JUNE/JULY 2007 • www.pluk.org Contents 2 What is PLUK? The End is Here (the school year) 3 Training By Roger Holt, Co-director The school year is over. Now we will wrap up our year with 5 Other Training reports and analysis as we look back. The board, staff, and 8 By the Numbers volunteers will immediately begin work on the plan for next 10 News Wire year. We will be asking for input from parents, kids, teachers, and 11 Quality Matters everyone who has used any of the services PLUK offers. We need 13 PLUK Wants You! to know what is working and how we might improve the services we offer. You may send your comments directly to me at rholt@ 14 Ideas & Answers pluk.org or wait for surveys that will be going out this summer. 15 Directory We also have some exciting news! Our Representative in 16 Kids at Heart Congress, , and Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus called us with great news in mid-May, the renewal of our grant to work with families and children in Montana. We wish to thank them all for their help in securing this grant that will support PLUK’s work for another five years. With their assistance PLUK will begin its 23rd year of service this fall. Letters of thanks would be appropriate. They like to hear about things that are working. Below is the press release from Senator’s Baucus & Tester.

Senators announce nearly $228K to fund PLUK to assist families and children in Montana May 16, 2007 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – A Montana organization that serves families and individuals with special needs will receive $227,965 from the U.S. Department of Education to continue their work providing training to parents of children with disabilities, Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today. Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK) will receive this award under the Parent Training and Information Center Program. The funds will be used to assist families statewide and help them best understand their children’s disabilities and their educational and developmental needs. “Part of what makes us Montanans is working together, and helping out when we can,” Baucus said. “Whether it’s sound medical advice, or practical advice on day to day activities, these funds will help folks across Big Sky country.” “Montanans lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors in need. That’s exactly what PLUK does,” Tester said. “These dollars are going to be put to good work helping out folks in our cities and in our rural areas, which don’t always have the assistance and expertise they need.” Founded in 1984, PLUK serves more than 20,000 families in Montana and has sister organizations in all fifty states. PLUK News Update What Is PLUK? Media Director: Roger Holt Story Editor: Elisabeth Mills, PLUK is a Montana nonprofit dedicated to providing Emerald Scribe Proofreading, individuals with special needs, families, educators, and www.emeraldscribe.com, professionals with: 406-252-1593 • Information — Special Needs Library (5,000+ volumes Circulation: 10,000 including books, DVD/Video, software, curricula) Subscriptions: Call, write, fax, Accessible and Adapted Computer Lab, a variety of or email the PLUK office with your request. Subscriptions PLUK publications including the PLUK News, the Update, are free to Montana families. the E-News, topic-specific PLUK Notes, and several Bundles of 10 are available to handbooks. PLUK Website (www.pluk.org) physicians, therapists, schools • Training — Workshops on specific topics ranging from and others. A donation of $25/ disabilities to medical, educational, financial, and year is suggested. Reprinting: We encourage the human service issues. Other training opportunities to reprinting of any information. learn parenting, communication, and advocacy skills. Please cite the source and Conference listings in the PLUK E-News and the Update. send us a copy. • Support — Family Support Consultants offer support Privacy: We never share our and assistance with information, conflict resolution, and mailing list; however, we will send information and surveys essential services. Consultants also provide referrals to for other select organizations. other professionals and community support groups. To be removed from this list Parent-to-Parent volunteers offer moral support and contact the PLUK office. encouragement to other parents. Publisher: PLUK, a private nonprofit organization founded in 1984 by a group PLUK services are available throughout Montana and are of parents of children free to individuals with special needs and their families. with special needs. Read about the founding of the Values We Share organization at http:// • Full integration and participation of children and adults yellowstonevalleywoman. com/Kelker.htm. with special needs at school, work, and in the community. Accessibility: PLUK News • Support for families so that they can nurture their children is available in alternate in the home. formats by request. The • Empowerment of families and individuals with special electronic version is on the needs to make decisions about their lives. web at http://www.pluk. org. All electronic information • Individualization of services to meet the unique needs of is provided in accessible individuals with special needs. formats. • Access for persons with special needs to education and Printed by: Midland Printing, technology needed to participate fully in community life. 406-259-0438 • Age appropriate activities for children and adults with special needs. Mission: Parent’s Let’s Unite for • High expectations for individuals who are challenged by disability or illness. Kids unites parents, professionals, • Collaborative efforts among parents, professionals and families and friends of children people with special needs. • Use of language about people with special needs which with special needs to support one is respectful and recognizes their dignity and rights as full another, and share information for citizens. the benefit of their children. PLUK Offices Our offices are in Billings (Main Office) and Missoula (Satellite Office). The main office in Billings is home to the TRIC/PLUK Vision: Given information Library and the PLUK Computer Lab and is open 8:00 a.m. to and support, individuals with 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact the Billings main office at: disabilities and their families will 406-255-0540 1-800-222-PLUK (7585) Toll Free feel empowered to advocate for 406-255-0523 Fax Call the Missoula office at 406.327.4645. themselves and participate fully Visit PLUK on the Internet at www.pluk.org, in educational and community or send an email to [email protected] opportunities. 2 PLUK News Update | www.pluk.org Montana Training & Event Calendar The following is a selection of training activities/events happening around Montana, nationally, and online. Parents who need financial assistance in order to attend trainings may apply for parent training grants through the PLUK office. For the most complete information, visit the PLUK Training & Conferences Calendar link at http://www.pluk.org. If you do not have access to the internet, just phone the PLUK office at 800-222-7585. Send us your training event information at [email protected] or 516 N 32nd St, Billings MT 59101.

