Wisconsin Personnel Development System (WPDS)

Parent Leadership Hub Weekly E-Newsletter for July 09,2009

The attached "Parent Leadership Hub" Weekly Email Update is sent to you from WSPEI and WI FACETS.   The Parent Leadership Hub supports parents/family members, educators and other community partners to build capacity regarding meaningful family involvement.   The Hub serves three primary purposes:
(1) To support parents of children with disabilities between birth and 26 years of age to participate as partners in the professional development activities of each of the other Statewide Initiatives as they design, deliver and support professional development experiences; and
(2) To facilitate opportunities for parents/family members to build leadership skills; and
(3)  To provide Content Focused technical assistance concerning family involvement.

Parent/Personnel Development Opportunities

1. AUsome Social Group Garden Tour in Madison
   When: Sunday, July 18, 2008; 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
   Where: Garden Tour at 1 Fen Oak Ct. Madison
   Description: They will be taking a Master Gardener Garden Tour and afterwards having a snack at Arby's at the Beltline and Hwy. 51. Contact Lisa Johnson at 608-224-3715 and lisa.johnson@ces.uwex.edu or for extension gardening information visit www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/index.html. UW Horticulture Website has links to the master gardener program: www.horticulture.wisc.edu. For more details, please contact ausome@hughes.net
2. ASGM Support Group
   When: Tue, July 21, 7pm – 9pm
   Where: Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, (corner of Midvale and Tokay) Madison
   Description: A support group focused on autism issues and concerns. Note: no childcare is provided.
3. Autism Society of America’s 40th National Conference & Exposition
   When: July 22-25, 2009
   Where: Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, St. Charles, IL.
   Description: The National Conference of the Autism Society of America is the only conference that addresses the range of issues, including early intervention, education, employment, behavior, communication, social skills, biomedical interventions and others, across the entire lifespan. Bringing together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals and individuals on the spectrum, attendees are able to learn how to more effectively advocate and obtain supports for the individual with ASD. The ultimate goal is to empower family members, individuals on the spectrum and professionals to make informed decisions. Visit www.autism-society.org for further information and registration details.
4. All-Star Saturday – Sensory Friendly Movie Viewing
   When: Saturday, July 25, 2009. Doors open at 9:00am. Show starts at 9:30am.
   Where: Star Cinema (Madison/Fitchburg) @ 6091 McKee Rd - Hwy PD
   Description: A movie experience designed to be enjoyed by all! Featuring lower movie volume; Higher theatre lights; "Break area" available; Accepting and Inviting atmosphere. Please enter through the IMAX entrance on the EAST side of Star Cinema. It is no longer necessary to reserve seats. Movie Title: "Ice Age-Dawn of the Dinosaurs" (rated PG) Cost: $5/individual (only cash and checks made out to Star Cinema accepted)
   
5. Free Training on Customized Employment
   Partnering for Employment: How Individuals, Families and Professionals Work Together to Customize Employment, Chippewa Falls, WI
   August 5-6, 2009
   Follow the link for more information and to register for this event:
   http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?
   e=3bbbd6c8-7475-4479-8210-4dc04aa129c8
   Space is limited to 50 people!  Register soon!
6. ASGM Annual Pool Party – Madison Area
   When: August 15, 2009, 9:00 - 11:30 am
   Where: Monona Community Pool
   Description: Come and enjoy the pool reserved for just our group. Snacks will be provided. Bring towels, suits, sunscreen and pool toys! Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Membership registration available at the time of event. Please bring cash or checks only. Please let us know if you are coming by emailing autismmadison@gmail.com with the number of adults (parents or support person) and kids attending. Families and friends welcome!
7. Free Workshop – Please Teach Me to Communicate!
   Express Communication Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder”
   When: Tues., August 18, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
   Where: Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, (corner of Midvale and Tokay) Madison--in the Fellowship Hall
   Description: Susan L. Stokes will share functional expressive communication needs for all students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Core communication functions (essential life skills for communication) will be discussed, as well as where to start and where to go with AAC systems for students with ASD who are pre-verbal.
8. Screening of “Including Samuel,” A Documentary by Dan Habib
   When: Sept. 24, 2009 at 5:00 pm
   Where: University of Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St., Madison 53706
   Description: a Q&A will follow the screening with filmmaker, Dan Habib. This is sponsored by Madison Partners for Inclusive Education and MMSD, Dept. of Educational Services. Visit www.includingsamuel.com for more information about the film.
   
