<% if now.date <= "21-Apr-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

SIT FOR AUTISM

April 21, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

A Training for Short Term/Child Care Providers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A digital Sit Kit containing support materials will be given to all participants.

This will be a virtual training, a link will be sent upon registration.
» English registration link
» Download event flyer

<% end if end if %> <% if now.date <= "22-Apr-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

Learn the Signs Act Early: COVID Response Parent Focus Group

April 13 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
April 20 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
April 22 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

The COVID 19 pandemic has had many barriers across the state when it comes to accessing needed services for children around developmental monitoring. The University of Connec􀆟cut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabili􀆟es (UCEDD) and the Connec􀆟cut Help Me Grow Advisory Team is looking to surveying Connec􀆟cut families in order to assist us in iden􀆟fying the gaps families maybe experiencing.

The University of Connec􀆟cut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabili􀆟es (UCEDD), will be hos􀆟ng focus groups for families of young children (birth to five) related to the development, monitoring and screening. These focus groups are intended to gain informa􀆟on about what will be most helpful for families who may be in need of informa􀆟on around young children's development.

» Register Here for a Session
» Download event flyer

<% end if end if %> <% if now.date <= "27-Apr-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

Next STEPS: Our Virtual Parent Leadership Training Series

Tuesdays and Thursday from March 2 through April 27, 2021
6:00 - 7:30 pm

This intensive eight-week virtual series is designed to help parents and professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary for them to be effective members at the Planning and Placement Team meeting (PPT). This training series will prepare participants for a variety of roles at the school, district, regional or state level.

For an application please call (860) 739-3089 or email lopert@cpacinc.org, or visit our Next Steps page.

» Download event flyer
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting and a schedule of dates.

<% end if end if %> <% if now.date <= "27-Apr-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

Supporting Students with ADHD: Attention & Behavior

Dr. David Anderson, The Child Mind Institute
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Noon - 1:00 pm

» RSVP for this Webinar

With the difficult circumstances of the pandemic, constructively supporting students with ADHD is more important than ever. On Tuesday, April 27 from noon- 1 PM, Dr. David Anderson, Vice President of School and Community Programs and former Senior Director of the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute will present Supporting Students with ADHD: Attention and Behavior. Dr. Anderson will outline the signs and symptoms of ADHD, common ways kids and teens with ADHD have faced challenges during the pandemic, and outline effective strategies to manage ADHD symptoms and restore balance both at school and at home. Please RSVP at dariensepac@gmail.com

Dr. Anderson is a clinical psychologist who specializes in evaluating and treating children and adolescents with ADHD, behavior, anxiety, and mood disorders. Child Mind Institute school-based programs directed by Dr. Anderson have provided clinical interventions, social-emotional skill building, professional development, and workshops for more than 50,000 students, educators, and parents. Dr. Anderson frequently lectures and leads workshops on a variety of topics for parents, educators, and policymakers, and he has contributed to television and print media for organizations such as ABC, Time, CBS, Fox, CNN, NBC, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, the New York Times, and NPR. Dr. Anderson received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and his doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University.

The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.

The program is co-sponsored by Darien SEPAC and Darien Library.

<% end if end if %> <% if now.date <= "30-Apr-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

SCSU SPRING CONFERENCE (VIRTUAL)
Building Community Circles: Navigating the Transition Pathway for Individuals with ASD

April 30, 2021 from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm

Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders is hosting our 2nd Conference on Transition to assist school personnel and families with meeting the diverse transition needs of individuals with ASD in our state.

This will be a virtual event.
» Registration link

The day is scheduled as follows:
Keynote: Secondary Transition Discussion with CT State Agencies

Description:
School-age students, who have been found eligible for special education services, are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The process and requirements for accessing adult and community services are different from public education. Strong partnerships between the family, school, and agencies are critical to a student's successful transition from school to adult life. This session will assist families in understanding and navigating the secondary transition planning process. Discussion will include a review of federal and state requirements, as well as an overview of tools, resources, and professional learning opportunities related to secondary transition. An opportunity to learn more about CT state agencies, hear about new initiatives, and have the opportunity to ask these state agency representatives questions.

Panelists:
Cathleen A. Calway, Autism Support and Resource Specialist, Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Health, Community Options Unit
Ian Card, Level Up Counselor, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
Lisa Farrell, Benefits Specialist, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Connect to Work Project
Ebony Johnson, Lead Workforce Specialist – CareerHub, The WorkPlace
Richard Martinez, Benefits Specialist, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Connect to Work Project
Mary Ellen McGarry, Benefits Specialist, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Connect to Work Project
Karen Quesnel, RETAIN-CT Project Manager, Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workforce Competitiveness
Cynthia Scott, Benefits Specialist, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Connect to Work Project
Brian K. Smith, Assistant Regional Director – West Region, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Individual and Family Support Division
Alycia M. Trakas, Education Consultant, Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), Bureau of Special Education

Breakout Sessions:
Participants will take part in 2 breakout sessions that you decide on the day of the event, no need to pick now!

Topics will include:
Recreation: Building Recreation Opportunities -- Mary Jo Archambault, CTRS, EdD
IEP Transition Planning -- Nicholas Gelbar, PhD BCBA-D NCSP
Vocational Services – Peter Gerhardt, ED.D
Transition to College – Fred Volkmar, M.D.

Family Panel:
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center will provide a panel of family members who will share their experience and answer questions.

<% end if end if %> <% if now.date <= "07-May-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

Dismantling Systemic Racism

Dr. David Anderson, The Child Mind Institute
Friday, May 7, 2021
Virtual Event

» Register Here

The 5th conference on Dismantling Systemic Racism, sponsored by the State Education Resource Center (SERC) in collaboration with the SERC Foundation, focuses on ways to promote and develop racial equity in education.

This virtual conference supports educators, families, and community leaders who seek to confront racist structures and practices to better serve Connecticut's students and their families, through advocacy and the development, implementation, and sustainability of innovative, culturally relevant programming.

This year's conference will feature two keynote speakers in the morning. SERC staff will facilitate discussion groups in the afternoon, when all participants are invited to connect around the common themes of racial equity and social justice. Come share your thoughts, questions, and ideas -- we want to hear your perspective!

<% end if end if %> <% if now.date <= "07-Jun-2021" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" or session("event-first-shown") = "false" then if session("event-first-only") = "false" then if session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" then session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-even" else session("bg-color") = "it-row-color-odd" end if end if session("event-first-shown") = "true" %>
">

20-21 Person-Centered Planning: LifeCourse Planning Tools

Multiple dates from January through July, 2021

Charting the LifeCourse, a universally-designed person-centered planning framework, is a tool to assist individuals and families of all abilities and ages to develop a vision of a good life. Participants in this session will understand the importance of person-centered/futures planning, become familiar with the LifeCourse tools, and how to use them to support the development of the IEP and Transition Planning.

» View dates, times, and registration information

<% end if end if %>