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Click here to download the flyer with full information (PDF) What: The first webinar will be an introduction to the Sibling Support Project and SibShops with Don Meyer, which we believe will offer a great introduction to this organization.  Then, on August 9th, we will have a Sibling Panel for siblings of people with autism or other developmental disabilities to share their experiences and perspectives.  We have been trying to schedule and finalize these webinars for several weeks, and we are thrilled that they are finally coming to fruition. Webinar 1: Introduction to the Sibling Support Project Tuesday, August 2, 2011 12:00pm-1:00pm Mountain Speaker: Don Meyer, Sibling Support Project Space is limited. Reserve your seat now at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/e2mwyexqnq9t Webinar 2: Autism NOW Sibling Panel Tuesday, August 2, 2011 12:00pm-1:00pm Mountain Facilitator: Ms. Tonia Ferguson Space is limited. Reserve your seat now at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/e3g3lwhnhxiv Contact: Jennifer Sladen, Program Associate Toll free: 800.433.5255 Fax: 202.534.3731 Email: jsladen@autismnow.org

Click here to download the Sponsorship Letter (PDF) Click here to download the Registration Form (PDF) The 4th annual MYTransitions Conference will be held at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls, MT on November 9-11, 2011. The conference organizers, MYTransitions, is a non-profit committee of various agencies and individuals in Montana who are dedicated to working with youth with disabilities to establish meaningful and diverse transitions into adulthood. This year's conference will be focused on the needs and interests of individuals with disabilities and their families, and will include a Real Life Fair and various workshops related to community services and independent living options. We are committed to helping Montana's youth reach their full potential and want to make this opportunity available to as many individuals and families as possible. Your donation toward scholarships or conference expenses will help make that goal possible. To help defray the travel costs for youth with disabilities and their families and/or the costs of the conference, please complete the attached application and return it to MYTransitions, 1617 Euclid Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or as an attachment to mylfjuneh@bresnan.net. For questions or for more information, please feel free to contact June Hermanson at Ph. 406-442-2576. For conference registration information, go to www.montanayouthtransitions.org. Thank you for your partnership and investment in Montana's future.

Click here to register for this free webinar What: Evidence-based prevention programs are attractive because research shows they can produce good results. The challenge is getting similar results when they are put into practice. Experts on two childhood programs will explain the keys to implementing evidence-based programs and achieving expected outcomes. Peggy Hill, Chief Strategic Relations Officer at the Nurse-Family Partnership National Service Office, will introduce Nurse-Family Partnership as an example of an effective home-based health promotion program during pregnancy and infancy that has been developed through rigorous research and taken to broader scale nationally. She will describe what makes an “evidence-based” program unique, what supports for implementation are crucial for assuring that research-proven outcomes can be replicated in community settings, and how policy and administrative practice can foster success. Kristy Johnson, Director of Special Projects with Invest in Kids will describe The Incredible Years program as another proven early childhood program that supports child development in classroom settings. Kristy was responsible for creating needed supports for broader scale implementation of Incredible Years throughout Colorado, and will share lessons learned from the process of working with a researcher to make a strong program accessible and available to local schools interested in improving outcomes for young children. When: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Mountain Contact: For questions, email rbridge@mentalhealthamerica.net or call 703-684-7722.

Click here to download the brochure, with registration, for this event (PDF) What: The successful implementation of Response to Intervention system involves both the collection and skillful analysis and use of data. However schools often struggle with the second half of this requirement: continuously using assessment to make data-based decisions. This workshop will focus on: A short view of the 8 Montana RtI Essential Components with an emphasis on ongoing as-sessment at the school wide and student level. Going beyond data collection to using the information to make strong, viable data-based decisions. Using benchmark data from multiple sources to develop effective instructional plans for schools, classrooms and small groups. Collecting and using various types of progress monitoring data to track the effectiveness of individual student intervention plans. Individual break-out sessions focusing specifically on DIBELS, AIMSweb and MAP systems. When: September 13, 2011 Where: Hampton Inn Great Falls, MT Free training for: Elementary teachers, Special education teachers, Administrators, and Paraprofessionals. To register online: Register online at www.havre.k12.mt.us Click on the CSPD icon (upper right hand corner) Click on CSPD Calendar

Parenting can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be very difficult at times. Children do not come with instructions and many people who become parents do so with little or no formal training. Many parents do not have the support of family members living in the area or may not have had appropriate parenting models growing up. All parents -- and their children -- deserve the support and guidance a Nuturing Parenting class offers. The Family Tree Center offers 4 different parenting classes (babies, toddlers, grade-schoolers, and adolescents) utilizing the evidence-based best practice Nuturing Parenting Curriculum. Classes meet two hours a week for fifteen weeks and cover topics such as: Empathy, Brain development, Child development, Discipline, Safety, Family morals and values, Family rules, Drug and alcohol abuse, Stress and anger management, Routines, and Problem solving. Highlights include: Free childcare and dinner for children Snacks for the parents Family interaction time during each class Activities for grade-school age children and older where they learn, at their level, the same information their parents are learning Classes are offered at no charge to all self-referred parents and for a nominal fee of $10 per class for parents who need a certificate Materials fee is $20 If you are interested in these classes: Contact Tonia at 406-252-9799 or email the Family Tree Center office at ftcoffice@qwestoffice.net.

