Archived Webinars

Presenters:
Janell Ray, IBM; Marian Lawlor, IBM; Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center;

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

A large component of the Young Explorer computers is the preloaded early learning software. This webinar gives participants an overview of important software features.

Agenda:

• Overview of KidDesk Features
• Ideas on how to use KidDesk in the Classroom
• Introduction of Early Learning Software (Bailey’s Book House, Millie’s Math House, etc.)
• Review of Young Explorer Binder Materials

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Janell Ray, IBM; Marian Lawlor, IBM; David Smith, Good360; Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center

Running Time: 45 minutes

Description:

Welcome to the KidSmart 2011-2012  Program! Congratulations to the 2011-2012 IBM KidSmart grant recipients. Participants in this webinar will receive an introduction to the 2011-2012 IBM KidSmart program.

Agenda:

• Welcome to KidSmart
• Overview of Program Elements
• Introduction of PACER Team and role
• Role of the Grant Site Coordinator
• Review Good360 Paperwork and important deadlines
• Setting up the Young Explorer (YE) and Technical Support
• Overview of Kidsmartearly.org
• Review Gifts in Kind International (GIKI) Paperwork
• Webinar Topics and Dates

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Judy Swett

Running Time: 23 minutes

Description:

This webinar will provide parents with tips to encourage positive behavior in their young child. It includes basic assumptions about behavior as well as the benefits of using guidance rather than punishment to teach appropriate behavior.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, Tenley McDonald

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

Want to know how to get started with Assistive Technology (AT)? This workshop will provide a brief overview of the many tools and devices available and how AT can improve the lives of people with disabilities. Participants will learn about a number of statewide resources available to help people of all ages acquire and fund needed assistive technology.

Agenda:

Funding for this webinar is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Jonathan Campbell, PACER Center

Running Time: 25 minutes

Description:

The "TeST Virtual College Tour" Webinar is the part of the Teen’s Succeeding with Technology (TeST) project created to help teens explore career options and learn about assistive technology that can help them succeed at school, work, and the community. This Webinar gives students with disabilities a virtual college campus tour to help them discover and explore the many different types of higher education institutions available and answers the questions a student with a disability needs to ask to have a successful experience.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Annette Cerreta and Meghan Kunz

Running Time: 45 minutes

Description:

In this webinar, students were given information regarding creating a personal transition plan using online materials and a variety of multimedia tools, such as PowerPoint, Inspiration, Glogster, and eFolioMinnesota. Students were also introduced to the DO-IT Pals Online Mentoring program.

Agenda:

This project is funded by a Carl D. Perkins Federal Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Andrea Moore

Running Time: 45 minutes

Description:

High school students learn about self-advocacy, how having a disability does not define or limit a person, celebrities with disabilities, attending IEP meetings, various supports and resources post high school (including college and employment), rights and protections of Section 504 of the Rehab Act and the ADA, and understanding what “self-advocacy,” “accommodations,” and “disclosure” mean before and after high school. (Various documents can be found as supporting elements to the webinar content.)

Agenda:

This project is funded by a Carl D. Perkins Federal Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Meghan Kunz, PACER Center, and Annette Cerreta, PACER Center

Running Time: 45 minutes

Description:

The "Career Possibilities: Discover, Explore, Dream!" webinar is the first in a series of three webinars created to help teens explore career options and learn about assistive technology that can help them succeed at school, work, and the community. This webinar introduces teens to several online career resources that can help them identify career interest areas. Students will also learn about resources specific to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career paths. The webinar includes video and audio interviews with several young adults working in STEM related fields.

Agenda:

This project is funded by a Carl D. Perkins Federal Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Barb Ziemke

Running Time: 30 minutes

Description:

This webinar will take you through the process of preparing a one-page “Student Snapshot” of your child. The process of completing the form will help you determine what is most important to you and your child. It will also help you develop the ability to express those concerns and expectations in clear and concise ways.

