Jan - March 2007 Listing
Here you will find information on activities, programs and events around the state that might of be of interest to anyone in Connecticut living with autism. You will find a calendar of events listing support groups, speakers, conferences and workshops. There is an announcement section listing research projects, programs, ongoing classes, new groups being organized and other activities that might be of interest to families, professionals, community members, friends or other autism organizations. It is our belief that there is a need for one place to go where anyone can access information on what is happening around the state whether it is sponsored by our organization, by any other autism organization, or by any other disability organization or state agency. Families - this is the place to come to in order to find out what is happening. Organizations - this is the place to post your information to reach families and professionals around the state. Professionals - this is the place to access the autism community in Connecticut. Send your information to autismblogger@sbcglobal.net.
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut.
Made possible by private donations from YOU, our friends.
AUTISM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Looking For Families: Some parents in Fairfield County are looking to start a therapeutic program for their children after they graduate from school. If you are interested in working on this project, contact Stenore@optonline.net.
Wallingford Parks and Recreation announces Adaptive Recreation for winter and spring. Call 203-294-2120 for more information.
CT Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education announces the 2007 version of a Parent's Guide to Special Education in Connecticut is now available www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Parents_Guide_SE.pdf
2007 Teleconference Series: Inclusive Educations: Strategies for Success. Co-Spsonored by TASH and Brookes Publishing. 90 minutes once a week, from your home, office, anywhere. Feb. 15 - April 3, 2007. 8-week series on Inclusive Education, learn what the leading experts know about adpating schoolworks and classrooms, advocating for your inclusive classrooms, communicating, teamwork and the latest IDEA regulations. For complete session information and registration www. TASH.org.
Workshop for Children with Special Needs, Inc., announces therapeutic physical exercise programs for children with special needs. Individualizes programs are geared towards improving muscle strength, coordination, motor skills, aerobic fitness and overall health. Contact Karim Ibrahim, CPT, 908-447-4462 or info@thewcsn.com. Located in Trumbull and New Haven.
Children need great outdoor places to play and KaBoom! and Home Depot will make this happen for 140 communities around the US in 2007 with their Challenge Grant program. Each grant provides $5000 which can be used towards the cost of building a new playground or refurishing and exising one. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2007. www.kaboom.org for more information and to download the application.
Teen Studio Art Classes: The Kennedy Center is offering a studio art class at the Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. starting Feb. 6 through May 8, 2007. Contact Paula Nizzardo, Autism Project Manager at 203-332-4535 x279.
DMR Five-Year Plan: As required by statute, the DMR has developed a draft of its five-year plan and is disseminating it for comment. A public hearing will be held on January 31, 2007 to obtain feedback. The draft plan is available at www.dmr.state.ct.us. Individuals do not need to attend the public hearing to comment on the plan. Comments will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2007. Contact Beth McArthur at beth.mcarthur@po.state.ct.us.
Do your New Year's Resolutions include goals for healthy eating, more exercise and less screen time for you and your family? Jumpstart your health and wellness regime by participating in the Family Voices - Family Matters on-line survey. This National health and wellness survey for families with children, 6-18 years old, with special health care needs/disabilities, is part of groundbreaking research to support health lifestyles for children with special health needs and their families. To voice your family's needs go to http://go.tufts.edu/familymatters.
New Resources from the State Department of Education: check out the new "Bureau Blogs" that appear each month at the CT State Department of Education website for helpful resources.
Rhythms of Grace: Monthly church services for children with special needs and their families/caregivers. First Sunday of the month at Trinity Episcopoal Chuch, Torrington from 1:00 p.mm. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Audrey Scanlon at ascanlan1@yahoo.com for more information.
DMR Pilot Program Now Accepting Appplications. The DMR has established a small pilot program for adults with have Autism Spectrum Disorders and do not have mental retardation and are not receiving services from the DMR. Information can be found at the DMR website at www.dmr.state.ct.us/AutismPilot/index.htm. Applicants for the program must live in certain areas and meet certain requirements. Call Kathryn Reddington, DMR Autism Coordinator at 860-418-6026 with questions and for more information.
