REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, October 20, 2016, 6:30 P.M

REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, October 20, 2016, 6:30 P.M. A meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee was he...
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REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, October 20, 2016, 6:30 P.M.

A meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee was held this date in the Education Centre, 400 Taunton Road East, Whitby. ROLL CALL: Sharon Burgess, Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby Craig Cameron, Member At Large Bev Cummins, Resources for Exceptional Children & Youth–Durham Region Tara Culley, Durham Down Syndrome Association (Chair) Darlene Forbes, Learning Disabilities Association of Durham Region Kathy Kedey, VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children Eva Kyriakides, Association for Bright Children (ABC) Carolyn McLennon, Member At Large Melodie Vaughan, Autism Ontario - Durham Region Trustees:

Patrice Barnes

Linda Stone

Staff:

Doug Ferris

John Legere

Recording Secretary:

1.

Andrea McAuley

Diane Kent

Call to Order: Chair Tara Culley called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.

2.

Welcome Guests: Chair Tara Culley welcomed special guests: Elementary Representative Deidre Morgenstern; Secondary Representative James Klodnicki; Special Education Facilitator Kristen Bennett; and teachers taking Special Education Parts 1 - 3 as well as parents and staff in the audience.

3.

Regrets: Regrets were received from: 

Kathy Kedey, VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children (Representative)

Also absent: 

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Audrey Higo, Autism Ontario – Durham Region (Alternate)

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 4.

Approval of Agenda: That the agenda for October 20, 2016 be approved. MOVED BY: Darlene Forbes

SECONDED BY: Eva Kyriakides

CARRIED

5.

Facilitators Report: Special Education Facilitator Kristen Bennett presented the Facilitators Report. Advanced Technology (AT) Advanced Technology Parent Training Nights Five advanced technology parent training nights are being offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. As noted below: Session A - Introduction to AT: • Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 – Eagle Ridge P.S., Ajax Parents and guardians will learn about four common pieces of software used within the DDSB – WordQ, Kurzweil, Siri, and Microsoft OneNote. During this 90-minute session, attendees will use school laptops to explore software and engage in hands-on learning activities. Session B – Practical AT Tools to Support Learning: • Tuesday February 7th, 2017 – Dr. S.J. Phillips, Oshawa • Thursday April 6th, 2017 – William Dunbar P.S, Pickering • Tuesday May 2nd, 2017 – R.H. Cornish P.S., Port Perry Parents and guardians will explore some of the more advanced features and practical uses of software used within the DDSB. Attendees will be lead through some hands-on and practical approaches to reading, writing, and research assignments. Session C – Software and Free Apps for Learning: • Thursday December 8th, 2016– David Bouchard PS, Oshawa Parents and guardians will explore apps and programs that support achievement and independence with reading, writing, and organization. SEA iPads Through discussion with the administration team and the Case Manager with CAR (Community Advantage Rehabilitation), the decision to approve iPad recommendations from Occupational Therapists (O.T.) has been made. Moving forward, OTs can recommend iPads and apps for students with fine motor needs. In the past, iPods were the only option for OTs. Page | 2 minoct16 tc:dk

Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 Facilitators Report: (cont’d)

5.

Advanced Technology (AT) (cont’d) Technology for Learning and Life Expo •

The second Technology for Learning and Life Expo will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Education Centre. This is an invitation for families to learn how to empower their child (ren) through the use of technology for lifelong learning in the classroom and beyond. Gifted

• • • •

The deadline for gifted testing nomination forms has passed and shipments are now being assembled for delivery to schools throughout the weeks of October 17th and 24th, 2016. All testing should be finished by November 25th and returned to the board no later than December 2nd, 2016. Parents will be notified of the results of the group testing in January, 2017. From there, information will be sent home regarding the individual testing if it is applicable. First regional competition, Academic Pentathlon will be held at Jack Miner PS in November. Secondary to Post-Secondary Transition Information Night



• •

A parent information night for students transitioning from Secondary to Post Secondary took place on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the Education Centre. Over 30 community partners participated, providing services for: • Community and Recreation • Education • Financial • Health • Developmental Services • Families from across DDSB benefitted from the information provided. The next Transition Information Night – Elementary to Secondary will be held on January 26, 2017. There will be a Secondary to Post-Secondary Transition Information Night for families / guardians in the north on November 10, 2016. Speech and Language



Speech Language Pathologists will be supporting “Social Thinking" to improve student achievement and well-being with a focus on links to self-regulation. The "Incredible Flexible You" will be used as the main resource.

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 Facilitators Report: (cont’d)

5.

