How to Be an Effective Member of the IEP Team: October 12^th, 2011, 11 a.m. Family Support Center of North Central, Fitchburg. Prepare and organize for your next IEP Team meeting with Strategies for “playing” on the IEP Team, How to Effect the outcome of IEP Team Meeting, and How to create a “whole team” Approach. Presented by Elaine Rabbitt, EMR Parent Support Services. To register, contact jhood@sevenhills.org or call 978-602-8711.

Rethinking Bullying Prevention: A New Perspective: October 6th, 2011, 1:00 p.m., OR October 15^th, 2011, 9:00 a.m., Boston. The Think:Kids program, in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) offers this bullying prevention workshop with Dr. Larry Epstein. Work on designing a school-wide bullying prevention program, including physical, verbal, social and cyber aggression, including systemic interventions for all students and individualized interventions. Based on the Think:Kids' approach, for students who do not respond to universal programming. To register, visit the Think:Kids program, call 617-643-3061 or email ymoreira@parnters.org For more information about Think:Kids, email info@thinkkids.org or call 617 643-6030.
...and...

Understanding the Complex World of Bullying: October 12, 2011: 6:30 p.m., UMass Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA. 5:30 – 6:30 pm Exhibits in Medical School Lobby; 6:30-8:30 p.m., presentations in Amphitheater 1. Topics include Bullying and Cyber bullying – Targets and Aggressors, Using Technology Respectfully, Responsibly, and Safely, Changing the Culture – Responsibilities of School and Family. Presenters include the Assistant District Attorney M. Julie Lesure, and local experts in Child Psychiatry, Behavior, Emergency Mental Health, Pediatrics, community outreach and more. For more information call 508-856-3066 or email Diana.Langford@umassmemorial.org.

Shonda Shilling - Author of The Best Kind of Different: September 21st, 2011, Norwood MA, Vinfen's Honoring Our Local Heroes Event. To register call 671-441-1800, email vargusm@vinfen.org or visit www.thebestkindofdifferent.com. September 22nd, 2011, 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Prism Auditorium, Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center, Southbridge, MA. At both events, Shonda Shilling, wife of former Red Sox star Curt Shilling, will speak about her family's experiences with her son Grant's Aspergers, which is also chronicled in her book The Best Kind of Different. Her book shares the story of Grant's struggle with Aspergers, how it changed all of their lives, how they have celebrated Grant's success in the two years since his diagnosis, and what other parents can learn about this increasingly common diagnosis. $20 in advance, or $25.00 at the door. To register or for more information, contact 508-347-8181, ext. 104. Hosted by Rehabilitative Resources of Sturbridge.

 Disability Conference in Boston - "Visions of Community":  March 12, 2011, World Trade Center, in Boston, MA. Hosted by the Federation For Children with Special Needs.  Fees apply. Workshops topics include: Advocating Effectively for Your Child, Including Children with Special Needs in After-School Programs, Special Education Law, Transition and Work Options, Anti-Bullying Protections, Responding to Youth in Mental Health Crisis, Accessing MassHealth's Expanded Behavioral Health Services, Social Thinking, Early Intervention, Struggling Readers, Technology.  Rregistered attendees can receive free bus transportation from Northeastern, Worcester, and Southeast regions, some workshops offered in Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. Interpreters and limited childcare can be arranged ahead of time. Contact www.fcsn.org  or 800-331-0688.

 
 Respite Program Serving East to Central Massachusetts: House of Possibilities, in Easton, MA, currently serves families from over 35 communities. Offers fee-based respite on weekends, vacation weeks, and holidays. Serving most disabilities except for the medically fragile or severe behavioral challenged. Email p.kavolius@houseofpossibilities.org

 "Train Your Brain! Using Neurofeedback to Treat ADHD, Anxiety, and Other Issues." Free. March 10^th, 2011, 7 p.m., Academy MetroWest, Natick. Dr. Steve Rothenberg, Psy.D. , will discuss how neurofeedback is an effective treatment that is being used more and more to treat the core symptoms of ADHD, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, and other problems. For many people who are reluctant to treat these problems with medication or for whom medication has been ineffective, neurofeedback may provide an alternative. RSVP to 508-655-9200 or info@academymetrowest.com.

