Parent Center Updates

• Sinergia Collaborates on East Harlem Youth Grant

Announcements & News

• TA&D Center of the Month: Regional Resource Center Program (RRCP)
• OSERS Names Deputy Assistant Secretary and OSEP Director

Resources

• Now Available: Free Web-based Module on Embedded Interventions
• Department of Education IEP Guidance
• Advocacy Institute Offers Free Webinar Access
• Accessible Movies
• Videos Encourage Students to Participate in Post-School Outcomes Survey
• New What Works Clearinghouse Reports Focus on Learning Disabilities

Technology

• ¡TraduceloAhora!
• New iPod Touch Workbook for Individuals with Cognitive Challenges

Nonprofit Management

• ALLIANCE Management Manual

 

Parent Center Updates

Sinergia Collaborates on East Harlem Youth Grant

An article recently appeared in the GothamSchools newsletter about a Promise Neighborhood Grant application submitted by Sinergia, a New York City Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). Sinergia hopes to create a Children’s Zone for Latino East Harlem Youth, with a focus on children with disabilities. Sinergia is directed by Myrta Cuadra-Lash. More>>>

Announcements & News

TA&D Center of the Month: Regional Resource Center Program (RRCP)

The Regional Resource Center Program (RRCP) is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to assist states and territories in the systemic improvement of education programs, practices, and policies that affect children and youth with disabilities. Services offered by the RRC Program include consultation, information services, specially designed technical assistance, training, and product development. The RRCP works across regions and in collaboration with the Technical Assistance and Dissemination (TA&D) Network to provide nationwide expertise. More>>>

OSERS Names Deputy Assistant Secretary and OSEP Director

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced two key staff positions that have been filled. Sue Swenson has been named the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Deputy Assistant Secretary and Melody Musgrove will become Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The ALLIANCE National PTAC welcomes Sue and Melody and looks forward to future collaborations!

Resources

Now Available: Free Web-based Module on Embedded Interventions

The first in a series of CONNECT Modules is now available. These instructional modules are designed using an evidence-based approach to professional development and include resources such as video clips, activities, and handouts designed for instructors and learners. The modules are focused on teaching and intervening effectively with young children in a variety of early learning environments and inclusive settings and are designed to be embedded into existing curricula, coursework and other professional development opportunities. More>>>

Department of Education IEP Guidance

The U.S. Department of Education has released a revised Q&A document related to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements for individualized education programs (IEPs), evaluations, and reevaluations. More>>>

Advocacy Institute Offers Free Webinar Access

The Advocacy Institute is offering free access to a selection of their webinars throughout the summer. Sessions include assistive technology, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Check out their website for session descriptions and available dates. More>>>

Accessible Movies

The following websites help users find theaters in their communities showing accessible (captioned and/or video described) films:
MoPix, Captionfish, and Fomdi (captioned films only).

Videos Encourage Students to Participate in Post-School Outcomes Survey

To help improve services for students with disabilities, every state conducts a survey to find out what students who received special education services are doing one year after leaving high school. To help increase response rates, the National Post-School Outcomes Center has announced the launch of "Be a Superstar-Take the Survey" available. These fun YouTube videos were designed to encourage students and families to complete post-school outcomes surveys. More>>>

New What Works Clearinghouse Reports Focus on Learning Disabilities

What Works Clearinghouse recently released eight new intervention reports focusing on multi-sensory programs for students with learning disabilities. More>>>

Technology

¡TraduceloAhora!

¡TraduceloAhora! is an automatic Spanish translation software program that provides bi-directional English-Spanish translations of emails, websites, and web searches. Through a grant from IBM, Parent Center staff can register and share this exciting resource with families. More>>>

New iPod Touch Workbook for Individuals with Cognitive Challenges

Organizing Your Life with the iPod Touch: Making Cognitive Connections at Home, Work, and School is a workbook developed by the PDA 4 Memory Project for individuals living with brain injuries and other cognitive issues. Topics covered in the workbook include: Making Cognitive Connections, iPod Touch Basics, the Clock App, the Calendar App, the Contacts App and the Notes App. More>>>

Nonprofit Management

ALLIANCE Management Manual

Remember the ALLIANCE Management Manual for PTIs and CPRCs is available online in the Parent Center log-in section of www.taalliance.org. Check out all the great resources including sample forms, board check lists, office management tools, and more! More>>>