Office of the Child Advocate is pulling together stories/circumstances from families that are struggling to locate a child or adolescent psychiatrist (either they are unable to get an appointment with one or the practice doesn't accept their insurance). OCA is working on this project with the Attorney General. Call 1-800-994-0939 at the OCA and ask for Julie or Laurie. All information is confidential.
Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook announces new adaptive recreation programs. Winter Family Play Dates and Music for Learning. Beginning in January, 2007. Contact Patti MacKenzie at 860-399-9622 or www.vsymc.org.
Clinton SEPTA is forming a "From Emotions To Advocacy" Study Group. Starts Jan. 16 at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton. 5 Sessions. Learning to effectively and collaboratively advocate for a child with special needs is not an easy task for most parents. Join this group and you will explore different aspects of advocating for your child's appropriate education supports and services. Utilizing Pete and Pam Wright's "From Emotions to Advocacy". www.wrightslaw.com. For more information and to register contact 860-575-4109 or e-mail leslie.parent@sbcglobal.net Sponsored by the Clinton SEPTA.
Adaptive Recreation Programs for the Winter at Groton Parks and Recreation. Registration now open. Contact Eileen Cicchese at 860-536-5691.
Looking for special needs daycare in Killingworth? Check out Pansy Patch DayCare. PansyPatchDayCare@comcast.net. www.pansypatchdaycare.com.
AUTISM IN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Mon, Jan. 29, 2007: Processing Broad Band Communication: A talk by Dr. Nancy Schwartz. The complexity of how we communicate is embodied in broad band communication. To successfully communicate, we must process multiple levels of incoming information simultaneously, a skill that is difficult for someone with an ASD. Dr. Schwartz will explain the need for specifically teaching how to process broad band communication. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Sponsored by Sped*Net, Wilton. RSVP to Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.
Tues. Jan. 30, 2007: Puzzled Sibs. A new support group, East of the River for brothers and susters of siblings with autism. We will meet monthly to discuss feelings, realize we are not alone, and most of all, have fun! Open to children ages 6-13. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor (across from South Windsor High School). For more information or to RSVP, contact Melissa Dumont at puzzled_sibs@cox.net or 860-214-2903.
Tues. Jan. 30, 2007: Autism Parents Club: A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. Meets the last Tuesday of the month ata 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restaurant, Route 7, Wilton. No need to RSVP. For more information, contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or pattisylvia@aol.com.
Tues. Jan. 30, 2007: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network (FAVAN). Parent support group for parents and professionals working with a child with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Farmington Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. For more information call Shawn or Lee McFadden at 860-589-0087 or www.favan.org .
Wed. Jan. 31, 2007: What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child's Basic Rights in Special Education. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 255 North Ave., Westport. Attorney Lawrence Berliner, with the firm of Klebenoff & Alfano, will speak. Sponsored by Westport SEPTA. Reservations suggested. http://www.westportsetpa.org/.
Wed. Jan. 31, 2007: 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12. With Thomas Phelan, PhD. A humorous look at parenting, a serious look at discipline. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., at Hope Academy, 89 Marsh Hill Road, Orange. No charge, but reservations are requested. Contact Cathy at tcjgall@optonline.net.
Wed. Jan. 31, 2007: Understanding Your Adolescent with ADHD: School-Based Needs and Supports. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Dr. Christine Siegel, Assistant Professor of School Pyscology at Fairfield University will speak about the changing needs of adolescents, aged 12-19, with ADd/ADHD within the middle school, high school and college settings. As part of the workshop parents will have the option of participating in research about parenting by completing a brief, confidential questionnaire. At Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canann. RSVP to Beth Lurie at 203-966-2982 or lurie@optonline.net.
Wed. Jan. 31, 2007: Families United Network - Plainfield - a family support and advocacy group. Last Wednesday of every month for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 -p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, Plainfield, Exit 87 off I-395. For more information call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.
