Summer 2013 ■ Vol. 36, Issue 2
A news magazine of PACER Center, Inc. by and for parents of children and young adults with disabilities New bullying prevention law put on hold
Proposed legislation designed to address bullying in Minnesota schools will not become law in 2013. Senate discussion of the Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act was halted on the final day of the legislative session May 20. The bill had earlier passed in the Minnesota House of Representatives by a vote of 72-57. Jay Leno with Sheila (L) and Tom Sigecan (R) and their son Cameron, the winning live auction bidders on the Indian Chief motorcycle generously donated by Polaris Industries. Minnesota’s current bullying statute is just 37 words long. The proposed law would Leno anything but ordinary have established definitions of bullying, cyberbullying, at PACER’s 31st Annual Benefit harassment, and intimidation. It required schools to develop Backstage he seemed like just another ordinary guy, but Jay Leno’s headline reporting procedures, performance was the highlight of an extraordinary evening at PACER’s 31st investigate all formal reports Annual Benefit, presented by Whitebox Mutual Funds. The renowned comedian of incidents, and keep detailed had his audience rolling in the aisles May 11 as more than 2,500 PACER records to help improve school supporters gathered at the Minneapolis Convention Center. safety. It also required ongoing professional development “Jay was just terrific. What a show!” said Paula Goldberg, PACER’s executive to train teachers in bullying director and co-founder. “He made everyone laugh for over an hour without so prevention, and allocated funds much as a cue card. He was amazing.” for a school climate center run Leno, the Emmy Award-winning host of NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” by the Minnesota Department entertained the crowd with his humor, quirky observations, and hilarious of Education to help schools commentary. Leno did more than just entertain, however, as he made a $10,000 develop bullying prevention donation to PACER while on stage. He also assisted auctioneer Karen Sorbo with the policies. extraordinary PACER Live Auction, and mingled with supporters after the show. The bill is expected to be “He was so humble, so accommodating. We couldn’t be more pleased,” Goldberg reintroduced in February said of Leno, who followed legendary comics Bob Newhart and Bill Cosby as 2014 at the start of the next PACER headliners. “Jay is a wonderful performer, of course, but he is an even legislative session. better person.” Continued on page 8
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 1 October is National Bullying Prevention Month Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying Communities from coast to coast will join PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center by hosting a Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying. The event is part of PACER’s seventh annual National Bullying Prevention Month. In Minnesota, the fourth annual Run, Walk, Roll presented by American Dairy Queen will be held at Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington on Saturday, Oct. 5. Organized by the Friends of PACER, this fun event includes a four-mile run and a 1.5 mile fun walk/roll followed by live music, guest speakers, and family activities. Last year, the Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying was held in more than 20 states to raise awareness for bullying prevention and generate financial support. Local organizers use a free PACER toolkit that outlines how to plan the event in five easy steps, and includes tips, ideas, and resources such as checklists and sample forms. All funds raised in Minnesota help PACER provide resources to students, families, and schools. Online registration begins in June. Runners in 2012’s Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying in Bloomington, Minn.
Unity Day – Wednesday, Oct. 9 To organize Unity Day events, students use the practical On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, thousands of people across toolkit, “Unite Against Bullying: A Student Event Planning the country will “Make it Orange and Make it End!” on Guide,” which was developed by PACER with the support Unity Day. Students, parents, educators, and celebrity of Facebook. The guide helps teens utilize Facebook tools supporters will wear orange and come together at school, to plan, promote, and execute special events to raise in the community, and online to raise awareness and show awareness and generate support for the cause during support for their peers who have experienced bullying. October and throughout the year. “The support for Unity Day has been incredible,” says Julie To learn more about National Bullying Prevention Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month, including how your school or organization can Center, “and we have some really exciting things in the become a ‘Champion Against Bullying,’ visit works for 2013. It’s going to be amazing!” PACER.org/Bullying/nbpm.
Students from Valley View Elementary School in Bloomington, Supporters add their signatures to a Unite Against Bullying Minn. wear orange for 2012’s Unity Day. banner at the 2012 Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying.
