Enhancing the effectiveness of disability activism by organizing and empowering individuals, families, groups, and organizations! Empowerment! Opportunity! Justice! October 2008 Calendar of Events To include events in next month’s Calendar please contact us: Jayne Kleinman, 203-631-4800 or HJayneKleinman@ct-dac.org Stan Kosloski, 860-614-8351 or HStanKosloski@ct-dac.org Website: Hhttp://www.ct-dac.org/contactus.htm Please let us know if you need this calendar in an alternative format! Special Reminder! October 15 is the final date to apply for your 2008 Stimulus Payment – thousands of Connecticut residents with disabilities have not yet applied - persons who qualify for the payment must file a 2007 tax return, even if you don’t typically need to file one - to find an IRS office near you, go to IRS.gov and click on “Contact IRS,” then “Contact Your Local IRS Office.” Ongoing Events The next event in the series “Life Threatening Public Policy” offered by the Council on Developmental Disabilities will take place on Friday, October 24 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. It is entitled “Protecting the Lives of Hospital Patients” and will be held at the Institute of Technology and Business Development at Central Connecticut State University (185 Main Street – New Britain). To register for the event, call 860-418-6157, or toll free 1-800-653-1134, or e-mail ed.preneta@ct.gov. There is no cost to attend. The culminating event of the series will be held on November 14, “Understanding Vital Organ Donation.” You will find a comprehensive listing of upcoming events and announcements relevant to children with disabilities and families in Fairfield County by going to www.spednet.org. October Events October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Congress has designated the Office of Disability Employment Policy as the lead agency in planning NDEAM activities and materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Various programs carried out throughout the month also highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed. Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, “Getting the Right Program Using the IEP Process” – at the Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd. Stamford. Speakers are special education attorneys Anne Eason and Nora Belanger and special education advocate Gerri Fleming - sponsored by SCOPES (Stamford Coalition of Parents of Exceptional Students, Inc.). For more info or to RSVP, email Ida Lupinacci at iml3@sbcglobal.net or Jeanne Peloso at jbpeloso@optonline.net. Thursday, October 16, 4:00 - 8:00 pm - Resource Fair sponsored by Allied Rehabilitation Centers – to be held at Clarion Inn & Suites (formerly Best Western) in East Windsor. Highlights include booths of resource information, seminars on important and timely topics, and professionals to answer your questions. A staffed Respite Room will be available. There is no charge for this event. For more information or to receive a brochure call: 860-741-3701, ext. 200. Thursday, October 16 – 8:30 am – 4:50 pm - Connecticut Lobbying Conference presented by Betty Gallo and Company – offered annually as a training program for those who hope to affect public policy - participants learn the “nuts and bolts” of lobbying and the legislative process from experts who have spent years in the public policy arena. Small group workshops will provide the opportunity to develop practical skills which normally take years of on-the-job training to acquire – to register call Kate at 860-247-4322. Thursday, October 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm - at The Greens at Cannondale, 435 Danbury Road, Wilton. Ruth Eren, Ed.D., a well-known resource in autism spectrum disorders, and Barbara Cook, MS-SLP, a speech/language pathologist and consultant focusing on program development for children with ASD, will discuss “The Hows, Whens and Whys of Inclusion” - sponsored by SPED*NET Wilton. Please RSVP to Pam at 203-563-9994. Thursday, October 16, 7:00 pm, “Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure” – addresses needs trusts, government benefit eligibility, guardianship, conservatorship, financial security, and funding options – Elmwood Community Center – 1106 New Britain Avenue – West Hartford – no charge – for more info call Danielle at 860-258-3863. Friday, October 17, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm - BESB's 25th Annual White Cane Safety Day and Awards Celebration, State Capitol, Judiciary Room, Hartford - sponsored by the State of Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind and hosted by Verna O'Donnell, para educator for the visually impaired at the Deep River Elementary School. A lunch will be served following the ceremony. Please RSVP to Lori St. Amand at 860-602-4024, toll free at 1-800-842-4510 ext. 4024 , or e-mail lori.st.amand@ct.gov. Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave., 3rd floor, Room 330 - an interactive round-table discussion on a variety of special education topics such as educational evaluations performed by the school, when to give consent, independent educational evaluations, least restrictive environment, and positive behavior strategies. Attorney Nora Belanger will answer general audience member questions. The round-table discussion is co-sponsored by Norwalk SEEKS and the Connecticut Association of Children and Adults w/LD (CACLD). It is free and open to the public. For more information go to NorwalkSEEKS.org, info@norwalkseeks.org or call 203 846-2501. October 23 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – “How to Use Positive Behavior Support Plans: An Overview for Caregivers and Case Managers” – to be held at the Keeney Center - 200 Main Street, Wethersfield - to register contact Julie Bouchard - 860-418-6050 or by e-mail: HUjulie.bouchard@ct.govUHU.   Thursday, October 23, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Parents with Cognitive Limitations Training - identifying and working with parents who have cognitive limitations – to be held at the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), Gallicchio Training Center, Hartford - topics include: implications of limitations in functioning, behavior and assessment, impact on children and ways to help families -the program is funded by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. Register on-line at www.ctclearinghouse.org/registration. For more information or special accommodations contact the Connecticut Clearinghouse at 1-800-232-4424. Friday, October 24, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, a workshop entitled “Protecting the Lives of Hospital Patients,” at the Institute of Technology and Business Development, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain – sponsored by the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities - to register call 860-418-6157 or toll-free 1-800-653-1134. Saturday, October 25, 23rd – 8:30 am – 3:45 pm – 23rd Annual CT Down Syndrome Congress Convention, Crown Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Cromwell - For more information go to www.ctdownsyndrome.org or email convention2008@ctdownsyndrome.org; you may also phone 1-888-486-8537. Saturday, October 25, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm - “Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits through the Lifespan,” CT Association of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities annual conference at the Marriott Hotel in Stamford - offering answers, direction, information, strategies and support, workshops, exhibits and a bookstore. For more information call 203-838-5010 or go to www.CACLD.org. Monday, October 27, 9:00 am  3:00 pm, “Nonprofit Advocacy: Rules and Strategies for Effective Lobbying” - sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits and the CT Association for Human Services (CAHS) - will be held at 90 Brainard Road in Hartford. The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) will discuss IRS rules concerning 501(c)3s and lobbying, as well as the importance of nonprofit participation in legislative advocacy and strategies for effective lobbying. CT Association of Nonprofits and CAHS lobbyists will also share their insights into the local political scene and what can be expected during the 2009 State Legislative Session. For more information contact Maggie Adair, 860-951-2212, x 239, HUmadair@cahs.orgUH, HUwww.cahs.orgUH. Tuesday, October 28, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm “The Promise of Partnerships: Combining Resources for Success,” Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Berlin Road in Cromwell. Learn about ways you or your organization/agency can be involved in the activities of the UConn A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD). Individuals with disabilities and families are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Gabriela Freye-Calish at HUfreye@nso2.uchc.eduUH of call 1-800-679-1502. This event is sponsored by the Consumer Advisory Council of the UCEDD. Tuesday, October 28, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm, “NEAT Tools for Schools” - a free NEAT event for administrators, educators, related service professionals, students with disabilities and their families. View the latest in assistive technology and talk with the experts. The Keynote Address will be “Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning: Using Technology to Enhance Academic Achievement in Response to Intervention Models.” For more information, on-line registration or directions please visit: www.neatmarketplace.org or call 860-286-3111. October 28 – 30, “Aging is Changing!” - a conference that will give you access to greater New England’s aging network - sponsored by the Senior Resources Agency on Aging – to be held at Waters Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook - for more information contact Lisa Reynolds, 860-887-3561, ext. 123 or go to HUwww.seniorresourcesec.org/news/conference.htmlUH.  Wednesday, October 29, 12:30 - 3:00pm, “Medicare for the Mental Health Community,” Windsor Health Department, 275 Broad Street, Windsor CT - a free training providing an overview of Medicare A, B, and C, including coverage limits and eligibility requirements; what's important to know about Part D and how to select a prescription drug plan; what does it mean to be dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; How do SSI and SSDI interplay with Medicare and Medicaid; and how to apply and access community resources and supports. The event is co-sponsored by the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, CT (NAMI-CT) For more information contact admin@namict.org, Dara Johnson, NAMI-CT, 241 Main Street, 5th Floor, Hartford, or call 1-860-882-0236. Thursday October 29, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (see also Nov. 17 and Dec. 4) – a meeting of WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County- Dr. Michael Weiss from Giant Steps and private practice will present on “Social Skills and Making Friendships”; the event is co-sponsored with the Westport SEPTA, and will be held at Coleytown Middle School, on North Avenue in Westport. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at HUevagreenwald@sbcglobal.netUH. Wednesday, October 29, ACES 9th Annual Employer Recognition Dinner, Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven - employer and community partners who support ACES students and clients will be honored. Angela Mallard, a young adult who is an ACES alumni who works part-time at Old Navy, will be speaking. Angela also has a photography exhibit at the Hamden Public Library during the month of October. For more information contact Barbara Green, 203-287-6843, www.aces.org. Thursday, October 30, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, ADA Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) Annual Meeting, Luncheon & Awards Presentation, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell. The cost to attend is $35/person and for table sponsors the cost is $350. Join the ADA Coalition of Connecticut as they honor state residents who have helped further the cause of the ADA. Contact Project Director Lisa Caron by e-mail at HUadacoalition@sbcglobal.netUH or by phone at 860-297-4383 for more information. November Events Wednesday, November 5th – 1:30 – 4:00 pm - the SILC annual meeting at Murphy and Scarletti’s, 270 Farmington Ave. in Farmington - lunch will be available for members at 12:00 pm.  Public meeting will begin at 1:30 pm.  If anyone requires special accommodations, please contact the SILC office (860-523-0126) prior to October 20th. Thursday, November 6, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm- a workshop on “The Raymond Settlement: Impacting the Rights of Department of Social Services Clients with Disabilities,” For more information contact Maureen Brown at Legal Assistance Resource Center of CT: HUmbrown@larcc.orgUH or call 860-278-5688, ext. 205. Thursday November 6, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County - Kathy Whitbread from St. Joseph’s College will present on “Curriculum Modifications” - the event is co-sponsored with Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress and will be held at the Westport Library. Early dinner will be served, RSVP required. You must register by November 1 - contact Eva Greenwald at HUevagreenwald@sbcglobal.netUH. Saturday, November 8 – 2:00 pm – “Happy Now?” - American Premiere – Open captioned performance- to be performed at Yale Repertory Theatre - Audio Described Performance to be offered on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 pm - contains strong language - Box Office: 203-432-1234 – Box Office TTY: 203-432-1521 – also check out the Yale Rep web site: HUwww.yalerep.orgU Saturday, November 8 – 2:00 pm – “Rough Crossing” - Open Captioned Performance at the University Theatre - Audio Described Performance: Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 pm - Box Office: 203-432-1234 – Box Office TTY: 203-432-1521 – also check out the Yale Rep web site: HUwww.yalerep.orgUH. Thursday, November 13, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Statewide Forum on the Medical Home Model – at the Courtyard Marriott, Sebethe Street, Cromwell - for those who work with families raising children with health care needs, including case managers and service coordinators - parents, care givers, and other interested professionals are also invited – sponsored by Family Support Network - to register call Jennifer Carroll at 1-877-376-2329 or by e-mail at jtcarroll@cox.net . Stipends are available for parents who attend. Thursday November 13 and Thursday, November 20, Essentials of Legislative Advocacy, Legislative Office Building, Hartford. This annual training is led by Attorney Jan VanTassel and former State Representative and DMHAS legislative Liaison Doreen DelBianco. Discussed are the “essentials” of the legislative process and how to influence elected officials. These are the two basic goals of this training: 1) to make you comfortable with the people and the process and 2) to help you figure out how you can help. Upon request, these trainings are also available to 15 or more persons in a condensed version. Please contact Cheri Bragg, Coordinator of the Keep the Promise Coalition, if you are interested in holding a training at your office or clubhouse: 860-882-0236 or 1-800-215-3021 or go to HUhttp://www.ctkeepthepromise.org/eventsandtraining.htmlUH. Friday, November 14, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, a workshop entitled “Understanding Vital Organ Donation,” at the Institute of Technology and Business Development at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain – sponsored by the Council on Developmental Disabilities – to register call 418-6157, or toll free 1-800-653-1134, or e-mail Ued.preneta@ct.govU. Saturday, November 15, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm - Statewide Forum on Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities at the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at St. Joseph College, West Hartford - sponsored by the Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT), in partnership with Young Audiences Arts for Learning Connecticut, the state's VSA arts affiliate. For more information contact Susan Docker at HUsusan.docker@ct.govUH. Saturday, November 15, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – “Life After High School – A Day to Explore Transition” – CCSU Institute of Technology & Business Development Conference Center - 185 Main Street – New Britain – organized by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center - e-mail the center at ct-asrc@sbcglobal.net or give a call at (203) 265-7717 for more information. Monday November 17, 6:00 – 9:00 pm (see also Oct. 29, and Dec. 4). WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County: Gala Awards Ceremony for 2008 with keynote speaker Attorney David Shaw providing an update of the PJ Case and Inclusion in the State of CT; the event will be held at the Westport Library. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at HUevagreenwald@sbcglobal.netUH. Monday, November 17, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, “Sustaining Nonprofits, Strengthening Communities,” 6th Annual Connecticut Nonprofits Conference – Crown Plaza Hotel, Cromwell - sponsored by CT Association of Nonprofits in collaboration with the Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) – the event will focus on sustaining nonprofits through today’s economic storms so that they can continue to strengthen our communities in the years ahead. For more information contact Liza Andrews landrews@ctnonprofits.org, or 860-525-5080. Wednesday, November 19, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, a meeting of the Connecticut State Rehabilitation Council – location to be arranged - contact Evelyn Oliver Knight at 860-424-4871, toll free 1-800-537-2549, 860-424-4839 (TTY), or e-mail HUEvelyn.knight@ct.govUHU. Thursday, November 20, 8:15 am - 3:30 pm, Infant Mental Health Annual Conference Woodbridge Country Club in Woodbridge. The conference will feature a presentation by Dr. Serena Wieder, Director of DIR/Floortime Institute. For more information contact Margaret C Holmberg: HUmargaret.holmberg@ct.metrocast.netUH. Thursday, November 20, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – The 2008 Carlson Forum: Assessing CT’s Property Tax Relief Programs for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities – Rm. 1-D - Legislative Office Building, Hartford – sponsored by the state Commission on Aging and the Coalition on Aging. December Events Wednesday, December 3 and December 10, Essentials of Legislative Leadership Training for people with mental disabilities, sponsored by the Keep the Promise (KTP) Coalition. Upon request, the trainings are also available to 15 or more persons in a condensed version. Please contact Cheri Bragg, KTP Coordinator, at 860-882-0236 or 1-800-215-3021 if you are interested in holding a training at your office or clubhouse, or go to HUwww.ctkeepthepromise.org/eventsandtraining.htmlUH. Thursday, December 4, 6:00 – 9:00 pm (see also Oct. 29 and Nov. 17) – a meeting of WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County - Dr. Linda Rammler of Rammler and Wood Consultants will present on Positive Behavior Supports – the event is co-sponsored with CT Down Syndrome Congress and will be held at the Westport Library. Dinner will be served, and a RSVP is required. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at HUevagreenwald@sbcglobal.netUH. Saturday, December 6, 7:30 pm, Annual Holiday Concert benefiting the Regina DeMarasse Memorial Fund for Music & the Arts, Manchester Community College’s Auditorium – performing will be talented classical guitarist, Tim Maynard. Wednesday, December 10, 9:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) State Rehab Council, 184 Windsor Ave., Windsor– for more information call 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), or e-mail HUBESB@po.state.ct.usUH. Thursday, December 11, CCPA 39th Annual Meeting. For more information contact the Connecticut Community Providers Association (CCPA) at 860-257-7909, or Htedelstein@ccpa-inc.orgH – the CCPA web site is HUwww.ccpa-inc.orgUH. Thursday, December 18, 10:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Board meeting at 184 Windsor Ave. in WindsorH For information contact 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), or e-mail HUBESB@po.state.ct.usUH. January 2009 Events January 14, 2009, Learning Disabilities Association of Connecticut Inc. (LDA) Annual Conference. (Snow date Jan. 15) - Holiday Inn Hotel, Waterbury -Wayne Steedman, attorney from Wrightslaw, will speak on IDEA and NCLB - for more information contact LDA of CT – web site HUwww.ldact.orgUH – phone: 860-560-1711. *********************************************************************** An independent advocacy organization, the Collaborative receives in-kind support from the UCONN Center on Disabilities. Communitas, Inc. serves as the project’s fiscal agent. To both organizations we extend our deep appreciation. DISCLAIMER: Inclusion of an event, article or legislative initiative does not imply endorsement by CDAC, nor can CDAC guarantee that all information provided is accurate or current.