Before viewing the webinar, please download and print a copy of the publication, Introducing Your Child to the School Community Using a “Student Snapshot” Format  PHP-c160  to refer to during the presentation.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson

Running Time: 23 minutes

Description:

This Webinar gives a close up view of the annual goal section of the IEP. It includes examples and progress measurement.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center; Marian Lawlor, IBM; Janell Ray, IBM

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

2011 KidSmart Partners have had a few months to set up, use and explore all the wonderful features of the software encased in it's colorful kid-friendly furniture. Live and archived software trainings were made available to all KidSmart participants. In this webinar participants gathered to share and celebrate the success stories occurring in their classrooms. KidSmart partners were able to connect with each other and celebrate the success stories and news reports submitted by participants. The success stories are heart-warming and inspiring.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:

Nadine Taylor
Public Health Nurse Consultant
MN Dept. of Health,  MN Children & Youth with Special Health Needs Program

Wendy Ringer
Coordinator, Family to Family Health Information Center
PACER Center

Judy Swett
Coordinator, Early Childhood
PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This webinar is designed to inform families about Medical Assistance for children with disabilities and special health care needs, (MA/TEFRA). Topics to be discussed will include eligibility, how to apply, disability determination and documentation, and parental fees. This webinar is presented by the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Children and Youth with Special Health Needs Program in collaboration with PACER Center.

Agenda:

Funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Special Education. The source of the funds comes from federal awards, Special Education-Part B 619. This webinar is also funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Services for Children with Special Needs.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Jonathan Campbell, Bridget Gilormini

Running Time: 2 hours

Description:

Come discover the wonderful world of apps for education. This workshop will help you navigate and maximize your use of the iPod/iPad by looking at a variety of apps for education. The presenters will take you on an app adventure and share a variety of apps for education in categories including: early childhood, literacy, autism, communication, organization, and more. Apps are presented by Category in alphabetical order. For an overview of the apps demonstrated and the order they are presented in refer to the handout titled “Just the Apps and Nothing but the Apps Handout.” Apps in bold are demonstrated in this video.

Agenda:

Funding for this webinar is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson, Senior Advocate, PACER Center & Barb Ziemke, Senior Advocate, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

Something new maybe happening at your child's IEP meetings. There is a new or renewed focus on academic success and helping students with disabilities learn what all children are learning. This Webinar will help parents understand concepts involved in this process so you can participate more effectively in IEP planning.

Agenda:

This Webinar is presented with partial funding from the Minnesota Department of Education

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Meghan Kunz, Assistive Technology Specialist, Simon Technology Center
Tara Bakken, Assistive Technology Specialist, Simon Technology Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

All About Digital Media will start with a brief overview of digital book terminology and building awareness of file formats. The focus of this webinar will be on discussing and comparing various technologies, software and devices, for reading digital books. Technology categories include: text reading programs, scan and read programs, software programs to play audio books, portable hardware (and companion software if applicable) that play text files and/or audio files. Attendees should walk away with an understanding of the differences between these technologies and how to pair digital books with the appropriate software and devices.

Agenda:

Funding for this webinar is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tara Bakken PACER Center and Meghan Kunz PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This webinar includes an overview of AIM including; specialized formats, sources for obtaining specialized formats including the NIMAC repository for NIMAS files, and accessible media producers in Minnesota. In addition the laws pertaining to AIM and their use will also be reviewed and include; Copyright Law, Reauthorization of IDEA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The student consideration process for AIM as well as the instructors consideration process for AIM will be outlined and several resources will be shared.

Agenda:

Funding for this webinar is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is rom federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Joy Zabala, Technical Assistance Director – CAST/National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

In this webinar specifically focused on the family perspective, CAST provides an introductory overview of legal issues, specialized formats, sources of formats and supports. The session also includes a brief introduction to a decision-making process for families and educators.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:

Heather Kilgore, Parent Advocate, PACER Center
Deborah Ottman, Parent Advocate, PACER Center

Running Time: 37 minutes

Description:

When parents try to improve services for all children with disabilities, not just their own child,—this is called advocating for systems change. This webinar will explain how parents of children with disabilities can help change systems by telling their own personal stories. By sharing a personal story with the right people, parents can help improve services and supports for children with disabilities and their families.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:

Carolyn Anderson
Senior Advocate and Grants Coordinator

Jill O'Gorman
Parent Advocate and Trainer

Running Time: 40 minutes

Description:

Parents of children with disabilities often ask, "How will I know my child is learning and making progress?"  This Webinar will help parents answer that question as they learn how to gather information from special education and general education sources.  Parents will learn how to use this information to help their child.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson, Parent Advocate and Trainer, PACER Center and Vava Guthrie, Parent Advocate and Trainer, PACER Center

