Bulletin Board postings are for upcoming courses, job openings, workshops etc. Please write to

inquiries@riautism.org if you would like to post a notice.

 

HealthRIght and the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN)

 

Basic Rights in Special Education

This workshop focuses on how to access special education and related services for children with disabilities.

Participants will learn the laws that affect special education in Rhode Island and will receive an overview of parents’ rights and responsibilities..

July 22, 2008 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Pre-Registration Deadline: 7/16/08

Seating is limited. Please register to reserve seating.
For more information or to register please contact Suzanne Tobin at 401-727-4144 x123 or tobin@ripin.org
 

 

The Sargent Rehabilitation Center is holding a Parent Workshop Series:

* April 3, 2008: Sibling Issues: An Interactive Discussion for and with Parents
* May 15, 2008: Helping Children Manage Stress
* May 29, 2008: Getting Beyond Bedtime Battles
* June 12, 2008: Augmentative Communication: An Overview of the Options

All workshops, which are free and open to parents, run from 7-8:30 PM at the Sargent Center. Seating is limited. For more information about the presenters, workshop programs and to make an advanced registration, call (401) 886-6612.

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Interested in participating in an important research about brothers and sisters? We really need you!

Who are we?

We are SibLink and we are dedicated to brothers and sisters of children with special needs. We are part of Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center. Our research about siblings is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.

Who are we looking for?

Families with at least two children:
• One typically developing child 8-15 years old.
• One child 3-18 years old, either a child with developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome or Autism; or a child without a disability, who would be part of our control group.
• Both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking families are invited.

To do what?

The 8-15 years old sibling and a parent will participate in a one-time interview about sibling and family life. The interview lasts about 2 hours.

When and where does it happen?
At a time and place convenient for you, Monday-Friday. Evening times are available. We can meet at your home, our offices, or in a public place.

What do you get from participating?
Families who complete the interview are paid for their time. Some families enjoy the opportunity to talk about themselves and get a good feeling from knowing that information collected through this study may help other families of children with disabilities.

Interested?

Call 401-793-8575 for more information!

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 MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC

Independence Square Foundation, Pawtucket

6-8pm

 

Learn about different kinds of music, instruments and sounds. Play a variety of instruments and create your own music!!

Session ll      January 7, 14, 28, February 4, 11

Session lll     February 25, March 3, 10, 17, 24

Session lV     May 5, 12, 19, June 2, 16

Session V      July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4

TUESDAY NIGHT DANCE

Independence Square Foundation, Pawtucket

6:30-8:30pm

Learn about movement using travel, balance, weight-sharing & improvisation during a low impact dance workout!

Session ll      January 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26

Session lll     April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

SATURDAY RISD MUSEUM ART CLASS

RISD Art Museum, Providence

10:30am – 12:30pm

Learn the basics of drawing, painting and sculpture.  

Experiment with pastels, paint & clay.

All within a museum setting!

Session ll      January 5, 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9

Session lll     March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12

Session lV     May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CONTACT US AT 401-725-0247

VSA arts of Rhode Island, 500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, RO 02860

Voice/TTY:  401-725-0247      Fax:  401-725-0397

Email:  programs@vsaartsri.org    Web:  www.vsaartsri.org

Funded through the generosity of the RI Department of MHRH, Division of Developmental Disabilities, RI State Council on the Arts and the central office of VSA arts

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Early Childhood Workshop Series for Parents and Teachers from The Hasbro Center for Teaching Excellence (A Division of The Dunn Institute and the RI Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, Developed in Partnership with Newport County Regional Special Education

http://www.dunninstitute.org/uploaded_docs/NewportCountyEarlyChildhoodSeries.pdf

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 Easter Seals is hosting Hanen Certification Course "It Takes Two to Talk"  for Speech / Language Pathologists on April 28-30 in Providence, RI. The
 course is limited to 14 participants and will in all likelihood fill up  fairly quickly.
 
 I am taking the names of interested parties now. Once the Hanen Center  publishes it, I can not guarantee that slots will remain available for EI
 staff so I wanted to get the word out to EI programs now.
 
 The cost for the program is $750. If anyone is interested, please email me  immediately at panderson@eastersealsnh.org.
 Once the applications are completed by the Hanen Center, I will email them  to those who have indicated their interest.
 In addition, therapists can learn more about the program at http://www.hanen.org.
 