Whether you need help with math homework, need to prepare for a college entrance exam or the GED, or write an effective resume or term paper, HomeworkMT can help!   HomeworkMT offers free online tutoring, academic resources, writing assistance and preparatory testing materials from Tutor.com for all Montana residents. Get help in math, science, social studies or English from a live tutor as part of this statewide service. The service can be accessed from a Montana public, school, academic or special library or from your home computer. Tutors are available Sunday through Thursday 2 p.m. — 11 p.m. The SkillsCenter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Click here to download the full flyer and registration for this event (PDF) Free training for: Elementary teachers, Special education teachers, Administrators, Paraprofessionals and parents This workshop is designed for a variety of individuals: Schools just beginning to think about Response to Instruction (RtI) Support staff in schools already implementing RtI (speech therapists, school psychologists, occupational and physical therapist, tutors, etc.) New administrators or teachers in schools already implementing RtI New members on established RtI teams Participants will be provided: An overview of the Montana RtI model--both the “big picture” and the eight essential implementation components Practical strategies and possible next steps they might take to “power up and move forward” with RtI implementation efforts Discussion of how their specific positions and roles “fit in” with RtI structures and procedures. When: October 4, 2011 8:00am - 3:30pm Mountain Where: Robins Administration Building 425 6th Street Upstairs Conference Room Havre, MT

Click here to Download Flyer for This Event (pdf file)   What: This group is designed for parents who are interested in adoption, in the process of adopting, those who have newly adopted, and interested others. EQUIP is a structured, psycho-educationally based group lead by alicensed therapist. Each month, we will concentrate on a specific topic relevant to adoption and have time for both teaching and discussion. This group is designed to support those beginning the adoption journey who would like information and the camaraderie of other families at the same early stage in the process. For parents who need the support of other families in dealing with specific challenges usually encountered once their adoptees are settled in (1 year or more into the adoption), we offer the CONNECT group, also available once a month. Please contact Kate Cremer-Vogel* for more information about this option. We hope you’ll join us aswe launch EQUIP for the first season this fall 2011! We look forward to seeing you there! *Please contact Kate Cremer-Vogel at 582-5480 or by email atcremervogel@theglobal.net if you would like more information about this option. When:The second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm  Where:Evangelical Free Church S. 19th St. Room 102Bozeman, MT

Click here to register for this webinar What: The Real Lives, Real Stories webinar will give VR personnel specific, real cases of 3-6 transition age individuals with autism who have achieved competitive employment or are in the process of seeking and achieving competitive, customized employment. This webinar will address the stories and lives of at least 3 individual (Ian’s Story, Chelsea’s Story, Katelyn’s Story, Vincent’s Story, Ashley’s Story, and/or William’s Story) and will cover: An overview including video of the individual. The process of how their goals are decided and a description of the employment outcome. The personal supports each person needs and how they are provided. The paid supports each person needs and how they are provided. Where the person is now and plans for near future. It is expected that VR staff who participate the webinar will learn about the variety of interests, skills, and needs of individuals with autism and the possibilities for employment. In addition, staff will be given general; and specific information about specific types of paid, unpaid, formal, and natural supports individuals may need. When: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 10:00am - 11:00am Mountain Registration: Click here to register for this webinar Deadline for registration is Sept. 5, 2011 The webinar is free of charge.

Click here to download full flyer with registration information What: Montana Fair Housing is a full service, private, non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction and eradication of housing discrimination in our state. It is illegal to discriminate against a household because of: race, color, national origin, familial status, sex, religion, a disability, creed, marital status, age, and in Missoula, sexual orientation and gender identity. Fair housing laws protect you against intimidation, coercion, and harassment. Should you file a complaint of housing discrimination, Fair Housing laws prohibit retaliation. This webinar is presented free of charge. When: Thursday, September 8, 2011 10:00am - 12:00pm Mountain Where: Northwest MT Association of Realtors 110 Cooperative Way Kalispell, Montana

The National Center for Learning Disabilities’ RTI Action Network has developed this guide for parents and schools involved in implementing response to intervention (RTI) in the elementary grades. As schools work to implement this new approach, some confusion may arise, so parents should feel free to ask questions and raise concerns along the way.

