The Advocacy Center is pleased to present a variety of workshop opportunities for parents.  For more information about each of these events, please see the attached fliers.

9/24/09             5:30 - 6:00 pm   Fee:  None
Ask the Advocate:  An open forum prior to the workshop listed below.  Participants can ask questions specific to their own child's situation.

9/24/09             6 – 8 pm           Fee:  None
Creating Your Advocacy Notebook:  Keeping records organized can increase parents' effectiveness when advocating for their children.  This workshop provides parents with the skills, knowledge, and resources to maintain the documentation and records that they will need.  Participants will learn how to plan and prepare for CSE/CPSE/IEP meetings, organize records, and communicate effectively.  Each family will receive a notebook, handouts, and reproducible forms.

10/22/09             5:30 - 6:00 pm   Fee:  None
Ask the Advocate:  An open forum prior to the workshop listed below.  Participants can ask questions specific to their own child's situation.

10/22/09            6 – 8 pm           Fee:  None
IDEA ~ An Overview:  Learn about the federal laws that protect your child’s right to an appropriate education.  Children with disabilities are entitled to appropriate, individualized, educational services that meet their unique learning needs.  This workshop will explain the history and provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), two federal laws that govern education for students with disabilities.  Participants will learn how children qualify for special education services.

10/7/09             9 am – noon     Fee:  $25 for individuals with disabilities and family members
The Path to Success:  Can Behavioral Challenges and Success Be in Sync?  This workshop, presented by Kathy and Matt Giordano, will explore ways to meet the needs of individuals with neurological and behavioral disorders.  Fee:  $25 for individuals with disabilities and family members

10/27/09            9 am – 4 pm     Fee:  $30 for individuals with disabilities and family members
Demystifying Autism and Other Neurological Differences:  The Advocacy Center is pleased to present William Stillman, Self Advocate, Author, and Consultant.  Parents, self advocates, caregivers, education professionals, and medical professionals will benefit from his perspective as he helps to shape a new way of approaching, teaching, and transitioning individuals with any developmental disability.

11/6/09               9:00 am - 3:15 pm  Fee:  $30 for individuals with disabilities and family members
Sensory Integration Workshop:  This workshop will help participants to better understand sensory integration challenges and learn strategies to support children at home and in the classroom. 

11/19/09             5:30 - 6:00 pm   Fee:  None
Ask the Advocate:  An open forum prior to the workshop listed below.  Participants can ask questions specific to their own child's situation.

11/19/09            6 – 8 pm           Fee:  None
Overview of the CSE Process:  The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is responsible for developing a child's Individualized Education Program through a process which involves the child's parents.  This workshop will explain the purpose of the Committee on Special Education (CSE), the required members, and the parents' role on the committee.  Participants will learn strategies for effective advocacy with the CSE.