Download the flyer for this event What:
All Montana i-home providers required to administer the MT CANS must be CANS certified. High fidelity wraparound facilitators, coaches and agency supervisors are strongly encouraged to participate. This is a limited training opportunity. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Lunch will be provided by Acadia on June 17th.

When:
June 17, 2013 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
June 18, 2013 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
June 19, 2013 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Mountain

Where:
Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave
Butte, MT 59701 Sponsored by:
DPHHS/Children's Mental Health Bureau. CEU approval for course will be requested by DPHHS/CMHB

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COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series What:
§300.320(a)(4) stipulates that each child's IEP must contain special education, related services, and supplementary aids in order to assist the child to advance toward attaining his/her annual goals, as well as to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum and other nonacademic activities in the Least Restrictive Environment. This presentation will explore a range of tips and strategies geared toward securing a quality, objectively measurable, research-based program of intervention for a student with disabilities.

When:
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain

Cost:
$79.00 per session or
$275.00 for the fall series (all 5 sessions)
$599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions
(Member discounts available)

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COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series What:
This webinar explores strategies for advocates and parents to be zealous in their advocacy while not becoming aggressive. The idea of Meaningful Parent Participation under the IDEA is discussed, focusing on (1) the legal basis for requiring school districts to ensure meaningful participation, (2) practical tips for advocates and parents to increase participation even in the face of hostility, and (3) what happens when "participating" is interpreted as inappropriately "demanding" things from the school district.

When:
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain

Cost:
$79.00 per session or
$275.00 for the fall series (all 5 sessions)
$599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions
(Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series

COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series What:
Learn how to use time-proven strategies to increase your negotiation success. This webinar reviews the basic principles of negotiation strategy as developed by Fisher and Lury and the Harvard Negotiation Project as applied to special education negotiations - team meetings,mediations and litigation settlements.

When:
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain

Cost:
$79.00 per session or
$275.00 for the fall series (all 5 sessions)
$599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions
(Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series

COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series What:
This presentation will focus on how thorough and careful preparation can provide advocates with the tools needed to successfully and effectively advocate for clients from start to finish. In this session, advocates will learn specific skills and strategies to fully prepare a case. We will focus on skills related to reviewing and summarizing documents, issue spotting in advance of IEP meetings, organization strategies, letter writing skills, and working with experts.

When:
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain

Cost:
$79.00 per session or
$275.00 for the fall series (all 5 sessions)
$599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions
(Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series

COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series What:
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional advocate? What kind of training is needed? How do I attract clients? What do I do after I'm hired? What about billing? And how do I avoid burn-out? This session provides a starting point to answer these questions. Many parents, therapists, retired school district staff, and others routinely ask me how to become a professional advocate. Of course, there is no One Right Way to do this, no certification, no road map. . . and so the goal is to help participants consider the next steps, to provide them with some information about what has worked for some professional advocates, and to connect them with resources. This presentation will cover the following issues, among others: role of the advocate, sources/types of training, work environments, attracting clients, advocate's intake and next steps, maintaining records and confidentiality, billing, pro bono work, the importance of boundaries, and networking resources. The presentation will also reference COPAA's Voluntary Code of Ethics for advocates.

When:
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain

Cost:
$79.00 per session or
$275.00 for the fall series (all 5 sessions)
$599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions
(Member discount

