AT TIDBIT, KINDY SEGOVIA, KISD

Do you need literacy activities that are accessible with technology?

Then visit http://teach.fcps.net/talk/help.asp - Technology Assisted Literacy Knowledge (TALK) from Fayette County Schools, Kentucky

The TALK website was created to help teachers find effective literacy-based activities to use with their students. These lessons have been indexed multiple ways to help you find exactly what you are looking for.  Click on “Content Areas” and  “Software Application” on the left to find language arts, math, science, social studies and other activities.  Several activities are custom-created, others link to a related online activity.

Pair the text on each activity with Universal Reader (text reader from Premier Software) and students can hear the text aloud. 

Kindy Segovia, OTR

Assistive Technology Coordinator

Kent ISD

2930 Knapp NE

Grand Rapids, MI  49525

http://kentisdat.pbworks.com

IPAD/TABLET TIDBIT - KINDY SEGOVIA, KISD

This  tip focuses on spelling:

iPad:

Spelling City:  free – make custom lists or use built in spelling lists, with words read aloud

Skill Builder Spelling – make custom lists, words disappear as they are spelled

Want a list of apps:  Free iPad Spelling Apps

Android:

Ace Your Spelling Test:  free (with small ads) – create custom lists, words read aloud

eTutor Spelling:  $0.99 – custom lists, choose between synthesized voice or recorded human voice

Kindy Segovia, OTR

Assistive Technology Coordinator

Kent ISD

2930 Knapp NE

Grand Rapids, MI  49525

http://kentisdat.pbworks.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BENEFITS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BENEFITS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES? Join Maggie Kolk, Advocate with The Arc Kent County     Register by 11-5-12 with Tammy Finn (616) 459-3339 or tammy@arckent.org.  All Michigan Alliance for Families workshops areFREE and open to the public. If you require accommodations or materials in an alternative format, please let us know one week before the workshop.  Funded by Michigan Department of Education and U.S Department of Education.    College of Education     Monday, November 12, 2012 6:00pm-8:00pm Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center Auditorium (2nd Floor) 301 W.Fulton St.    Grand Rapids, MI  49504 (Parking on the south side of Fulton under the 131 freeway) After participating in this workshop, you will have a better understanding of:  Public benefits and differences of programs under Social Security - SSI & SSDI, how to access Social Security benefits, how to access Department of Human Services  (DHS) benefits, what services come from Community Mental Health and,  working while receiving SSI/DHS benefits. Who should participate?  Families who have children with developmental disabilities, SSI and/or SSDI beneficiaries who work or want to work, parents & family members of SSI & SSDI beneficiaries who work or want to work, school-to-work transition staff and,  anyone interested in learning more about public benefits and the interaction between benefits and employment.

Re-Thinking Guardianship - Join Dohn Hoyle, Executive Director of The Arc Michigan

Re-Thinking Guardianship Join Dohn Hoyle, Executive Director of The Arc Michigan     Register by 11-5-12 with Tammy Finn (616) 459-3339 or tammy@arckent.org.  All Michigan Alliance for Families workshops areFREE and open to the public. If you require accommodations or materials in an alternative format, please let us know one week before the workshop.  Funded by Michigan Department of Education and U.S Department of Education.    College of Education     Wednesday, November 14, 2012 6:00pm-8:00pm Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center  (2nd Floor) 301 W.Fulton St.    Grand Rapids, MI  49504 (Parking on the south side of Fulton under the 131 freeway) This workshop is for families who have children with developmental disabilities as well as service providers working with students and their families. The workshop covers: guardianship from a historical perspective, strangers as guardians and alternatives to guardianship (health, finances, supports and services).  Who should attend: families of teenagers/young adults with disabilities /learning challenges, professionals, and interested community members.

SPECIAL EDUCATION LINKS

Special Education Links
American Occupational Therapy Association..................................................http://www.aota.org/
Autism Support of Kent County...................................http://www.autismsupportofkentcounty.org/
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan .......................................... http://www.dsawm.org/
Kent Intermediate School District – Special Education ......http://kentisd.org/Special_Education/
Learning Disabilities Association of America .................................................http://www.ldanatl.org/
Michigan Council for Exceptional Children....................................... http://www.michigancec.org/
Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association......http://www.michiganspeechhearing.org/
National Association of School Psychologists......................http://www.nasponline.org/index.aspx
National Association of Social Workers................................................http://www.socialworkers.org/
U. S. Department of Education – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
Michigan Department of Education - Office of Special Education
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_6598---,00.html

Kent ISD

PASE meetings for 2012-13 will be held from 7:00-8:30 at Kent ISD  in the Coldwater Room at the Educational Service Center (parking lot #11) 

The PASE meeting is open to any parent in Kent county interested in attending. Please call the KISD special education office at 365-2297 if questions.

Monday, September 10 - Assistive Technology

Monday, October 15 - Personal Curriculum

Monday, November 12 - Common Core Standards

Monday, January 14 - Transition Options and Planning

Monday, March 11 - IEP Boot camp & Least Restrictive Options

Monday, May 13 - Dispute Resolution

Fall 2012

WELCOME BACK!  

