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Issue 7–8 • December 2004–January 2005 • www.pluk.org

Satellite Office Opened in Missoula By Dennis Moore, Executive Director

Last month marked an important step for PLUK . We opened a satellite office in Missoula. For years, the Missoula area included a huge number of referrals and calls from parents. For years, Virginia DeLand “held down the fort” in the area and served families well with her professionalism and resolute spirit. However, the number of families needing assistance continually increased and PLUK ’s Missoula Associate Board stepped up to the plate. They decided to

Contents 2 Our Latest News 3 PLUK Training Events and Activities 4 Universal PLUK Training Registration Form 5 Montana Training and Events Calendar 7 Training and Events Outside Montana 8 In the News 11 Ideas and Answers 12 Magical Tymes Party

help by raising funds (with their annual “Magical Tymes Party”) and securing office space. opened an office at Community Medical Center’s Northgate facil“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.” — Helen Keller

ity on Reserve Street. The space is being provided by Community Medical Center and the PLUK staff could not be happier. The office enables the Missoula staff to work in

a professional setting and provides space for appointments and meetings. PLUK

has also added staff in the Missoula area in an attempt to better serve families.

Mary Hall, a Missoula parent, is the third member of the staff there, and the newest Family Support Consultant. Mary, who has her Masters Degree in Psychology, is a great addition to the staff. Virginia will stay involved with training staff and Heidi Wilton will work as a PLUK Program Development Assistant. On behalf of everyone at PLUK ,

many thanks to the

Missoula Associate Board for your support, enthusiasm and hard work, and to Community Medical Center for your vision and generosity. Together you’ve stepped forward to help PLUK and to make a difference in the lives of families in Missoula. Thank you.

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Billings Associate Board Plans Fourth Annual Sports and Recreation Festival for Saturday, February 19 PLUK’s Billings Associate Board is actively planning the program’s 4th Annual Sports and Recreation Festival. The Planning Committee is led by Chairman Scott Harris, a member of the Billings Associate Board. The date is set for February 19, 2005, and the event will be held in the Athletic Building of Rocky Mountain College. Last year’s event featured a number of groups and teams, including Mike Tilleman (retired NFL player from Havre) Chris Beyers and Scott Bream of KULR-8 TV and and Jeff Ballard (retired Major League friends at a previous Sports Festival. Baseball Player from Billings), plus the Billings Outlaws and Mustangs, MSU-Billings Softball Team, Little League Baseball and Softball (holding sign-ups at the event), American Legion Baseball, our friends at Eaglemount, Special Olympics in Billings, DARE and many more. This year, Ron Egloff and Tyrone Braxton, retired Denver Broncos and Chris Horn, Rocky Mountain College Football standout and Kansas City Chief have agreed to participate by helping with a Friday night dinner and then signing autographs the day of the festival. Other sports celebrities are being contacted to participate. For information on the event, to participate as a group or to join the planning committee, call PLUK’s office at 406-255-0540. It should be a grand event and great fun for kids and families! � ��

PLUK Satellite Office in Missoula PLUK’s Missoula Associate Board has worked hard for several years to raise awareness for the program and for families needs while helping PLUK with growth in the region. A steering committee was established a year and a half ago to explore possibilities for opening a satellite office in Missoula. All of these efforts culminated in early NovemMissoula Satellite Office ber with the opening of 2230 N Reserve St Ste 402 an office at Community Missoula MT 59802 Medical Center’s NorthPhone: 406-327-4645 gate building. The office is small, but the step up is enormous. The office is open during daytime hours and provides staff members with space for appointments, and the option to meet in private with families. Everyone at PLUK is excited about the new office and appreciates the hard work of the Associate Board and the generous support of Community Medical Center. Look for an open house after the first of 2005! � �� We have posted a printable directory of PLUK staff on the Web. Go to the PLUK Web site at http://www.pluk.org and look for the “PLUK staff directory” link.