2007 MBI Summer Institute in the classroom. Participants will receive hands Jun 18-22, Bozeman on experience with the tango!, overview of http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/ language structure, implementation strategies, 07MBISTD.pdf and key features that provide users with greater A week of Professional Development—provides communication potential, while providing necessary skills to manage, motivate, discipline, therapists with a better understanding of who can and teach our youth. truly benefit from the next generation of high-end AAC. Montana Institute on Educational Technology Seminar For more information contact Joelene Young at Jun 18-22, Great Falls AugCom Solutions http://outreach.msugf.edu/MIET/index.htm Phone and fax: 800-853-0310 This event combines seminars on classroom E-mail: [email protected] technologies, best practices, applications and more. Summer MSU conferences support grandparents raising For more information call 406-771-4303 or 800- grandchildren 446-2698. Jun 23 - Great Falls Email: [email protected] http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview. php?article=4862 Lifespan Respite Training This conference will offer support and Jun 19 - Billings ideas to grandparents who are raising their Tuesday, noon - 1PM grandchildren. The Extension’s Grandparents STEP office, 1501 14th St West Raising Grandchildren Project is designed to help Topic: Emotional Boundaries grandparents in any situation better understand Speaker: Margaret English the resources that are available and the issues that RSVP to Tami by Jun 15 at 406-869-3031 are particular to their parenting situation. To request a brochure or to register, call MSU Special Needs Training for Community Emergency Response Extended University at 406-994-6683 or e-mail Teams [email protected]. Jun 19-20, Polson Sponsored by Salish-Kootenai Community College MT Trauma, PTSD & Traumatic Grief: Practical Assessments & For more information, contact: Jolene Jacobson at Interventions [email protected] or 406-883-2888, ext.7221. Jun 28 – Billings Jun 29 - Missoula Transition Seminar for students with disabilities: Get ready http://www.pesi.com for college Presented by Duane T. Bowers, a grief therapist Jun 20-22, Missoula and educator in private practice, and author of http://www.umt.edu/dss/new%5Fstudents/ Guiding Your Family Through Loss and Grief. transition_seminar.htm Phone 800-843-7763. This seminar is a three-day workshop program developed specifically for students with Montana foster care youth college preparatory camp disabilities who are considering postsecondary Jul 10-12, Helena education. http://www.safmt.org For more information about the Transition The program — coordinated by Student Seminar, contact Mika Watanabe-Taylor, at 406- Assistance Foundation (SAF) and the Montana 243-6535 (voice), 406-243-2243 (text) or mika. Department of Public Health and Human Services [email protected]. (DPHHS) — offers foster care students the opportunity to experience learning in a college Let’s tango! to Communication Conference campus setting. June 21, Sheridan, MT Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the camp is http://pluk.mt.typepad.com/pluk_training_ that each participant receives a new computer conferences/2007/06/lets_tango_to_c.html to take home — a tool that camp coordinators The tango! provides powerful features that believe is critical for success in college. assist and promote literacy development. This Phone 406-495-7750 or send an e-mail to session will include practical strategies and [email protected]. case examples demonstrating communication, language instruction, and early literacy support

PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 3 Montana Training & Event Calendar

Skillshops in Signing Exact English For more information or to register go to the Jul 22-27, Great Falls Region V CSPD Online Registration website at http://seecenter.org/skil_shp.htm http://www.cspd.net or contact Nancy Marks at These Skillshops are designed for individuals [email protected] or 406/728-2400 ext 1088 for interested in learning S.E.E. and to help those more information. already using S.E.E. to improve their expressive and receptive signing skills. Intensive work is done Conference on Family Violence in groups from beginner to advanced levels. Each Aug 9-10, Billings group is limited to approximately 15 participants. http://pluk.mt.typepad.com/pluk_training_ For more information you may call 562-430-1467. conferences/2007/08/conference_on_f.html Featuring Bruce Perry, MD, PhD, of the Child Montana Speech-Language-Hearing Association Summer Trauma Academy, Houston TX. Co-author of The Institute Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: What Traumatized Jul 25-28, Billings Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel and Rosy Fredeen Healing. from the Koegel Autism Research Center, For information phone 406/248-7701. University of California, Santa Barbara, will speak S’cool Moves on Pivotal Response Treatment. Aug 10 – Bozeman Barry Prizant PhD, will present on the SCERTS http://pluk.mt.typepad.com/pluk_training_ model. SCERTS stands for Social Communication, conferences/files/Bozeman-ScoolMoves.pdf Emotional Regulation and Transactional Supports; For more information contact Paula Schultz and Is a comprehensive educational approach for [email protected]. children with autism spectrum disorders. Contact Vida Landa, Miles City, for regIstration Montana Mentor Institute 2007 Information [email protected]. August 14-16, Great Falls The annual mentor institute provides best- Oyate Librarian’s Conference practice instruction to develop teachers as high- Aug 6-10, Missoula quality teacher mentors, and promotes mentoring 2007 Oyate trainers will guide librarians through programs as a tool for increased student the world of “children’s books about Indians.” achievement and enhanced teacher retention. Native and non-Native participants together For questions, contact Bikki Sandva at 406-444- learn how to evaluate children’s material for 0299 or [email protected] honest portrayals of Indian peoples, and how to select and where to find authentic and respectful Region 5 CSPD 10th Annual August Institute materials. Aug 15-17, Missoula For more information or to register go to the Come and get geared up for the new year with Region V CSPD Online Registration website at strategies to work with ALL students! Workshops http://www.cspd.net or contact Nancy Marks will be held in areas of Indian Ed for All, at [email protected] or 406/728-2400 ext 1088 for differentiated instruction, DIBELS Administration more information. & Scoring; Response to Intervention, Science, behavior management, low incidence disabilities, Montana Reading Institute early childhood, technology, legal issues, reading Aug 6-9, Helena & literacy, social skills, and paraeducator training. http://eu.montana.edu/mri/ For more information or to register go to the Keynote Presenters (Monday): Isabel Beck, author Region V CSPD Online Registration website at of Bringing Words to Life, and Dr. Anita Archer. http://www.cspd.net or contact Nancy Marks at For program information contact Debbie [email protected] or 406/728-2400 ext 1088 for Hunsaker at OPI, 406-444-0733 or dhunsaker@ more information. mt.gov. Handwriting Without Tears Read, Write Reason- Building a School-wide Writing Plan Aug 16 – Helena Aug 7-9, Polson http://www.hwtears.com/ We are looking for the brightest, most talented For information contact Paula at 406/587-1305. teachers of reading and writing in our state to take part in an exciting year-long project. Participants will begin building a school wide writing program, designed to meet the needs of classroom assignments, state testing and writing across the content.

