Learning Opportunities by FHF
Educating and Training
- June Webinars -
Who Writes Next Year's IEP? Parent Participation: Thursday, June 2, 2016, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - One of IDEA's foundational principles is the right of parents to participate in educational decision making regarding their child with a disability. The law is very specific about what school systems must do to ensure that parents have the opportunity to participate, if they so choose. An overview of the steps the school system will take and ensure that parents have the opportunity to participate will be discussed.
Keeping Good Records: How to Create a Paper Trail: Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 10:30 am - 11:30 am - There are lots of reasons to keep your child's records. Having access to detailed information can help you partner with your child's teachers. Copies of official documents can also be useful if you ever have a dispute with the school about whether it's giving your child enough services or placing her in the most appropriate setting. This training will provide various options of recordkeeping along with a useful checklist.
This Is My Life! Supporting Self-Determination: Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - The independence of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities can be supported by directly teaching critical skills, such as setting goals and making choices. Teaching these self-determination skills will help students not only while they are in school, but also when they exit high school into college and work. This beginner-level workgroup will overview self-determination, review strategies, and highlight resources to support students to make decisions and advocate for themselves.
Applied Behavior Analysis: What is it? Who is qualified? How do I get it? Friday, June 10, 2016, 10:00 am - 11:00 am (PST) - This webinar will provide participants with a basic introduction to autism and ABA. It will give participants the information on what is required to obtain services and where to start.
Analisis de Comportamiento (ABA*): �Qu� es? �Quien califica? �C�mo lo obtengo? Friday, June 10, 2016, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (PST) - Este seminario ofrecer� una introducci�n b�sica sobre el autismo y el ABA*. Los participantes recibiran informa ci�n sobre lo que se requiere para obtener servicios y por d�nde empezar.
Is Your Child's IEP Individualized? Thursday, June 23, 2016, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - One of the most important parts of the special education process is creating a plan for your child's education. This plan is called the Individualized Education Program, or the IEP. The IEP is the foundation for your child's education, and you are a very important member of the team that develops it. This presentation will provide an overview of the process which has many
parts ─ one step at a time.
Keeping Good Records: How to Create a Paper Trail: Tuesday, June 28, 2016, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - There are lots of reasons to keep your child's records. Having access to detailed information can help you partner with your child's teachers. Copies of official documents can also be useful if you ever have a dispute with the school about whether it's giving your child enough services or placing her in the most appropriate setting. This training will provide various options of recordkeeping along with a useful checklist.
Who Writes Next Year's IEP? Parent Participation: Wednesday, June 29, 2016, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - One of IDEA's foundational principles is the right of parents to participate in educational decision making regarding their child with a disability. The law is very specific about what school systems must do to ensure that parents have the opportunity to participate, if they so choose. An overview of the steps the school system will take and ensure that parents have the opportunity to participate will be discussed.
A Smooth Move to Adulthood Transition Health Care Information for Youth with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities: Thursday, June 30, 2016, 10:00 am - 11:00 am - The transition from pediatric care to adult health services is a critical time for YSHCN and can be challenging for families and youth alike. The Smooth Move to Adulthood webinar explores tools and strategies that can help families get ready for this important transition. This program will provide expert recommendations on youth health transition (YHT) and identify key community programs and resources which support transition activities. Come and explore the why, when, and how of YHT Planning. Join the conversation - bring your ideas and questions!
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Youth Corner
 Educational trainings and resources to assist individuals with disabilities ages 16 - 26 and their parents, family members, guardians, advocates, and/or authorized representatives
- June Workshops -
A Smooth Move to Adulthood Transition Health Care: Information For Youth with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities - Friday, June 10, 2016, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Ave, Metairie, LA 70001: The transition from pediatric care to adult health services is a critical time for YSHCN and can be challenging for families and youth alike. The Smooth Move to Adulthood Workshop explores tools and strategies that can help families get ready for this important transition. This interactive program will provide expert recommendations on youth health transition (YHT), identify key community programs and resources which support transition activities, and offers an opportunity to dialogue with expert parents and clinicians. Come and explore the why, when, and how of YHT Planning. Join the conversation - bring your ideas and questions! Click here for more information!