2012-2013

*With the kids settled back into school, 
and fall routines well underway, the PASE committee has continued working on ways to provide resources, information and opportunities that will benefit East Grand Rapids'special education students and their families. Our hope is that this blog will advance awareness and promote connections and support throughout the district.

EGR Parent Advisors for Special Education (PASE)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS - 2012-2013 Jodi Blanchard • 235-5735    Gayle Knibbe • 452-1005 Sue Kirchgessner • 243-6383

Check out the PASE brochure and other Special Education links on the district website.

http://www.egrps.org/District/Special-Education/index.html

EGR School Social Workers Presentation: Child Behavior April 19

Walk For Autism Awareness April 29, 2012

iPad Training - April 17

Back by popular demand:  iEducate iPad training!  Peter Schaafsma is returning for his fabulous iPad workshop, April 17 at Kent ISD. 

We will cover device basics and then focus the remainder of our time on the following:

• Accessibility features
• Hands-on exploration of:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Science
  • Math
  • visual support
  • communication related apps

This workshop will fill quickly, so be sure to sign up early to secure a spot! (A limited number of iPads will be available during the day).

Flyer for registration is attached, or go to my webpage:

http://kentisdat.pbworks.com for a link to registration

World Down Syndrome Day

What is World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is a time to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome and to celebrate their many accomplishments.  It is celebrated globally each year on March 21st (3-21), signifying the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome present in individuals who have trisomy 21.

World Down Syndrome Day is particularly special this year, as 2012 marks the first year that is will be recognized by the United Nations!  U.N. Officials will mark the holiday by gathering members of the Down syndrome community at U.N. headquarters in New York for a conference on issues like education, independent living, research and working with the media.

Click here to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day.

iPad/Tablet Tidbit

With Dr. Seuss' birthday this month, there are a few freebies and discounts: 

The Lorax Garden is free for a limited time Lorax Garden - http://itun.es/iSR6Xn

This is a free app with in app purchases - Dr. Seuss Band - http://itun.es/iSR6fx

This is a free Seuss app - Dr. Seuss Camera - Happy Birthday Edition - http://itun.es/iSR63P

The Lorax is currently 80% off for .99 cents. The Lorax - Dr. Seuss - http://itun.es/iSR6f5

All of the other Dr. Seuss apps are also on sale. http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/oceanhouse-media/id309501176

iPad/Tablet Tidbit

With 500,000 apps in in the iTunes App Store, and almost 200,000 apps in the Android Market, how do you find what you want?  Check out this website that allows you to search for apps in a unique way…App information includes price, platform and description.

www.quixey.com  

THE COMMITMENT WE ALL MUST MAKE TO ENSURE THE BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN

MARCH 8TH - FREE PROGRAM. LUNCH IS PROVIDED.
Join us for a panel discussion, and question and answer opportunity,
for law students, parents, guardians, educators, and others advocating
for children in special education.

Cooley Law School’s Center for Ethics, Services, and
Professionalism, along with the Grand Rapids Student Chapter of
the Disability Law Society present “Integrity in Our Communities,”
a speaker series promoting ethics, service, and professionalism.
Professionalism and Education Advocacy:
Thursday, March 8, 2012

Noon-1:30 p.m.

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Grand Rapids Campus – Room 529

111 Commerce Ave SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Program is free. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Karen Rowlader at rowladek@cooley.edu.

A Promising New Read - Bloom, by Kelle Hampton

Bloom Finding Beauty in the Unexpected--A Memoir By Kelle Hampton  On Sale: 4/3/2012 Watch this trailer for a glimpse into this soon to be released Memoir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=H8mdtbVd1ek#! 

Upcoming Transition Workshop April 17th

Transition Planning? What’s That? I Just Want to Help Young Adults Reach Their Hopes and Dreams: Part I

Families, service coordinators, case managers, and others who work with young adults will learn from representatives of state and community organizations how to help them plan
for their future education, health care, and mental health needs. Tools and resources from the “Helping Young Adults with Disabilities Reach Their Hopes and Dreams Toolkit” will be shared.

April 17, 2012
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Kent County Educational
Service Center Rogue Room
Pkg. Lot #11
2930 Knapp NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 365-2297

To Register For This Session Visit
www.bridges4kids.org/f2f
or Families May Register by Calling (800) 552-4821
Workshop: $10 (Includes Meal) • CEUs: $15

Health & Education Workshop - Thursday, February 23rd

Everything My Child Needs to Know About
Sexuality But, I Was Afraid to Tell!
Is based on sixteen areas of sexuality,
which should be part of every individual’s
learning on this topic. Basic body parts to
abuse and exploitation will be covered. It
will be factual, but fun, with many real life
stories that illustrate the perils of having
too little, or the incorrect information in
this area. Examples will be given that help
you get ideas and make a plan to meet
the needs of children and their families.
There will be no off limit topics, since
this presentation will be geared toward
teaching teens through adulthood. So
come ready with your questions and be
prepared for open, and frank, and fun
discussion. 

