Feb 4: Jane Meier Hamilton

Self-Care for the Caregiver

Jane Meier Hamilton MSN, RN, a nurse for 35 years and family caregiver for 20 years, has practiced clinically, taught psychiatric nursing, published numerous professional journal articles and co-authored Survival Skills for the New Nurse (JB Lippincott, 1986). She established Hamilton Consulting in 1979 to address the needs of health care professionals, later expanding her practice to include caring for family caregivers. She has consulted with more than 150 organizations and presented over 2,500 workshops and keynote addresses nationwide. In 2008, she founded Partners on the Path to help professional and family caregivers preserve their health, well-being and capacity to care. Participants will receive a free copy of her book Journey of a Lifetime: The Caregiver’s Guide to Self-Care (Infinity 2010), an original, research-based, stress-coping model for self-care.

Apr 16: Ira Fingles, Attorney

This month we welcome Ira Fingles, an attorney with the law firm Hinkle, Fingles & Prior. The firm has many years of experience providing expert counsel and legal services to families of people with disabilities. Mr. Fingles will introduce the topics of estate planning, guardianship and special needs trusts – what every parent should know in order to avoid mistakes when planning for your child’s financial future.

Come at 12:30 for light refreshments and to meet other parents. We will start the presentation promptly at 1:00.

Nov 13, 2010: Trish Luberda

Saturday, November 13, 2010
from 1:00-2:30

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Come for light refreshments between 12:30 and 1:00, and meet other parents!

Speaker: Trish Luberda, M. Ed., CSEC
“The IEP Process: Get the Nuts & Bolts of
Obtaining Appropriate Services for Your Child”

On November 13 we welcome Trish Luberda, Certified Special Education Consultant, advocate,
and experienced parent of children with special needs. She also has experience in Assistive
Technology. As the recession lingers and schools face budget cuts, parents need more than ever
to advocate effectively for their children, whether navigating the IEP (Individualized Education
Plan) process, seeking behavioral services, planning for transitions, or planning for adult services.

If you have specific questions and topics of interest in advance of the meeting, please forward
them to JeanMcCoubrey@gmail.com, so that Trish can direct her discussion toward the issues of greatest concern.

May 8, 2010: Resources for Parents

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

For our May 8 meeting, we have two events in one!

1. Presentation on Financial Planning for your special child's future, by Branden Sacks, a financial planner with expertise in helping families like ours. This is a great follow-up to the wonderful April 10 presentation by Hillary Freeman on the legal aspects of future planning.

2. Display of books on special needs, organized by Margaret Brunton of the Chestnut Hill Library. She is gathering books from throughout the Philadelphia library system and will briefly discuss how to find books and other resources offered through your local library.

Note the change from our regular time: 10 am to 12 noon (refreshments served at the end, so please arrive promptly at 10!).

+++ Extra Benefit Event May 8 +++

The SPEC meeting is early so you can come over to Finley Recreation Center at 1pm for "An Afternoon Delight" ~~ a dance party fundraiser for Autism Sharing and Parenting. Of course, the event is open to all. Join us, have some fun! Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to anyone who you think may enjoy an afternoon of dancing. The $25 donation includes childcare, if a family needs to bring the kids.

Apr 14: Nancy Nowell @ Seedlings

PHILADELPHIA AUTISM NETWORK

2009-2010

(for ALL families and professionals working with children with Autism… free and open to the public)

childcare available for all trainings no need to register

held at Seedlings 3300 Henry Ave (see below for directions)

Wednesday April 14th

from 6-7 p.m.

Relationships, Sexuality and Safety in Children With Disabilities

Nancy Nowell, MPA,M.Ed.

Directions: Elwyn Seedlings at the Falls Center is located at 3300 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19129. Seedlings is on the campus of the old MCP Hospital, currently marked by two entrances with signs that read “Falls Center”. There are a number of buildings on the campus, however only one belongs to Seedlings! Seedlings is best accessed via the southern entrance closest to Roosevelt Expressway, through the black fence and gate. The sign says “The Falls Center/Elwyn Visitors”. The Center is easily accessible by bus however we suggest you call SEPTA at 215-580-7800 to find the best route from your home. A map is available online at : http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Phila&state=PA&address=3300+Henry+Ave&zipcode=19129#a/maps/m::13:40.01337:-75.184129:0::/e

Please call or email Karen Krivit for any questions at krivitk@elwyn.org or 267-784-2009.