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Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

Monthly Update Media Director: Roger Holt Story Editor: Elisabeth Mills, Emerald Scribe, http://www. emeraldscribe.com Design & Layout: Rosanna Buehl, QBMM Publishing, http://www.qbmm.com Circulation: 7,000 This is a publication of Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK ), a private, nonprofit Montana organization founded in 1984 by a group of parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Monthly Update is available in alternative formats by request. Principal Office Parents, Let’s Unite for Kids 516 N 32nd St Billings MT 59101-6003 800-222-7585 (toll free in Mont.) 406-255-0540 (voice, TT) 406-255-0523 (FAX) [email protected] http://www.pluk.org

PLUK Training Events and Activities For the most current information on trainings, visit http://www.pluk.org/training/. PLUK associate boards around the state are sponsoring a number of trainings and activities this coming year. Mark your calendar if you are interested in participating. We’ve also included a training registration form on the next page to simplify the process. Upcoming Statewide Interactive Video Conferences ✿ January 11, 6–8 PM “Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: An Introduction” with Doug Cochran-Roberts ✿ February 8, 6–8 PM “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” with Jill Plumage, Fort Belknap Hospital ✿ March 8, 6–8 PM “Bullying: An Introduction to What We Can Do” with Dr. Marlene Snyder These sessions will be available statewide through the VisionNet Interactive TV system and over the Internet. For information and to register, visit the Web site (see below), call the PLUK office at 800-222-7585 or complete and mail or FAX the registration form on the next page. We need at least three registrations to open up a site. Visit http://www.pluk.org/training/ITV.htm for further information on these trainings. All Interactive TV trainings are archived on video and Web. You may visit the archive at http:// www.pluk.org/ITVarchive.htm.

Doug Cochran-Roberts will speak at a state-wide Interactive Video Conference on January 11. His topic, “Staying Cool When our Buttons Are Pushed,” will address how we can deal with problem behaviors in ways that produce growth and reduce stress. He will provide allday sessions January 24 in Billings and March 9 in Kalispell.

All Day Workshops Winter 2005 ✿ January 19, Bozeman, “ADHD: Where We Stand Today,” 9 AM –4 PM with Stephanie Luehr. Visit http://www.pluk.org/training/ADHD.htm for detailed information and online registration. ✿ January 24, Billings, “Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: Part 1,” 9 AM –4 PM with Doug Cochran-Roberts. Visit http://www.pluk.org/training/Staying_Cool.htm for detailed information and online registration. ✿ February 9, Great Falls, “Special Education in Montana (Legal Aspects and Case Studies),” 9 AM –4 PM with Kathy Manley Coburn. Visit http://www.pluk.org/training/SPEDlaw.htm for detailed information and online registration. ✿ February 24, Missoula, “Financial Planning and Resources for Families,” 9 AM –4 PM with Nancy Gibson & Karen Grove ✿ March 9, Kalispell, “ADHD: Where We Stand Today,” 9 AM –4 PM with Stephanie Luehr. Visit http://www.pluk.org/training/ADHD.htm for detailed information and online registration. ✿ March 21, Kalispell, “Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: Part 2,” 9 AM –4 PM with Doug Cochran-Roberts. Visit http://www.pluk.org/training/Staying_Cool.htm for detailed information and online registration. Register for all trainings online at http://www.pluk.org/training, use the form on the next page, or call 800-222-7585.

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

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Universal PLUK Training Registration Form—Winter 2005 Visit http://www.pluk.org/training for detailed information and for online registration.

