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

Virginia G Piper Sports and Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities announces its Grand Opening Flag Dedication on Friday February 24th at 10am.  The ceremony features guest speaker Mr. Richard Romley and the national anthem will be sung by Corbin Beu and Sound Agreement.  After the ceremony there will be adaptive sports demonstrations from 11am-3pm.  At 3pm NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles will give a motivational address.  And, from 5p-8p there will be live music and dancing.

5031 E. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85034

For more information go to www.spofit.org

Housing Options -

Learn about housing options and resources in the community for individuals with disabilities from Nan Carle, Program Director of ASU’s Inclusive Communities, a life coaching service for adults with disabilities, and former manager of Home and Community Services for the Division of Developmental Disabilities in Tucson.

Wednesday, January 25th from 5:30pm-7pm at the Cholla Special Needs Community Campus

For more information go to www.starsaz.og

Open House at STARS –

STARS invites families and caregivers to enjoy an evening of snacks, drinks and getting to know STARS staff members.

Tuesday, January 31st from 5p-7p at the Osborn Campus, 7507 E. Osborn, Scottsdale across from Scottsdale Stadium

Wednesday, February 1st from 5p-7p at the Cholla Campus, 11130 E. Cholla, Scottsdale at Via Linda and Frank Lloyd Wright

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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