Running Time: 43 minutes

Description:

This free webinar will explore ways that parents can become more active members of their child’s special education team at school.  Parents will find ways to become equal partners in the special education process.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Judy Swett, Early Childhood Coordinator, PACER Center Carolyn Anderson, Senior advocate and grants coordinator, PACER Center

Running Time: 42 minutes

Description:

Parents have an active role in early intervention and  early childhood special education services. In this webinar, Parents will learn the importance of their role when working with early childhood professionals and learn skills to more effectively communicate with them.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Presenter and panel facilitator, Dixie Jordan, is a nationally certified cultural competence trainer and a board member of the National Federation of Families. She has conducted more than 600 trainings, presentations, and keynotes nationally on topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), diversity, and early childhood. Dixie is joined by PACER Center’s multicultural parent advocates: Jesus Villasénor, Dao Xiong, Hassan Samantar and Bonnie Jean Smith.

Running Time: 75 minutes

Description:

This webinar is designed for early childhood care and education providers and early intervention and early childhood special education professionals. Culture is embodied in the ordinary things we do – how we speak, greet parents, organize a meeting, or provide a service. When important belief systems are breached, providers run the risk of offending a family, even when that is not the intent. A unique panel of parents who are also advocates and experts in diversity will suggest strategies they have found to be effective for building collaboration with families.

Agenda:

This activity is made possible with funding from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is federal award, State Personnel Development Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Meghan Kunz, PACER Center & Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices offer a voice for people who have limited speech and language abilities. This Webinar explored the continuum of tools available that can aid in expressive communication for those who may rely on others to interpret or speak for them. A variety of devices, strategies, and resources were shared. The Webinar also covered how and where to find AAC devices for loan and demonstration through a variety of Minnesota programs.

Agenda:

1. PACER and The Simon Technology Center
2. What is Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)
3. Selecting the Right Device
4. Low-Tech/No Tech – High-Tech Options
5. Minnesota AAC Lending Library Resources
6. Webinar Evaluations

This Webinar was funded through the STAR Program by the Rehabilitation Services Administration under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004 (p.L. 108-364).

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson, PACER Center & Barb Ziemke, PACER Center

Running Time: 1hour, 40 minutes

Description:

Transition planning is an important step in preparing your child for life after high school. Planning should begin by the 9th grade. Participants at this webinar will learn about using the special education process and the IEP (Individualized Education Program) to help their child achieve their dreams and goals. This webinar is for Minnesota parents of children who receive special education services.

Agenda:

This webinar is made possible through partial funding from the MN Department of Education.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Pat Anderson, PACER Center, Vava Guthrie, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This free webinar will explore six skills Minnesota parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability. Find out why it is important to understand your child’s disability, know your school district, know your rights and responsibilities, effective communication and what your dispute resolution options are.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tara Bakken, PACER Center & Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center

Running Time: 75 minutes

Description:

Want to know how to get started with Assistive Technology (AT)? This workshop will provide a brief overview of the many tools and devices available and how AT can improve the lives of people with disabilities. Participants will learn about a number of statewide resources available to help people of all ages acquire and fund needed assistive technology.

Agenda:

1. PACER and The Simon Technology Center
2. Defining Assistive Technology (AT)
3. Assistive Technology
4. Minnesota Library and Other Resources
5. Webinar Evaluations

This Webinar was funded through the STAR Program by the Rehabilitation Services Administration under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004 (p.L. 108-364).

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tenley, McDonald, PACER Center; Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center; and Terry Steele, IBM

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

This Webinar introduced participants to assistive technology and other resources for young learners. Assistive Technology consists of tools, software and hardware that help someone do something they could not do. Something you may be familiar with, are different sized keyboards and mouse for young learners.

TraduceloAhora! and Reading Companion were two IBM resources shared with participants. TraduceloAhora! is an IBM Translation tool that users find beneficial in bridging language barriers. Users have the ability to have English Web sites translated into Spanish. Users can also use a feature to have email communications between parents and teachers translated. Reading Companion is a Web based literacy tool. Contact your IBM CCCA Manager for more information on these exciting tools.

