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This webinar will introduce the Floortime approach developed by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Weider, a family centered intervention for children with developmental challenges. By following the child's focus of interest, caregivers can learn to use playful interactions to help children progress developmentally. Floortime helps children become more socially engaged and regulated for learning and builds the foundations for nonverbal and verbal communication, motor planning, and social emotional growth. This webinar will present the key components of Floortime so that the participant can begin to explore this method of intervention. When:
Friday, September 7, 2012
10:00 - 11:00am Mountain

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Gay and lesbian adolescents are 3 to 5 times more likely to attempt suicide than other teenagers. But, the latest findings show that certain protective factors can lower the risk.

Join Brian Mustanski, Ph.D., of Northwestern University for a timely webinar describing research on the prevalence of suicidality, risk and protective factors and creating awareness of how to reduce suicide risk in this vulnerable population.  When:
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
11:00am - 12:00pm Mountain

Click here to learn more about this webinar series and to register What/When:
This three part series examines issues of importance regarding Testing and Evaluation for individuals advocating on behalf of or representing special education students and their families. Registrants are welcome to participate in one or the entire series of sessions. The upcoming series includes the following sessions: Good Language Evaluations: What Advocates and Attorneys Need to Know
September 11, 2012 | 12:00 - 1:30pm Mountain - Click here for more details Unleashing the Power of the FBA: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
September 19, 2012 | 12:00 - 1:30pm Mountain - Click here for more details Understanding Tests of Reading and Writing
September 26, 2012 | 12:00 - 1:30pm Mountain - Click here for more details

Click here to download the flyer with full information (.pdf) What:
In the spirit of discovery, the annual Montana Youth Transitions (MYT) Conference will seek to answer important questions about the challenging journey into adulthood for Montana's youth with disabilities. It will be an opportunity for students, parents, teachers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, case managers and others to network, explore resources, and discover pathways to meaningful futures! During the conference, there will be a Real Life Fair with vendors representing education, independent living, recreation, employment, and other supportive services.
Presenters will include well known keynotes as well as Montanans who have themselves gone through the transition process and can offer insight, guidance and support. A youth track will also be provided to start youth on their own individualized transition journey. When:
Novemeber 14-16, 2012 Where:
Red Lion Colonial
Helena, MT

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This one-day workshop will give you a chance to experience some activity-based lessons, make connections to the current research on student learning, and think about how to teach science in ways that engage and excite both you and your students. This workshop will be based on Ready, Set, SCIENCE!: Putting Research to Work in K-8 Science Classrooms. What types of instructional experiences help K-8 students learn science with understanding? What do science educators, teachers, teacher leaders, science specialists, professional development staff, curriculum designers, and school administrators need to know to create and support such experiences? Ready, Set, Science! guides the way with an account of the groundbreaking and comprehensive synthesis of research into teaching and learning science in kindergarten through eighth grade. When:
Saturday, September 29, 2012
9:00am - 4:00pm Mountain Where:
Montana State University Billings
1500 University Drive
Billings, MT 59101

What:
Philip Aaberg will be playing this fundraiser to help current Miss Montana, Alexis Wineman, cover the costs associated with traveling across Montana to promote Autism awareness. Admission is $10 per person, regardless of age, with tickets being sold at the door the night of the event. Click here to read the full article. When:
Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012
Concert begins 6:30pm Mountainin Where:
Cut Bank High School Auditorium
Cut Bank, MT

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This event features more than 200 educational sessions spanning the breadth and depth of assistive technology and an exhibition hall where you can see the power of assistive technology in action. Professionals, teachers, users and parents will all benefit from this empowering new conference. When/Where:
Pre-Conference Workshops & Seminars:
January 29 - 30, 2013
Orlando, FL Conference:
January 30 - February 2, 2013
Orlando, FL