Transition from High School to Employment and Adulthood for Individuals with Disabilities: What lies ahead?" - Friday, June 24, 2016, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Jefferson Parish Department of Workforce Connection, 1900 Lafayette Street, Suite 1, Gretna, LA 70053: This two-hour session will provide:
- An overview of transition from school to the community
- Available supports, opportunities and services,
- Local and national examples of successful transitions,
- Working with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPS) to obtain meaningful WORK.
- Funding and agency "rules"/policies
- How to select a service provider, what services to expect and how employment services are delivered,
- Impact of earnings on SSI, SSDI and other federal benefits
- Information to help negotiate state and local agencies that will provide these services.
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Learning Opportunities Provided by Others
Education and Training
FHF thinks it is important for individuals to be armed with enough information to either assist or make decisions around disability issues that impact your life or that of a family member. Therefore, we are happy to share the following training opportunities others are doing around the state. Please note we do not handle registration for these opportunities.
Supporting Students with Dyslexia: Standards, Accommodations, and Strategies, Thursday, June 2, 2016, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm EDT - This webinar will address Dyslexia by providing a definition and common profiles of students who experience this disability; including strengths, areas of need, and presentation of learning difficulties in the classroom. Participants will learn how to support students who experience dyslexia with regard to developing goals and choosing appropriate accommodations as part of students' individualized education plans (IEPs). Click here for more information!
What is Inclusive Schooling and Is That What We REALLY Want to Know? Friday, June 3, 2016, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Bossier Instructional Center - 2719 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 is the most recent direction to families and public school staff on the requirements to educate students with disabilities. Many schools have Mission Statements which refer, rightfully, to fostering each student's success, improvement in every child's achievement, and preparation of all for global citizenship in the community. Students with disabilities attend the schools with IDEA's legal requirements and stated missions. Is it possible we already KNOW what Inclusive Schooling is? If so, is the REAL question-HOW do we include students with disabilities in the regular rhythm of school life-class rooms, hallways, cafeteria, enrichment, extra-curricular activities and daily routines? Our speaker Charlene Comstock-Galagan will help us explore the HOW of making schools more successful at including students with disabilities while fulfilling the obligation under IDEA of preparing students with disabilities for further education, employment and independent living! All participants will receive information on how to become involved in systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and how to become empowered advocates. Partners alumni are also encouraged to attend as a "refresher." This workshop is funded by the Louisiana Development Disabilities Council and collaborated with Families Helping Families Region 7. To register, please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-is-inclusive-schooling-and-is-that-what-we-really-want-to-know-tickets-24990879393.
Early Childhood Interventions & Autism Spectrum Disorder, Friday, June 10, 2016, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Holiday Inn Metairie New Orleans Airport, Metairie, LA: This workshop provides an insight into the diagnostic process that is used with young children who demonstrate atypical developmental patterns. A variety of treatment approaches, and the research supporting each approach will be discussed and interventions using the approaches will be practiced in an interactive lab-based format throughout the day. This workshop examines issues regarding emotional regulation, sensory processing, communication, and socialization. Strategies to support the development of positive replacement behaviors will be presented. This workshop will provide participants with effective teaching strategies backed by the latest research, giving participants the tools you need to facilitate successful early intervention in pre-school children on the spectrum. Click here for more information!