Psychological Services Psychological Services is pleased to welcome three new staff members to the Special Education Department: a Psychologist, a Psychometrist and an ABA Facilitator. The first two positions are replacements for staff who have retired and the latter position is a two year contract derived from funding provided by the Ministry. Psychological Services also has a new Senior Psychologist, Dr. Sara Schleien, and a new Chief of Psychological Services, Dr. Steve Graffi. Autism Resource Team (ART) • •

Two of the new workshops have already been rolled out. ASD and the Brain workshop has run 3 full sessions. • The first session of Social Thinking for elementary and secondary teachers was held on Wednesday October 5th, 2016. • Elementary teachers learned about the “Incredible Flexible You” resource and “You Cue Feelings”. • Secondary teachers learned about “Social Behaviour Mapping” and “You Cue Feelings”. • All teachers were provided with the resource “You Cue Feelings” to go back and trial at their schools and return with sample lessons, questions and successes for the second session that will be held at the end of October.

Chair Tara Culley thanked Special Education Facilitator Kristen Bennett for presenting the Facilitators Report.

6.

Approval of the Minutes from September 15, 2016: That the minutes from September 15, 2016 be approved.

MOVED BY: Trustee Patrice Barnes

SECONDED BY: Darlene Forbes

CARRIED

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 7.

Presentation: GUIDELINE ADDITIONAL DIRECT FUNDING AND/OR ABA-BASED SERVICES AND SUPPORT, AUTISM INTERVENTION PROGRAM (AIP) Kristen Bennett, Special Education Facilitator, ART Team provided committee members with a PowerPoint regarding the Guideline on Additional Direct Funding and/or ABABased Services and Support, Autism Intervention Program (AIP). She gave an overview of family choice; noting that children who are 5 years of age or older (or will be 5 years of age by March 31, 2018) and transitioning off the waitlist for Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) through AIP have a choice to receive one-time direct funding in the amount of $8,000.00 to purchase ABA based community services or priority access to government-funded ABA based services and supports. Once one-time directing funding has been depleted, parents can choose from additional funding payments of $10,000 per child or priority access to government funding ABA-based services or support. AIP lead agencies will communicate the options to parents, review terms and conditions, review eligible and ineligible expenses and offer suggestions about available resources. Kristen also noted that behavioural services and supports for ABA-based services need to include individualized goal directed services for the child and be clinically appropriate and supervised. She also answered questions of SEAC members.

8.

Business Arising from the Minutes: There was no business arising from the minutes.

9.

Reports: Administration: Superintendent John Legere SPEECH/LANGUAGE AND HEARING 

Speech Language Pathologist and Hearing Resource Teachers have started Professional Development presentations across the system to support building capacity around oral language strategies to support literacy and numeracy (to improve student achievement). They are also focusing on social thinking to support achievement and well-being.

MENTAL HEALTH  

Allison Potts, Mental Health Leader presented with the Durham Catholic DSB Mental Health Leader at the Parents for Children’s Mental Health meeting that was held on Wednesday October 19, 2016 at Glen Street PS. The focus was on building system and educator capacity for mental health promotion and response to students who may be experiencing mental health concerns. The intended audience for this were any parents of children with mental health issuesdiagnosed or non-diagnosed, ADHD, low self-esteem and other factors that affect quality of life. Page | 5

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 9. Reports: (cont’d) Superintendent John Legere (cont’d) PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES 

Psychological Services has refined its service functions, in keeping with the Special Education Review and the current operational goals of the Durham District School Board (DDSB). Psychological Services staff continue to promote student well-being and achievement by providing consultation, assessment, direct service, crisis response and capacity building to schools within the DDSB. Its service delivery model is considered unique in the province of Ontario and is both progressive and comprehensive.

SOCIAL WORK AND ATTENDANCE 

School Social Work established and chairs a Transition Advisory Group (TAG) from 2005 – present. This Advisory continues to be an excellent collaboration effort with committed community partners which recognizes the critical role of Transition planning for students with special needs. The Transition Advisory has over 30 members to date and meets three times a year, has created two transition documents and supports parent transition nights. Each advisory member offers their expertise to DDSB staff and parents as they are key stake holders regarding the need to have strategic transition plans in place.

SPECIAL EDUCATION REVIEW UPDATE   

Superintendent John Legere and Special Education Officer Andrea McAuley are sharing some updates to the implementation plans for the Special Education Review with the Administrative Council on Monday, October 24, 2016. A report will be presented at the Board meeting on Monday, November 21, 2016. An update will be shared with SEAC at the November 10 meeting.

TRANSITION PLANNING: SECONDARY TO POST-SECONDARY  

The Transition Information Night: Secondary to Post was held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. The event was organized by the Special Education Facilitators and included about 45 community partners and approximately 200 attendees. It was an opportunity for parents and students to use their ‘passport’ to gather information from a broad range of vendors/partners.

DDSB SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN  

The plan is now posted on the website and there were some minor revisions made based on input received from last month’s meeting. As noted, a running copy will be kept to make corrections for next year’s plan and will include the updated areas.