4 PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org Montana Training & Event Calendar

MT Compassion Fatigue Montana Institute on Inclusion in Early Childhood: Training Aug 20 – Missoula the Trainer Aug 21 – Billings Sep 19-21, Missoula MT http://www.pesi.com Acquire tools to embed inclusion policies, J. Eric Gentry is an internationally-recognized practices, and strategies in existing early educator in the study and treatment of childhood training and course work! Enhance compassion fatigue and clinical traumatology. your ability to facilitate interactive and evidence- He has trained thousands of professionals and based training that supports both quality early paraprofessionals worldwide in the treatment of childhood practices and individualizes for each traumatic stress. child! Go home with an action plan and support Phone 800-843-7763 for information. for implementation!

Assessment FOR Learning in Mathematics Community Services Bureau Conference Aug 22-23, Missoula Sep 26-28, Missoula Only assessing to find out how much a student “Connections” has learned at a particular point in time Mark your calendars. More information will be (Assessment OF Learning) is not enough to assure available. the learning. We must also assess to promote learning (Assessment FOR Learning). Special Education Basics - Sep 27 - Billings & teleconference For more information or to register go to the Do you ever feel lost in the special education Region V CSPD Online Registration website at maze? If you answered “yes,” or even “maybe,” this http://www.cspd.net or contact Nancy Marks at training is for you! An introduction and overview [email protected] or 406/728-2400 ext 1088 for will be covered including such topics as the CST, more information. IEP, parental rights, and will include the changes involved with the reauthorization of IDEA 2004. Montana PTA Convention Call Libby Wolfe to register @ 1-800-222-7585 or Sep 14-16, Billings 406-255-0540. Email at [email protected]. http://www.montanapta.org/sections/ Convention/convention.htm “Your Children, Our Mission, Under the Big Sky”

Stress Management Sep 14, Billings & teleconference I’ve Lost My Mind! Please Let Me Know if You Find It! How to CARE for Yourself While CARING for Others Call or email Libby Wolfe to register @ 1-800-222- 7585, 406/255-0540 or [email protected].

Autism conference Sep 17-18, Livingston Presenters: Dr. Tom Mates - Post Doctoral Fellow in Psychology and Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Division of Disorders in Development and Learning, UNC School of Medicine. Past Director, TEACCH Teacher Training Workshops. Kaia Mates - Affiliated with the TEACCH Division, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently involved with the early intervening project for children with autism. Contact: Verne Beffert, Park County Special Education Co-op, 406-222-6600, vbeffert@ livingston.k12.mt.us.

PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 5 Events Outside Montana

A Brain Injury Employment Conference - Jun 21 - preparedness; Effective IL Plans and Waivers; Denver CO Assistive technology; Developing fees for services http://pluk.mt.typepad.com/pluk_training_ in the WIA one-stop system; and much more! conferences/2007/06/a_brain_injury_.html Phone: 303-636-5610 or 800-682-1240. Start building bridges to supports, resources and opportunities at the first ever Brain Injury Teton Institute 2007 - Jun 30 - Jul 3, Jackson WY Employment Conference 2007, a dynamic day of http://bettereducator.com/event. learning, sharing, collaboration, innovation and aspx?EventID=30 networking. Sopris West Educational Services and the Join this premier, multi-faceted, hands-on Wyoming Department of Education’s Special conference that will bring internationally Programs Unit present The Teton Institute at the recognized visionary George “Brick” Johnstone, Snow King Resort. PhD, and many other brain injury specialists Discover innovative, practical strategies to help to Denver to create bridges to successful your school make adequate yearly progress (AYP) employment for attendees. and implement response to intervention (RtI) If you have any questions please call 303-636- services. 5727. Phone: 800-547-6747.