Building Community Through Social Capital, Friday, June 17, 2016, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, SpringHill Suites, 5115 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605 All individuals with disabilities and their family members (as well as professionals who are involved with the family) are interested in seeing themselves or their son/daughter/relative be successful in life. Although none of us can predict the future, we can look at ways and means to better prepare for the future by understanding the impact of friendships in our lives. Sociologist call this "social capital" and it's amazing what our relationships do for us. Learning objectives are 1) Participants will understand historical treatments experienced by people/families experiencing disabilities; 2) Participants will be introduced to community approach; 3) Major aspects of friendships will be overviewed; and 4) 4 key steps to developing more friendships. This workshop is funded by the Louisiana Development Disabilities Council and presented by Al Condeluci, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Community Living and Support Services. This event is a collaboration with Families Helping Families of Southwest, Louisiana. To register, please go to: http://bit.ly/bldgscap
Building Community Through Social Capital, Saturday, June 18, 2016, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, LSU Health Sciences Center, Human Development Center, 411 South Prieur Sreet, New Orleans, LA All individuals with disabilities and their family members (as well as professionals who are involved with the family) are interested in seeing themselves or their son/daughter/relative be successful in life. Although none of us can predict the future, we can look at ways and means to better prepare for the future by understanding the impact of friendships in our lives. Sociologist call this "social capital" and it's amazing what our relationships do for us. Learning objectives are 1) Participants will understand historical treatments experienced by people/families experiencing disabilities; 2) Participants will be introduced to community approach; 3) Major aspects of friendships will be overviewed; and 4) 4 key steps to developing more friendships. This workshop is funded by the Louisiana Development Disabilities Council and presented by Al Condeluci, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Community Living and Support Services. This event is a collaboration between FHF of Jefferson, FHF of Southeast LA and LSU, Human Development Center. To register, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-community-through-social-capitol-new-orleans-tickets-24821355342.
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Saturday, June 25, 2016
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Clearview Mall
Sears Rear Parking Lot
4436 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA
Bring your kids out for a fun time. Lots of different vehicles on wheels will be on display for kids to explore, pretend drive, pretend ride and discover. Fun for the whole family. Examples of some of the vehicles your child will be allowed to explore is Police Car, Fire Engine, Ambulance, Dune Buggy, Motor Cycles, RV, Accessible Vans, Dump Truck, Crane and more!
Only $5.00 per person
Family Discount offered at $20 for family of 6
Refreshments will be available for sale.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Have a fun or unique vehicle you want to share for our event?
Sponsors:
Pick-up Truck Level
Backhoe Level
Motorcycle Level
Tim Walker - Chief of Police
Harahan Police Department
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Help us thank our food donors one more time by being a future patron:
2 Amigos, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chez Ru Rene, City
Wholesale Liquor, Coco Cola, Fox & Hound, Happy Italian Pizzeria,
Kim Anh Noodle House, Langensteins, Nacho Mama's,
Nothing Bundt Cakes, Papa John's Pizza, Roly Poly's, Theo's Pizza, Zoe's Kitchen and Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market - Kenner
Missed it but still want to donate. Just click here!
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 Learning Links Education and Training If you've ever done an internet search on a topic, you know first-hand how difficult it is to sort through the thousands of links that come up with the search. Below is a list of some of our favorite links for the month that others have shared with us. We hope you find them as informative as we did.
Keep Kids Learning This Summer - The Summer Learning Community at www.Understood.org connects you with education experts and other parents. At the Understood website you can: Build summer reading lists. Turn IEP/504 plan goals into summer learning goals. Read an Expert Q&A on why it's important for kids to continue learning during the summer.
Discovering Feelings - The "Discovering Feelings" booklet is designed to assist caregivers in helping young children (birth to age three) to learn the labels for their feelings. It is available in English and Spanish. A companion set of Consultant's Notes offers ideas for how to assist others in using these resources.
Successful Transition to College: the Role of Technology (Series) - AT Specialists Bryan Ayres and Janet Peters led this series of 2 webinars on Successful Transition to College: The Role of Technology. The first webinar discusses major factors in AT planning for students with disabilities transitioning to employment or post-secondary environments.
Disability Disclosure - This video provides a short introduction to disability disclosure for youth with disabilities in school or at work. It shows a young adult filling out an application for employment and trying to decide if he should disclose or not his disability. There is also a scene in which an employer asks if the young adult has a disability, which is not legal.