Statewide ITV sessions (free) January 11, 6–8 PM , “Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: An Introduction” with Doug Cochran-Roberts February 8, 6–8 PM , “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” with Jill Plumage, Fort Belknap Hospital March 8, 6–8 PM , “Bullying: An Introduction to What We Can Do” with Dr. Marlene Snyder All Day Workshops Winter 2005 January 19, Bozeman, “ADHD: Where We Stand Today,” 9 AM –4 PM with Stephanie Luehr January 24, Billings, “Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: Part 1,” 9 AM –4 PM with Doug Cochran-Roberts. February 9, Great Falls, “Special Education in Montana (Legal Aspects and Case Studies)” 9 AM –4 PM with Kathy Manley Coburn February 24, Missoula, “Financial Planning and Resources for Families,” 9 AM –4 PM with Nancy Gibson & Karen Grove March 9, Kalispell, “ADHD: Where We Stand Today,” 9 AM –4 PM with Stephanie Luehr March 21, Kalispell, “Staying Cool When Our Buttons are Pushed: Part 2,” 9 AM –4 PM with Doug Cochran-Roberts Tuition $99 for single registration $75 each for two or more registrants $50 special rate for full-time students $50 special rate for parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs Please consider me for one of the limited number of parent scholarships. (Must be a parent.) Parent Educator Professional Other Role Organization ________________________________________________________________ Name ______________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________ State _________ Zip Code _______________ Phone _______________________________ E-mail ________________________________ Special Accommodations _____________________________________________________ Total amount due: $ _________ Check [Payable to PLUK; send to: 516 N 32nd St, Billings MT 59101-6003] Credit Card [Payable by telephone; call the PLUK Office at 406-255-0540 or 800-222-7585] Purchase Order FAX registration to 406-255-0523

General Comments or Questions for Presenters:

Send registration to PLUK, 516 N 32nd St, Billings MT 59101

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Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

Montana Training and Events Calendar The following is a listing of training activities/events happening around Montana. Parents who need financial assistance in order to attend trainings may apply for parent training grants through the PLUK office. For the most up-to-date calendar of training, visit the online calendar at http://www.pluk.org/Calendar.htm. SSA Part 2: Overview of SSA Work Incentives, January 6, 2005, Teleconference (Missoula, Glendive, Glasgow, Miles City, and Billings) For information contact Kim Brown, Transition Project Coordinator at 406-243-4852 or [email protected]. � �� Transition Requirements and Practices in the IEP Process: What is Your Role?, January 7, 2005, Billings The Special Education Division of the Office of Public Instruction (OPI ) has recently developed a teacher training module for secondary transition requirements in the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). This “nuts and bolts” training uses the transition pages from the OPI sample IEP form as a reference. For information, Region III CSPD, Debra Miller, Montana Center on Disabilities Telephone: 406-657-2312 E-mail: [email protected] On-Line registration: http://www.msubillings.edu/mcdregister � �� Asperger Syndrome Support Group, January 13, 2005, Billings Anyone whose life is affected by Asperger Syndrome is invited to attend these meetings. Meetings are scheduled for January 13, March 10 and May 12 at 7:00 PM . Meetings take place at: 17th Street Station, 1648 Poly Drive, Billings. Contact Valerie at 406-245-1770 or Paula at � 406-248-6186 for information. �� Ideas! Ideas! Ideas! The Teacher’s Toolbox for Differentiating Instruction, January 18, 2005, Missoula - January 19, 2005, Kalispell This session is filled with strategies, tips, tools, and techniques that are both highly effective and extremely practical in helping your students succeed. Specific strategies will help your students get organized, be accountable for results, compensate for difficulties and improve reading, writing, and math skills. Effective tools for positive behavior and

building self-confidence will also be included. The focus is on high expectations and high standards for all students while differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. The strategies suggested are time-efficient for the teacher and highly effective for students. This session is designed to include ideas for all content areas and will benefit general educators and special educators as well as paraeducators, other school support staff and administrators. These are the “nuts and bolts” strategies that you will take back and use immediately! To register or for further information please go to http://www.cspd.net. � �� Session 2: Managing the Mathematics Classroom, February 3, 2005 in Missoula and February 4, 2005 in Kalispell Managing a classroom so that time on task and student engagement in math are maximized is an art. Potential problems in the classroom involve motive and opportunity. You remove motive by keeping all students engaged, remove opportunity through careful planning and management of manipulatives and groups. This workshop focuses on how to organize and manage cooperative groups along with differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Effective management maximizes learning and minimizes behavior problems. To register or for further information please go to http://www.cspd.net. � �� Writing PASS Plans, February 3 2005, Teleconference (Missoula, Glendive, Glasgow, Miles City, Billings) For information contact Kim Brown, Transition Project Coordinator at 406-243-4852 or [email protected]. � �� Effective Reading Interventions, February 22, 2005 in Missoula and February 23, 2005 in Kalispell This is the second of a series of three workshops that focuses on specific research-based