2 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 Register now for PACER Symposium
Teachers, parents, and school administrators can now register for the Eighth Annual National PACER Symposium About Children & Young Adults with Mental Health & Learning Disabilities. The symposium is Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The symposium brings together 1,100 parents and professionals for a day- long event that provides high quality professional and parent information (L to R) Keynote speakers Mariel Hemingway, Dr. John Ratey, and Dr. John Maag regarding children’s mental health and learning disabilities, as well as connection between exercise and the proactive, positive teaching strategies brain’s performance. and interventions. The program Dr. John Maag features outstanding national keynote Pacesetter speakers and breakout workshop A professor at the University of Published by PACER Center, Inc. Three times a year presenters. Nebraska-Lincoln, Maag specializes Circulation: 121,706 Mariel Hemingway in the education and treatment ©2013 by PACER Center of children and adolescents with 8161 Normandale Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 The Academy Award-nominated emotional and behavioral disorders. Voice: 952-838-9000 actress and granddaughter of author As a nationally recognized behavioral Toll-free: 800-537-2237 (Minnesota) Ernest Hemingway will explore her consultant on managing resistance Toll-free: 888-248-0822 (National) FAX: 952-838-0199 family’s history of mental illness and improving relationships with E-mail: [email protected] as portrayed in the documentary, others, he believes the solution for PACER Executive Director: “Running from Crazy.” With the students who have behavior issues is Paula F. Goldberg history of suicide and mental illness to change our responses to students’ Writer-Editor: Grant McGinnis in her family, Hemingway has always resistance rather than trying to force Designer: Jenna Hanson felt as if she was ‘running from crazy,’ students to comply. PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances and would one day be in the same the quality of life for children and young adults with PACER Center is grateful to the Ted disabilities and their families, and promotes bullying position as her relatives. Her hope is prevention for all children. The mission is based on and Dr. Roberta Mann Foundation the concepts of parents helping parents and working in that others will learn from her family for providing funding for the coalition with others. An Equal Opportunity Employer, history, and will realize they are not PACER is funded by grants from the U.S. Departments symposium for six years, with the of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services and alone in the world. other sources, and from foundations, corporations and Blythe Brenden-Mann Foundation individuals. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect Dr. John Ratey furnishing financial support last year. those of the Departments or other donors. Contributions (Continuedto PACER are from tax-deductible. page 3) For information, call The symposium name has changed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ratey is an associate clinical professor for 2013, and PACER is currently PACER website: pacer.org of psychiatry at Harvard Medical seeking additional financial support ALLIANCE National PTAC site: School and is in private practice in to continue to provide this unique ParentCenterNetwork.org/national Cambridge, Mass. He began studying FAPE site: fape.org learning opportunity to educators and MN SEAC site: mnseacinfo.org ADHD in the 1980s, founding the parents in the community. Boston Center for the Study of BULLYING: PACER.org/Bullying PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org Autism in 1986, and has co-authored To register, or for more information, PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org visit PACER.org/symposium or call a series of books about the disability. (Alternate format is available upon request.) His most recent book, “Spark,” is a (952) 838-9000. Cost for the event is groundbreaking exploration of the $20 per person and includes lunch.
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 3 Federal law helps children stay healthy with physical activities in school
Schools do much more than teach and this accommodation was written Even with accommodations, some students to read, write, and compute. into his IEP. children with disabilities cannot Physical education (PE) classes and participate fully in regular PE. Physical education is about more extracurricular or nonacademic Children who have difficulties should than just watching from the sidelines activities are also an important part be evaluated to see if they need or keeping score. The health and of school life. Two federal laws affect developmental adapted physical social benefits all children receive how children with disabilities receive education (DAPE), which offers from physical activity may be even physical education, and support the specially designed PE instruction and more important for students with equal opportunity for students to take services for pupils ages 3 to 21 with disabilities. Research shows that part in extracurricular activities. disabilities who have a substantial physical activities can control or slow delay or disorder in physical ■ IDEA 2004, the federal Individuals progression of a chronic disease, development. DAPE does not cover with Disabilities Education Act, improve muscular strength, control recess, free play, and other non- provides the right for eligible body weight, and enhance the instructional physical activities. children with disabilities to psychological well-being of students participate and make progress in the with disabilities. Extracurricular activities PE curriculum at public schools. It Many children with disabilities can also states that public schools must Sally is in the ninth grade and is deaf. fully participate in regular PE. Some ensure that a child with a disability She likes to write and wanted to join the may need accommodations, such as “participates with nondisabled school newspaper staff. Sally and her a sign language interpreter, adapted children in those extracurricular parents shared this with her IEP team, equipment, or handouts printed services and activities to the which decided that participation on the in large type. For a child who is maximum extent appropriate to the newspaper was appropriate for Sally’s eligible for special education, such needs