Apr 10: Estate Planning and Guardianship

“Estate Planning and Guardianship”
Hillary Freeman
Attorney with the law firm Hinkle, Fingles & Prior.

Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 1:00 – 3:00 Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

On April 10 we welcome Hillary Freeman, Attorney with the law firm Hinkle, Fingles & Prior. The firm has many years of experience providing expert counsel and legal services to families of people with disabilities. She will introduce the topics of estate planning, guardianship and special needs trusts – what every parent should know in order to avoid mistakes when planning for your child’s financial future.
No RSVP is necessary. Light refreshments will be served from 12:30 TO 1:00.

Parking is available at the lot behind Top of the Hill Plaza, entrance on Bethlehem Pike. The Library is close to the terminus of the 23, L and 94 buses and the final stops of the R8 and R7 train lines.. For more information, directions, to volunteer, offer to bring refreshments, or to get on the mailing list, call Jean at 215-913-9027 or email JFMcCou@aol.com.
Next Meeting: MAY 8 from 10:00-12:00 (NOTE CHANGE IN TIME!)

Mar 6: Robert Naseef

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have a wonderful speaker scheduled for Saturday March 6 - psychologist Robert Naseef. He will address a concern we all share - stress, and how to manage it.

The following meeting, April 10, will feature the presentation by attorney Hillary Freeman, rescheduled from February 6 (the blizzard day): Planning for the Future - Special Needs Trusts, Guardianship, and Estate Planning.

Regards,

Jean McCoubrey

Co-Organizer, SPEC

IEP checklist app for iPhone

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) has developed an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Checklist iPhone application. The IEP is an individualized program designed to support the educational needs of school aged students with disabilities. The IEP app is offered free of charge. To download the IEP Checklist app, visit the Apple iTunes store, and type IEP Checklist in the search box or this link:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iep-checklist/id348702423?mt=8

Feb 6, 2010: Estate Planning

“Estate Planning and Guardianship”
Hillary Freeman
Attorney with Hinkle, Fingles & Prior


+++
NOTE:

Cancelled due to weather, hope to reschedule in the spring 2010.

Sincerely,

Jean McCoubrey

Co-Organizer

+++

On February 6 we welcome Hillary Freeman, Attorney with the law firm Hinkle, Fingles & Prior. The firm has many years of experience providing expert counsel and legal services to families of people with disabilities. She will introduce the topics of estate planning, guardianship and special needs trusts – what every parent should know in order to avoid mistakes when planning for your child’s financial future.

No RSVP is necessary. Light refreshments will be served from 12:30 TO 1:00. Parking is available at the lot behind Top of the Hill Plaza, entrance on Bethlehem Pike. The Library is close to the terminus of the 23, L and 94 buses and the final stops of the R8 and R7 train lines.

Jan 9: Ruth Landsman

S P E C M E E T I N G
Saturday, January 9, 2010, 1:00-3:00 pm

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Refreshments served from 12:30-1:00

Speaker: Ruth Landsman on Special Education

SPECIAL PARENTS OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (SPEC), a group founded and run by parents of children with special needs, invites you to come and share with other parents the triumphs and challenges of raising a child with special needs. SPEC’s purpose is to provide support and information. We meet monthly during the school year and welcome parents and caregivers of children of all ages and types of needs. We welcome back the many folks who continue to attend, and we love newcomers!

Ruth Landsman is director and founding member of the Parents Exchange, an information, referral and advocacy organization. She has two decades of experience advocating for the rights of children to special education, and more than two decades as the parent of a child with special needs. Please join us and bring your questions about your child’s access to education, IEP, ESY, and all those other bewildering terms!

No RSVP is necessary. Parking is available at the lot behind Top of the Hill Plaza, entrance on Bethlehem Pike. The Library is close to the terminus of the 23, L and 94 buses and the final stops of the R8 and R7 train lines. Sorry, there is no child care at the meetings.

For more information, directions, to volunteer, offer to bring refreshments, or to get on the mailing list, call Jean at 215-913-9027 or email JFMcCou@aol.com. Please send an email to let us know if you prefer NOT to receive our mailings or emails, or if you are willing to receive the email version only.

