Mom's idea links sports, special kids

NorthJersey (Monday, August 31, 2009) --TENAFLY — The mother of a child with autism who found a shortage of local sports programs for special needs children has come up with a simple solution: start her own program.

Suzanne Schwarz said she applied 18 years of experience as a special education teacher and knowledge gained from raising her 10-year-old son Tristan to create a program that teaches special needs children the skills to learn a variety of sports.

"I wanted to do a program where kids got a lot of physical education fitness and where the children sought the activity on their own, where they weren't forced to do it," she said.

By Karen Sudol

To view the entire article, please click on the link above.

SCATP Announces Dr. Carol Page as new Director

The SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) is pleased to announce

the appointment of Carol A. Page, Ph.D. as our new Director. She has

been on staff with SCATP for over five years and during this time has

also worked for the Carolina Autism Resource and Evaluation Center

(CARE) and the ABC Special Needs Program. As the staff

speech-language pathologist for SCATP, she has been active in

conducting assistive technology trainings at the state and national

level, performing consultations and supervising the equipment loan

program to serve individuals with disabilities in SC and those who serve them.

A graduate of USC, Dr. Page holds the certificate for clinical

competence in speech-language pathology in addition to being a

RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional. She was

co-recipient of the 2008 SCSHA Award for Professional Program of the

Year for the SC Assistive Technology Program for outstanding service

to the speech-language pathologists of South Carolina.

Prior to her work at SCATP, Dr. Page was a speech-language

pathologist serving individuals of various ages and disabilities

across SC in the areas of severe communication and swallowing disorders.

The SC Assistive Technology Program is a federally funded program

concerned with getting technology into the hands of people with

disabilities so that they might live, work, learn and be a more

independent part of the community. As part of a national network of

technology-related assistance programs, our goal is to enhance

independence, productivity and quality of life for all South

Carolinians through access to assistive technology devices and services.

To view the SCATP website, please click on the link above.

The Disabled Are On Google's Side In Books Settlement

Media Post News (August 10, 2009) -- Advocates for the disabled have asked a federal court to approve a controversial settlement of a lawsuit filed by book authors and publishers against Google.

"The settlement's benefits for readers with disabilities are extraordinary," the American Association of People with Disabilities said in a letter filed last week with the court.

"People for whom transportation to a library or bookstore is difficult, unavailable or expensive would have access to these books through their computer," the organization wrote in a letter to U.S. District Court Judge Denny Chin in Manhattan. "People with vision loss will be able to search for books through the Google Books interface and purchase, borrow, or read at a public library any of the books that are available to the general public in accessible formats."

by Wendy Davis

To view the entire article, please click on the link above.

Free Webinar series on Integrating Assistive Technology Tools for Writing

Atomic Learning is proud to announce a free webinar series presented by Gayl Bowser. Gayl will speak on integrating assistive technology forwriting into general education environments. She will address questions like:

* How do teachers successfully support students who use AT for writingin the general education environment?

* How does AT fit into initiatives like Differentiated Instruction,RTI, and UDL?

* How can districts encourage successful AT integration?

* How can AT Teams support the need for training and professionaldevelopment?

This webinar series is intended for general and special education teachers,assistive technology specialists, technology coordinators, andadministrators. Customize your training by registering for any or all of thesessions below.

"Integrating Assistive Technology Tools for Writing into General Education"

September 10, 2009 12- 1:00 PM Central

<https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/541200546>

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/541200546

This webinar will kick off the series with an overview of general educationinitiatives like RTI, UDL, and differentiated instruction, and how AssistiveTechnology fits into them. It will answer the question, "How can AT be usedto make these initiatives more successful?" There will also be discussionaround the basic principles of classroom integration of technology and whatkind of professional development is needed to see successful integration.

"Assistive Technology Integration for Teachers"

September 30, 2009 12-12:30 PM Central

<https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/346831954>

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/346831954

This session will focus on how to integrate Assistive Technology in yourclassroom management routines, how to think about it in your anticipatoryset and levels of participation, and in your rules, procedures, and goals.

"Assistive Technology Integration for A.T. Teams"

November 5, 2009, 12-12:30 PM Central

<https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/739527331>

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/739527331

This session will focus on how AT teams can provide professional developmentand collaborative consultation to support successful integration of AT forwriting in the classroom.