of that child.” needs. The team wrote accommodations accommodations are included in the in the IEP — an interpreter to help her ■ Section 504 of the Rehabilitation child’s IEP. “If a child has a Section communicate with other students, for Act of 1973 (commonly referred 504 Accommodation Plan instead example — that help Sally be part of the to as “Section 504”) protects of an IEP, we suggest that physical newspaper staff. the rights of eligible individuals education accommodations be written with disabilities to participate into it,” says PACER senior advocate Students with disabilities must have in activities and programs that Carolyn Anderson. an equal opportunity to take part in receive federal financial assistance, including public schools. These Federal government reminds schools to offer equal athletic activities activities and programs may not discriminate against people with The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has clarified school eligible disabilities. districts’ existing legal obligations to provide equal access to extracurricular athletic activities for students with disabilities. These include club, intramural, Physical education or interscholastic (i.e., freshman, junior varsity, varsity) athletics at all education Jason loves softball but wasn’t able to levels. The guidance also urges school districts to work with community take part in learning all of the required organizations to increase athletic opportunities for students with disabilities, skills because his disability didn’t allow including those outside of the existing extracurricular athletic program. him to lift a regular bat. Jason’s parents The guidance follows a 2010 report by the U.S. Government Accountability discussed this with his Individualized Office that found students with disabilities do not have an equal opportunity Education Program (IEP) team, to participate in extracurricular athletics in public elementary and secondary which determined that Jason needed schools. Learn more by reading the guidance letter and a 2011 resource an accommodation so he could learn document on improving athletic opportunities for children and youth with to bat like other students. The school disabilities at PACER.org (see PACER E-news, Feb. 2013 edition). agreed to provide a light-weight bat,
4 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 extracurricular and nonacademic assistive technology or an aide) so right to an equal opportunity to take activities, such as field trips, school they can take part in an activity, and part in activities sponsored by a public clubs, sports and recreational these need to be written in the IEP. school. To learn more, refer to PACER’s activities, pep rallies, lunch, recess, If a child is not qualified for special handouts: “Extracurricular Activities and assemblies. For children with education but is eligible for a and Students with Disabilities” disabilities who qualify for special Section 504 Accommodation Plan, (PHP-c195) and “Physical Education education, the child’s IEP team accommodations to participate in and Children with Disabilities and (including the parent), determines extracurricular and nonacademic Developmental Adaptive Physical the appropriate extracurricular and activities should be written into the Education” (PHP-c182). These can nonacademic activities. Students 504 plan. be downloaded at PACER.org/ may need accommodations or publications/specedrights.asp or supplemental aids or services (e.g., Children with disabilities have the ordered by calling (952) 838-9000.
PACER workshop inspires unique fitness class
Jill Moe is always looking for this past March we were able to do a opportunities for her 10-year- four-week program,” says Senty. old daughter Kate, who has She turned to her colleague Colleen Achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism), Tusa to organize and lead ‘Fun Fitness to participate in activities with her and Sports for Little People.’ “We peers. After attending a PACER had never done anything with this workshop about healthy habits for specific community,” she says. “I did children with disabilities, Jill was some research and put some activities inspired to act. together. We took the same approach “There is a high rate of obesity in the we always take: Everybody has dwarfism community so it’s important similarities, everybody has abilities, to develop good habits early, and there and we adapt all of our programs to aren’t a lot of opportunities for these that philosophy.” kids to exercise,” Jill says. “I would go Ten children between the ages of 6 to my local recreation center and see all and 12 participated in the 90-minute of these other kids playing basketball Kate Moe, age 10 sessions. The children played soccer and volleyball and taking classes. I and floor hockey, rode bicycles, thought to myself, ‘Wouldn’t it be great PACER was the spark to make this danced, and traversed obstacle for Kate to be able to do that?’” class happen.” courses — the sorts of activities that Jill researched numerous resources most elementary school children St. Paul’s adaptive recreation program but did not find an appropriate enjoy. “We did adapt some of the has more than 1,000 participants program. Then she approached Ev activities a little bit to their abilities,” whose combined activities totaled Senty, Adaptive Recreation Director Tusa says, “and then we just went out more than 42,000 hours last year. for the City of St. Paul, Minn., to and had fun.” Senty said the plan is to repeat the explore the possibility of developing Little People program this fall, and Meanwhile, the parents got to know a class specifically for children with she is open to suggestions for other each other in the bleachers and dwarfism. Jill used her connections activities for children with disabilities. exchanged experiences and resources. with the group Little People of “This type of networking for both the “Kate had a great time,” Jill says. “It America to reach out to families who parents and the kids doesn’t happen was exactly what I wanted it to be — a might want to participate. “It took a often when your child has a disability,” normal activity for a kid her age.” while to pull it all together but finally Jill says. “By having the workshop,
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 5 Two essential skills can help students with disabilities thrive in college
Editor’s note: The first part of this series on preparing for college was published in the Winter 2013 PACESETTER, which is available for download at PACER.org.