Whether new to assistive technology or knowledgeable about assistive technology all participants will find this overview helpful. Learn about technology tools that help children who struggle with learning reach their full potential.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson and Barb Ziemke, Co-Coordinators, PACER's Statewide SEAC Project

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This one hour Webinar introduced SEAC members and special education directors or administrators to MnSEACInfo.org features and resources, guided participants through online training modules designed  to increase the effectiveness of local SEACs, helped SEAC members understand strategies to use the new resources at the local level and exchanged information and strategies with fellow participants through a Q & A session.

Agenda:

This activity was made possible with funding by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Dixie Jordan, Hassan Samantar, Bonnie Jean Smith, Jesus Villasenor, Dao Xiong. Moderator: Barb Ziemke

Running Time: 2 hours

Description:

This Webinar is designed for early childhood care and education providers and early intervention and early childhood special education professionals or anyone who wants to increase their effectiveness in working with families from diverse cultures, especially those who have a young child with developmental concerns or delays.

It is for everyone who has ever wondered:

• How can I avoid offending a parent who is from a culture different from my own?
• How can I approach a parent about concerns I have about their child's development?
• How can I respond to families who express concerns about their child's development?
• How can I help families be comfortable in expressing their opinions and proposing solutions?
• How can I support family decisions, even when I do not personally agree?

Agenda:

Part I: Serving Diverse Families in Minnesota
   -Diversity and Communication
   -Focus on Family Strengths
   -Strategies for Working with Families

Keynote presenter Dixie Jordan is a nationally certified cultural competence trainer, and a board member of the National Federation of Families. She has conducted more than 600 trainings, presentations, and keynotes nationally on topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), diversity, and early childhood.

Part II: Practical Tips for Successful Interactions
A panel of parent advocates representing Hispanic, Hmong, Somali and Native American diversities will present specific techniques to engage parents from diverse cultures. Presenters will discuss strategies that work as well as potential pitfalls in building effective relationships.

Part III: Q & A’s (optional)

This activity is made possible with funding from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is a federal award, State Personnel Development Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Annette Cerreta, PACER Center, and Tara Bakken, PACER Center

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

This workshop was designed to help parents and professionals sort through an increasing number of options for accessing digital books for students with print-related disabilities. Even if participants had minimal experience with computers and the Internet, they learned how to find and use digital books in formats that learners can use.

Topics included:

• What are digital books? In what formats are they available?
• Why are digital books important for students with disabilities?
• Where can I obtain digital books for my student?
• What software and hardware are needed to access digital books?
• Can schools provide digital textbooks?
• How do copyright laws affect students with print disabilities?

Participants learned about several online resources, software programs, and devices that can be used to access and customize digital books to meet the needs of students with print disabilities.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Jonathan Campbell, PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the fifth and final workshop in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.  Now that you have some great new knowledge about assistive technology what do you do with it?  How can you go deeper and acquire more knowledge about assistive technology?  Where do you go if you have questions about assistive technology beyond this workshop series?  Participants learned about available regional and state resources to help them get answers to frequently asked assistive technology questions.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tara Bakken, PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, PACER Center

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the fourth in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.  Participants received an overview of assistive technology supports for reading, writing, and math curricula. The session included demonstrations, and information on useful Internet resources, technology vendor links and more.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Vava Guthrie, PACER Parent Trainer and Advocate

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

Like all public schools, charter schools receive federal funds and therefore must follow federal and state laws, including those that address education for children with disabilities.

In the on-line webinar, parents and professionals are invited to learn about:

• Federal and state laws regarding charter schools
• Questions for parents to ask when considering charter school enrollment
• Evaluation
• The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Working together

Followed by optional Q&A

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center, and Tenley McDonald, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the third in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.  Participants were given an overview of the consideration process as mandated by IDEA and were introduced to the “Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual.”  Participants also learned about state and local resources for trying, acquiring and funding assistive technology.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Swett, Early Childhood Coordinator, and Kim Kang, Director of Public Policy and Early Childhood

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes the important role families play in their children’s lives. Families know their child’s strengths, interests, and frustrations, and so they must be included in the evaluation process and in developing outcomes for their child. This free workshop will provide a brief overview of topics to help parents of children, ages 0 -3, understand the early intervention system in Minnesota.

