Read about scholarships and upcoming trainings for young people transitioning to adulthood and their parents.







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KEEPING YOU INFORMED
January 25, 2016
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In This Issue...
NEWS
Up-to-date disability-related news and information from various state and national sources
ADVERSE EXPERIENCES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD & KINDERGARTEN OUTCOMES
From American Academy of Pediatrics 
A recent study looking at data on over 1000 children found that going through traumatic experiences before age 5 was strongly associated with below-average language, literacy and math skills, as well as aggression and social problems in kindergarten. The authors point out that these problems, in turn, are associated with poor adult health and well-being. They conclude that the findings of this study underscore the importance of integrated cross-sector approaches to support the development of vulnerable young children. See the press release here. The findings are published in the February 2016 issue of Pediatrics (published online January 14, 2016).
CAPITOL DAY GRANTS
From ID Action
ID Action will provide eight (8) Capitol Day grants up to $500 each for advocacy training and support to local advocacy groups who are interested in meeting with their legislators at the Iowa State Capitol and advocating on behalf of disability related issues. Learn more
NEW EARLY LEARNING RESEARCH NETWORK LAUNCHED
From Institute for Education Sciences
A recent press release from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) announced the launch of a new Early Learning Research Network , which will examine why many children experience academic and social difficulties as they begin elementary school. The Network will focus on identifying malleable factors (such as state and local policies, instructional practices, parental support, and others) that are associated with early learning and achievement from preschool through the early elementary school grades. The ultimate goal is to increase the field's understanding and implementation of policies and programs that support early learning and promote ongoing academic success.
ABLE ACCOUNT OR SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST: HOW TO DECIDE
Financial planning information and upcoming webinar
The tax planning season is here and many families are thinking about the future planning options available for their child with disabilities or special health care needs. The most recent issue of Parenting Special Needs Magazine features  an article about financial planning that breaks down the major differences between special needs trusts and the Stephen Beck Jr Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act).  ASK is sharing this article with permission from Parenting Special Needs Magazine, copyright 2016, Parenting Special Needs LLC. Iowa is one of the 41 states that passed the state legislation required by the act Congress passed.  It is our understanding the IRS rules are not yet complete.
 
Save the date to attend ASK's free webinar presented by Cedar Rapids-based financial planning consultant Frank A. Varvaris on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from noon - 1:00 p.m. Details and registration link will be released in the next Keeping You Informed.
LEARNING DISABILITY SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATION AVAILABLE
From the Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa
Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa Scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors with learning disabilities who plan to enroll in post-secondary education (college, vocational, or fifth-year program) in the fall of 2016. Learn more
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!
PLANNING FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS 
FREE | April 16 | 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Sioux City
ASK and the Department of Education, and Northwest AEA invite youth, their families, and professionals who support them to attend a mini-conference filled with information and resources related to life after high school. It's  NEVER too early to start planning! More information and registration coming soon! Contact Lori Moore at [email protected]  if you have questions.
SECONDARY TRANSITION FAMILY PLANNING FOR PARENTS/EDUCATORS
FREE | April 18 & 19 | Albia, IA | Great Prairie AEA Office
This two-day workshop is intended to help teachers & parents learn how to assist families in 
their understanding of the special education transition process in Iowa and how to participate
effectively. This course will provide information, resources and a supportive environment for teachers and parents to ask questions about the transition process. Participants will receive 
the four parent transition planning modules created by the Iowa Department of Education and PACER:
  • From Disability to Possibility:The Power of High Expectations in Transition Planning
  • Road to Discovery Transition to Adult Living, Learning and Working
  • Taking the Next Step: Planning for Success in Postsecondary Education
  • Exploring and Preparing for Work as an Adult
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Connections to events and activities for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the people who serve them
WORKFORCE INNOVATIVE & OPPORTUNITY ACT PUBLIC MEETING
Feb. 11, 2016 | Capitol Complex | Des Moines 
The Core Partners have developed the Unified State Plan to set forth a bold mission to create greater opportunities for employers and job seekers in the State of Iowa. They invite you to come for public comment and  to hear from these Core Partners on the Unified Plan. You're invited to share in the vision for achieving great success in implementing a job-driven model of employment and training.  During these meetings, you will be given the opportunity to hear first-hand about the plan and ask questions to generate greater solutions. 
  • Meeting Date: Feb. 11, 2016
  • Where: Wallace State Office Building, Auditorium, Capital Complex, Des Moines, IA
  • Times: 9 a.m. - noon; or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
2016 WALKS FOR EPILEPSY - REGISTER NOW!
Hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of North/Central Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska Various Dates & Locations
April 30, 2016:
Iowa Walk for Epilepsy at Jordan Creek Mall in  West Des Moines
May 14, 2016:
Iowa Walk for Epilepsy  Dubuque
June 4, 2016:
Iowa Walk for Epilepsy and 5K in  Iowa City
September 10, 2016:
Dash to Bash Epilepsy at Mount Trashmore in Cedar Rapids (details and registration to come at a later date)

Mark Your Calendar:
The keynote speaker and conference agenda 
will be announced in the coming month! 
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 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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