What: Mark your calendars for the 2011 Montana Association for the Education of Young Children (MtAEYC) in Bozeman, Montana.  The theme for the conference this year is well-being and the title is "Montana: Creating a State of Well-Being."  Rooms have been blocked at several hotels in Bozeman. This year's keynote is Donna Donnelly of Life Guides, Inc. Visit www.mtaeyc.org for more information. When: October 14-15, 2011 Where: Strand Union Building on the campus of Montana State University Bozeman, Montana Save money by registering before October 1st.

Click here to download the full flyer (PDF) What: Join our statewide network of information and resource sharing for families and caregivers of children with emotional or behavior difficulties. Together our voices will be heard by the state agencies and providers of services for our children. Be part of a life-changing movement. Topic: Back to School When: Friday, August 19, 2011 6:00 – 7:30pm Where: American Lutheran Church 5 Lewis Ave. Billings, MT To register, contact: Jami Machler jami.machler@pluk.org (406) 850-2938 Dinner and Childcare Provided if Pre-Registered

What: The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley (SPC-YV) is supported by survivors, teachers, healthcare professionals, Native American leadership, clergy and community. With the generosity of a grant awarded through the Montana Mental Health Settlement Trust, we are hosting a Suicide Prevention Training on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Mansfield Education Center in Billings, Montana. This is OPI approved and School District 2 has approved it for 7 hours toward MEA Trade Days. We plan to apply for Social Work, Councelor and Law CEUs as well. In addition, the training reaches out to the grassroots welcoming parents and other community members for their first time training on this issue. We are confident this will be an informative and crucial way to address the challenges of suicide in our greater community. When: Friday, October 21, 2011 Where: Mansfield Education Center Billings, Montana. Contact: Mike Yakawich spcoalitionyv@gmail.com 406-254-2445

Narrowing the Achievement Gap by Expanding Time in School: What Educators Need to Consider What: Expanding the school day or year is one strategy educators are employing to try to narrow the achievement gap. How schools use that time, experts say, should be tailored to meet the needs of individual schools. At the same time, though, there are proven policies and practices schools need to adopt to reach their goals. Finding that balance is tricky. Some schools have succeeded; others have failed. As more schools move toward expanded learning time using state or federal funding, what kinds of model designs should they choose, what tools are out there to help them, and what should their expectations be? Join us for a webinar that explores what educators should consider when implementing an expanded learning time model. When: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 11:30am - 12:30 pm Mountain Also available "on demand" any time 24 hours after the event Guests: Jennifer Davis, Co-Founder & President, National Center for Time and Learning. Emily McCann, president, Citizens Schools. Free registration is now open.

Click here to register for this webinar -- $49 What: School therapists will enjoy finding a bag of tricks in their pocket to meet the needs of a large and very diverse caseload. There are thousands of apps out there, but “How do I choose?”  This session will review apps for students with articulation problems, fluency issues, voice disorders and language delay.  Apps will be identified with some initial guidelines for how to evaluate these increasingly popular ‘pocket’ products. When: Monday, September 12, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: Phyllis S. Watson, CCC-SLP, Augmentative Communication Specialist, Crotched Mountain ATECH Services Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: This webinar is a complete examination of the current technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to access information on paper using video magnification, a.k.a. CCTVs. It will trace the recent evolution of this technology and the implications for today’s young students, college students, working adults, and seniors. When: Thursday, October 20, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: William J. Bielawski III, Life Enhancement / Job Coach, The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: This session is a thorough examination of the current technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to access electronic information. Most of these individuals can use their computers effectively by using screen magnification software. Those with very low or no vision can use screen reading software. Braille literate folks use Braille translation software, Braille displays, Braille embossers, and Braille graphics products. We will trace the recent evolution of this technology and the implications for today’s young students, college students, working adults, and seniors. When: Wednesday, September 22, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: William J. Bielawski III, Life Enhancement / Job Coach, The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: This session is a thorough examination of the current technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to access electronic information. Most of these individuals can use their computers effectively by using screen magnification software. Those with very low or no vision can use screen reading software. Braille literate folks use Braille translation software, Braille displays, Braille embossers, and Braille graphics products. We will trace the recent evolution of this technology and the implications for today’s young students, college students, working adults, and seniors. When: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: William J. Bielawski III, Life Enhancement / Job Coach, The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: Navigating the web of acronyms surrounding Accessible Instructional Materials can be confusing and frustrating.  NIMAC, NIMAS, Chaffee, 504, 508, etc: What do they all mean?  As educators, we have an obligation to provide equally effective access to the general curriculum for our students with disabilities.  How do we make sense of all this to get access to what our students need? This workshop will provide participants with a clear path of navigation through the maze of AIM and the related terminology.   When: Thursday, December 1, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenters: Jan McSorley, Assistive Technology Specialist, Austin Independent School District Carye Edelman, Assistive Technology Specialist, Austin Independent School District Piret Sari-Tate, Assistive Technology Specialist, Austin Independent School District Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: Switch Blitz v.2011 is an idea generating session, a blitz of many items and strategies yet in a step by step format that will help you get started with switch use, motivate the stagnate switch user and progress the present switch user to higher levels. Switch Blitz v.2011 is a session with plenty of demonstrations and information that will take you from assessment to implementation. First we will touch on basics, and then progress to assessments, tools, strategies and resources. You will see demonstrations of switch software as well as FREE online switch resources. Participants will enjoy seeing video case examples of successful kids using their switches at the computer and for powered mobility. When: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: Cindy Nankee, OTR/L, ATP, Universal Technology for Learning & Living (UTLL) Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $39 What: In this age of Apps, iPads and iPod Touches, parents, teachers and students are being bombarded. It seems every day, if not every hour, a new tool is available for our over-flowing toolbox. When is too much of a good thing, too much?  This presentation will focus on Apps and how they are delivered considering ways to identify, integrate, evaluate, and further implement in a meaningful way into the lives of those students with special needs.  Our purpose is to decrease App/iPad/iPod abandonment, misuse or simply no longer considering additional solutions in this ever-changing area. When: Thursday, October 6, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Kansas Full Abstract  - Including speaker biography and learning points

