What:We will be holding an additional focus group for parents of children and adolescents with disabilities. in the . Please extend an invite to any parents who might be interested in participating. We are examining messaging related to nutrition and physical activity for children and adolescents with disabilities as part of a grant funded project through NACCHO.When:Thursday, February 9, 20125:30-6:30pmWhere:Mansfield Health Education Center, Room 72900 12th Ave. N. 30Contact:April Keippel, MAOWH Grant Project CoordinatorSt. Vincent Healthcare1233 N 30th Billings, MT 59101Phone: (406)237-3378 Email: april.keippel@svh-mt.org

What:The hearing will focus on the importance of accessible technology and how this issue is impacting K-12 and higher education. Witnesses include:Panel I with Eve Hill,  Senior Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice. Panel II with Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind, Dr. John B. Quick, Superintendent, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Columbus, IndianaMark Turner, Director, Center for Accessible Media, Accessible Technology Initiative, California State University We hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend, the hearing will be broadcasted live online at www.help.senate.gov.Real time captioning and sign language interpreters will be provided at the hearing.When:February 7, 201212:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time Where:Dirksen Senate Building Room G-50Washington, D.C.Contact:Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions428 Senate Dirksen Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510Phone: 202-224-5375

Click here for complete information or here to register!What:Effective assistive technology (AT) service providers use a variety of strategies, including direct service to students, consultation to teachers, and collaboration with team members in their work to integrate AT into the everyday routines and activities of students with disabilities. This webinar will address each of these strategies and provide an introduction to the exciting potential of coaching to improve AT services. Training in specific coaching strategies will be provided as well as practice opportunities. Participants will receive forms to help organize and document their practice as well as resources to help develop new consultation, collaboration and coaching skills.When:Thursday, February 23, 20121:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mountain TimeContact:Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)Toll-Free: 877-OUR-ATIA (687-2842) Phone: 312-321-5172 Fax: 312-673-6659 E-mail: info@ATIA.org

Click here for complete information or here to register!What:This webinar provides introductory information about core vocabulary.  It explains the difference between core vocabulary and extended vocabulary, then addresses the top 5 reasons that people give for not providing core vocabulary to individuals with AAC needs.  It addresses the issue of representing core vocabulary with pictures, along with strategies for organizing core vocabulary for maximum production of generative language.  It is an introductory presentation for anyone new to the field of AAC.When:February 15, 20121:30 pm - 3:00 pm Mountain TimeContact:Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)Toll-Free: 877-OUR-ATIA (687-2842) Phone: 312-321-5172 Fax: 312-673-6659 E-mail: info@ATIA.org

Click here for more information! or here to go straight to registration!What:This past summer, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Project at the University of South Florida (funded by the FLDOE) implemented the Technology & Learning Connections: AT & UDL Team. Consisting of a team coordinator, five regional technology coordinators, and five AT/UDL resource librarians, the TCL Team is responsible for the development of an MTSS Framework for technology that includes accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, instructional technology, UDL, and virtual instruction/assessment. This presentation will share our work to date.When:Thursday, February 9, 20121:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain TimeContact:Assistive Technology Industry AssociationToll-Free: 877-OUR-ATIA (687-2842) Phone: 312-321-5172 Fax: 312-673-6659 E-mail: info@ATIA.org

Click here for complete information and registration!What:Instruction in any classroom is a responsibility shared by all teachers and paraprofessionals regardless of level or content. Educators who accept this idea are already a step ahead - but for teachers and paraprofessionals who may have never had the opportunity to learn how to teach basic instructional support and engagement strategies, the task is daunting. This hands-on session will examine Before, During, and After reading strategies that can be applied in all classrooms and support increased comprehension of any content area text. Paraprofessionals will practice the strategies and receive tools to begin immediately applying the new learning when they return to their classrooms. When all teachers and paraprofessionals have students use common strategies, it leads to greater independence, more responsibility in the learning, and increased student outcomes for all students. When:February 20, 20129:00 am - 3:30 pmWhere:1325 N. 7th AvenueGranTree InnBozeman, MT  59715Contact:Denielle M. Miller, CoordinatorPhone: (406) 587-4970Email: dmiller@bridgeband.com

What:The Trainer of Paraeducator Academies (TOPA) train the trainer session is designed for experienced educators that have worked with paraprofessionals. The session will provide an overview of the essential skills needed to be an effective presenter, how to use Powerpoint presentations, and will give each participant access to online information to teach the twenty two academies. These academies provide a solid working foundation for teachers and paraprofessionals that create a common understanding of special education goals, objectives, and language. These trainings are a great way to create a team approach to meet the needs of students. When:March 7, 20124:00 pm - 8:00 pmWhere:Laurel Administration Building, Board Room410 Colorado Avenue, Laurel Contact:Stephanie ZickefooseDirector YWCCSSCPhone: (406)628-7903Email: stephanie@ywccssc.k12.mt.us