By Sean Roy To be successful in college, it is essential for students with disabilities to have self-determination and self- advocacy skills. Parents can help their youth prepare for the college environment by reviewing the following categories and questions with their child. Self-determination When students have self- determination, they believe they can control their own destiny. Self- determination is a combination of attitudes and abilities that lead people to set goals for themselves and take of postsecondary education program arise, or can I view them as setbacks initiative to reach these goals. It means can help me prepare for that type of that can be overcome? Do I know making choices, learning to effectively career? who to turn to for help should solve problems, and taking control something come up? Set goals to meet that vision and responsibility for one’s life. What type of skills do I need to Self-advocacy Colleges expect students to take find the kind of job I want? How responsibility for choosing their own can my disability affect being Self-advocacy is closely related to programs and for completing the successful in college? What type of self-determination. It simply refers to course work. Some supports might accommodations will I need to be the ability of a person to understand be available through college disability successful in college? What do I need what he or she needs and be able to services programs, and families to do to make my goals a reality? take steps to meet those needs. This is can continue to provide guidance. especially important in college since Make important decisions However, the responsibility mainly students must seek accommodations Am I ready to make my own rests with the student. Parents should and supports by themselves. Self- educational decisions? Do I know recognize the importance of self- advocacy is the ability to: how to gather information so I can determination and work to instill make an informed decision? Do I Identify as a student with a these skills in their youth at an early have people around me who can give disability age. Self-determined youth should support and lend advice if needed? Youth are not always excited about have the ability to: identifying themselves as a person Solve problems when they arise Create a vision for the future with a disability. It means admitting Do I understand that things do not What do I want to be when I grow that there is something different always turn out as planned? Do I up? What skills and interests do I have about them. Legally, students don’t become frustrated when problems that can lead to a career? What kind have to disclose their disability in
6 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 PACER offers helpful new transition toolkit A new PACER toolkit makes transition planning easier for Minnesota families. “Minnesota Secondary Transition Toolkit for Families: A Guide to Preparing Your Child with a Disability for Life Beyond High School” offers easy-to-understand information about the purpose of transition planning, the goal and importance of age-appropriate assessments, and the required rules that are used by schools. It also includes information on the community partners that can provide youth with supports as adults. Topics include healthcare and health maintenance, benefits planning, postsecondary education and accommodations, recreation, social resources, transportation, and housing. The toolkit is available for purchase at PACER.org/publications/transition.asp or by calling (952) 838-9000. Copies are $9 each with discounts for larger quantities. One electronic copy may be downloaded at no cost.
a postsecondary setting unless they work best for them. Self-advocacy Americans with Disabilities Act want academic accommodations skills then allow the student to work (ADA) and a different part of Section and other disability-related supports. with college staff to gain needed 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students Families and high school staff can accommodations. who know their legal protections may help the student decide if disability be better able to advocate for their Seek assistance when needed disclosure is necessary. needs while in college. It’s not always easy to ask for help Describe disability and its impact or to admit that you may need it. For more information about the Having a disability does not define However, it would be difficult to find transition from high school to who a person is, but it often impacts any college student who did not need postsecondary training, see PACER.org/ how a person learns, moves, or some form of assistance at one time or tatra/resources/postsecondary.asp. interacts with others. Having a another. Available accommodations disability does not mean a student and supports are only useful if a cannot be successful in college. student asks for them. Students should SurveyMonkey helps There are accommodations available be encouraged to understand that that can help ease the impact of the they are using the tools that will make PACER help children disability on learning. The catch is them successful in college. Helping PACER is now as easy that students must understand the as taking simple online surveys. Understand applicable laws and impact of their disability and be able PACER supporters can sign up rights to communicate the impact to others on SurveyMonkey Contribute People with disabilities are to gain the accommodations. A self- to receive short surveys from afforded legal protections against advocate must be able to do this. SurveyMonkey customers who discrimination in a variety of areas, are seeking opinions on a variety Understand which accommodations including employment and access of topics. For every survey work to postsecondary education. A high completed, SurveyMonkey makes A person with a vision disability school student with a disability may a donation to PACER, and all might benefit more from using have been covered by the Individuals participants have the opportunity screen reading software than from with Disabilities Education Act to win $100 in an instant win having an extended test time. Not (IDEA) or by Section 504 of the game. Participants’ identities every student will benefit from every Rehabilitation Act. Students should remain confidential. Sign up today available accommodation. Students know that the protections found at contribute.surveymonkey.com/ who understand their disability can under IDEA no longer apply in charity/pacer. work in high school to identify the college. College students with academic accommodations that disabilities are protected by the
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 7 PACER supporters enjoy extraordinary evening at Annual Benefit
Left: Emcees Frank Vascellaro (L) and Amelia Santaniello (R) with PACER’s Ex- ecutive Director Paula Goldberg and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Right: Muffy MacMillan (L) with her mother Marnie Hartfiel and daughter Mara MacMil- lan.
