Meet the Blog Committee - Denise Lambert

I’m Denise Lambert and I've have been a member of the CAC Blog Committee for 2 years. I have 2 children- one 7th grader and one 3rd grader, in the district. The oldest child is receiving special education services.

Why did you join the blog committee?

I joined the blog committee because I was in the right place at the wrong time! I had gone to a couple of CAC meetings and wanted to attend the Legislative Committee meeting. I arrived early while the Blog Committee meeting was starting. It was in the beginning stages of development and seemed interesting to me.

The people that I met at the meeting were dynamic, passionate and knowledgeable. They wanted to make a difference in their children's' lives by doing something positive and proactive. They were supportive and understanding. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this group.

I think that the blog is a great way to communicate with the special needs community. Our children attend different schools throughout the district, so aside from the CAC meetings, it is difficult to know what is happening. The blog keeps us updated.

I have several friends on Facebook (some who I have yet to meet in person) who post links or videos that are relevent to special education. Sometimes, I’ll share those links on the blog or find my own links to news topics that may be of interest. I feel it is important to know what is happening, not only in our community, but in the rest of the world in regards to disability rights.

What other areas do you help out in the special education community?

I am an active member of the CAC, the CAC Legislative Committee and the Autism Task Force. I am also active in both of my sons’ schools, PTA and PTSA.

What do you do for fun?

One of my favorite things is Friday family “Pizza and Movie” night. We make pizzas (one pizza is gluten-free) and we watch a movie together. I love having all my guys together at the end of the week. I really enjoy my family.

I like going to Jazzercise at the Dance Connection. I love the music and the dancing . (When the boys were little, it was the only time that I got to listen to music other than Toddler Favorites or Disney!) It is a very supportive group of people. Many of them have known my sons since they were babies and supported me through some tough times.

I also love to travel. Last April, I went on my second trip to New Orleans. I love that city. The people are gracious even in the face of adversity. They are in my thoughts this week - the 5th anniversary of Katrina.

Get to Know Your District: Autism Task Force

What is the Autism Task Force?

The Autism Task Force is made up of parents, teachers, administrators, behavior analysts, psychologists, parent liaison, and occupational therapists volunteering for the purpose of providing ongoing support and training to the Mt. Diablo Community. We are currently focusing our efforts on providing parent and teacher workshops as well as fundraising to support the ASD community in the district. In years past, we have also supported the development of autism-specific programming in the District.


Who is a part of the Autism Task Force?

Teachers, administrators, parents, behavior analysts, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, interested community members.


How do you contact the Autism Task Force?

Our current contact person is Joel Vidovic who is best reached via district email (vidovicj@mdusd.k12.ca.us) and may alternatively be reached via telephone at (925) 682-8000 ext. 4216


How can people get involved in the Task Force?

We have three basic levels of involvement. First of all, we have a core group of members who lead the group through new projects and ongoing monitoring of policies and practices. These individuals have committed to regular attendance at Task Force meetings and consistent involvement in Task Force activities. Secondly, people may attend our meetings and become volunteers during Task Force events to gain more knowledge about the Task Force prior to becoming core members. Finally, people may feel free to come to our meetings as attendees who are just interested in listening and learning more about the group and our current projects.


Any additional information you would like to add about the Autism Task Force?

It is the hope of the group that all participants in Task Force meetings and events function as a team working towards a common goal- support for the population of students and families with ASD.

MDUSD Autism Task Force Meeting (Please note change of date and location)

The MDUSD Autism Task Force will be meeting:



Date: Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 11th



Time: 3:45-5 p.m.



Location: The Dent Center

1936 Carlotta Dr, Concord



Room 18

Dine and Donate

• MDUSD Music Foundation Dine and Donate on Wednesday, February 3rd at a variety of locations. Click HERE to find the flyer for your location.
  

• MDUSD Autism Task Force Dine and Donate on Thursday, February 4th and Friday February 5th between 11am and 9pm at the Concord Fresh Choice. Click HERE for the flyer.

MDUSD Autism Task Force Fundraiser - February 4 & 5 - Fresh Choice

The Mount Diablo Unified School District Autism Task Force is having a dine and donate fundraiser at the Concord Fresh Choice Restaurant on February 4 & 5, 2010 (Thursday and Friday) from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. both days. Fresh Choice will donate 15% of the sale (excluding beverages) when you bring in the flyer.

For flyer, please click here.

The Autism Task Force Presents: Social Skills and Autism - Exploring the Hidden Curriculum

“Exploring the Hidden Curriculum”A Workshop for Parents or Friends of Individuals with Autism

WHEN: Friday, January 22nd 2010

TIME: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Willow Creek Center: 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord, CA

This workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Melinda Moreno, Lead Instructor for the Transition Options program operated through Mt. Diablo’s Adult Education Program, and Laura Shumaker, author of “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism”. Dr. Melinda Moreno has over 35 years of experience in special education. She has worked at the preschool and community college levels of special education as a speech and language pathologist and special educator, including specialization in assistive technology. Dr. Moreno also has experience at the clinic and acute hospital level as a speech and language pathologist. Most recently, Dr. Moreno has accepted a position as a teacher for the TOPS program (Transition Options Program) working with young adults with high level autism and Asperger’s to provide employment and independent living support.

The workshop will focus on exploring experiences related to social skill development from both a professional and parental perspective. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about challenges and triumphs related to social skill development and will engage in focused discussions based on real-life scenarios presented by Laura Shumaker from her book.

COST: There is no cost!! However, attendance is limited to the first 65 people in attendance.

QUESTIONS: If you have questions about the workshop or would like more information, please contact Lisa Pippin, MDUSD Behavior Management Specialist, at (925) 682-8000 ext. 4164.

Autism Task Force Fundraiser, Mary's Pizza Shack, 1/20/10

Mary's Pizza Shack is sponsoring a Dine & Donate for the MDUSD Autism Task Force on Wednesday, January 20th in their Walnut Creek restaurant. Please copy the flyer and bring it with you when you go to the restaurant. Please pass this information along. All the information is on the flyer. Thank you for your support.

Autism Task Force - Mary's Pizza fundraiser 1/20/10

Mary's Pizza Shack in Walnut Creek will be sponsoring a Dine & Donate on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 to benefit the MDUSD Autism Task Force. 20% of your purchase will be donated to benefit programs sponsored by the ATF. Please copy this flyer and bring it with you.

Menu

My Gym Playdates

The MDUSD Autism Task Force has been encouraging parents of special needs children to work together to arrange summer activities that are appropriate for our children.
Joelle Higgins, a Velle Verde parent, has taken the lead and arranged weekly play dates at My Gym in Walnut Creek. The play dates will start on Monday, June 29th. Please contact Joelle if you are interested, as My Gym will discontinue the event if it does not generate sufficient participation.

WHERE: My Gym, 2256 Oak Grove Rd. Walnut Creek

WHEN: Mondays, 1:15pm-2:15pm.

COST: $10 per child (min 6 kids), if the group grows to 12, or bigger, the cost will drop to $5 per child.

RSVP: Joelle Higgins, (925) 584-0986 or jojop2@aol.com by Monday 10am,

Please leave the following info:
Your Name
How many kids you are signing up
Age(s)
Which Monday (one time or multiple weeks)
Telephone number where she can reach you on Monday if the class will be canceled.