Wed. Jan. 31, 2007: Public Hearing - Public Health Committee Looks at Affordable Health Care - Parent Voices Needed. If your issue is special needs, mental, behavioral health, no insurance, dental health or large co-pay, this hearing will give you the chance to express your views. 10:00 a.m. Legislative Office Building, Room 2C, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Contact: Hilda Santiago, 203-866-7447, hilda@ctparentpower.org.
Thurs. Feb. 1, 2007: Families United Network Northeast - a family support and advocacy group. First Thursday of every month, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.
Thurs. Feb. 1, 2007: Strategies and Accomodations for Children with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Difficulties. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. At Jeffrey Elementary School, Madison. Presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center. The purpose of this training is to familiarize parents with strategies that can help their children succeed in the regular education classroom. Topics include: learning how to contribute to the develpment of the IEP and understanding the range of modfications and accommodations that can support a child in the general education curriculum. Participants will leave with several easy to use ideas and tools that can help their children be more sucessful at home and at school. Sponsored by the Madison School Collaborative. For more information or to register contact Debbie Helgeson at 203-241-0444.
Thurs. Feb. 1, 2007: "Building Friendships", featuring Sandy Collins of the Plainfield Public Schools and Families United for Children's Mental Health. A special evening including a student panel, open discussion and effective strategies for connecting peers. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. John Dempsey Regional Center - DMR Satellite Ofice, 376 Pomfret Street, Putnam. RSVP to Mona Tremblay at 860-928-6514, advocatefor2@yahoo.com or Ann Tetreault at 860--630-4033, Ann.Tetreault@po.state.ct.us. With support from ARCHES, CT Family Support Network - Southeast, CT Behavioral Helth Partnership and Families United for Children's Mental Health.
Thurs. Feb. 1, 2007: Family Support and Networking Group for Parents Raising Children who have Disabilities, sponsored by the Southwest Family Support Network and The Family Center at St Vincent's Special Needs Services. 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. at St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Blvd, Trumbull. Pizza, conversation and networking. Contact Lisa Sheppard, lnshep@aol.com, 203-556-7317, SW Regional Coordinators, CT Family Support Network or Donna Kennedy, dkennedy@stvincents.org, 203-386-2790.
Mon. Feb. 5, 2007: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. For Wilton parents only. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve programs within the schools and community. At The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd., Wilton. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.
Mon. Feb. 5, 2007: Fairfield County Autism Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Frenchtown Elementary School, 30 Frenchtown Road, Trumbull. Sponsored by ASRC. Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-248-5222 for more information.
Tues. Feb. 6, 2007: Taj Tuesdays. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. YWCA STEPS of Darien invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in the Darien Public Schools to the Coromandel Restaurant located in the Goodwives Shopping Center, 45 Old Kings Highway, Darien. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP at 203-656-2535 or ywcastepsdarien@optonline.net.
Tues. Feb. 6, 2007: Pizza Moms in Darien! 7:30 p.m. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.html. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We meet the first tuesday of the month. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. This is a place where moms can talk with other moms who are having similar experiences. If you are interested, contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.
Tues. Feb. 6, 2007: Courtney Spencer, attorney with Klebenoff & Alfano will speak on Parent's Rights, Advocacy, IEP's, PPT, IDEA and the Least Restrictive Environment. Q&A. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Babysitting provided at cost. Sponsored by the Hartford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Beth Katten at bethkatten@yahoo.com for more information.
Tues. Feb. 6, 2007: Planning for the Future of Your Child or Dependent with Special Needs. 6:00 p.m., presented by MetDESK Specialists, Anthony Recck and Stuart Hawkins. East Hartford DMR Offices, 25 Pitkin St, 155 Founders Plaza, East Hartford. Contact Cindy Anderson 860-313-4859.
