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FYI Newsletter

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FYI Newsletter February 28, 2011

QUICK SCAN:

• ADA Webinar on Accessible Swimming Pools and Spas
• Improving Reading Comprehension Workshop
• Building Bridges to School Readiness Workshops
• Attend a Regional Pathways Forum Near You!
• Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair
• Library Corner

UPCOMING



ADA WEBINAR ON ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS: The U.S. Access Board and the ADA National Network will host a free webinar on Accessible Swimming Pools and Spas on Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. (eastern time).

The ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines address independent access to swimming pools and spas and provide criteria for pool lifts, sloped entries, transfer steps, transfer walls, and accessible stairs. This session will review specifications for pool and spa accessibility and where they apply. Aquatic recreation facilities, such as lazy rivers and wave action pools, will also be addressed. Presenters will include Peggy Greenwell and Bill Botten, Accessibility Specialists from the U.S. Access Board.

Registration is free but participants must register to participate. To Register, visit http://www.accessibilityonline.org and click on the “Registration Information” web link to begin the process.



IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION WORKSHOP: The Institute’s Indiana Resource Center for Autism will host a one-day workshop designed to assist attendees to understand the multiple developmental differences in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that contribute to problems with reading comprehension. Effective methods for intervention specifically tailored to the needs of readers on the spectrum of all ages will also be addressed.   

Drawing a Blank: Improving Reading Comprehension for Good Decoders with Autism Spectrum Disorders, will be held April 21, 2011 at the Noblesville Intermediate School, Noblesville, IN. Registration fee is $90.00.

This workshop is designed for teachers, specialists, parents, and school staff who work with students on the spectrum. For content questions, contact Cathy Pratt at (812) 855-6508 or e-mail prattc@indiana.edu. To register or for questions, contact Donna Beasley at (812) 855-6508 or e-mail dbeasley@indiana.edu. Visit http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=32 to download a registration flyer. This workshop is a collaborative effort between the IRCA and Easter Seals Crossroads and the Noblesville Schools.



BUILDING BRIDGES TO SCHOOL READINESS WORKSHOPS: The Institute’s Early Childhood Center is pleased to announce a web presentation and two workshops focusing on school readiness for preschoolers. These workshops will be held in conjunction with each other to maximize learning opportunities for attendees.

Changing Expectations: Implications for Preschool (Upcoming Web Presentation)

Expectations are changing for kindergartners. These changes, along with new research, are requiring early educators to rethink school readiness. We have been investigating the most recent research literature on school readiness, as well as spending time in Indiana kindergarten classrooms. Join us as we explore our findings and look at what early educators can do to prepare children to enter kindergarten. This web presentation is a foundation and preview for the upcoming workshops. No cost associated with this web presentation.

Promoting School Readiness by Reexamining the Classroom Day (3 hour workshop)
   
As we learn more about what constitutes the design of an effective preschool classroom, we are asked to reexamine our practices surrounding how we help children prepare for kindergarten. This workshop will focus on classroom organization, one key dimension of effective preschool practices. Participants will learn how they can create effective classroom routines that increase learning opportunities for preschool children. Participants will have the opportunity to look at their preschool routines and develop individual plans for creating productive learning times for their children.

Crafting Effective Instructional Routines (3 hour workshop)

Kindergarten classrooms typically rely on three instructional routines to teach children: whole class instruction, individual work time, and learning centers. Preschools also include these types of activities in their classroom, but they may differ in significant ways from what kindergartens do.  What can we do to bridge these differences and create learning times that are effective, engaging, and help prepare children for kindergarten? Participants will have the opportunity to design plans for implementing what they learn once they return home.

Training Dates and Locations:

• Promoting School Readiness (only), April 29, 2011 - Evansville, IN (registration fee $25.00)

• Promoting School Readiness (only), May 6, 2011 - Merrillville, IN (registration fee $25.00)
• Crafting Effective Instructional Routines (only) May 6, 2011 - Merrillville, IN (registration fee $25.00)
• Registration fee for both ($35.00)

• Promoting School Readiness (only), May 12, 2011 - South Bend, IN (registration fee $25.00)
• Crafting Effective Instructional Routines (only) May 12, 2011 - South Bend, IN (registration fee $25.00)
• Registration fee for both ($35.00)

• Promoting School Readiness (only), May 13, 2011 - Ft. Wayne, IN (registration fee $25.00)
• Crafting Effective Instructional Routines (only) May 13, 2011 - Ft. Wayne, IN (registration fee $25.00)
• Registration fee for both ($35.00)

And for early educators who serve young children with disabilities…

An Early Educator’s Guide to Special Education (3 hour workshop). Early educators have an important role in serving children with disabilities. By law, public schools are supposed to serve children with disabilities in typical early education settings whenever possible. The rules and regulations concerning special education can be overwhelming and create many questions. This session will focus on what you need to know about these laws so you can best help the children and families you care for and educate. Registration is $25.00. Training dates and locations to be determined.

Further information concerning dates, times, locations and registration will be coming soon. Please check our website for upcoming information at http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/ecc or e-mail eccenter@indiana.edu or call (812) 855-6508.

IN INDIANA



ATTEND A REGIONAL PATHWAYS FORUM NEAR YOU! Indiana is facing a budget crisis unlike anything we have seen in many years. Every program that people with disabilities count on is facing huge challenges, at a time when more people than ever before need help. At this critical time, it is important that we not simply react, but that we act. That is why The Arc of Indiana launched the Building Pathways to Empowerment Campaign in the spring of 2010. The goal is to redesign and redefine the system of services for people with developmental disabilities to be a system that provides what people want and need in the most sensible way possible.

A critical part of the Pathways campaign is harnessing the collective wisdom of families, self-advocates and providers. Regional Pathways Forum dates and locations include:

Thursday, March 3, 2011
5:00-7:30 p.m.
Terre Haute, IN
Indiana State University
Cunningham Memorial Library

Tuesday, March 8, 2011
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Evansville, IN
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
Career and Technical Center


Thursday, March 10, 2011
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Bloomington, IN
Ivy Tech
Lampkins Hall

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Lafayette, IN
Earhart Elementary School Cafeteria

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Gary, IN
IU Northwest
Library Conference Center

For additional information, contact the Arc of Indiana Toll Free at 800-382-9100.
         
IN BLOOMINGTON



CELEBRATING ABILITIES RESOURCE FAIR: The Down Syndrome Family Connection will host a Resource Fair on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 9:30-12:00 noon at the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church in Bloomington. The Fair will feature over 30 exhibitors offering products and services of benefits to persons with disabilities and is free and open to the public. This year's theme is On Safari, featuring live animal entertainment including A Critter's Chance, activities, prizes, and more. For more information, contact info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org or call 812-720-9603.
     
LIBRARY CORNER

NEW ITEMS: The following new materials may be borrowed by Indiana residents from the Center for Disability Information and Referral at the Institute. To check out materials, contact the library at 1-800-437-7924, send e-mail to cedir@indiana.edu, or visit us at 2853 East Tenth Street in Bloomington.

Gerlach, E. K., & Miller, K. (2010). Apples for Cheyenne: A story about autism, horses, and friendship. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons.

Kavan, S., Kavan, B., Otis, M., & Buron, K. D. (2011). Trainman: Gaining acceptance ... and friends ... through special interests. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC Pub.

Kluth, P., Schwarz, P., & Canha, J. (2010). Pedro's whale. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Pub.

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