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Connecticut Parent
Advocacy Center

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Last Reviewed:
Thursday September 04, 2008 09:47 AM

 

Upcoming Events 

SEPT 5 ROCK FOR LIFE: YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION BENEFIT CONCERT
Groton, CT
   
SEPT 8 & 9 BUILDING AND SUSTAINING A MEDICAL HOME MODEL OF CARE FOR CONNECTICUT: CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, SURPRISES, SUCCESSES
Trumbull, CT
   
SEPT 8 POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
New Milford, CT
   
SEPT 9 INCLUDING SAMUEL: A DOCUMENTARY BY PHOTO JOURNALIST DAN HABIB
Fairfield, CT
   
SEPT 10 HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION FORUM
Hartford, CT
   
SEPT 10 TOILET TRAINING WORKSHOP
Killingly, CT
   
SEPT 11 COPING WITH THE WORLD OF FEAR: HELPING OUR CHILDREN AND OURSELVES
Greenwich, CT
   
SEPT 11 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION: SEMINARS FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS - THE IEP DOCUMENT
Hartford, CT
   
SEPT 13 6TH ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS DAY FAMILY FAIR
Hartford, CT
   
SEPT 17 NORWALK SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / NORWALK SEEKS FORUM
Norwalk, CT
   
SEPT 17 GUIDING YOUNG CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR
Killingly, CT
   
SEPT 19 MEDICAL ETHICS LECTURE BY WESLEY J. SMITH
New Britain & Farmington, CT
   
SEPT 19 FINANCIAL AID FOR COLLEGE FOR FOSTER, ADOPTIVE AND KIN PARENTS: HOPE, SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE IN FUNDING A COLLEGE EDUCATION
Hartford, CT
   
SEPT 20 HYPERAROUSAL, SENSORY INTEGRATION, AND MOTOR PLANNING ISSUES: DAY TO DAY STRATEGIES FOR HOME, SCHOOL AND BEYOND
Farmington, CT
   
SEPT 22 HOW WE LEARN: NEW FINDINGS TOWARD IMPROVING COGNITION
Greenwich, CT
   
SEPT 23 DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE
Madison, CT
   
SEPT 24 POSITIVE APPROACHES TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS: LOOKING, LISTENING AND LEARNING
Cromwell, CT
   
SEPT 25 CARTOONING CLASS
Madison, CT
   
SEPT 27 2008 DISABILITY CONVENTION & EXPOSITION: INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EMPOWERMENT
Hartford, CT
   
SEPT 28 SHARON'S RIDE, RUN, WALK FOR EPILEPSY
Middletown, CT
   

* For Additional Workshops Please Visit: www.cacld.org/events.asp or www.spednet.org or http://www.ct-dac.org/calendar.htm


September 5, 2008

Rock for Life: Youth Suicide Prevention Concert
Groton, CT

On Friday, September 5, 2008, Young Adults United, the Youth Leadership of Families United for Children's Mental Health, will sponsor "Rock for Life," a youth suicide prevention concert.  The concert will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Groton Elks Club. 

The concert will feature "The Thick Thieves," "Jenova" and "The Fatalists."

A $5 donation is suggested.  All proceeds will go to Youth Adults United for their efforts in promoting awareness of youth suicide prevention.  The event is suggested for a teen audience.

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September 8 &9, 2008

Building and Sustaining a Medical Home Model of Care for Connecticut: Challenges, Solutions, Surprises, Successes
Trumbull, CT

On Monday and Tuesday, September 8 &9, 2008, the Connecticut Medical Home Initiative will host a conference entitled, "Building and Sustaining a Medical Home Model of Care for Connecticut: Challenges, Solutions, Surprises, Successes."  Both days will begin at 8:30am and conclude at 3pm.  The conference will be held at the Trumbull Marriot Merritt Parkway, located at 180 Hawley Lane in Trumbull, Connecticut.

The keynote speakers will be developmental pediatrician, W. Carl Cooley, MD and Carolyn J. Allshouse, who coordinates the Minnesota Medical Home Project at the Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs Section at the MN Department of Health.

The objective of the conference is to strengthen, expand and sustain a state model of care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs through family partnership, education, multidisciplinary collaboration, resource and policy development and advocacy. 