Thurs. Feb. 8, 2007: Discipline: Rights and Options for Students with Special Needs, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Olive Chendali Room, East Lyme Community Center, Niantic. Presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC). This workshop will review the issues related to discipline that face students with special needs in school IDEA outlines specific steps that schools need to folow before suspending or expelling a child who is receiving special education services. Come and find out how these situations should be handled, how you can participate in the process and how you can help work toward improvement within your school community. Registration Required. Call CPAC at 1-800-445-2722.
Mon. Feb. 12, 2007: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 or http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ for more information.
Mon. Feb. 12, 2007: Parent Support Group: West Haven City Hall. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of special neeeds children. More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.
Mon. Feb. 12, 2007: Regulation: The Basis for Social Interaction. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Presented by Dr. Nancy Schwartz. Relatedness is based upon a person's ability to regulate and adjust within a social interaction. For children on the spectrum, adults instead of peers typically faciliate these regulations and adjustments. Consequently, many children on the spectrum look markedly better when interacting with adults. Dr. Schwartz will discuss the focus of RDI: to teach children on the spectrum to regulate within a dynamic system, thereby empowering them to be competent within any social interaction. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. RSVP Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.
Tues. Feb. 13, 2007: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT): For Wilton parents only. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.
Wed. Feb. 14, 2007: Legislative Meet & Greet - CT Family Support Council: Topic: Family Supports for Families Raising Children with Disabilities. Legislative Office Building 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Come meet your local legislators and support issues that affect your family. Families willing to tell their stories needed. Call your legislator and tell him or her to meet you there! For more information, Call Karen Zrenda, co-chair, CT Family Support Council at 888-842-1937.
Wed. Feb. 14, 2007: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.
Mon. Feb. 19, 2007: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challenges aged birth - five. For more information contact: Dana at 860-434-4890 x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.
Tues. Feb. 20, 2007: Parent Support Group: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Groton Public Library. Call Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.
Tues. Feb. 20, 2007: Tamale Tuesday. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd, invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird restaurant on 6 Forest St., New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0784 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.
Wed. Feb. 21, 2007: Pizza Moms Greenwich! Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamomsg.hmtl for more information. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We meet the third Wed evvening of every month at 7:00 p .m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Philippa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.
Thurs. Feb. 22, 2007: Parent Support Group: 6:30 p.m. Preston Public Library. Contact Joan Bachelder at aabddbjmb@aol.com for more information.
Mon. Feb, 26, 2007: Parent Support Group: "Coping with Challenging Behaviors: with a presented from the CT Center for Child Development. 7:30 p.m. Christ Church Parish House, Greenwich. Sponsored by Friends of Autistic People (FAP), call Brita Darany for more information and to RSVP at 203-661-8510.
Mon. Feb. 26, 2007: Parent Support Group: 7:00 p.m. Sterling House Community Center, Main St., Stratford. Sponsored by the Stratford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Kim Wardlow at bischon03@yahoo.com for more information.
Mon. Feb. 26, 2007: Educational Advocacy: Advocacy Strategies and Best Practices: An Overview. 8:30 a.m. - 10:oo a.m. UCONN School of Law, Starr Hall, Room 204, Hartford. Speakers: Howard Klebenoff, Esq., Klebenoff and Alfano and Andrea Spencer, PhD., Educational Consultant, Center for Children's Advocacy. Atty Klebenoff will present an overview of the law dealing with educational advocacy and disciplinary issues, including tips for attorneys who represent children in special education cases. Dr. Spencer will discuss the red flag issues that identify children with special education needs, allowing timely initial evaluations and determinations of eligibility. Other topics include: Legislative Advocacy, 2007 Legislative Session, Recent Developments in Child Law and Changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct. Sponsored by the Center for Children's Advocacy, UCONN School of Law. To RSVP or for more information e-mail: atreamont@kidscounsel.org.
