Click here to learn more about this conference What:
Each year the National Native American Parent Center presents an annual conference for Native American family members, tribal leaders, health professionals, mental health professionals, tribal, public school professionals, and others who are interested in ensuring the special education needs for Native American students who are ages 0 - 26.

Workshops focus on strategies and methods to increase outcomes for Native American students with disabilities, and increase parent involvement in the special education process. We offer information on best practices working with Native American students with disabilities to produce successful educational outcomes. This conference will provide information on: successful strategies that promote collaborative relationships between tribes, schools, and families; successful methods in positive behavioral interventions, the latest research and data on effective classroom practices and strategies for Native American students.

Conference Goals: Families will gain skills to increase their ability to advocate for their child in the special education process. Families will learn stress reduction techniques. Professionals and parents will gain knowledge about: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Tips for participation in the IEP & IFSP process Positive Behavioral interventions Parent leadership skills Successful strategies for improved educational outcomes for children with disabilities When/Where:
January 29-30, 2013
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
8235 Northeast Airport Way
Portland, Oregon

Click here to register for this webinar What:
This webinar will discuss the ways in which to increase interactions between a child with autism and his or her peers, including: Research-based interventions to increase peer interactions Skills to target to improve peer relationships Strategies to make play dates more effective When:
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
4:00 - 5:00pm Mountain

Click here to download the full brochure for this event (PDF) What is Parents Advocating for Kids (PAK):
The purpose of Montana PAK is to develop a monthly forum for parents to collaborate and receive information about special education advocacy and the federal/state laws that protect their children. In addition, PAK aims to provide a public medium to discuss educational concerns and to raise awareness about the scope of services, as well as local resources, which are available for children. The meeting is open and free to the public. RSVPs are not required to attend the meeting, but mandatory if child care is needed. Who are PAK Meetings for: Parents, guardians or family members of a child who is receiving special education services; Parents of a child who is struggling in school due to behavioral or emotional issues or who just seems to have a hard time learning; Parents, guardians or family members who suspect their child might have a learning disability or other condition that is causing him or her to have difficulty in school; Parents, guardians or family members who wish to improve their understanding of special education so they may better advocate at IEP meetings. When:
Saturday, July 28, 2012
10:00am - 12:00pm Where:
Business Development Center
305 West Mercury Street
Butte, MT For more information or to RSVP:
Contact PLUK at 406-255-0540 or email info@pluk.org.

What:
Angie Ostrowski, MD, Bozeman Deaconess Family Medicine and Pediatrics invite parents to an overview about childhood vaccines. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Dr. Ostrowski wants parents in the community to be informed and have up to date information on vaccines. This forum immediately follows Books and Babies at Bozeman Public Library. When:
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
11:00am - 12:00pm Mountain Where:
Bozeman Public Library - Small Conference Room
Bozeman, MT More Information:
Call 406-522-1644

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The Montana Speech - Language - Hearing Association is an organization of professionally trained and Montana licensed Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists working in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, neonatal care units, schools and private practices across Montana. They provide reliable, evidence-based and client centered services to individuals throughout their lifespan. Conference Overview: August 8th - Use of the iPad to Increase Children's Communication Skills August 9th - Aphasia and Traumatic Brain Injury August 10th - Swallowing Disorders When/Where:
August 8-10, 2012
University of Montana Campus (exact location to be determined)
Missoula MT

What:
Children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders present numerous challenges for therapists and educators. They have significant processing deficits that impact their functioning across domains, and can stretch the knowledge and resources of even experienced practitioners. Often viewed through the lens of "behavior," the symptoms these children display are more accurately described as manifestations of inefficient and ineffective processing. Understanding how information processing deficits impact these children paves the way for applying a new generation of strategies designed to address core processing problems and promote meaningful skill development. Objectives include: Describe the connection between information processing deficits and symptoms in autism/related disorders. Differentiate between methods that promote rote behavior and those that develop meaningful thinking. Explain how to adjust the pacing of activities to improve processing, communication and behavior. Discuss communication modifications that support processing speed and effectiveness. Describe how processing problems impact behavior and hot to respond in ways that diffuse behavior more quickly. Explain the importance of nonverbal communication development for overall communication and thinking abilities. When/Where:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - Click to Register
Courtyard by Marriott Missoula
4559 North Reserve St
Missoula MT 59808 Thursday, September 27, 2012 - Click to Register
Best Western Butte Plaza Inn
2900 Harrison Ave
Butte MT 59701 Friday, September 28, 2012 - t

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The NAMI Billings Bike Ride is is one of the only family-oriented cycling events in Montana, and we encourage all ages and skill levels to participate. This is a non-competitive event that helps NAMI Billings (National Alliance on Mental Illness) continue to educate, support, and advocate for all those affected by mental illness.

