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Click here to register for this webinar What: Join Occupational Therapist and Inclusion Advocate Ingrid M. Kanics, OTR/L for this enlightening webinar. Participants will learn about the seven senses as well as how the brain integrates and uses this sensory information in everyday activities. The webinar will provide participants with activities in each sensory area that can be used to help children explore and integrate sensory information in their daily lives. When: June 1, 2011 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mountain Cost: $30 per person (free for Lekotek affiliates) Special-FREE for all caregivers of children with disabilities (just email domahen@lekotek.org to resgister) Presenter Bio: Ingrid M. Kanics, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist who has worked for 10 years helping communities create and run amazing places where all children can play together. She was senior consultant on the national advisory team for the Center for Creative Play, Pittsburgh, PA. During that time she worked with numerous communities and children's museums helping them expand their understanding of Universal Design and the importance of Sensory Play in every childs' development. She continued this work as Therapy Director at Hattie Larlham, Mantua, OH, where she oversaw therapy and recreation programs for children of varying abilities. She now owns her own consulting business focusing on great play spaces in communities. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on the topics play, sensory integration and Universal Design. Conferences include the Association of Children's Museums, American Occupational Therapy Association, Parents As Teachers, and National Association of the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC).

Earlier this week,  there was an article in The Boston Globe about sensory processing disorder. It stated that a group of researchers, families, and occupational therapists is aggressively lobbying to get sensory processing disorder included in the next Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is currently being drafted.

When: 10:00am-12:30pm,  Saturday,  July 17   Where: The Rural Institute Conference Room   700 SW Higgins, next to the Pattee Creek Market What: PLUK and the Rural Institute are pleased to welcome Dr. Taylor as a guest speaker to our community.  The focus will be on sensory processing in children and adolescents. Dr. Taylor is a family psychologist, parent and the author of The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD, Helping Your ADD Child, and From Defiance to Cooperation. Questions? Email Mary Hall at mary.hall@pluk.org or call 888-406-1914 (toll free)

Click here to download the full flyer for this event (PDF) What: Easter Seals-Goodwill is starting a parent support group in the Helena area. The group is open to families who have a child with autism or sensory processing issues, or any other disability. Our goal is to provide opportunities for parents to meet, learn from and support one another and to participate in discussions or presentations of interest to the group. When: 1st Monday of each month beginning September 12, 2011 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Where: 9 Placer Avenue2nd floor Conference RoomHelena, MT Contact:If you would be interested in participating, please contact Abbey Hood at 406-217-8768 or email abigailh@esgw.org for more information.

Now at the urging of families, researchers and therapists, the diagnosis is under consideration for inclusion in the next edition of the DSM, expected in May 2013.

Click here to download the Brochure with Registration Information (PDF) Vision Net training is for kids 0-6 with sensory losses and other disabilities. It will start Jan. 13 -- instructors need advanced registrations to get materials assembled and vision net sites. Please fill out the attached registration form if interested.  Topics will include brain development, sensory processing, family centered practices, use of touch, hearing, vision system, CVI, communication, motor development and more. What: INSITE Basic Training prepares early intervention professional to work with families in acquiring information, skills and support to facilitate the development of their young children who have sensory impairments combined with other disabilities. It includes a comprehensive overview of the rationale and organization of the INSITE Model, including early identification, administration and supportive service components. The majority of the training time is devoted to training in the direct services to families. Participants become familiar with the INSITE resource manual (purchased separately by participants)  which contains information and learning activities for families on early communication, audition, vision, cognition, motor impairments, and the development of auditory and visual skills. They learn about the INSITE approach to information gathering, child assessment and program planning needed for developing the IFSP.

Click here for full information! (PDF)What: Easter Seals-Goodwill is starting a caregiver support group in the Missoula area. The group is open toparents and caregivers who have a child with autism, sensory processing issues, or any other physical orbehavioral challenges. Our goal is to provide opportunities for caregivers to meet, learn from and support one another and to participate in discussions or presentations of interest to the group. When and Where:1st Tuesday of each month.7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.800 Kensington,Suite 100,Missoula, MT2nd Sunday of each month.2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Missoula Public Library301 E. Main St.Missoula, MTContact:If you would be interested in participating, please contactAbbey Hood at 406-217-8768or email abigailh@esgw.org for more information.

Click here to register for this event What: Early childhood is often when a child and the family first receive a diagnosis while in the hospital or outpatient setting. This course will explore the basics for introducing assistive technology devices to the family while in the hospital setting/outpatient setting. Learner Outcomes: Participants will identify criteria to determine when to introduce assistive technology to the child Participants will become familiar with the basic features of assistive technology assessment Participants will receive an overview assistive technology devices appropriate for a new diagnosis involving motor, sensory and cognitive issues. When: Webinar begins at 10:00am Mountain time. Session sign in begins at 15 minutes prior. This session requires you to call in to access the audio. If applying for Individual Continuing Education Units (one hour of instruction) registered attendance and successful completion of this educational program is required and must be applied for with the payment of $16 being made directly to RESNA. Submission application will be provided.   Certificate of Attendance will be available upon completion.

Click here for more information! What:MCT in Missoula is putting on two special performances of Once Upon A Mattress, designed specifically for people with Autism and Aspergers.  This means they will be moderating noise levels, using increased visual aids, eliminating any lights shining into the audience and making other adaptations to make the play accessible and enjoyable for people with different sensory processing. Quiet areas will be provided for children who want to withdraw for a break.  A company in New York originally did an adaptive play for school children on the autism spectrum to great success and heartfelt appreciation by the children and their families. MCT is adopting some of the lessons learned by the NY company and doing some adapting of their own. MCT plans to put on at least two performances and may extend if that seems desirable. To help apprehensive theatre-goers who might not know what to expect, a website is being created so that families can travel step-by-step through the evening and be fully prepared for the fun to follow. When:Tuesday, January 24, 2012Show begins at 6:30 pmWhere:Missoula, MTMissoula Childrens TheatreContact and Reservations:Alexandra Volkerts - (406)449-2344 or email her at Alexis@disabilityrightsmt.orgTickets are available at the MCT Box Office or to make your reservations call (406) 728-7529. All seats are $10.