Mon. Feb. 26, 2007: Community Partnerships That Really Work For Inclusion. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Institute of Technology and Business Development, Central Connecticut State University, 185 Main Street, New Britain. Presented by Mike Green, Asset Based Community Development Institute, Northwestern University. Targeted particularly to parents and their neighbors, family and parent organizations and their advocates, self-advocates and their neighbors, organization of people with disabilities and advocacy organizations. This workshop is about how to create a powerful citizen-centered movement that solves problems, welcomes all and results in an inclusive community of genuine care. Sponsored by the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities in conjunction with the Center for Public Health and Health Policy, UCONN and the Social Role Valorization Project, Worcester, MA. Free, but seating is limited. Advance registeration required. Call Ed Preneta at 860-418-6157 or Ed.Preneta@po.state.ct.us.
Tues. Feb. 27, 2007: Autism Parents Club: A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. Meets the last Tues of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Francesco's Restuarant, Rte 7 in Wilton. For more information contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or pattisylvia@aol.com.
Tues. Feb. 27, 2007: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network (FAVAN). Parent support group for parents and professionals working with a child with an ASD. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Farmingtion Senior/Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. For more information call Shawm or Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097 or www.FAVAN.org.
Wed. Feb. 28, 2007: Sensory Integration. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Speaker: Rae Suba. At Waveny House, Waveny Park, New Canaan. Sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794 or e-mail judianders@sbcglobal.net.
Wed. Feb. 28, 2007: Emotional and Respite Resources for Families with Special Needs Children. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Speakers will include Linda Snell, STAR; Freida Hecht, Circle of Friends; Tracy Flood, CLASP and Paula Nizzardo, the Kennedy Center. Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 225 North Ave., Westport. Sponsored by the Westport SEPTA. RSVP to Janis Fox at 203-222-8485 or e-mail at info@westportsepta.org.
Wed. Feb. 28, 2007: Safety in the Community and the Individual With Special Needs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with Sara Locke. What does it mean to be safe? How can we keep the special people in our lives safe? This presentation will offer practical tips, a to-do list, models of effective strategies and the chance to design safety teachings that work for your child. First Conregational Church of Derby, 137 Derby Ave., Derby. Sponsored by NorthStar. Call Cathy Adamczyk at 860-869-6021 for more information.
Wed. Feb. 28, 2007: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.
Wed. Feb. 28, 2007: Families United Network - Plainfield - a family support and advocacy group. Last Wednesday of every month for families of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Exprress, Plainfield, Exit 87 off I-395. For more information call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.
Thurs. Mar. 1, 2007: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Road, Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Thurs. Mar. 1, 2007: Family Support and Networking Group for Parents Raising Children who have Disabilities, sponsored by the Southwest Family Suport Network and the Family Center at St Vincent's Special Needs Services. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St Vincent's Special Needs Services Family Center, 95 Merritt Blvd, Trumbull. Pizza, conversation and networking. Contact Lisa Sheppard, lnshep@aol.com, 203-556-7317, SW Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, or Donna Kennedy, dkennedy@stvincents.org, 203-386-2790.
Thurs. Mar. 1, 2007: Families United Network Northeast - a family support and advocacy group. First Thursday of every month, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m United Services, Wauregan. Call Families United at 860-537-6125 and ask for Lorna.
Sat. Mar. 3, 2007: Puzzlethon! (tm). A unique social and fundraising event! 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., Hall High School, West Hartford, CT. Watch for more details. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Connecticut, http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ or 888-453-4975. or www.puzzlethon.org.
Sat. Mar. 3, 2007: Social and Language Skills Parents Can Foster at Home. With Jerriann Mitchell. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.mm., Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden. Sponsored by ASRC. Call 203-248-5222 or http://www.ct-asrc.org/ for more information.
Mon. Mar. 5, 2007: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT): For Wilton parents only. 0:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.
Mon. Mar. 5, 2007: Fairfield County Autism Support Group. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Frenchtown Elementary School, Frenchtown Road, Trumbull. Sponsored by ASRC. Call Lois Rosenwald at 203-248-5222 for more information.
