+ Central Ohio: 2 Special Needs Meetings in September

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I.     “Special Needs Connections,” an ongoing  support group for parents of special needs children.  You can share information, support each other and — usually — hear a speaker.

• Thursday September 17, 2009
• 7:00 – 8:30 pm
• 130 Big Run Rd Delaware OH 43015   (Molly King’s home)
• TOPIC: BULLYING
• Childcare if needed (contact Molly if it is)

Speaker is Nancy Mandernach from the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD).  You will gain an understanding of the different types of bullying, symptoms that children display when they are being bullied, and also learn strategies to teach your children.

Contact Molly at home 740-369-4047, cell 614-581-6675 or mking@nexgenaccess.com

II.     CHADD Columbus will hold two meetings this day:  for parents of children with ADD, and for adults with ADD.

• Saturday, September 19, 2009
• 10 am to Noon
• Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville St, Gahanna OH 43230

For parents: topic is Understanding the Evaluation Process Under IDEA 2004, presented by Colleen Miller, O.C.E.C.D.

For ADD adults: topic is ADD From the Inside Out, presented by Nancy Schleich, LISW-S.  High school or college age teens may also benefit from this discussion of attention awareness and exercises and are invited to this session.

CHADD meetings are open to the public and are free to CHADD members.  They ask for a $5 donation from non-members who attend (to offset the cost of photocopying and refreshments.)  They say pre-registration helps plan seating, amount of materials and refreshments.

So send an email to columbus-ohio@chadd.net   Also: visit their website at www.chadd.net/20G  or call 614-528-4141.

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards   614-579-6021  or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ IDA Conference Reminder — Early Bird Discounts End in Two Weeks…

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The 60th Annual Conference of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is being held November 11-14 in Lake Buena Vista Florida.

“Early Bird” discounts can save you $40, so visit IDA’s site at http://www.interdys.org for more information about fees, hotel discounts, scholarships and  a 2-page Sessions Summary PDF.

Note:   DONATE  YOUR  USED  VEHICLE  TO  IDA

You can give “Dollars to Dyslexia” by donating your used vehicle (whether it floats, flies or rolls) to IDA.  IDA and its partner, Auto-Donations.com, will pick up your used vehicle free of charge, sell it and even send you a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.  Cars, boats, planes, farm & construction equipment — it’s all eligible to be donated.  Proceeds are shared with IDA branches to help support our mission.  

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards   614-579-6021   or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Free Parent Seminars at Marburn Academy

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Parents in central Ohio are fortunate because Marburn Academy in Columbus has expanded their popular Free Community Parent Seminar Series for 2009-2010.

For over eight years, Marburn Academy has been offering parents of children with learning differences access to state-of-the-art identification and remediation information that isn’t available anywhere else in Central Ohio.

Parents who have attended these seminars have learned about the many unique and innovative programs Marburn has introduced to our area. 

They have also gained valuable insight into appropriate instructional approaches that work best for teaching reading, writing, spelling, math, and organizational skills to bright children with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Seminar Dates and Topics

• September 8, 2009 — “When Children Struggle With Reading: Is It Dyslexia?”
• October 6, 2009 — “Solving Reading Problems”"
• October 20, 2009 — “Understanding the Problems of ADHD Children” (part 1 of a series)
• November 17, 2009 — “Improving Self-Management Skills for ADHD Students” (part 2 of the series)
• January 12, 2010 — “How to Get High School to Work for ADHD Students (And How to Get ADHD Students to Work in High School)”
• February 9, 2010 — “Early Identification and Early Intervention: Why Wait for Failure?”
• March 2, 2010 — “Correcting Persistent Writing and Spelling Problems:  Sources of/Solutions to the Problem”
• April 6, 2010 — “ADHD Students and the Role of Medication”
• May 4, 2010 — “Solving Math Learning Problems”
• June 15, 2010 — “Understanding the Problems of ADHD Children” (part 1 of a series)
• June 21 — “Improving Self-Management Skills for ADHD Students (part 2 of the series)

Registration is required.  Contact Barbara Davidson at 614-433-0822, ext. 107; or email bdavidson@marburnacademy.org.  The Web site is http://www.marburnacademy.org.

All seminars are held at the school – 1860 Walden Drive, Columbus OH 43229.   They are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 -9:00 pm. 

All are free to parents of children who learn differently.  Cost to professionals who attend: $40.00.

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards  614-579-6021  or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Beanbags Help Kindergarteners Focus?

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In Danville OH, according to Pamela Schehl at Mount Vernon News, kindergarteners are walking around with beanbags on their heads.

Teachers Lisa Thatcher, Toni Lyons and Lisa Muncie explain  that brain research shows that one’s balance relates to one’s readiness to learn. 

The beanbags on the heads, report the students, help them focus and think.  They seem to work whether the student is sitting, standing or just walking down the hallway.