February 23, 2012
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Bicycle Factory

Grand Valley State

University

201 Front Avenue SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

(616) 331-7366

To Register For This Session Visit
www.bridges4kids.org/f2f

or Families May Register by Calling (313) 557-8780

Workshop: $10 (Includes Meal) • CEUs: $15

Upcoming Opportunities - Family Hope Foundation

Family Hope Foundation invests in children with special needs through family support, engaging community experts, advocacy through collaboration and financial assistance to provide access to therapies.

Here are a number of resources and upcoming opportunities.  

1)      Knapp Church hosts a monthly “Music Extraveganza,” called CELEBRATE! with the mission of providing special needs individuals of all ages an opportunity to sing, dance and live life.  Each month the students and adults of Knapp Church provide live music and entertainment for the enjoyment of the special needs community.  Time is 2:00-3:15pm at 4025 Knapp Street, GR on Feb 26, March 25, April 29 and May 20.  Call 616-363-5078 for more information.

2)      The Ottawa ISD is hosting a day-long conference for parents called, “Love, Learn, Hope”.  It is on March 15 and is only $10 for the day and includes lunch!  See attached brochure for more information about sessions and registration.

3)      Project SEARCH is a school to work program in Kent County for young adults in the special education system approaching graduation age.  They are currently taking applications for next year.  Students get real work experience at Fifth Third or Spectrum Health through this unique and wonderful program.  For more information please contact Cindy Alferink at 464-1176.  Informational flyer and application packet are attached.

4)      This week, Tammy Finn from The Arc Kent County will join 150 leaders of The Arc from across the country to attend a White House Community Leaders Briefing.  What a wonderful opportunity for West Michigan families to have our own advocate and community leader representing us!  Read the attached document for more information!

5)      GRCC will be hosting their 9th Annual Family Matters program on Saturday, February 25 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Ford Fieldhouse. This program will have several activities for children of all ages (inflatables, face painting, make-your-own stuffed animal, etc.), along with a variety of exhibitors that will provide a variety resources to families.  This event is FREE!!

Girls Craft Weekend

Camp Manitou-Lin:  Girls Craft Weekend

Friday, March 2-Sunday, March 4

Craft away the winter blues! Spend the weekend doing amazing crafts, such as basket weaving, candle making and tie dye.

The Girls Craft Weekend is open to campers between 8 and 16 years of age. The cost to participate is $90.00 per camper for YMCA members and $100.00 per camper for non-members.

For more information or to register, please contact Camp Manitou-Lin at 1-888-909-2267.

Upcoming Tablet Workshop

Workshop: It's Tablet Time!

Saturday, March 3 -- 9:00am-3:00pm

Parents and providers who want to learn about using an iPad or tablet device with children who have special needs are invited to this workshop at the DeVos Center in downtown Grand Rapids.

Exhibitors, vendors and service providers will be available throughout the day to share resources and answer questions. Parking, continental breakfast and lunch are included in the $10.00 workshop fee. Childcare is available; contact Barbara Corbin at 616-365-2384 for more information.

To register or learn more about the workshop, please visitkentisdat.pbworks.com or contact Carla Baker atcarlabaker@kentisd.org or 616-365-2310.

iPad/Tablet Tidbit

iAutism is a blog site with many resources for iPads/iPhone/iTouch devices and Android Tablet devices.  Find apps, articles, tutorials, etc.  (Site toggles between English and Spanish with button in upper right corner).

http://www.iautism.info/en/

If you would like to receive Kindy Segovia's iPad/Tablet Tidbits directly, please email your request to:

Kindy Segovia   kindysegovia@kentisd.org

Upcoming Documentary On HBO

HBO To Air New Film Tackling Disability Caregiving

By MICHELLE DIAMENT

February 7, 2012Text Size  A  A

A new documentary chronicling one woman’s experience as she assumes care of her sister with an intellectual disability is set to premiere on HBO later this month.

The documentary "Raising Renee" is scheduled to premiere on HBO2 Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. ET. (Courtesy: West City Films, Inc.)

The film, “Raising Renee,” follows Beverly McIver and her older sister, Renee, over a six-year period. An acclaimed painter with a flourishing career in the art world, McIver casually promised her mother that she would take care of Renee, who functions at the level of a third-grader, when her mother could not.

When McIver’s mother died in 2004, she followed through on her promise, moving Renee from their mother’s home in North Carolina to live with her in Arizona. Soon realizing that she needed help caring for Renee, McIver ultimately returned to North Carolina — a place she’d vowed never to live after leaving the segregation-filled environment of her youth.

The documentary, which premieres Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on HBO2, follows the two sisters as they adapt to their new reality and confront the opportunity for Renee to live independently for the first time ever at age 50.

“Raising Renee” is just the latest film focusing on disability issues to appear on HBO. In recent years, the cable channel aired Monica & David, a documentary about the marriage of two young adults with Down syndrome, and produced a biopic of autism self-advocate Temple Grandin.

Welcome to our PASE Blog!

January 2012

We are excited to launch this blog and as the Parent Advisors for Special Education in East Grand Rapids Public Schools it is our goal to collect and post information and resources that will assist you and your student.