonacademy.org.
01-14-09
Just for Teens - Featured Website »
Red Flags - Red Flags is a project of the Texas Council on Family
Violence (TCFV) especially designed to help young adults form healthy
relationships by learning to spot and deal with the warning signs of dating
violence.
Just for Teens - Featured Website »
Heather’s Voice -
Heather had dated her boyfriend off and on for two years, and all along she
thought she could change him. She died - stabbed, dismembered and discarded in
trash bags. This website was created by her mother to help other young women who
might be struggling with a relationship that is not right for them.
Just for Teens - Featured Website »
Love is Not Abuse
- A website supported by Liz Claiborne, Inc. that includes quizzes,
information, a special section for teens, and the Love Is Not Abuse Curriculum,
a step-by step guide to teaching high school students about the issue of dating
violence. Using literature and poetry, this program provides teachers with the
tools to teach about this sensitive subject and is intended to be taught in
either Health or English/Language Arts classes.
Just for Teens - Featured Website »
National Teen Dating
Abuse Helpline
01-09-09
Breaking News,
Parenting, and General
Ed Reform »
A Rise in Efforts to Spot Abuse in
Youth Dating - She was 17 when she met her boyfriend, and 20 when she
died at his hands. In between, Heather Norris tried several times to leave the
relationship, which was fraught with control and abuse, before she was killed —
stabbed, dismembered and discarded in trash bags. Her death in 2007 in
Indianapolis is one of several stemming from abuse in teenage dating
relationships that have spurred states and communities to search for new ways to
impress on adolescents — and their parents and teachers — the warning signs of
dangerous dating behavior and what actions are not acceptable or healthy.
01-08-09
Blind/Visually Impaired »
For the Blind,
Technology Does What a Guide Dog Can’t - T. V. Raman was a bookish child
who developed a love of math and puzzles at an early age. That passion didn’t
change after glaucoma took his eyesight at the age of 14. Now a highly respected
computer scientist and an engineer at Google, he has built a series of tools to
help him take advantage of objects or technologies that were not designed with
blind users in mind and is now focusing on touch screen cell phones. “How much
of a leap of faith does it take for you to realize that your phone could say,
‘Walk straight and within 200 feet you’ll get to the intersection of X and Y,’ ”
Mr. Raman said. “This is entirely doable.” “What Raman does is amazing,” said
Paul Schroeder, vice president for programs and policy at the American
Foundation for the Blind. “He is a leading thinker on accessibility issues, and
his capacity to design and alter technology to meet his needs is unique.”
01-07-09
ADD/ADHD »
Study Suggests
Meditation May Ease ADHD; Researchers Call Technique Effective -
Transcendental meditation may be an effective way to treat ADHD symptoms without
using medication, according to a new study published in the journal Current
Issues in Education.
01-05-09
Breaking News »
MI
Sheryl D. Emery Named
Director of DLEG’s Division on Deaf & Hard of Hearing - Sheryl D.
Emery, M.A., has been named as director of the Division on Deaf & Hard of
Hearing (DODHH). She will also serve as assistant director of the Commission
on Disability Concerns and senior staff liaison to the DODHH
governor-appointed advisory council.
Breaking News »
MI
Michigan State Board of Education
Member Liz Bauer Makes World of Difference - The Duchess of York, Sarah
Ferguson, wrote to me asking for help in supporting her work for Mental
Disabilities Rights International (MDRI). Oh my! OK, she wrote to perhaps
thousands of others with the same appeal. So, I am not special, but if you
decide to help you will be.
12-28-08
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest »
New edition published December 28, 2008 -
click
here.
Book & Product Reviews & Recommendations by Home
Schooling Mom, Penny Ray
Penny's Book Review:
Peterson Directed Handwriting
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/peterson-directed-handwriting-tos.html
Penny's Book Review:
All About Spelling
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/all-about-spelling-tos-homeschool-crew.html
Penny's Book Review:
Puppetools
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/puppetools-dot-com-tos-homeschool-crew.html
Penny's Book Review:
MotherBoard Books "Let's Make A Web Page"
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/motherboard-books-lets-make-web-page.html
Penny's Book Review:
Trigger Memory Systems
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/trigger-memory-systems-education.html
Penny's Book Review:
Rime to Read
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/rime-to-read-tos-homeschool-review.html
Penny's Book Review:
ALEKS
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/aleks-tos-homeschool-crew-review.html
Penny's Book Review:
Time4Learning
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/time4learning-tos-homeschool-crew.html
Penny's Book Review:
And Then Mama Said..."It Takes Time To
Learn To Read"
http://notnewtoautism.blogspot.com/2008/12/splish-and-then-mama-said-it-takes-time.html
Past What's New Pages
September - December 2008 - click here.
