ASK will be closed Monday so staff can observe Martin Luther King Day.







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KEEPING YOU INFORMED
January 15, 2016
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In This Issue...
NEWS
Up-to-date disability-related news and information from various state and national sources
ALTERNATE FORMAT TEXT BOOKS FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
Alternate formats include Braille, Large Print, audio, and digital text 

Teachers and IEP/504 teams should order the textbooks now for next year ASAP so there is a smooth transition to the next grade and classes. 

Schools should order standard grade level books now and any others as soon as they are identified as needed. For example, elementary schools can order the textbooks for students' grade-related subjects, such as social studies or science. Middle or high school students might not have their schedules yet, but their schools will know many of the required classes for each grade level, like Math or science. Schools may be able to confirm electives in advance (as a reasonable IEP accommodation) so alternative format textbooks can be provided in a "timely manner" to students who need them. Remember that the Iowa Department of Education has defined "in a timely manner" as the same time as other students. Follow-up as needed for other textbooks that may be identified later.

More information about Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) and the school's responsibilities can be found in  "AIM Basics for Families". This booklet is available in English and Spanish. 

Contact Jane Gay at 319-356-4463 or jane-gay@uiowa.edu at the Center for Disabilities and Development if you have questions.
OLMSTEAD TASKFORCE NEW MEMBER APPLICATION
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 1 at 5 p.m.

The Olmstead Consumer Taskforce is currently accepting applications for Taskforce membership. 

The Taskforce works to promote implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead decision in public policies and programs at the state and local level, and to raise awareness of what this means for Iowans with disabilities and mental illness. The Taskforce seeks diverse membership from around the state, including adults with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, and others who are strong advocates for the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into all aspects of community life.

Visit this link for more information on the Taskforce and member responsibilities, and a link to the application that can be filled out and submitted online.

Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2016, at 5 p.m.
EPILEPSY MEDICAL JEWELRY
The Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation in Iowa has free medical epilepsy ID bracelets/necklaces, including the new medical ID fabric wristbands and shoe tags for pediatrics Please call the Epilepsy Foundation Iowa office today at 515-238-7660 or email efiowa@efncil.org if you would like one mailed out to you!
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ASK WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JANUARY 18TH

The ASK Resource Center office will be closed on Monday, January 18, in observance of MLK Jr. Day. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 19, at 8:30 a.m.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Information on training events available for parents and professionals in and around the state of Iowa. Find upcoming conferences, webinars, workshops and more!
AT AND APP SUPPORT FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
FREE | January 20 | Webinar | 3 - 4:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Executive function is often described as difficulty with planning, behavior control/regulation, organization and thinking skills. For individuals with autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities or nonverbal learning disabilities, components of executive functioning can limit functional capabilities in all areas of occupation. For students transitioning to post-secondary institutions of higher education, planning, memory and temporal organization are frequent challenges with recalling the who, what, when and where of many tasks. In this webinar, AT Specialists Diana Petschauer and Stacy Briscoll will discuss alternative ways to use assistive technology (AT) for executive function and share apps that can assist adolescents in their journey towards academic achievement and independent living. RSVP


CHARGE WORKSHOP
FREE | March 4 & 5 | West Des Moines

Join the Iowa Deafblind Project for a workshop on strategies for working with children who have CHARGE and challenging behaviors. Our presenter Dr. Kasee Stratton is an international presenter in the area of CHARGE Syndrome, severe multiple disabilities, and deaf-blindness. Dr. Stratton is an assistant professor in School Psychology at Mississippi State University. She is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist. She completed her doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Stratton specializes in providing behavioral assessment and treatment to children who present with a wide variety of developmental delays. She has spent 10 years researching CHARGE Syndrome and related behavioral difficulties.  Learn more

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Connections to events and activities for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the people who serve them
SAVE THE DATE! The 4th Annual Together We Can Conference
May 7, 2016 - Des Moines - FREE for families

Copyright © ASK Resource Center, 2016. All rights reserved.
 
You're among 3,956 others who received this email because you wanted us to keep you informed of the latest disability-related news, educational opportunities, events, and more from in and around the state of Iowa.

 
The contents of this listserv blast were partially funded under grants from the US Department of Education, #H328M140017, Project Officer,David Emenhesier, and a grant from the US Department of Health & Human Services, #H84MC24065, Project Officer, Letitia Manning. The contents of this listserv blast do not necessarily represent the policy of those Departments, and the reader should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. ASK's Family to Family Iowa Project also serves as Iowa's Family Voic es State Affiliate Organization. ASK is also Iowa's Parent to Parent USA Alliance Member.

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