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

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Step Up to Writing: A Key to Academic Success, April 25– 26, 2005 in Missoula and April 27–28, 2005 in Kalispell Step Up to Writing is a writing program which makes a dramatic difference in student success. This two-day workshop is designed for teachers who want to help struggling students learn to communicate in an organized Working with Angry and Resistant Youth: Strategies for and effective manner. Participants will leave Fostering Hope and Resilience, March 1, 2005, Polson the workshop with a wealth of strategies This presentation focuses on factors that which motivate students as they significantly contribute to the creation of a positive school increase their academic success. climate for both students and staff. Dr. Brooks The trainer, Neilia Solberg, B.A., is a Step discusses these factors by outlining the key Up to Writing consultant for Sopris West dimensions of the mind set of effective eduEducational Services. Included in her years cators and other professionals including an of teaching are elementary school and staff appreciation of: (a) empathy and exercises to development in the language arts and conpromote empathy, (b) our own memories of tent reading, recent experience in Academic school as guideposts for what we do today, Achievement plans across the curriculum and (c) the lifelong impact we have on children grade levels, as well as expanded responsibiliand adolescents, (d) the mind set of resilient ties in coordinating instruction development. youth, (e) the components of motivation, For more information and to register online, (f) the importance of a strength-based apgo to the Region V CSPD Web site: http:// proach that identifies and reinforces each www.cspd.net. � �� student’s “islands of competence,” and (g) specific interventions for fostering motivation, learning, self-discipline, self-esteem, cooperation, caring, hope, and resilience in students. Strategies will be shared for professionals and parents about how to strengthen their own “stress hardiness” so as to be less stressed and more effective in working with or raising these challenging youth. Dr. Brooks is a clinical psychologist and faculty member at the Harvard Medical School. He also serves as an advisory board member Session 3: Getting Students Past the “Gatekeeper” Courses of the Children and Adults with Attention Def- in Math-Creating Success in Pre-Algebra and Algebra, May 5, 2005 in Missoula and May 6, 2005 in Kalispell icit Disorder (ChADD). His most notable pubEffective instruction, especially at the lication is The Self-Esteem Teacher. He spends most of his time conducting motivation, resil- middle school level, is a critical component for laying the foundation for higher level ience, and self-esteem workshops nationally mathematics. This one-day workshop focuses and internationally. For more information and to register online, on the “big picture” concepts and those topgo to the Region V CSPD Web site: http:// ics necessary for algebra success. By tackling the important topics and modeling the “big www.cspd.net. � �� picture” concepts for students, teachers and Montana Council for Exceptional Children students can “tear down” these roadblocks to (CEC) Conference, April 13-15, 2005, Billings algebra success. http://www.mtcec.org/conference.htm � �� To register or for further information please go to http://www.cspd.net. � ��

strategies and materials for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading. For more information and to register online, go to the Region V CSPD Web site: http:// www.cspd.net. � ��

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Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

