E-News

Join the Movement! October is National Bullying Prevention Month, Sponsored by PACER

There are still plenty of ways to show your support during PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month. On Oct. 26, dance, sing, and make a statement against bullying by joining PACER’s Unity Dance Day. During the month, you can purchase the new children’s book “Just Like You,” which teaches young children the importance of inclusion, and choose to have the proceeds donated directly to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. You can also show your support by becoming a national partner or champion against bullying. For more information on PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month and how you can be involved, visit PACER.org/bullying.

Explore Assistive Technology at Simon Technology Center’s Open House

Sample assistive technology (AT) and learn how it can make a difference for children and adults with disabilities at the annual Simon Technology Center Open House. It’s Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at PACER Center. The popular annual event for children, parents, and professionals includes demonstrations of AT and resources on how AT can support academics, as well as fun, interactive activities for both children and adults. The event is free, and registration is requested. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend! Register

Federal Regulations Concerning Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Take Effect Oct. 28

The final Part C regulations for the early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities were published in the Federal Register last month and become effective Oct. 28. The regulations focus on measuring and improving outcomes for children served by the Part C program, with the goal of ensuring that these children are ready for preschool and kindergarten. More

New PBS Documentary Chronicles the Disability Rights Movement

A new PBS documentary, “Lives Worth Living,” will tell the story of America’s disability rights movement, from its beginning following World War II through the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It airs Thursday, Oct. 27, on PBS. Check local listings for viewing times. More

New InfoBrief Discusses Bullying in the Workplace

A new InfoBrief, “Bullying and Disability Harassment in the Workplace: What Youth Should Know,” is designed to help youth, including youth with disabilities, recognize signs of bullying in the workplace. The brief offers examples of bullying situations at work and offers strategies to help address the issue. It was developed by PACER Center in partnership with the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth.

Families Needed for Survey Assessing Flu Prevention and Treatment for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Use your knowledge, opinions, and experiences to help improve the health and well-being of all children with special health care needs. You can do so by taking a survey conducted by Family Voices, Inc. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about families’ experiences with the flu and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Take the survey in English or Spanish.

Minnesota Governor Designates October Bullying Prevention Month

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton officially declared October 2011 as Bullying Prevention Month in Minnesota. The signed proclamation defines bullying and outlines the negative effects bullying has on all children. More

Survey for Parents Will Assess Community Services for Children with Special Needs

The newly founded National Center for Ease of Use of Community-Based Services is conducting a survey for parents of children with special needs on the effectiveness of community-based services. Results from the survey will be used to help the Center identify what’s working, what’s not, and how it can better help children receive the health care services they need. Take the survey here.

PACER Publications

New! Accessible Instructional Materials: Basics for Families – Also a Spanish Version
This PACER booklet helps parents decide whether their child needs accessible instructional materials (AIM), what specialized format the student needs, how to access these materials, and what supports the student needs to use AIM. Free to Minnesota families of children with disabilities. Order STC-23 for the English version and STC-23s for the Spanish version.

Family-to-Family Health Information Center Flyer

Display this flyer for PACER’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center in clinic waiting rooms, hospitals, and organizations that serve children with disabilities and/or special health care needs. The flyer provides information about services offered through the health information center and how the center can help you. Free to Minnesota families of children with disabilities. Order HIAC-h25.

Great Opportunities

United Way and CFC Can Support PACER
PACER Center is eligible for donations made through United Way campaigns and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the workplace charity campaign for federal civilian, military, and postal employees. PACER is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

United Way
The United Way accommodates employees wanting to support PACER. United Way pledge cards have a Donor Choice location in which to write PACER’s name and address (PACER Center, Inc., 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55437).

CFC
Look for PACER in your local campaign booklet under the Children’s Charities of America (CCA) heading or alphabetically. You can also see a video about a PACER program 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 will be needed under any heading where you see PACER’s name listed.

For information on how to support PACER through the United Way, CFC, or other workplace charity campaigns, call PACER’s development office at (952) 838-9000 or visit PACER.org