To register, please contact Renae Vitale, LCSW, NW Medical Home Initiative at St. Mary's Hospital, at 203-709-5716, 866-517-4388 or rvitale@stmh.org.  Please view the conference brochure for more information and a registration form.

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September 8, 2008

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: What Parents Need to Know
New Milford, CT

On Monday, September 8, 2008, The Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group for Parents and Caregivers Raising Children with Special Health Care Needs will be hosting a workshop presented by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center entitled, "Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: What Parents Need to Know."  The workshop will take place 7pm to 8:30pm at the United Methodist Church located at 68 Danbury Road in New Milford.  The support group meeting will begin at 6:30 with networking and resource sharing.

Families will be introduced to a new way of thinking about their children's challenging behaviors and about the need to advocate for behavioral supports.  The workshop introduces and provides and overview of the concepts of functional behavioral assessment and positive behavior interventions.  The workshop will also review the issues related to discipline that face students with special needs in school.  Participants will become aware of the required process for suspension of a child with an IEP.

Registration is required.  Please contact Alice Buttwell, NW Regional Coordinator, CTFSN-NW, at 860-350-6025 or at alicemmbb@aol.com

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September 9, 2008

Including Samuel: A Documentary By Photo Journalist Dan Habib
Fairfield, CT

On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, Fairfield SEPTA will be holding a screening of Photo Journalist, Dan Habib's film, "Including Samuel."  The screening will take place at the Community Theater in Fairfield, Connecticut at 7:30pm and will be followed by a Q&A with Dan Habib.

New Hampshire photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about inclusion before he had his son Samuel eight years ago. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Habib's film Including Samuel examines the social and educational inclusion of youth with disabilities as a civil rights issue.  To view the trailer visit: www.includingsamuel.com.

Please plan on arriving early as tickets are first come first serve.  Tickets are $10.  Fairfield SEPTA will pay admission for any patron with a valid FPS ID badge.  Free or reduced price tickets are available based on need upon request.  Please email trembish@fairfield.k12.ct.us.  Requests will be kept confidential.

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September 10, 2008

Homelessness Prevention Forum
Hartford, CT

On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, the Connecticut Clearinghouse, a program of Wheeler Clinic, invites community providers to a Homelessness Prevention Forum.  The forum will be held at the Lyceum Resource and Conference Center, located at 227 Lawrence Street in Hartford, Connecticut from 9am to 4pm.

The following topics will be covered:

  • eviction process

  • housing discrimination

  • local community resources

  • tenants' rights and responsibilities

  • foreclosure

Resource tables will be available for attendees to share brochures and materials.  Lunch will be on your own. To register, please visit the CT Clearinghouse website.

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September 10, 2008

Toilet Training Workshop
Killingly, CT

On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, Killingly Family Resource Center will host a workshop presented by Melanie Smith-Cervera, Community Liaison for Info-line 211, entitled, "Toilet Training."  The workshop will take place from 6pm to 7:30pm at Goodyear Early Childhood Center, located at 22 Williamsville Road in Rogers, Connecticut.

This is the first in a series of parenting workshops which will continue September 17th, October 8th and 15th.  Child care is available upon request and refreshments will be served.

For more information or to register, please contact Cara Blackington at 860-779-6772 or email cblackington@killinglyschools.org.

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September 11, 2008

Coping with the World of Fear: Helping Our Children and Ourselves
Greenwich, CT

On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the Yale Child Study Center's lecture series in Greenwich will begin with a lecture at the Greenwich Library entitled, "Coping with the World of Fear: Helping Our Children and Ourselves."  The lecture will be held from 7pm to 8pm in the Greenwich Library's Cole Auditorium.

Steven Marans, MSW, PhD will present the lecture.  Dr. Marans is the Director of the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence, and a Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychiatry. His research has been focused on the experience of violent trauma in the lives of children and families as well as changes in systems of care that can improve services and clinical outcomes. Drawing on his thirty years’ experience in clinical practice and research, Dr. Marans will guide parents, educators and therapists on how to interpret "the behavior language of fear" that children and teens employ more often than words. Dr. Marans is the author of "Listening To Fear: Helping Kids Cope, from Nightmares to the Nightly News."