 Planning for the Future of Your Child with Special Needs: November 30, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Endicott Estate, Dedham. This workshop will cover Government Eligibility for SSI, SSDI, MassHealth, CommonHealth, and Medicaid, plus topics such as: Recent Changes to MA Guardianship Procedures, Selecting a Guardian of Trustee, General Estate Planning  and Special Needs Trusts and Administration Issues,  How to Properly Fund a Special Needs Trust to Provide Lifetime Quality Care, Building a Planning Team, and Maximizing Community Based Resources.  Presented by Financial Consultant Dave Harmon. For more information, call 1-781-461-1562 or visit the Dedham SEPAC.

  Vision Impairment Technology Fair - Free: November 23rd, 2010, 10 a.m – 4 p.m. The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton. This annual event is for consumers, families, friends and professionals interested in viewing and trying the latest equipment. Learn about applications such as the IPAD, Victor Reader Stream, Apex Accessing ebooks, Humanware and Facebook. Meet vendors such as ABISee, Easter Seals, Freedom Scientific, MagniSight, National Braille Press, Talking Information Center, Verizon and more. For more information,  visit  the Carroll Center for the Blind or call 800- 852-3131.
 Bullying & Cyber bullying – Free and Open to the Public: November 30^th, 7 p.m., Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater. Presented by the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University. Hear about recent research on how bullying happens and how parents can partner with schools to prepare and protect their own children. The Center will also focus on their research regarding how kids use the Internet, the types of cyber bullying that occur, how school problems and cyber-issues impact friendships, and what to discuss with your child to reduce the risk that he or she will become involved. For more information, contac the Bridgewater Raynham Special Education Parents Advisory Council or email sbenjamin@brsepac.org

 Advocating for Your Child with Aspergers in Public School: December 2^nd,  2010, 7 p.m., Watertown. Jean Stern, Adjunct Consultant and Trainer at the Asperger’s Association of New England (AANE), will conduct this workshop designed to help empower parents as advocates for their children in the IEP process. Learn best strategies and approaches to working with the school, services needed in school, Massachusetts law, and about the necessary non-academic skills of social, self-advocacy, independent living, generalization and organization. To register, visit www.aane.org, or call 617-393-3824. $40.00 members/$50.00 non-members 

 Sports Concussion and Education Needs of Students with Brain Injury: October 28th, Marlborough. The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and Braintree and New England Rehabilitation Hospitals invite parents, teachers, medical professionals, athletic directors and coaches to workshops such as: Special Education, IEP Plans , Signs, Symptoms and Neuropsychological Impact of mild TBI , Getting Back into the Academic Game Following Concussion, Advocating for Educational Services.  Keynote speaker Carolyn Roy-Bornstein, mother of a survivor of traumatic brain injury, will discuss how she uses that experience in her professional life as a pediatrician to tell teens the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving. For more information or to register, go to www.biama.org or call 508-475-0032. 

 Brain Development in Teenagers: Where Things Go Wrong: October 20th, 2010, 6:30 - 8:30, Worcester, MA. There are robust brain changes that occur during adolescence making this window of time an opportunity and at the same time a period of vulnerability to developing psychiatric conditions.  For many, there can be a journey to health.  Topics include:  Healthy brain development, How to keep your brain well-fed and healthy, Beating the odds: Surviving and Thriving with a psychotic disorder. For more information contact Laura Myers at LauraH.Myers@umassmed.edu or visit The University of Massachusetts Medical School.