Jay Leno, Eliana Grossman, Lynne Singer Dale Lindquist and Marge Pihl Jay Leno, Alex Barry, and Chuck Barry Redleaf, and Andy Redleaf
Continued from page 1
Leno had a tough act to follow on the “It was fantastic to have Senator PACER’s National Bullying Prevention heels of United States Senator Amy Klobuchar with us. She has done Center, and many other important Klobuchar, who is known for her so much for children and families,” programs for children, with and quick wit as well as her compassion Goldberg said. “She was a PACER without disabilities. for others. Klobuchar, who delivered volunteer for many, many years. “We couldn’t do this without the welcoming remarks, first became Without committed individuals like incredible support of our corporate involved with PACER as a parent her, and the hundreds of volunteers sponsors and nearly 400 volunteers, seeking assistance. Her daughter who made this Benefit possible, we as well as the tremendous number Abigail — now 18 and about to would not be able to deliver services of donations to our silent and live graduate from high school — had to families free of charge.” auctions,” says Mary Schrock, PACER’s health issues as a young child. The Proceeds from the Benefit support the Chief Operating and Development Senator later served 11 years as a work of PACER’s Simon Technology Officer. “PACER is so grateful for the member of PACER’s Advisory Board. Center, Parent information, the continued support. We are already Count Me In® puppet program, looking forward to next year.”
8 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 PACER supporters enjoy extraordinary evening at Annual Benefit
Left: (L to R) Anton and Lindy Vincent, Jay Leno, Monique and Steve Mayle. Right: Jim Oric- chio, PACER’s Chief Operating and Develop- ment Officer Mary Schrock, and Richard Perkins.
Silent Auction co-chairs (L to R) Jennifer Rowland, Jean Lipkin, Benefit co-chairs (L to R) Jessica Broyles, Kristin Geer, Mary Don McNeil, Nancy Kaysen, and Cindy Armstrong. Holmes, Lynne Singer Redleaf, and Colleen McGough Wood
Left: Don and Joanne Davidson with Jay Leno and celeb- rity portrait artist Anthony Whelihan. Right: PACER volunteer holds Extrava- ganza bags from Continental Diamond.
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 9 Conciliation offers families a practical way to resolve special education disputes
Jennifer was Jennifer admits convinced that she was anxious her 10-year-old about the prospect son Brian needed of sitting across the services of the table from a one-to-one school district paraprofessional personnel, but she at school. Even worked closely though the with Anderson to requirement had prepare. “Pat was been written into amazing,” says his Individualized Jennifer, who also Education has an 8-year- Program (IEP), old daughter the school was not with autism. in compliance. “She helped me When the organize my situation went information to unresolved for present at the months, Jennifer law is a conciliation conference. At conference.” requested a conciliation conference as least one parent and a district staff The meeting went well. Once the a means to resolve the issue. person with authority to resolve the conference is complete, the district dispute (usually the special education Brian has severe autism and other has five business days to provide director) must attend the conference. disabilities. He is non-verbal, has the parents with a Conciliation Other IEP team members may also be self-injurious behaviors, and wears Conference Memorandum describing included. There is no cost to parents. a helmet for his own safety. “My son its proposed actions. In Jennifer’s case, has very few life skills,” says Jennifer, “PACER encourages families to try the school district agreed to provide who was grieving the recent death of to resolve their differences by first paraprofessional support for Brian her husband while trying to secure sharing their concerns with their and a new IEP was developed. accommodations for her son. “He IEP case manager or the school “I was just trying to get my son what needs the support of a one-to-one district’s director of special education,” he needs for a free appropriate public paraprofessional and the school kept says PACER parent advocate Pat education,” Jennifer says. “If it wasn’t trying to remove that from his IEP.” Anderson. “But if differences are for PACER, I would not have known not resolved at that level, the parent Although Jennifer and Brian are my rights. I was so frustrated at times has several options including a pseudonyms used to protect the but Pat was my voice when I couldn’t conciliation conference.” family’s privacy, their situation is very s p e a k .” real. When parents of a child with Once the school district receives For more information on dispute a disability are unable to resolve a notice of parental objection to its resolution, visit PACER.org/ dispute with the school district over proposal or refusal of the district’s disputeresolution or call (952) 838- identification, evaluation, educational prior written notice, it has 10 calendar 9000 and ask to speak with a parent placement, or the provision of a free days to arrange a conciliation advocate. appropriate public education (FAPE), conference. one available option under Minnesota