WATCH FOR ANNOUNCEMENT OF OUR NEXT MEETING:

February 6 – Estate Planning, Special Needs Trusts and Guardianship

Dec 5: Joe Scullin

Saturday, December 5, 2009

1:00 – 3:00 pm
Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia*
Speaker: JOE SCULLIN
Director of Community Social Services, UCP

We welcome Joe Scullin, a longtime parent advocate and expert on social services available to children with special needs. He will discuss appeals, grievances and complaints with systems and services for individuals with disabilities. He will also answer questions about waivers, Medicaid, and special education. Bring your questions! Come at 12:30 for light refreshments and to meet other parents. We will start the presentation promptly at 1:00.

We're back for 2009!

ATTENTION: PARENTS of CHILDREN

with SPECIAL NEEDS

S P E C M E E T I N G

Saturday, November 7, 2009

from 1:00 - 3:00

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

SPECIAL PARENTS OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (SPEC), a group founded and run by parents of children with special needs, invites you to come and share with other parents the triumphs and challenges of raising a child with special needs. SPEC's purpose is to provide support and information. We meet monthly during the school year and welcome parents and caregivers of children of all ages and types of needs. We welcome back the many folks who continue to attend, and we love newcomers!

At this first meeting of 2009, we will get together to greet new parents and decide on a list of topics for the next few monthly meetings. Please bring your ideas and questions!

No RSVP is necessary. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available at the lot behind Top of the Hill Plaza, entrance on Bethlehem Pike. The Library is close to the terminus of the 23, L and 94 buses and the final stops of the R8 and R7 train lines. Sorry, there is no child care at the meetings and we can not offer child care or transportation reimbursement. For more information, directions, to volunteer, offer to bring refreshments, or to get on the mailing list, call Jean at 215-913-9027 or email JFMcCou@aol.com. Please send an email to let us know if you prefer NOT to receive our mailings or emails, or if you are willing to receive the email version only.

NEXT MEETING: DECEMBER 5 (Speaker: Joe Scullin, UCP)

WE APPRECIATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE DIVISION OF MATERNAL, CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Conference Oct 22, 2009

Take Control: Building Skills for a Successful Tomorrow

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 Holiday Inn Cherry Hill, NJ 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Last Day for Early Registration!

Sign up Today!

View Brochure: http://interactivekidsllc.com/pdfs/1Colored.pdf

Register online: http://www.whoscoming.com/takecontrol/BuildingSkills.html

Contact: Colleen Wells, Interactive Kids
(856) 810-7599
cwells@interactivekidsllc.com

Take Control: Building Skills for a Successful Tomorrow

The Second in a Special Needs Conference Series

Deciding what is best for your child can be a daunting task for any parent, and even more so if your child has a special need.

8:30-9:00 am Registration/Continental Breakfast

9:00-10:00 am
"The Changing face of Parent Advocacy" Keynote Speaker: CEO of Exceptional Parent Magazine; Joseph Valenzano Jr.

10:00-11:00 am
(Track 1) Promoting Social Skills with Special Needs Children - A behavior analyst and occupational therapist will explore strategies for improving social skills.
(Track 2) Guardianship and Estate Planning - Determining who will care for your individual with special needs after the age of 18 & evaluating long term financial options will be the focus of this seminar.

11:00-12:00 pm
(Track 1) Developing Functional Communications Skills in Children
What are you trying to tell me? - This presentation will provide an introduction to the methods of FCT from the perspective of a behavior analyst and a speech pathologist.
(Track 2) Services after Educational Entitlement Ends - Presenters from DDD and DVR will discuss service options and provide pointers on how to be pro-active in advocating for services for your older child.

12:00-1:15 pm Lunch & Networking

1:15-3:15 pm How to be an Effective IEP Team Member - Hillary Freedman, Esq. will be discussing how to be an effective IEP team member and what to do when collaboration doesn't work.