What:This free seminar shines new light on how the natural ability to think in pictures can be a disability in word thinking settings.  10 – 15% of the population struggle with learning, are often misunderstood, leading to frustration and low self-esteem.  Strategies exist for those working hard and not getting the results they expect.  * Thinking style—Learning differences * The two facets of Dyslexia: The disability…and THE GIFT * Why creativity holds a critical key to visual-spatial learning * Overview of Davis® Dyslexia Correction Program * Teacher Renewal and Continuing Education Units Available* Strategies to use your way of thinking to your advantage Presenter: Elsie Johnson, DDAI Certified Facilitator, Educational TherapistWhen:Thursday, February 23, 7:00 - 9:00 pmSaturday, February 25, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday, April 21, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday. May 19, 10:30 am - 12:00 pmWhere:Pilgrim Church, 2118 South 3rd Avenue Bozeman, MT 59715 Contact:   Elsie Johnson  Phone: 406-282-7416Email:  elsie@thelearningoptions.comWebsite: www.thelearningoptions.com Seating is limited - Pre-registration is required. 

What:This free seminar shines new light on how the natural ability to think in pictures can be a disability in word thinking settings.  10 – 15% of the population struggle with learning, are often misunderstood, leading to frustration and low self-esteem.  Strategies exist for those working hard and not getting the results they expect.  * Thinking style—Learning differences * The two facets of Dyslexia: The disability…and THE GIFT * Why creativity holds a critical key to visual-spatial learning * Overview of Davis® Dyslexia Correction Program * Teacher Renewal and Continuing Education Units Available* Strategies to use your way of thinking to your advantage Presenter: Elsie Johnson, DDAI Certified Facilitator, Educational TherapistWhen:Thursday, February 23, 7:00 - 9:00 pmSaturday, February 25, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday, April 21, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmSaturday. May 19, 10:30 am - 12:00 pmWhere:Pilgrim Church, 2118 South 3rd Avenue Bozeman, MT 59715 Contact:   Elsie Johnson  Phone: 406-282-7416Email:  elsie@thelearningoptions.comWebsite: www.thelearningoptions.com Seating is limited - Pre-registration is required. 

Some of this year's workshops include: Writing, Bollywod Dancing, Understanding Money, Dance NIA, DIY Fashion, International Culture, Intro to College, Japanese Drumming, Taekwondo, Personality Exploration, Sustainable Energy, Cooking and more!What:Keynote speaker and President of Montana State University, Dr. Waded Cruzado is the first woman and first minority to serve as a university president in the state of Montana. Her commitment to teaching and volunteer service is certain to be an inspiration for all Montana girls. History of GFAC:Girls for a Change is a grass-roots initiative designed to empower girls to embrace their future--confident in their individuality, supported by friends, parents and mentors, and secure in their ability to lead and achieve self-sufficiency, fulfillment, balance and success. Founded in 1997 by sixteen girls and their female mentors, Girls for a Change (GFAC) is a signature program of Thrive devoted to supporting and encouraging the successful development of girls.GFAC Activities:Each year GFAC plans an annual conference, does one local and one international community service project, participates and facilitates workshops and attends a retreat. GFAC participants also meet and facilitate activities with international visitors resulting in an ongoing dialogue about girls' and womens' issues in different cultures. Outcomes of GFAC:Girls feel confident about themselves and their ability to succeed--Girls gain public speaking skills--Girls are empowered to accomplish their goals and dreams--Girls learn what strengths they already possess and how to build on those strengths--Girls learn that there are all different kinds of beauty--Girls gain exposure to other girls from different social, cultural and international backgrounds--Girls learn to work together as a team. When:Saturday, February 25, 2012 Where:MSU Strand Union BuildingBozeman, MTContact:Email: gfac@allthrive.orgPhone: (406)587-3840Website: allthrive.org

What:Join us for a presentation on "Special Needs Planning Solutions" by Michael Ray, parent of a child with disabilities and a partner at Yellowstone Financial Services.You'll learn vital information and important steps in planning for a secure future for your child, when you're no longer here to care for him or her.When:Thursday, February 2, 20126:30 pm - 8:00 pmWhere:Easter-Seals Goodwill1537 Ave D, Suite 115Billings, MTContact:Kelly MeliusPhone: (406)657-9728