 Free Conference for Families Raising Children with Emotional, Behavioral, Physical, Mental and other special health care needs. November 3rd, 2010, Shrewsbury, MA. The annual Joining Voices conference focuses on: Navigating Health Care Systems, Available Services and Support, Health and Health Care Providers, Guardianship, Transition, Respite and more. The Keynote Speaker will be Rosalie Edes, from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, who will discuss updates about state programs and policies, and how important family involvement is in helping shape programs that meet the needs of the disabled and their families. For more information, visit www.massfamilyvoices.org, or call Beth at 1-800-331-0688, ext 210, or email massfv@fcsn.org. Space is limited, and priority will be given to family members of children and youth with special health care needs. Registration deadline is October 22nd, 2010

 Social Security and Financial Planning For Families: November 9th, 7 p.m., in Macht Auditorium, Cambridge Hospital. Speakers from the Department of Mental Health and local special needs attorneys will answer your questions about will and trusts, how to leave money to a loved one and not have their benefits jeopardized, social security, disability benefits, financial planning, guardianship and more. Hosted by the National Alliance of Mental Health, Cambridge (617-984-0527) and Middlesex  (781-982-3318) chapters.

 2010 Parent Consultant Training Institute: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., November 9, Lee, MA. The Federation for Children with Special Needs invites parents to participate in the Parent Consultant Training Institute. Topics include: Federal and State Law, Neuropsychological Evaluations, IEP,  504,  Effective Communication and Negotiation of an IEP, Program Quality Assurance,  Mediation, The Hearing Process. Fee assistance can be obtained from The Consumer Empowerment Funds from the MA Developmental Disability Council, 617-770-7676 or obtain an online application at http://www.mass.gov/mddc/documents/cefp_application.doc. Access the FCSN application for the training online at www.fcsn.org. To RSVP contact Wanda at 800?]331?]0688.

Massachusetts Mental Health Conference: NAMI Massachusetts 29^th Annual State Convention, October 15, 2011, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leominster, MA. Featuring Keynote Speaker Major Sam Cochran, Leading Authority on Crisis Intervention Teams & Other Forms of Jail Diversion. Plus workshops for persons in recovery, their families, treatment providers and friends. Topics include Training For Law Enforcement, Treatments for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Self Advocacy, Ask the Doctor, Housing and Recovery, Health and Wellbeing, etc. Plus an Exhibitors Hall and a Consumer Art Marketplace will be open for networking and more.. For More Information call 800-370-9085, email info@namimass.org, or visit www.nammass.org.

Sexualized Behavior in Children: Normal or Abnormal? Free lecture, October 20, 2011, 12 noon – 1:30 p.m., North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Professionals and parents confronted by a child’s sexualized behavior require assistance is assessing the meaning of that behavior. When is it normal, and when is it pathological and/or an indicator of trauma? The speaker will be Edward N. Bailer, MD, FAAP, Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and Chair of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children at the North Shore Medical Center. Registration is required for this event. Contact ithomson@partners.org or call 978-354-2670, or visit www.nsmcfamilyresourcenter.org

Spina Bifida Conference - Understanding the Issues, Celebrating the Strengths: October 1, 2011 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The New England Spina Bifida Conference is for families, health care professionals, and educators. Topics include Growth, Puberty and Bone Health, Executive Functioning, Ambulatory, Robitics, plus meet other local families living with spina bifida, and enjoy an exhibitor/vendor area. Fees - $20pp for first and second family member, $15 pp third and fourth family members, etc. A Kids Camp program with activities will be offered for children up to 18 with and without Spina Bifida. To register call 866-374-6338 or email Caitlin@sitesolutionsworldwide.com or visit www.sbamass.org. Hosted by the Spina Bifida Association of Connecticut and the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day in Boston: October 1st, 2011, 12 Noon - 3 p.m., New England Aquarium, Boston. The American Heart Association's Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Days gives you a chance to network with others in the New England CHD community, find local educational resources. Free to all New England residents of any age impacted by CHD. Admittance is by pre-registration only. Register by calling 508-935-3902, or visit www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Congenital-Heart-Defect-Awareness-Day_UCM_429497_Event.jsp, or email CHD@heart.org

Building Bridges: Effective Partnerships Between Home & School: October 1, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Harvard, MA. A day of workshops focusing on improving a child's social success. Topics will include Social goals in IEPs and how they can be made measurable, Working with your TEAM and building parent collateral, Communicating with your child's teacher, Personality profiles, Handling homework hassles, Signals to watch for, etc. Space is limited. Details and registration info can be found on the Social Smart Kids Website, or visit their registration page or contact briggs@socialsmartkids.com or 978-764-2758.