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 9. Reports: (cont’d) Superintendent John Legere (cont’d) SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF MEETING 

The next department meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 and agenda items include: Building Coherence, Operational Goals, and an update on the Special Education Review.

SIP (SPECIAL INCIDENCE PORTION) APPLICATIONS 

Superintendent John Legere thanked Special Education Vice-Principal Doug Ferris, Special Education Officer Andrea McAuley and members of the department for leading this annual process in collecting data and information related to the SIP process in the interest of supporting students with special needs.

Board: Trustee Linda Stone informed SEAC members that the Board of Trustees received presentations on the Education Services Staff Award 2016 and Youth In-Risk Mentorship Program at the board meeting that was held on Monday, October 17, 2016. Diane Cobbing, Educational Assistant at Anderson CVI received the 2016 Educational Services Staff Award. Diane has been teaching students the art of theatre make-up and volunteered her time to provide lessons to a dedicated group of students. Relocation proposal for Village Union PS, with its current boundary, will relocate into the former Oshawa Central CI, effective September, 2017. An Open House will be held on November 10, 2016 to gather input from the community on this proposed relocation. 10.

Association Reports: Durham Down Syndrome Association A Durham Region Special Needs Information Fair will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Heydenshore Pavilion in Whitby.

11.

Correspondence/Attachments:   

Letter from Renfrew County CDSB Letter from PAAC on SEAC Letter from Autism Ontario Durham Region

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 11.

Correspondence/Attachments: (cont’d) Autism Ontario – Durham Region Received a letter from the association that Melodie Vaughan has resigned from her position as SEAC Representative. Autism Ontario-Durham Region has nominated Audrey Higo to the position of Representative and that the association is currently seeking an alternate member. As the letter did not provide an alternate’s name, committee members could not consider the recommendation at this time. Diane Kent, Administrative Assistant will follow up with Autism Ontario-Durham Region in regards to re-submitting correspondence to include both names of a SEAC representative and alternate. PAAC on SEAC Received a letter from PAAC on SEAC announcing the development of new SEAC Training resources. Committee members decided to view the three new video training modules prior to the November 10th SEAC meeting and provide feedback to Diane Kent. Renfrew County CDSB Received a letter from Renfrew County CDSB SEAC in regards to supporting transitions for students with special needs, in particular the transition of secondary school and employment prospects for students with disabilities. Carolyn McLennon, Member at Large asked if the Board tracks the number of post-secondary students with special needs employment destinations. Superintendent John Legere replied that data can be accessed through the Ministry on some of the pathways that students with special needs select. He also noted that he would look into the student data tracking and report back at the next meeting.

12.

Questions and Comments: Trustee Linda Stone asked SEAC if committee members would be interested in sending an invitation to the Durham Children’s Aid Society (CAS) to become a non-voting member of the DDSB SEAC. Linda noted that this would provide more of a connection between CAS and the DDSB, which would result in students in care being successful. Discussions took place among committee members in regard to the guidelines for association membership for voting and non-voting members to ensure that quorum will be maintained. It was decided to defer this item to the November SEAC meeting, awaiting clarification of the maximum amount of associations that can hold seats on SEAC. Trustee Linda Stone noted that in previous years, SEAC would receive a family of schools special education department staff listing. She asked if SEAC will be receiving the staff list this year. Special Education Officer Andrea McAuley replied that the staff listing will be shared with SEAC members.

13.

Celebrations and Success: Craig Cameron, Member At Large mentioned that he was glad to see the Technology for Learning and Life Expo running again this year. He noted that it is a good opportunity to network and learn about technology in the classroom.

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Report Special Education Advisory Committee (cont’d) October 20, 2016 13.

Celebrations and Success: (cont’d) Tara Culley, SEAC Chair shared that her oldest son Adam is turning 10 next week and is now able to navigate going up the stairs.

14.

Next S.E.A.C. meeting – November 10, 2016 in Room 2007.

15.

Adjournment: That the meeting does now adjourn at 8:12 p.m. MOVED BY: Eva Kyriakides

SECONDED BY: Darlene Forbes

CARRIED

Report respectfully submitted by: Tara Culley, SEAC Chair ACTION PLAN ACTIVITY

RESPONSIBILITY

Correspondence: Autism Ontario-Durham Region Nomination

Administrative Assistant

View SEAC Training Video Modules Data tracking – post secondary students with special needs employment destinations

ADOPTED

DEFERRED

COMPLETION October 26, 2016

Diane Kent SEAC Members

Prior to November 10th SEAC Meeting

Superintendent John Legere

CAS SEAC Membership Invitation

SEAC Members

Family of Schools Spec. Ed. Department Staff Listing to SEAC

Special Education Officer Andrea McAuley

By next SEAC meeting.

November 10th SEAC Meeting By next SEAC meeting.

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