Register here!What:Got Transition recognizes that health care transition often begins at home with preparation and planning- but where else do young people spend most of their time?  School!  Tune into this first episode of a series related to how healthcare transition might be addressed in the school setting.  In this episode, Eileen and Mallory will discuss the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process as a key element in transition, keeping it student centered, and real ways to incorporate goals related to health!When:Wednesday, February 22, 20121:00 PM - 1:30 PM MDTContact:Got Transition?Phone: 603-228-8811

What:This presentation addresses the components of a successful Assistive Technology (AT) evaluation, who needs to be involved, models for effectiveness and how to make sure that the evaluation results support successful implementation. Webinar attendees will learn the difference between consideration and evaluation, how to leverage IEP team or 504 team participation in the evaluation process and how to translate data collection and findings from the AT evaluation into successful implementation within a plan based on the environments and tasks the individual is likely to encounter.  This webinar will examine questions parents and advocates should ask to guide and inform participants in the evaluation process. We will explore the legal obligations of schools to provide assistive technology evaluations and examine the factors that often go awry as well as suggestions for moving the process forward in the best and most effective manner possible. Time is provided for questions from participants.Registration: Cost: $50Your purchase includes one web access and one toll-free phone line for live 90-minute event, materials and unlimited access to Webinar archive. Gather a group in one location so many can participate for one low price!Click here for secure online purchasing!When:Wednesday, February 8, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:30 PM MT Contact:The Advocacy InstitutePhone: 540-364-0051Email: info@advocacyinstitute.org

What:Improving graduation rates have factored into political, economic, and education discussions because earning a high school diploma has been described as having individual and community economic benefit. However, even with educational reforms, dropout rates in some communities remain high. Schools often find addressing the challenges associated with improving graduation rates to be difficult, but for students with disabilities, the challenges can be even more complex. Georgia's GraduateFIRST initiative is designed to help students with disabilities and other students who are struggling stay in school and graduate.When:Tuesday, February 28, 201210:00 am -11:30 am MSTContact:All registration is free. To register you can call 1-800-775-7654 or register online here! For more information you can Email Sarah Melpignano at smelpignano@edc.org

Read more here!What:The Yellowstone County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group will feature a special informational presentation by Bernie Hedrick from the State of Montana Youth Services Center and LeAnn Logan from Parents Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK) at the Tuesday, Jan. 31, meeting. Hedrick and Logan will discuss how to appropriately handle some of the behavior issues that grandparents deal with in raising their grandchildren. They will also discuss how families can best access community services when help is needed.When:Tuesday, January 31, 20126:30 pmWhere:Forever Families building1411 Fourth AveBillings, MTContact:Bernie MasonPhone: 256-2828

Read more here!What:The Yellowstone County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group will feature a special informational presentation by Bernie Hedrick from the State of Montana Youth Services Center and LeAnn Logan from Parents Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK) at the Tuesday, Jan. 31, meeting. Hedrick and Logan will discuss how to appropriately handle some of the behavior issues that grandparents deal with in raising their grandchildren. They will also discuss how families can best access community services when help is needed.When:Tuesday, January 31, 20126:30 pmWhere:Forever Families building1411 Fourth AveBillings, MTContact:Bernie MasonPhone: 256-2828

Read more here!What:The Yellowstone County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group will feature a special informational presentation by Bernie Hedrick from the State of Montana Youth Services Center and LeAnn Logan from Parents Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK) at the Tuesday, Jan. 31, meeting. Hedrick and Logan will discuss how to appropriately handle some of the behavior issues that grandparents deal with in raising their grandchildren. They will also discuss how families can best access community services when help is needed.When:Tuesday, January 31, 20126:30 pmWhere:Forever Families building1411 Fourth AveBillings, MTContact:Bernie MasonPhone: 256-2828

Click here for more information on this webinar! (PDF)Register for the webinar here!What:Continuing with the Strategies for Success Webinar Series, parents Jennifer Bertram (Meghan's mom) and Elizabeth Aquino (Sophie's mom) share their stories of how communication programs and technology such as the iPhone and iPad have helped them communicate with their non-verbal children. Our featured speaker, Cindy Cottier, a renowned speech-language pathologist and communications specialist, provides and in depth view of various communication tools and explains how the iPad is used as a communication tool for children and youth with epilepsy and other developmentally disabilities.• Hear Jennifer's amazing story of Meghan using her iPhone• Listen with delight as Elizabeth shares how the iPad has bonded their family closer together• Learn from Cindy the benefits of the iPad along with applications for varied levels of communication• Explore other tools, techniques and apps (free and low cost) that parents can useWhen:February 14, 201212:00 pm - 1:00 pm MSTContact:Valerie Hill Phone: 301-918-3728.Email: parentinfo@efa.org

