… the latest updates and announcements for special education and more in Scottsdale, Arizona

This is from Amy Dill, the Parent Information Network specialist for our Scottsdale Unified School District Area.

On February 17 & 18, Arizona Autism United is hosting the 2^nd annual Community Conference for Parents & Professionals!    Registration is open at www.AZAunited.org

This year features four main tracks:

·        Therapy

·        Education

·        Parenting

·        Services & Resources

Two special out-of-state guests will also be presenting:

·        Mike Guido, actor-comedian, will be performing his solo theatrical performance about having a daughter with autism called: “A Real Man.”

·        Dr. Jon Bailey, professor at Florida State University and one of the top behavior analysts in the world, will give a keynote speech and an optional pre-conference workshop for BCBA’s.

In addition to presentations and panels, this conference also features a number of unique hands-on breakout activities, including:

·        Rock climbing & yoga at the new Sports & Fitness Center (on site)

·        GFCF cooking class

·        Playdate networking for parents

·        ASD art show

·        Sensory activities and science experiments for kids

For questions, please contact Aaron Blocher-Rubin, Executive Director, at aaron@azaunited.org

Hope to see you there!

This is from Missy Farrington and the In His Image special needs ministry at Highlands Church in North Scottsdale.

In His Image will be hosting a class to help individuals and families live a gluten free lifestyle.  We will have guest speakers who are experts on living gluten free.  They will touch on food allergies, celiac, autism and more.  We will also have a lot of resources available on how to start and maintain a gluten free lifestyle.  It is a free class and open to the public.  The class will meet February 6 and 13th from 6:30-8:30 pm. (in the High School room)

Please use the forward to a friend button to invite anyone who might be interested!

In His Image

Highlands Church

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd

Scottsdale, AZ

For more information go to  http://www.highlandschurch.org/#/students/special-needs

This is from Abbey Ross, the Executive Director of the Bridgeway Transition Program.

We invite you to join us at Bridgeway Transition Program’s Open House, held this Thursday evening.  Bridgeway is a new post-secondary program, supporting students after high school as they complete their next academic endeavor.  We are celebrating the success of our first semester, with 17 students enrolled and ALL classes passed!

Bridgeway Transition Program welcomes students, families, teachers, and members of our community to visit our NEW program!

Bridgeway is designed to support students as they transition from high school to the post-secondary endeavor of their choice.

Our students are capable of reaching every goal they set, and Bridgeway’s system of support ensures their success.

At our Open House:

Get an Overview of Bridgeway Transition Program

Meet our Staff

Learn about our Admissions Process

Take a Tour and Meet Current Students

The Bridgeway office is located at 7000 E. Shea Blvd, Suite J-262, in Scottsdale. The office is just west of the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard and our parking lot is behind the Starbucks located on Shea Boulevard. Suite J-262 is on the second floor.

Please RSVP to

abbey@bridgewayaz.org, or by phone at 480.991.3686.

Thursday, January 26th

6:00-8:00PM

Do you get as confused as I do sometimes with all of the nomenclature of special education?  I recently had a discussion with a PIN specialist regarding the difference between accomodations and modifications.  The Arizona Department of Education Parent Information Network provides a glossary of terms, and this is what they say.

Accomodations -

“provisions made to allow a student to access and demonstrate learning. Accommodations do not substantially change the instructional level, the content or the performance criteria, but are made in order to provide a student equal access to learning and equal opportunity to demonstrate what is known. Accommodations shall not alter the content of the curriculum or a test, or provide inappropriate assistance to the student within the context of the test. “

Modifications -

“substantial changes in what a student is expected to learn and to demonstrate. Changes may be made in the instructional level, the content or the performance criteria. Such changes are made to provide a student with meaningful and productive learning experiences, environments and assessments based on individual needs and abilities.”

So, the next time you are in an IEP, ask about each adjustment.  Is it an accomodation or a modification?  And, how does that affect my child?

Good luck!!

Scottsdale Unified School District is hosting two parent orientation nights for parents of students who may benefit from vocational rehabilitation.  Come learn all about Voc Rehab!

Thursday, January 19th at 6pm at Desert Mountain High School library

OR

Wednesday, January 25th at 6pm at Coronado High School library

Please join SEPAC of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Assistive Technology staff for a presentation of the latest technology that could benefit your child.  Also, demonstrations will be provided by the assistive technology team.

Wednesday January 18, 2012

6:30-8pm

Mohave Distric Annex

Meeting Room B

5520 No 86th St.

Scottdale, AZ 85250

Please note that Mohave Middle School is under construction and the new District Annex building is entered from 86th St. by the front of the school.

Sponsored by the Special Ministries at Scottsdale Bible Church, this Special Needs Community Carnival is FREE on Friday, November 18th from 6-9pm.  They’ll have games, concessions, entertainment, prizes, a sports tickets raffle and more.  The half-time show will highlight The Stunt Dudes BMX Action Sports and Comedy, Magic and Balloon Sculptures.

Friend and families of individuals with special needs are all welcome at this carnival that provides a fun and safe environment for families.

Scottsdale Bible Campus

7601 E. Shea Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ

www.sbcsm.com or 480-824-7267

Scottsdale Highlands Church’s “In His Image” program for individuals with special needs is providing this great program.  Check it out!

On December 3rd, from 2:00- 5:00pm, we are hosting a Christmas party for individuals with special needs throughout the community.  Families and caregivers will be able to enjoy several hours of respite time while their loved one with special needs participates in Christmas activities with a “buddy”.  Activities will include caroling, arts and crafts, snack time, games, bounce house and pictures with Santa. The party is free and open to the community. We would love to have your child attend!

All of our buddies are background checked and serving under the direction and a state certified special education teacher.    Please e-mail Missy Farrington, missyf@highlandschurch.org with any questions you may have and to make your reservation.  Merry Christmas!

**Please use the forward to a friend button at the bottom of the page to invite anyone you know who might be interested in attending our party!

In His Image is a program dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with special needs and their families in our community.

For more information about this event and other exciting recreational opportunities through the Phoenix Adaptive Recreation Program go to www.phoenix.gov/parks/adaptiverec

All-Access Summit Challenge
Still Time to Register
November 5th

The Phoenix Summit Challenge is a non-competitive hiking event that embraces various ages, abilities, and fitness levels to challenge an individual’s mind and body while enhancing the quality of life and promoting healthy outdoor recreation. We challenge participants with and without disabilities along with their families to join us on the barrier-free and challenge trails of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves and desert parks. This is a family friendly event with three courses to choose from.

Come on your own or join the adaptive recreation staff for a fun filled day outside while challenging yourself.