Thatcher says the beanbags “allow students to take some ownership in being prepared to learn when they enter the classroom.”  The teachers explain that when a pupil begins to lose concentration, the beanbag will slip.  Then the student will realize it’s slipping and will refocus on his or her own initialtive — without having to be redirected by the teacher.

Besides increasing academic performance (and there is data to illustrate), the beanbags strategy has led to overall improved behavior, as well as the children taking greater pride in themselves and what they are doing.

The beanbags are just one part of a comprehensive approach to education called Davis Learning Strategies.

source: http://www.mountvernonnews.com article by Pamela Schehl on 8/18/09. 

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards   614-579-6021   or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Central Ohio Parents: Special Needs Reminder

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“SPECIAL NEEDS CONNECTIONS”

is a support group for parents of special needs children in Central Ohio. 

The next meeting is

• Thursday, August 20, 2009
• 7:00 to 8:30 pm
• 130 Big Run Road (Molly King’s home)
• in Delaware OH 43015
• SPEAKER is Janet Simpson, Occupational Therapist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

And childcare is available if needed.  If you need it, please RSVP to Molly. 

Contact Molly at: 740-369-4047 (h) or 614-581-6675 (cell) or mking@nextgenaccess.com.

————————————————

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards   614-579-6021   or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ One Parent Recommends Special Needs Books

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Kindall Nelson, a Chicago writer for  Examiner.com, recommends the following books as summer reading for those with special needs students. 

The first three books are all told from the perspective of  people who have lived with special needs.

• The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal  by Jonathan Mooney ($10.98) who was labeled dyslexic and profoundly learning disabled.  He grew up, graduated from Brown, bought a “short bus” and began traveling the country, meeting with other people who have been similarly labeled in their  lives.  He asked them “What is normal?”  Thirteen people met with him and some challenged even his preconceptions as they told their stories.
• Learning Disabilities and Life Stories  by Pano Rodis, Andrew Garrod, Mary Lynn Boscardin ($47.94).  Thirteen people who live with different types of learning disabilities tell what life is like.  They try to shatter myths that people hold on to.  In addition five notable experts contribute essays.  The audience is educators, parents and older LD students.
• Laughing Allegra: The Inspiring Story of a Mother’s Struggle and Triumph Raising a Daughter with Learning Disabilities  by Ann Ford, John-Richard Thompson, and Mel Levine.  Anne Ford, the author, is the mother of a child with severe LD and the great-granddaughter of Henry Ford.  She weaves her story of sadness, anger, confusion and eventual triumphs with helpful insights and information that can help others.  She also shows that wealth and social status have nothing to do with the ability to  love, accept and help one’s children.    

The following books are rather like handbooks; they should be invaluable to parents, teachers and other concerned persons, but they are probably more challenging reads than the previous three.

• Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd ed. (Perfect Paperback)  by Peter W D Wright, Pamela Darr Wright ($19.77).  Wonderful for any parent who needs clearer definitions of special education laws.  The authors are the creators of Wrightslaw.com, which Nelson says is the first place she goes when she has a question about any special education laws.  This second edition is significantly expanded to include IDEA 2004 as well as the No Child Left Behind Act and Section 504 laws.  She recommends it highly.
• Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, The Special Education Survival Guide  by Peter W D Wright and Pamela Wright ($19.55).  Nelson feels the Wrights are an excellent resource for parents.  This book has some of the same information as the one above, but written especially for parents who haven’t traveled the IEP path before.  Those who have trod the path before will also find it useful.  The book takes each law and breaks it down, showing how it will benefit your child.
• How To Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions  [ J-B Ed: Reach and Teach]  by Sandra F Rief MA ($21.75).  This book is full of ideas, tools and strategies for teachers and parents alike.  Everyone who works with children will benefit from this book.  It gives practical ways to help kids with ADD and ADHD realize their potential.  Nelson says the strategies in tis book are good for ALL children, even those who have no diagnosis.

sole source: atricle at www.examiner.com by their Chicago Special Education Examiner, Kindall Nelson.  Check out her articles, or subscribe to email alerts for updates and new articles (your email address will not be shared). 

Also, Nelson says if you have, or know of, a book you would like reviewed or publicised, email Kindall Nelson at specialeducationexaminer@gmail.com .

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards  614-579-6021  or email aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Central Ohio: Film for Autistic Kids Scheduled

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Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

The Autism Society of America and AMC Entertainment will host a “Sensory Friendly Film” experience for families of children on the Autism spectrum.

• 10 am
• Saturday May 23
• AMC Lennox 24, 777 Kinnear Rd
• Tickets $5; can be purchased that day

The movie auditorium will have the lights up and the sound turned down, to better accommodate children with autism and special needs.

Families may bring their own snacks.  No previews or advertisements will be shown before the film.

Audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!

More information: www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms

thanks to Heather Endres for reminding us.  To get on Heather’s list for parents of children with special needs, contact her at heather.endres@gmail.com

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards   614-579-6021   or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Central Ohio: Two Events for Special Needs Families

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From Heather Endres, notice about two upcoming events that might be of interest to special needs families.