10 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 Grandparents share joys, challenges of having a grandchild with a disability
Raising a child with a disability the sharing of new family photos. The group meets again in September can be challenging, not only for Members support one another, and new members are welcome. For the child’s parents but for extended share ideas, and talk about how to more information, e-mail family, as well. PACER’s Grandparent support their adult children who are [email protected] or to Grandparent group offers parenting the child with a disability. call (952) 838-9000 and ask for the grandparents an opportunity to gather Each meeting also includes a speaker Grandparent to Grandparent project. once a month to share the joys and presentation and challenges of having a grandchild with topics are chosen a disability. with group input. Over the The group meets at PACER Center past year, topics on the third Tuesday of each month have included from September through April. county waivers Grandchildren range in age from and services, preschoolers to young adults, with challenging many different disabilities. Some behaviors, grandparents in the group have daily inclusion, contact with their grandchildren bullying, and while others have grandchildren who learning about live out of state. special education Meetings begin with introductions services in Grantparent to Grandparent group members Amy and Fred and updates that often include school. Houts with their grandsons Nathaniel and Andrew
Parents offer wisdom and advice in new PACER booklet New PACER booklet helps parents address A new PACER booklet offers insight cyberbullying from more than 20 parents of The Internet has children with disabilities about their become a place experiences raising their children. In for children to “I Wish I Knew Then What I Know post mean and Now,” parents from across the inappropriate country, and of various cultures, comments about offer advice and guidance on their peers. navigating health care, education, PACER’s new eight- and social support systems to page booklet, parents currently raising young “Cyberbullying: children with disabilities. What Parents Each parent reflects on what they wished they had known Can Do to Protect Their Children,” offers earlier by providing tips such as, “I wish I had laughed more,” or information for parents on how to address “I wish I had understood that eventually my daughter will learn cyberbullying with their child. It also outlines everything she needs to learn.” steps to take if a child is being bullied online. The booklet is available to download free at The booklet can be purchased for $8. For more information and PACER.org/bullying/resources/publications. to order “I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now,” call PACER Print copies can be ordered for $2 each with Center at (952) 838-9000 or visit PACER.org/publications/ discounts for larger quantities. specedrights.asp
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 11 PACER’s National Advisory Board meets at Facebook
Members of PACER’s National Advisory Board met April 11, 2013, in Menlo Park, Calif., at the head- quarters of Facebook. Members attending the meeting included: Back row (L to R) – David Fischer, James Pitaro, Paul Luehr (Presi- dent of PACER’s Board of Direc- tors), Matt Lenoci, and Ted Ullyot. Middle row – Jennifer Schulz, Lynn Redleaf, Andy Redleaf, David Eun, and Susan Hyatt. Front row – Marc Gordon (Chair of PACER’s National Advisory Board), Mary Schrock (PACER’s Chief Operat- ing & Development Officer), Paula Goldberg (PACER’s Executive Director), and Paul Ollinger. Also in attendance but not pictured is Chamath Palihapitija.
Explore latest assistive technology Sept. 21
Parents, children, educators, technology can help individuals with interact. Attendees can take a hands- and professionals will have the disabilities — from early childhood to on approach by testing a variety of opportunity to discover the latest in adult — to reach their true potential. devices and software that can be used assistive technology (AT) at the Simon for education and recreation. From a better grip on a pencil to Technology Center Open House. It the latest educational app on a There is no cost to attend the event. is on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, from tablet, assistive technology can help For more information, visit PACER. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at PACER Center. individuals with disabilities improve org/stc or call (952) 838-9000. Participants will learn how assistive their ability to read, write, learn, and Far left: A parent tries out an assis- tive technol- ogy program with her child. Left: A family participates in games dur- ing 2012’s STC Open House.
