Click here to access the webinar!What:Many people do not realize that assistive technology is a continuum of devices and tools, from low-tech to high-tech. However, everyone agrees that the right assistive technology tools can provide a person with a disability the opportunity for increased independence and access to their community. This presentation will focus on low-tech and free tools that are available for older students and adults with developmental disabilities. This presentation will provide the attendees with resources and ideas for 50 free or low-cost assistive technology tools they can implement quickly. The areas of focus are: scheduling, communication, cooking, accessibility to the computer and the internet, and tools for fun.When:Thursday, December 8, 2011 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM MounainContact:Rosemarie PunzalanPhone: 916-325-1690 ext. 343Email: rosemarie@cfilc.org

Click here to register!What:Please Join the Southwest ADA Center and the Texas Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities for another ADA Virtual Round Tables webinar.   Attorney Deborah A. Green with the Law Offices of Deborah Green, and Attorney Tom Ruffner, Court Investigator with Travis County Probate Court in Austin, Texas will discuss a range of financial and legal tools for planning for a lifetime of support. When:Monday, December 5, 2011 12:00 PM Mountain  Contact:Phone: (713) 520-0232Email: ilru@ilru.org

Click here to register!What:A 7 week parenting program desgined by Love and Logic. This parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be sed immediately, giving you the opportunity to know how to many day-to-day parenting struggles and challenges. When:January 6, 2011 for 7 weeks6:30-8:30 PM MountainWhere: Serious Ju Ju Kalispell, MTContact:Lance Isaak Phone: 406-755-4622 Click here to register and get more information!

Click here to register!What: The 2010 ADA Accessibility Standards and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standard apply to many types of schools in the public and private sectors, including primary, secondary, trade schools and colleges and universities . This session will provide an overview of requirements in the ADA and ABA standards for newly constructed and altered school facilities and their related elements and spaces such as student laboratories, assembly seating, assistive listening systems, and much more.When:December 1st, 201112:30 - 2:00 PM MountainWhere:Great Lakes ADA Center1640 W. Roosevelt RoadChicago, Illinois 60608 Contact:Phone: 877-232-1990

Click here to register for this webinar!What:Schools are moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to education toward greater efforts to differentiate learning for each student. To truly personalize the learning process in more meaningful ways, many educators are turning to technology. They're blending face-to-face instruction with electronic resources, which can be everything from online courses complete with online teachers to digital curricula that enhances or reinforces classroom learning. However, experts caution that this approach must be planned very carefully in ways that maximize the benefits of digital content and online courses. Our experts will discuss how to use technology, especially blended learning, to personalize education and raise student achievement. When:Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 12:00 PM  MountainAlso available "on demand" 24 hours after the event.

Register here now!What:Topics of discussion in this webinar will include: The three primary components of sexuality education.  The primary focus of sexuality education in terms of individual safety. Methods of behavior analytic intervention in this area.  This webinar is free and open to anyone!When:Monday December 5th, 20114:00 - 5:00 PM MDT

Click here to register!What:Employment rates for people with disabilities are declining: people with ASD are among the least likely to be employed. In fact, only 15 percent of working aged adults with ASD are currently employed (Cameto et al, 2003). Effective interventions are clearly needed to improve employment rates for this population. SEDL and partners on the National Advisory Panel of the Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals with ASD project have implemented a rigorous process for identifying programs that help increase competitive, long-term employment for people with ASD. Wildwood Programs was designated as an effective program in the summer of 2011. Located in Latham, New York, this program serves people with ASD needing employment-related supports. Wildwood Programs works collaboratively with individuals, families and businesses to increase individuals' independence and integration into the community. To hear more about Wildwood Program's replicable employment services please register for this free webcast at the top of the page.When:December 14, 20111:00 - 2:00PM Mountain Contact:Please send questions to vr-autism@sedl.org

Register here!What:This webinar, presented by directors of two emerging programs for students with ID, will present information on mentoring programs.  Topics to be covered are: Mentors and their different roles, Recruiting and Training Mentors, Matching Mentors and Students, Supporting Mentors, the Benefits of Mentorship and Assessment of Mentor Programs. Additional web and print resources on mentoring will also be shared.  The webinar will be presented by Dr. Cindi May of College of Charleston and Dr. Missy Jones from Northern Kentucky University.When:Wednesday, January 18, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MT Contact: Cate Weir at Cathryn.weir@umb.edu or Debra Hart at Debra.hart@umb.edu