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series  What: Following Jonathan Zimring's well-received presentation at COPAA's conference, a work group convened to examine differences between the Act's history and meaning and its current implementation and to create a plan of action to address the movement away from the core civil rights protections of IDEA. This webinar will present recommendations for a coordinated litigation strategy for special education. When: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain Cost: $79.00 per session or $275.00 for the summer series (all 5 sessions) $599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions (Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series  What: This session is presented by one of the nations foremost legal experts on issues involving persons with disabilities. Judith reviews her annual look at case trends and discusses the implications for practice. Participants will recieve the document: 2012: THE YEAR IN REVIEW CASES DECIDED BY THE UNITED STATES COURTS OF APPEAL UNDER THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT AND RELATED STATUTES. Case summaries and an analysis of the impact and trends by topic and circuit are presented. This is a must-know for special education legal advocates. When: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain Cost: $79.00 per session or $275.00 for the summer series (all 5 sessions) $599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions (Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series  What: The Rowley court told us "questions of methodology are for resolution by the States," which has been interpreted to mean that schools decide how kids are taught. Where does the school's unbridled discretion end and issues of FAPE begin? When: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain Cost: $79.00 per session or $275.00 for the summer series (all 5 sessions) $599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions (Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series  What: When a school proposes the disciplinary removal of a student with special needs for more than 10 days, the school must first hold a Manifestation Determination Review meeting. This review process is designed to provide a safeguard to children with special needs to ensure that the school does not excessively punish those children who are misbehaving as a direct result of their disability. If this causal connection can be established, a school cannot issue a removal and must instead provide appropriate behavioral supports and services. In this panel, we will explore the inherent problems with the review process as it currently exists and propose solutions that would provide meaningful protections for children with special needs who have behavioral issues. When: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain Cost: $79.00 per session or $275.00 for the summer series (all 5 sessions) $599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions (Member discounts available)

Register for this webinar and view all webinars in this series COPAA is offering five webinars  as part of this summer series. You are welcome to register for individual sessions or for the entire series of sessions. More information: Summer series - Fall series  What: Are you advocating for a child who struggles to pace himself, becomes easily distracted, forgets to write down assignments, has difficulty getting started on tasks, becomes overwhelmed, or performs inconsistently? If so, this child may have deficits in executive functioning which impact his or her learning. Executive functioning deficits are often intertwined with a wide range of disabilities and have an adverse impact on a child's ability to be successful at school. Education advocates Ann McCarthy and Laurie Markus will demystify the term 'executive functioning' by explaining in practical terms what it is and how it impacts school functioning. When: Tuesday, June 4, 2013 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Mountain Cost: $79.00 per session or $275.00 for the summer series (all 5 sessions) $599.00 Annual Webinar Subscription: Includes ALL Live and Archived Sessions (Member discounts available)

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What:
Including students in general education settings is a pivotal component of quality special education service delivery. An inclusive educational environment benefits student with and without disabilities through a shared educational experience and requires quality, ongoing training and implementation supports for educators and families. Successful inclusion requires planned, purposeful delivery. This webinar will discuss strategies that assist districts in meeting the expectation of least restrictive environment through educating students with disabilities in general education settings. Through effective inclusive practices outcomes for students with and without disabilities improve.

When:
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Mountain

Cost:
Free of charge

Registration will be open soon for this exciting event

What:
This learning seminar is designed to expand understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children and develop competencies for parents, mental health professionals, teachers and healthcare providers. Participants will be able to better understand and treat children diagnosed with symptoms on the Autism Spectrum. Social, emotional, behavioral and medical factors affecting children with ASD will be discussed. In addition, this learning seminar will identify ways to collaborate and integrate services from multiple agencies. Future similar seminars focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children will take place in Helena, Missoula, and Kalispell.

When:
Saturday, July 13, 2013
9:00 am - 4:30 pm Mountain

Where:
Gran Tree Inn
1325 N 7th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715

Cost:
$75: Professionals (includes CEU's), $50: Parents - Scholarships may be available

Contact:
Cathy Huntley, Conference Coordinator at cathy@childwise.org or (406) 457-4816