12 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 PACER Center workshops are free to Minnesota parents. For information and to register, call (952) 838-9000 (metro area) or toll free at (800) 537-2237 Workshops (Greater Minnesota) or visit PACER.org/workshops.
parent training understand how each required part of Cool Tools for Back to School: the IEP can be developed to meet the Mobile Technology and More child’s needs. Considering a Charter School for Come ready to be impressed by sleek September 26, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Your Child with a Disability? ■ and slick tools for back to school. It’s (Mound Westonka) Minnesota has more than 145 all about smaller, lighter, faster, easier, public charter schools with over IDEA: Understanding the IEP cooler, newer, and more fun! 39,000 enrolled students. If you are ■ July 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (PACER) This Individualized Education considering enrolling your child with Streaming option also available Program (IEP) workshop explores IEP a disability in a charter school, this requirements and components of IEP workshop will help you understand Assistive Technology for Social development, including evaluation, how charter schools differ from other Skills and Behavioral Support for resolving disagreements, and an public schools and suggest questions Early Learners expanded segment on writing IEP you may want to ask the school goals and objectives. In this workshop, PACER staff will before enrolling. Oct. 1, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Virginia, explore how assistive technology June 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (PACER) ■ ■ Minn.) (AT) can teach children to focus, become calm, and redirect themselves Siblings Panel for positive peer interaction and Having a sibling with a disability simon technology center behavior management. Parents presents a unique set of challenges and and professionals alike will enjoy opportunities for brothers and sisters. Do-It-Yourself Assistive exploring no tech, low tech, and high In this workshop, a panel of siblings will Technology for Early Childhood tech solutions as we discuss how share their thoughts and experiences. and Elementary Age Children to effectively integrate social and July 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (PACER) behavioral supports for young children ■ This workshop showcases simple into daily routines. do-it-yourself assistive technology IDEA: Understanding the Special July 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (PACER) that parents and professionals can ■ Education Process Streaming option also available easily create for a wide range of skills This workshop outlines the basic and needs. Low tech solutions for principles of special education with Assistive Technology for communication, behavior, writing, Beginners: Matching Technology materials to help parents organize literacy, and community involvement with Need their child’s special education records. will all be covered including make-and- Topics include free appropriate public take activities and additional resources Technology can have a powerful education, evaluation, resolving for participants who are ready to start impact in helping children reach disagreements, and the Individualized making their own low tech AT. their full potential. This workshop Education Program (IEP). ■ June 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (PACER) will introduce participants to the ■ Sept. 12, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (PACER) continuum of assistive technology ■ Sept. 30, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Duluth) Ready, AIM, Go: A Hands-on options available, and will explore how Experience Learning About to think about matching need with Use the IEP to Help Your Child: Reading Accessibility the appropriate technology. A Guide for Minnesota Parents to Sept. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. (PACER) Improve the reading experience; ■ the IEP Streaming option also available discover the power of Accessible This workshop will help parents Instructional Materials! Join PACER understand how to use the IEP to staff in the Simon Technology Center benefit their child. PACER staff will computer lab for a fun hands-on use the PACER booklet, “Guide for learning experience exploring AIM. Minnesota Parents to the IEP,” to ■ June 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (PACER)
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 13 Resources New New Minnesota Secondary Transition Toolkit for Beyond Sticks & Stones: How to Families: A Guide to Preparing Your Child with a Help Your Child Address Bullying Disability for Life Beyond High School This book offers bullying prevention This toolkit was created to make strategies for children at home, in transition planning easier and offers school, and online. It is filled with easy-to-understand information about information and practical tools that the purpose of transition planning, the can help parents and others take goal and importance of age-appropriate action against bullying. A special assessments, and the required rules that section of the book provides specific tips for parents of are used by schools. 2013. children with disabilities. 2013. ■ $9 | 10+ copies, $7 each | ST-41 ■ $10 | 10+ copies, $8 each | BP-7 New Cyberbullying: What Parents Can Family Fun Reading Activity Do to Protect Their Children Cards The internet has become a place These activity cards help your for children to post mean and child develop literacy skills that inappropriate comments about are important for reading and their peers. This 8-page booklet has learning success. You can do information for parents on how to these fun skill-builders at home, in your neighborhood, address cyberbullying with your child and on the go! For children in grades K-3. Now available in and what steps to take if your child is being bullied online. Spanish, Somali, and Hmong! 2012. ■ $4 | 10+ copies, $2.50 each. 100+ copies, $2 each | PHP-a43 ■ $2 | 10+ copies, $1.50 each | BP-23