Click here to download the brochure with registration information for this workshop (pdf) What:
This workshop is designed for all middle or high school teachers interested in "powering up" their instructional practices. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice research-based approaches and strategies proven to successfully increase the learning of the secondary student. For this training to be as relevant as possible for each individual, at-tendees are asked to bring information related to the next chapter or unit of study they will be teaching including: critical vocabulary, learnings and objectives, etc. Specific strategies will be presented for: Teaching new concepts, skills or processes Reviewing and practicing previously introduced information Monitoring student progress of materials presented Intended Audience: General and Special Educators Paraprofessionals Agency Personnel, Parents Others who work with middle school and secondary students When/Where:
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Hampton Inn
Great Falls, MT

Click here to register for this training || Click here to download the brochure for this training (pdf) What:
The iPad is revolutionizing the field of speech-language pathology and giving those who have been without a voice the ability to communicate their needs and desires. It is also an invaluable tool for teaching the special needs population. The 4-hour workshop will provide an overview of how the iPad can be used to enhance the communication skills of children with communication deficits and delays. After an initial introduction, participants will have the option to participate in a session involving hands-on training activities with the iPad or to learn more about specific iPad applications that address areas of communication needs (augmentative communication, language, social skills, articulation, auditory processing, engagement and reinforcement). Treatment videos will be used to enhance learning. The audience will leave feeling empowered to use the iPad in all settings -- at home, school, therapy, and in the community. When:
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
12:30 - 4:30pm Mountain Where:
MSUB College of Education - Room 122
Billings, MT

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In this interactive webinar, NCHE presenters will discuss the educational rights and protections provided to eligible students under the McKinney-Vento Act. Topics covered include: Determining eligibility Immediate Enrollment School Selection Transportation Unaccompanied Youth Coordination with Title IA
Participants will be invited to discuss scenarios to apply the knowledge presented during the webinar. When:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
12:00 - 1:30pm Mountain

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Join us for our new exciting discussion series that celebrates parents just like you! Tanisha H. is a mother of a 10 year old son with autism from Detroit, MI. Listen as Tanisha shares experiences in finding ways to help her son succeed, and learn how she is using Rethink Autism to teach her son valuable skills. When:
Tuesday, Aug 21, 2012
4:30 - 5:30pm Mountain

Click here to download the flyer for this event (pdf) What:
Attend either a morning session or an afternoon session. Information provided in each session will be the same. This workshop is for anyone who refers clients, participants, or patients to health care resources in our community! Topics that will be discussed include: Description of Services Eligibility, Payment Options Referral process Questions & Answers When:
Monday, August 20, 2012
1:30 - 4:00pm Mountain Tuesday, August 21, 2012
9:30am - 12:00pm Mountain Where:
St Peter's Hospital, training room (use main entrance and follow the signs)
Helena, MT For more information and to RSVP:
Call Stacy Cagle by August 17, 2012 at the Career Training Institute (CTI), 406-443-0800 or e-mail her at mscagel@ctibrc.org.

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Computer access is necessary for many aspects of our lives including education, vocation, recreation and socialization.  Computer access essentially involves a method to navigate (typically a mouse,) a method for data entry (typically a keyboard,) and a method for sensory input (typically a monitor).  The person's posture, active movement, positioning, strength, range of motion, dexterity, ability to control movement and fatigue level all impact the user's ability to access a computer.  Several options of alternative computer access will be discussed with rationale and possible client situations explained. When:
Thursday, September 6, 2012 
1:30 - 2:30pm Mountain

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Nonprofit impact today is more than how many kids you serve, how many events you sponsor, or how many "friends" you have. Increasingly donors, policymakers, volunteers and other stakeholders are asking: "So what? How does your work impact our community, our lives, our future?" No doubt your work is making a difference, but do you know how to identify it, plan for it, measure it, sustain it, and demonstrate it to stakeholders? Learn how to imagine, achieve, and articulate your impact at the 2012 MNA conference. The MNA Conference is designed for nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers; consultants, foundation staff and trustees, community leaders, public officials; and students -- anyone interested in Montana's nonprofit sector. Learning opportunities include four full-day workshops. When/Where:
September 19-21, 2012
Red Lion Colonial Hotel
Helena, MT

