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Do you have a story you would like included in our quarterly digital magazine, Exceptional Times? If so, don't hesitate to get in touch with Bebe Bode at 504-888-9111 or bbode@fhfofgno.org to discuss.

You could be featured as our next cover story.

The Office of Special Education Programs is committed to supporting states in improving educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities and to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities.

This guidance provides states with accessible and actionable information necessary to exercise their general supervision responsibilities to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living; and that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected. 

Likewise, this guidance provides states with information to support the implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

• Dear Colleague Letter on General Supervision Responsibilities 
• Guidance on State General Supervision Responsibilities

A scammer posing as a DCFS employee recently targeted clients through Facebook Messenger using LiveChat. The imposter, claiming to be from the "Support Team" falsely promises that benefits payments will be made to the individual's account. The LiveChat, operated by an unknown source, specifically asked our clients to provide personal information, including their phone number and a picture of their driver's license or identification cards. Please be cautious of any such claims and remember that direct communication regarding benefits and assistance will occur through official DCFS channels only. 

Remember, DCFS will NEVER ask for your personal data on social media.

See examples and get safety tips.

The Positive Solutions Family Routine Guide is used by parents and caregivers of children ages 2-5 years.

This Family Routine Guide can assist parents and caregivers in developing a plan to support young children who are using challenging behavior.

Children engage in challenging behavior for a variety of reasons, but all children use challenging behavior to communicate messages.

Challenging behavior, typically, communicates a need to escape or avoid a person or activity or communicates a desire to obtain someone or something. Once caregivers understand the purpose or meaning of the behavior, they can begin to select strategies to change the behavior. They can do this by selecting prevention strategies, teaching new skills, and changing the way they respond to eliminate or minimize the challenging behavior.

The Family Routine Guide includes strategies for the common routines and activities that occur during the family's week. 

Inclusion and the Law

Monday, August 14, 2023

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Anti-Discrimination Laws & Students with Disabilities

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Our learning opportunities are designed to help empower parents and self-advocates to become brighter and stronger advocates for themselves or their child with a disability.

Accessibility Accommodations are available for Louisiana Families,

Upon Request | Email sblackmon@fhfofgno.org

Check out our RSA Independent Futures That Work page under the PTI tab on our website bar. Here you will find many resources for students transitioning from school to adulthood. These resources will help youth with disABILITIES develop the skills needed to live the best life possible. Resources will also provide support to families and professionals as they help young adults transition to adult life.

The Office of the Governor, including the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund and Louisiana Youth for Excellence is hosting a Back-to-School event in five parishes statewide with the goal of serving 10, 000 youth. There will be free school supplies (first come, first served), games and activities!

Thursday, August 3, 2023

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Terrebonne Parish Library

151 Library Drive, Houma, LA

Saturday, August 5, 2023

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Washington Community Health Center

2807 S Columbia Street

Bogalusa, LA 70427

Sunday, August 13, 2023

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

J's Cuttin' Above The Rest

809 Main Street

St. Martinville, LA

Prepping for Progress

August 2 - 4, 2023

A Free Virtual Conference for Parents and Educators

Friday, August 25, 2023, between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the East Bank Regional Library, A/V Conference Room - 2nd Floor, for an empowering event hosted by the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans (ASGNO) in partnership with Morrison Law Group PLC.

Register now and secure your spot for FREE Power of Attorney (POA) preparation and notarization! This event aims to provide families of Autistic individuals, as well as Autistic adults living independently, with access to this essential legal planning tool.

September 25-26, 2023                     

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Terrebonne Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness

101 Government Street

Gray, LA 70359

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council has contracted with Niagara University (NU) to educate anyone involved in emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery as it pertains to individuals with access and functional needs, including people with disabilities.

NU has tailored a presentation and training that identifies the responsibilities of both emergency management personnel and disability advocates during an emergency. This program will introduce the four modules necessary for proper response:

• Disability Awareness Training
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specific to Emergency Management
• Emergency Plan Content
• Inclusive Planning and Active Participation

The training will be held in person and are free to attend. Click on the training title below for more information.

For questions regarding these trainings or to request accommodations, such as ASL Interpreter, please email bailey@niagara.edu.

Options:       

Two Full Days or One Half Day

Register for Two Full Days

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

September 25 - 26 

Who should attend:

• Those active in the disability community and/or working in emergency management.
• There is a requirement to report emergency management participation following the training.

Register for One Half Day

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

September 26  

Who should attend:

• Those interested in learning about emergency preparedness and looking to be involved in a capacity that suits your interest and availability
• No requirement to report participation in the emergency management training

Does your child have a disability or special health care needs?

We need you! The Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center

is seeking Parent Advisory Members throughout the state.