E-News

Webinar Offers Free Training for Members of Minnesota Special Education Advisory Committees

Every school district has a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), whose members strive to increase the effective involvement of parents of children with disabilities in school district policy and decision-making. “Gearing Up for SEAC Success: Introducing New MnSEACInfo.org Tools and Resources” is a live, interactive Webinar that will help SEAC members discover new tools and resources, exchange information and strategies with peers, find out about new Web site features, and learn how to use the “SEAC Strategies for Success” online training modules with their local groups. It’s on Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (central). Pre-registration by Nov. 27 is required. Register

Federal and Military Employees Can Donate to PACER During Workplace Charity Drive

If you are a federal civilian, military, or postal employee, you are eligible to contribute to PACER Center through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity drive at your workplace. Look for PACER in your local campaign booklet under the Children’s Charities of America (CCA) heading or alphabetically. You also can watch a video about one of PACER’s programs by visiting cfcvideospeakersbureau.org and entering PACER as the keyword. To designate your gift to PACER, use code 12272. This code is unique to PACER and should be used under any heading where you see PACER’s name listed. The charity drive will run from September through mid-December. Contribute at your workplace this fall to keep PACER’s important programs available at no charge! More

CDC Offers Flu Information and Resources for Parents of Children with High-risk Medical Conditions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed “Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: For Parents Who Have Children or Adolescents with High-Risk Medical Conditions.” The brochure provides specific information regarding what children are considered to be at risk, including those with asthma; neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions; chronic lung disease; heart disease; disorders of the blood, kidney, or liver; disorders of the endocrine or metabolic systems; and more. View it

State Survey Looks at Technology Use Among People with Developmental Disabilities

A new survey has compared how Minnesotans with and without developmental disabilities use information technology. Commissioned by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the 2009 telephone survey includes these findings: Compared to the general population, households where there are persons with developmental disabilities tend to use technology more for creative self-expression and to enhance inclusion in community activities. These households also expressed more interest in keeping up with the latest technologies and learning more about the ways in which technology devices can help them live better. More

Make a Difference with PACER’s Starter Puppet Package

Teach preschool and elementary children about disabilities in a positive, entertaining way with PACER’s starter puppet package, a cost-effective way for schools and organizations to acquire the popular COUNT ME IN® disability awareness puppets and scripts. Supplements to the starter package include additional puppets and scripts focusing on topics such as autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and, beginning in 2010, bullying prevention. For more information on purchasing the puppets and scripts for your school or organization, visit PACER.org/puppets, call PACER at 952-838-9000, or e-mail puppets@PACER.org.

ALLIANCE National Parent Technical Assistance Center Institutes are Jan. 27 – 29

The ALLIANCE National Parent Technical Assistance Center at PACER will be holding topical institutes Jan. 27 – 29, 2010, in Crystal City, Va. The sessions will bring together Parent Training and Information Center and Community Parent Resource Center leaders from across the country to engage in two conference strands: children's mental health and nonprofit management. More information will be available soon.

PACER's Gone Digital!

Social media is taking the world by storm, and PACER Center is on board! PACER’s Facebook page, Twitter page, and YouTube channel let you and PACER stay connected, anytime, anywhere. Parent Centers can find their social media connection with the ALLIANCE at taalliance.org. So, friend us, follow us, and watch us today with just the click of a button! More

Publications

Serving on Local Special Education Committees
This CD curriculum provides information for parents who may be new to participating on special education stakeholder or advisory committees. Call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 and order item ALL-62. The cost is $15. More

Special Education: What Do I Need to Know?
This CD curriculum for underserved and underrepresented families provides a basic overview of the special education process. Available in English and Spanish. 28 slides, 2007. Call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 and order item ALL-58. The cost is $15. More

Programs and Resources

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