Understanding Services And Benefits For Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs. April 27^th, 2011, 9:00 – 2 p.m. Pittsfield, MA. An opportunity for parents and providers to learn about state and local resources and benefits. Discover the DPH Community Support Line and Care Coordination, Pediatric Palliative Care, Family TIES and Parent Supports, Early Intervention in Berkshire Co., W. Regional Consultation Program, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, Mass Health and Premium Assistane, DDS Service Co-ordination, Children’s Behavioral Health Inititaive, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County and more. For more information contact kcassidy@thomchild.org or call 413-783-5500 ext 16.

Barry Prizant at Holyoke Autism Conference: April 12, 2011, Holyoke, MA. Hosted by Community Resources for Autism, for parents, educators and professional to learn about current Autism informaton and how the diagnosis impacts familes. Barry Prizant, Ph.D. will discuss the basics of the SCERTS® Model for children who have or are at risk for social communicative difficulties. Problem behaviors and effective strategies will also be addressed. Roy Richard Grinker, Ph.D. topic is "Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism", which addresses how individuals, communities, and businesses can create environments that help people with disabilities lead personally and economically fulfilling lives, and more. For more information call 800-892-7003.

 Children’s Resource Fair for Autism Spectrum Disorders -Free: April 2^nd, 2011, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Morse Institute Library, Natick. For newly diagnosed families and/or parents of children 10 and under on the autism spectrum.  Meet local resouces, therapists, find out about doctors and dentists, who to call and where to visit to find the right services for your child. Free sensory-based toys for children, demonstrations, refreshments, hourly door prizes handed out. On-site Child Care, Spanish Translator, Transportation offered but require pre-registration. Call 508-652-9900 or visit the Autism Alliance of Metrowest.

 Pediatric Epilepsy Conference: Guardianship and Transitioning to Adulthood. April 9, 2011, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Children's Hospital Boston in WALTHAM. Topics include Disability Law, Neuropsychological Testing, Guardianship, Network Time, Social Security Insurance, and Deep Brain Stimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. For more information visit The Children’s Hospital Epilepsy Program, call 781-216-2000 or email epilepsyconference@children.harvard.edu.

Assistive Technology Fair & Workshop, April 12th, 2011, 6-8 p.m., Lawrence School in Brookline. Find a variety of assistive technology designed to help students with a range of disabilities, hands-on demos and talks on technologies and general trends. Representatives from the Easter Seals, All Tech, Cambium/Kurzweil Educational Systems), SymTrend, and others will be showing software, tools, and gadgets, and visit an "app table" with apps for smart phones and tablet computers such as the iPad, a LiveScribe table. For more information or to volunteer, contact at pgabridge@gmail.com. Or visit www.brooklinesepac.org

 Life Long Planning for Families With Special Needs: February 12^th, 9 a.m., Easton. For families in all stages of care giving, presented by Attorney Theresa Varnet.  Topics to be covered include: Eligibility Rquirements for Government Benefits, How to Preserve Eligibility for Future care Through Proper Estate Planning, How Work Affects SSI and SSDI, Guardianship and Less Intrusive Alternatives to Guardianship. $10 for one person, and $15 for two people from the same family. Seating is limited; pre-registration is required by Feb. 8. Contact Kathy Kerwin at kkerwin@brocktonarc.net,  (508-583-8030, ext. 224, or visit The Brocton Area Arc. ) for registration information or contact The Brocton Arc.