International Conference on Autism - Jun 21-22, Summer College Transition Academy in Computing Randolph MA - Jul 9 - Aug 6, Washington DC http://www.bostonhigashi.org/bhsconf.html http://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/ Presenters from around the world will discuss events.html current initiatives in their respective countries To increase deaf and hard of hearing students regarding the practical application for ASD interest in computing and to prepare them for services. They will be joined by some of the most college studies in computing fields. prominent leaders and educators in the field of Direct inquiries to [email protected]. autism study from right here in Massachusetts. Matt Savage along with the Boston Higashi Jazz 2007 Summer Institute on Student Progress Band will provide musical entertainment for our Monitoring - Jul 10-11, Nashville TN conference attendees. Matt, who was diagnosed http://www.studentprogress.org/summer_ with autism at age 3, has gone on to become a institute/default.asp#Registration world renowned jazz composer and pianist. Whether you are a teacher looking to implement Contact: Peg Donovan at 781-961-0800 ext.109 or student progress monitoring in your classroom or [email protected]. an administrator seeking more knowledge about how to support the implementation of student Collaborative Assistive Technology Conference - Jun progress monitoring, the 2007 Summer Institute 21-23, Denver CO has something for you. Come learn how student http://www.uchsc.edu/atp/conf2007/ progress monitoring can push your school, conf2007main.htm district, or state to higher achievement levels! Don’t miss the largest assistive technology Questions about the Summer Institute? Please conference in the Rocky Mountain Region, with email [email protected]. attendance estimated at over 600. With over 70 sessions geared toward every age and disability, Autism Society of America Conference, Jul 11-14, there is something for everybody! Phoenix, AZ For more information call: 303-315-1280 or 800- http://www.autism-society.org/site/ 255-3477. PageServer?pagename=conf_home ASA’s 2007 National Conference theme, “Together Spina Bifida Association’s 34th Annual Conference a Brighter Tomorrow”, reflects our mission that - Jun 24-27, Louisville KY it takes the perspectives of all those affected http://www.sbaa.org/site/c.gpILKXOEJqG/ by autism -- individuals, families, professionals b.2046505/k.88ED/SBA_Conference.htm and friends-- to achieve success. During this Register online at http://www.sbaa.org or call 800- conference, ASA will bring together experts 621-3141 to have a packet sent to you. from various disciplines with the creative ideas and energy to address the diverse challenges 2007 Region 8 Independent Living Conference - Jun individual with autism and their families face. Our 27-28, Casper WY goal is to provide conference attendees with the http://www.ctat-training.com/ opportunity to learn from innovators and access The conference will offer a WIDE VARIETY critical information to improve their lives and of keynotes and workshop topics: Youth those of the people they love, treat and inspire. service, advocacy and leadership; Life after General Information: conference@autism-society. deinstitutionalization; Housing systems, trends, org or 800-328-8476 ext 7. programs, and advocacy; Transformation of the benefits system into employment opportunities; Rural transportation innovations; Peer counseling; Developing cultural competency; Emergency

6 PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org Families Connecting with Families Conference - Jul North Central Special Education Conference - Jul 25-26, 13-15, Omaha NE Minneapolis MN http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=28& http://www.ber.org/CourseInfo. TopicID=322 cfm?seid=NXE7M2-MIN This conference is designed to meet many goals Each conference session has been designed that support the growth and lifelong skills needed specifically to address the concerns and needs by children and youths with visual impairments. of K-12 special education teachers and general It will cover all aspects of raising and educating a education teachers working with K-12 special child with a visual impairment. The conference will needs students. be important for the families of children who are For information phone 800-735-3503. deaf-blind, blind or visually impaired, or multiply disabled, and the professionals who work with them. Talk for a Lifetime Summer Conference - July 27-28, For more information about the conference, Arlington VA please call 800-562-6265 http://www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault. aspx?p=Talk_for_a_Lifetime_Conference Workforce Innovations 2007 - Jul 17-19, How does neurodevelopmental research relate Kansas City MO to spoken language, auditory brain development http://www.workforceinnovations.org/ and readiness to learn in infants as well as older [email protected] children? Find out about the latest research in the field at the Talk for a Lifetime Summer Conference. AHEAD conference 2007 - Jul 17-21, Charlotte NC For additional information, please contact Alicia http://www.ahead.org/training/ Dimaio with questions at [email protected]. conference/2007_conf/AHEAD_2007_ Conference.htm International Symposium on AAC Evidence-Based The annual international AHEAD conference Practice (EBP) - Aug 2 - Pittsburgh PA brings together professionals in the fields of http://www.aacinstitute.org/Symposium higher education and disability for a week of Learn how evidence-based practice can help information-sharing, networking and theoretical optimize and document results, meet educational and practical training. standards and achieve success for children and Call for information 704-947-7779 or ahead@ adults who use AAC. ahead.org. Address any questions or suggestions to: [email protected]. Self Employment: Vision, Partnerships, and Creative Funding - Jul 18, webcast Pittsburgh Employment Conference for Augmented http://www.start-up-usa.biz/training/ Communicators (PEC) - Aug 3-5, Pittsburgh PA webcasts.cfm http://www.sciconics.com/shout/index.html Christopher Coleman and Nancy Brooks-Lane The Pittsburgh Employment Conference, will discuss their partnership in supporting considered by some to be the most significant Chris’ dream of owning his own business. This event in the field of AAC, is the largest gathering webcast will focus on a journey from devaluing of people who use AAC in the world. The theme disability to a point in life when disability became will be “Employment and Planning for the Second a force for economic development. Early on, Half of Life.” Chris was labeled as “mentally retarded” and in For information: [email protected] or need of institutional placement. Through Chris’ phone 412-885-8541. determination and the support of people like Nancy, he is now a major player in his community. USAAA Autism and Asperger International Conference , Scholarships are available to individuals with Aug 8-11, Denver CO disabilities who are thinking about starting a http://www.usaaaconference.com/ business. Please contact Teri Blankenship at With 25 speakers, USAAA has assembled leading [email protected] to learn more about available experts on autism and Asperger’s Syndrome that support to participate in the webcast series. focus on ways to improve the quality of life for the affected individuals and their families/caregivers Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) Summer by conducting presentations in the areas of Institute - Jul 22 - Aug 4, Los Angeles CA biomedical interventions, research, adjunct http://www.iaba.com/ therapies, diet and nutrition, and family issues. This advanced, competency-based training For more information, phone 303-717-2679. practicum is appropriate for psychologists, behavioral consultants, resource specialists Developing a Business Plan for Self-Employment - and other qualified professionals charged with Aug 15, webcast assessing individuals who exhibit severe and http://www.start-up-usa.biz/training/ challenging behavior and with designing behavior webcasts.cfm support plans based on a functional analysis of In this webcast, you will find out how despair was behavior. replaced with hope when Ray Steffy learned about Phone 310-649-0499. self-employment as an option for his son Joe. Joe has multiple complex developmental disabilities. Scholarships are available to individuals with disabilities who are thinking about starting a business. Please contact Teri Blankenship at [email protected] to learn more about available support to participate in the webcast series.

PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 7 By the numbers: Including Kids with Disabilities in Community Programs This information comes from the IncludingAllKids.org web site constructed by Easter Seals – visit http://www.IncludingAllKids.org for more information and resources. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability offers a wealth of information (and videos!) and options to help persons with disabilities pursue whatever kind of activity they would enjoy. This information is invaluable to community programs looking to include persons with disabilities in their programs. Visit http://www.ncpad.org.

Inclusion is people with and without disabilities participating in recreation together! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that parks and recreation programs and services are provided in the “most integrated setting.” Although the term “Integration” is used throughout the ADA, “Inclusion” has become the word which is most commonly associated with the concept of integrating persons with disabilities into general services (school, community, etc.) Inclusive programs benefit everyone! In addition to the benefits to those with disabilities, inclusive programs help everyone to become more sensitive to individual differences. This awareness and sensitivity to individual differences will hopefully lead to attitudes of acceptance, which carry over to all areas of life. Six steps to including children (and adults) with special needs in community programs: 1. Make the case for inclusion; 2. Answer questions about inclusion from parents and staff; 3. Understand the laws regarding inclusion; 4. Improve recruitment of employees, volunteers, and program participants of all abilities; 5. Evaluate current inclusion of people with disabilities; and 6. Draw on best practices gathered from the field to start a program. 12 Frequently Asked Questions about inclusion of children with disabilities in community programs: 1. How do we begin to address inclusion in our organization? Start where you are! Start with “person-first language”…always put the person before the disability! Remember each child is an individual, collaborate with families, commit to train and support staff, ensure adequate ratios of adults to children, identify resources in the community, take stock of your current level of inclusion, and develop a plan for making your organization an inclusive environment. 2. What if serving youth with disabilities is not part of our mission? Whether it is a part of your mission or not, if you serve youth at all, some youth with disabilities are very likely a part of that group (e.g., 20% of the American population has disabilities), and they may not be obvious (e.g., you can’t tell if someone has a learning disability by looking at them). And if you receive any federal funding for your programs, you must, by law, not discriminate against people/youth with disabilities. 3. Won’t including children with disabilities compromise the quality of the program for the other children? No, in fact, research has shown that inclusive environments benefit all children. 4. Our staff members don’t know anything about disabilities and how to treat kids who have them. Doesn’t that preclude us from inviting kids with disabilities to join our programs? A staff member does not need to know or understand conditions that cause a disability in order to serve a child with a disability. There are no two people with the same diagnosed condition (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome) that are the same… they all have different likes and dislikes, temperaments, experiences, abilities, and gifts. The best practice is to ask the youth and his/her parents how best to accommodate the youth’s disability. 5. Don’t kids with disabilities want to be with other kids like themselves? Yes, sometimes! And like everyone else, youth with disabilities want to have a choice about the people with whom they spend time and develop friendships.

6. How do we recruit kids with disabilities to join our programs?

8 PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org First, make sure your program recruitment materials make it clear that you serve all kids of all abilities. If there are photos included, make sure they reflect all kids, including kids with disabilities. Ask “Do you need special accommodations to participate fully? If so, please list.” Work with local partners that serve young people with disabilities to distribute your materials, such as the local Easter Seals affiliate, Spina Bifida Association, United Cerebral Palsy, etc. 7. Should we involve the parents of kids with disabilities in our activities? Yes, parents’ and family members’ involvement is important to the success of inclusion… work with them. 8. What are the key challenges we’ll face if we get into inclusion? You may have a facility that is not accessible to all kids. You can move programs or meetings to an accessible site permanently or until the site is renovated. You may find that all kids don’t want to accept kids that are different from them -- bullying can happen. Other forms of resistance can be countered with sensitive and supportive encouragement from adults who are skilled at facilitating peer relationships. Other challenges can be addressed through committed leadership, staff training, an involved Inclusion Council, sound policies that empower staff all the steps in developing an inclusive environment. 9. We’ve heard that bullying is a common problem among kids with disabilities. Is that true and, if so, what is the best way to address it? Yes, it is true. Over twice as many kids with disabilities (29%) are bullied/picked on as their peers without disabilities. To help stop the behavior, conduct training for all of the kids involved in your programs -- those with and without disabilities -- on how to handle bullying and those who do it. 10. Other organizations already provide inclusive programs…aren’t we duplicating efforts? Unless they are providing exactly the same kind of services, in an inclusive environment, in the same area, to the same population of kids you are serving, you will not be duplicating efforts. Inclusion isn’t a particular program, it is a philosophy and way of carrying out the work of an organization. Every organization can make its services and programs inclusive. If other organizations are providing services in an inclusive environment similar to those you are offering, you might want to consider approaching that organization about collaborating. You could develop a local Memoranda of Understanding to ensure the ongoing collaboration between your organization and other organizations working on behalf of youth with disabilities, like Easter Seals. 11. Won’t it cost us more to provide inclusive services and programs? Yes, it may cost more at the outset. It does cost money to change staff ratios but it is not an undue burden in most cases. Think of it as a new way of doing business and every year when businesses and organizations plan for the next year--or next 5 years--part of that planning must include having the staff and resources available to accommodate persons with disabilities. The Mobility International U.S.A. Website provides excellent information on Budgeting for Inclusion, including Budgeting for Reasonable Accommodation and Creative Budgeting Strategies. 12. Won’t our liability issues increase if we include youth with disabilities in our programs? Can we be sued if a youth with a disability is hurt while participating in our programs? All programs serving youth with or without disabilities must pay attention to liability issues. Seek legal counsel to guide you as you design your programs. An attorney will be able to spot potential legal concerns and liabilities, and will suggest ways to avoid them. Also, you will have to purchase liability insurance for your programs. An attorney can assist you in figuring out what type of liability insurance you’ll need, if it is different from what you currently have, and may be able to help you save money on this expense. It is especially important that an attorney help you create the liability forms, such as the disclosure and release of health information form, and program rules and policies forms. Partners for Youth with Disabilities offers a Best Practices Guide that discusses legal issues for starting a program.

PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 9 PLUK News Wire News selected from the PLUK News feeds. For the latest news, visit the PLUK News feeds at http://www.pluk.org or go directly to the news feed at http://pluk.mt.typepad.com/pluk_news_ feed/. If you do not have access to the internet, just contact the PLUK office at 406-255-0540 or 800-222-7585.

New Chapter of the Autism Society of North America in SKI-HI Training Comes to Montana Great Falls The SKI-HI “Sensory Impaired Home Intervention” A group of Parents in North Central Montana have Program is a resource for early interventionists formed a Montana Chapter of the Autism Society and families of infants and young children who are of America. The purpose is to provide information deaf or hard of hearing. and awareness of Autism and raise money for This family-centered, home-based program meets training and resources here in Montana. the unique early education needs of deaf and We are hoping to involve more families and hard of hearing child while providing valuable communities throughout Montana to be part of family support services. The SKI-HI program and our efforts. We would love to hear from anyone educational materials are used by family support interested in participating with us here or by specialists, parents, early interventionists, teachers working within their community. and paraeducators, child care providers, and If you have any questions, please call or e-mail us. others involved with young children who are deaf Kaylee Evans 406-868-8083, [email protected] or hard-of-hearing. The SKI-HI curriculum includes Dena Kopp - 406-454-0075 resource materials with user-friendly program Sandi Hursh - 406-452-9531 [email protected] manuals, videotapes, assessments, and handouts. Early education service providers across the Supreme Court Rules: “Parents Have Independent, state are targeted for training in the SKI-HI Enforceable Rights” Institute program with initial training conducted On May 21, the Supreme Court issued a by national trainers from the SKI-HI Institute in unanimous pro-parent, pro-child decision in Jacob Logan, Utah who will present information on the Winkelman v. Parma City Schools. curriculum and how it is utilized with families. The question before the Court was “whether Intensive training in the SKI-HI program will be parents, either on their own behalf or as conducted on the campus of the Montana School representatives of the child, may proceed in court for the Deaf and the Blind in Great Falls and will unrepresented by counsel though they are not begin with 3 full days, October 17-19. Participants trained or licensed as attorneys.” will then have approximately one month to The Winkelman decision goes far beyond the practice program strategies before attending question about whether parents can represent follow-up training scheduled for November 14-16. their children in court. In Winkelman, the Court Service providers can expect to gain information listed and affirmed parental rights, the importance on the unique needs of children with hearing of parental involvement, and described the loss, methods for assessing communication, and essential role parents play in ensuring that their strategies for developing communication within child receives a free appropriate public education the home setting. (FAPE). The Court also refined the definition of a There is no fee. It is supported by grants from the “free appropriate public education.” Rural Institute on Disabilities, the Utah Regional To continue reading the article, visit http:// Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental www.wrightslaw.com/law/art/winkleman. Disabilities, and the Family and Community Health pwanalysis.htm. Bureau of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. IDEA Early-Childhood Rules Released For more information: Sandy McGennis, Outreach Long-awaited IDEA regulations for infants and Consultant, Montana School for the Deaf and the toddlers with disabilities have finally been Blind, 406-494-8179 or [email protected]. proposed by the Department of Education, and comments will be accepted through July 23. The $436 million early-childhood program serves some 265,000 children nationally. Visit http://idea.ed.gov/static/partCNprm to download the proposed rules. Visit http://www.regulations.gov to submit comments.

10 PLUK News Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org Quality Matters - TRIC/PLUK LIBRARY

The TRIC/PLUK Library is a health sciences library that provides free access to disability related information. The Library contains various books, curricula, DVD’s, software, and videos. Stop in at the PLUK main office, give us a call, or e-mail us with your library requests.

The TRIC/PLUK Library is open Monday-Friday (8AM – 5PM MST) Call toll free with your requests, 800-222-7585 or email [email protected] !!!NEW!!! Search the TRIC/PLUK Library Online through the MONTANA SHARED CATALOG!!!

How to search materials online: How to search materials online: 1. Go to PLUK’s website at www.pluk.org. 2. There will be a “Search the TRIC/PLUK Library” link on the home page. 3. Click on this link and it will take you directly to the search engine. 4. Type in the keyword, author, title, etc. and search our library. To check out materials call the PLUK office at 406-255-0540 or 800-222-7585 or email to [email protected]

TRIC/PLUK Library Policy Checkout and Renewal of Materials • Patrons may check out a maximum of two (2)items (books, videos, DVD’s, curricula, software, etc.) for an initial period of four (4) weeks which may be renewed a maximum of two (2) times for a two (2) week period each time. This allows patrons to have an item for up to two (2) months. • You are responsible for all items checked out in your name. Overdue Materials • The Library will charge a fine of $1.00 per day for each overdue library item, or for the replacement cost of the material(s), whichever is the lesser amount. • A patron will not be allowed to check out any further materials until the overdue fee(s) are taken care of. Lost or Damaged Materials If an item is lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the patron will be fined for the replacement cost of the item.