Register and view more information here!What:The Duke Law School is joining with the Academy for IDEA Administrative Law Judges and Impartial Hearing Officers of Seattle University School of Law to conduct a training at the Duke Law School. The first two days of the three-day training on special education law and procedures will be open to attendance by persons who are not special education hearing officers. Persons attending will be entitled to attend all sessions on the specified days and one copy of the prepared materials for those sessions.When:March 6-8, 2012Where:Duke Law School210 Science DriveDurham, NC 27708Contact:S. James RosenfeldPhone: 206-922-3319

Click here to RSVP!What:Is there a role for states in screening youth offenders in Juvenile Justice systems for TBI?  How do we help ensure access to appropriate treatment once they are screened?  What are the keys to a successful partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice? Answering these and many other important questions about working with the juvenile justice system will be the focus of a HRSA Federal TBI Program webinar on December 13 at 2:00 p.m. EST.  You will hear from grantees currently working to implement programs in their respective states, their partners, and mental health providers from state and local departments of Juvenile Justice, who will discuss: Issues facing juveniles with TBI and the complexities of getting properly screened and treated Two screening tools currently being used in juvenile justice systems Concerns often voiced by juvenile justice partners and strategies for addressing them Key components of successful partnerships Issues facing mental health providers in juvenile justice systems How to maximize program sustainability When:Tuesday, December 13, 201112:00pm – 1:30pm MTContact:Phone: 877-253-2087Email: HRSA-TBITAC@norc.org

Click here to register!What:This presentation will cover those elements of recreational facilities with first time technical provisions presented in Chapter 10 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards) and Spas (which are covered in Section 612 of Chapter 6). First time scoping provisions for these elements are found in Chapter 2 of the 2010 Standards. Significantly, the elements covered by these technical provisions and scoping requirements will have no safe harbor protections after March 15, 2012. This presentation will provide an overview of: ·         Children’s play areas ·         Swimming pools, wading pools and spas ·         Golf facilities ·         Exercise equipment and machines ·         Recreational boating facilities ·         Fishing piers and platforms ·         Saunas and steam rooms This presentation will not cover changes in the 2010 Standards where safe harbor provisions apply.Charge is $25.When: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 1:00 - 2:00 MTFor more infomation call 800-949-4232.

You can register here starting March 19, 2012What:At the 2012 MBI Summer Instiute, you will have a chance to experience great speakers, while gaining knowledge on a variety of subjects, such as: Instructional strategies, integrated school mental health, positive school-wide behavior plans, creating school-wide discipline plans, among several others. When:June 18-22, 2012Where:Montana State University-BozemanContact:Susan Bailey-Anderson at 1-888-231-9393 ext. 2046Marcy Otten at 406-529-0774 Click here to view the Save the Date for more information!

Reserve your spot here!What:This webinar will focus on CDC's Life Course Model and public health approach for rare and complex disabling conditions, such as fragile X syndrome, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida.  Panelists will provide an overview of childhood-onset conditions, discuss current approaches to data collection, and describe how CDC incorporates a life course approach into its work.When: Tuesday, November 29, 20112:00 PM - 3:00 PM MT

Click here to register and get more information!What:The theme of this year’s conference is “Leadership through Action and Participation.” We must all be strong advocates and willing to step up and make our voice heard through participation in policy development at the local, state, tribal and national level. Montana has become a recognized leader in Indian education in the nation and it has been because of the action taken by many MIEA members and friends of Indian education to make these positive changes.Great speakers, workshops, a student leadership strand, awards banquet and an elder’s luncheon just to mention a few. This year the parent forum on Thursday will focus on parent issues such as: the Johnson-O’Malley Program, Title VII Part A, Indian Education for All and Impact Aid. We encourage parent committees and others involved in supporting Indian parents to attend.When:April 12-15, 2012Where:Bozeman, MTBest Western Plus GranTree InnContact:Ron Juneau            406-850-9982     mieadirector@gmail.com                                Michelle Mitchell     406-833-0106     michell.mtchll@gmail.com     