9. 2009 ASW Fall Conference in Green Bay
   When: November 4th-5th, 2009
   Where: Hotel Sierra, Green Bay (formerly the Regency), 333 Main Street, Green Bay, WI 54301--(920) 432-4555
   Presenters: Brenda Smith Myles, Ruth Aspy & Barry Grossman
   Description: The Ziggurat Model is A Framework for Designing Comprehensive Interventions for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome, and The Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Related Disabilities: Integrating Best Practices Throughout the Student's Day. For more information, go to the ASW website, www.asw4autism.org.
10. FUNE Support Group --Familias Unidas con Ninos Especiales--Madison
    When: Last Saturday of every month from 2:30 - 4:30 pm (Cuando? El ultimo Sábado de cada mes. Hora? 2:30pm - 4:30pm)
    Where: The Epilepsy Foundation’s offices at 1302 Mendota St., Madison WI
    (Donde? en las oficinas de la Fundacion de Epilepsia en la calle 1302 Mendota St., Madison, WI)
    Description: A Support Group for Spanish speaking families with Special Needs Children. We welcome also service providers and family members who care for children with disabilities or limitations of any type. For more information please call 608-442-5555 or 608-906- 9010 (Grupo de Apoyo de Padres Latinos Para familias que tienen niños con discapacidad o cualquier clase delimitación, también para proveedores de servicios y para personas que cuidan niños con discapacidades. Para mas información llamenos (608) 442-5555)
    
11. Madison Area Support Groups
    A.N.G.E.L., Inc.
    Contact: Jennifer Larson, E4549 Sherwood Dr., Spring Green, WI 53588 (608) 588-2585 www.angelautismnetwork.org/
    
    Columbia County Support Group--Portage
    Where: Columbia County Family Resource Center, Portage, WI 53901
    auherka@renewalunlimited.net Contact: Andrea C. Uherka, Director, 2946 Red Fox Run
    
    Dane County Parent to Parent
    For a reservation call the Epilepsy Foundation at 608-442-5555
12. Parent Support Group at Commons Threads- McFarland
    When: Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    Where: Common Threads Family Resource Center, 5979 Siggelkow Rd., McFarland
    Description/Contact Info: This group is a great opportunity for you to meet other parents with children on the autism spectrum, as well as an opportunity to ask questions, feel supported and share strategies related to parenting a child with special needs. This drop-in group is facilitated by Sarah Theiler, MS LPC. There is no respite for children available at this time. Call for more information.
    Cost: FREE
    