Training and Events Calendar: Outside Montana The following is a listing of upcoming training activities and events taking place around the country. For a complete listing, see http://www.pluk.org/Calendar.htm. Adventures in Education: Conference on Inclusive Education, January 27–29, Denver Colorado The following speakers and topics will appear among the Thursday Topical Institutes. • Danny Brassell: Vocabulary Strategies at the Elementary Level • Rebecca Bond & Liz Castagnera: Inclusive Practices at the Secondary Level • Gay Ivey: Middle School Literacy • Barbara Ransom: Legal Issues & Education Advocacy • Paula Rutherford: Differentiated Instruction • Pati King-DeBaun: Early Childhood • M. Callahan, P. Hackett, & J. Jones: Transition Institute • Randy De Pry: Positive Behavior Supports • Facilitated by Clara Perez-Mendez: MultiCultural Journey Visit http://www.peakparent.org for information and registration. � �� North American Active Learning Convention, February 7–9, 2005, San Francisco Bay Area Theme: Lighting The Fire: Igniting the American Active Learning Agenda For: Special educators, physical and occupational therapists, parents and care providers of those with severe and/or multiple disabilities under the developmental age of four. For more information, visit: http://www. lilliworks.org/alconvention.htm � �� Learning Disabilities Association 42nd Annual International Conference, March 2–5, 2005, Reno, Nevada The largest learning disabilities conference in the world is coming to Reno, Nevada, and bringing more than 300 workshops and exhibits. Topics include: adult issues; medical research; health issues; workshops on early childhood, reading, classroom strategies; and NIFL “Bridges to Practice.” When: March 2–5, 2005 Where: Nugget Hotel, Reno, Nevada Registration: $75–$230 Contact: http://www.ldaamerica.org � ��

Abuse of Children & Adults with Disabilities, March 14–16, 2005, Riverside, California Hosted by Arc Riverside, the Only Ongoing Conference on abuse and other crimes against children, adults and seniors with disabilities brings you up-to-date and provides basic information for those new to the field. Who should attend? Anyone responding to crimes, abuse, children and adults with disabilities. Law enforcement, victims services, protective services, advocacy services, health care, mental health, sexual assault response, domestic violence, family violence, among others. Meet the top national experts in the field! The full conference cost for early bird registration (before March 10th) is $265. After March 10th and on-site, registration is $340. Attending for one day is $170. CEUs are also available! Register online at: http://www.disabilityabuse.com/cando/conf � �� 2005 CEC Convention and Expo, April 6–9, 2005, Baltimore, Maryland Special Features for 2005! Meet the Experts Patch Adams — CEC ’s uplifting and inspiring 2005 keynote speaker Gaynell Colburn — The Teacher of the Year Luncheon’s powerful, dynamic keynote speaker. Pre-convention workshops — where you gain in-depth understanding special education teaching issues strategies 700+ Professional Development Sessions Strands — The way to get all your questions answered by experts in the field Networking Events — Meet colleagues as you celebrate our successes and explore Baltimore http://www.cec.sped.org � ��

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

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In the News New Support Groups in Helena Kelly Newman of Helena is sponsoring two new support groups in her home. The first meets every Tuesday at 10:30 AM . It is a group just for Mom’s of high-needs kids. The second is an Autism Awareness group which meets every Saturday at 3:00 PM . It is for individuals, couples and kids. For more information contact Kelly at 406-449-2371. � �� ChatAutism.com ChatAutism.com is a brand-new initiative about autism and Asperger’s syndrome and is written by people who have autism themselves who give a real-life perspective to the facts of autistic spectrum disorders. The site offers support to parents of children with autism and Asperger’s, and also has a chat room to discuss related issues. http://www. chatautism.com � �� Helping Kids Who Struggle with Reading With so many children struggling with reading, we can no longer see helping them as the job of parents or teachers alone. Every adult who interacts with a child — from grandparents and librarians to day care providers and tutors — is in a position to get involved if they suspect a problem with reading. Here is the information you need to help struggling readers, no matter where a child is — at home, at school, and in the community. What are you waiting for? A recent poll found that 44% of parents who noticed their child was having trouble learning waited a year or more before getting help. But most reading problems can be corrected with early intervention. If you suspect a problem, don’t hesitate! Are you a tutor or thinking about becoming one? Read articles about strategies you can use to improve children’s skills while you help them enjoy reading. Not sure what the child in your life is struggling with? Compare him or her to the children in our struggling reader portraits. Read more at: http://www.readingrockets.org/lp.php?SID=2 � �� 8

