florida diagnostic & learning resources system (fdlrs...
TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2017 Volume 17, Issue 1
Important Dates
October 7, 2017
YES! F.A.I.R
October 13, 2017
Developmental Screening
October 16, 2017
No School
October 28, 2017
Creating a Plan for the Future
November 3, 2017
Developmental Screening
November 6, 2017
Parent Information Session:
[hōm wƏrk]
November 10, 2017
No School
November 20—24, 2017
Fall Break
December 8, 2017
Developmental Screening
December 11-12, 2017
Parent Information Session:
Promoting Positive Behavior
December 25, 2017 -
January 5, 2018
Winter Break
Inside this issue:
Creating a Plan for the Future
2
Vocational Rehabilitation, Agency for Persons with Disabilities
3
FDLRS Parent Information Sessions
4
Parent Services, Child Find, Florida Inclusion Network, FIMC-VI
5
Superintendents Advisory Council, Parent University, Adaptive after-school care
6
YES! F.A.I.R SpecialEd Connection HAAL Pass
7
Parent Press
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
A Newsletter for Parents of Students in Exceptional Student Education
Welcome Back
If you are looking to seize “a day, unlike any other!” remember these encouraging quotes, culled from classic comic book characters. “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” - Batman “The future is worth it. All the pain. All the tears. The future is worth the fight.” - Martian Manhunter Maybe you do not need a costume and alter ego to perform superhuman feats with your family. And maybe the skills and techniques you use with your children and family aren’t really superpowers, but you can help your children overcome tremendous challenges to thrive and truly be prepared for life. Like many superheroes, you do not have to do it alone. Working together with the other superheroes at your child’s school creates a team that is tougher to beat than the Fantastic Four. They may not be able to give you the Batmobile or a suit to make you invisible or the power to fly, but they can provide you support to tackle any challenge. When we work together we can accomplish anything and the team’s power comes from helping each member maximize his or her potential. This empowerment creates a force that is much stronger than the sum of the individual’s efforts. Thank you for being part of The Power of One!
Kimberly Workman
General Director
Exceptional Student Education
Page 2
Parent Press
Creating a Plan for the Future
Provider Fair 8:00 AM - 11:45 AM
~
Opening Announcements
8:30 AM
~
Breakout Sessions 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM,
and 11:00 AM
Provider Fair and Breakout Sessions (tentative*) Post-Secondary Education Career/Job Training Opportunities Secured Future Planning Public Transportation Options Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Adult Day Training Programs Residential Options and Services Healthcare Transitions and Services Resources for Self-Advocacy and Independent Living Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Assistance with Agency Applications and Referrals
Local Community Agencies *topics may vary
Sponsored By :
H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y P u b l i c S c h o o l s
E x c e p t i o n a l S t u d e n t E d u c a t i o n ( E S E )
a n d F D L R S P a r e n t S e r v i c e s
Information About Opportunities and Services Available After High School for all Students with Disabilities
Saturday, October 28, 2017 Sam Horton Instructional Services Center (ISC)
2920 N 40th Street | Tampa, FL 33605
Register Online: https://planningforthefuture2017.eventbrite.com
For Additional Information Contact:
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Phone: 813-837-7732
Email: [email protected]
Page 3
Volume 17, Issue 1
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act further supports VR efforts to prepare youth for success in the 21st century workforce through their Transition Youth Services.
VR Transition Youth Services help students with disabilities train for a job, continue their education, or find a job after high school. Under this program, every youth will have the opportunity to participate in sponsored career counseling, work readiness training, and fully integrated work experiences in the community. These services are delivered while youth are still in high school and establish the foundation for a seamless transition to individualized training, education, and employment. To learn more information about the services that VR provides, attend the Creating a Plan for the Future provider fair (see page on left), visit their website at http://rehabworks.org/ or speak to your child’s teacher .
Can my child go to college if they still need support? Can my child find and keep a job? Where will my child live? Who will support my child when I am gone? How will my child get to doctor’s appointments and social activities? How will my child stay in touch with friends? What would make my child happy? How can I protect my child? If you are a parent or caregiver of any child, you may have asked yourself more than one of these questions. If you are a parent of a child with special needs, these may just be some of the questions that haunt you. Searching for answers may keep you up at night, or cause you stress and anxiety. I would like to tell you that worry will not solve any of these issues.
Just as we stock our shelves during hurricane season with canned food, water, batteries , etc., we need a plan to prepare our children for adult life. Having a plan may not keep the hurricane from coming, but it will give us the tools to survive.
Attending the 5th Annual Creating a Plan for the Future will help give you the tools to begin your child’s plan for a successful transition into adulthood. It is never too early or too late to start a plan, and when life happens, take a deep breath, adjust the plan and smile.
- FDLRS Parent Services
Creating a Plan for the Future
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services. Visit http://apdcares.org/ for more information.
