NODCC Newsletter 
August 
2015 

Thank you for your support of the NODCC! Our mission is "to enhance the quality of life and promote opportunities for individuals with a disorder of the corpus callosum and to raise the profile, understanding and acceptance of these disorders through research, education, advocacy and networking."

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 BACK TO SCHOOL IS ALMOST HERE
By Kim Manning

It's August, and along with the hottest days of summer comes the steady stream of catalogs for "Back to School" sales.  When you have a school aged child with a Disorder of the Corpus Callosum there is more than just shopping to think about though in order to make those first days of school go smoothly.  Here are some things that have worked for us:
The Building - Begin to drive to the school building on an almost daily basis and talk about going to school.  Especially when a new year means a new building, make arrangements with staff to go inside and take photos of important rooms and areas of the building.  When my son started high school last year I took photos of the entrance, his primary classroom, the lockers, the library, the gym, the auditorium, the cafeteria, the computer lab, the music room and the nurse's office.  We then looked at those pictures together and talked about each photo.  Once I knew his schedule, I arranged the pictures on his Ipad (or you could use a small photo album) in the order that his day would progress.     

The People - Utilize the school district's website or contact your special education administrative offices to find the names and photos of staff that will be working with your child.  Create an album of those or mix them in with your building photos matching people to rooms.  Talk about them using their name and explaining their job.  Once the year starts, be sure to include a picture of the bus driver and bus aide. 

The Stuff - Find out about any required supplies, back packs, and dress codes and begin to desensitize your child to using them.  Wash new clothes and remove any tags that could be a distraction.  Practice taking them on and off.  To the extent you believe the clothes required under the dress code will interfere with your child's ability to learn, move freely or perform routine personal care you should contact school's administration and ask for a reasonable exemption from the problematic requirements.  Have your child practice opening, closing and using backpacks, lunchboxes and other supplies.

The Schedule - Sad but true, but you have to start to gradually adjust bed times and wake-up times so that when that first week comes along 7:00 AM will not seem quite so harsh. 


The Manning Family:
Kim and David Manning live in Northeastern Pennsylvania with their 16 year old son Will, who has hypoplasia of the Corpus Callosum.  Will is getting ready to start his sophomore year of high school this fall where he attends a life skills class along with American History and Chorus. 
NODCC Board of Directors
Over this past weekend, the NODCC board of directors from Virginia to California met for their mid-year board meeting in Chicago. The board accomplished much business-wise.  They evaluated current goals and set future goals for the organization, met with the Chicago conference committee and toured the facilities for the July 22-24, 2016 Conference.
 
Board members donate not only their time but are key in the financial success of the NODCC. They pay their own travel to two board meetings a year and are committed to a give/get of $2000 per year. If you are interested in serving on the board of directors please contact us at [email protected].
 
We are looking forward to seeing you next July in Chicago!
Dana Snyder
NODCC President

Disorders of the Corpus Callosum Awareness Merchandise 

& Upcoming Golf Fundraiser

Merchandise Still Available!

 https://squareup.com/market/national-organization-for-disorders-of-the-corpus-callosum

 

 

 

Upcoming Fundraising Event:

Golf Fund Raiser in Atlantic City

October 22, 2015 

Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway, NJ

If you would like additional information or would like to donate to the silent auction please contact Traci at [email protected]

This Months Apps!
GeoBoard (Apple-free) 
Geoboard, by the Math Learning Center is an outstanding app that will help students from middle elementary school through high school develop and improve their understandings of geometry, fraction concepts, and much more.

Abilipad ($19.99)
Named one of "the best iPad apps for special needs kids" in a Washington Post article! Abilipad combines the functionality of a notepad with word prediction, text-to-speech and a customizable keyboard, putting advanced writing tools within everyone's reach.
Laws & Links
Arne Duncan on Accountability in ESEA Reauthorization
By Alyson Klein July 30, 2015 8:00 AM

This article shares an interview with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan regarding the reauthorization of ESEA.  It covers some key topics such as teacher accountability and early childhood education. Click the link below to read more.

Learning to embrace a child's unique potential
Jane Schoenfeld Monday, August 03, 2015

This article provides a positive view on continuing to support your children in appropriate ways well into adulthood.  It reinforces that learning if lifelong for everyone.
DCC Gatherings and 2016 Conference
Illinois Gathering
The Illinois Region had a great gathering with 45 people in attendance.  We had several new families attend the gathering .  It was a great time to connect and just enjoy each other.  Thanks to all for attending!
 

Southern California Gathering
 Southern California families met on Sunday August 2, 2015 in Fullerton, CA. A great time was had by all. We are planning another gathering in late October/early November. For additional information contact: Barb at [email protected].

Upcoming Gatherings:

Indiana Gathering
Plans have been made for a gathering on Sunday September 26, 2015 from 1pm-4pm.
Location: Williams Park  Shelter #5
                 940 Locust Lane
                 Brownsburg, IN 46112
For additional information please contact Dana Snyder at 

DC Gathering
Plans for a DC Gathering is being planned for September. For additional information contact:
Traci Peteron at [email protected]

 If you are interested in organizing a gathering in your area please contact Barbara at [email protected] and she will help get you started!

2016 NODCC Conference

We are very excited that plans for the 2016 DCC Conference are under way. If you are in the Chicago area and would like to join our Conference Team please contact Barbara Fonseca at [email protected].

Mark your calendars now to attend the NODCC's Disorders of the Corpus Callosum Conference in July 22-24, 2016! More details to come!