Health World (HW) e-Learning programs, student assignments, classroom activities and lesson plans may be accessed by schools throughout the United States, thus providing comprehensive health and safety resources for PreK through 12th grade. Since 1995, more than 4-million students have participated in Health World programs, focusing on education that empowers students to be active participants towards a healthier future.
Sexuality Education for Youth with Disability - This is a site that the University of Michigan Health System put together to educate families on what they need to know about youth with disabilities or chronic conditions. The site has more links leading to different resources that families may find helpful. They have information on how to deal with the many aspects of disability, love, sex, and puberty in a responsible and affirming way.
Youthhood- This is a website provided the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition and the University of Michigan. They provide a safe and fun way for youth with disabilities to plan their future through self-determination and youth development. This website was built to help our youth plan for the future.
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Upcoming future great events you won't want to miss.
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47th Annual Autism Society National Conference, July 13, 2016 Preconference, July 14 - 16 Keynotes, Concurrent Sessions and Exhibition Hall, Marriott Hotel New Orleans, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130: Since 1965, the Autism Society has embraced its mission to make a better world for all with autism. Shortly after its founding, the Autism Society held an inaugural national conference to discuss the state of children with ASD in America. This meeting brought together parents of children with ASD to share resources, experiences and develop strategies to be effective advocates for their children.
Today, the Autism Society's annual conference represents one of the largest gathering of autism families, service providers, educators, policymakers and key allies in the disability community. We have an exciting list of speakers this year which include:
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2nd Annual 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Against Bullying
Time to dust off those superhero capes and save Saturday, October 1, 2016 for the 2nd Annul 5k and 1 mile Fun Run/Walk Against Bullying. Save the date and don't miss out on this day of fun!
Live Music Great Food Beer Kid Activities Awards
Prizes for Fundraising Teams Prizes for Fundraising Individuals Prizes for Schools with 50 or More Participants
New Location:
Lafreniere Park
Be a Superhero Against Bullying!
Brave Sponsorship Level
United Sponsorship Level
Equality Sponsorship Level
Metairie Bank
Sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Participant Registration and Vendor Registration Information Coming Soon.
Planning Committee Volunteers Needed
We are searching for a few committed individuals to serve on our planning committee. The planning committee meets, discusses, and organizes the event for maximum efficiency and profit. Individuals do not need experience in races - just a passion to help. If you have the time to commit to this volunteer committee, please contact Janice Watsky at jwatsky@fhfjefferson.org.
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Extensive Lending Library
Families Helping Families has an extensive lending library. Books, dvds and more are here, free of charge for families and professionals to check out. You are welcome to come and browse our library during our office hours, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you cannot make it into our office, you can see a complete list of our inventory and any item can be mailed to you. Just click here to see a complete list of items in our lending library.
Before you buy it - check to see if we have it! |
Changing Lives. Every Day.
Success Story of the month.
Every day we hear wonderful things about the work we do for individuals in the community. One of the things that keep us going daily are the success stories we hear.
Navigating + Advocating = SUCCESS
As a family who was relocating to the area, we were overwelmed trying to navigate the school system. With two young special needs children, we felt like all of our work on our kids was being erased.
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Developmental Disabilities Services Directory
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities provides supports and services through a variety of locations throughout the state to support the dignity, quality of life and security in the everyday lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families, acting as the Single Point of Entry.
OCDD Central Office
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
628 North 4th Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
PO Box 3117, Bin #21
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3117
Phone: 1.225.342.0095
Toll-Free: 1.866.783.5553
Fax: 1.225.342.8823
Waiver Registry Dates
As of May 27, 2016 the following dates have been reached on the waiver registry, a.k.a the waiting list.
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) - 8/18/2004
Children's Choice Waiver - 6/20/2006
Supports Waiver - 12/31/2014
Not sure where you are on the registry? Call 1.800.364.7828.