I.      SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Thursday, May 14, 2009, 7-8:30pm.  Speaker: Nancy Mandernach of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD). 

Focus: Q and A Session with Nancy, and information on “Understanding ADHD.”

At the home of Molly King, 130 Big Run Road, Delaware OH 43015.  Please RSVP, so there will be sufficient materials.  Contact Molly at 740-369-4047 (home) or 614-581-6675 (cell), or email mking@nexgenaccess.com.

Childcare provided if needed — if you do need childcare, tell Molly. 

• Share information
• Support each other
• Speakers (usually)

II.    TRANSITION WEEKEND: MY LIFE, MY FUTURE

• Transition Weekend
• June 26-26, 2009
• Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin
• 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin OH 43017
• for families, students and their transition team members

Application Deadline: May 20, 2009. 

Contact Tom Fish, PhD at 614-292-7550 or fish.1@osu.edu .

Sponsors are The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and The Ohio Dept. of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, together with The Nisonger Center of The Ohio State University.

“Transitional” aged kids are 14 and older.  But even if they aren’t 14 yet, parents should be proactive in preparing them for their future, says Heather Endres. 

She just attended a workshop on transition, sponsored by OCECD and the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).  She received resource packs, and wanted us to know about options.  For more, visit www.OCECD.org and www.ocali.org.

source: Heather Enderes’s email alert.  To receive the alerts, contact Heather at 740-548-3936 or heather.endres@gamil.com

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards  614-579-6021   or email aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Central Ohio IDA Reading Conference, October 2009

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Save the date: Friday October 16, 2009.

The Central Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (COBIDA) is hosting a conference on Reading, at the Columbus OH Convention Center, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm.

Louisa Moats, Ed. D., one of the most respected writers and educators in the field, will address the conference.  Moats, an internationally renowned author, researcher and teacher trainer, will speak on

• “Science, Language, and Imagination in Teaching Students at Risk for Reading Failure” –morning keynote session
• “How Words Cast Their Spell” — afternoon workshop

Breakout sessions in the afternoon are targeted to diverse audiences: parents, administrators, teachers, and reading professionals.  Topics include multi-tiered reading programs, effective assessment, explicit & systematic teaching of reading comprehension, writing, social issues, technology and much more.

• Elaine McEwan-Adkins, Ed.D., author of “The Principal’s Guide to Raising Reading Achievement.”  Administrators’ workshop topic: ”Does your school have what it takes to teach them all to read?” 
• Linda Carnine, Ph.D. and  Susan Hanner, authors of “Direct Instruction: Reading Mastery” and “Corrective Reading.”  Topic: “Combining effective assessment and effective instruction: making RTI really work.”
• William L Heward, Ph.D, author of “Exceptional Children” and “Applied Behavior Analysis.”  Topic: “Seven faulty notions about teaching children to read.” 
• Eric Q Tridas, MD, a developmental pediatrician who specializes in the diagnosis and management of learning disabilities, ADHD, neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems.  Topic: “I ain’t got my ABC’s:  reading problems in kids.”

Contact Mary Damer at 614-538-9878; or call the  Cobida Helpline at 614-899-5711.  Online registration available by May 30th: www.cobida.org.

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards  614-579-6021   or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com

+ Drums and Disabilities (DAD)

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  Drums and Disabilities (DAD) is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults with autism, dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Tourettes, Asperger’s, Asperger’s, OCD, and ODD to deveop and expand retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning, according to the Web site. 

Visit  http://www.dadprogram.org

Drum Therapy is “an intervention to provide the special needs community with the opportunity to participate in creative, verbal, and non-verbal expression.”  The organization will license psychologists, school systems, occupational therapists, physical therapists, music therapists, and teachers in the DAD method.

The DAD segments strengthen cognitive and social skills and offer a valuable diagnostic tool.  Participants meet goals and grow in self-esteem. 

The site tells us that the DAD program helps participants to

• improve their ability to identify feelings and behavior
• improve communication skills
• channel and discharge strong feelings safely through rhythm
• gain valuable insight into feelings and maladaptive thoughts
• demonstrate improved fine motor skills, retention, and coordination
• demonstrate improved psychomotor skills
• demonstrate improved social skills through a group activity
• gain self-confidence as a major participant in artistic projects
• demosntrate improved tolerance for frustration
• develop personal expression through creative artistic effort

In addition, there is an evaluation component.  A drum therapist is observing the participant in action, as well as the participant’s artwork, creative expression, verbalization, using the DAD Program Assessment.

And interdisciplinary conferences are held for parents, therapists and educators.      

I just stumbled across this site.  It sounds like a great idea.  See  for yourself and evaluate the usefulness of this non-profit organization.

tutoring in Columbus OH:   Adrienne Edwards  614-579-6021   or email  aedwardstutor@columbus.rr.com