PLUK Electronic Documents

This booklet describes Montana's programs for individuals with developmental disabilities that are supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The Administration on Developmental Disabilities encourages cooperation and partnerships among agencies and service providers who work for people with developmental disabilities.

"Response to intervention integrates assessment and intervention within a multi-level prevention system to maximize student achievement and to reduce behavior problems. With RTI, schools identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor student progress, provide evidence-based interventions and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions depending on a student's responsiveness, and identify students with learning disabilities or other disabilities. To learn more about RTI, see the Essential Components of RTI - A Closer Look at Response to Intervention."

"Autism presents a unique set of safety concerns for parents. Unlocking Autism and NAA have teamed up to provide the following safety information for parents. If you have suggestions or additions that you would like to submit for this page, please email nancale@aol.com. Please note: Not all suggestions listed below are right for every family in every neighborhood. Parents should carefully consider the best safety options for their individual child."

"Do you have a child with an autism spectrum disorder? LucasWorks has autism products to help! We have child safety products, child id kits, independent living aids and autism awareness jewelry, too. But wait, there's more...many of our autism products (like our autism awareness jewelry) are made and ALL of our orders are filled by people with an autism spectrum disorder! Your order gives them the opportunity to learn and practice job skills like packaging, word processing (for shipping labels, etc.), and more!"

"If you are looking for a strong, well-made, well-designed Safety Harness, you have come to the right place. "

"For most people, home is their castle. As a parent of a child with autism, your home more often becomes your fortress. And carefree trips to the zoo or the park? They're not going to happen -- not without major planning and precautions, anyhow. But that doesn't mean you have to live in a constant state of stress and fear. Find out what some other parents have done to keep their autistic children safe -- and what you can do, too."

For years, different modes of technology have been used to improve the quality of life of people who have various developmental disabilities . However, the varied use of technology for children with autism continues to receive limited attention, despite the fact that technology tends to be a high interest area for many of these children.

"A sensory room is extremely therapeutic for both children and adults with sensory processing disorders... from mild to severe. In fact, anyone in the general population could benefit from spending time in one! "

"Bookshare™ is free for all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities. Student memberships are currently funded by an award from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). "

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

Children with autism may lack the necessary communication and social skills. Using pictures and symbols could improve language and social interaction at school. Read more at Suite101: Augmentative Communication and Social Skills: Using Picture Symbols, Social Stories for Children With Autism http://autistic-students.suite101.com/article.cfm/augmentative-communication-and-social-skills#ixzz0gwbTMCNc

"SeatSnug® is a first-of-its-kind product that enhances both the safety and comfort of children riding in booster seats. It allows the lap belt to be lightly tightened around a child's hips while riding in a vehicle, preventing seat belt slack or looseness from developing. We all know that kids are safe in a child booster seat then a seat belt alone. And the new federal guideline says children should ride in a booster seat until they are 8 years old, 4 ' 9" and 80 pounds. And now there is a product that makes riding in a booster seat even safer. Seat Snug provides child booster seat safety."

"You are your child's best advocate. If your child has been diagnosed and treated for ADHD, you should share this information with your child's teachers. If your child has not been diagnosed but is having school problems you should have your child evaluated for ADHD.You may either find a qualified professional on your own or ask the school district for an evaluation or referral."

Weekly Teacher Planning

Endorsed by Dr. Temple Grandin, this book is sure to help many children, who perhaps previously did not even know they had SPD, lead calmer, richer lives. Many kids have some form of SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), but who can help them overcome their daily struggles? Wait! They can help themselves! Lynda Farrington Wilson, along with Tyler and some delightful illustrations, helps kids help themselves through daily life like no one has before with some great everyday tips and techniques. Squirmy Wormy is a wonderful little children's book about a boy named Tyler, who has autism and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). Together with Tyler, the reader learns about SPD, and what everyday easy therapies he can do by himself to feel better. Descriptive pictures with simple "I need" statements aid in creating awareness of a child's own "behaviors", and in correlating his/her own sensory needs. Easily implemented in the home, clinic or school setting, it's a great educational tool for the parent and classroom staff. The combination of simple phrases and pictures make it ideal for both verbal and nonverbal children to communicate their needs."

Technology for Everyone

Blind, Low Vision, Deaf, Physically Challenged

From Logan Magazine

A Publication for Young People with Disabilities

"The balancing act of keeping a busy family with special needs on track through school, therapy, doctor visits, and fun can feel like walking a tightrope during a hurricane. Parents of children with disabilities are under exceptional pressure to maximize their children's early years, which are thought to hold the greatest potential for rehabilitation and skill development."