SPEDWatch's Walk For Special Education Rights: This Saturday!

Saturday, August 29, 2009, Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield, MA. Contact for a rain date. Registration at 9:45 a.m., walk begins 10:30 a.m. Register at the walk web site: www.spedwatchwalk.org. Proceeds are for SPEDWatch programs that monitor school systems who violate special education laws and deprive disabled students of their legal rights to an appropriate education. Walk day events include music, complimentary lunch, and children's activities for all ages and abilities.

Also this Saturday: Picnic For Culturally Diverse Families Who Have A Child With Down Syndrome:
Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m., Boston. RAIN DATE AUGUST 30. RSVPs are requested by the sponsoring host Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC). Call 800-664-6372 or visit www.mdsc.org. MDSC will provide drinks and dessert, families are to bring their picnic lunch.
Thinking Beyond the I.E.P. - Legal Issues Which May Impact A Student's Future:
September 2, 2009, 9 - 11:30 a.m., Natick, MA. Attorney Theresa M. Varnet, who is also the parent of a disabled adult, will discuss I.E.P.s and the many other legal factors to consider when planning for the future. Front page, under "Teens and Young Adults".
Caregivers Course On Mental Illness:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) free 12-week course on mental illness in Framingham and Concord for family care givers of someone with mental illness, Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sept. 8 through Nov. 24. The course includes information on Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Co-occurring Addictive Disorders. Front page, under "Events".

Planning For Success: College and Postsecondary Options For Students With Special Needs:

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, presented by the Northborough/Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (NSPAC). Learn about postsecondary options, college, transition programs, postgraduate year, understanding the student's learning profile, self-advocacy, grade 9-12 timeline. Open to the public. Front page, under "Teens and Young Adults".

SPED Child and Teen is not responsible for event changes or cancellations. Please verify times and dates with the host before attending any event listed in our newsletter or website.
Professional Development Workshops:
September 22-December 1, 2009. Topics include: Avoiding Job Burnout Through Stress Managment, Therapeutic Strategies for Working with Individuals with TBI , Aging in Place and Addressing Sexuality. Hosted by the Association of Developmental Disability Providers. Front page, under "Events".