COPAA Summer Webinar Series: This is a (7) seven session series of webinars on topics pertaining to special education advocacy services, accommodations, and supports. Registrants are welcome to participate in the entire series for a discounted price or individual webinars.
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See Below for Summer Series Schedule and Fall Series Topics
Not a member? Join COPAA and receive discounts on all trainings and become part of an unparalleled peer-to-peer network dedicated to protecting the cilvi rights of students with disabilities and their parents. Or you may join as a Guest Member (non fee, no discounts, limited access) in order to register for this training. Join now Summer Webinar Series Schedule:
* All webinars are recorded and playback information will be provided.
Transition Services and Best Practices Under
the IDEA
Wednesday, July 2, 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented by: David Berney, Esq., Felicia Heurwitz,
PhD., and Jennifer Sang, Esq. Description: This session presents
an overview of transition-oriented case law involving the IDEA and successful
strategies for litigating in this challenging area. It further addresses
developments in transition assessment and services including peer mentor-ship,
self-advocacy, and resilience skills. While the IDEA provides for a
"coordinated set of activities ... designed to be within a
results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and
functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's
movement from school to post-school activities" for students over 16, much
of the case law in this area permits minimal and vague transition planning,
often finding that a lack of concrete goals or even a "plan" is
merely a procedural violation. This session reviews important decisions and
pitfalls of existing case law. Successful strategies for pursuing transition
claims are discussed. The session summarizes current evidence-based practices
about transition services, including (1) transition assessments— who should
conduct them, what components should be included, and special issues in
assessments for certain populations, (2) areas that have been the focus of
recent research on best practices: self-determination, social networks,
resilience and self-efficacy, self-regulation, and organizational skills (3)
models and curricula that offer education in these areas, particularly
highlighting programs that address the needs of students with social
disabilities such autism spectrum disorders, disabilities that affect executive
functioning (ADHD, traumatic brain injury) and intellectual disability.
Using DSM Specific Strategies
Thursday, July 10, 2014 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented by: Barbara J. Ebstein, Esq. Description:
The American
Psychiatric Association’s recently released DSM-5 revised the diagnostic
criteria for a number of psychiatric conditions prevalent in children,
including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, borderline
personality disorder, and others. The impact of these changes is being seen in
special education eligibility, manifestation determinations, and other aspects.
The revision impacts eligibility for special education, discipline protection,
eligibility for Social Security, Vocational Rehabilitation, OPWDD, and
guardianship. This session explores the impact of these changes and suggests
specific strategies to address. Good Language Evaluations
Wednesday, July 16, 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented by: Lydia Sofier, Ph.D and Heather
Ironside, M.S. Description:
As advocates
and attorneys, you have learned that good oral language skills are essential to
literacy development and academic success. Advocates and families gain valuable
information from proper, comprehensive speech and language evaluations. But how
to take the invaluable diagnostic information from an evaluation and use it to
create an appropriate educational plan, measurable IEP goals, and align those
language skills with current Common Core Standards. This presentation is
designed for attorneys and advocates who want to apply their knowledge about
applying results from a good language evaluation to the creation of
individualized education programs within the structure and curricula of
schools. Examples of how to create appropriate, measurable objectives using the
diagnostic information from a comprehensive language evaluation are provided. All About IEE’s
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented by: Diane Wilcutts, Advocate Description: Independent educational
evaluations (IEEs) are a powerful tool to help level the playing field between
family and school, as well as to provide expert assessment by an objective
third-party. Unfortunately, many districts resist providing IEEs, even when
they are clearly needed and would be a resource for the child's entire team. In
this session, learn how to navigate many common obstacles to IEEs. We will
include a review of relevant guidance from the U.S. Department of Education's
Office of Special Education Programs, as well as practical tips for addressing
difficult situations. Participants will also learn about using the state complaint
process to obtain IEEs. Making Good Decisions about IQ Testing
Wednesday, July 30, 2014 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented By: Melissa Lee Farrall, Ph.d
Description:
IQ testing continues to play an important role in identification and the
provision of services. Because many team members base expectations (and
subsequently the services provided) on a child’s IQ, the selection of an IQ
test should be considered with care. Not all IQ tests are the same; they vary
in focus, structure, and in the skills actually measured. Some children may do
better on one test than another. Those who understand the differences between
IQ tests can participate more successfully in team meetings and make better
decisions for the student. This workshop focuses on different types of IQ tests
and considerations for the selection of an IQ test that will demonstrate the
child’s potential.
FBA’s and BIP’s Practical Evaluation and
Legal Aspects
Wednesday, August, 6, 2014 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented by: Dr. Annie McLaughlin, Ph.D.,BCBA-D and Cheryl
Steedman, Esq. Description: Functional
Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) have long
been required for students whose behavior impacts learning; recent developments
in law and policy have helped to expand their application and purpose.
Participants will learn practical ways to evaluate the appropriateness of the
FBA; the effectiveness of the BIP in order to ensure the provision of appropriate
services, accommodations, and placement; and, how to protect the legal rights
of the student.
If My Service Dog Can’t Come to School
Neither Can I
Thursday, August 14, 2014 2:00-3:15 PM ET Presented by: Christina Ghio, Esq. Description:
Join this
session to learn about the growing use of service animals for children,
including the use of service animals for children with mental health needs.
Participants develop an understanding of the laws protecting children's right
to equal access to public and private schools (and businesses and other public
places) with their service animals. Participants learn what a service animal
is, what service animals do, how service animals are being used by children,
what laws protect the right of children to attend school with their service
animal, what information schools can and can't require before admitting a child
with a service animal, and what to do if a child with a service animal is
denied the right to equal access to a public or private school. This
presentation includes in depth discussion of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504), the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the relationship between a child's
Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the right to use a service animal.
In addition, there will be a discussion of recent cases involving service
animals in schools, the role of the Department of Justice, and the role of the
Office of Civil Rights, strategies for protecting the right to equal access in
schools, and legal remedies when the right to equal access is violated.
Click Here for: Webinar Series Speaker Bios
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