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A Little Lagniappe:
A little of this and a little of that - more stuff that might interest you.
The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council was established in compliance with federal regulations governing the Rehabilitation Act (P.L. 102-569). The LRC works with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) to ensure the involvement of individuals with disabilities in the development and delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to Louisianans with disabilities. The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council Meetings are held quarterly in different areas of the State. Please take note all meetings are open public forum. The 2016 meetings scheduled are:
July 28-29, 2016 - Embassy Suites Hotel, 4914 Constitution Ave., Baton Rouge, La
October 27-28, 2016 - Baton Rouge
If you would like to be considered for membership on the Council or would like more information about the LRC, you can contact Paige Kelly (225) 219-2947 or toll free at 1-800-737-2958. E-mail: pkelly1@lwc.la.gov.
Understanding Grade-Level Expectations - Many parents have questions about what their children are expected to do at each grade-level. Milestones, a free online collection of videos, is aimed at helping parents understand these grade-level expectations in grades K-5. Milestones shows students demonstrating what success looks like in reading, writing and math, grade by grade. Milestones is also available in Spanish.
The " Because who is perfect? Get closer' campaign captures the reaction of people as mannequins modeled after people with disabilities are displayed in store windows.
Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International� is a global non-profit leader dedicated to providing empowering and effective child protection, positive communication, and personal safety skills for all ages and abilities. Since 1989, we have served over 4 million children, teens, andadults, including those with special needs, through our free online library, affordable publications and K-12 curriculum, in-person workshops, and professional consulting. We prepare families,schools, and organizations to prevent bullying, sexual abuse, abduction and other violence through greater awareness, action, and skills. Kidpower has certified more than 150 instructors, serving people across the U.S. and in many other countries.
TRICARE ABA Reimbursement Rate Survey - On April 1, 2016 TRICARE ABA cut reimbursement rates as much as 15%. These cuts may affect the access to care and quality of life for our children. We would like to know how you will be or could be impacted by the decrease in reimbursement rates for ABA services.
SPOKES (Support for Parents Of Kids with Epilepsy and Seizures) is a support group and activity program for parents of children with epilepsy. Here parents can connect and find common ground on the successes and challenges they face in raising a child with seizures. Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to attend. This program is only available in Louisiana. For more information about our monthly support groups throughout the state, please visit our website www.epilepsylouisiana.org or call our office 225.298.5499 and ask to be added to the SPOKES email list. Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Help line: 1.800.332.1000
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 Our Team
Click here for a list of Staff or Board Members
Families Helping Families of Jefferson is your one stop shop for disability information. We are the only family resource center for individuals with all disabilities, all ages and their families in Jefferson Parish. We offer services across the lifespan.
Congratulations to our newly elected Board Officers:
Greg Brenan, Chair
Jo Ann LoRusso, Vice-Chair
Michelle Roberie, Secretary
Kevin Walker, Treasurer
Additional board members are:
Georgia Cuny
Maria Blanco, Past Chair
Newly elected board members are:
Judy Otto
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Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LaPTIC) is a program of Families Helping Families of Jefferson and a grant from the US Department of Education; Office of Special Education (OSEP) as Louisiana's official and only statewide federally funded Parent Training and Information Center.
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Two Groups You Want to JOIN!
LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals, families and advocates who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a service system that supports individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes rather than having to be segregated from their communities in a facility to receive support. Specifically, they have advocated for implementation of Louisiana's Community and Family Support System Plan. To join or learn more about LaCAN,
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LaTEACH (Louisiana Together Educating ALL Children) is a statewide grassroots advocacy network created for the purpose of effecting systems change. LaTEACH promotes appropriate, inclusive education for all students. LaTEACH works to make parents, educators, the general public, and state leadership informed and supportive of research-based and effective practices used appropriately for each student. To join or learn more about LaTEACH,
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Connect with FHF and be in the KNOW!
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