Thanks,

InteractiveKidsllc.com
(856) 810-7599 Fax (856) 810-7662
Interactive Kids 3002 Lincoln Drive West Suite E
Marlton, NJ 08055

Another way to get to Carnegie Hall

Jerry Seinfeld will headline a star-studded night of comedy and music at the fifth Concert for Autism Speaks on November 17 at Carnegie Hall, in New York City. The evening will include a special appearance by Bruce Springsteen. The unprecedented event, emceed by NBC News' Meet the Press David Gregory, will help increase awareness about autism and raise funds to benefit the work of Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization.

An Inconvenient Youth

Just a quick hand-off to an article from Oprah's site that may be of interest to anyone raising (or support someone raising) a child with autism.

Enjoy summer -- JD

Resource Fair for Parents with Austic Children

SUMMER RESOURCE FAIR
presented by Autism Sharing & Parenting, Inc.

Saturday, August 15, 2008
11AM-3PM

Center for Autism
3905 Ford Rd
Suite 6
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Just off I-76 and City Ave. w/ Free Parking Lot and Street Parking
*Enter from Ellington Road*
www.thecenterforautism.org

Special Guest Presenter:
Lisa Mitchell
M.S.W., L.C.S.W. - R

Bringing the Birds & Bees Down to Earth:
Sexuality Education for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This nationally renowned presenter will cover everything from puberty preparation to direct sexual education for all ranges of individuals on the spectrum.

Be prepared for frank discussion with practical solutions and resources. This topic is rarely discussed but definitely needed.

Lisa Mitchell is a licensed Social Worker with The Cody Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities Sexuality Education and Reproductive Developmental Disabilities Sexuality Education and Reproductive Health Program (Stony Brook, NY)

AND

Sign up for IEP Clinic!

With

RUTH LANDSMAN
Advocate and Founder of The Parent Exchange
Bring your IEP for a one-to-one, 15 minute session.

Sign up by calling 215-413-7106 or e-mailing crocmei11@gmail.com

Slots are filled is on 'first-come, first-serve' basis. If you are not available for your 15 minute time-slot, it will be re-assigned.

PLUS!

Entertainment

Fun Children’s Activities compliments of Parent to Child
AND
Resources, Resources, Resources!

Join Us! Please RSVP!

Food will be served, Volunteers are needed, Donations accepted

PA HB 1665: call to action

PA House Bill 1665 provides special funding guidance for PA approved private schools (including the four chartered school for the deaf and blind, which includes my daughter's school :-) -- please contact your representatives and let them know how important it is to support this legislation (as well as your family and friends); you can determine your state senator’s and representative’s contact information by clicking on the following link and putting in your home address: www.congress.org -- some points to consider:

• H.B. 1665 is important to schools that educate children with disabilities because it will help our school to keep up with the funding for special education and basic education. Both basic and special education are likely to have significant increases for 2009-10 because of federal stimulus dollars, which can’t be used for the Approved Private School for the Children with Disabilities. Because the increase for special education is from federal dollars, the line item for special education this year is flat lined. This means that in 2010-11 there will be no increase for our school, unless H.B. 1665 is enacted.
• Our Approved Private Schools teach children with the most severe and complex disabilities – students who come with a variety of disabilities and in many cases, multiple disabilities. A student population with one or more complex and severe disabilities means higher costs to educate.
• The bill applies only to those fiscal years in which special education is flat lined. In such a year, the increase for our school would be the average percentage of the increases for special and basic education in the last year in which there was an increase for special and basic education.
• H.B. 1665 will require no funding for 2009-10 as our appropriation for the 2009-10 is based on last year’s special education line item.
• (When communicating with Democratic House members) – “ Please tell Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans and your floor leadership, Majority Leader Eachus and Speaker McCall that you would like H.B. 1665 amended into the omnibus school code bill that will pass with the budget.”
• (When communicating with Republican House members) - “Please tell Appropriations leader Mario Civera and your floor leader, Sam Smith, that you want H.B. 1665 amended into the omnibus school code bill that passes with the budget.”