Click here to register for this webinar -- $49 What: Individuals with autism have complex needs. There are thousands of apps out there, but which ones will meet their needs? This webinar will provide a preview and describe uses of apps that therapists and parents are finding useful in meeting the unique challenges of individuals with autism. These apps promote a wide range of skills for individuals with autism: communication, social skills, behavior and more. When: Monday, August 15, 2011 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time Presenter: Phyllis S. Watson, CCC-SLP, Augmentative Communication Specialist, Crotched Mountain ATECH Services Full Abstract – Including speaker biography and learning points

What: Teenagers with social challenges often lack a safe, accepting context where they can be themselves and develop relationships with their peers, which can place them at risk for a multitude of emotional challenges and can negatively impact their quality of life and self-esteem. MT CAAN is organizing a Teen Social Network to provide a context for any interested local teenagers, both those who are struggling socially (for whatever reason), and for their peers who want to connect with and support them, as healthy communities ideally do. The teen members will determine the direction of the group, meeting times, places, and activities as it evolves. It has been our experience that these diverse social networks benefit those who are doing fine socially as much as those who are struggling at whatever level. It's positive for everybody. All involved learn and grow. When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6 - 8 p.m. Mountain Where: Atonement Lutheran Church (Space Courtesy of the YMCA) 2205 34th Street • Missoula, MT  59801 Pizza and beverages will be served. Those with dietary restrictions or special preferences are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages. Contact: If you have questions, contact us via e-mail or call 406-360-8673.

Who can attend? Anyone whose life has been affected by Asperger's Syndrome Where: The meetings for the 2011-2012 Asperger Support Group are held at the Billings Clinic. All meetings are held in the Mary Alice Fortin Center, which is adjacent to the hospital cafeteria. If interested in attending, call Paula: 406-248-6186 or Sandy: 406-373-5057 to confirm meeting dates and location. Schedule 2011-2012 Thursday, September 8, 2011 7:00-9:00 PM Mary Alice Fortin Center - Room E Thursday, November 10, 2011 7:00-9:00 PM Mary Alice Fortin Center - Room E Thursday, January 12, 2012 7:00-9:00 PM Mary Alice Fortin Center - Room E Thursday, March 8, 2012 7:00-9:00 PM Mary Alice Fortin Center - Room E Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:00-9:00 PM Mary Alice Fortin Center - Room E

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

What: Support Group for Adults with Asperger's Syndrome. When: First meeting will be Tuesday, September 13th 2011 6:00 p.m. Mountain Where: Atonement Lutheran Church 2205 34th Street Missoula, MT

Click here to download the full brochure (PDF) What: Handwriting Without Tears Workshop When: August 1, 2011 Where: Super 8 Hotel Helena, MT

Click here to download the full flyer (PDF) What: Wraparound Overview: Why High Fidelity Wraparound and Why Now? Who: State Agencies, Providers, Family Organizations, Interested Stakeholders Where:      Billings, MT 2121 Rosebud Drive, Conference Rm. C-28 When: August 31, 2011 2pm - 5pm Mountain To register or if you have questions: Contact Nancy Whitbeck-Nicholson at NWhitbeck-Nicholson@mt.gov or (406)444-4545 and provide your name, agency, email and phone number. Register early; space is limited. No cost for the training. For questions about the PRTF Waiver: Contact Laura Taffs at ltaffs@mt.gov or (406)444-1460.

Click here to download the full flyer (PDF) What: Wraparound Overview: Why High Fidelity Wraparound and Why Now? Who: State Agencies, Providers, Family Organizations, Interested Stakeholders Where:      Helena, MT DPHHS/Sanders Bldg.  Auditorium, Lower Level When: August 10, 2011 10am - 2pm Mountain To register or if you have questions: Contact Nancy Whitbeck-Nicholson at NWhitbeck-Nicholson@mt.gov or (406)444-4545 and provide your name, agency, email and phone number. Register early; space is limited. No cost for the training. For questions about the PRTF Waiver: Contact Laura Taffs at ltaffs@mt.gov or (406)444-1460.

Click here for full conference information and registration 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: Phyllis J. Washington Education Building - University of Montana Missoula, MT Conference Highlights: Keynote address and presentations by Kevin Honeycutt (Teaching Wired Learners) Half-day sessions (novice & intermediate) with Tony Vincent (Project-based Learning) Wes Fryer ( iPhoneography 101; Talk with Media: Simple Ideas for Powerful Sharing and SmartNetworks) Concert with Chance McKinney Technology workshops for both novice and Intermediate users Technology coaches to support participants during workshops for novice users Presentations by our regional technologists, Diane Woodard and Dean Phillips Monday Evening Poster sessions highlighting Best Practices in Technology by teachers participating in the SLATE grants Tuesday Evening – Tech in the Wild session – using technology outside the school walls Ability to earn 2 semester credits or 22 OPI renewal credits Plus...many of our other sessions on school culture, RTI, special education, Indian Education, gifted ed, reading and math interventions … and much, much more