To attend, register online at www.greenhosp.org or call 203-863-3627 or toll-free 888-357-2409.

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September 11, 2008

What You Need to Know About Special Education: Seminars for Parents and Professionals - The IEP Document
Hartford, CT

On September 11, 2008, The Learning Disability Association of Connecticut (LDA of CT) will begin a training series entitled, "What You Need to Know About Special Education: Seminars for Parents and Professionals" with a presentation on the IEP.  The seminar will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Conference Room on the 5th floor of LDA, located at 999 Asylum Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.

"What You Need to Know About Special Education: Seminars for Parents and Professionals" is a 12 seminar series for parents, educators, advocates, lawyers, social workers, and consultants.  Participants will gain valuable information about the IEP process, laws governing special education services and conflict resolution. Sessions are taught by experienced professionals. At the completion of the series, each participant will have a binder of valuable resources on all topics covered in the course. Sessions provide the opportunity to network with people of similar interests and presenters who offer needed services.

Sessions include the following topics:

• an in depth look at the IEP   • IDEA/504 plans  • introduction to the WISC-IV

• Woodcock-Johnson Cognition & Achievement  • reading disabilities

• neuropsychological evaluations  • autism spectrum disorders  • sensory integration

• social skills  • nonverbal learning disabilities  • assistive technology  • ADHD

• transition planning after high school  • pharmacological interventions  • due process rights

 

After completing the seminars, participants can be Parent Advisors (PA) and are mentored to become volunteers with LDA of CT.  Parent Advisors are parents and educators who are trained and supervised by LDA staff to work directly with families of special needs children throughout the state.

 

What do PAs do?

  • Review student records.

  • Consult with parents about educational evaluations and programming options.

  • Attend IEP meetings with parents to help secure a free, appropriate public education for their child.

Cost for all 12 seminars is $300 plus membership ($40) in LDA of CT.  Individual seminar is $50. Exact schedule will be available after Sept. 2. Light refreshments and coffee will be served.

For more information, please contact LDA of CT at 860-560-1711 or via email at ldact@ldact.org.

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September 13, 2008

6th Annual Grandparents Day Family Fair
Hartford, CT

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, the City of Hartford's Grandparents Program will hold its 6th Annual Grandparents Day Family Fair.  The event will be held from 11am to 3pm at Bushnell Park, by the carousel, in Hartford.

The event is dedicated to the thousands of kinship families in Hartford and across Connecticut.  Grandparents Day Family Fair is filled with activities, games, arts & crafts, inflatable bouncers, information and much more.  This family event offers the opportunity to learn about programs and services within the community that can assist families with intervention services, support services, health screenings, youth programming, parenting support and education through interactive games and activities.

For more information, please contact Elby Gonzalez-Schwapp at 860-722-6851 or via email at egonzalezschwapp@hartford.gov.

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September 17, 2008

Norwalk Special Education Department / Norwalk SEEKS Forum
Norwalk, CT

On Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Norwalk Public Schools Special Education Department and Norwalk SEEKS will be holding a forum from 7pm to 9pm at Norwalk City Hall, 3rd floor, room 333 in Norwalk.

The forum is an opportunity for Norwalk parents to meet and talk with some of the central office staff in charge of special education services in Norwalk Public Schools. Staff will give an overview of services.

The forum is co-sponsored by NorwalkSEEKS and Connecticut Association of Children and Adults w/LD (CACLD). It is free and open to the public. For more information please contact Norwalk SEEKS at info@norwalkseeks.org or 203-846-2501.

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September 17, 2008

Guiding Young Children’s Behavior
Killingly, CT

On Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Killingly Family Resource Center will host a workshop presented by Melanie Smith-Cervera, Community Liaison for Info-line 211, entitled, "Guiding Young Children's Behavior."  The workshop will take place from 6pm to 7:30pm at Goodyear Early Childhood Center, located at 22 Williamsville Road in Rogers, Connecticut.

This is the first in a series of parenting workshops which will continue October 8th and 15th.  Child care is available upon request and refreshments will be served.

For more information or to register, please contact Cara Blackington at 860-779-6772 or email cblackington@killinglyschools.org.