 Treating Sleeping Disorders:  February 16th, 2011, 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 pm., Melmark New England, Andover. Learn strategies for problems such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nighttime routine non- compliance, night terrors, how family members and support staff can work as a team to promote healthy sleep in children, parent friendly treatments and preventing sleep problems. $25.00 per session. Contact 978-654-4332 or dgreeley@melmarkne.org
              
 Insurance Coverage for Autism and the new ARICA Law: February 9^th, 2011, 7 p.m.,  Morse Institute Library in Natick.  Amy Weinstock and Judith Ursitta from Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) will speak about the latest information regarding accessing the new ARICA Autism Law Insurance Coverage. Learn How to Determine If Your Health Insurance Plan Falls Under ARICA (Act Relative to Insurance Coverage For Autism). Also learn what treatments may be covered, and how education services are affected. Beginning in January 2011, ARICA requires health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnonis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. To confirm the date and time, and to register, call 508-652-9900 or contact autismalliance@earthlink.net. 

 Accessible Winter Festival: February 5^th, 2011, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dunn State Park in Gardner. Discover accessible snowshoeing, kicksledding, cross country skiing, ice skating, winter explorations, socializing, snowmobile rides.  To register or for more information call Gigi at 617-626-1294.

 Avoid Getting Hurt - Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training for Parents and Professionals: January 12^th and 19^th, Reading, 9:30 a.m.  If you have been pinched, bit, hit, slapped or had your hair pulled, you may find benefit in this CPI training. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will show participants how CPI educates and empowers you to create safe situations when children and adults are being physically aggressive. Fee for both days is $80.00. To register, contact paula@theemarc.org, or call 781-942-4888, ext. 4039.

 We Text, Tweet, Chat, Google, Moodle, and more. Why Are We Still Teaching Handwriting? Free: January 22, 2011 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m., Therapro Showroom, Framingham.  Peggy Morris, OTR/L will discuss why instruction for manual handwriting as a developmental skill is vitally important in this age of technology, become familiar with the Massachusetts ELA/handwriting instruction frameworks, some recent research on handwriting, understand how handwriting becomes an automatic skill and the system supports required for children to master this skill. To register, email info@therapro.com call 1-800-257-5376
 Martin Luther King Day Activity at the Boston Children’s Museum: Monday, January 17th,  1 – 4 p.m. Peace games celebrating equality and fairness. Janice Allen will sing with the Children’s Inspirational Freedom Choice. Presented by the BNY Mellon CityACCESS Teen Ambassadors. For more information about admission and hours, visit The Boston Children's Musuem or call 617 426-6500.
 Developing Social Skills with Autistic Children: January 12th, 2011, 6:30 p.m. Foxboro. Robert Putnam, Ph.D., BCBA-D Senior Vice President of School Consulation with the May Institute, will discuss how to teach your child social skills that they can use in school and home setting to help them interact and make friends. For families, educators, advocates and pediatricians. This event is part of The May Institute's Speaker Series: Experts on Autism. To register online or find out more information, contact 781-437-1248 or jcharron@mayinstitute.org
      More Autism/Aspergers help can be found on our Autism Page
 Avoid Getting Hurt - Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training for Parents and Professionals: January 12^th and 19^th, Reading, 9:30 a.m.  If you have been pinched, bit, hit, slapped or had your hair pulled, you may find benefit in this CPI training. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will show participants how CPI educates and empowers you to create safe situations when children and adults are being physically aggressive. Fee for both days is $80.00. To register, contact paula@theemarc.org, or call 781-942-4888, ext. 4039.
  Autism Parent Lecture Series! The Lurie Family Autism Ladders 3rd Annual Roger A. Bauman M.D. Parent Lecture Series, through June, 2011.
Limited childcare may be available by advance pre-registration only. Contact Julie O'Brien, Resource Specialist, Autism Consortium, LFAC/ LADDERS at 781-860-1726,  or jobrien20@partners.org.
 Free Parent Workshops From the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Suspension & Discipline in Special Education, Basic Rights, Turning Three, An IEP For My Child, Understanding My Child’s Learning Style, Transition 101, Effective Communication in the IEP, MCAS. For more information, contact The Federation For Children With Special Needs in Boston, Massachusetts, or register@fcsn.org, or call 800-331-0688.