 I will also be offering the second course for children on the Autistic  Spectrum, "More Than Words", in August of 2008. That course will be in New
 Hampshire. The prerequisite for this course is the "It Takes Two to Talk"  Hanen Program Certification.


 Patti Rawding-Anderson MA, MS PT
 Director of Program Development
 Pediatric Services &
 Baby Steps Program Coordinator
 Easter Seals NH

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Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series 2007/2008
Sponsored by Warwick Special Education Advisory Committee, Kent County Arc/J Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center

All workshops are from 6:30-8 pm at Warwick Public Schools Administration Building, School Committee Room

This is a series of FREE, fun & informative discussions & presentations for families with a student aged 14-21, with an IEP

TOPIC DATE SPEAKER

I. Overview of Transition Process 10/17 Pam Goes, Trudeau Center
II. Office of Rehabilitative Services 11/20 Cora Banerjee

III. Division of Developmental Disabilities 1/15 Maya Colantuono

IV. Adult Service Providers 2/19 Gayle Reid , Trudeau Center and Mike Wilson, Perspectives Corp
V. IEP planning 3/18 Warwick Schools
VI. Planning & Dreaming 4/15 Doreen McConaghy, PAL

Please register separately for each workshop by contacting Pam Goes at: Phone 739-2700 ext 260
Email: pgoes@kentcountyarc.org

Please note: If Warwick schools are closed due to inclement weather, the workshop will be cancelled. I will reschedule, if possible.
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RIPIN WORKSHOPS

 

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES

Rhode Island Parent Information Network

175 Main Street

Pawtucket, RI 02860

 

Registration is required two weeks in advance. To register or to schedule future workshops, contact Suzanne Tobin at 401–727–4144 ext123,  800-464-3399 x123 (toll free in RI  or tobin@ripin.org. RIPIN reserves the right to cancel workshops due to low registrations. For updates, please go to www.ripin.org/workshops.html for the most current workshop schedule.

1/23/08 6:30-8:30 pm Basic Rights in Special Education S. Donovan Warwick

1/23/08 7:00-9:00 pm Basic Rights in Special Education D. Belanger Providence

2/2/08 10:00-12:00 pm Derechos Basicos en la Educacion Especial C. Boucher Pawtucket

2/5/08 6:00-8:00 pm Packing for the Future: Preparing for Life after High School S. Donovan Pawtucket

2/6/08 10:00-12:00 pm Basic Rights in Special Education D. Belanger Pawtucket

3/10/08 6:00-8:00 pm Basic Rights in Special Education B. Masse Cumberland

3/20/08 6:00-8:00 pm Is College in your Future?

4/2/08 10:00-12:00 pm The ABCs of IEPs

4/7/08 6:00-8:00 pm The ABCs of IEPs

5/14/08 10:00-12:00 pm Basic Rights in Special Education

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Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project at RI College presents:

AUTISM SUPPORT CENTER FULL DAY TRAININGS

Select a date: August 22, 2007, November 28, 2007, January 16,  2008, March 19, 2008

Where: RI Convention Center

Cost: $100 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch

RIDE Professional Development Credits available.

The latest statistic is that 1 in 150 students have an Autism Spectrum Disorder

This training will give the participants a thorough understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as an understanding of learning styles and adaptations that need to be implemented in order for these students to be successful in the classroom and in the community.

Breakout sessions will be presented by teachers and support staff on these topics:

*    Preschool

*    Elementary

*    Middle/High School

*    Programming for Students with Asperger Syndrome

*    What Administrators Need to Know and Plan For

Please contact Sue Constable for more information at 401.222.8984 or susan.constable@ride.ri.gov

Click here for application

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TUNE IN TO FAMILY411 ON WHJJ, 920 AM FROM 4-5 PM ON SATURDAY!

Each week we will explore a different family issue with health, education, and parenting experts and parents who have first hand experience with their own children.

Get answers to questions like: » How do I talk with my children's teacher? » How much is too much TV? » How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten? » Is my child getting the most from his education program or from her visit to the pediatrician?