"District Level Action To Encourage Assistive Technology Integration"

December 3, 2009, 12-12:30 PM Central

<https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/624339115>

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/624339115

The final session in the Integrating AT Tools for Writing series will focuson the actions that school districts can take to encourage and support theintegration of AT tools for writing into the classroom. The session willdiscuss the actions school administrators can take to support AT use and theways that traditional AT tools can enhance general education initiativessuch as Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Supports.

About the Presenter

Gayl Bowser's work as an independent consultant focuses on the integrationof technology into the educational programs of students with disabilities.Former Coordinator of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) and aspecial education teacher by training, Ms. Bowser has also worked as aschool administrator and holds an Oregon School Superintendent's credential. She works, regularly, with school districts to develop effective, legal andhigh quality assistive technology services. Ms Bowser provides assistivetechnology consultation, training and technical assistance throughout theUnited States and internationally.

Gayl Bowser has been the recipient of Oregon CEC's Teacher of the Year Awardand the Service Award of the National Technology and Medial Division of theCouncil for Exceptional Children (CEC TAM). In 1993, Ms Bowser was namedone of Oregon's Distinguished Educators by the Milken Family Foundation. MsBowser is a founding member of the Quality Indicators for AssistiveTechnology Services (QIAT) consortium and a member of the QIAT LeadershipTeam.

Ms Bowser has authored numerous publications. The list includes:

* The Assistive Technology Trainer's Handbook (2009)

* A School Administrator's Desktop Guide to Assistive Technology(2004)

* How Do You Know It? How Can You Show It?: Making AssistiveTechnology Decisions (2002 Also with Jane Korsten)

* Hey! Can I try that?: A Student Handbook for Choosing and UsingAssistive Technology (2001)* Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents (2000)

* Education Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive TechnologyPlanning (1998)

Gayl believes that the most important contribution an educator can make tochildren with disabilities is to believe in their potential and to insist onthe very best each child has to offer. For their potential to be realized,children and the educators who serve them must have access to the bestavailable information about assistive technology devices and services.

Hello Wearable Kidney, Goodbye Dialysis Machine

ScienceDaily (Aug. 21, 2009) — Researchers are developing a Wearable Artificial Kidney for dialysis patients, reports an upcoming paper in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). "Our vision of a technological breakthrough has materialized in the form of a Wearable Artificial Kidney, which provides continuous dialysis 24 hours a day, seven days a week," comments Victor Gura, MD (David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA).

The device—essentially a miniaturized dialysis machine, worn as a belt—weighs about 10 pounds and is powered by two nine-volt batteries. Because patients don't need to be hooked up to a full-size dialysis machine, they are free to walk, work, or sleep while undergoing continuous, gentle dialysis that more closely approximates normal kidney function.

To view the entire article, please click on the title above.

Discovery Of Genetic Mutation In Leigh Syndrome

ScienceDaily (Aug. 15, 2009) — Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro), McGill University have discovered a genetic mutation underlying late-onset Leigh syndrome, a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by the degeneration of the central nervous system. The study published in Nature Genetics, provides vital insights into the cell biology of this neurological disorder and will lead to the development of diagnostic and predictive tests allowing for family and genetic counseling.

Leigh syndrome usually begins in early childhood and is caused by genetic mutations which result in mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are compartments in the cell which have their own DNA and function to supply energy to the body. Damage and dysfunction to mitochondrial DNA is a factor in more than 40 types of metabolic diseases and disorders, including Leigh syndrome.

To view the entire article, please click on the title above.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: WHAT WORKS AND WHY

2009 Annual Conference

November 6 to 8, 2009 (Early bird rates are available!)

Hyatt Regency, Bethesda, Maryland (Washington, DC metro area)

Renowned Speakers Including:

Stanley Greenspan, M.D., Sally Rogers, Ph.D., Amy Wetherby, Ph.D., Susan Swedo, M.D., Nancy Minshew, M.D., Morton Gernsbacher, Ph.D., Anil Darbari, M.D., Diane Williams, Ph.D., Stuart Shanker, Ph.D., Serena Wieder, Ph.D., Harry Wachs, O.D., Ricki Robinson, M.D., and many others.