Mapping Dreams: The Transition to Adulthood I Wish I Knew Then What I Know What parents can do to help plan Now for their child’s transition from Advice from more than 20 parents of high school to adult employment, children with disabilities, sharing what postsecondary education or training, they have learned while navigating and independent living. Includes “Talk health care, education, and social to Your Child” sections, checklists, and support systems, and what they would a resource list. 2012. do differently if they did it all again. ■ $8 | 10+ copies, $6 each | ST-40 2012. ■ $8 | 10+ copies, $6 each | PHP-a42
A Guide for Minnesota Parents to the Housing: Where Will Our Children Individualized Education Program (IEP) Live When They Grow Up? Updated for 2012. Helps parents work Parents of youth with disabilities will find with schools to address each child’s that this easy-to-use book answers many special needs through understanding questions about future housing choices the required components of the IEP. to make with their child. From housing Includes examples from the Minnesota options to funding to supports and state-recommended form. 2012. services, there is a wealth of information. ■ $3 | 10+ copies, $2 each | PHP-a12 2012. ■ $8 | 10+ copies, $6 each | PHP-a26
14 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000 Resources To order the listed materials... 1. Specify how many you want of each item and the cost. You may also place orders on PACER’s website at PACER.org/publications. Prices 2. Total your order, adding appropriate sales tax. include postage and handling. A discount may be available if 10 or more of the same item number are ordered. 3. Enclose payment with your order. ■ Indicates one item is free to Minnesota parents or guardians of children with dis- 4. Mail to: PACER Center abilities and to Minnesota young adults (age 14 and older) with disabilities. 8161 Normandale Blvd. For foreign orders, please telephone or e-mail PACER (see page 3). Payment must be Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Order number Name of publication ordered Quantity Per item cost Total item cost
Total cost of all items ordered (Minneapolis residents, 7.75%; Hennepin County residents, 7.275%; Anoka, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington counties, 7.125%; most other Minnesota residents, 6.875% ) Sales tax varies with specific location. Please complete the following with your order: I am a: ☐ Parent ☐ Professional ☐_ Other______Name:______Organization (if applicable):______Address:______City, State, Zip:______Telephone:______(h)______(w) E-mail:______If a parent: Birth date of child with disability:______Disability:______
Are you ready for some Fun Times?
Summer is here and teenagers are looking for fun events new friends. For more information, contact PACER Fun and activities to make the most of the season. For nearly Times coordinator Andrea Moore at andrea.moore@pacer. 10 years, PACER Center has been connecting teens with org or call (952) 838-9000. and without disabilities through the Fun Times social program, and activities are being planned for this summer. PACER is seeking volunteers (ages 16 to 25) with and without disabilities to attend an activity. In the past, activities have included Minnesota Twins baseball games, picnics, movies, visits to the Mall of America, and more. Events typically last a few hours. Fun Times was developed by PACER volunteer Win Bennett, the sibling of a teen with a disability, and other high school students so that teens with disabilities could hang out and have fun on the weekends just like other teens. It was launched in 2004 and is a great way to make Fun Times participants pose at a Minnesota Timberwolves game.
Visit PACER.org Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 15 PACER Center, Inc. Non-Profit Org. 8161 Normandale Blvd. U.S. Postage Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 PAID Permit No. 2723 Change Service Requested Twin Cities, MN Inside
Jay Leno headlines Benefit 1 Bullying Prevention Month 2 PACER Symposium 3 Law for physical activities 4 Unique fitness class 5 Preparing for college 6 2013 PACER Benefit 8 Conciliation Conference 10 Grandparent to Grandparent 11 STC Open House 12 Workshops 13 Resources 14
New PACER greeting cards sparkle with winning design
A backyard full of pine trees sparkling Many creative paintings and drawings with snow was the inspiration for were submitted by young artists with PACER Center’s 2013 greeting cards. disabilities during the contest, which This “Winter Wonderland” design is overseen by celebrated artist and was created by 10-year-old Lauryn longtime PACER supporter Anthony Bambenek, who won first place in Whelihan. PACER’s Eighth Annual Creative Kids This year’s energetic artist enjoys Contest in February. numerous activities, including drawing, painting, gymnastics, reading, ice skating, snowboarding, and dance. Lauryn, who has epilepsy, also has a passion for children and Lauryn Bambenek dreams of being an elementary design can be purchased for $10 by teacher or a special needs teacher. ordering online at PACER.org/help/ Her favorite season is winter, when creative2013.asp or calling (952) 838- her backyard is transformed into her 9000. Cards are also available for the “Winter Wonderland.” holiday season in large quantities for Proceeds from the sale of the cards businesses and individuals. Winning artwork “Winter Wonderland” support PACER programs. A set of PACER extends a special thanks to eight greeting cards featuring Lauryn’s Anthony Whelihan.
16 Pacesetter ■ Summer 2013 Call (952) 838-9000