The Everything Parent’s Guide to the Strong-Willed Child – PAR384 All children need guidance, yet some are definitely more resistant to parental direction and advice than others. Parenting a child whose personality may be described as “difficult” or “controlling” can leave you conflicted and frustrated. How do you nurture your child, get him to listen, and know who’s in charge?

Monthly Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 11 The Everything Health Guide to Adult Bipolar Disorder: Reassuring Advice to Help You Cope – EMOMOO70 Written in an accessible manner, this book is a comprehensive resource that covers--in compassionate and straightforward terms--what bipolar disorder is, what the symptoms are, how to get a diagnosis, and what types of treatments are available.

The Everything Diabetes Book – MD304 More than 17 million people in the have been diagnosed with diabetes. Packed with up-to-date information about the disease, this one- stop resource provides expert medical advice and explains the different types of diabetes, their symptoms, and all treatments currently available.

Easing the Teasing – PAR360 Empowers young children with vital coping skills to help them manage teasing “Easing the Teasing” is a crucial reference for parents and educators who want to help teasing victims acquire the coping skills necessary to manage these painful incidents. “Easing the Teasing” provides elementary and junior high school kids with a repertoire of strategies to deflect and discourage teasing--including positive self-talk; ignoring; visualization; reframing the tease; complimenting or agreeing with the teaser; using humor; simply saying, “So?” and asking adults for help.

The Learning Disability Myth: Understanding and Overcoming Your Child’s Diagnosis of Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome of Childhood, ADD, ADHD and OCD – LEA367 This book explains the background to human development delay and contains: • Advice on how to get the best assessment for your child and an explanation of what the examination must include • The effects – good and bad – of certain foods on the brain • Exercises and computer programs that you can use to expand your child’s neural function • Case histories of children on whom this plan has worked

Connecting to Learn: Educational and Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities – TEC79 “Connecting to Learn: Educational and Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities presents a comprehensive approach to matching the right assistive technology with students with disabilities, especially visual and auditory disabilities. Dr. Scherer explores the way disabilities, especially those involving the senses, can lead to isolation and a lack of “connectedness,” and how this leads to educational difficulties. She then provides a step-by-step model for assessing and evaluating the needs of individual students and finding the right assistive technology to help each student. This practical book features data on prevalence of vision and hearing loss as well as quotations from students and teachers about the various technologies they use in their schools and in daily life. School psychologists, educators, and rehabilitation psychologists will find this book indispensable in their efforts to help those with disabilities learn, live, and connect with others.”

Please call 800-222-7585, or email the PLUK Library at [email protected], if you would like to check out these featured items or other resources.

12 Monthly Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org Breathe Easy: Young People’s Guide to Asthma – CHB327 This comprehensive yet accessible self-help approach to asthma pulls no punches in describing what an asthma attack is, but, talking straight to kids, Weiss is encouraging about managing the condition. Chapters explain ways to identify and avoid personal triggers (house dust, smoke, animal dander, etc.), recognize warning signs, handle medication, and better deal with an attack when it occurs.

The Happiest Baby on the Block – D-INF1 With this DVD, learn the amazing secret used for centuries by the world’s top parents…the calming reflex. This reflex is literally the “off-switch” for your baby’s crying! Learn the 5 simple ways to turn on the claming reflex (the 5 S’s)…and become the best baby calmer on your block!

Understanding Braille Literacy – V-VIS11 This lively 25-minute video covers all critical components of a successful Braille education program: • Instilling positive attitudes toward Braille, • Fostering independence through Braille, • Encouraging family participation in Braille education, • Teaching Braille readiness at the preschool level, • Learning the Braille code, • Introducing the slate and stylus and Perkins Braillewriter, • Using training to achieve effective hand movements, • Using technology to increase the value of Braille, • Giving print readers more options by adding Braille skills, • Using Braille in the regular classroom, and • Using Braille in the community.

Life Horizons I and II – Sex Education for Persons with Special Needs - 13889 & 13890 This curriculum set goes through the physiological and emotional aspects of being male and female (Life Horizons I) and the moral, social and legal aspects of sexuality (Life Horizons II). Each curriculum consists of 1 DVD and 1 Manual.

PLUK WANTS YOU!! Wanted: Wonderful volunteers needed for tutoring, special events and office assistance. For more information, contact Megan at the PLUK office, 406-255-0540 or [email protected].

Monthly Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 13 Ideas and Answers If you have questions/concerns about your particular situation, please call 800-222-7585 to speak with one of our Family Support Consultants