Click here to register and get more information!What:Free training for general and special educators, paraprofessionals, agency personnel, parents andothers who work with elementary age children.Any reading program can be “powered up” when delivered with effective instructional techniques. Participants will review the “Big Five” strands of reading instruction with a particular focus on phonological awareness and phonics. They will learn and practice evidence-based, explicit teaching techniques, practice, and activities that can increase student learning whether used with large groups, small groups or individual students.When and Where:8:30 AM - 3:00 PM MountainDecember 7th, 2011 - Great Falls, MT - Hampton InnDecember 8th, 2011 - Havre, MT - Fifth Ave Christian ChurchContact:Aileen CouchPhone: (406) 265-4356 ext. 322Email: cspd@havre.k12.mt.us

Click here to register now! What:The Council for Exception Children (CEC) invites you to join them for a premier professional development event dedicated to special and gifted education. Attending the convention, you will: Participate in the many rich opportunities to learn and engage in dialogue about the fields most important topics including: teacher effectiveness, universal design for learning, collaboration, response to intervention, evidence-based instructional strategies, common core state standards, restraint and seclusion, alternative school, autism, mental health, classroom management, and more. Network with inernationally-renowned experts in special education and discuss the latest research and most promising instructional strategies. Investigate new career opportunities with onsite recruiters and more! When:April 11-14, 2012 (Wed.- Sat.) Where:Colordado Convention Center, Denver, COFor more information visit here!

What:A Christmas dinner and dance, fun to be had!  the cost is $6.00 for persons with developmental disabilities, the balance of their $12.00 dinner paid by the Catherine Luse Developmentally Disabled Dance Trust Fund. Music by DJ John Albright    "ABC Sound of Music" On the menu will be Chicken Fettucine, Jello salad, mixed vegetables, garlic bread, dessert, and coffee or punch. For Dance Only with no dinner the cost is $4.00, otherwise reservations are neccessary and must be made my Wednesday, November 23. Reservations must be pre-paid ($12.00 for all staff- family- and friends) and can be mailed to:                                                                                                    Beverly Owens                                                             602 18th St. West                                                             Billings, MT 59102When: Sunday, December 4, 2011Check-in: 12:15 - 1:15 PMDinner starts at 1:30 PMDance: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMWhere:Billings Hotel & Convention Center1223 Mullowney Lane (South of Holiday Inn)Contact:Beverly Owens at 406-652-5510 for more information on how to register!

Click here to register!What:The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, in conjunction with the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics, the Harvard Law Project on Disability and the UNESCO Bioethics Chair American Unit, is proud to invite you, to join us on December 10th for a Symposium on Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Autism Research at Harvard Law School. The free event will run from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Harvard Law School campus, Hauser Hall, Room 105. Topics covered will include prenatal testing, community participation in research methodologies, appropriate and inappropriate intervention goals and much more. This symposium will serve a unique role in shedding light on ethics and values issues within the autism research community. By bringing together self-advocate and researcher participants, we hope this will serve as a starting point for meaningful dialogue between those conducting research on autism and the community of Autistic adults and youth. Confirmed participants include Administration on Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Sharon Lewis, ASAN President and IACC Public Member Ari Ne'eman, National Institute on Child Health and Human Developmental Director Alan Guttmacher, Harvard Law Professor Michael Stein, Paula Durbin-Westby, Emily Titon, Liz Pellicano, David Rose and many more.   This event is open to the general public without charge and is made possible by a grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.When:Saturday December 10, 2011 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM ESTWhere: Harvard Law School, Hauser Hall Room 1051563 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge, MA 02138 Contact: Ari Ne'eman Autistic Self Advocacy Network 202.596.1056 info@autisticadvocacy.org

Click here to registerWhat:A conference about the best practices and cross cultural responses to child abuse and neglect. Sponsored and hosted by the Child and Family Services program, Blackfeet Nation.  Registration fee: $100.00 per person When:November 30th, thru December 2nd, 2011Where:Hilton Garden Inn2520 14th St SWGreat Falls, MT406-452-1000 Contact: Loretta Rex or Alane Calflooking @ 406-338-5171 or 406-338-5181

What:The OPI in partnership with DPHHS will bring together parent and youth representatives, school administrators and educators, school counselors, CSCT program administrators and other mental health providers from across the state.Cick here for more informationWhen:March 1-2, 2012Where:Red Lion Colonial HotelHelena, MT Contact:Brandi Long, bklong@mt.gov