Want to better support your students using Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

Come to the AT/AAC Open Lab & Weekly Mini-Trainings! The MDUSD AT/AAC Team will be offering a series of open labs in the 2013-14 school year. These hands-on labs will offer participants an opportunity to explore specific software programs (Boardmaker, Co:Writer, Clicker 6, Adobe Acrobat, Dragon Naturally Speaking, iPad and Android Apps and loads more!) and devices (including communication) in depth, with the guidance of ATAAC staff. Open Labs will begin in October and will happen every Wednesday from 2 to 5pm and every Thursday from 2 to 4pm. Mini-Trainings will be at 3 pm on Thursdays and will alternate between AAC and AT topics. See schedule on back  Click Here for Flyer

Calendar of Trainings for Parents and Staff

Check out the list of trainings offered throughout Contra Costa County (most are free) from the Care Parent Network Training Calendar Here.

"Disobedient, Disruptive, Defiant, and Disturbed Students: Behavioral Interventions for Challenging Students"

Dr. Howard Knoff is the Director of Project ACHIEVE, a comprehensive, evidence-based national school improvement program, and Director of the Arkansas Department of Education's State Improvement/Personnel Development Grant that is funding the statewide implementation of Project ACHIEVE. Dr. Knoff has authored or co-authored 16 books, published over 75 articles and book chapters, and delivered over 500 papers and workshops nationally.

To find out more on this workshop click here.

Special Needs Workshops at the PTA Convention

Three workshops focused on providing support to parents and teachers of children with special needs are being offered to attendees at this year’s California State PTA Convention.

April 29 – May 2 in Sacramento

#108: If You Were Me
Thursday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.
Experience firsthand what it is like to live with different abilities. Learn how to facilitate different ability awareness with the general education population.

#411: A Guide to Managing Teen Anxiety and Panic
Saturday, May 1, 11:00 a.m.
Anxiety can make everything seem unmanageable – from dealing with family and friends to managing schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Learn strategies teens can use to manage extreme anxiety and panic.

#515: Help – My child is Struggling in School!

Saturday, May 1, 2:00 p.m.
Learn practical information about working with your child’s teachers and doctors to assess potential learning disabilities, ADHD, autism and other special needs, and how to navigate the special education process, from writing effective individualized education programs to working collaboratively to implement them effectively so that your child reaches his potential.

You don't have to be a PTA member to attend. Individuals can volunteer for three hours and then attend any events for the remainder of the day for free. Mileage (45 cents/per and parking is paid for). Volunteer jobs include hosts for workshops or stations at doors. Click HERE to sign up as a volunteer.

The 32nd District PTA (Contra Costa County) hosts a dinner Saturday night at 7 p.m. at an estimated cost of $22. Contact Linda Mayo at mayolk@aol.com if you would like to attend.

For more information about registering for Convention, contact your PTA president or visit http://www.capta.org/.