Q: Do you know of any resources for Grandparents raising grandchildren? Yes. In Montana, and other areas around the country, there is a growing population of grandparents who are called upon to be the primary care giver(s) to their grandchildren. Montana is currently ranked ninth in the nation for the increase in grandparents raising grandchildren from 1990-2000. Today, more than 6,000 grandparents in Montana are raising their grandchildren. As a result of increasing need, Extension has teamed up with AARP and several other state agencies and organizations to offer support groups and information for grandparents who are faced with the challenges associated with raising their grandchildren. Visit the project web site at: http://www.montana.edu/wwwhd/grg/grg/index.htm or phone 406- 994-3395. Q: Are there resources for families in the military who have a child with special needs? Yes, STOMP (Specialized Training of Military Parents) http://www.stompproject.org is a federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center established to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs. With a population of 1.5 million active duty military members, each day around the globe, there are an estimated 540,000 active duty sponsors each caring for a family member with special medical or educational needs. While all military families face certain challenges such as frequent PCS moves/military member being placed in harm’s way/deployments, families with special needs family members face additional difficulties, for example: • Continuity in provision of IEP services from state to state or from state to DODDS/DDESS (no legal obligation to implement current IEP from another state); • Availability of military member during IEP meetings/ medical treatments/procedures; • Finding specialists/physicians who will take TRICARE (military health entitlement program); • Re-establishing relationships with key medical and educational personnel; • Re-establishing eligibility for community resources to assist child and facing waiting lists for services needed; • Identifying within each state the array of services available and differences from state to state; • Differences in implementation of TRICARE services across the regions; • Lack of proximate family support due to geographical separations/time differences; • Additional financial burdens due to certain allotments and aspects of military pay calculations when considering eligibility (i.e. clothing allowance, separate rations, housing); • Challenges with overseas assignments, i.e. denial of command sponsorship for family member with special needs (command sponsorship is necessary for eligibility for medical/ educational systems) increasing family separations; • Difficulty implementing aspects of IDEA because of host country agreements i.e. transition services into vocational programming, community access, provision of related services; • Certain laws, regulations and services do not apply in overseas assignments, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Dept of Ed Regulations for the implementation of IDEA, Medicaid; • Lack of local community support due to the self-containment/isolation/ military installations and existing relationship between installation and local community; and • Isolation and lack of support due to learned self-reliance of military members.

The STOMP Project provides information about parent rights and responsibilities in achieving special education services for military children whether located in the United States or overseas. The Project also assists military families in accessing resources for their children by enabling them to navigate a variety of educational and medical systems/programs, both military and civilian, regardless of their current duty station/location. Contact STOMP at 1-800-5-PARENT, [email protected], or visit their web site at http://www.stompproject.org/.

14 Monthly Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org Phone 800-222-7585 for Information and Support PLUK DIRECTORY PLUK Main Office - Billings Regional Family Support Board of Directors 516 N 32nd St Consultants: Bill O’Connor, President Billings MT 59101 Dave Rye, Vice-President 406-255-0540 (Billings) Miles City 800-222-7585 (Toll-free) Theresa Baldry Sarah Blackburn, Secretary 406-255-0523 (Fax) 406-853-1777 mobile Wayne Erlenbush, Treasurer http://www.pluk.org 877-897-9056 voice & fax Scott Atwood [email protected] [email protected] Clayton Barnes Larry Brewster Billings Office Family Support Great Falls Consultants Maria Linn Kim Gillan Erin Cartwright - 877-378-8162 voice & fax Kim Kaiser [email protected] [email protected] Alex Tyson Bobbie Thurston - Christine Whitlatch [email protected] Havre Libby Wolfe - Ingrid Cartwright [email protected] 877-850-5061 voice & fax Honorary Board [email protected] Howard Boggess Molly Mills - Dr. Larry Campodonico [email protected] Bozeman Mike Curtis 877-883-3033 voice & fax Rebecca Adams Dr. Rowena Foos 877-847-8890 voice & fax Billings Office Support Staff [email protected] Dr. Gail Gray Dennis Moore, Director, Reid Hagen [email protected] Butte/Dillon William Holt Roger Holt, Co-Director, Melissa Ann Hansen Chris Horn [email protected] 877-779-0347 voice & fax John “Jack” Horner Sheryl Shockley – [email protected] [email protected] Dr. Kathy Kelker Sara Hofer – Helena Nancy Keenan [email protected] Diana Tavary John Kinna Megan Bonogofsky – 877-681-1425 voice & fax Sheriff Chuck Maxwell [email protected] [email protected] Kevin Red Star PLUK Satellite Office Missoula Lloyd Shelhamer – Missoula Mary Hall Joyce Silverthorne 2230 N Reserve St Ste 402 877-219-9986 voice & fax Jack Tuholske Missoula MT 59808 [email protected] Pat Williams 406-327-4645 Kalispell Stephanie Luehr Associate Boards 877-881-4421 Billings [email protected] Blackfeet Reservation Bozeman Butte Crow Reservation Flathead Reservation Flathead Valley Fort Belknap Reservation Fort Peck Reservation Great Falls Helena Hi-Line Region Miles City Missoula Northeast MT Region Northern Cheyenne Reservation Rocky Boy Reservation

Monthly Update June/July 2007 | www.pluk.org 15 Surgeons Orthopedic Center Yellowstone Surgery Wal-Mart West Kummer Marian ACE Electric Jeff andJulieRandel Holt Roger ConocoPhillips year!again next share withourfriends. We hopeto seeallofyou many successes that PLUK proud to issovery used PLUK services. isjustoneofthe Their story evening was atestimonial from afamilywhohas by Lohrenz. Don Oneofthehighlights ofthe Jake 2 anchorman Whittenberg andauctioned inviting evening. The event was emceed by KTVQ music addedjusttherighttouch to arelaxing and and Lewistown native Sarah Lorene Rice. Her of PLUK! This year we were pleasedto hostharpist sponsors, volunteers hardworking andmany friends thanks to afabulousplanningcommittee, generous Gala! AtKids Heart The success event was awonderful ofthisyear’sThank you to whowas part everyone Gala Heart at Kids 2007 the at volunteers and participants, sponsors, the all to you Thank PLUK Office Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 516 N 32nd St PAID Billings, MT 59101-6003 Billings, MT Permit No. 88 Address service requested

Please call 406-255-0540 if you have questions. Don LohrenzDon Sarah Lorene Rice Jake Whittenberg Bresnan Productions Spotlight 2 KTVQ Billings Clinic US Bank