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September 19, 2008

Medical Ethics Lecture By Wesley J. Smith
New Britain & Farmington, CT

On Friday, September 19, 2008, the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities will present two free lectures on medical ethics by Wesley J. Smith. 

The first lecture will take place from 10am to 1pm at the Institute of Technology and Business Development at Central Connecticut State University, located at 185 Main Street in New Britain, Connecticut.  Lunch and free parking will be provided.  To register, please send a fax to the CT Council at 860-418-6003 or an e-mail to Ed.Preneta@ct.gov.

The second lecture is from 2pm to 4pm in the Community Room of the Farmington Public Library, located at 6 Monteith Drive in Farmington, Connecticut.  Wesley Smith will also sign copies of his book.  To register, please contact the Farmington Public Library at 860-672-6791.

Wesley J. Smith is an attorney for the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide and special consultant for the Center for Bioethics and Culture. Smith's Culture of Death: The Assault on Medical Ethics in America, a warning about the dangers of the modern
bioethics movement, was named one of the top Ten Outstanding Books of the Year and Best Health Book of the Year for 2001 (Independent Publishers Book Awards).  Smith is an international lecturer and public speaker, appearing frequently at political, university, medical, legal, disability rights, bioethics, religious, and community gatherings across the United States, Europe, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. 


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September 19, 2008

Financial Aid for College For Foster, Adoptive  and Kin Parents: Hope, Support and Guidance in Funding a College Education
Hartford, CT

On Friday, September 19, 2008, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families will sponsor a presentation in collaboration with the Hartford Probabe Court entitled, "Financial Aid for College For Foster, Adoptive  and Kin Parents: Hope, Support and Guidance in Funding a College Education."  The presentation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Hartford Insurance Company, Tower Building Tower Suite, located at 690 Asylum Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

Participants will become more aware of financial options to help both themselves and the children they care for to obtain a college education. Participants will learn about resources that can assist them in their search for the right school and available financial assistance.

 

This training is open to any parent/caretaker who is exploring the possibility of sending their child to college. However, because space is limited, preference will be given to foster, adoptive and kin parents in Hartford, Windsor, Bloomfield and West Hartford. Child care will not be provided.

 

Register online at www.ctclearinghouse.org/registration or contact Connecticut Clearinghouse at 800-232-4424.  For special accommodations, including Spanish translation, contact Connecticut Clearinghouse at least two weeks in advance.

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September 20, 2008

Hyperarousal, Sensory Integration, and Motor Planning Issues: Day to Day Strategies for Home, School, and Beyond
Farmington, CT

On Saturday, September 20, 2008, the Fragile X Society of Connecticut will be hosting a conference entitled, "Hyperarousal, Sensory Integration, and Motor Planning Issues: Day to Day Strategies for Home, School, and Beyond."  Internationally known Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder experts, Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR and Sarah Scharfenaker, MA, CCC-SLP, will present the conference which will take place from 8am to 4:30pm at the UConn Health Center, located at 263 Farmington Avenue in Farmington, Connecticut. 

Hyperarousal and associated sensory over-responsiveness are core deficits for children and adults with FXS and ASD.  Strategies for managing these two issues throughout the person's day, both at home and at school, will be presented and will fall into several categories based on best practice in Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy: sensory-based strategies, routine-based strategies, and language-based strategies.  This conference is geared toward families, educators, and providers who care for children and adults with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Pre-registration is required.  The conference fee is $45.  For more information, please contact Tammy and Andy Selinger at 860-233-1904 or email xfamily@aol.com.

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September 22, 2008

How We Learn: New Findings Toward Improving Cognition
Greenwich, CT

On Monday, September 22, 2008, the Yale Child Study Center's lecture series will continue with a lecture by Dr. Paul Lombroso entitled, "How We Learn: New Findings Toward Improving Cognition."  The lecture will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Greenwich Hospital's Noble Conference Room.

What do Autism, Fragile X Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease have in common? A recent model of these disorders suggest that they all lead to disruptions at synapses, the connections between neurons that are required for learning to occur and memories to be formed. This lecture will review some of the recent research in this area, how learning and memory are studied in the laboratory, and how discoveries in the laboratory are suggesting new therapeutic approaches to these devastating disorders.