Page 4
Parent Press
Sessions Information
FDLRS (813) 837-7732 (English) (813) 837-7728 (Spanish)
Presentations provided by Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Parent Services and
Hillsborough County Public Schools for Families of Students Receiving Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services.
Empowering Families Enriching Communication Navigating Education
Parent
■ ■ ■
[hōm wƏrk]
November 6, 2017 | 10:30am or
November 6, 2017 | 6:00pm
Does homework time feel similar to a game of tug of war, or an epic battle of wills? This session will provide you with multiple strategies and resources to help make homework time productive and one
that you no longer dread.
Promoting Positive Behavior
December 11, 2017 | 6:00pm or
December 12, 2017 | 10:30am
Is your child naughty, nice or simply in need of strategies to support positive behavior? This session
will explore common behavior challenges, school based behavior interventions, and community
resources.
Preparing for your Child’s Individual
Educational Plan (IEP) Meeting
Monday, January 23, 2018 | 6:00pm
or
Tuesday, January 24, 2018 | 10:30am
Out of School Time Resource Fair
Saturday, February 3, 2018 | 9:00am
Mental Health 101
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 10:30am
or
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 6:00pm
Inspiring Cooperation
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 10:30am
or
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 6:00pm
Visit the Parent Services Workshop page for more information on these sessions at
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/Parent_Services/Workshops
Balancing Work and Family
Thuraday, May 17, 2018 | 10:30am
Page 5
Parent Press
FDLRS Parent Services
Did you know that academic achievement and classroom performance is significantly influenced when parents become more involved in their child’s school life and take an interest in knowing what they experience in the classroom? Establishing a partnership with your child’s school, benefits not only the parents and school but more importantly the student. A key component in achieving this success is effective communication. When communicating with your child’s school regarding homework, classroom routines or even family traditions; parents and teachers create a bond that helps setup success for the child that they “share”. Sharing helps teachers become more aware of progress or difficulties and will improve the chances of identifying a potential need. Now that the new school year has started, there are many ways parents can participate in the success of their child. Taking opportunities to volunteer at the school, participating in different workshops, visiting the school website and getting familiar with the staff are just a few examples. Also, with the use of technology, communication can happen anytime, anywhere. Finally, it is imperative to achieve cooperation, support and involvement between parents and teachers as they share the responsibility to engage the student in learning and preparing them for life. Carolina Beltran Area 1 Parent Liaison
The Florida Inclusion Network (FIN)
collaborates with all districts and schools to
provide customized services and supports
ensuring all students with disabilities have the
same educational, social, and future
opportunities as their peers.
Contact Information:
Samantha Jaksec
813-837-7777
Child Find is a service within the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS).
Child Find provides parent support, screening, evaluation, outreach, and referrals for children (aged birth—5) who have, or are at risk of having a disability. Additionally, Child Find provides parent support and outreach services to children (aged 5—21).
For more information on Developmental Screenings call 813-837-7723 or visit our website
at
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/ChildFind/Child_Find_Screenings
A BIG welcome to Kay Ratzlaff!
As a close working partner in the FDLRS network, FDLRS/Hillsborough would like to welcome Kay Ratzlaff as the new Supervisor of the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI), a statewide resource designed to assist schools in obtaining specialized materials (braille, large print, and digital text) for students with visual impairments. Kay is replacing the recently retired Suzanne Dalton, who held the position for 30 years. Kay was previously the Coordinator for FIMC-VI. Kay will be overseeing a program that provides services to students with visual impairments enrolled in Florida’s public and private schools as well as those students that are home schooled as long as they are participating in a “formally organized educational program”. FIMC-VI supports all teachers, school administrators, and agency personnel working with Florida’s PreK-12 students with visual impairments.
Visit http://www.fimcvi.org/ for more information.
Page 6
Volume 17, Issue 1
Superintendent’s Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities
The primary focus of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities, is to identify and recommend systemic strategies to improve outcomes for all students who have disabilities within Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). Voting members of the Council are appointed by the Superintendent and are comprised of school district personnel, parents of students receiving Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and community members. Guests are welcome to attend but due to time constraints, discussion may be limited to appointed members. Guests are encouraged to attend the council meetings, to volunteer to participate in work groups, and to express interests and topics for the council to consider for discussion at future council meetings.
For questions or if you are interested in attending, contact
FDLRS Parent Services at (813) 837-7732
2017*
September 29, 2017
November 17, 2017
December 1, 2017
For meeting locations, visit the FDLRS calendar at
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/Full_Calendar
Parent University is a FREE conference supporting the academic life and success of students Pre-K through 12th grade. Attend classes and visit the Resource Cafe to interact with representatives
from magnet schools, middle schools and community resources. Free childcare is provided
for children in grades K-5 only (advance reservations are required).
Save the Dates
October 28, 2017
Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy
February 17, 2018
Bloomingdale High School
For more information or to register, visit
http://all4schools.org/hillsborough or call (813) 272-4443
MEETING DATES
2018
January 19, 2018
February 16, 2018
March 23, 2018
April 20, 2018
May 11, 2018
May 25, 2018
Games, crafts, and adaptive recreation for children with disabilities.
