weConnect Weekly Update 4.21.2020  Supporting Families Through COVID-19

Our Weekly Update helps families make informed and timely decisions. Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities. You are invited to share this resource with other families. Response to COVID-19 Information, resources and supports for families WE'RE HERE! Please reach out for support and assistance! ‌ ‌ Call U s at 1-800-640-4553 or 605-361-3171 Email Us at [email protected] Message Us at Facebook or our website

Behaviors a challenge at home? Video: Using Visual Schedules to Support Children and Improve Behavior. (At right) Understood: Downloadable Picture Schedules and Learning Agreements for Your Child Picture Schedules: Evening Routine, Cleaning Room, Study Hour, Getting Ready Learning Agreement for You and Your Grade-Middle-or High-Schooler

Video: How and Why to Create a Visual Schedule Tips on maximizing the effectiveness of your schedule, strategies for reducing overwhelm and providing choice, and a variety of helpful options for younger children and children with special needs. Sample Schedule for a Child with Significant Needs and Parent Works from Home

Online Autism Family Opportunities from Center for Disabilities A safe way to connect with others while maintaining social distancing and art contest in celebration of Autism Awareness Month. All sessions will be held via Zoom. The Zoom link and password to join the hangout will be sent to participants prior to the event, along with any other details to participate in activities.

Online Autism Parent/Caregiver Support Group Tues,April 28 from 1-2 pm Tues, April 28 from 8-9 pm Sign up here

Online Interactive Hangout for Children with Autism Thurs, April 23 from 3-4 pm Suggested ages 12 and younger, those who would enjoy the planned activities. Sign up here

Online Interactive Bingo for Teens and Adults with Autism Thurs, April 30 from 3-4 pm Siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Sign up here

All Ages Art/Coloring Contest Create your own design or print and decorate an autism awareness image (see attached) . Snap a photo with your creation and email it to [email protected] . Prizes will be awarded! Contest ends April 30th. By submitting , you are providing consent to share your artwork and photo on social media. For more information or questions about these events, contact Letty Thelen

Navigator Notes - Virtual IEP Meetings During this time, you may have been contacted by your school to have your child’s annual IEP meeting virtually or over the phone following the CDC’s guidelines of a group of under 10 people to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While this is different and may seem unusual, it can be done! If the IEP meeting is held on Zoom, you’re able to see the team members and documents can be shared and viewed on the screen. If over the phone, request documents prior to the phone meeting so you can look at and follow along the meeting. Look at the following Tips for Virtual IEP Meetings from A Day In Our Shoes . The best over-arching tip I have is this: Keep in mind that the only thing that has changed about this IEP meeting is the location. That’s it. Location. It is now being held online instead of in-person. Everything else should remain the same. All standard rules still apply. Just because it’s not in person doesn’t mean that other wonky rules get to come into play. All mandated IEP team members must be there unless you excuse them. Other rules that seem to “change” when it’s an online meeting: Having a copy of the IEP or evals there for the parent, signing documents and parental input. None of these changes just because the location of the meeting has changed. Confirm what software they are using ahead of time. Download it and try it in advance. Treat it just as you would any other IEP meeting. Do your parent concerns letter and your after IEP meeting letter. The only thing that has changed about this IEP meeting is the location. Be professional. Dress appropriately and sit in a quiet room with no distractions. You wouldn’t show up to a regular IEP meeting in pajamas, you shouldn’t for this one either. Be on time. Many online meeting software programs allow for easy recording of meetings. You may want to research this option ahead of time and let your team know. Again, all rules and laws will apply–including that you SHOULD NOT record if you are in a 2-party consent state and do not have consent. Charge the phone or device that you’re going to use to 100%. Using these programs can be an extra heavy drain on batteries. Keep the charger handy in case you need to plug it in during the meeting. Make sure that you are in a location with solid wifi or internet access. It’s really annoying on all ends when it’s spotty and people freeze up mid-sentence. If you’re nervous about how you look or sound on video (I hate how I sound on podcasts and Facebook Lives!) that’s just a personal comfort issue that you have to get over. Know that I’ve done a zillion conference calls and online meetings, and never once am I focused on “eeuw, that person’s voice is weird!” Once you start chatting about the task at hand, you kinda forget you’re online. Online meetings may be a real positive thing for many families. Once we get over this hump of insecurity and newness, they can be a huge lifesaver for snow days, car breakdowns and so many other situations.

Opening on SD Advisory Panel on Children with Disabilities The Advisory Panel for Children with Disabilities is seeking an individual with a disability or a parent of a child with a disability to serve on the panel. The Panel meets 4 times per year and advises the Office of Special Education Programs in a variety of topics. You may review archived meetings on the SD Boards and Commission website . For more information or an application, please contact [email protected]   or call 605-773-8195.

Supporting Children & Families Waterford Early Learning Boosts - Free educational resources by email three times per week for 3- and 4-year-olds. Activities are simple, age-appropriate, and designed to give your child a BOOST in their early education!

Social Stories Coronavirus. What Is It?   Wearing a Mask   I Can Handle Scared Articles 5 Tips for Working from Home with Kids Parent Tips for Supporting Children with Disabilities in Virtual Formats

Financial Matters Urgent IRS Message on Stimulus Payments for Dependents: Social Security retirement, survivors, SSDI and SSI beneficiaries, and railroad retirees who have dependent children and who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes should complete online IRS Non-Filers Payment Information to receive additional $500 CARES Act stimulus payments for their eligible dependent children under age 17 in a timely manner. DEADLINE for online submission for most groups is Wed., April 22nd at 11am Central/10am Mountain. IRS Press Release Financial Fridays- Online Sessions Help Families Through This Difficult Time. The Career Learning Center and Statewide Family Engagement Center bring financial tips, tools, and resources to a virtual audience through Facebook Live beginning at noon MT/1 PM CT each Friday. Flyer

Just for Fun Kids Bouncing Off the Walls? These Boredom Busters Fill Time Gaps with Activity Free Scavenger Hunts from Primary Playground

We invite your suggestions on meaningful information and resources to include in our Weekly Update. Help us help families with children with disabilities or special needs. Thank you. WE'RE HERE! Please reach out for support and assistance! ‌ ‌

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M140021 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H84MC07994, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.

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