Paul Lombroso, MD is a Child Psychiatrist and Molecular Biologist. He was trained at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and at Harvard University. He then received further training in Molecular Biology at The Rockefeller University before joining the Child Study Center at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he is the Elizabeth Mear and House Jameson Professor of Child Psychiatry. He is particularly interested in learning and memory: how we learn and how, in certain disorders, we don't learn.

For more information or to register, visit www.greenhosp.org or call 203-863-3627 or toll free 888-357-2409.

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September 23, 2008

Discipline With Love
Madison, CT

On Tuesday, September 23rd and Tuesday, October 7th, KIDSTEPS will present a workshop for parents and caretakers entitled, "Discipline With Love."  The workshop will take place from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Scranton Library in Madison, Connecticut.

In this two session parent workshop you will learn new ideas on how to solve behavior problems and also help your child feel good about himself and gain confidence. Participants will learn how to stop reacting and become proactive.

There is no fee for participation.  To register, please call or email Marian Roy, Coordinator KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center at 203-318-3692 or at mroy@sarah-inc.org.

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September 24, 2008

Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviors: Looking, Listening and Learning
Cromwell, CT

On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, Connecticut Developmental Disabilities Council, A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Office of Protection and Advocacy and the State Education Resource Center will sponsor a statewide conference entitled, "Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviors: Looking, Listening and Learning."  The conference will be held from 8am to 4pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Presenters will include:

  • George Sugai, PhD

  • Pat Amos, MA

  • Christopher M. Oliva, PhD

  • Fredda Brown, PhD

  • Sara B. Woolf, MA

  • SERC will also be conducting workshops

The registration fee is $55 per person, payable to CT Council on Developmental Disabilities and is due on September 10th with registration.  For more information, please contact Angela Spino at 860-418-8709 or at angela.spino@ct.gov.

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September 25, 2008

Cartooning Class
Madison, CT

Beginning Thursday, September 25th and continuing October 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th and November 6th, 13th and 20th, KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center will be hosting a Cartooning Class presented by Christopher Uminga, Artist and Cartoonist, for children ages 7 to 11.  The class will take place from 4 pm to 5 pm at KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center, located at 51 Boston Post Road in Madison, Connecticut.

Students will design characters and use them in cartoons and comic strips language. This is a unique opportunity to experience social skills from an art prospective. You do not need to be an artist or have any drawing experience to enjoy this class. All levels of art ability and special needs invited.

The fee for participation is $100 for all 8 sessions.  For more information or to register, please call Marian Roy at 203-318-3692 or email her at mroy@sarah-inc.org.

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September 27, 2008

The 2008 Disability Convention & Exposition: Independence Through Empowerment
Hartford, CT

On Saturday, September 27, 2008, The Connecticut Disability Advocacy Collaborative will hold the 2008 Disability Convention and Exposition: Independence Through Empowerment.  The convention will take place from 10am to 4pm at the Connecticut Expo Center, located at 265 Reverend Moody Overpass in Hartford, Connecticut (off I-91 Exit 33).

The convention and expo will include:

  • Representatives from the Presidential campaigns have been invited to speak as well as all five Congressional incumbents and their challengers; a panel of state officials will offer tips on how to communicate effectively with your legislators

  • Visit vendors carrying the latest in adaptive equipment and technology, such as wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts, van modifications, assistive technology, including the latest in communication devices, and other aids for independent living

  • Get information on the many services available for children and adults with disabilities from state agencies and private agencies

  • Talk with advocates from organizations that represent families that have children with disabilities, as well as adults with a wide range of disabilities who will be in attendance to provide information and support

  • Activities are being planned for children with and without disabilities, so plan to bring the kids and participate in fun activities for the whole family!

For more information, please contact Stan Kosloski at skosloski03@comcast.net.

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September 28, 2008

Sharon's Ride, Run, Walk for Epilepsy
Middletown, CT

Hop on your bike, lace up your jogging shoes or stroll with your pets, all in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut.  Ride or walk with your family, friends, co-workers, school, or club. It’s fun and can be added exposure for your group.

For further information about the conference please contact The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut at (800) 899-3745 or www.epilepsyfoundation.org/connecticut.

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