E-News

Changes in IDEA Involve Parents’ Rights

New regulations of the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became effective Dec. 31, 2008, and include two changes of particular importance to parents of children with disabilities: a parent’s right to revoke consent for special education and related services, and representation of parents and schools by non-attorneys in due process hearings. View the full text of the new regulations at PACER.org/legislation/news.asp.

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Free “Practical Strategies for Family Involvement in Correctional Education” Webinar is Jan. 22

Family involvement positively affects the outcomes of youth in the juvenile justice system but can be difficult to implement effectively. This free Webinar will provide constructive examples of ways families can be engaged in the education of their child in the juvenile justice system. Lili Garfinkel and Renelle Nelson from PACER Center will provide an overview of PACER's Juvenile Justice Project, which serves parents and professionals through individual advocacy, training, and the ongoing development of resources. The event is sponsored by the National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk (NDTAC). It’s Thursday, Jan. 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET. To register, visit NDTAC.

Tickets on Sale Now! Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons to Headline PACER's 2009 Benefit!

“Oh, What a Night” it will be when Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons bring their soaring harmonies to PACER Center’s 27th Annual Benefit on Saturday, May 2, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. With smash hits like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Don’t miss this American pop icon! Reserve your tickets now!

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Family Fun Day is Feb. 8

PACER's fourth annual Family Fun Day is Sunday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lindbergh Center in Hopkins. This totally accessible and inclusive family event encourages children of all abilities to make new friends and participate in fun-filled activities led by Captain PACER. Every child receives a medal, a team hankie, and a Dilly Bar compliments of Dairy Queen. Learning Rx is the corporate sponsor for this year’s Family Fun Day. All About Children Pediatrics in Eden Prairie is the corporate sponsor for a new feature, the Creative Art Station. Cost: $5 per person or $25 to sponsor a family who otherwise could not attend. Register now!

Web Site Offers Leadership Training for Parents

A new leadership training curriculum helps empower parents of children with disabilities to advocate for change in their communities. The Parents as Collaborative Leaders curriculum, a project of the University of Vermont and PACER, is now available as 10 PowerPoint modules on the Parents as Collaborative Leaders Web site at uvm.edu/~pcl/modules.php and on PACER’s site at PACER.org.

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Creative Kids Contest is Feb. 28

PACER's fourth annual Creative Kids Contest invites children with disabilities to join PACER and celebrated artist Anthony Whelihan to let their imagination run wild. The winner will have his or her design made into the 2009 PACER greeting card, which will be sold online and at the PACER Benefit. The event is 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Bloomington Art Center. To register or to donate art supplies, e-mail Kelly Lorenz at kelly.lorenz@PACER.org or call 952-838-9000. Space is limited.

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Autism Task Force Invites Survey Participation

The Minnesota Senate Autism Task Force is inviting people affected by autism in Minnesota to participate in a survey. The purpose is to collect data regarding various issues for Minnesotans with autism. The task force will use the data to make recommendations to the state senate and governor. Participation in the survey is voluntary, and your decision about participation will have no impact on your relationship with the state. If you choose to provide contact information at the end of the survey, your responses will not be linked to your contact information. You may forward this survey to other families or professionals you know who may be interested in participating. Surveys will be collected until Feb. 15, 2009. Virginia Richardson, PACER’s parent training manager, is on the task force.

ADA Amendments Act Broadens Employment Protections

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 took effect Jan. 1, 2009, after being signed into federal law in September. The new law restores the U.S. Congress’ original intent to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and broadens protections against employment discrimination for people with disabilities.

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Puppet Volunteer Program Training is Feb. 19

Want a little drama in your life? Become a PACER puppet volunteer! Volunteers memorize scripts and present puppet shows on disability awareness to Twin Cities elementary school students. Volunteers must be available during the school day and have their own transportation. The next volunteer training is Thursday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jen Leuma at 952-838-9000 or e-mail puppets@PACER.org.

Join IBM's World Community Grid

The World Community Grid is an IBM effort to link computers worldwide and put idle computer time to use in aiding projects that benefit humanity. The grid is built upon an IBM infrastructure and includes IBM support. To become part of the grid, members install a small, free software program on their computers. When their computers are on but not being used, the program connects to the World Community Grid’s server, performs computations, and sends the results back to the server. Members’ donated resources help increase the pace of research. Visit worldcommunitygrid.org, click “find a team,” and select “PACER Center.” Join the team! It’s safe and easy.

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