IPUL's E-News: September 13, 2019

Here are the highlights of our recent activity online. Not all everything is included due to timeliness. If an advertised event already took place, we've left it off.

We Want Your News!   If you have news, information or upcoming events in your hometown that are relevant to families who have children with disabilities or special health care needs and would like us to share that information, please email the details to parents@ipulidaho.org for review. Our program coordinator will then share this via IPUL's social media networks. We are also happy to add events to our calendar for people to find.

Thank You Everyone Involved in the Graham Slam!

We shared this post from Angela:

IPUL and the Idaho Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health were the beneficiaries of the Graham Slam 2019 Event which included the golf tournament and Superhero Soirée. We cannot say thank you to all involved enough...but we're sure going to try. Thank you all!  -- We have no idea what the outcome ($) will be for IPUL as the Graham Slam Event comes to a close, but I do know that no matter what, we are going to be eternally grateful for such gracious and generous people who sponsored, participated, played, partied, and celebrated our nonprofit organization and all of the families we serve. I know I speak for Idaho Parents Unlimited as well as the Idaho Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health when I say that you made us feel like our families and children are not just valued but essential to our communities. Thank you, Graham and Ruby DeLaet, all the sponsors, all the golfers, and all of our volunteers for making this so special. My fellow IPULians, you are greatly appreciated for all that you were able to do behind the scenes and in front - giving of your time and so much more. I also so appreciate my husband for not only taking time off of work to assist, but also his willingness to recruit volunteers. So much love to you all.

October - Decoding Dyslexia News

October 4, 2019: Proclamation Signing Please join Decoding Dyslexia Idaho at our public signing with Governor Little of our Proclamation declaring October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. Friday, October 4th at 2:00 at the Rotunda in our State Capitol. Bring your kiddos, those 1 in 5 who struggle in our schools across this state and support this important moment in bringing awareness and change.

October 5, 2019: Dyslexia Awareness Summit

Join us for Decoding Dyslexia Idaho's first ever Dyslexia Awareness Summit. Learn more about the world of Dyslexia. We are excited to bring to you the best in our community in the world of learning disabilities. Connie Risser, NILD/Joshua Institute, Evelyn Johnson, BSU and Lee Pesky Learning Center, Karyn Kilpatrick, Coopalo Learning Center, Shannon Dunstan, State Department of Education and Nick Stallings, UofI Assistive Technology. Parents, Teachers, Educational Administrators, SLP and OT Specialists encouraged to attend. Walk away with an overall understanding of what Dyslexia is and is not, learn more about appropriate interventions and resources in our community. You will be put in the seat as we navigate you through the challenging world of an individual with Dyslexia. Expect to walk away with tools and resources on how to advocate and support your child in the coming school year. Get Tickets Here

Steps To Success: Communicating With Your Child's School

We shared this great resource from CADRE (The center for appropriate dispute resolution in special education) that is focusing on 6 steps to improve communication with your child's school. Download / view the PDF at this link: https://www.cadreworks.org/sites/default/files/resources/CADRE%20Steps%20To%20Success%202019%20Accessible.pdf

A Sensory Playce

We shared this great story on IPUL Board member Jen Johnson, who has create an amazing "playce" for kids!

BOISE, Idaho — A Treasure Valley mom decided to start a gym for kids with special needs. The Sensory Playce has been open for close to a year in Boise, and families are truly enjoying what it has to offer. “The Sensory Playce is a gym specifically designed to meet the needs of special needs children,” Jen Johnson, founder of The Sensory Playce, said. “We welcome all children of all abilities.” Read the full article and watch the video at this link

Is HE going to be in our class? - Finding Cooper's Voice

We also shared this great article, written by Cait Christensen. Cait is also a board member at IPUL. Here she shares her very poignant story of "Back to School Night" and the importance of belonging for all of our kids. So many of our teachers and administrators are so good at making this happen. Still, there are others who may need a little more support in understanding that our kids are "their" kids too. Please take a look and feel free to share this story. Thank you, Cait for your openness. You are brave. You are advocating.

"Today we had “Back to School Night” and I was nervous all week thinking about it. Every year when my oldest has a new teacher, I hope and pray that they are kind, understanding, and teach the other students about inclusion and things that make us different…and that its okay." Read the full article here

Meet Julia at the Western States Partnerships Conference

Parents - the Western States Partnerships Conference on Human Services is doing meet and greets with Julia from Sesame Street on November 7th. This is free but you MUST REGISTER FOR A TIME SLOT . These are extremely limited and no time slots can be double booked. If you're interested click here. The links to the time slots are here:  https://westernpchs.com/julia-meet-greet-sign-up/

A Question From Our Monthly Training:

We had a question about areas of concern that could be evaluated for special education during this month's morning webinar that we shared on Facebook: Q: What are the areas that can/should be assessed to determine a child's eligibility for special education? A: Essentially, there are two broad areas of concern when considering an evaluation: Academic Performance and Functional Performance. Academic Performance may include assessments for reading, writing, math, listening comprehension, and oral expression. Functional Performance may include assessments for dressing, eating, going to the bathroom; social skills such as making friends and communicating with others; behavior skills, such as knowing how to behave across a range of settings; and mobility skills, such as walking, getting around, going up and down stairs. More details can be found at the Center for Parent Information and Resources Website:   https://www.parentcenterhub.org/present-levels/   As well as in the Idaho IEP Guidance Handbook:   https://www.sde.idaho.gov/…/The-Idaho-IEP-Guidance-Handbook…

Coming October 19: Portneuf Trunk or Treat

Special Needs Trunk or Treat and Carnival Saturday, October 19 4-6 PM Portneuf District Library 5210 Stuart, Chubbuck Call 208.237.2192 for more info Lots of candy alternatives for those with dietary restrictions FREE ADMISSION BUT TICKET REQUIRED TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY, SCHOOL, OR THERAPY AGENCY

Come Work At IPUL!

We are hiring! Parent Education Coordinator - Boise Office Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc., an organization that provides training, resources, support, and one to one assistance for parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs, as well as accessible and inclusive arts programming, is seeking a Parent Education Coordinator in the Boise office. - Necessary skills: Strong knowledge of and experience with Idaho Special Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. - Must be comfortable with making presentations and public speaking. - Must have strong verbal and written communication skills. - Knowledge of health care/medical/insurance/Medicaid policies for children with special health care needs. - Must have an understanding of family-centered care, family-engagement, and the importance of parent and professional collaboration. - Must be highly resourceful. - Must be professional and have an understanding of privacy laws and ethical guidelines. - Additional helpful skills: Knowledge of community resources and/or experience with arts education and accessibility. - Bilingual a plus - Must be a resident in the State of Idaho - This position will be working from our Boise office While the general position hours are set between 9-5 on weekdays, due to training workshops, the position requires flexibility and will include evenings, weekends, and extensive travel both in-state and out-of-state. Approximately 30-40 hours per week / $13-14.00 per hour. DOE. Please email your resume to jobs@ipulidaho.org Please no phone calls. Parents of children with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply

September Tour - Taking place next week! Weiser & Payette Sept. 16, Twin Falls & Kimberly Sept 17

Three Rivers Tour Weiser & Payette, Idaho Conversation & Collaboration Tour Meet up with Idaho Parents Unlimited staff for conversation and collaboration about your child's IEP, healthcare, or if you just want someone to brainstorm with you about anything related to health or special education.  Schedule your personal 30 minute session by using the following link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084FA8A729A2F85-three Weiser, ID Monday, September 16, 2019 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Weiser Public Library 621 E. 1st Street Weiser, Id 83672 Payette, ID Monday, September 16, 2019 1:00 - 3:00 pm Payette Public Library 24 S. 10th St. Payette, Id 83661 208-342-5884 parents@ipulidaho.org ipulidaho.org Register Now

Magic Valley Visits Twin Falls & Kimberly, Idaho  Conversation & Collaboration Tour Meet up with Idaho Parents Unlimited staff for conversation and collaboration about your child's IEP, healthcare, or if you just want someone to brainstorm with you about anything related to health or special education.  Schedule your personal 30 minute session by using the following link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084FA8A729A2F85-magic Twin Falls, ID Tuesday, September 17, 2019 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Twin Falls Public Library 201 4th Ave. E Twin Falls, ID 83301 Kimberly, ID Tuesday, September 17, 2019 5-7 pm (light dinner provided) Centennial Park 325 Madison St. E. Kimberly, ID   208-342-5884 parents@ipulidaho.org ipulidaho.org Register Now

A WORK OF ART FALL 2019 Boise and Couer d'Alene

REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON! Pre-employment skills development for students with a disability, ages 16-21. Made possible by a contract through the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Get paid to work with a professional artist while learning job readiness skills.  Please plan to attend all sessions.

Work of Art for Boise  For Work Of Art taking place:  October 16 - November 9. 2019 Location: Idaho Parents Unlimited 4619 Emerald, Ste. E Boise, ID 83706 REGISTER FOR BOISE

Work of Art for Coeur d'Alene   For Work Of Art taking place:  October 9 - October 26. 2019   Location: Human Rights Education Institute  414 W Fort Grounds dr. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 REGISTER FOR COEUR d'ALENE

Statewide Training for October - Bullying Prevention: Cyber Safety & Students with Disabilities

This presentation is designed to introduce parents, youth, and professionals to a range of intervention strategies for the child who is the target of bullying. The discussion will lead to information about online safety and popular apps that parents, teachers, and youth need to be aware of.     Wednesday, October 9, 2019  10:00 -11:00 a.m.  and again   6:00-7:00 p.m.   Broadcast live from the Boise office and interactive via webinar from anywhere with an internet connection    Idaho Parents Unlimited  4619 Emerald St., Ste. E  Boise, ID 83706    REGISTER:  https://ipulidaho.org/statewide-rsvp  Phone: (208) 342-5884  Email:  parents@ipulidaho.org

REGISTER