Tues. Mar. 6, 2007: Pizza Moms in Darien. Post Corner Pizza in Darien. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamoms.htm. Pizza moms is a group of moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We meet the first Tues of the month at 7:30 p.m. We get together informally and have pizza, salad and beer in Darien. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Nanette Jordan at nanette618@yahoo.com.
Tues. Mar. 6, 2007: Panel Presentation on DMR services, who qualifies, how to apply, what is covered. With Nancy Taylor. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., HARC, 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Babysitting provided at cost. Sponsored by the Harford Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Contact Beth Katten at bethkatten@yahoo.com for more information.
Tues. Mar. 6, 2007: Help! My Child is Struggling! 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wallingford. Presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center. The workshop will help participants gain an understanding of the pre-identification strategy called Response-to-Intervention (RTI), learn why intervention is important and become familiar with the special education referral process. Light dinner and childcare provided. Sponsored by the People Empowering People and the Discovery Initiative. Contact Robin Drago at 860-233-4701 for more information.
Wed. Mar. 7, 2007: Fitting the Pieces of the Autism Puzzle Together: An Exploration of the Resources Available to Help Your Child. 7:00 p.m. A panel presentation. At the Greater Hartford Jewich Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave. West Hartford. Co-sponsored by Jewish Family Services, the Greater Hartford JCC and the Autism Society of Connecticut.
Thurs. Mar. 8, 2007: Estate Planning for Families of Individuals with Disabilities. 7:00 p.m. A talk with Anthony Recck, MetDESK Specialist. UCP of Eastern Connecticut, 42 Norwich Road (Rte 32) Quaker Hill, CT. Call Cheryl at 860-443-3900X11.
Mon. Mar, 12, 2007: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester. Sponsored by the East of the River Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call Carolyn Schwartz at 860-644-0524 or http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/ for more information.
Mon. Mar. 12, 2007: Parent Support Group. West Haven City Hall. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For parents of children with special needs. More information call Karen Muro at 203-937-3565 or e-mail KarenMMuro@aol.com.
Tues. Mar. 13, 2007: Asperger's Disorder and Autism: Advances in Understanding and Interventions. Presented by Celine Saulnier, PhD, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine. Sheraton Danbury Hotel, Danbury. Sponsored by New England Educational Institute. Fee. Register online at http://www.neei.org/ or call Carolyn at 413-499-1489x1.
Tues. Mar. 13, 2007: Wilton Parent Advocacy Team (WPAT). For Wilton parents only. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Forum for parents of children with special needs in Wilton who advocate to improve the programs within the schools and community. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. RSVP to wiltonspedgroup@aol.com.
Wed. Mar. 14, 2007: Parent Support Group for children diganosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.
Sat. Mar. 17, 2007: Play at Home - Helping Kids with ASD Have Fun (ages 3-10). With Meghan McCoullough. 9:00 a.m.. - 1:00 p.m. Spring Glen United Church of Christ, Hamden. Sponsored by ASRC. Call 203-248-5222 or http://www.ct-asrc.org/ for more information and registration.
Mon. Mar. 19, 2007: Building Blocks Support Group. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Multi-Purpose Room, Colchester Elementary School. A support group for parents or caregivers of children with social or emotional challanges aged birth - five. For more information contact Dana at 860-434-4890x349 or Rachel at x311. Sponsored by Families United for Children's Mental Health and Building Blocks Social Emotional Wellness for Young Children.
Tues. Mar. 20, 2007: Tamale Tuesdays. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, Ltd invites all parents and guardians of students who receive special education services in New Canaan Public Schools to the Tequila Mockingbird Restaurant on Forest St in New Canaan. Please join us to share strategies on negotiating the special education maze. RSVP to Judi Anders at 203-801-0794 or e-mail judiandners@sbcglobal.net.
Tues. Mar. 20, 2007: Parent Support Group: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Groton Public Library. Contact Danielle Greene at 860-445-9765 for more information.