Download the flyer for these events What: The Department of Public Health and Human Services/Children's Mental Health Bureau is seeking input from consumers, advocates, care providers, and interested parties as we re-design the i-home program. We would like to know how this program would work best in your communities, supporting individuals in transitioning to, and remaining in, home and community-based settings. When/Where: Friday, June 7th, 2013 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mountain Montana State University 211 Strand Union Bldg., Rm 233 Bozeman, MT 59717 Thursday, June 14th, 2013 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mountain Montana Tech/No. Campus Natural Resources Bldg., Rm 123 1300 W. Park St. Butte, MT 59701 Friday, June 14th, 2013 - 9:30 - 11:30 am Mountain Health & Human Services Bldg. 111 No. Sanders, Rm 207 Helena, MT 59601 Monday, June 17th, 2013 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mountain Center for Mental Health 915-1st Ave. So., Downstairs McFadden Conference Rm Great Falls, MT 59405 Tuesday, June 25th, 2013 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mountain Mansfield Health Center, Yellowstone Medical Building West 2900-12th Ave. No., Ste. 30-W Garden Level SW Entrance to Bldg. Billings, MT 59101 Thursday, June 27th, 2013 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mountain Flathead Valley Community College, Arts & Technology Bldg. 745 Grandview Drive, Classroom 205 Kalispell, MT 59901 June 28th, 2013 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mountain Missoula Public Library (Large Conference Rm.) 301 E. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802 Contact: Nancy Whitbeck-Nicholson, nwhitbeck-nicholson@mt.gov or by phone at

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What:
Easter Seals-Goodwill is offering a series of classes using Michelle Garcia Winner's "Think Social!" curriculum to help kids ages 9-14 who need extra support in learning and practicing social skills. Group leaders include people with backgrounds in P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters), social work, special education, and one-on-one work with kids of ranging abilities. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for kids to explore and learn about our social world together!

When/Where:
Friday's from July 19 to August 16, 2013
Varying times and locations in Missoula, MT
View Kids Connect summer session times and dates

Cost:
Cost for the 8-week session is $200.

Contact:
Abbey Hood at abigailh@esgw.org or call 406-217-8768.

Download Games Conference Poster
Register for this event

What:
Hosted by Salish Kootenai Tribal College and International Traditional Games Society. Themes: Native team, individual, & horse games, neurobiology of play, science of historical trauma, development of social/emotional behavior through games of intuition and chance, and use of Native games in modern programs. Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Gregory Cajete, Univiversity of New Mexico Author: "Spirit of the Games", other presenters will include: scientists working in the field of social intelligence and brain research, specialist from the Office of Public Instruction and Certified Instructors from the International Traditional Games Society.

When:
June 26, 27, & 28, 2013

Where:
Salish Kootenai College
58138 US Hwy 93
Pablo, MT 59855

‎Cost:
Adults:$325 before June 1, 2013, $375 after June 1, 2013 
Youth: $125 before June 1, 2013, $175 after June 1, 2013 (this includes All Sessions & all meals)

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What:
This is a fun filled day for brothers and sisters who have a sibling with a disability. This one day workshop focuses on getting kids together to meet their peers, play active games, and spark conversation about what it is like to be a sibling.

When:
Saturday, June 15th
10:00 am - 3:00 pm Mountain

Where:
Easter Seals-Goodwill Children's Services
800 Kensington, Suite 100
Missoula, MT 59801

Cost:
$10.00 per person, lunch is provided

Questions or registration:
Contact Abbey Hood at 406-217-8768 or abigailh@esgw.org

Register for this webinar

What:
Research shows that SUDEP takes the life of about one person per 1,000 people living with epilepsy per year. The greatest risk factor for SUDEP seems to be in those who have frequent seizures, especially generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. This webinar will begin with a brief overview SUDEP and its possible causes. The presenters will then discuss what health care professionals, people living with epilepsy and they families can do to help reduce SUDEP risk. This will include a review various strategies including better education, the use of seizure monitoring devices, improved seizure medication management, and supervision. Participants will leave with the most current thinking on ways to reduce SUDEP risk. Plenty of time will be left to answer your questions at the end of the webinar.

When:
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Mountain

Cost:
This webinar is set up with a suggested $25 donation to support PAME activities.

Details for this event

What:
The Support Group meeting is open to all parents, caregivers and professionals. Children should not attend this meeting to promote an open discussion.

When:
Wednesday, May 29th
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Mountain

Where:
Summit Medical Fitness Building
Conference Room #2
205 Sunnyview Lane 
Kalispell, MT 59901

Contact:
For more information, call Tim at (406) 257-8758

What:
Webinar details and registration information coming soon, save the date!

When:
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Mountain