Educational Events, Trainings, Workshops & Conferences
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TRAININGS FOR MCS PARENT NETWORKING GROUPS – March 2012
Family members who are not part of a parent networking group or who are not served by Multicultural Community Services are welcome to attend the listed trainings, but you MUST RSVP to the contact person listed for the group/training. All Service Navigators are welcome to attend these trainings as well.
The Parent Advocacy Group & the Advocacy After Placement Group are taking a winter break and will resume in March. Contact Marie Rugani at (413) 782-2500, extension 346.
The Grandparent Group will start up again in Spring of 2012. Contact Marie Rugani at (413) 782-2500, extension 346.
F.I.R.S.T. of Springfield will meet with Tony Restivo from Fun ‘N Fitness Recreational Options on Monday, March 5 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm at MCS in Springfield. Contact Marie Rugani at (413) 782-2500, extension 346.
Karlene Shea’s “First Friday” Transition Group: Friday, March 2 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the Teen Center in Belchertown. Learn how Tae Kwon Do can teach Honor, Self-Control, Perseverance, Discipline and Humility. Contact Karlene Shea at (413) 534-3299, extension 111.
Sue Richard’s Chicopee/Holyoke Transition Group:will have someone from the Association for Community Living talk about the Adult Family Care model on Friday, March 9 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Elms College Campus Center, Room 207. Contact Sue Richards at 413-534-3299, extension 108.
Estelle’s Parents United in Action will attend The Federation for Special Needs’ Visions of Community conference on Saturday, March 10 in Boston. Contact Estelle Casteneda at (413) 534-3299, extension 104.
Nilda’s Latino Support Group TBD Contact Nilda Reyes at (413) 782-2500, extension 315.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS TRAININGS
Creating a Vision: Planning with a Purpose on Thursday, March 1 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Family Empowerment/Inclusive Community Center on 41 Russell Street in Hadley. Creating a vision for a positive future is the first step toward realizing a full and rewarding life for our children. This interactive workshop will help parents explore the process of creating a vision and moving on toward making the vision a reality. Parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors are all welcome to participate. Visioning and planning can begin at any age, but is critical when your child is approaching adulthood or is about to make a major change in his/her life. Jan Doody will lead this discussion. She has many years of experience in helping families plan for their children’s future and in facilitating creative planning meetings. Contact Donna Kushi at 413-585-8010, extension 104 or kushid@theassn.org to register
Supporting the Development of Freely Given Relationships on Thursday, March 15 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Holyoke MCS Family Support Center on 208 High Street. The purpose of the workshop is to engage participants with the fundamental importance of freely given relationships for people with disabilities, family members, service providers and communities. Concrete strategies will be provided to support the development of such relationships, as well as clear starting points for personal and professional action that will more fully address the relationship-related needs of people with disabilities. The presenter is Tom Doody, coordinator of North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy, whose work for the past twenty-five years has been to encourage families and staff to actively promote freely given relationships between people with disabilities and their neighbors. Contact Jim Brunault at (413) 627-3003. FEE: $85.00 includes coffee, juice & light snacks.
Turning 14: An Introduction to the Transition Planning Process Tuesday, March 20 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Family Empowerment/Inclusive Community Center on 41 Russell Street in Hadley. In Massachusetts, transition planning must begin at age 14 and continue throughout the high school years as students prepare to journey into a full and inclusive adult life Coordinated and continuous transition preparation promotes better post school outcomes for students with disabilities. This introductory transition workshop will address
- Development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills to support the student’s vision
- Discuss how transition assessments identify student’s strengths and interests as well as areas of academic and functional skill development needed to support transition goals
- Detail how the Transition Planning Form guides the conversation to develop transition goals which lead to meaningful opportunities in education, training, employment and independent living
Contact Donna Kushi at 413-585-8010, extension 104 or kushid@theassn.org to register
Engaging Fathers in Early Intervention and in Early Education & Family Support Services on Wednesday, March 21 from Noon to 4:00pm at the Delaney House, 1 Country Club Road in Holyoke. Research indicates that an involved, responsible father significantly benefit’s a child’s social, emotional, academic and financial well-being, including children with special needs. This workshop explores attitudes and behaviors that promote best practices with fathers. Participants will understand why more dads are not involved, discuss benefits of engaging fathers and learn strategies to connect men with their families. Contact Karen Cassidy at (413) 783-5500, ext. 116. FEE: $20.00 includes light salad lunch.
Community Resources for People with Autism (CRPA) 22nd Annual Conference on Tuesday, April 10 from 9:00am to 3:30pm at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meetinghouse, 500 Easthampton Road in Holyoke. Speakers are Dr. V. Mark Durant, professor of psychology at the University of South Florida and founder of the Albany Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and Dr. Stephen Shore, who was diagnosed with “atypical development with strong autism tendencies”, was viewed as “too sick” to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization, and has recently accepted a professorship at Adelphi University to teach courses on special education and autism. Contact Jan Doody at (413) 529-2428, ext. 120 or doodyj@theassn.org. FEE: Families $60 ($50 for groups of two or more; Professionals $130 ($120 for groups of four or more). For more info go to CRPA’s web site: www.communityresourcesforautism.org
Steering One’s Ship (Date, time and location in Pittsfield, MA to be determined) If you or a family member has a developmental disability and receives services form the Department of Developmental Services, come and explore the many opportunities that are available to you to self-direct your services and supports. Contact Sandy Hobbs at or phone (413) 284-1557 to register or for more information.
STATEWIDE TRAININGS
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Conference Saturday, March 17 from 7:30am – 4:00pm at the DCU Center on 50 Foster Street in Worcester The MDSC’s Annual Conference offers parents, family members and professionals information and workshops about how to help individuals with Down syndrome acquirw skills to lead fuller, healthier and more independent lives. Young adults with Down syndrome may nework and share experiences, strengthen self-advocacy skills, learn about leading a healthy life and how to build meaningful relationships. Siblings of people with Down syndrome will hear about other brothers and sisters experiences being a sibling and the importance of advocacy. Educational workshops will offer teachers and parents best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom and the benefits of inclusion for all. For more information, call 781-221-0024, or visit mdsc.org. Fee: $85.00 member; $150 non-member