Wed. Mar. 21, 2007: Pizza Moms Greenwich. Held at Bella Nonna's in Cos Cob, 371 East Putnam Ave. www.geocities.com/nanette618/pizzamomsg.htm. Pizza moms is a support group for moms who have children with special needs in the Fairfield County area. We meet the third Wed of the month at 7:00 p.m. We get together informally for food, drink and networking. Everyone is welcome. Contact Philppa Orszulak at 203-531-6471 or angelmanmom@aol.com.
Thurs. Mar. 22, 2007: Parent Support Group: 6:30 p.m. Preston Public Library. Contact Joan Bachelder at aabddbjmb@aol.com for more information.
Tues. Mar. 27, 2007: Autism Parents Club. A group of parents (dad's too!) of children on the autism spectrum. Open to parents from all over CT. Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Francesco's Restaurant, Route 7, Wilton. Contact Patti Sylvia at 203-761-0248 or pattisylvia@aol.com for more information.
Tues. Mar. 27, 2007: Understanding the new IDEA regulations, including LRE. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. With Terry DeFrances, CT State Department of Education. Sponsored by We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County. Westport Library, Arnold Berhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Rd, Westport. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at (203) 554-4462 or evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.
Tues. Mar. 27, 2007: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network (FAVAN), Parent Support Group for parents anad professionals working with a child with an ASD> 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Farmington Senior/Community center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville. For more information call Shawn or Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097 or www.FAVAN.org.
Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: Families United Network - Plainfield - a family support and advocacy group. Last Wednesday of every month for families of children with behvioral, emotional or mental health challenges. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, Plainfield, Exit 87 off I-395. For more information call Lorna at Families United for Children's Mental Health at 860-537-6125 or lornagrivois@sbcglobal.net.
Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: Successful High School Inclusion. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Kathleen Whitbread, PhD, Assistant Professor and Associate Director, UCONN Center on Disabilities. This seminar is designed to help parents and professionals design educational programs that enable students with disabilities to be successfully educated in their neighborhood high schools. The session will inclue resources and hands-on activities to enable participants to practice techniques and strategies for providing access to the general education curriculum for students of all abilities. Fee. Norwalk Inn and Conference Center, 99 East Ave., Norwalk. Co-sponsored by SPED*NET New Canaan, STAR, Lighting the Way and The CT Down Syndrome Congress in cooperation with the New Canaan Public Schools. CEU's available. For more information and registration contact Anne Eason at eason55@aol.com or www.spednet.org/HS_Inclusion.htm.
Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: If Your Child with Special Needs Wants to go to College . . . There's a College for Everyone. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Panel presentation on transitioning students from high school to college. Coleytown Middle School Cafeteria, 225 North Ave., Westport. Sponsored by Westport SEPTA. Reservations suggested, call Janis Fox at 203-222-8485 or e-mail info@westportsepta.org.
Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: Parent Support Group for children diagnosed with an ASD. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Westbrook Youth and Family Services, 1163 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-9239 for more information.
Wed. Mar. 28, 2007: Farmington Valley Asperger's Network (FAVAN), a support group for families with children with ASD presents Dr. James Loomis speaking on Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Farmington Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville. This program is free and open to parents and professionals. Please RSVP to Lee McFadden at 860-589-0097, or e-mail leemcf@sbcglobal.net. Check the website at www.favan.org.
Thurs. Mar. 29, 2007: Parent Support Group. 7:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Society, Boston Post Rd., Madison. Sponsored by the Shoreline Region of the Autism Society of Connecticut. Call 888-453-4975 or asconn@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Fri. Mar. 30, 2007: How Our Children Learn Best: Successfully Modifying Curricula for Students with Special Needs. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. With Lynne Guilmette, M.Ed. behavioral consultant and clinical supervisor of Behavioral Development and Educational Services, Trumbull. The Greens at Canondale, 435 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. Contact Eve Kessler at 203-761-0680.
posted by Autism Society of Connecticut at
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