Presentations on Critical Issues for Children with ASD:

-Developmental Interventions for Children with ASD and Evidence of Their Success

-Medical and Neurological Concerns that Interfere with Learning

-Transforming our Educational Institutions

-Saturday Afternoon Seminars Demonstrating Practical Applications of Theory and Research

Pre- and Post Conference Workshops taught by DIR Faculty:

The Development of Visual-Spatial Knowledge with Harry Wachs, O.D. and Serena Wieder, Ph.D.

DIR/Floortime with Barbara Kalmanson, Ph.D.

Sensory Integration, with Rosemary White, OTR/L

Bipolar Disorders with Ira Glovinsky, Ph.D.

The Affect-Based Language Curriculum (ABLC) with Diane Lewis, MA/CCC-SLP

DIR-Based IEP Curriculum Goals with Monica Osgood

Language Comprehension with Sima Gerber, Ph.D. CCC

To view the ICDL website, please click on the link above.

15th International DCDT (Division of Career Development and Transition) Conference

"From Cobblestones to Cornerstones: Revitalizing Transition Outcomes"

Savannah, Georgia
October 29-31, 2009

Conference Strands for the 15th Semi-Annual DCDT International Conference Savannah, GA:

• Assessment

• Student Diversity & Multicultural Approaches

• Transition Approaches for Specific Student Disability Groups

• Postsecondary Education Services

• Employment Focused Education and Business Strategies

• Legislation & Policy

• Family Partnerships

• Program Evaluation Models and Data-based Decision Making

• Personnel Preparation and Professional Development

• Self-Determination & Student Involvement

• Vendor/Exhibitor Presentations

• Community Partnerships

• Aligning Transition with Standards and School Reform

• Transition Education in Elementary & Middle Schools

A preconference will be held on Wednesday, October 28 on the Summary of Performance. This workshop is being conducted by Drs. Audrey Trainor, Jim Patton and Gary Clark. The cost is $75.00 and all participants must have a laptop for the SOP software (donated by Pro-Ed) to be loaded on your computer.

To view the conference webpage, please click on the link above.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Prevalent In Adults With Down Syndrome

ScienceDaily (Aug. 17, 2009) — A study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicineshows that adults with Down syndrome also frequently suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, complications of untreated OSA such as cardiovascular disease, daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive functioning overlap with the manifestations of Down syndrome; therefore, OSA may not be detected.

Results indicate that 94 percent of subjects with Down syndrome had OSA; 88 percent had at least moderate OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than 15 breathing pauses per hour of sleep; and 69 percent had severe OSA with an AHI of more than 30. Twelve of the 16 subjects with Down syndrome were obese, and there was a significant correlation between body mass index (BMI) and AHI. Total sleep time in subjects with Down syndrome (307 minutes) was more than an hour less than in controls (380 minutes). Despite the severity of OSA in the study group, medical evaluation had been sought in only one case.

To view the entire article, please click on the title above.

Temp Work Strains Employee Mental Health, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Aug. 11, 2009) — Workers hired for temporary, contract, casual or fixed-term positions are at risk for increased mental health problems, according to research to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association.

"Temporary workers—those lacking long-term, stable employment—seem to be susceptible to declining mental health for as long as they continue to work in these so-called 'disposable' or 'second class' jobs," said Amélie Quesnel-Vallée, a medical sociologist at McGill University and the study's primary investigator. "This research shows that temporary work strains employee mental health, as contingent workers report more symptoms of depression and psychological distress than similarly employed workers who are not in these fixed-term positions."

To view the entire article, please click on the link above.

Attention Deficit Disorder Workshop (ADD & ADHD)

For Parents & Other of Children with Special needs

Facility By: Lexington County Public Library

Presented By: PRO-Parents of SC

Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina

Tanya M. Inabinet

Regional Education Coordinator

Wednesday

8/26/2009

10:30am-2:30pm

Lexington County Public Library

(Downstairs- Conference Room #2)

5440 Augusta Road

Lexington SC 29702

TOPICS:

*Understanding ADD/ADHD

*Functional Behavior Assessments

*Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP)

*Teaching Strategies

*And much more

SEATING IS VERY LIMITED

Call to register 1-800-759-4776 or

(803)772-5688

This is a free Workshop

Open to the public

This meeting is open to the public and is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Lexington County Public Library. Views expressed are those of the program sponsors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinion of the library.

PRO-Parents of SC

652 Bush River Road Ste 203

Columbia SC 29210 803.772-5688 or

800 759 4776

proparents@proparents.org (email)

www.proparents.org (website)

To view the Pro-Parents website, please click on the link above.

Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom

Workshop for Educators, Allied Professionals and Parents

August 25, 2009

8:30 - 3:00pm

LOCATION:

South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais Street

Columbia, SC 29201

$20.00 – Registration Fee

8:30 - 9:00 AM Registration

9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome/Introduction

9:15 - 11:45 PM Presentation

11:45 - 12:45 PM Lunch (On your Own)

12:45 - 2:45 PM Presentations continued

2:45 - 3:00 PM Questions/Answers/Evaluations

Children with Tourette syndrome present unique challenges

in the classroom. Participants will learn how the condition is

diagnosed and how it can be managed at school.

Topics include:

• Criteria for diagnosing Tourette syndrome

• Disorders often associated with Tourette syndrome (ADHD, OCD, and Learning Disabilities)

• Impact of these disorders in the classroom

• Classroom strategies and techniques

• The need for positive behavioral accommodations

About the presenter:

Susan Conners is president and founder of the TSA of Greater New York State. A teacher for 33 years, Sue served on the Board of Directors of National TSA for 12 years and chaired TSA’s Education Committee. An international workshop presenter, Sue is the author of numerous publications on the education of children with20TS and has won many awards for her work.

PRO-Parents of SC

652 Bush River Road Ste 203

Columbia SC 29210

803.772.5688

800.759.4776 toll free

To view information about the conference on the Pro-Parents webpage, please click on the link above.

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Webinar Series

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Webinar Series

provides a collection of topics for educators, rehab professionals, assistive technology specialists, individuals with disabilities and their families, and others who are looking to broaden their knowledge of assistive technology and the evaluation skills needed to assess the products. These topics include a general overview of AT, augmentative communications, technology for the blind or visually impaired, and topics to assist those providing support to students with special needs.

Each webinar is being presented by national leaders in their field.

Note: there is a fee for some (if not all) of these webinars:

-Selecting Software for Students with Learning Disabilities: An Instructional Resource:

Tuesday, September 1: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern time

This webinar will discuss how selecting appropriate educational software for students with learning disabilities can often be a difficult and complicated process. This online resource helps people to better understand the nature of different learning disabilities as well as identify appropriate and effective educational software to deal with specific cognitive and achievement deficits- as identified through common learning disability testing instruments. Learn how this resource came to be created, and how you can use it to better help your students with learning disabilities.

Jayme Johnson is the Web Accessibility Instructor at the High Tech Center Training Unit (HTCTU) for the California Community Colleges. Jayme conducts workshops and trainings in the areas of assistive computer technology and web accessibility, including instructional design and technology, assistive computer technology applications, emerging technologies and media, distance education, and related access issues.

-Technology for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Presenter: William Bielawski, Director of Adaptive Technology Center, The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Thursday, September 3: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern time

This webinar is a complete examination of the current technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to access information on paper or electronic information. It will trace the recent evolution of this technology and the implications for today's young students, college students, working adults, and seniors.

After a career at Bell Laboratories, William Bielawski joined The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired as Director of the Adaptive Technology Center and Office Skills Training. Bill was co-founder of the Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (IPVI) in 1986 and is its President. Bill is also the Blindness Strand Advisor for the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2009 Chicago Conference in October.

-Stirring the Alphabet Soup: Blending AT, UDL, RTI, and AIM to Increase Achievement

Presenters: Joy Zabala, Ed.D., ATP, CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology): Diana Carl, Independent Consultant, Vicki Hershman, PATINS State Project Director (Indiana), Indiana Department of Education/Division of Student Learning/Office of Differentiated Learners

Wednesday, September 9: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern time

-AIMing for Achievement!: What YOU Need to Know about the Selection, Acquisition, and Use of Accessible Instructional Materials

Presenters: Jeff Diedrich, Michigan Integrated Technology Services; Skip Stahl, CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology); Jenna Wasson Gravel, CAST; Joy Zabala, Ed.D., ATP, CAST

Thursday, September 10: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern time

-Overview of Assistive Technology

Presenter: Russ Holland, Program Director, Alliance for Technology Access

Wednesday, September 16: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern time

Go to our website for session abstracts, learning outcomes, and speaker biographies

To view the SCATP website, please click on the link above.