Participants will learn about:

• Families’ rights, roles, and responsibilities in the early intervention system
• How to make a referral
• The evaluation process
• Development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Services in the natural environment
• How to resolve differences

Followed by optional Q&A

Agenda:

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Annette Cerreta, PACER Center, and Tenley McDonald, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the second in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. Participants were introduced to the continuum of assistive technology and the relevant legal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tips were given about selecting appropriate assistive technology solutions.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Barb Ziemke, PACER Parent Trainer and Advocate

Running Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Description:

This on-line workshop for parents of children with disabilities will address these questions:

• What is educational inclusion?
• How can parents use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process to plan for inclusion?
• How does the IEP team decide what is the least restrictive environment?
• Why is it important to have access to the general curriculum?
• Why and how should my child participate in district and state assessments?
• What is the state of educational inclusion in the United States and in Minnesota?

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Ames, PACER Center, Annette Cerreta, PACER Center, and Jonathan Campbell, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the first in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. Participants learned how to participate in a Webinar, troubleshoot potential problems, find free assistive technology Webinar resources and gained an overview of the rest of this Webinar series.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson and Vava Guthrie, PACER Parent Trainer and Advocates

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

The special education process can be compared to building a house. There is a logical order to both. This workshop will cover how to use the building blocks of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop appropriate services for your student.

Participants will learn about:

• understanding parental rights and responsibilities
• building a foundation for the Individualized Education
• Program (IEP)
• involving the IEP team
• developing the IEP
• meeting educational standards
• resolving differences

Agenda:

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Pat Anderson and Vava Guthrie, Parent Trainer and Advocates

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

This on-line workshop is designed to provide participants the options and outcomes of dispute resolution. Communication strategies and problem-solving tips will be included to increase participants’ knowledge about dispute resolution.

The workshop will help participants:

• Understand dispute resolution options
• Reduce disagreements through effective communication
• Know which option to choose in various situations
• Learn how to develop and organize important special education records
• Participants will need a computer and phone line. The webinar can be accessed at home, school or business.

Agenda:

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Ames, PACER Center and Meghan Kunz, PACER Center

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

Many learners understand what they see better than what they hear. For these learners, visual strategies can be a powerful tool in helping learners understand directions, expectations, schedules, sequences and more. This workshop, part of a series funded in part by Autism Speaks, will lay a foundation for understanding what visual strategies are and how to use them.

Agenda:

These events are made possible by a grant from Autism Speaks. The authors of this publication hereby acknowledge Autism Speaks Family Community Grants as the funding agency for the project leading to this publication. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily express or reflect the views of Autism Speaks or any other funding agency.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Dixie Jordan, Lucy Favorite, Hassan Samantar, Bonnie Jean Smith, Jesus Villasenor, Dao Xiong and Judy Swett. Moderator: Barb Ziemke.

Running Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes

Description:

This webinar is designed for early childhood intervention and early childhood special education professionals who want to increase their effectiveness in working with young children with disabilities from diverse cultures. It is for everyone who has ever wondered:

• "How can I avoid offending a parent who is from a culture different from my own?"
• "How can I help families be comfortable in expressing their opinions and proposing solutions?"
• "How can I support their decisions, even when I do not agree?"
• "How can I help the family determine family-directed outcomes based on their concerns, needs, and priorities?"

Agenda:

Part I: "Serving Diverse Families: Strategies for Early Childhood Service Providers."

• Diversity and Communication
• Focus on the Family
• Preparing for the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Meeting
• Strategies for Working with Families
• Checking Your Skills

Keynote presenter Dixie Jordan is a nationally certified cultural competence trainer and a board member of the National Federation of Families. She has conducted more than 600 trainings, presentations, and keynotes nationally on topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), diversity, and early childhood.

Part II - "Practical Tips for Successful Interactions." A panel presentation by PACER’s multicultural parent advocates, Lucy Favorite, Hassan Samantar, Bonnie Jean Smith, Jesús Villaseñor, and Dao Xiong.

Part III - "From Family Concerns to Family-directed Outcomes." A case study exercise presented by PACER’s early childhood project coordinator, Judy Swett.

Additional Webinar Q & A's

Please Note: PACER's multicultural advocates responded to participant's questions regarding the May, 2008 webinar presentation content. There was not time to respond to the following related questions during the live webinar. It is important to read these responses in the context of the entire presentation. It is also essential to understand that all families are different, even within a specific culture. Rather than making assumptions at an individual family level, it is always appropriate to ask questions to increase understanding.
See Additional Q & A's

 

These materials were developed in part with funding from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is a federal award, State Personnel Development Grant CFDA 84.323A.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.