New Edition of Computer Resources for People with Disabilities Available The fully revised fourth edition of Computer Resources for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Assistive Technologies, Tools and Resources for People of All Ages is a multi-tiered book that will introduce readers to relevant terms, explain the importance of AT planning, and untangle the intricacies of the “Technology Toolbox.” Written by the Alliance for Technology Access, with an introduction by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, the book is an indepth read on a constantly evolving topic. This new edition is available for checkout through the TRIC /PLUK Library (contact the PLUK office). For more information on the book and purchase options, visit http://www.ataccess. org/resources/atabook/default.html. � �� Project SPIES for Parents SPIES (Strategies for Preschool Intervention in Everyday Settings) for Parents has been developed to assist parents and caregivers of children with disabilities to learn about ways that they can use everyday settings and a child’s own interests to work with and help their children. The materials and information on this site is based on an academically and scientifically validated curriculum originally created to train professionals and paraprofessionals in the fields of child development and disabilities. See http://www.spiesforparents.cpd.usu.edu � �� Brain Inflammation Found in Autism Says Study Mon Nov 15, 2004 04:45 PM ET WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Children with autism have inflammation in their brains, although it is not yet clear whether the inflammation actually causes the condition, researchers said on Monday. Tests on the brain tissue of eleven patients with autism who had died and spinal fluid from six living children with autism showed the activation of immune system responses, the team at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and the University of Milan found.

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

“These findings reinforce the theory that immune activation in the brain is involved in autism, although it is not yet clear whether it is destructive or beneficial, or both, to the developing brain,” said Dr. Carlos Pardo-Villamizar of Johns Hopkins, who led the study. Read more at http://www.reuters.com/ newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID =6818958 � ��

For more information on this remarkable training resource, please visit the PDA Web site at http://depts.washington.edu/pdacent/ index.html#description. � ��

Consumer — information and support for families, schools, and individuals interested in services for children with ASD Implementer — short-term internships (including follow-up) that provide hands-on training in the use of research-based, best practices for students with ASD Trainer — extended trainings for those schools that would like, after successfully using evidence-based practices for students with ASD, to offer training to school personnel in their area.

Media Reports of ADHD RX Medication Abuses Create Confusion About Seriousness of Disorder http://www.chadd.org/press. cfm?cat_id=10&subcat_id=29&press_ year=2004&press_id=134 Television programs and evening news broadcasts — from “Desperate Housewives” to “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings” to “Fox News” — have recently featured sensational story lines and unsubstantiated abuse statistics about the misuse of medications designed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactiv-

Educating Our Children Together: A Sourcebook for Effective Family-School-Community Partnerships By Susanne Carter and CADRE This sourcebook stresses the need for schools, communities, and families to work together to educate children to be producD-Cycloserine May Improve Autism Symptoms tive and caring 21st century citizens. American Wed Nov 17, 2004 01:54 PM ET families are described as more diverse than NEW YORK (Reuters Health) — D-cycloever before, spanning cultures, languages, serine, a drug that has shown to reduce levels of education, and socioeconomic and symptoms in schizophrenics, appears to sigdemographic differences. Family involvement nificantly improve social and communication skills in children with autism, according to the is defined in an expansive way to include and recognize the value of a broad spectrum of results of a small pilot study published in the activities that involve family members and/or American Journal of Psychiatry. guardians helping children to learn, both at Dr. David J. Posey, of the Riley Hospital for home and at school. Barriers that limit family Children, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and colinvolvement are also recognized. Three deleagues examined the effect of D-cyclosercades of research evidence is cited that demine on social impairment in twelve autistic onstrates that family involvement significantly children. Patient outcome was determined by changes in scores on the Clinical Global Im- contributes to improved outcomes. Guidance pression scale and Aberrant Behavior Checklist. for schools getting started in family involvement activities is provided with the caveat Read more at http://www.reuters.com/ newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID that not all of the more than 80 promising practices organized into eight “cluster strate=6844258 � �� gies” included in the sourcebook will work for Professional Development in Autism Center (PDA): every school. To be most effective, school adAutism Spectrum Disorder Training for Educators ministrators and teachers, in consultation with The PDA Center is funded by the US Departparents and community representatives, need ment of Education. Trainings are free (yes, really), and cover a variety of needs on several to select and/or adapt strategies based upon individual schools’ needs, priorities, resources, levels: Awareness — informational workshops, cov- student population, and community support. http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/ ering a variety of topics about providing effecEducatingOurChildren_01.cfm � �� tive services for students with ASD