May I also suggest the following "talking points" (yes, you now have talking points!):

• S. B. 982 is important to our approved private schools for children with disabilities because it will help our school keep up with the funding for special education and basic education. Both basic and special education are likely to have significant increases for 2009-10 because of federal stimulus dollars, which can’t be used for our Chartered School for the Deaf and Blind and for the Approved Private School for the Disabled. Because the increase for special education is from federal dollars, the line item for special education this year is flat lined. This means that in 2010-11 there will be no increase for our school, unless S. B. 982 is enacted.
• Our Chartered Schools and the Approved Private Schools teach children with the most severe and complex disabilities – students who come with a variety of disabilities and in many cases, multiple disabilities. A student population with one or more complex and severe disabilities means higher costs to educate.
• The bill applies only to those fiscal years in which special education is flat lined. In such a year, the increase for our school would be the average percentage of the increases for special and basic education in the last year in which there was an increase for special and basic education.
• S. B. 982 will require no funding for 2009-10 as our appropriation for the 2009-10 is based on last year’s special education line item.
• (When communicating with Republican Senate members) - “Please tell Appropriations leader Jake Corman, Education Committee Chair Jeffrey Piccola, and your floor leader Dominic Pileggi, that you want S. B. 982 amended into the omnibus school code bill that passes with the budget.”
• (When communicating with Democratic Senate members) – “ Please tell Appropriations Chair Jay Costa and your floor leader Robert Mellow that you would like S.B. 982 amended into the omnibus school code bill that will pass with the budget.”

May 16: The Sibling Journey

Dale Fisher, a clinical social worker and family therapist in private practice, specializes in helping families who are dealing with the impact of having a child with a developmental disability. On May 16 she will address the particular issues for siblings – their thoughts and feelings, roles and long-term impact on their lives.

Chestnut Hill Library, May 16, 1-3 pm

No RSVP is necessary. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available at the lot behind Top of the Hill Plaza, entrance on Bethlehem Pike. The Library is close to the terminus of the 23, L and 94 buses and the final stops of the R8 and R7 train lines. Sorry, there is no child care at the meetings and we can not offer child care or transportation reimbursement.

For more information, directions, to volunteer, to offer to bring refreshments, or to get on the mailing list, call Jean at 215-913-9027 or email JFMcCou@aol.com. Please send an email to let us know if you prefer NOT to receive our mailings or emails, or if you are willing to receive the email version only.

WE APPRECIATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE DIVISION OF MATERNAL, CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Apr 4: Ruth Landsman on Special Education

PARENTS of CHILDREN with SPECIAL NEEDS

S P E C M E E T I N G

Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 1:00-3:00

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Refreshments served from 12:30-1:00

Ruth Landsman on Special Education

SPECIAL PARENTS OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (SPEC), a group founded and run by parents of children with special needs, invites you to come and share with other parents the triumphs and challenges of raising a child with special needs. SPEC’s purpose is to provide support and information. We meet monthly during the school year and welcome parents and caregivers of children of all ages and types of needs. We welcome back the many folks who continue to attend, and we love newcomers!

Ruth Landsman is director and founding member of the Parents Exchange, an information, referral and advocacy organizations. She has two decades of experience advocating for the rights of children to special education, and more than two decades as the parent of a child with special needs. Please join us and bring your questions about your child’s access to education.

No RSVP is necessary. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available at the lot behind Top of the Hill Plaza, entrance on Bethlehem Pike. The Library is close to the terminus of the 23, L and 94 buses and the final stops of the R8 and R7 train lines. Sorry, there is no child care at the meetings and we can not offer child care or transportation reimbursement.

For more information, directions, to volunteer, offer to bring refreshments, or to get on the mailing list, call Jean at 215-913-9027 or email JFMcCou@aol.com. Please send an email to let us know if you prefer NOT to receive our mailings or emails, or if you are willing to receive the email version only.

WATCH FOR ANNOUNCEMENT OF OUR NEXT MEETING: May 16

WE APPRECIATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE DIVISION OF MATERNAL, CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

from Kathleen Britt who visited Mar 7, 2009

Thank you so much for having me at the meeting. Any opportunity I have to meet new people I take it!

Here are a couple of websites that may be helpful to people in your group:

• Special Olympics Philadelphia: www.specialolympicsphila.org
• Special Olympics Pennsylvania: www.specialolympicspa.org

For those that are interested, Special Olympics Philadelphia can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. We are constantly updating those sites to make sure everyone is up to date with what is new in our program.

I would love to come back again next year and please feel free to pass my contact information along to anyone that may have questions.

Thanks!

-Kate