You'll be treated to great food, live music, safe and fun cycling, and great company. Riders that raise a minimum of $250 will receive a custom NAMI cycling jersey. This is a fully supported event with four different route options: 5, 10, 20, and 33 miles. Bring the family out for some fun on your bikes! When/Where:
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Molt Community Center
Billings, Montana Contact:
Patrick Parker at 406-256-7805

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This webinar will examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children with special healthcare needs and share practical strategies for prevention and treatment when working with this population. Topics to be covered include modified caloric needs, adapted physical activity, and differences in energy expenditure. This presentation will cover content relevant for providers who occasionally see children with special needs as a component of their practice as well as those who more frequently treat this population of children. When:
Thursday, July 26, 2012
12:00 - 1:00pm Mountain

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Join us for education and training on childhood trauma at the Mansfield Convention Center in Great Falls, MT. Remember, abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime. When:
Friday, September 28th 2012 Where:
Mansfield Convention Center
Great Falls, MT  

Click here to download the full meeting notice (.pdf) What:
The Board of Visitors is an independent board of inquiry and review established to ensure that the treatment of all persons committed to a residential facility is humane and decent and meets the requirements set forth in 53-20-104, MCA. The board is also responsible to ensure that the treatment of all persons either voluntarily or involuntarily admitted to a mental facility in Montana is humane, is consistent with established clinical and other professional standards, and meets the requirements set forth in 53-21-104, MCA.     When:
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
8:30am - 3:30pm Where:
Wingate - Helena
2007 N. Oakes - Cedar Street Exit I-15  
Helena, Montana  

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Join us for a presentation on the Health Care Law - the Affordable Care Act. Please send any questions to ACA101@hhs.gov. When:
Thursday, July 19, 2012
10:30am - 12:00pm

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Join us for a presentation on the Health Care Law for HHS Region 8 (Colardo, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming)! Please send any questions to ACA101@hhs.gov. When:
Thursday, July 12, 2012
3:00 - 4:00pm Mountain

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Experts will present information to help people with disabilities become financially independent and self-sufficient. Learn about saving the money you earn, tax benefits that may apply to you and good basic financial practices to follow, such as budgeting and spending tracking. When:
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
1:00 - 2:00pm Mountain

What:
Join us for an educational presentation on the How Your Engine Runs curriculum by Easter Seals-Goodwill staff member Julie Ronberg. When:
Thursday, July 12, 2012
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Where:
Easter Seals-Goodwill
1537 Ave. D, Suite 115
Billings, MT Contact:
If you have any questions about our parent support group, please contact Kelly Melius at 657-9728 or email at kellym@esgw.org.

What:
Join together with family, friends, and your local community for an evening of Cajun food, baked goods, games for kids, and a fantastic silent auction to fundraise for a great cause. $5 a meal (with pizza for the kids) and baked goods, all to support Autism Speaks. When:
Friday, August 3, 2012
6:00 - 9:00pm Mountain Where:
Billings Sports Plex
Billings, MT Questions or Interested in Donating?
Call Susan Mauro at 406-671-2985
Visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/montana for more events

Click here to register for this webinar after July 16, 2012 What:
Are pregnant women considered disabled under the ADA? What laws protect women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth from discrimination? Are employers obligated to provide leave to women who are pregnant, or provide other types of workplace accommodations? This webinar will answer all those questions and more, as attorney J. Aaron McCullough facilitates a discussion with law professor Jeannette Cox, and Martin Ebel of the EEOC on pregnancy discrimination in employment, disability, the related law, and recent litigation. When:
July 18, 2012
12:00 - 1:00pm Mountain

Click here to download flyer with registration information (.pdf) What:
This year's conference will focus on methods to increase the families' participation in the special education process. We offer information on best practices working with Native American students with disabilities. Also addressed will be: successful strategies that promote collaborative relationships between tribes, schools and families; successful methods in positive behavioral interventions, and the latest research on effective classroom practices for Native American Students. Who Should Attend: Native American family members, Tribal leaders, Heath professionals, Mental health workers, Tribal and public school administers, Teachers, BIE and IHS staff, Elders and Others who are interested in ensuring the special education needs for Native American students who are ages 0-26. When/Where:
August 14 & 15, 2012
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
8235 Northeast Airport Way
Portland, Oregon

The 15th Annual COPAA Conference in  Albuquerque, NM, March 7-10th is your best opportunity for training and networking with the most experienced and knowledgeable special education advocates and attorneys on special education issues. The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit membership organization of special education attorneys, special education advocates, related professionals, and parents/family members. Disseminating knowledge of protections under the law, advocacy strategy, and educational best practice is an important part of leveling the playing field and enabling parents to meaningfully participate in their child's educational programs. The 2013 Conference Committee is now accepting proposals to present a breakout session as part of the conference. Breakout sessions are 1 hour and 15 min in length and are held on Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th. (Note: Attorneys who represent education agencies and current employees of education agencies who receive greater than 50% of income from school district are not eligible to attend the conference or submit proposals.) Proposals must be received by Midnight Eastern time, August 22, 2012 to be eligible for consideration. Click here to read requirements and submit your proposal online.

Click here to register for this webinar What:
Preparing to go "away from home" to college is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Concerns about the unknowns can cause student jitters: dorm life, being away from family, will I like my classes? my roommate?

For students who have chronic or special health care needs, there are the additional concerns about "leaving for college when their health care support networks are left behind."

This webinar will provide practical considerations for a student's health care transition, in preparation for a successful adjustment to college life. When:
August 1, 2012
12:00 - 1:00pm Mountain

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Phil Weaver, creator of the Switchamajig, gives a rousing call to action that a wider range of toys can be adapted for a wider population of children (and fun-loving adults). Adapted toys of the world unite! You are no longer restricted to one switch, to teaching cause-and-effect, or even to helping only motor-impaired children. Rise up! Use lots of switches! Foster imaginative play! Help all sorts of special needs children explore the world with an iPad! When:
July 18, 2012
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Mountain