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

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ity disorder (ADHD) by people for whom these medications are not prescribed. ChADD is concerned that these depictions create great confusion among the general public with regard to the seriousness of ADHD and the proven safety and efficacy of these medications when properly administered. Stimulant medications do have the potential for abuse by anyone, which is why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has “placed stringent controls on their manufacture, distribution and prescription,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. ChADD emphasizes the importance of working closely with the medical community to diagnose and treat mental disorders, including following physician directives regarding the administration of stimulant medication. In addition, ChADD’s 16,000 family members are concerned with the diversion and misuse of medications. Medication, under the prescription of a treating medical professional and when taken as prescribed, along with other non-medication interventions, provide the most effective foundation for the treatment of ADHD. For more information on ChADD’s approach to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, please refer to ChADD’s Fact Sheets at http://www. chadd.org/webpage.cfm?cat_id=24. � ��

President Signs Assistive Technology Act A Press Release from the Association of Assistive Technology Act (ATAP) Projects, http:// www.ataporg.org (Washington, DC) — President Bush signed the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, which will ensure that individuals with disabilities throughout the US and its territories have access to the technology they need to help them be independent in school, at home, the 10

workplace and in the community. This legislation represents an important commitment to people with disabilities from the President and the Congress. Millions of people with disabilities rely on assistive technology to help them gain and maintain independence. Every state and US territory has an Assistive Technology Act Program (AT Program) funded under the provisions of the Technology-Related Assistance Act of 1988. Legislation supporting the State AT Programs was scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2004. The AT Act of 2004 supports the continuance of State AT Programs and eliminates the sunset provision. By eliminating the sunset provision, the government sent a clear signal that it supports a federal investment for people with disabilities, which will pay off for communities, the economy, businesses and people with disabilities. New IDEA Bill Passed November 19, 2004 From the Council for Exceptional Children, http://www.cec.sped.org/ Congress passed landmark legislation to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA . The passage of this historic bill follows three years of development, from the first public forums held by the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in October 2001, to the negotiations between the House-Senate conference committee to reconcile the differences between their two IDEA bills in the fall of 2004. In between, the House of Representatives passed its bill in April of 2003, while the Senate passed its bill in May of 2004. On September 21, 2004, the Senate appointed conferees to the IDEA conference committee, and almost three weeks later the House followed suit and appointed its conferees to the conference committee on October 8. The conference committee began deliberations and negotiations in October of 2004 and reported the compromise bill H.R. 1350, which both chambers passed, on November 19. The President is expected to sign the new IDEA bill into law shortly. � �� Note: President Bush signed the bill on December 3

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

Ideas and Answers

Q A

What is the difference between Section 504 and IDEA?

