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On the CASE 

 December 2016

In This Issue
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Evanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education (CASE) provides Community, Advocacy, Support and Education for families affected by special needs.


 

CASE is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.


 

From the Director's Desk

Happy Holidays from Evanston CASE!

If you do your shopping via Amazon, sign up for the Amazon Smile at www.smile.amazon.com  program and choose Evanston CASE as your charity.  This simple step will provide us with funds to offer you the programs you have come to appreciate and rely on.  Thank you for thinking of us this holiday season and year round.

I hope you find the contents of this newsletter useful.
 
Cari Levin, LCSW
Founding Executive Director
Winter Break Play Dates
Structure is your best friend!
Its tough to find activities in the community that can provide appropriate support for your child. Winter break can feel long when you are short on ways to keep your child occupied. 

We encourage you to utilize our private Parent Connections Facebook page to make plans with others whose kids have similar interests.  A simple activity will allow your kids to socialize in a safe and structured context and will give you an opportunity for supportive and understanding adult time.  Keep the activity relatively short and end on a successful note.  Use the private message feature to exchange information.  

Some ideas:
  • Play Minecraft
  • Watch a favorite video with a snack
  • Build with Legos
  • Make a craft project
  • Bake cookies
January 2017 Parent Connections Support Groups

January Parent Connections Support Groups will meet on:

Thursday, January 19th at the CASE offices, 1940 Sherman Ave. Suite A in Evanston.
  • Brown bag lunch meeting from 11:30-1:00
  • Evening meeting from 7:00-8:30

FREE Online Individualized SAT Prep Program

Although this program isn't specifically designed for students with special needs, the online, interactive option may work better for some than a class or an expensive tutor.

Kahn Academy and the College Board have partnered to provide a free, online SAT practice program.  To access the program, click HERE.

Practice tests and more
6 official full-length practice tests, plus study and test-taking tips
A tailored practice plan
We'll import your PSAT/NMSQT results and pinpoint your areas for practice
Interactive practice
Thousands of practice questions, video lessons, and hints
Instant feedback
Get constant feedback and progress so you know where you stand

Supreme Court to Rule on Level of Benefit that
Special Education Must Provide Under the IDEA
Written By Jill Calian, Special Education Attorney and CASE Board President

Excerpts:

"As parents and caregivers of children with special needs, we should all be aware that the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to grant review in a special education case.  This case (Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1) will require the Court to decide how much educational benefit must be provided to students who receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA")." 

"In 1982, The Supreme Court held that the education that a child with a disability receives must confer "some educational benefit" and the benefit must provide each child with "access" to an education that is "meaningful."  (Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley ("Rowley")).  The Court is now being called upon to clarify what it meant by "some educational benefit." 

To read the rest of Jill's analysis of the case, click HERE

For more information about this issue, go to Disability Scoop HERE
Smarter Child Discipline
From Additudemag.com

"Instead of using firm and compassionate approaches, parents of ADHDers are often driven into the ignore-nag-yell-punish cycle. Sound familiar? Try these discipline strategies to break that cycle once and for all."

Read more HERE
Medication Questions
From ChildMind.org
The following is a series of articles addressing medications.

"The goal is to help parents make informed decisions and know what questions to ask every step of the way, whether you're starting your child on medication, considering taking him off it or somewhere in between."
-Caroline Miller, Editorial Director

Parents Guide to ADHD Medications
Ritalin or Adderall? Short or long-acting? This guide explains how ADHD meds work, compares different kinds and looks at common side effects.
 
Best Medications for Kids With Anxiety
It may sound confusing, but the "antidepressant" class of medications trumps all others as the most effective, evidence-based choice.
 
Is Your Child Getting the Right Dose?
Why starting medication slowly and observing kids carefully are necessary for successful treatment.
 
How to Take Kids Off Medication
Tips from experts to help make sure your child has a stable transition.
 
Parents Guide to Children and Multiple Medications
What parents should know, and ask, if your child is being prescribed more than one medication.
 
Antipsychotics, Weight Gain and Kids Health
How families can minimize side effects and maximize benefits by making informed choices.