We want to help you make the most of the latest technologies and innovative ways to use them as we settle into the 2009-10 school year, so we've put together a brand-new free resource for you: the PDF Ten Top Tips for Teaching with New Media. Full of succinct and practical ways to prepare our students for 21st-century success, this guide will help you deliver the relevant and meaningful education all students deserve.

Two weeks ago, a man named Chris Waddell arrived at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. A paraplegic athlete from Park City, Utah, Waddell became the first in his condition to reach the summit of the 19,340-foot peak. In addition to the courage, vision and mental and physical strength he needed to achieve that goal, there was something else that helped propel him to the top of the largest free-standing continental mountain on earth; something that could only be found in the Bitterroot.

Children whose parents are active in any of the branches of the military often have a rather non-traditional educational experience. These children transfer schools often and sometimes attend school overseas. Although military children may not be educated in the U.S., they are still entitled to a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The information on the Military and Department of Defense page describe various aspects of a military special education education and the unique issues these children face, including frequent transfers in and out of schools with different levels of instructional programming, and the emotional issues that accompany the deployment of family members.

Do you know a consumer/peer leader who has been a leader in educating the public about   behavioral health (mental health and/or addiction issues)? If so, please help the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognize his/her accomplishments by nominating him/her for a 2011 Voice Award. This year, SAMHSA is putting special emphasis on the impact of trauma and the significant effects   it can have on individuals, families and friends, communities, and our Nation. Consideration is being given to consumer/peer leaders who have successfully advocated for the rights of trauma survivors and promoted the importance of trauma-informed care. Each year, the Voice Awards honor consumer/peer leaders whose exemplary leadership and  advocacy plays a vital role in raising both awareness and understanding of behavioral health problems. Specifically, these individuals have made outstanding contributions in all of the following areas:  Led efforts to promote the social inclusion of individuals with trauma histories and behavioral health problems;  Personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and Made a positive impact on their community, workplace, or school. To nominate an eligible consumer/peer leader(s), visit the Voice Awards Web site at www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov. ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011. Nominations are open to anyone and are free. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit. Self-nominations are welcome. The 2011 Voice Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 24 at Paramount Studios   in Hollywood, CA. Please consult the Voice Awards Web site for event updates and instructions on how to submit a nomination(s).

Skype in the classroom is a free community to help teachers everywhere use Skype to help their students learn. It’s a place for teachers to connect with each other, find partner classes and share inspiration. This is a global initiative that was created in response to the growing number of teachers using Skype in their classrooms. Read more

As libraries evolve to meet the needs of their information-overloaded user base, the SirsiDynix development team actively expands its offerings for on-the-go library users. Among this development is the industry-leading SirsiDynix BookMyne™ iPhone application, bringing convenient, social-savvy library functionality into your users’ everyday activities. In addition to providing mobile access to in-demand library information, holdings and services, BookMyne 2.1 offers a myriad of patron-pleasing features including: Barcode scanning capability, so library users can scan the barcode of a book at a bookstore or friend’s home and retrieve availability information on the book at the patron’s library of choice; Social recommendation engine powered via Goodreads, enabling iPhone or iPod Touch users to search library holding for friend-recommended reads; New York Times best seller list cross-referencing, enabling users to immediately cross-check the best seller list with library holdings and place holds remotely; Enhanced account interaction, including the ability for library users to view fines and fees on their Apple mobile device.

Parents and caring adults can play pivotal roles in creating a healthy school and community climate that is free of bullying. By working together, educators, parents, concerned citizens, business leaders, advocates, and community members can support the implementation of bullying prevention programs, reinforce bullying prevention messages, and advocate for bullying policies to be implemented.

Click here to download this event's schedule (PDF) Click here to download the registration for this event (DOC) What: A free workshop for teachers, teaching artists, staff at arts organizations and parents When: Saturday, April 16, 2011 8:30am-4:00pm Where: Jefferson School 700 South Ave West Missoula, MT Six (6) Renewal Units from the Montana Office of Public Instruction are available for attending the whole workshop.

Click here to visit the Western Montana CSPD homepage to register What: Want an intriguing conference that will channel you and your students to an invigorating new level, change the current path of your classroom, and set the course for change in your school? Then don't miss the 2011 August Institute. There is something for everyone regardless of how you perceive your classroom technology integration skills and teaching. You’ll leave with new ideas, knowledge of at least one free online application and many techniques to set your students on an exciting path of innovation and self motivation. When: August 8-10, 2011 Where: Missoula, MT