Inclusion available at select locations for ages 5-17
Camp Sparks (Special Parks & Recreation Kids) for ages 5-22
For more information visit www.HCFLGov.net/AfterSchool
*Dates for 2017 meetings have changed since original
printing of the Parent Press due to the effects of
hurricane IRMA. The dates above are the revised dates.
Page 7
Volume 17, Issue 1
Contact:
Debbie Valdes
(813) 837-7733
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources
System (FDLRS) - Hillsborough
Website: http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/
Are you interested in finding practical guidance,
strategies and helpful tools for your child with special
needs? Have you ever wanted to find out about changes
and trends in special education law?
The Florida Department of Education is proud to provide
access to the Special Ed Connection® at no cost to
families of students with disabilities. To find out how
you can gain access to this valuable online resource.
Mission
To provide an education and the supports that enable each
student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen
The Parent Press is designed to be an informational source for parents of students who receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. In addition to Hillsborough County Public School (HCPS) supports and services, the Parent Press strives to offer as much information as possible from community agencies and
groups that provide services to persons with disabilities.
Vision
Preparing students for life
Continuous Notification of Nondiscrimination Pursuant to Title VI, Title IX, Section 504/Title II and other civil rights regulations, the School District of Hillsborough County (District) does not
discriminate nor tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, genetic information or pregnancy in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices; and
it will take immediate action to eliminate such harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The District also provides equal access to its
facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Dr. Pansy Houghton, Executive Officer, Compliance
813-272-4000; [email protected]; Office of the Chief of Staff, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33602.
Saturday, October 7, 2017 10:00 AM — 3:00 PM
All People’s Life Center
6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL
Visit www.yesunited.org for more information.
YES! F.A.I.R. Family Abilities Information Rally
200+ vendors, live entertainment, food trucks,
blood mobile, bounce house, obstacle course,
activities for the entire family
As of August 4, 2017, Hillsborough County Public School students have access to the HAAL Pass program. This enables students to use their student ID number as a public library card to access their online databases and research tools, read eBooks, and borrow up to 3 physical items from any public library branch with NO overdue fines or lost book fees. Visit the http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/departments/69 for more information.
We would like to offer a webinar that would provide more information on Special Ed Connection® and
how to best utilize this tool. If you are interested in
this online training, please register below so that we may contact you when it becomes is available.
Register: http://tinyurl.com/SEdT2017
Tell us how we are doing. Complete our short survey at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PP_Fall2017
Nonprofit Org.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL
permit No. 1009
Hillsborough County Public Schools
PARENT PRESS
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Post Office Box 3408
Tampa, FL 33601
School Board Cindy Stuart, Chair
Sally A. Harris, Vice Chair Lynn L. Gray April Griffin
Tamara P. Shamburger Melissa Snively Susan L. Valdes
Superintendent of Schools
Jeff Eakins
Assistant Superintendent, Educational Access, Opportunity,
and Alternatives Wynne A. Tye
General Director,
Exceptional Student Education Kimberly Workman
www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
Lisa Yost 272-3800 Marcos Murillo 631-4050 Dr. Anna Brown 558-1406 Donell Underdue, Jr. 558-1100
Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent
Sharon Foster 272-3796 Shelly Cedola-Hayes 631-4056 Carol Pauline 558-1412 Mikki Kenny 558-1097
ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor
Carolina Beltran 837-7740 vacant 837-7732 Mary Merryday 586-4233 Paula Thomas 837-7734
Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Blake, Jefferson, Plant, Robinson D.W.Waters and feeder schools
Alonso, Leto, Sickles, Steinbrenner High and feeder schools
Freedom, Gaither, King, Wharton High and feeder schools
Chamberlain, Hillsborough, Middleton High and feeder schools
Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8
Dr. Michelle Fitzgerald 744-8630 Sharon Morris 707-7050 Owen Young 740-3710 Shaylia McRae 658-1970
Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent
Dee Ward 744-8636 Michele McFarland 707-7056 Cora-Lynne Wimberly 740-3715 Jo Jennings 658-1981
ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor
Kim Bryce 837-7732 Leilani Cuello 707-7436 Beth Jenner 740-3715 Doris Jeffries 534-0383
Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bloomingdale, Newsome, Spoto High and
feeder schools Durant, Plant City, Strawberry Crest High
and feeder schools Armwood, Brandon, Tampa Bay Tech.
High and feeder schools East Bay, Lennard, Riverview High
and feeder schools
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Michael Levine, FDLRS Supervisor: 837-7777, [email protected]
Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services Program Manager: 837-7733, [email protected]
Corinne Smith, FDLRS Parent Services Communications: 837-7872, [email protected] Parent Services Information:
813-837-7732 (English) 813-837-7728 (Espanol)