13. Special Needs Support Group – Near West of Madison
    This group does not meet during the summer but you can contact them to sign up for Sept. - June.
    When: The second Monday of each month during the school year from 6:15-7:45 p.m.
    Where: Waisman Center room S159, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison
    Description: To register please contact Jen Dittrich at jdittrich@provost.wisc.edu with the Office of Child Care and Family Resources or 608-890-0436. Visit www.wisc.edu/occfr for more information. Snacks and drinks provided. Childcare Provided!
14. TACA Support Group - Fitchburg
    When: http://meetup.talkaboutcuringautism.org/wisconsin/index.html, TBD
    Where: Wisconsin Integrative Hyperbaric Center, 6200 Nesbitt Rd unit B, Fitchburg WI 53719
    Description: TACA holds monthly meetings that feature educational speakers on
    important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest information in the autism world. Each TACA group maintains a resource library of the latest autism books and tapes that can be checked out by members at no charge. For more information contact Dayna Sable at dsable@charter.net.
15. Parent Support Group Meetings – Wisconsin Family Ties – 3 Madison Locations
    When/Where:
    -Madison West Side: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30 pm
    Location: Wisconsin Youth Company/After School, 1201 McKenna Blvd
    -Madison East Side: Last Tuesday of the month, 6:30- 8 pm
    Location: Hawthorne Library, 2707 East Washington Ave (except Dec)
    -Madison South Side: 3rd Monday of the month, 11 am – 12:30 pm
    Location: Harambee Center, 2202 South Park Street
    Description: Children who have emotional or behavioral disorders present many challenges for caretakers. Often parents of children with these special needs feel alone and uncertain about what to do next. Through regular support groups we can: come together to support each other; develop new knowledge and strengths; become more aware of our rights; and advocate for our children and ourselves. All meetings are free and confidential!For additional information, please contact Linda Kustka at or Linda@wifamilyties.org
16. Sun Prairie – Special Needs Parent Support
    Contact: Wendy Kaplan-- hrtstone@chorus.net or Kim Koss--
    kimberly_koss@hotmail.com or Michelle Skindzelewski-- skind2@verizon.net or visit www.madison.com/communities/sunprairie_specialneeds/
    

Family Involvement Resources

1. National Council on Disability Funding Opportunities
   NCD announced an additional funding (research) opportunity, NCD-09-03, United States Marine Corps Exceptional Family Members: How to Improve Access to Health Care, Special Education, and Long-Term Supports and Services to Family Members with Disabilities (http://www.ncd.gov/research_opportunity/requestforapplications.doc).
    
   At the request of the U.S. Marine Corps, NCD will now undertake a one-year project to study the experiences of Marine Corps families with members with disabilities, and develop recommendations for improving access to services and supports for family members with disabilities. This project will focus on dependent family members of active service members, and not the service members themselves. For additional information, please contact Julie Carroll at 202-272-2004 or jcarroll@ncd.gov.
    
   NCD announced funding (research) opportunity, NCD-09-04, Keeping Up: Technology’s Rapid Changes and Effects on People with Disabilities (http://www.ncd.gov/research_opportunity/Employment
   Tech2009RFP.doc).
   NCD is interested in examining the accessibility of new media and technologies developed, documenting successful development processes, understanding consumer needs, and identifying the facilitators and barriers to the technology transfer for employment purposes. For more information, please contact Joan Durocher at 202-272-2004 or jdurocher@ncd.gov.
2. New Cooking Program for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
   MyWire.com is hosting a new, multimedia publication created for parents and educators of children with autism. Let’s Cook!  Life Skills for Kids on the Autism Spectrum (www.mywire.com/pubs/Lets-Cook/) combines video, slides and downloadable visual aids in an entertaining and informative digital format that demonstrates how to help kids with autism learn an important life skill – cooking.  At the same time, it features structured, predictable activities that help support children on the spectrum to engage and communicate in a natural social situation. 
3. Positively Autism Lesson Plans, Teaching Materials, Resources and More
   Go to http://www.positivelyautism.com/links.html for information on Autism Resources.
   
4. Partners in Parenting Resource Center/Centro de Recursos para la Familia--Madison
   Where: CHILDREN'S SERVICE SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN, 205 Deer Valley Road #1, Madison, WI 53713 Contact: Romilia Schlueter at romilia.schlueter@cssw.org
5. Newsletter Resources
   "The Messenger" Newsletter--The Arc-Dane County is dedicated to serving people with Developmental Disabilities and their families. "The Messenger" is published by The Arc-Dane County, 6602 Grand Teton Plaza, Madison WI, 53719. Phone 608-833-1199. E-mail: arcdane@chorus.net. Website: www.arcdanecounty.org
   
   Family Voices of Wisconsin: www.wfv.org/fv -- newsletter with resources.
   
   Family Support and Resource Center: www.fsrcdane.org --newsletter with resources.
   

DISCLAIMER
Inclusion of information in this e-mail does not constitute an endorsement by the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative, Wisconsin FACETS, the Department of Public Instruction, the U.S. Department of Education, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.