Networker Express, November 2007
Matrix Events
Other Events
IEP Tip of the Month
Support Matrix
More Useful information
Matrix Events
To register for any of these workshops (unless another phone number is provided) Please call 415-884-3535, toll free 1-800-578-2592, or email info@matrixparents.org with your name, number, email, and what workshop you would like to attend.
Sibshops are Back!
Sibshops are for any child from 7-12 years old who has a sibling of any age with special needs.
Nov. 10, 9:30-2:30 pm
San Rafael
Please rsvp to Matrix 1-800-578-2592 and ask for the sibshop registration form.
Accessing Services through Regional Centers for Developmental Disabilities.
Nov. 13, 7-9 pm.
Fairfield. Call 707-648-4073 to register.
Special Education IDEA 2004: Core features of an IEP, key aspects of IDEA 2004, and IEP elements and sequence.
Nov. 14, 9-11:30 am.
Matrix Novato.
Accessing Services Through Regional Centers for Developmental Disabilities.
Dec.1, 10 am- noon.
Petaluma Library. Call 707-648-4073 to register.
Understanding Special Education Assessments as they relate to IEPs.
Dec. 6, 9-11:30 am.
Matrix Novato
Annual Holiday Open House - flyer
for Children with Special Needs and their Families at the Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm.
Dec. 8, 10 am - noon.
Dixon.
Call Kerry at 707-423-2545 ext 102 for reservations.
Annual Holiday Toy Run!
Dec. 9
Marin Human Society
Stay tuned for more details!
Other Events
New Treatments — New Hope
Update for Parents and Professionals on Treating Depression, AD/HD, and Substance Abuse
Nov. 10, 9 am- 4 pm
Marin Center
Call Leslie Isaac at 415-459-5999 ext. 101.
Region 1 & 4 Nineteenth Annual Winter Institute
"Revitalize Through Instruction"
Jan 17, 18, & 19, 2007
Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park
www.mcoe.us
Every IEP must address the question “Does the child’s behavior impede their learning or that of others?” When the answer is “yes”, positive behavior strategies, interventions and supports must be utilized. Behaviors include the obvious disruptive behaviors that may result in disciplinary actions, as well as other behaviors such as inattentiveness, off task behavior, or shutting down (not able to do school work or attend school). A Behavior Plan should be developed after a Functional Behavior Assessment which looks at the “function” of the behavior. A Behavior Plan is a proactive plan that specifies what the school staff will do to change the environment to minimize undesired behaviors, and to teach and reinforce the desired behaviors. For more serious behaviors or behaviors that to do not respond to a support plan, a Functional Analysis Assessment is done by a person specifically qualified to assess behavior and a Behavior Intervention Plan is then developed. Helpful information on behavior plans can be found on the Calif. Dept. of Education website www.pent.ca.gov/home.htm
Support Matrix
We deeply appreciate our donors. We regret that in thanking them in our Fall 2007 Newsletter we made some mistakes. The listings should read:
Our thanks for gifts of $1000+ to: Rhanda & Tim Dunn and Peter & Gypsy Grauert
Thanks for gifts of $500 - $999 to Walter & Nora Thompson
Thanks to Penny Coulter & Linda Neilsen for your gifts in honor of Rhanda & Tim Dunn.
And to Peter & Gypsy Grauert for your gift in memory of Gordon “Skip” West
More Useful information
The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism has released their report: “An Opportunity to Achieve Real Change for Californians with Autism Spectrum Disorder,”and it has been submitted to the Governor and the Legislature. This report has been posted on the Commission’s web site: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/whatsnew.html. During the coming year, the Commission will be working with the Governor and Legislature to increase awareness and implement the report’s recommendations.
Distributed by: Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center, a non-profit organization helping families of children with special needs. As a clearinghouse of information and resources, it is our policy not to recommend or endorse any one specific diagnostic or therapeutic program or to engage in legal advocacy. Our website is located at: http://www.matrixparents.org/ or email: info@matrixparents.org Please email comments about this Newsletter to: jennifer@matrixparents.org