Families Together, Inc.
          Connections         Winter 2014

A quarterly publication from Families Together, Inc., the Parent Training and Information Center and Health Information Center for the state of Kansas

In This Issue:
  
Upcoming 
Events

 

 Wichita - Jan. 11, 2014  

Garden City - Feb. 14-15, 2014
 
Wichita - March 1, 2014

 
Lawrence - April 25-26, 2014
 
Salina - Sept. 19-20, 2014
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What if the school team decides that the child is no longer eligible for special education services, but the parents refuse to consent to the child exiting from services?  See page 5

From the 
Director's Desk

Dear Parents and

Education Advocates: 

  

 As we look forward to another year, it is customary to make some resolutions. In keeping with that idea, here are some you might consider:

 

1. Take stock of your relationships with your child's teacher, school personnel, health care providers, and others. Are you doing all you can to be a great partner with them for your child? What one step could you take to help them help your child? 

See page 3

Kansas City TEC

On November 8, 2013 Families Together hosted a "Youth to Adulthood" Team Empowerment Conference at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. This conference served families that have a child/youth with a disability and/or special healthcare needs and the professionals that assist them.  See page 7

Families Make
the Difference

 Families Together, Inc. founded in 1982, serves as the Parent Training and Information Center and Family to Family Health Information Center for Kansas and provides opportunities for families to come together and meet other families who are navigating the special education and disability services maze.  Each year, Families Together, Inc. provides, without fees, direct support to thousands of Kansas families.  In addition, through workshops, conferences and partnerships with state, local and national organizations, Families Together provides training to more than 1,000 families and professionals working with children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs.

 

 

 

Assistive Technology for Kansans

Technology is a part of everyone's daily life now. Whether you're using a bank ATM, updating a Facebook page, or texting on a cellphone, technology is a part of our lives. Assistive technology can benefit children with developmental delays as well as adults with disabilities or health conditions.  See page 1

Family Story

About four years ago I was struggling to find my way with my daughter. Alisha has a very rare disease. It is called carbonic anhydrous type ll deficiency with renal tubular acidosis and osteoptrosis. The worst part of this disease is the osteoptrosis. It is a bone disease that has resulted in 22 broken bones.

See page 3

Tecnologia Asistencial

los Residentes de Kansas

 

La tecnolog�a es parte de nuestra vida hoy en d�a. No importa si estas usando el cajero autom�tico, actualizando su p�gina de Facebook, o mandando un texto en su celular, la tecnolog�a es parte de nuestras vidas. La tecnolog�a asistencial puede beneficiar los ni�os con retraso del desarrollo al igual que adultos con discapacidades o condiciones de salud. See page 3

Special Education Advisory Council

 

The purpose of the Kansas State Special Education Advisory Council is to provide policy guidance to the State Board of Education with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in the state. The Council meets as mandated by both the State and Federal Legislation. See page 2

What is an Individualized Health 
Care Plan?

 

The Individualized Health Care Plan (IHP) is a written document for each student with a specific special health care need within the school environment.  The team that develops the IHP includes parents, school professionals, school nurse, the student (when appropriate), and student's health care provider (if possible).  An IHP should be attached to the student's individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Section 504 Plan, if applicable or can be a separate document.

See page 6

Education Advocate 

EDADLOGO_1

 

The first semester of school has reached an end. That means  semester grades and progress reports It also means semester grades and progress reports!   Please take the time to contact your child's primary teacher and make sure you receive these important updates. Also, take a moment to evaluate your effectiveness as an advocate. See page 5

Our Centers

 

Garden City Center

888.820.6364

620.276.6364

 

Kansas City Center

877.499.5369

913.287.1970

 

Topeka Center

800.264.6343

785.233.4777

 

Wichita Center

888.815.6364

316.945.7747

 

 Toll free numbers are for parents and education advocates only.