What/When/Where:
Pumpkin Patch Party
Friday, October 12, 2012
5:00 - 7:00pm Mountain
Shrine Auditorium
Billings MT Pumpkins for Kids
Saturday, October 13, 2012
5:00 - 7:00pm Mountain
Big Horn Resort
Billings MT

What:
The new health care reform laws have immediate and long-term impacts on Montana businesses and citizens. Please join us for an educational session and discussion regarding how you can make the new health care reform laws work for you and your community. Refreshments will be served. Thursday, August 23, 2012:
C'Mon Inn
6139 East Valley Center Road
Bozeman, MT
9:00 - 10:30am Mountain Billings Hotel and Convention Center
1223 Mullowney Lane
Billings, MT
2:30 - 4:00pm Mountain Thursday, August 30, 2012:
Holiday Inn
400 10th Ave.
Great Falls, MT
9:00 - 10:30am Mountain Hilton Garden Inn
3720 N. Reserve Street
Missoula, MT
3:00 - 4:30pm Mountain

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Finding appropriate Assistive Technology supports for students with disabilities is only half the battle.  Once this critical step is complete, the process of training and support for the student (and those working with the student) begins.  Unfortunately, due to time and other constraints, training on implementation is rarely reached, which is likely one of the reasons we see such high levels of AT abandonment across the country.  During this session the presenter will discuss emerging trends and practical tips for providing effective professional development and support to those that use (and support the use of) Assistive Technology. Learning Objectives: Identify at least 3 no or low cost synchronous (real time) solutions for providing AT training and support. Identify at least 3 no or low cost asynchronous (available 24/7) solutions for providing AT training and support. Describe many of the barriers that hinder the implementation of AT. When:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
1:30 - 3:00pm Mountain

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Whether taking notes in class, gathering Web research, or creating a textbook study guide, student success relies on the ability to effectively capture and organize information from a variety of sources. This class will demonstrate tools that aid this "knowledge management" process, from notebook software, smartpens, and graphic organizers to everyday tech such as digital cameras and smartphone apps. Technology tools to be discussed and/or demonstrated include: Low-tech annotation aids (highlighters, stickies) PDF annotation software Notetaking pens (such as Livescribe, IRISPen) Digital notebooks (such as Microsoft OneNote) Literacy & learning software with built-in study tools (such as Kurzweil 3000) Cloud-based notes and organization (such as Evernote) When:
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
1:30 - 3:00pm Mountain

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The iPad and apps are hot - everyone has one or wants one, but do they meet the needs of Assistive Technology users and the professionals who serve them? Especially as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app?  What should professionals be looking for when evaluating an App as Assistive Technology?  What questions should Researchers include in their research evaluation of apps?  What should AT app developers be including in the apps that are designed as Assistive Technology?  Attend this Webinar to find out! Learning Objectives:  Evaluate Apps in terms of their effectiveness as Assistive Technology. Understand what concerns should be addressed in the research of apps. Know what features should be included in the development of an Assistive Technology apps. When:
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
1:30 - 3:00pm Mountain

Click here to register for this training What: This intensive two-day training is designed to teach participants the theory behind the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the protocols for how to appropriately implement the six phases of PECS. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is used to rapidly teach communication skills to those with limited functional speech.  PECS promotes communication within a social context, without lengthy prerequisite training.  Training in PECS begins by teaching a spontaneous request and goes on to teach additional communicative functions such as responding to questions and commenting.  When:
August 20-21, 2012, 2012
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Where:
Wingate Hotel
5252 Airway Blvd
Missoula, MT Target Audience Teachers Classroom assistants Occupational Therapists Speech Language Pathologists Parents What Will You Learn: The key Pyramid components to designing effective educational environments Strategies to create an abundance of opportunities for communication The relationship between PECS and traditional communication training approaches How to implement all six phases of PECS with target individuals using a behavior analytic orientation The criteria for transitioning from PECS to other communication modalities. Cost:
$100