This is difficult to answer with limited space. There are significant differences between Section 504 and IDEA . Perhaps the most significant is that Section 504 is a civil rights law, and IDEA is an educational benefit law. Section 504 is designed to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities. Its purpose is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same access to education that individuals without disabilities have. It does this by eliminating barriers that exclude individuals with disabilities from participating in All Students protected activities, including a free and appropriate public education. 504 Accommodations As an educational benefit law, IDEA offers additional services and protections for those with disabilities that are not offered IDEA Modifications to those without disabilities. These laws are also distinguished by their different eligibility requirements and the benefits they provide. The definition of a disability is much broader under Section 504 than it is under IDEA . All IDEA students are covered by Section 504, whereas not all Section 504 students are protected under IDEA . An IEP, which is provided to students covered by IDEA , must be tailored to the child’s unique needs and must result in educational benefit. However, a Section 504 Plan provides accommodations based on the child’s disability and resulting weaknesses, but does not require academic improvement. Additionally, fewer procedural safeguards are offered to children and parents under Section 504 than under IDEA . If you would like more information, visit the publications page on the PLUK Web site http://

www.pluk.org/pub.htm or contact the librarian at 800-222-7585. � �� I am not sure if I am comfortable with my son’s current paraprofessional. Do I have the

right to request a different paraprofessional for him?

You can ask for a new paraprofessional; however, the school does not have to grant your

request. Staffing issues are decisions made by the school district and not by your child’s IEP team. If you have reservations about the paraprofessional, you can certainly request a meeting to discuss your concerns with the school staff. You should have your reasons prepared and documented so you can present them at the meetings. This is important so that you can support your concerns. All documentation should include dates, times, and a brief description of what occurred or what was discussed. � �� I have recently moved to Montana from Wyoming. My son had an IEP when he was attending school there. Does the school have to consider his current IEP or do we have to write a new IEP all together? Whether the school chooses to adopt your son’s IEP is a decision made by the new district. If the school chooses to use the IEP from the other school, and you agree to use it, it can be implemented. If they refuse to use his old IEP, then an IEP meeting must be conducted. If the district rejects the CST evaluation from the former school, another evaluation must be completed within 10 days. While the evaluation is taking place, there must be either an interim IEP in place, or, the student must be placed back into a general education setting. Most schools can put a program in place for a child within five days. � ��

Q A Q A

Monthly Update December 2004–January 2005 www. PLUK .org

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Thanks to Everyone Who Helped Make the 4th Annual Magical Tymes Party in Missoula a Great Success! PLUK ’s Associate Boards in several areas of the state held events this fall. The most notable was the Missoula Associate Board’s 4th Annual “Magical Tymes Party” held on October 26th. The event took place at the Missoula Children’s Theatre and featured the play, “Beauty and the Beast” (Disney’s version). Other activities included a large silent auction, a wine and cheese party, and an array of desserts offered after the play. Deborah Hayes Hyde served as the Chair of the Planning Committee. Other Committee members and Chairs included Ramona Holt, Kristine Larson, Linda Thompson, Sue Thompson, Tamara Kittelson-Aldred, Heidi Wilton Sponsor Committe Chair Ramona Holt with two and Virginia DeLand. Heidi Meili, News Anchor young actresses from “Beauty and the Beast” at KECI served as the Emcee for the event. The crowd at this year’s party was the largest to date. “There is no cause half so The event was a huge success and the Associate Board is sacred as the cause of a already planning the “Magical Tymes Party” for 2005. people. There is no idea so uplifting as the idea of the Events are sponsored by Associate Boards in an attempt to service of humanity.” supplement the program with funds to help PLUK grow. Funds —Woodrow Wilson, raised from events are earmarked to assist those particular October 31, 1912 areas and most Associate Boards have expressed interest in Are you searching for helping. something uplifting in One Board member expressed it well, saying, “We want to your life? Contact PLUK do what we can to help. We want to do our part.” Other events today to learn how are being planned at this time, with a full slate expected for you can volunteer your the coming year. service. If you’re interested in helping PLUK with growth in your area, 800-222-7585 call the main office to ask about the Associate Board in your 406-255-0540 region and how to join. Volunteers are needed to help in all [email protected] regions, so please consider calling and being involved! � ��

PLUK Office 516 N 32nd St Billings MT 59101-6003

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