 Bullying and the Special Education Student: November 10, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Worcester. This District Attorney’s office workshop for parents of Children Receiving Special Education covers: What Constitutes Bullying/Harassment, Cyber Bullying, The Applicable Criminal lLaws, How to Prevent or Stop a Child from Being Bullied, Acting as Bully or Active Bystander, and How to Recognize and Resolve Bullying Situations. Real life scenarios will be discussed to provide examples of positive resolutions. Parents will be given materials that explain the dynamics of bullying and how to address it with their children.  For more information, call 508- 799-1940 or go to www.worcesterspedpac.org. 

 Children's Challenging Behavior: Free, November 6^th, 9 a.m., 2010, NAMI Cape Ann, in Gloucester. For parents, caregivers, professionals and anyone interested in childhood mental health disorders. Understand why children with mental health issues behave the way they do and learn strategies for home and school. Spaces will be reserved in advanced only. Contact 978-879-7046 or goldilocksdeb@msn.org or  978-281-1557, namicapeann@comcast.net.

 Assistive Technology Fair: November 9th 2010, 1 p.m., Hyannis, MA.  The Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) and the Easter Seals Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) will offer info on how assistive technology can help with everyday activities at home, on the job, at school and with recreation. Low and high-tech devices will be on display that can assist individuals with activities that may be difficult such as:  Dialing the phone, Hearing the TV, Writing letters and checks, Using the computer, Talking with family and friends, Cooking, Eating, Remembering to take medication, and more.  For more information contact CORD 508-775-8300/1-800-541-0282 (both numbers V/TTY) or email alison@cilcapecod.org. To contact Easter Seals , call 800-244-2756 ext. 634 or email atrc@eastersealsma.org. 

  Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! November 9, North Andover, 7 p.m., and November 10^th, Tyngsborough Elementary School, 7 p.m. Gina and Patty, real-life sisters and local authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! – A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children, discuss the humorous yet heartwarming side of raising imperfect "special" children in a world pre-occupied with perfection. For more information about the Andover night, visit The North Andover Parent Advisory Council  For more information about the Tyngsborough speaking event, visit The Tyngsborough SEPAC . Hear more about the Movement of Imperfection at www.shutupabout.com.
         
 Helping Kids and Adults Understand ADHD – Free and Open to the Public:  November 9^th, 7 p.m., in Sudbury. The Metrowest CHADD Parent Support Group Meeting hosts, Walter Sherburne, formerly of the Hallowell Center and now with his own psychotherapy practice in Andover, to take part a discussion on the challenges and joys of raising a child with ADHD. For more information, call 508-302-2425 or visit The Metrowest CHADD.

 Dyslexia at Home, School And Work:  October 30, 2010, Framingham. The Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association hosts this conference for educators and parents of children who struggle with reading as well as adults with dyslexia.  Participants can gain knowledge and effective tools to support struggling readers emotionally and functionally at home, school and work. Keynote speaker is Rick Lavoie and breakout sessions topics include Motivation, Reading Comprehension and Written Expression, Executive Functioning, Comparisons of Research Based Reading Programs, Brain research, Neuropsychological Assessment, and a panel of adults with dyslexia discussion. To download the brochure go to http://www.dyslexia-ma.org/110835_MABIDA_Reader.pdf. For more information go to www.dyslexia-ma.org or contact sarahpwolf@comcast.net.

 Free Financial/Legal Seminar for Families Dealing with Mental Illness:  October 26, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,  Natick MA. The National Alliance on Mental Illness of MetroWest will host Attorney and Psychotherapist Gary Zalkin, and Financial Planners Michael Scott and Jeremy Dalidowitz to speakers with people, caregivers and families dealing with mental illness. Topics include complex financial situations and crisis, Government and Insurance Bureaucracy when Attempting to Obtain Services and Benefits,  Managing the Finances For a Person with Disabilities, Charitable Giving and Gifting Special Needs Trusts, and Conservatorship  For more information call 508-875-1544 or visit NAMIMetroWest   Preregistration is not required.  