Families: You have questions; we can help you find answers!
Saturdays from 4-5pm on 920am WHJJ. Stream it live on your computer at: www.920whjj.com
Listen to past shows at www.ripin.org <http://www.ripin.org/


If you have any suggestions for upcoming shows, send them to Amy Gray at gray@ripin.org

Rhode Island Parent Information Network
175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
401.727.4144 800.464.3399

You can also listen live on the Internet by visiting www.920whjj.com, http://www.920whjj.com/pages/Family411.htm

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SibLink has several opportunities for families to participate in research about brothers and sisters. Many people are recognizing what those at SibLink already know - that brothers and sisters are important members of their families and that it is important to understand their needs. We are currently seeking children to participate in a study about siblings of children with developmental disabilities, as well as, a comparison group of siblings of children who do not have special needs.

If you would like to hear more about our studies please give us a call!

401.444.8945 (English)  401.793.8575 (Español)

This particular study will examine siblings from different cultural backgrounds ("Latino" and "Anglo") and their esperiences. Families will engage in an interview lasting 2 - 3 hours (this can be broken up into two visits if necessary) at RI Hospital or in the family's home. Families who participate will receive $100 for their assistance.

The study is also looking for families with two or more children with no disabilities as a control group.
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A grant program for low to moderate income families:

 

http://www.hannahandfriends.org/grants.html

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There is a brand new website that provides information and supports to Spanish-speaking families with children on the autism spectrum.
www.manitasporautismo.com
This site was created by families for families and has information in Spanish about AUTISM. They are developing a chat room and forum area.
A dad of a 15yr old will moderate the chats & forums. A mom of a 21 yr old will moderate educational issues.
Two doctors from Mexico who will answer questions about AUTISM. A great advocate will help answer questions about IEP & Faith Based inquiries.
A section about FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS is being developed.
If you have experience and/or expertise you'd like to volunteer,  or information you'd like to see included on the site contact:

Maria Teresa at abinader4@qmail.com

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NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION

HELPING HAND  -  FINANCIAL AID FOR FAMILIES

NAA is pleased to announce that we are once again accepting grant applications for our Helping Hand Project. This program provides financial assistance to help families in need pay for therapies and biomedical treatments for their children. NAA is the only autism advocacy group directly helping families financially and we need your help! Each year we are overwhelmed with applications. In 2006 we were able to award 20 grants, paying for nutritional supplements, physician care, compounded prescription medications, therapies and more. We hope to increase that number to at least 30 this year, but there are hundreds of families in desperate need. With the lack of support and insurance coverage for children with autism, we have parents in this country who are struggling beyond imagination. We recently awarded a grant to a single mom who had lost her home and was living in her car with her autistic son.

We are looking for corporate sponsors who are willing to commit to an annual or monthly donation for this program. 100% of all donations to the Helping Hand Project are tax deductible and will directly benefit families. All sponsors will be recognized on the NAA website. Please call Wendy Fournier at 877-622-2884 for more information.

If you are an individual who would like to help, you can make a one-time donation or pledge a monthly donation on your credit card by visiting our website or calling us at 866-622-6733. Even a small amount of $5 or $10 per month would go a long way in expanding this program and reaching out to more families. The Helping Hand Project is one of the most important things we do here at NAA. Together, we can really make a difference in the lives of families who are struggling to help their children.

Here are some messages we've received from recent grant recipients.

Just when I was beginning to feel that I haven't done enough for my son, this serves as a reminder to me that I am trying my best and that there are organizations that are lending a helping hand such as the National Autism Association. As a single mom, there is not enough income to go around for all the services he needs that insurance will not cover and every little bit helps and your organization was very generous!
-Debbie H.

Because of the grant, for the first time in my son's 14 years, this summer he was able to participate in a program that was specifically designed to help him with his developmental delays, and social skills that are part and parcel of Aspergers, PDD-NOS. I only could wish the program was longer than the 5 weeks. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity for him. Being a single mom on a disability income, I cannot afford what he so desperately needs. Without appropriate services, my child has little chance to become a functioning member of society and I fear for his future.
-Vivian M.

For more information on NAA's Helping Hand Project, visit: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/helpinghand.php.

To make a one time donation, click here: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/proddetail.php?prod=HelpingHandDonation

To make a monthly pledge, click here: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/proddetail.php?prod=HelpingHandMonthly

Please pass this email along to parents who could benefit from this program, as well as to individuals and business owners who might be willing to sponsor it. Together, anything's possible.