Click here for the full Child Find Brochure! (PDF)What: Click here to download full information on the Joliet/ Red Lodge/ Luther/ Roberts/ Bridger/ Fromberg/  Belfry Clinic! (PDF) Click here to download full information on the the Laurel Clinic! (PDF) Click here to download full information on the Canyon Creek/ Elysian/ Elder Grove/ Molt/ Morin/ Blue Creek Clinic! (PDF)When and Where:Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - Red Lodge / Luther / Joliet / Roberts                                                    Bridger / Fromberg / Belfry Wednesday, February 22, 2012 -  Laurel  (This clinic will be held at the “old” Laurel Middle School.) Friday, February 24, 2012   -    Canyon Creek / Elysian / Elder Grove                                                  Molt / Morin / Blue Creek / Pryor                                                    Broadview / Independent Clinics are held at the schools that are BOLD printed All start times are 8:30 am Contact for appointments: Joliet School Phone: (406)962-3541Laurel SchoolPhone: (406)628-3380 Canyon Creek School Phone: (406)656-4471 Yellowstone-West/ Carbon County Special Services CooperativePhone: (406)-628-7903

What:Is Asperger's syndrome really less common in girls and women, or are females just better than males at masking autistic symptoms? Rudy Simone, a San Francisco singer, writer and stand-up comic, didn't learn that she was on the autism spectrum until her mid-40s. Simone has Asperger's syndrome - a high-functioning form of autism that leads to social problems but no intellectual disabilities - which, like all forms of autism, appear much more commonly in boys than in girls. Ten times more men are believed to reside on the spectrum than women. But some experts think the real prevalence of Asperger's in girls may be much higher than believed, because girls tend to be far better than boys at concealing its symptoms, masking social problems and hiding the repetitive behaviors often associated with autism. So, many women go undiagnosed until middle age, along the way given other labels and therapies that do not address their real issues. To help make up for the lack of resources available to girls with Asperger's and their families, Simone wrote Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger's Syndrome. Healthland spoke with her recently. Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/12/27/mind-reading-a-qa-with-the-author-of-aspergirls/#ixzz1hl7AHuDt Ms. Simone will be speaking in Montana this spring. More details will be provided in mid-March. All of her appearances will free and open to the public. Where and When:Billings (CEC Conference) - April 25, 2012Helena - April 26, 2012 Missoula - April 27, 2012Kalispell - April 28, 2012Contact: Doug Doty, Coordinator Website: www.opi.mt.gov/autism/maep Phone: (406) 444-0907

Click here to Register!There are two different sessions  to choose from when registering. Click here for more information! What:Spend a Saturday learning what you need to know to be the best resource to a child with Special Needs. At this first ever BOZEMAN SPECIAL NEEDS EXPO, you choose three of six focused sessions to attend. In addition, the Resources Fair will be staffed by many different organizations that provide services and support. Light breakfast and lunch are included, child care is available through registration, and raffle prizes will make this a day not to miss. This event has been approved for up to 4 OPI renewal units. Click here for information on the classroom award!Cost: $5.00* SEPTA Member, $10.00* Non-Septa member (Deadline April 1) OR $25.00 at the door. Fees are recommended donation.)All monies handled at the door - so simply sign up to attend and for child care.When:Saturday April 14, 20129:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.(Check-in at 8:15 a.m.)Where: Bozeman United Methodist Church

Click here for more information!What:Highly interactive training that will include: Representatives from Montana's Office of Public Instruction, Special Educations Division, presenting to both agency and school personnel, detailing transition activities as required by law. Networking lunch (provided) Facilitated round table discussion with school personnel to more deeply explore how school should design and implement transition programs. Speakers:Dale Anderson was a special education teacher for many years in Billings Public Schools. After he retired, the Montana Office of Public Instruction asked him to participate in a variety of projects such as the Montana Behavioral Initiative. He has provided technical assistance in the areas of secondary transition, special education monitoring, and compliance to special education rules and procedures. Margaret Tryon has been a special education teacher for 17 years, special education director 15 years, and school psychologist 9 years. She also works part time for the Office of Public Instruction providing technical assistance and monitoring for compliance in special education. She has been involved with transition projects for many years. She is currently working part time at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Office of Public Instruction, and Custer Public Schools.When:February 28, 20128:00 am - 3:00 pmWhere:MSU Billings CampusCollege of Ed Bldg Rm 122Contact:Debra Miller Phone: (406) 657-2027Email: dmiller@msubillings.edu