Choral Group for Young Adults with Developmental Delays: South Shore Conservatory Community Voices, Duxbury, Massachusetts. Beginning September 14th, 2011, and culminating with a concert on December 14th, 2011. This program provides an opportunity to sing in an ensemble setting. Rehearsals will be held at the Ellison Center for the Arts in Duxbury. Open to ages 14 and older, $156 for the season. Contact 781-934-2731, ext. 20 or email e.montague@sscmusic.org, or visit www.sscmusic.org.

Special Needs and Divorce: September 28th, 2011. Attorney Marisa Higgins of Fletcher Tilton law firm's Worcester office. First 30 minutes of event will feature parent support, networking and resource sharing. At 6:30 Attorney Higgins will discuss how divorce is difficult for all families but even more so for families with a child with a disability. Topics include the different issues that need to be considered, such as custody, special needs trusts, child support, and more. To attend this workshop, please RSVP to 978-349-3040 or email familysupport@lifelinksinc.net.

 Transition to Adulthood and Guardianship Workshop - Needham: Transition To Adulthood - October 12th, Needham, MA. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Presented by Pat Pakos, M. ED Transition Specialist, The Arc of Massachusetts. For parents whose children are between 14 and 21 years old. Topics include: Creating a Long Term Vision, Person-centered Planning, Important Timelines, Advocacy, Community agencies & entitlements, etc. Call 781-942-4888 ext. 4018 or mfaugno@theemarc.org.

 Helping Your Teen Make Friends:  February 6^th, 2:30-5 p.m.,

 Surviving Adolescence: Outwit, Outplay & Outlast:

 Boston Transition Planning Conference - In English and Chinese:

 Free Transition-To-Adult Resource Fair: November 17,  2010, 6:00 p.m., Foxborough, MA. Parents/Guardians of students with special needs aged 14-21 may learn about academic requirements/processes through high school, and vocational/educational opportunities post high school. Vendors and Providers will have informational packets and answers about: Guardianship, Rehabilitation, Qualifying for adult services, College, Evaluations and Assessments, Estate planning, Residential services, DayHab programs, Social Security, Vocational training/placement, and area services. Sponsored by the Attleboro School-to-career Partnership. For more information visit the Foxborough SEPAC, call 508-543-1780, or email chaissonfx@aol.com

 Planning A Life: Making the Most Out of High School - Free for Families in Worcester, Boston and Springfield:  February 3rd & 4th, 2011, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Boston. This transition conference has information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22.  Topics include Vision Development, Self Advocacy, Transition Planning Forms and Goals, Housing, Postsecondary & Employment options and more.  Go to The Federation For Children With Special Needs for the conference brochure and details.  For families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, registration is free through the Transition Works!  grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Scholarships are also available thru the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) 617-770-7676.  Space is limited to 55 participants. For more information, contact 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org.

Click here for more Mental Health help for children and teens in Massachusetts

 Building a Home For Your Adult Child: November 13, 2010, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Waltham, MA. A conference on the complex issues families face in securing supportive living arrangements for their adult children with developmental disabilities. Hosted by Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change in collaboration with The Arc of Massachusetts,   The Federation for Children with Special Needs and others. This conference will offer: Local, state and federal Resources, Examples of Self Directed Housing Models, How to Utilize Community Support Waivers, Financially Sustaining Your Long Term Plan, Innovative trends happening around the United States, networking with individuals who are making it work and representatives from agencies that provide housing options. Keynote Speaker, Peter V. Berns, CEO, The Arc of United States, will discuss the success of using federal waivers to support the housing needs of people with ID/DD. For more information, visit MFOC or call 800-406-3632.