E-News

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ISSUES RESOURCE DOCUMENT ON  RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION

The U.S. Department of Education issued a 40-page resource document May 15 on the use of restraint and seclusion. The publication outlines principles for educators, parents, and other stakeholders to consider when developing or refining policies and procedures to support positive behavioral interventions and avoid the use of restraint and seclusion. The resource is applicable to all students, not just those with disabilities. More

REGISTER NOW FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL MANN SYMPOSIUM

Minnesota teachers, parents, and administrators are invited to attend the Seventh Annual Ted and Roberta Mann Foundation National Symposium about Children’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities on Monday, Aug. 6, 2012. Co-sponsored by PACER Center, the event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington, Minn. Among the keynote speakers will be Michael Maddaus, M.D., who will share the story of his transformation from high school dropout to surgeon. Register online or call (952) 838-9000.

RECEIVE HEALTH UPDATES FROM PACER VIA TEXT MESSAGE

Always on the go? Now families of children and young adults with special health care needs and disabilities can receive timely health information updates via text message from PACER’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center. This new text message service provides specific information on PACER programs, including notice of upcoming workshops, helpful reminders, short tips and ideas, and new resources. Sign up by texting ‘Health’ to 27138. Standard text messaging rates will apply.

THANK YOU FOR BEING CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN!

PACER would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and supporters who made PACER’s 30th Annual Benefit a great success. Earth, Wind & Fire put on a terrific show and the Live Auction and Silent Auction were amazing as always. Funds raised from the Benefit support the many PACER programs that provide free services to families of children and young adults with all disabilities. Mark your calendars for next year’s Benefit on May 11, 2013.

NEW GUIDE HELPS PROMOTE QUALITY INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING PLANS

“Promoting Quality Individualized Learning Plans: A ‘How-to Guide’ Focused on the High School Years” is a new online guide for schools, educators, and other professionals who assist youth with college and career readiness and transition planning. The guide is designed to help schools develop a bridge between college and career readiness efforts through the use of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs). It was published by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, which assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve all youth, including those with disabilities.

PACER ANNOUNCES 2012 CREATIVE KIDS CONTEST WINNER

Congratulations to Juliana Collins, winner of PACER’s seventh annual Creative Kids Contest for children with disabilities. Juliana is a creative, expressive 13-year-old, with ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, and other disabilities, who enjoys communicating with the world through dance and artwork. She also loves animals and the subject of her winning entry is a penguin. Juliana’s artwork will be featured on PACER’s 2012 greeting card. Purchase cards at PACER.org or by calling (952) 838-9000. The cost is $10 per box of eight, and all proceeds support programs to help families.

REGISTER NOW FOR SCHOOL CLIMATE SUMMER INSTITUTE

Register now for the 15th Annual National School Climate Center (NSCC) Summer Institute July 10-12, 2012, at the Winston Preparatory School in New York City. The three-day Institute is designed to support school, district, and state teams, as well as other school, family, and community leaders, in developing school climate improvement plans. This year’s theme is “Promoting Safe, Healthy, Engaged and Democratic K-12 School Communities.” More

WORKSHOP ADDRESSES CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS IN YOUNG CHILDREN

Parents of young children with disabilities and early childhood professionals are encouraged to attend a free workshop, “Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Your Young Child,” on Saturday, June 2, at PACER Center. Families of children ages birth to 5 with developmental delays or disabilities can learn about the stages of development and how to help their child learn acceptable ways to have their needs met.  Learn more

Save the Date
UNITY DAY – WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, 2012

“Make it Orange and Make it End!” is the theme of Unity Day on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, during PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month. On Unity Day, people across America – including celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres – wear orange and link together in schools, communities, and online to send a meaningful message of support for those who have been bullied. Students, parents, educators, and other champions of bullying prevention can help promote  the event on Facebook by choosing ‘Attend’ and ‘Share’ on the Unity Day event page.

PUBLICATIONS

New! Mapping Dreams: The Transition to Adulthood
This book outlines practical steps parents can take to help plan for their child’s transition from high school to adult employment, postsecondary education or training, and independent living. Includes “Talk to Your Child” sections and checklists to help start discussions about your child’s future, and a resource list. 2012. Books are $8 each (free for Minnesota parents). Order ST-40. More

New! Bullying Prevention E-News: Free Monthly Newsletter
Want to know the latest information on PACER’s efforts to prevent bullying in schools, the community, and online? The “PACER Bullying Prevention E-News” is a free electronic newsletter that offers you a new way to receive monthly updates from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Subscribe

CONNECT WITH PACER ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Want to stay up-to-date with all the latest PACER news and happenings? Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PACERCenter. Be the first to hear about PACER news, information, and events, no matter where you are!

PACER Center is a Minnesota nonprofit organization that provides services to families of children and young adults with any disability. More